ALBION – A Foodlink distribution that was cancelled on Monday morning in Albion has been rescheduled for Thursday (Feb. 12) beginning at 12:30 p.m.
Community Action of Orleans & Genesee helps run the distribution with community volunteers. Vehicles can park at 165 South Main St., the lot next to Dubby’s Tailgate, and wait to receive a box of food.
The Department of Motor Vehicles state-wide will be shutting down at 2 p.m. on Friday and upgrade and modernize their aging technology systems.
The DMVs expect to reopen on Wednesday morning after the Presidents Day weekend. The upgrades are the first segment of a new, modernized system to give customers better and more streamlined service, and to help DMV staff serve New Yorkers more efficiently, the state DMV said.
During this time, the state DMV will migrate about 30 million records to the new system and complete the transition to bring the first phase of the upgrade online. No DMV transactions will be able to be completed during this period, including through the state DMV website, and no one will be available to answer phones.
“With one consolidated, state-of-the-art system, we will be replacing hundreds of software applications, some of which date back to the days of Nelson Rockefeller,” said DMV Commissioner and Chair of the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee Mark J.F. Schroeder. “I truly believe it will give our staff the ability to serve New Yorkers better, faster, and more comprehensively than ever before.”
The DMV’s new modernized system will enable employees to process transactions effectively and efficiently in one secure platform rather than moving between outdated systems, further supporting the agency’s goal of one trip to an office and done, Schroeder said.
The new system will also bring additional online transactions, making it easier for New Yorkers to do what they need on their own time and from the comfort of their own homes. And it will help the agency implement future technology enhancements faster and more seamlessly.
In Orleans County, the DMV will close at 12:30 p.m. on Friday. Customers who are in line by 12:30 p.m. will be served. However, all DMV operations cease at 2 p.m. The office will remain closed on Monday and Tuesday.
“February tends to be a slower time of year for DMV offices across the state so this is the best time to implement the system but we understand this can still be an inconvenience for residents,” said Nadine Hanlon, the Orleans County clerk.
Contributed Photo – Kendall’s 1975-76 undefeated Section V Class C championship basketball team will be inducted into the Eagles Hall of Fame Thursday evening. In front are scorekeeper Cathy Herman, Bob D’Agostino, Gary Kludt, Tom Cole, Craig Wolf, Ed Gaesser and John Mikels. In back are Nate Bouie, Jim Gerbig, Phil D’Agostino, Joe Spann, Joe Vick, Roosevelt Bouie and Coach Dick Reynolds.
It was the Golden Age of boys basketball at Kendall High as from the 1972-73 season through the 1976-77 season the Eagles captured five straight Section V Class C championships compiling an overall record of 104-6 including 55 straight wins at one stretch.
Thursday evening, on the 50th anniversary of their accomplishment, the Eagles 1975-76 undefeated (22-0) sectional championship team will be inducted into the Kendall Athletic Hall of Fame. That team was honored as the No. 1 Class C team in the state in the New York State Sportswriters Association poll.
Coached by Dick Reynolds, the 1975-76 Eagles lineup included Roosevelt Bouie, Nate Bouie, Bob D’Agostino, Phil D’Agostino Ed Gaesser, Gary Kludt, Tom Cole, Jim Gerbig, Joe Vick, John Mikels, Craig Wolf and Joe Spann.
Kendall defeated Harley-Allendale-Columbia 73-55 in the championship game as senior Roosevelt Bouie earned his third straight Class C MVP award.
In route to the final the Eagles defeated Arkport 86-37 in the pre-quarterfinals, Avoca 87-41 in the quarterfinals and Geneva DeSales 77-43 in the semifinals.
During their memorable five year title run the Eagles went 19-3 during the 1972-73 season defeating Bloomfield 64-57 in the finals; 21-1 during the 1973-74 season downing Red Creek 74-47 in the finals; 22-0 during the 1974-75 season besting Mt Morris 64-51 in the finals, 22-0 during the 1975-76 season and 20-2 during the 1976-77 season topping Geneva DeSales 64-63 in the finals.
Interestingly, the Eagles undefeated (22-0) 1974-75 team was ranked second in the state in Class C by the NYSSWA poll.
Thursday’s induction ceremony is slated for halftime of the varsity game between Kendall and rival Holley which is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.
Press Release, NYS Association of Counties
New York’s counties are approaching a fiscal reckoning driven by looming federal cost shifts. That is the warning that the New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC) is set to deliver in testimony before the Joint Legislative Budget Hearing on Local and General Government later today.
In written testimony submitted in advance of the hearing, NYSAC urged the State to act decisively to protect local governments and property taxpayers from unprecedented federal policy changes set to take effect beginning in October 2026—most notably deep cuts in federal support for administering the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the imposition of steep error-rate penalties.
“New York’s counties are facing a fiscal reckoning,” said Stephen Acquario, executive director of the New York State Association of Counties. “Recent federal actions threaten to shift billions of dollars in new costs onto local governments and local taxpayers. Counties are not here to complain—we are here to partner—but without strong state action, these cost shifts will fall squarely on local property taxpayers and put essential services at risk.”
The testimony highlighted the central role counties play as the delivery system for nearly every state and federal program that touches New Yorkers’ daily lives, from public safety and public health to human services, infrastructure, and care for the most vulnerable residents.
NYSAC expressed support for several components of the Executive Budget, including the continuation of the cap on local Medicaid costs, which they emphasized remains the foundation of county fiscal stability, saving counties and New York City billions of dollars annually.
At the same time, counties stressed that holding the line on state cost shifts alone will not be enough to offset the unprecedented federal changes bearing down on local budgets—particularly in SNAP administration, where counties could face hundreds of millions of dollars annually in new costs and potential benefit error-rate penalties totaling more than $1 billion statewide.
“Counties are being asked to absorb federal decisions that we did not make and cannot control,” said NYSAC President Phil Church. “If the State does not step in as a partner, these costs will translate directly into higher property taxes or painful cuts to core services that communities depend on. Protecting affordability for New Yorkers means protecting counties from these federal actions.”
In addition to immediate federal challenges, the testimony called for reforms to long-standing systems that continue to strain county budgets, including Raise the Age reimbursement, competency restoration under CPL § 730, Safety Net cost sharing, delayed Early Intervention payments owed to counties, and staffing challenges driven by outdated workforce rules.
NYSAC also urged the Legislature to make strategic investments in emergency medical services planning, public health programs, farmland protection, procurement modernization, and infrastructure initiatives that strengthen local economies and community resilience.
“The state-county partnership has never been more critical,” Acquario added. “Counties stand ready with solutions, experience, and a deep commitment to serving New Yorkers—but we cannot navigate this moment alone. The final Enacted Budget must reflect a shared responsibility to protect taxpayers and preserve the services people rely on in every corner of the state.”
MEDINA – Families who purchased “Hometown Hero” banners for the first time in 2023 may now take them home to keep.
Mary Woodruff, who originated and runs the banner program in Medina, will be at the conference room at the village clerk’s office on Park Avenue from 9 a.m. top 4:30 p.m. on Thursday for family and friends who want to pick up their veteran’s banner.
Those who wish to have banners mailed to them may contact Woodruff at (585) 798-4438 or by e-mailing mbwoodruff16@gmail.com.
Information on purchasing a banner for spring and summer 2026 will be forthcoming in an article on Orleans Hub in the near future.
Ryan Armstrong
ALBION – The driver of a U-Haul truck that plunged into the Erie canal, leading to death of his passenger, pleaded guilty to second-degree manslaughter in Orleans County Court this morning.
Ryan A. Armstrong, 43, admitted to reckless conduct that resulted in the death of Reginald Russell, 56, on Sept. 2.
That day Armstrong was driver a U-Haul truck in a high-speed chase that ended in the Erie Canal in the Town of Murray, east of Holley and Bennetts Corners Road.
Armstrong is accused of stealing items from the Walgreens in Brockport at about 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 2. He and his passenger were putting merchandise in a U-Haul truck when law enforcement were called, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office after Armstrong’s arrest.
Monroe County Sheriff’s deputies and Brockport police officers attempted to stop the vehicle once it was on the move but Armstrong refused, leading law enforcement on a pursuit throughout the west side of Monroe County and into Orleans County.
Armstrong eventually drove onto the Erie Canal path in the Town of Murray and suddenly veered the vehicle into the canal.
“Were you aware that your conduct could result in someone’s death?” Orleans County Court Judge Sanford Church asked Armstrong in court today.
“Yes sir,” he responded.
The judge said the charge of second-degree manslaughter is a C felony where someone’s gross deviation of what a normal person would do results in another person’s death.
Judge Church asked Armstrong if he wanted to plead guilty to the charge, noting his conduct in a high-speed chase and driving into the canal.
Armstrong responded yes, and will face up to 4 to 8 years in state prison when he is sentenced at 9:30 a.m. on April 15. The charge would normally have a maximum of 7 ½ to 15 years in state prison. Armstrong has served three previous prison sentences for other felonies.
He has been in the Orleans County Jail since his arrest with bail at $100,000 cash, $200,000 insurance bond or $500,000 partially secured bond at 10 percent.
Russell was seen exiting the U-Haul on Sept. 2 but went under in the murky water and drown.
Two of Reginald Russell’s siblings attended the court appearance today. Astin Benton said his older brother is deeply missed by his family.
“He was a loving brother, a loving uncle and a caring father,” Benton said.
He would like to see Armstrong get the maximum sentence on April 15, and would have preferred even more time than in the plea agreement.
“My brother was free spirited,” Benton said. “He was the oldest brother and he left bigger shoes that I can’t fit or wear.”
Photo by Tom Rivers: Astin Benton shows the back of a sweatshirt showing his older brother, Reggie Russell at far right, with his family members.
Press Release, Albion and Medina Central School Districts
ALBION/MEDINA – It was over 130 years ago when the Albion and Medina high school football rivalry first ignited. Now, a new era is set to begin on a united front.
Both the Albion CSD and Medina CSD Board of Education voted this week to combine the school’s football programs in preparation for the 2026 fall football season. At the Feb. 9 Albion CSD Board of Education meeting, the Board voted unanimously in favor of merging the programs. At the Feb. 10 Medina meeting, the Board subsequently followed suit.
This decision follows suit of approximately 90 high schools in Section V and VI who currently participate in merged football programs. These mergers were prompted by similar challenges including declining school enrollment and declining extracurricular participation trends. These challenges affect the school’s ability to maintain a safe, competitive, and developmentally appropriate program for student-athletes.
“The best interests of our students need to always remain top of mind,” said John Kast, Albion Board of Education vice president. “Both schools are familiar with the power of community and we believe that bringing our communities together to work toward the same goal will only make us stronger.”
“As leaders in the community, we have a duty and responsibility to make decisions based on what is best for our students,” said Donnell Holloway, Medina Board of Education member. “Coming together and putting the rivalry aside is a win for our students as well as our community.”
The teams will be combined at all three levels, modified, junior varsity and varsity. Teams need to have a minimum of 16 players. The projected participation for 2026 with a merged team includes 35 at modified, 40 at junior varsity and 29 at varsity.
“We are looking forward to providing a safe and competitive program for our student-athletes,” said Eric Valley, Medina athletic director and varsity football coach. “We hope to foster an exciting environment where school pride, comradery and lifelong friendships can flourish.”
The merger has been an ongoing discussion, becoming more urgent as the section VI deadline approached this month. Both schools were already forced to eliminate their JV programs and have continuously struggled to field full practices. They have already worked collaboratively to host joint practices on multiple occasions last season.
“Like many schools, we have been facing a tiring uphill battle,” said Mickey Edwards, Albion CSD superintendent and alum of Albion’s football program. “We are optimistic that this decision will help ensure long-term program sustainability and offer higher-calibre opportunities.”
Finalized branding including the team name, logo and colors will be shared at a later date. Details on what division the teams will play in are not yet confirmed. The schools are planning for a 5-year agreement, giving the new program time to develop and a better chance of success.
Each school will host two games at all levels, including their own homecoming. Sectional playoff games will alternate between schools. Practices will be split as evenly as possible between the two districts. Each district will be responsible for hiring coaches to represent their district and each level will have coaches from each district.
Photo by Tom Rivers: Mollie Mark, assistant principal at Medina Junior-Senior High School, goes over data on student discipline that shows a drop in referrals since students have been banned from using their cell phones during the school day.
MEDINA – It was just over a year ago when the Medina Junior-Senior High School implemented a “bell to bell” cell phone ban in the school.
Medina started the new policy in January 2025, the beginning of the second semester. The district was ahead of the state which imposed its own state-wide cell phone ban in schools beginning in September at the start of the new school year.
Medina has seen a drop in student discipline referrals since instituting the new cell phone policy, and students report they are better able to focus on their studies. The hallways and cafeteria also are much noisier, which is a good sign that students are talking and laughing with their classmates rather than scrolling on their phones, said Mollie Mark, the school’s assistant principal.
She and Michael Cavanaugh, the junior-senior high principal, presented data to the Board of Education on Tuesday about student discipline and phone violations.
Discipline Data – first semester from September to January
Phone violations
The school policy sets the following discipline for students who violate the cell phone policy:
• First Offense – Student delivers device to the main office and may pick it up at the end of the day.
• Second Offense – Student delivers device to the main office and is held for parent pick-up.
• Third Offense – Student delivers device to the main office and is held for parent pick up. A conference is then held and a contract is put into place with the parent/guardian.
Cavanaugh told the board there has been a “transformative change” in the school building since the new policy started. Students have to keep all devices silenced and in their lockers for the duration of the school day – from 7:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. That includes cell phones, earbuds/headphones, tablets and smartwatches. (The only exceptions to this policy are with a note provided by a medical doctor and the approval of school administration.)
Cavanaugh interviewed students on video about the policy change and showed their responses.
“People are interacting more with each other rather than sitting on their phone,” one male student said.
Other students said the school atmosphere is much more calmer.
“Everyone gets along better,” the male student said.
Students aren’t recording each other or posting on social media about other students during the school day, reducing a lot of anxiety among students.
“It’s easier to pay attention in class,” another male student said. “It’s less stressful.”
A female high school student said she is better able to focus on her classwork and made the honor for the first two marking periods this school year.
“It’s less stressful because I’m not constantly checking the phone,” she said.
Improving to 11-5, Kendall downed visiting Byron-Bergen 65-45 in a Genesee Region League boys baskeball game this evening.
CJ D’Agostino scored a game high 22, Vinnie D’Agostino 16, Noah Morehouse and Jonny Conte with 10 each and Sammy Conte 7 to lead the way for the Eagles.
Finishing with double-doubles, Morehouse also grabbed off 16 rebounds and CJ D’Agostino 11.
Cody Carlson and Joe Brumstead each had 19 for Byron-Bergen.
The Eagles led 16-13 at the end of the first quarter and 29-23 at the half before pulling away to a commanding 20 point, 51-31, advantage at the end of the third period.
Kendall will next host rival Holley at 7 p.m. Thursday. At halftime the Eagles 1975-76 undefeated Section V champion basketball team will be inducted into the school’s athletic Hall of Fame.
Akron stayed in contention to earn at least a share of the Niagara-Orleans League girls basketball title by downing visiting Medina 52-32 this evening.
Improving to 9-2, Akron will now close out the N-O season by hosting front-running defending champion Wilson (10-1) on Friday needing a win to earn a share of the title.
Olivia Novak scored 16, Abby Gerstung 12 and Clara Bodgan 11 for Akron.
Alexa Demmer scored 17 and Samantha Heschke 8 for Medina.
In the other N-O games, Wilson defeated Albion 61-46 and Newfane downed Roy-Hart 52-47.
Aaliyah Jones scored 13, Melia Prince 11, Jocelyn Friedl 7 and Madison Muckle and Leah Pawlak 6 each for Albion.
Julia Noonan scored 21 and Ali-Leena Golden 11 to lead Newfane.
Adella Dukes scored a game high 23, Millie Owens 7 and Peyton May 6 for Roy-Hart.
N-O Standings: Wilson 10-1, Akron 9-2, Albion 7-6, Roy-Hart 5-6, Medina 4-7, Newfane 3-8, Barker 1-10.
This graphic was presented by Medina football coach and athletic director Eric Valley as the possible name and colors of the new Albion and Medina football program.
MEDINA – The Medina Mustangs and Albion Purple Eagles will be joining forces on the football field this fall after more than a century as bitter rivals.
The Medina Board of Education this evening approved a five-year agreement with Albion on a merged football program. The Albion Board of Education approved the merger on Monday.
Both school districts will pay 50 percent of the program costs the first two years, and then the funding shares will be based on the percentage of each district’s student participation among the players in the program in years 3 to 5.
Both schools have declining numbers of students playing football. They haven’t been able to field junior varsity teams, and Medina nearly went to 8-man football last season before going back to 11-man football just before the start of the season.
Eric Valley, Medina’s varsity head coach and the district’s athletic director, said the two schools have held joint practices in recent years. He remembers talking with Albion coaches in those practices, saying the two programs worked well together.
Valley is expected to lead the new merged program. He would like the team to be called the “O.C. Rivals” with gray, black and maroon in the colors. The logo could have two shovels, representing the two communities that began to flourish after the digging of the Erie Canal two centuries ago.
Valley said the merged team will likely be a Class B school. He is projecting the two schools will have 29 players for varsity, 40 for JV, and 35 for modified. That is enough to have a competitive program with a focus on student safety, he said. Medina and Albion needed to play some kids up a level when they may not have been ready due to a shortage of players.
The teams will alternate practicing at each school after every week. Both schools are expected to host two home games.
“We’re pretty optimistic,” Valley said after a unanimous vote from the Medina Board of Education. “We think we have a good core of kids and both schools have beautiful facilities. ”
Valley said five of the six coaches will be back from Medina’s team. He knows at least one will return from Albion.
The football program will be hosting an informational meeting at 6 p.m. this Thursday in Albion for players and parents and will soon be doing one in Medina.
He wants to form the staff for the program and advise players on off-season workouts.
He is pleased the two schools have joined forces and football will continue for Albion and Medina.
“Some people don’t like change but the alternative was no football,” he said.
Undefeated Wilson locked up outright possession of the Niagara-Orleans League boys basketball championship with a 58-45 win over visiting Albion this evening.
The N-O championship is the first since the 2014-2015 season for Wilson which improves to 11-0 in league competition.
Aidan Neumann took game high scoring honors with 24 for the Lakemen as Shamus George and Chase Martin both added 9. Neumann tallied 15 in the second half.
Tyler Cody scored 13, Nate Gibson 12 and Elijah Doxey 7 for the Purple Eagles which finish the N-O season at 6-6.
Wilson led 12-9 at the end of the first quarter, 27-18 at the half and 40-31 at the end of the third period.
Newfane 53, Roy-Hart 39
Newfane topped Roy-Hart 53-39 in the other N-O contest as Isaac Zachary scored 15 and Kasey Wheat and Camlo Flowers 12 each.
Vinnie Fazzio scored 17 and Matt Aquilina 16 for Roy-Hart.
Alexander 79, Barker 48
Carson Marvin scored 15, Donovan Hefferon 14 and Carson Schwab 8 for Barker in the 79-48 non league loss to Alexander.
N-O Standings: Wilson 11-0, Akron 9-2, Medina 6-5, Albion 6-6, Newfane 5-6, Barker 1-10, Roy-Hart 1-10.
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Akron’s Derren Brooks puts up a shot over Medina defender Avion Johnson during the Tigers win over the host Mustangs this evening.
In a tight sea-saw battle, Akron scored the game’s final 8 points to earn a 64-58 win over host Medina in a Niagara-Orleans League boys basketball contest this evening.
Trailing 58-56, Akron rallied to claim the win as Derren Brooks had two baskets and a free throw and Blake Gerstung followed up with a victory clinching three.
Blake Gerstung finished with a game high 20, Brooks 18 and Ben Gerstung 17 to lead the Tigers which outscored the Mustangs 17-9 in the decisive final period. Ace Abrams added 5 and Brodie Hill and Jackson Pragle 2 each for the Tigers. Blake Gerstung had a total of 4 threes and Ben Gerstung 3.
Preston Woodworth led Medina with 15 as Carlos Doval added 9, Christian Moss 8, Jerrell Nealy 7, Avion Johnson and Kendrick Russaw 6 each, Kolton Fletcher 5 and Jayzon Wills 2.
Akron grabbed a slender 20-19 lead at the end of the first quarter which saw 2 ties and 4 lead changes. In all the contest had a total of 9 ties and 9 lead changes.
Blake Gerstung and Ben Gerstung both scored 7 in the opening stanza as they each had a three.
All five of Medina’s baskets in the period were threes including two by Woodworth and one each by Moss, Fletcher and Johnson.
The Tigers maintained a five point, 37-32, lead at the half as Blake Gerstung scored 10 in the second period, including a pair of threes, and Ben Gerstung 7, also including a three.
The Mustangs though answered with a 17-10 third period scoring edge to rally into a 49-47 lead. Doval spearheaded that rally with 8 points including a three.
That set the stage for a back-and-forth fourth quarter which saw three ties and as many lead changes.
Medina went up by five, 52-47, at the outset on a three by Woodworth.
Akron answered with a 7-0 run on baskets by Brooks and Hill and a three by Ben Gerstung to regain a 54-52 lead.
The Mustangs answered right back with a 6-3 run to regain the lead for what proved to be the last time at 58-56 on baskets by Wills, Russaw and Woodworth.
However, the last rally 8-0 and the win belonged to the Tigers led by Brooks who scored 5 during that run and 9 of his 18 in the final stanza.
The tense fourth quarter was marred by a fight in the stands which spilled out onto one corner of the court and held up play for about 10 minutes.
Akron improves to 9-2 in N-O action while Medina slips to 6-5.
The Tigers will host front-running Wilson and the Mustangs will visit Newfane at 6:30 p.m. Friday to close out the N-O campaign.
Akron’s Ben Gerstung tries to block a shot by Medina’s Jerrel Nealy.
This is a photo of a print out of a rendering of the proposed Dollar General store in Albion on East Avenue across from the high school.
ALBION – The Village of Albion Planning Board will take comments from the public about the site plan for a new Dollar General on Route 31 across from the high school.
The public hearing will be 5 p.m. on Thursday at the Village Office, 35-37 East Bank St.
The Broadway Group LLC from Huntsville Ala. is seeking to build the new store at 327 East Ave. The company is proposing a single-story 10,566-square-foot building with parking, storm water management, lighting, landscaping and connection to public utilities.
The 1.12-acre site is owned by Chris Kinter, the village’s code enforcement officer. Kinter has recused himself from the application and review.
The Broadway Group plans to demolish the existing structure, a former auto garage and vehicle maintenance facility. The site is currently used to park school buses.
The village Zoning Board of Appeals on Sept. 9 approved a variance for the project, allowing Dollar General to have 35 parking spaces instead of the 53 required for a store that size. Albion’s zoning calls for one parking space for every 200 square feet of a retail store.
The Broadway Group said having 35 parking spaces will allow for more green space on the site.
