Gillibrand bemoans 450,000 New Yorkers getting kicked off health insurance due to ‘Big Beautiful Bill’

Posted 1 July 2026 at 2:55 pm

Press Release, U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, as roughly 450,000 low- and middle-income New Yorkers lose their affordable health care coverage thanks to President Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill,” U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand released the following statement:

“Donald Trump and Republicans chose to give billionaires tax cuts and launch reckless wars overseas instead of lowering healthcare costs for New York families. The consequences have been dire — nearly half a million New Yorkers now must worry about how they can afford to take their child to the doctor or get their medication. While Trump and Republicans in Congress continue to put the wealthiest Americans first as they make working families’ lives harder and more expensive, I will never stop fighting to protect New Yorkers’ healthcare and bring down everyday costs.”

President Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill,” which was signed into law last summer, cut $7.5 billion in annual funding for the Essential Plan – New York’s affordable health insurance plan for low- and middle-income New Yorkers.

The Essential Plan offers $0 monthly premiums, no deductibles, and low co-pays for working families who meet certain income thresholds but do not qualify for Medicaid. Because of Trump’s cuts, an estimated 450,000 New Yorkers are losing access to their Essential Plan coverage as of today, July 1st, and will be forced to either purchase more expensive coverage or go without coverage at all.

Editor’s Note: The state Department of Health reports that 14,479 New Yorkers in the 24^th Congressional District will lose their health insurance.

Medina man sentenced to 5 years in prison for weapons possession

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 1 July 2026 at 1:40 pm

ALBION – A Medina man was sentenced to five years in state prison today for having a gun. He also will have five years of post-release supervision.

Reginald Kendrick, 50, pleaded guilty to attempted criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree. He was charged after law enforcement on Nov. 12 seized a loaded unbranded polymer “ghost” semi-automatic 9 mm pistol with an extended 30-round magazine. District Attorney Susan Howard said the gun was tested by a Niagara County lab and determined to be operable.

Kendrick is a prior felon after being convicted of selling cocaine in October 2016.

His attorney, Christian Catalano from the Public Defender’s Office, asked Judge Saford Church not to give Kendrick the five-year maximum in prison. Catalano said Kendrick has three young children and is recovering from back surgeries.

Kendrick said he has changed from his criminal past, which also includes charges in Georgia.

“As a person I have changed,” he said. “I just want to spend time with my kids. I’ll never do this again.”

Judge Church cited Kendrick’s “extensive criminal history” in giving him the maximum as part of a plea agreement.

In other cases in County Court today:

• Richard Neal, 36, of Medina was sentenced to six months in the county jail plus five years of probation for felony driving while intoxicated.

He was charged by State Police on Aug. 25 after allegedly driving a motorcycle on Route 31 in Ridgeway while intoxicated and without a license. He registered a BAC of 0.10 percent, just above the legal limit of 0.08 percent. He has a previous DWI conviction on May 29, 2025 in the City of Batavia.

Neal’s attorney, Public Defender Joanne Best, asked that Neal be sentenced to weekends in jail so he can continue working full-time.

But Judge Church said Neal didn’t do a substance abuse evaluation and was driving with a revoked license as well as being intoxicated.

Neal also needs to pay $570 in court fees and surcharges.

• Mitchell Gardner, a former inmate at Orleans Correctional Facility in Albion, pleaded guilty to attempted aggravated harassment of an employee by an inmate, a misdemeanor.

Gardner, 24, allegedly threw a cup of urine at a corrections officer and hit the officer in the face with the urine while in the Albion prison on Dec. 20, 2023. Gardner said he intended to hit another inmate with the urine, not a corrections officer.

Gardner was originally charged with aggravated harassment of an employee by an inmate.

Judge Church allowed him to plead to the misdemeanor and time served after being in the county jail for a few days. Gardner is now an inmate at Midstate Correctional Facility in Marcy, Oneida County. He is facing a felony charge there after allegedly biting a corrections officer.

He is currently serving an 8-year sentence for second-degree assault and second-degree criminal possession of a weapon.

• Glenn Quintern, 67, of Rochester was arraigned for second-degree grand larceny. The former Batavia resident allegedly stole a struck from Orleans Ford.

Murray historian today will share stories about Revolutionary War soldiers

Staff Reports Posted 1 July 2026 at 1:14 pm

MURRAY – Town of Murray Historian Deborah Wood will be giving a history lecture today at 6:30 p.m. at the Fancher-Hulberton-Murray Firehall, 3353 Hulberton Rd.

Wood’s presentation is titled, “Revolutionary War Veterans: Sharing Their Stories.”

The program is made possible with funding from the New York State Department of Education.

Former Barker mayor sentenced to jail, probation after second felony DWI

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 1 July 2026 at 12:55 pm

File photo by Tom Rivers: Seanna Corwin-Bradley speaks during a July 28, 2024 celebration for a new Barker village hall and public library. Corwin-Bradley was the village mayor at the time. She also served as president of the Barker public library. Barker celebrated the new building which opened 5 ½ years after the village hall and public library burned down on Jan. 20, 2019.

ALBION – A former mayor of Barker in Niagara County was sentenced today in Orleans County Court to six months in the county jail and then five years of probation for felony driving while intoxicated.

Seanna Corwin-Bradley, 42, of Barker was charged on July 22, 2025 with a BAC at .193, more than twice the legal limit. She was in a car accident on Ridge Road in Ridgeway, where she allegedly crossed the center line and sideswiped a camper that was being pulled by a truck. She has a previous DWI conviction in Erie County in September 2024.

Corwin-Bradley was driving with a conditional license and was returning from a trip to the Thousand Islands. That conditional license didn’t allow her to drive that distance, County Court Judge Sandford Church said in court today.

Corwin-Bradley was very apologetic and tearful during the sentencing.

“As a former public official, I understand how important public safety is,” she said during sentencing. “I think about the people I could have hurt every day. I think God no one was hurt.”

Corwin-Bradley said she has learned to accept help and do the hard work of dealing with her alcohol addiction.

“I feel guilt every day,” she said. “I feel guilt every day. I don’t know if those feelings will ever go away.”

Corwin-Bradley said she is humbled by the support of her family and friends, her counselor and the community.

“No matter how far someone falls there is still hope,” she said. “It is possible to rebuild your life.”

Timothy Brooks, the attorney for Corwin-Bradley, said addiction is an “insidious, vicious disease.” He said Corwin-Bradley has been a very productive member of society. He asked that she just be sentenced to probation with no incarceration.

Judge Church said Corwin-Bradley has put others in danger with her drunken driving.

“You are a dangerous driver while drinking,” he said. “I need to do my best to protect society.”

In addition to six months in jail and five years of probation, Corwin-Bradley had her license revoked for a year, must use a inter-lock ignition device which measures her BAC and needs to pay $570 in court surcharges and fees.

2 from Medina charged with intent to sell crack cocaine

Posted 1 July 2026 at 11:26 am

Press Release, Orleans County Major Felony Crime Task Force

Savanah Bentley, left, and Nathaniel Bentley

MEDINA – Two people have been charged after an investigation into the sale and distribution of crack cocaine in the Village of Medina, the Orleans County Major Felony Crime Task Force reported today.

The Task Force on June 23 executed a search warrant at 416 E. Center St., Apt. #1, Medina, N.Y. Police seized a quantity of crack cocaine packaged for sale, morphine pills, drug paraphernalia and $1,073.

Police arrested: Nathaniel Bentley, age 34, and Savanah Bentley, age 22, both of 416 E. Center St., Apt. #1.

Both were charged with 2 counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, with intent to sell (Class B Felonies); 1 count of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Fifth Degree (Class D Felonies); and1 count of Criminal Using Drug Paraphernalia in the Second Degree (Class A Misdemeanor).

Both defendants were issued appearance tickets due to the New York State bail reform laws and are to return to the Town of Ridgeway Justice Court on August 3 at 9 a.m.

Assisting in the investigation was Orleans County District Attorney Susan M. Howard, Medina Police Department, Orleans County Sheriff’s Office and New York State Department of Corrections Office of Special Investigations.

Further arrests and charges are pending in this investigation.

Area schools have Scholar-Athlete teams

Contributed Story Posted 1 July 2026 at 9:01 am

Nearly 20 spring sports varsity teams from Orleans County’s five high schools have earned New York State High School Athletic Association Scholar-Athlete Team Awards by compiling a composite average of at least 90.

Albion has three honored teams including Softball, Tennis and Girls Track.

Holley also has three honorees including Girls Track, Tennis and Softball.

Kendall has four honored teams including Baseball, Softball, Tennis and Girls Track.

Lyndonville has two honorees Softball and Girls Track.

Medina leads the way with six honorees including Baseball, Softball, Tennis, Lacrosse, Boys Track and Girls Track.

Neighboring Roy-Hart has four honorees including Baseball, Softball, Tennis and Girls Track.

Barker also has a quartet of honorees including Softball, Tennis, Boys Track and Girls Track.

Rounding out the N-O schools Akron, Newfane and Wilson each have six honorees.

Akron has Baseball, Softball, Tennis, Flag Football, Boys Track and Girls Track.

Newfane has Baseball, Softball, Girls Lacrosse, Tennis, Unified Basketball and Girls Track.

Wilson has Baseball, Softball, Boys Lacrosse, Tennis, Boys Track and Girls Track.

Waterfalls in Lyndonville goes red, white and blue for Fourth of July

Posted 1 July 2026 at 8:20 am

Provided photo: The Lyndonville Lions Club lights the Lyndonville Waterfalls on Main Street in patriotic red, white, and blue as part of the community’s July 4th holiday celebration.

Press Release, Lyndonville Lions Club

LYNDONVILLE – The Lyndonville Lions Club has officially opened the extended July 4th holiday weekend with its “Light Up Lyndonville” campaign, part of the 52nd Annual Lyndonville Lions Club July 4^th Celebration.

The initiative has transformed several municipal buildings along Main Street into a patriotic display of red, white, and blue lighting. One of the highlights of this year’s effort is the illumination of the Lyndonville Waterfalls, creating a striking tribute to our nation’s birthday.

The club also regrets to announce that there will be no military flyover preceding Saturday’s July 4th Parade. The Lions Club was informed that, due to current operations in the Middle East, regional United States Air Force bases capable of conducting the flyover have been placed on Operational Alert, making them unavailable for ceremonial missions.

The club is extremely proud of the military flyovers that have honored our community in previous years and hopes to once again welcome this special tribute in future celebrations.

During this Independence Day weekend, the Lyndonville Lions Club asks everyone to keep our military personnel and their families in their thoughts and prayers. As we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, they will be standing watch around the world, protecting the freedoms we are privileged to celebrate.

All scheduled July 4th festivities will proceed as planned. The July 4th Parade begins at noon, with the Arts & Crafts Show, vendors, food, entertainment, and family activities on the Lyndonville Central School grounds.

The popular Firecracker Concert Series begins at 7 p.m. on the baseball fields at the school and will be followed by the Lyndonville Lions Club’s spectacular Salute to America Fireworks Display.

Advance tickets for the famous Chiavetta’s Chicken Barbecue are still available at the Town of Yates Hall through Thursday afternoon and at the Hojack Ice Cream Shack in Lyndonville through Friday afternoon. As always, tickets will also be available on the day of the event for walk-up purchases.

The Lyndonville Lions Club extends its sincere appreciation to the many sponsors, volunteers, community partners, and supporters who have helped make this year’s celebration possible.

The club warmly invites everyone to join them this July 4th as the community comes together to celebrate our nation’s independence and America’s 250th anniversary in true Lyndonville tradition.

Roy-Hart has 4 N-O first team honorees

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 1 July 2026 at 8:05 am

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Roy-Hart’s first team N-O All-League honorees Jared Hy, left, and Gavin Heideman.

Roy-Hart, which finished in the runner-up spot at 10-2, has placed four players on the first team of the annual Niagara-Orleans All-League baseball squad.

The Rams are represented by senior outfielder/pitcher Gavin Heideman, senior infielder/pitcher Isaac Smith, senior infielder Sean Mettler and sophomore pitcher/outfielder Jared Hy.

Rams first team All-League honorees Isaac Smith, left, and Sean Mettler.

Heideman and Mettler are both repeat first team honorees.

Heideman registered 70 strikeouts in 32 innings on the mound. At the plate he hit .259 with 2 doubles, 1 triple, 1 home run and 11 RBIs.

Smith hit .429 with 8 doubles, 1 triple, 4 home runs and 32 RBIs. On the mound he had 41 strikeouts in 28 innings of work.

Mettler hit .308 with 2 doubles, 3 triples and 10 RBIs.

Hy had 42 strikeouts in 32 innings of work on the mound. At the plate he hit .385 with 9 RBIs.

The Rams also had senior outfielder Evan Poeller and freshman outfielder Henry Snyder earn second team All-League honors.

In addition, sophomore Will Bundrock received Honorable Mention.

Extreme Heat Warning for Orleans today through Friday

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 1 July 2026 at 8:04 am

Dangerously hot conditions with heat index values from 104 to 108

Photo by Marsha Rivers: The sun sets on Friday on the railroad tracks in Holley next to the Holley Cold Storage in this photo taken from the Route 31 overpass.

An Extreme Heat Warning has been issued for Orleans County from noon to 8 p.m. today, Thursday and Friday.

The National Weather Service said there will be dangerously hot conditions with heat index values 104 to 108 each afternoon. The very warm and muggy temperatures overnight will not provide much relief, the Weather Service said.

“Extreme heat and humidity will significantly increase the potential for heat-related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities,” the Weather Service said.

Today is forecast to be sunny and hot with a high of 94 degrees and heat index values up to 107. Tonight there will be a low around 77.

Thursday will be sunny and hot with a high near 95, followed by a mostly sunny and hot Friday with a high near 94.

On Saturday, the Fourth of July, the high will be near 90 with a chance of showers between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 2 p.m., the Weather Service said.

Tenney seeks to modernize H-2A agricultural guest-worker program

Posted 30 June 2026 at 2:54 pm

Proposed changes include allowing H-2A for dairy farms

Press Release, Congresswoman Claudia Tenney

WASHINGTON, DC — Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today joined House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson (PA-15) and a bipartisan group of lawmakers in introducing the Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act, legislation to modernize the H-2A agricultural guest worker program, reduce unnecessary bureaucracy, provide greater certainty for farmers, and help ensure America’s producers have access to the workforce they need to keep the nation’s food supply strong.

For nearly 40 years, the H-2A program has remained largely unchanged despite the evolving needs of American agriculture. As labor shortages continue to challenge farms across the country, producers face increasing difficulty finding enough workers to plant and harvest crops, care for livestock, and maintain safe, reliable food production.

The Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act would modernize the program by expanding eligibility for temporary agricultural work, including making dairy farms eligible for H-2A, creating a streamlined online application system, simplifying program requirements, and codifying recent reforms to provide greater wage stability and certainty for farmers.

“Farmers across New York and our nation work tirelessly to feed America, but too many are struggling to find the workforce they need to keep their operations running,” Tenney said. “Our outdated H-2A program has created unnecessary costs, delays, and uncertainty that hurt family farms and drive up food prices. For too long, critical industries like dairy have been locked out of the H-2A program.”

The legislation has earned endorsements from more than 385 organizations representing farmers, ranchers, agricultural employers, commodity groups, food producers, and businesses nationwide, including New York Farm Bureau, U.S. Apple Association, International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF), and dozens of other leading agricultural organizations.

“We appreciate Representative Tenney’s sponsorship of the Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act. This legislation includes long overdue improvements to the H-2A guest worker program, among other much-needed changes to the agricultural labor system. We value Representative Tenney’s continued leadership and support for New York farmers.” – New York Farm Bureau President David Fisher

“New York apple growers know firsthand that a reliable workforce is essential to keeping orchards productive. We appreciate Rep. Tenney’s leadership in advancing long-overdue H-2A reforms that will help ensure growers have the workers they need to continue growing apples in New York and across America.” – U.S. Apple Association President & CEO Jim Bair

“The Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act represents the most significant reform to the ag workforce we’ve seen in decades. It’s particularly critical for dairy farmers, who have been effectively shut out of the H-2A program, the main U.S. farmworker visa. The bill would stabilize the dairy workforce by allowing H-2A contracts of up to 350 days and providing a targeted mechanism for current dairy workers to transition to a viable visa program. We thank Congresswoman Tenney for joining Chairman Thompson in the Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act, and we look forward to working with these congressional champions and all of agriculture to get this bill to the president’s desk.” – Gregg Doud, President and CEO, National Milk Producers Federation

“International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) thanks Representative Tenney for co-sponsoring the Securing Agriculture Workforce Act and supporting commonsense guestworker reform for U.S. dairy. Dairy farms and processors alike operate year-round and need access to a reliable workforce. Modernizing the H-2A program to meet the needs of year-round dairy farm operations moves the needle in the right direction by strengthening the dairy supply chain. Although dairy processors also need reforms that offer workforce support, the Securing Agriculture Workforce Act better positions all of U.S. dairy to ensure families continue to have access to nutritious dairy products.” – International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA)

Medina Tourism planning time capsule, patriotic concert for 250th anniversary of US

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 30 June 2026 at 10:17 am

Photo by Tom Rivers: Jim Hancock, chairman of the Medina Tourism Committee, speaks during last week’s Village Board meeting.

MEDINA – The Medina Tourism Committee is looking forward to special events to celebrate the country’s 250^thanniversary.

The committee is organizing a patriotic birthday concert on Sept. 6 at State Street Park with a jazz band led by retired Medina band director Jim Steele, Jim Hancock, the Tourism Committee chairman, told the Village Board last week.

Retired broadcaster Mike Randall will be reading the Declaration of Independence. There will be 250 birthday cupcakes with red, white and blue frosting.

The Sons of the American Legion is contributing funds towards the event, Hancock said. The VFW will be playing Taps as well.

The Tourism Committee asked the Village Board for permission to have a time capsule buried at Rotary Park with the container to be opened in 2076. The board approved the request for the time capsule, which will be in a circular area in front of the Santa House.

Hancock and committee member Barb Gorham said they expect the time capsule will be buried by the end of October. They said they are discussing what to have in the capsule. They would like a little bit of Medina Sandstone and news coverage of notable events during 2026.

“We’re open to any suggestions about what people want to see put into it,” Hancock said.

The committee wants to reach out to the school district and ask kids what they think Medina will be like in 50 years.

Hancock said the Tourism Committee looks forward to welcoming about 600 cyclists when they visit and stay overnight in Medina on Sunday, July 12. It’s part of the annual Cycling the Erie Canal trip from Buffalo to Albany.

The committee also is working on its second annual Building Brick event at Sacred Heart Club on Sept. 19. Last year there were about 350 people – kids, parents and grandparents – making creations from LEGOs.

The Tourism Committee last week welcomed the Seneca Chief boat to the Canal Basin. This was the third year the replica of the famed canal boat visited Medina.

Hancock said the Tourism Committee also is working on plans for the Parade of Lights and the Christmas celebration on Nov. 28.

The Tourism Committee for the 17^th year also is staffing a visitor center during the summer. This year a team of about 15 volunteers is managed by Barb Gorham.

“We see a great number of people coming into the village,” Hancock said. “We try to provide information to them.”

Jr. Wilson nips White Birch; Banes rolls in Medina Women’s Softball League action

Contributed Story Posted 30 June 2026 at 10:06 am

Jr. Wilson scored a narrow win and Banes had a 12 run victory in Medina Women’s Softball action Monday evening.

Jr. Wilson 15, White Birch 14
Jr. Wilson’s held off a comeback by White Birch winning 15-14 Monday evening in women’s A Division.

Jr Wilson’s scored 4 in in the first inning on a double from Sara Flansburg and triple by Stormi Beach and 3 more runs in the 3rd on a double from Jessica Rosenbeck, home run from Flansburg and a double by Alyssa Romarge.

White Birch scored 3 in the 1st, 3 in the 4th, and 7 in the bottom of the 7th, leaving the winning run stranded on second.

Mallory Albone had 4 hits, while Aubrey and Anna Lewis each finished with 3 hits for White Birch. Ella Lewis, Maddy Boyle, Kenzie Muck, and Bekah Hoffee each added 2 hits.

Rosenbeck, Flansburg, Beach, Romarge and Jaclyn Rodriguez all had 3 hits for Junior Wilson’s, while Jodi Zacher, Bri Guzdek, Butchie Stockwell and Chasity Chinn all chipped in with hits.

Junior Wilson’s is now 5-1 in the A League division

Banes 14 Parkitects 2
A big 7 run first inning on a single Connie Heschke, double by Jami Chatt, RBI single by Lindsay Chatt, RBI double by Morgan Alllis, RBI single by Sue Seefeldt along with singles by Amy Lavender and Rileigh McCabe and RBI singles by Teri Schrlau, Patti Page and Connie Heschke sparked Banes to the 14-2 win over Parkitects.

Banes also had a 4 run fourth inning on a single by Morgan Allis, double Kathy Allen and RBI singles by Sue Seefeldt and Amy Lavender, single by Teri Schrlau and RBI singles by Patti Page and Connie Heschke

Connie Heschke finished with 5 hits, Jami Chatt 3 hits including a double, Rileigh McCabe 3 hits and Patti Page 3 hits.

Banes is now 4-2.

Marine Park concert rescheduled due to hot weather

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 30 June 2026 at 9:44 am

CARLTON – The concert scheduled for this evening at the Orleans County Marine Park has been rescheduled due to the hot weather.

Something Else will instead perform on Aug. 11. The area is under a heat advisory today until 8 p.m. The heat index values could reach the upper 90s.

The events are organized by the Oak Orchard Neighborhood Association and Friends of the Orleans County Marine Park.

Champion Mustangs have four first team N-O All-League baseball honorees

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 30 June 2026 at 9:24 am

Photos by Cheryl Wertman -First team Medina N-O All-League honorees Preston Woodworth, left, and Aidan Papaj.

Undefeated (12-0) champion Medina has placed four players on the first team of the annual Niagara-Orleans All-League baseball squad.

The Mustangs quartet includes senior outfielder/pitcher Vinny Gray, junior shortstop/pitcher Aidan Papaj, junior pitcher/shortstop Preston Woodworth and junior first baseman Cam Fike.

Gray, Papaj and Woodworth are all repeat first team honorees.

Mustangs first team honorees Vinny Gray, left, and Cam Fike.

Papaj, who was named N-O Player of the Year hit .507 with 6 doubles, 2 triples, 30 RBIs and 30 stolen bases. On the mound, he posted an 8-1 overall record and had 112 strikeouts in 59.2 innings of work.

Woodworth went 10-1 overall on the mound and had 132 strikeouts in 69.1 innings of work. At the plate he hit .400 with 14 doubles, 29 RBIs and 16 stolen bases.

Gray hit .299 with 4 doubles, 2 triples, 15 RBIs and 30 stolen bases. On the mound he went 4-0 with 36 strikeouts.

Fike hit .317 with 6 doubles, 2 triples and 22 RBIs.

Medina also had a pair of second team honorees in junior catcher Hadrian Batista and junior second baseman Carlos Doval.

In addition, the Mustangs had senior third baseman Jimmy Dieter and senior outfielder Kolton Fletcher receive Honorable Mention.

The N-O title was the third in a row and the sixth in the last seven seasons for the Mustangs.