Orleans municipalities approved for $86K waterfront revitalization grant

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 December 2025 at 10:14 am

County nearly shut out from $463 million in funding from Regional Economic Development Council

Photo by Tom Rivers: Several anglers fish near the dam in Lyndonville on Oct. 28, 2021. Many Chinook salmon were jumping up in Johnson Creek. The area draws many visiting fishermen during the fall tributary season.

Gov. Kathy Hochul announced $463 million in funding around the state on Dec. 23 in grants approved through the Regional Economic Development Councils plus the new Advancing Collaboration for High-impact Initiatives for Economic Visions & Expansion competition — or ACHIEVE Competition.

Orleans County is in the Finger Lakes REDC and was approved for an $86,250 grant to develop Local Waterfront Revitalization Programs for the towns of Kendall, Carlton, Yates and Village of Lyndonville. Those municipalities will work with the Genesee/Finger Lakes Regional Planning Council to complete draft Local Waterfront Revitalization Programs for each municipality.

“The LWRPs will revitalize waterfronts along Lake Ontario, Oak Orchard Creek, Johnson Creek, Marsh Creek and Bald Eagle Creek,” according to the announcement from the state. “Issues to be addressed include revitalization, erosion, transportation and water quality.”

The Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council, which serves both Genesee and Orleans, was approved for a $75,000 grant to market cultural festivals in the two counties. The grant will go towards “a strategic, multi-platform marketing campaign and tourism app integration, aimed at increasing regional visitation and economic impact.”

Close to Orleans County, Brightly Farms LLC in Hamlin was approved for $316,860 towards a new cold storage for the short-term preservation of crops from October through March.

“This building retrofit will be designed to be carbon neutral, with no usage of fossil fuels via all-electric equipment,” according to the grant announcement. “There will be a 154 kilowatt (kW) rooftop solar photovoltaic system to offset the building’s energy usage. An improved building envelope and energy control for lighting and climate will allow Brightly Farm to maximize energy efficiency and eliminate wasted energy.”

The Village of Barker in eastern Niagara County was approved for $1.5 million to replace the existing undersized and deteriorating storm sewer infrastructure.

Becker Farms in Gasport, Niagara County, was approved for $100,000 to launch a strategic tourism marketing campaign to promote its eco-lodging, agritourism experiences, and year-round events driving visitation, job creation, and regional economic growth in rural Niagara County. The project highlights sustainable agriculture, experiential travel, and community revitalization in Western New York, according to the grant announcement.

Foodlink in Rochester, which serves Orleans and nine other counties, was approved for a $440,000 grant. Foodlink will undertake renovations to include a cafeteria/auditorium with event seating to host community and partner engagement events including trainings and Benefits Navigation work helping individuals enroll and maintain their SNAP and WIC benefits to increase access to healthy food. The project will increase capacity and better position Foodlink to respond more effectively to rising food insecurity in the region, according to the grant award.

Another grant that may be of interest in Orleans County, the Village of Red Creek with population of about 500 in Wayne County, was approved for a $50,000 grant to complete a “Comprehensive Economic Development Plan” to help revitalize and strengthen the village’s downtown core.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced the $463 million in funding on Tuesday. Long Island, the Mohawk Valley, New York City and the Southern Tier were chosen as winners of the inaugural $150 million Advancing Collaboration for High-impact Initiatives for Economic Visions & Expansion competition — or ACHIEVE Competition.

Additionally, nearly 400 projects across the state have been awarded over $300 million in funding through the various state agency programs within the annual Regional Council initiative and Consolidated Funding Application, which Hochul said have been redesigned to help catalyze economic growth, jump-start housing growth, and advance regionally designed strategic plans, while addressing state priorities.

St. Bona basketball spotlights senior walk-on Holley High grad Brock Ostrom

Contributed Story Posted 25 December 2025 at 8:33 am

Contributed Photos – Holley graduate Brock Ostrom is in his senior year as a walk-on at St. Bonaventure.

By: Owen Albright, Athletics Communications Graduate Assistant

For many Division I college basketball players, the recruiting process comes naturally. Prospective student-athletes begin to withdraw from competing in other sports as programs show interest and coaches battle to position themselves as front runners for commits.

For St. Bonaventure men’s basketball senior Broek Ostrom, this was not the case.

A native of Holley, N.Y., the four-year Bonnie followed an unusual path to D-I hoops, unconventionally finding himself wearing the Brown and White for the first time as a freshman walk-on during the 2022-23 season.

Brock Ostrom

“I didn’t market myself very much for basketball, so I had no offers from junior colleges, D-III schools, or anything like that,” Ostrom said. “Coming from a small school, it’s hard to get attention anyway unless you play AAU or you’re in the local circuit.”

Though Ostrom was Holley High School’s clear-cut best player, a 10-10 regular season record in his senior year combined with a graduating class size of roughly 60 kept his name out of recruiting contention.

Despite a lack of collegiate attention, Ostrom racked up numbers at the high school level.

Playing in Section 5, Class C1 he averaged 27 points and eight rebounds per game in his senior year, reaching 575 total points in one year. He also posted a 51-point single-game performance to set the school record. Since this success did not stimulate recruitment in the basketball world, Ostrom decided to move on and continue his involvement in other athletics and activities.

A pitcher on the baseball diamond, he struck out 55 batters in 41 innings during his senior season. He also compiled a .565 batting average, going 26-for-46 with 20 runs scored and 20 RBIs. “In baseball, we weren’t very good, but I still had a great time because I loved pitching and fielding,” Ostrom said.

He played football for the first time as a junior, giving him insight into learning a new sport. “I played safety, wide receiver, and punter. I had a great time doing it. It was definitely a different feel and look at practices, so it gave me a better view of how football works,” Ostrom said.

Ostrom first planned on playing soccer when he came to St. Bonaventure.
Soccer was arguably Ostrom’s top sport behind basketball as he played varsity for three years as a goalkeeper. He was ranked in Section 5 with some of the most saves in the league, also helping lead Holley to the sectional finals.

When he started his Bonaventure career, he first planned on attempting to make Bonnies soccer his priority.

“I was planning on coming to Bonaventure to try out for the men’s soccer team originally,” he said. “When I got to school and moved in, I realized I had missed those tryouts. So I just planned on being a regular student, and I joined club baseball and club lacrosse as other activities to do outside of school. Then I saw that basketball tryouts were open, and I would’ve kicked myself if I didn’t end up trying. So, I tried out and ended up making the team, and I’ve been here ever since.”

Though the gameday role for a walk-on may look different from that of a player on scholarship, Ostrom still puts in the same amount of work behind the scenes. Participating in lifts and practice and traveling to games are universal responsibilities for all players on the team, and though he may not run as many plays in practice, Ostrom still uses that time to soak up everything going on around him.

“The most difficult part is realizing that you’re not going to play in the majority of games, and when you do, it’s only for a couple of minutes,” Ostrom said. “But I’ve learned to look past that and enjoy practices much more as my game time. The most rewarding part is learning under Coach Schmidt because I’m trying to be a coach, and learning under such a high-level coach has impacted my game knowledge in many ways.”

Ostrom sees the opportunity to learn under the Bonnies coaching staff as a key reason why he has stayed with the team for four years.

“I’m always thinking for the future. I know I’m not going to get consistent minutes here, but I’m just thinking about trying to be the best version of myself that I can be on and off the court,” he said. “Sometimes I’ll forget that, and that’s when I go through lows, but when I realize that everything I’m doing right now is going to pay off in the future, that’s what keeps me going.”

With intentions of moving into the college basketball coaching world post-graduation, Ostrom sees his time with the Bonnies as a precursor to a fulfilling career.

“I’m trying to go into college basketball coaching,” he said. “In that sense, I’m just trying to better my understanding of the game and how the inner operations work. That’s my main focal point.”

Despite a myriad of other athletic and academic hobbies and an unlikely route to Division I hoops, Ostrom said he has found his home on the Bonnies men’s basketball team.

“I feel like this is the most rewarding thing I could’ve done. I wouldn’t change a thing.”

Editor’s Note: This article written by Athletics Communications Graduate Assistant Owen Albright and photos are being reprinted courtesy of St. Bonaventure University basketball.

Brock Ostrom in action for St. Bona against Bloomsburg.

It will be a green Christmas in Orleans County

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 December 2025 at 7:22 pm

Photo by Tom Rivers: The Francis family on Platt Street in Albion for many years has put out many Christmas decorations for the holiday season.

If you’re dreaming of a white Christmas, you’re going to be disappointed on Thursday.

You won’t see much snow on the ground in Orleans County. Most of what we had from about a week ago has melted.

The high for Christmas will be 37 degrees. That is quite the contrast from three years ago when a blizzard Orleans County on Dec. 23, 2022. That storm claimed the lives of about 50 people in Western New York.

On Friday, we could get some snow, possibly 2 to 4 inches with a high near 27.

The highs then include 32 on Saturday and 41 on Sunday, according to the National Weather Service in Buffalo.

Two Albion grads competing at SUNY Oswego

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 24 December 2025 at 10:32 am

Contributed Photos – Albion graduates Cami London, left, and Willow Gaines are now competing collegiately at SUNY Oswego.

Two Albion High graduates are now competing collegiately at SUNY Oswego, one on the ice and one in the pool.

Cami London is a freshman member of the Oswego women’s hockey team and Willow Gaines is a freshman members of the Lady Lakers swim team.

London prepped for her collegiate hockey career by playing for several years with the national level Amherst Lady Knights.

She was also a multi year starter in soccer, basketball and softball at Albion High earning All-League honors in all three.

Gaines is competing in the 50 Freestyle, 100 Free, 200 Free Relay and 200 Medley Relay for Oswego.

During her scholastic days at Albion Gaines competed in swimming and track.

During her senior year Gaines placed first in the 100 Breaststroke, tied for first in the 50 Free at the Niagara-Orleans All-League meet and also helped Albion win the 200 Free Relay.

27 more graduate from Leadership Orleans

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 December 2025 at 10:00 am

203 have now completed program since 2018

Photos by Tom Rivers: Marcy Boyce, office manager for Arc GLOW in Albion, is congratulated for completing the 2025 Leadership Orleans program. She also received citations of commendation from the Orleans County Legislature, and offices of Assemblyman Steve Hawley and State Sen. Rob Ortt. From include County legislator Skip Draper, representing Ortt; Jayleen Carney, Hawley’s chief of staff; and Lynne Johnson, County Legislature chairman.

LYNDONVILLE – The eighth class of Leadership Orleans has completing the year-long program, bringing the total grads to 203 since the program started in 2018.

The class met monthly, building leadership skills and gaining knowledge, experiences and connecting with people from many different sectors in the community. The class spent different days focused on agriculture, non-profit organizations, government services, small and larger businesses, law enforcement, tourism, arts and culture, community health and economic development.

The class visited 33 sites around the county and heard from 56 presenters.

The class voted Captain’s Cove in Waterport as their favorite place to visit. They were able to ride on pontoon boats and explore the Oak Orchard River.

Charlie Nesbitt, a retired state assemblyman and helicopter pilot in the Vietnam War, was voted as presenter of the year. Nesbitt is on the steering committee for Leadership Orleans and helped to launch the program.

He shared with the class about harrowing rides on the helicopter to save fellow American soldiers and children in Vietnam.

Kelly Kiebala holds a portrait of a child from Vietnam that Charlie Nesbitt was able to transport to safety by helicopter. Nesbitt, left, shared that story with the class when he was a presenter during the year. The class named him “Presenter of the Year” for his inspiring message. Kiebala and Nesbitt are both on the steering committee for Leadership Orleans.

Nesbitt served in Vietnam from May 1968 to May 1969. He awarded the “Distinguished Flying Cross” for his valor on Nov. 14, 1968when he and his crew members were told an American soldier was stranded in enemy territory in the jungles of Laos, across the border from Vietnam.

Another helicopter had been hit with a rocket and crashed. The crew needed to be rescued. Nesbitt flew a helicopter in and got out everyone, except one gunman, John Grimaldi, who was separated from his crew. That day he took the recovered crew members back to safety, and then returned to enemy territory to find Grimaldi.

Nesbitt told the class he is a big believer in Leadership Orleans. He was in a similar program as a young man after the Vietnam War. That program in Rochester “changed the direction in my life,” he said.

He said Leadership Orleans will have an impact on them in their work and family lives.

“If your life is better, all of our lives will be better,” he said during the graduation program on Dec. 11 at the White Birch in Lyndonville.

A new class with 26 members starts in January. Leadership Orleans also offers a “Level Up” program for graduates to continue to hone their leadership skills and build their network.

Lynne Johnson, chairwoman of the County Legislature, thanked the class members for investing the time to learn about county and to better equip themselves to be forces for good.

Johnson urged them to keep maintaining the personal relationships they built over the past year.

“Never hesitate to engage with those who share different opinions,” Johnson said. “Welcome the discussion. Often times you will find there are more areas of agreement than you think.”

“Great leaders who build those personal connections will be followed – not because of a title or position – but because they are trusted. And that is true leadership.”

The program receives a stipend from the county, and there are 20 other community sponsors of programs throughout the year. The class members also pay tuition to be in Leadership Orleans.

Kathy Hodgins, chief executive officer of UConnectCare, was named Alumnus of the Year. Hodgins was in the inaugural class of 2018. She started 23 years ago with the agency, formerly known as GCASA. She began as a chemical dependency counselor in 2002 and worked her was up to becoming CEO.

The 27 members of the class representing several sectors in the community, including agriculture, education, human services, government, business and volunteerism

The program aims to build the “citizen capital” of the community, helping develop leaders who are educated on the many facets of the community.

This year’s graduates include:

Trisha Allen, project director for UConnectCare Behavioral Health Services in Albion
Jami Allport, executive director of the Genesee-Orleans Ministry of Concern
Tyler Baker, technical resource manager for Lake Ontario Fruit in Albion
Marissa Bell, social scientist for U.S. Department of Energy
Marcy Boyce, office manager for Arc GLOW in Albion
Candace Casey, coordinator of work-based learning at Iroquois Job Corps in Shelby
Aeddon Cayea, deputy director of United Way of Orleans County
Wendy Cruz, manager of Project Salus, a program of Community Action of Orleans & Genesee
Jodi Fisher, program director for GO Art!
Alishia Foss, resource specialist for Community Action of Orleans & Genesee
Randy Heslor, production supervisor for The Print Shop in Medina
Tim Ingrassia, operational excellence manager for Baxter Healthcare
Riki Lake, logistics/finance for CHPC in Medina
Ryan Lasal, director of programming for Community Action of Orleans & Genesee
Becky Manfreda, assistant superintendent of instruction for Albion Central School
Kristine Mostyn, director of Lee-Whedon Memorial Library in Medina
Amanda Nash, transportation director for Western New York Energy
Kevin Neureuter Jr., director of IT for Orleans County
Alana Palone, clinic administrator for Orleans Community Health
Jillian Peracciny, public information assistant for Orleans/Niagara BOCES
Abby Smith, literacy director for Cornell Cooperative Extension in Orleans County
Alyssa Thomas, clinic/SPOA coordinator for Orleans County Mental Health Clinic
Quinton VerCruysee, equipment operations manager for Orchard Dale Fruit Company in Carlton
Michael Weller, library assistant at Hoag Library in Albion
Nick Wetherwax, senior director technical solutions at Info Advantage Inc. in Rochester
Bryce Wilson, farmer with Panek Farms in Albion
Corey Winters, director of Orleans County Department of Planning and Development

Nick Wetherwax (left), senior director of Technical Solutions, Info Advantage, Inc., and Riki Lake, Logistics/Finance for CHPC, were picked by the class to be the presenters and reflect on the year’s highlights. Lake won the award for winning the most points throughout the year for different competitions and activities.

Both said they learned so much about Orleans County and felt a strong bond with their classmates.

Wetherwax, 35, said he was particularly impressed visiting many of the local farmers and agricultural businesses to see how they are using technology and adapting.

Michael Weller, a library assistant at Hoag Library, is congratulated for completing the program. He is the seventh Hoag staff member to graduate from Leadership Orleans.

Weller, 36, said the year proved eye-opening. The tour of the ethanol plant in Medina was a highlight.

“It’s so big and so technical,” Weller said about Western New York Energy. “It was really cool to see.”

Jami Allport, executive director of the Genesee Orleans Ministry of Concern, said she made strong connections with other class members, resulting in collaborations to serve the community.

She noted how her agency, GOMOC, has teamed with Community Action in some initiatives. She and Ryan Lasal, director of Programming for Community Action of Orleans & Genesee, are both in the class. They are also Albion graduates from the same era.

Allport said a tour of the county jail was a strong memory.

Lasal, 40, said he expects many in the class will continue to work together on projects serving the community.

“This has been a great opportunity to parter with other organizations in the county,” Lasal said.

Randy Heslor, production supervisor of the The Print Shop in Medina, was among the graduates.

Kristine Mostyn, director of Lee-Whedon Memorial Library in Medina, walks up to accept her certificates for completing Leadership Orleans.

Amanda Nash, commodity & transportation manager for Western New York Energy, completed the year-long Leadership Orleans.

Hawley backs Blakeman for governor in race against Hochul

Posted 24 December 2025 at 9:09 am

Press Release, Assemblyman Steve Hawley

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) issued the following statement in response to Congresswoman Elise Stefanik’s announcement that she is exiting the race for governor of New York.

“Congresswoman Stefanik has been a powerful and principled voice for New York and our nation, and her decision to step aside from the governor’s race is disappointing to many of us who believed she would bring the bold leadership our state desperately needs, but I completely understand and respect her desire to spend more time with her family” said Hawley. “Like so many of my colleagues, I want to thank her for her years of service and for her willingness to step forward at a critical moment for New York.”

Hawley echoed sentiments expressed by leaders across the state who praised Stefanik for clearly identifying the direction New York has taken under the current administration, a direction defined by rising costs, declining public safety, runaway spending and an increasingly rigid, top-down approach to energy policy that forces an all-electric agenda onto families, businesses, schools and local governments.

Hawley stressed that New York needs a drastic change in executive leadership to stop the bleeding and restore balance, accountability and opportunity.

“That’s why I have full confidence that Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman is the prescription New York needs,” Hawley said. “He understands how to apply tight fiscal policy by cutting waste, restoring public safety and promoting economic growth without crushing taxpayers. Blakeman has shown what responsible leadership looks like, and I believe he can bring that same discipline and results to the governor’s office.”

“New York is at a crossroads,” Hawley concluded. “We can continue down the same failed path, or we can choose real leadership that puts people, affordability, and freedom first. I remain committed to fighting for that change.”

Assemblyman Steve Hawley represents the 139th Assembly District, which includes parts of Erie, Genesee, Monroe, and Orleans counties.

Kludt third in state in corn yield contest, tops 300 bushels

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 December 2025 at 9:22 pm

KENDALL – Matt Kludt of Kludt Brothers Farm is back on the leaderboard among the top corn growers in the state.

Kludt finished third in New York with 307.8705 bushels in strip-till, minimum-till, mulch-till, ridge-till non-irrigated class.

Matthew Swede of Piffard was first at 311.2497 bushels, with Ryan Swede of Pavilion second at 309.0837 bushels.

Kludt won the state title three straight from 2014 to 2016.

The National Corn Growers Association has held the yield contest for 61 years. This year there were nearly 7,800 entries from farmers in 47 states. Entrants across 10 production categories had verified yields averaging 269 bushels per acre.

The highest yield for the year came out of Charles City, Virginia – 572.2589 bushels per acre in Class H (strip-till irrigated) for David Hula.

“The Yield Contest is really about finding out what this crop is capable of,” said Ohio grower and NCGA President Jed Bower. “And as corn farmers, we get to show what we’re made of, too. It challenges participants to find innovative ways to succeed and contribute to decades of agronomic data that prove that American farmers are great at what we do.”

The winners will be honored at the Commodity Classic in San Antonio, Texas, from February 25-27.

Roy-Hart/Barker wrestlers down Albion

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 23 December 2025 at 8:49 pm

Five pins sparked Roy-Hart/Barker to a 38-28 win at Albion in a Niagara-Orleans League wrestling match this evening.

Remington Marohn (132), Luke Fay (150), Lincoln Murray (175), Aaden Munn (190) and Liam Silsby (215) all notched pins for Roy-Hart/Barker which also got a technical fall win by RJ Townsend (285) and a decision win by Max Liuzzi (103).

Stryker Sanders (118), Drake Schomske (126) and Jaxon Lynch (165) all registered pins for Albion as Parker Roberts (144) had a major decision win.

Roy-Hart/Barker is now 2-1 and Albion 1-2 in N-O action.

Wilson 30, Medina 26
Wilson edged visiting Medina 30-26 to improve to 1-2 in N-O competition.

Ryan Frentz (144) and Tyler Raduns (175) scored wins for Medina which slips to 0-3.

Lady Tigers post win over Mustangs

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 23 December 2025 at 8:24 pm

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Lyndonville’s Alexa Robinson puts up a shot against Medina defender Madison Zeiner during the host Lady Tigers win over the Mustangs this evening.

Snapping a three game losing streak, Lyndonville downed visiting Medina 53-42 in a non league girls basketball game this evening.

Alexa Robinson scored a game high 22 points to lead Lyndonville as Isabella Groves added 12, Leah Kenyon 6, Braelynn Dillenbeck 5, Emily Dill 4, Lilly Raduns 3 and Natalie Rath 1.

Alexa Demmer led Medina with 10 as Samantha Heschke tallied 8, Caliyah St. Louis 7, Harmoni Wilson 4 and Madison Zeiner 4 each, Emberlyn Oakes, Tatianna Maxon and Autumn Cornelius 3 each.

Lyndonville jumped out to a 17-8 first quarter lead as Robinson scored 6, Dillenbeck 5 and Groves 4.

The Lady Tigers maintained leads of 28-22 at the half and 43-31 after three quarters. Robinson scored 6 in the second and 5 in the third and Kenyon 6 in the third.

However, the Mustangs did battle back to within five, 46-41, by outscoring the Lady Tigers 10-3 over the first five minutes of the final period including 6 by Demmer.

The Mustangs though could get no closer as the Lady Tigers answered with a three-point play by Robinson followed by a pair of baskets by Groves to quickly go back up by 12, 53-41, and put a lock on the victory.

Medina is now 3-3 and Lyndonville 2-3.

Medina’s Alexa Demmer puts up a shot as Braelynn Dillenbck (15) and Alexa Robinson (3) defend for Lyndonville.

Leah Kenyon puts up a shot for Lyndonville as Tatianna Maxon defends for Medina.

County highlights National Human Trafficking Prevention Month

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 December 2025 at 1:37 pm

Provided photo

ALBION – Orleans County Legislator Fred Miller last week presents a proclamation for “National Human Trafficking Prevention Month” to Holli Nenni, left, the commissioner of the Orleans County Department of Social Services; and Cyndi Stumer, the deputy commissioner of the DSS.

The prevention month will be observed in January. The Legislature in a proclamation said that every year, “countless adults and children are exploited by traffickers who prey on vulnerability, leaving lasting scars on victims, families, and communities.”

Combating human trafficking requires a united effort from government agencies, law enforcement, advocacy groups, educators, businesses, faith-based organizations, and all citizens, legislators said.

Legislators urged the community to recognize the signs of trafficking, report suspected cases, and “work together to build a safer, more just world where every individual lives free from exploitation.”

Hawley will have office hours at Brockport library on Dec. 29

Posted 23 December 2025 at 12:50 pm

Press Release, Assemblyman Steve Hawley

BROCKPORT – Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) recently announced his December mobile office hours at Seymour Library from 10 a.m. to noon on Dec. 29.

As a public servant, being accessible to the public is one of Hawley’s highest priorities. The assemblyman’s staff members will attend the office hours and they will be ready to help any constituent with their needs.

“I want to encourage everyone to visit whenever they wish to. My office is ready to take your calls and help address your needs,” Hawley said.

Seymour Library is located at 161 East Ave. in Brockport.

With Stefanik out of governor’s race, Ortt endorses Blakeman

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 December 2025 at 11:59 am

State Sen. Rob Ortt, left, has endorsed Bruce Blakeman, right, for governor. Blakeman is the current Nassau County Executive.

State Sen. Rob Ortt announced his endorsement of Bruce Blakeman for governor.

Ortt, leader of the Republican conference in the State Senate, previously endorsed Elise Stefanik, a congresswoman from northern New York. She stepped back from the race on Friday and announced she won’t be seeking re-election to Congress.

Blakeman is current county executive for Nassau County. He seeks to challenge Gov. Kathy Hochul who is seeking re-election in 2026.

“Bruce Blakeman is a proven fighter for everyday New Yorkers,” Ortt said. “He is tough, smart, and fearless in standing up to the radical policies that have made our state less affordable and less safe. Bruce has the proven executive experience needed to defeat Kathy Hochul and show voters what real leadership looks like.

“I am proud to endorse Bruce Blakeman — a common-sense leader who will put New Yorkers first and fight to save our state.”

Blakeman also has the backing of President Donald Trump.

“Bruce is MAGA all the way, and has been with me from the very beginning,” Trump posted on Truth Social. “As Nassau County Executive, he is working tirelessly with the Brave Heroes of ICE, Border Patrol, and Law Enforcement to Keep Our Border SECURE, Stop Migrant Crime, Safeguard our Community, and Ensure LAW AND ORDER.”

Kendall scores victory at Rocket Arena

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 23 December 2025 at 10:10 am

Contributed Photos – Kendall’s CJ D’Agostino puts up a shot during the Eagles win over Northstar Monday evening at Cleveland’s Rocket Arena.

Making the most of an opportunity to play on an NBA court, Kendall bested Northstar 61-44 at Cleveland’s Rocket Arena Monday evening following the Cavaliers game.

CJ D’Agostino scored 20 to lead a parade of eight Eagles point getters. Jonny Conte tallied 12, Vinnie D’Agostino 8, Noah Morehouse and Ryan Gaesser 6 each, Sammy Conte 5 and Jonas Rhodes and Caleb Opalecky 2 each.

Kendall grabbed a 14-11 lead at the end of the first quarter as Jonny Conte and CJ D’Agostino both had a two and a three to help get the Eagles rolling.

CJ D’Agostino then had a big 11 point second quarter to help the Eagles increase their advantage to 12, 31-19, at the half.

Kendall upped the lead to 17, 49-32, at the end of the third period as Vinnie D’Agostino scored 6 and Jonny and Sammy Conte both hit threes in the third period.

It marked the second year in a row that Kendall has played at Rocket Arena.

Now at 3-1, the Eagles will next host their holiday tournament next Monday and Tuesday.

Kendall players, coaches and team managers at center court at Cleveland’s Rocket Arena.

County Legislature honors 2 retirees from Emergency Management Office

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 December 2025 at 9:53 am

Provided photos

ALBION – The Orleans County Legislature last week presented “Special Recognition Awards” to two people retiring from the Emergency Management Office.

County Legislator Skip Draper, right, presents the awards to Pat Eick, second from right, and Fran Gaylord, center.

Next to them are Justin Niederhofer (left), current EMO director; and Dale Banker, retired EMO director.

On this 16th day of December 2025, we do hereby acknowledge your retirement from Orleans County.

Eick worked 30 years as a secretary at the Emergency Management Office.

“Your outstanding organizational skills proved immeasurable when the county’s north shore was being overwhelmed by high water levels on Lake Ontario, during the Harris Radio System project upgrade, and your efforts to obtain the Fire Safety Trailer,” legislators stated in the award to Eick. “As EMO obtains funding through various grants, your ability to navigate those was impeccable.”

Eick worked with four EMO directors during her tenure.

Fran Gaylord, a past Holley fire chief, worked the past 25 years as a Deputy Fire Coordinator for the county.

“Your efforts were critical in establishing a daytime staffed engine one day a week to cover the east battalion (Engine 372),” legislators stated. “The EMS throughout Orleans County could count on you being at any major or minor incident, going above and beyond augmenting volunteer staffing and operating various apparatuses when needed on scene. Along with taking on the task of coordinating countless training at the battalion and county level.”

(Left) Fran Gaylord accepts his Special Recognition Award from Legislator Skip Draper. (Right) Pat Eick accepts her award for a 30-year career at the Emergency Management Office.

Mike Randall performance raises money for MAAC, food for Medina pantries

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 23 December 2025 at 8:34 am

Photos by Ginny Kropf: (Left) Retired TV personality Mike Randall, right, and Medina Theater owner Joe Cardone draw winning tickets for free prizes following Randall’s presentation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol on Friday night at the Medina Theater. (Right) Mike Randall portrayed the roles of characters from A Christmas Carol. He performed to a full house Friday night at Medina Theater.

MEDINA – The Medina Theater was packed Friday night for a performance by Mike Randall, who presented A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens.

The performance came about when Randall and theater owner Joe Cardone were having lunch. Randall and his wife Kathy had recently moved to Medina and he suggested doing a show to benefit local food pantries and Medina Area Association of Churches. He said that would be his gift to Medina.

Cardone agreed to donate use of the theater, and the rest is history. The show sold out a week in advance.

Jim Hancock, left, representing St. Peter’s Food Pantry, and Donna Poore, who heads the food pantry at The Vine, hold a tote of food items at the Medina Theater, which were donated by theater-goers Friday night. The food pantries shared the collection of food.

Attendees who brought in non-perishable food items or made a cash donation received a ticket for a drawing for various prizes, which included gift certificates, raffle baskets and a grand door prize of a flat screen TV, donated by local attorney Katherine Bogan.

A giant container of food was filled to overflowing and divided between the food pantries at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church and The Vine Church. Cash donations were given to MAAC. On Monday afternoon, Cardone and Randall presented a check for $2,230 to Sue Metzo, president of MAAC. Jim Hancock, treasurer of St. Peter’s Food Pantry, and Donna Poore, head of The Vine’s Food Pantry, both attended the presentation and will make arrangements to have the food items delivered to their churches.

“I can’t tell you what this means to us,” Metzo said.

“We especially need donations of groceries at this time of year, when people are running short,” Hancock said. “The amount of food collected was quite amazing. It was nice we could split it with The Vine.”

From left, Joe Cardone, owner of Medina Theater, and Mike Randall give a check for $2,230 to Sue Metzo, president of MAAC. Jim Hancock, treasurer of St. Peter’s food pantry, and Donna Poore, head of The Vine’s food pantry, will share the food items collected.

Friday’s entertainment began with an appearance of Medina High School’s A’Capella Select Choir. Members were appropriately dressed in 1800’s cloaks and hats, as they sang several Christmas songs.

Director Rachel Trillizio shared how thrilled they were to be able to perform for the community.

“We have already had a performance every day this week and have four more to go,” she said.

Randall first began impersonating Dickens’ characters in 2007 and continues to amaze audiences with his talent.

“I did a lot of research and how Dickens portrayed the different characters fascinated me,” Randall said. “I realized he wasn’t actually reading the book, he was performing the characters. I started studying the parts in November 2006, knowing I had my first performance scheduled for December 2007.

The A’Capella Select Choir, dressed in 1800s attire, sings a variety of Christmas songs for a packed house who attended Medina Theater to see Mike Randall’s presentation of A Christmas Carol.

The presentation by Randall on Friday night left the crowd in total amazement.

“It was magnificent,” said Cora Goyette, a newcomer to Medina. “I’m in awe he can remember all of that, and he delivered it so perfectly. We were totally entertained.”

One lady had seen him twice before and said it gets better every time.

Shirley Bright and Le Roy Neeper had also seen Randall’s performance before, but were delighted to see it again.

“And the theater has never looked more beautiful,” Neeper said of the Christmas decorations. “It was a wonderful evening.”

Georgia Thomas said she reads Dickens every Christmas.

“Mike performed it so beautifully,” she said. “All the inflections he used for different characters made them come so alive. I absolutely loved his performance. How fortunate we are to have all that talent in Medina.”

Rachel Trillizio, director of Medina High School’s A’Capella Choir, tells the audience at the Medina Theater how happy they are to sing for the community. The Select Choir entertained Friday night prior to Mike Randall’s performance of A Christmas Carol, which benefited food pantries and MAAC in Medina.

This was the first time Kathy Blackburn had seen Randall and she said he was amazing.

“We couldn’t get over how he knew all those parts,” she said. “He moved from character to character and was able to memorize it all.”

In addition to 212 performances of A Christmas Carol since 2007, Randall has continued to present his critically acclaimed one-man portrayal of Mark Twain Live since 1972. Cardone said after the holidays, he might talk to Randall about doing that show at the Medina Theater.

Randall also performs with puppets, magic, ventriloquism and comedy as Mike Randall and Friends in local schools, libraries, festivals and family events all across Western New York.

Best-known as an on-air personality on WKBW-TV for 40 years, Randall retired in 2023. He was inducted into the Buffalo Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2017.