Hawley pleased with delay of Electric School Bus Mandate
Press Release, State Assemblyman Steve Hawley
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) welcomed the inclusion of a five-year delay to New York’s zero-emission school bus mandate in the state education budget bill, calling it an important step toward protecting taxpayers and easing financial pressure on local school districts.
Under the budget agreement, the requirement that school districts and transportation providers purchase only zero-emission school buses will now be delayed from 2027 until 2032. The deadline for all school buses in operation to be zero-emission vehicles will also be pushed back from 2035 until 2040. Hawley said the delay will provide much-needed flexibility for districts already struggling with rising costs and tight budgets.
“This is a step in the right direction and reflects the concerns many of us have been raising for years,” Hawley said. “School districts simply cannot afford the enormous costs associated with this mandate, especially in rural and upstate communities where infrastructure challenges and harsh winter conditions create additional obstacles. Delaying these deadlines will help protect taxpayers from major cost increases while giving districts more time to plan.”
Hawley added that while the delay is welcome news, the issue is far from resolved, and local school districts should ultimately have the ability to decide what transportation solutions work best for their communities.
“I believe our school districts deserve flexibility, not costly one-size-fits-all mandates,” Hawley said. “While this delay provides important relief, many rural and upstate districts still face serious concerns about infrastructure costs, long-term affordability and whether this technology can reliably meet their transportation needs. I will continue pushing for policies that give school districts the ability to opt out and make the decisions that work best for their students, taxpayers and communities.”
Constitutional liberties would be stripped away with proposal to ban Glock pistols
Editor:
In Albany this week, the Democratic majority put the Public Protection and General Government Bill to the floor for a vote, and despite its deceptive name, this package of bills strips New Yorkers of their freedoms.
This package aims to ban Glocks in New York State – another out-of-touch gun grab championed by Democrats, who understand very little about firearms and even less about the Constitution.
For over 40 years, Glock pistols have been known around the world as some of the most reliable sidearms. They are trusted by police departments and military branches across the globe. Our very own state police issue the Glock 47, and I carry a Glock 43.
Despite their reputation for safety and dependability with individuals and families who rely on these weapons for self-defense and home protection, we’re looking at a bill that will ban the sale of the most reliable, most user-friendly, and one of the most affordable pistols on the market.
Gun owners and licensed dealers have been anxiously watching this bill, and know full-well it has nothing to do with public safety, and everything to do with Democrats acting tough on guns.
In her state of the state address, the governor said pistol converters turn Glocks into “fully automatic machines capable of firing 1,200 rounds per minute.” Anyone who knows guns knows this line is complete nonsense. It may be factually true that an illegally converted Glock can fire rounds faster than a semi-auto, but let’s look at reality.
In New York State, to legally obtain a Glock, you need a pistol permit – and if you don’t currently have one, there is a long and expensive process ahead of you. On top of that, it is already illegal to purchase or manufacture the so-called Glock Switch. It’s also worth noting, pistols are limited to 10-round magazines.
So tell me, how is a law-abiding gun owner a danger to public safety? By law, the very thing Democrats are trying to prevent is already illegal. I cannot, under current law, modify my Glock to fully automatic, nor load 1,200 rounds into it. Not to mention, having over 1,000 rounds loaded all at once would require a magazine the size of a watermelon.
It’s just not practical, and neither is this bill.
Democrats are targeting one of the largest and most popular gun manufacturers in an election year so it looks like they’ve actually done something. What they’ve done is hurt local gun stores who will no longer be able to sell their number one product, and are continuing to drive business to neighboring states.
The only thing this bill truly accomplishes is stripping New Yorkers of their second amendment rights and Constitutional liberties. But as usual, Democrats in Albany who know nothing about guns and less about the United States Constitution, are more concerned with taking away our freedoms instead of going after criminals.
As a State Senator, a taxpayer, and a gun owner, I am tired of seeing our state place greater burdens on law-abiding citizens than on those who break the law. New Yorkers deserve leaders who will hold criminals accountable and protect public safety without chipping away at the constitutional rights and liberties of responsible citizens.
Rob Ortt
New York State Senate Minority Leader and representative of District 62
Route 18 in Yates to close beginning May 26 for culvert replacement
Press Release, NYS Department of Transportation
YATES – The New York State Department of Transportation is advising motorists that State Route 18 (also known as Roosevelt Highway) in the Town of Yates, Orleans County, will be closed to all traffic between Route 269/County Line Road and Murdock Road beginning at 6 a.m. Tuesday, May 26, to accommodate a culvert replacement project.
Motorists should follow posted detours using Route 18, Route 269, Route 104 and Route 63. The road is expected to be reopened by the end of June.
Motorists should anticipate travel delays during this time and are advised to seek alternate routes if necessary. Construction activities are weather dependent and subject to change based on conditions.
Motorists are urged to slow down and drive responsibly in work zones. Fines are doubled for speeding in a work zone. Convictions of two or more speeding violations in a work zone could result in the suspension of an individual’s driver license.
Albion man facing numerous charges after reckless driving causes collisions with 2 patrol vehicles
Police say Timothy Ausman Jr. was highly intoxicated while driving on sidewalks, road shoulders
Press Release, Albion Police Chief David Mogle
Timothy Ausman Jr.
ALBION – The Albion Police Department reports the arrest of Timothy Ausman Jr. following multiple incidents throughout the Village of Albion on May 18, culminating in a vehicle pursuit and collisions involving patrol vehicles.
At approximately 7:14 a.m. on May 18, Albion Police Officers responded to Crosby’s North regarding a reported larceny involving four alcoholic beverages. Timothy Ausman Jr., 56, was subsequently arrested in connection with that incident and released on an appearance ticket per NYS Bail Reform. Officers observed Ausman to be visibly intoxicated at the time, displaying impaired motor skills, slurred speech, glossy eyes, and the odor of an alcoholic beverage.
At approximately 10:04 a.m., officers were again dispatched to 301 Hamilton St. for reports of a male banging on doors and harassing residents for money. Officers identified the individual as Ausman. During this interaction, officers observed that Ausman appeared significantly more intoxicated than during the earlier incident. He was then instructed to return home.
Shortly thereafter, officers observed Ausman enter and operate a red Chevrolet Trailblazer. When officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop, Ausman failed to comply and fled from officers through portions of the Village of Albion. Officers initiated a pursuit with emergency lights and sirens activated.
During the pursuit, Ausman allegedly failed to stop at multiple stop signs, drove on road shoulders and sidewalks, operated recklessly through residential neighborhoods, and repeatedly refused commands to stop his vehicle. Officers attempted multiple controlled tactics to slow and stop the vehicle due to concerns for public safety and the belief that he was highly intoxicated driving near residential areas and public parks.
The pursuit concluded on South Clinton Street after Ausman allegedly struck a patrol vehicle and lost control while entering a residential property. Officers then took Ausman into custody without further incident. During the arrest, officers recovered an open alcoholic beverage container from inside the vehicle.
Following the arrest, officers administered Standardized Field Sobriety Tests, during which Ausman displayed multiple indicators of intoxication. Ausman refused to submit to a Chemical Breath Test after being advised of the consequences of refusal.
No civilians were injured during the incident. Two Albion Police Department patrol vehicles sustained extensive damage, with one vehicle requiring towing from the scene. Ausman was then transported to the Orleans County Jail for arraignment pursuant to NYS Bail Reform.
Timothy Ausman Jr. has been charged with the following offenses:
- Criminal Mischief in the Second Degree (Class D Felony)
- Aggravated Unlicensed Operation in the First Degree (Class E Felony)
- Unlawful Fleeing a Police Officer in a Motor Vehicle in the Third Degree (Class A Misdemeanor)
- Obstructing Governmental Administration in the Second Degree (Class A Misdemeanor)
- Reckless Endangerment in the Second Degree (Class A Misdemeanor)
- Driving While Intoxicated – First Offense (Misdemeanor)
- Reckless Driving (Misdemeanor)
- Failure to Yield Right of Way to an Emergency Vehicle (Traffic Infraction)
- Moving From Lane Unsafely (Traffic Infraction)
- Operating a Motor Vehicle by an Unlicensed Driver (Traffic Infraction)
- Operating a Motor Vehicle Without Insurance (Traffic Infraction)
- Operating a Motor Vehicle Without a Valid Inspection Certificate (Traffic Infraction)
- Driving on or Across a Sidewalk (Traffic Infraction)
- Speed in Zone Violation (Traffic Infraction)
- Drinking Alcohol or Using Cannabis in a Motor Vehicle on a Highway (Traffic Infraction)
- Failure to Stop at a Stop Sign (2 counts) (Traffic Infraction)
- Unsafe Turn / Failure to Signal (2 counts) (Traffic Infraction)
- Failure to Keep Right (Traffic Infraction)
- Failure to Wear Seatbelt (Traffic Infraction)
The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office assisted at the scene, including accident investigation and aerial drone photography documentation. This incident remains under investigation.
Anyone with additional information related to this incident is encouraged to contact the Albion Police Department.
Medina firefighter among grads at State Fire Training Academy
Photos courtesy of NYS Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services: Mackenzie Rider-Work of the Medina Fire Department is shown at Academy of Fire Science in Montour Falls.
A Medina firefighter is among the 25 graduates of the latest class at the Academy of Fire Science in Montour Falls.
Mackenzie Rider-Work of the Medina FD completed a 15-week residential program that provides extensive fire service training in an environment like a full-time fire department. Upon graduation, all the recruits will serve as career firefighters in their respective fire departments. There are firefighters from 14 departments in the latest class.
“Congratulations to the graduates of the 93rd Recruit Firefighter training class,” said Terry O’Leary, acting commissioner of the NYS Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services. “Firefighters across New York put their lives on the line every day to keep their communities safe. Today, these men and women join the ranks of the thousands of brave and dedicated individuals who protect their communities — we wish them well as they begin their careers and thank them for their service.”
During the 15-week program, recruits participate in more than 600 hours of training in both classroom and practical settings. Classes focus on areas such as structural, vehicle and flammable liquid firefighting, emergency vehicle operations, hazardous material emergency incident and basic rescue technician operations, according to a press release from NYS Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services.
Recruits also participate in daily physical fitness training in preparation for the Candidate Physical Ability Test. Upon completion, graduates will have received national certification from the National Board of Fire Service Professional Qualifications in Firefighter I, Firefighter II, and Hazardous Materials Operations.
Today’s graduates received training in areas such as operating aerial devices; traffic incident management to keep firefighters safe on roadways; health and safety; firefighter rescue; hazardous materials response, and technical rescue. During the training program, students use iPads and physical books to provide them with greater access and flexibility to testing, as well as study materials.
The graduates represented the following departments: Brighton, Cortland, DeWitt, Dunkirk, Elmira, Fairview, Fredonia, Hornell, Ithaca, Lackawanna, Lockport, Medina, Middletown and Oswego.
Medina to host familiar foe in Class B playoff opener on Sat.; Albion opens at home Fri.
Seeded No. 2, Medina will face a very familiar foe in the opening round of the Section VI Class B baseball tournament as the Mustangs will host No. 15 Newfane on Saturday at 5 p.m. at Vets Park.
Medina blanked Newfane twice by scores of 11-0 and 6-0 in route to capturing the Niagara-Orleans League championship with a 12-0 record. Newfane finished the N-O season at 1-11.
The Mustangs are the defending Section VI Class B champions.
Also in Class B openers at noon Saturday, No. 5 Roy-Hart will host No. 12 Alden and No. 9 Akron will visit No. 8 Silver Creek/Forestville.
Albion will begin Class A2 playoff competition on Friday as the No. 8 seed Purple Eagles will host No. 9 Dunkirk at 5 p.m. The victor will then visit top seeded City Honors at noon on Saturday.
In Class C openers at noon on Saturday, No. 10 Barker will visit No. 7 Portville and No. 12 Wilson will travel to Brocton/Cassadaga Valley.
Albion and Akron celebrate N-O track titles
Photos By Tom Rivers – Members of the Albion High boys track team celebrate extending their Niagara-Orleans League title run by holding up this championship banner. The Purple Eagles went 6-0 this season to capture a seventh straight N-O League championship. Albion has gone 42-0 during this title run.
The Akron girls compiled a 6-0 record this season to capture the Niagara-Orleans League championship. The N-O title is the third in the last four years for the Lady Tigers.
Elks/Rotary wins Midget League opener
Contributed Photo – Ryno Coots
Elks/Rotary opened its Albion Midget League season by scoring a 9-4 victory over Vets Wednesday evening.
Ryno Coots got the Elks/Rotary offense off and rolling by banging out a two-run double in the first inning.
Coots also started on the mound and recorded 6 strikeouts.
Kayden Donnelly had 2 hits and played a great defensive game at first base.
Parker McDaniels and Greyson Roberts also each chipped in with a hit.
Remi Moore came on to pitch in relief and registered 4 strikeouts. Those included 2 huge strikeouts to end the game.
Elks/Rotary built up as much as a 9-0 lead going into the fifth inning.
Clarendon scouts place 600 flags by vets’ graves at Hillside Cemetery
Provided photos
CLARENDON – Boy Scout Troop 59 in Clarendon placed about 600 American flags at the graves of veterans at Hillside Cemetery on Wednesday evening.
Pictured at top: (Left) James Shaw places a flag at a veteran’s grave at Hillside Cemetery. (Center) Tyler Moore has several flags to place at the gravesites of veterans. (Right) Ken Shaw joined in the effort of placing flags to honor veterans with Memorial Day coming up on Monday.
From left include Scott Galliford, American Legion; Dave Arnold, former Cub Scout leader and Navy veteran; James Shaw, scout; Tyler Moore, scout; Randy Moore, scoutmaster; and Ken Shaw, committee chairman. Logan Lane (not pictured) also was part of the effort.
DEC reports 227K deer taken in 2025, including 4,494 in Orleans County
Robbie Weit took this photo of a deer. This image was the November cover in Orleans County’s 2026 calendar put together by the county tourism department.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is reporting hunters harvested 227,032 white-tailed deer during the 2025-26 hunting seasons, 2 percent more than the 2024 season and within 1 percent of the 5-year average.
The DEC recorded 4,494 deer taken in Orleans County in 2025, including 1,911 adult male, 232 male fawn, 2,087 adult female, and 264 female fawn.
The DEC documented widespread adoption of crossbows following an amendment to the Environmental Conservation Law in 2025 that allowed deer hunters to use a crossbow in the same seasons, places, and manner as a vertical bow.
In 2025, crossbows accounted for 55% of the total archery season deer harvest. For comparison, in 2024, crossbows accounted for 33% of the total archery harvest, the DEC reported.
“It is clear that deer hunters took advantage of expanded crossbow hunting opportunities this past season,” said DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton. “We are pleased that more hunters can participate in New York’s archery deer seasons and contribute to effective deer management into the future. The results from this past season continue to demonstrate that New York has much to offer for deer hunters.”
NYS calculated deer take in recent year:
- 2025 – 227,032
- 2024 – 223,304
- 2023 – 209,781
- 2022 – 231,961
- 2021 – 211,269
- 2020 – 253,990
- 2019 – 224,190
The biggest year in recorded history is 2002 with 308,216 deer harvested.
Other highlights from the 2025 report include:
- The 2025 antlered buck harvest of 120,909 was 1% less than 2024, but finally passed a landmark in buck age structure. For the first time in modern history, New York hunters harvested as many 3.5-year-old or older bucks (28.1%) as yearling bucks (28.0%). For comparison, 25 years ago only 10% of harvested bucks in New York were 3.5 years old or older and 67% were 1.5 years old.
- The 2025 antlerless deer harvest of 106,123 was up 5% from 2024. However, antlerless deer harvest throughout much of New York was still below what is necessary to achieve deer population objectives, the DEC said.
- No wild deer tested positive out of 3,050 tests for Chronic Wasting Disease, as efforts continue to “Keep NY’s wild deer CWD-free.”
- 530,808: The number of licensed NY hunters during the 2025 deer hunting seasons, an estimated 85% of whom actively participated in deer hunting.
- 11%: The estimated percentage of hunters who used the newly-offered E-tags for all of their 2025 deer hunting. An additional 19% of hunters used a combination of E-tags and paper tags throughout the hunting seasons.
- 63%: The portion of successful deer hunters reporting their harvest as required by law. This is well above the five-year average of 49%.
- 2,567: The estimated deer harvest by 12–15-year-old hunters during the Youth Firearms Season.
Spectacular sunset graced the sky Wednesday
Robyn Ottaviano sent in this photo of the “Pretty in Pink!” sunset from Wednesday evening in Medina. She stunning sunset is reflected in the Erie Canal.
The forecast for the next few days includes a high of 57 today, when it’s mostly cloudy and then becoming sunny.
Friday it will be partly sunny with a high near 62, followed by rain on Saturday with a high near 60.
Sunday there are likely showers with a high near 72 followed by a cloudy Memorial Day on Monday with a high near 73.
Debbie Taylor took this photo of the sunset in East Shelby, or “God’s country.”
Lyndonville BOE meets Friday to discuss next steps after budget defeat
LYNDONVILLE – The Lyndonville Board of Education has scheduled a special meeting for 6 p.m. on Friday to discuss the next steps after the district’s proposed budget was defeated in a public vote on Tuesday.
The meeting on Friday will be in Jr./Sr. High School Library.
The district’s proposed $19,194,000 budget was voted down with 172 opposed and 129 votes in favor.
The budget would have increased spending by 9.8 percent or by $1,719,670 from the $17,474,330 in 2025-26. The tax levy in the proposed budget would increase by 2.5 percent from $4,758,692 to $4,877,659.
A contingency budget would mean reducing spending by another $266,495 to get the budget to $18,927,505.
Albion boys score 5 wins at N-O All-League track meet; Medina girls have triple winner
Photos by Tom Rivers: Adam Burgio of Albion won the boys 400 meter hurdles in 59.68, with Christopher McOmber of Roy-Hart in second, and Bryson Ford of Medina in third. Burgio also won the 110 meter hurdles.
The regular season champion Albion boys track team took first place honors in five events at the annual Niagara-Orleans All-League meet held at Wilson this afternoon.
Adam Burgio won both the 110 Hurdles (:15.96) and the 400 Hurdles (:59.68) for Albion as Austin Huscher captured the Long Jump (19-9.25) and Noah Harrison the Triple Jump (41-2.50).
Burgio, Harrison and Huscher also teamed up with Yohanel Harris to win the 400 Relay (:44.62).
Jonathan Dix of Medina is shown clearing 10 feet, 6 inches in the pole vault. He would eclipse 11 feet in winning first in the event.
Barker also scored five wins as Luke Fay won the 800 (2:06.19). Peyton Wagner the 1600 (4:55.42) and Gabe Nestoros the 3200 (10:44.96) The Bulldogs also took both the 1600 Relay (3:42.93) and the 3200 Relay (8:46.54).
Newfane’s Nasir Spencer was a triple winner in the 100 (:11.41), 200 (:23.41) and 400 (:50.78).
Wilson’s Brock Lepsch won the Discus (122-4).
Akron had Logan Meyers win the Steeplechase (11:28.49) and Quinn O’Malley the Pentathlon (2472).
Medina’s Jonathan Dix won the Pole Vault (11-0) and Roy-Hart’s Jakob West the Shotput (41-11).
Aurora Owczarczak of Medina won the girls meter race in 1:02.31 with Madigan Regan of Akron in second, and Addison Carr of Roy-Hart in third. Owczarczak also won the 100 and 200 meter races.
Akron dominated the girls meet winning a total of 10 events. Reece Addesa won both the 800 (2:28.11) and 1500 (5:06.99). Hannah Liss the Pentathlon (2084), Ava Lombard the 100 Hurdles (:17.83), Caylin Thomas-Wells the 400 Hurdles (1:10.65), Marissa Brege the Discus (106-5), Kylie Karmazyn the High Jump (4-8) and Brooke Milhollen the Pole Vault (8-0). The Lady Tigers also won both the 1600 Relay (4:23.69) and the 3200 Relay (10:50.15).
Medina’s Aurora Owczarczak was a triple winner in the 100 (:13.25), 200 (:27.57) and 400 (1:02.21).
Albion’s Sophia Wendt won the Triple Jump (32-6.5), Barker’s Jill Fisk the Long Jump (14-10.75), Newfane’s Eden Hillman the Steeplechase (7:52.03), Roy-Hart’s Julia Rohde the 3000 (11:43.94) and Wilson’s Colleen Cliffe the Shotput (34-9.75). Wilson also won the 400 Relay (:54.80).
(Left) Quinn O’Malley of Akron shown in the 1,500 meter race of the pentathlon won the overall event with 2,472 points, just ahead of Briley Allen of Medina with 2,431. (Right) Nasir Spencer of Newfane won the 400 meter race in 50.78 seconds. Aidan Neumann of Wilson came in second. Spencer also won the 100 and 200 meter races.
Caylin Thomas-Wells of Akron won the 400 meter hurdles in 1:10.65 with Mia Standish of Albion in second, and Eden Hillman of Newfane in third.
(Left) Luke Fay of Barker won the 800 meter race in 2:06.13. (Right) Julia Rohde of Roy-Hart won the 3000 meter race in 11:43.94, with her Roy-Hart teammate Marissa Bryant in second.
N-O Tennis
Today’s opening round of the annual N-O double tournament saw Barker defeat Roy-Hart 6-3, 6-2; Newfane edge Medina 7-6, 7-5 and Akron top Wilson 6-3, 6-3.
The tournament will conclude on Thursday beginning with the Barker vs. Albion and Newfane vs. Akron semifinal matches.
Mustangs win lacrosse sectional opener
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Medina’s Luke Duffina goes to the net to score his fourth goal during the Mustangs sectional win over Tonawanda at Vets Park this evening.
Getting multiple goal scoring efforts from a quartet of players, No. 8 seed Medina downed No. 9 Tonawanda 12-7 in the opening round of the Section VI Class D lacrosse tournament this evening at Vets Park.
Luke Duffina scored 4 goals, Sawyer Lilleby and Brennan Allen 3 each and Brayden Lewis 2 for Medina which will next visit top seeded East Aurora in the quarterfinals on Friday.
Medina jumped out to a 6-3 first quarter lead as Duffina and Lilleby both scored 2 goals and Allen and Lewis 1 each. The Mustangs last two goals came in the final 8 seconds, the first by Duffina and the second by Lilleby.
Tonawanda rallied into a 6-6 tie at the half as the Timberwolves outscored the Mustangs 3-0 in the second period.
However, Medina regained the lead for good at 10-6 by outpointing Tonawnada 4-0 in the thid period. Duffina had a pair of goals and Lewis and Allen 1 each during that stretch.
The Mustangs put a lock on the victory with a 2-1 scoring edge in the final period on goals by Allen and Lilleby.
Letting lose with goal scoring shots are Sawyer Lilleby, at left, and Brennan Allen.
Orleans County DSS recognizes foster parent of the year
Provided photo: from left, Foster Parent of the Year Michelle Lewis and DSS staff members Lianna Sheffer and Lizzy Boring.
Press Release, Orleans County Department of Social Services
ALBION – As part of Foster Care Awareness Month, the Orleans County Department of Social Services held its annual Foster Parent Appreciation Dinner on Monday night at Dubby’s Tailgate in Albion to recognize the individuals and families who provide safe, supportive, and nurturing homes for children in need.
The evening was coordinated through the efforts of the department’s Homefinder, Elizabeth “Lizzy” Boring, and Foster Care/Preventive Supervisor, Lianna Sheffer, whose work helped create a meaningful opportunity to celebrate and thank local foster families.
During the evening, Michelle and Cory Lewis were honored with the Foster Parents of the Year Award in recognition of their dedication, compassion, and commitment to children and families.
“Their willingness to open their home and heart reflects the important role foster parents play in the lives of children experiencing difficult circumstances,” said Dr. Cyndi Stumer, Deputy Commissioner of Orleans County DSS.
While the evening was a celebration of those already serving as foster parents, it also highlighted an important community need. Orleans County, like many communities across the state and country, continues to experience a shortage of foster homes.
“Foster care is about much more than providing a place for a child to stay — it is about providing safety, stability, support, and hope,” said Stumer. “Our foster parents step forward during some of the most difficult moments in a child’s life, and we are incredibly grateful for them. As we recognize Foster Care Awareness Month, we also encourage members of our community to consider whether fostering may be right for them. One caring home can make a lasting difference.”
The Orleans County Department of Social Services said it extends its appreciation to all foster families and staff who work together to support children and strengthen families throughout our community.
For those interested in learning more about becoming a foster parent, please contact Lizzy at 585-589-3161 or visit the county website to fill out the Foster Care Inquiry Form (click here).
