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Bronx man charged with attempted robbery, assault at Family Dollar in Medina
Antonio Mclemoore
MEDINA – A Bronx man has been charged in the armed robbery on Tuesday morning at the Family Dollar in Medina at 11322 Maple Ridge Rd.
Antonio Mclemoore, 58, of Bronx has been charged with two counts of attempted robbery in the first-degree, Class C felonies; one count of menacing in the second-degree, Class A misdemeanor; and one count of assault in third-degree class A misdemeanor.
Medina Police Chief Corey Black said Mclemoore entered the Family Dollar and asked the female clerk about purchasing a lighter. The clerk selected a lighter from behind the counter and when the clerk turned back around the suspect displayed a handgun and demanded property.
Mclemoore then came behind the counter pressing the gun to the clerk’s back and then ultimately the back of her head in an attempt to further the robbery attempt.
“Despite struggling with the suspect, the clerk was able to activate the store’s silent holdup alarm before being violently thrown to the floor by the suspect,” Black said. “The suspect then fled empty-handed.”
At 8:33 a.m. on Tuesday, the Orleans County Dispatch received a silent holdup alarm activation from the Family Dollar. As Medina police officers were responding, Orleans County dispatch advised that a 911 call came in reporting the store had been robbed at gunpoint and gave a suspect description and suspect vehicle description and direction of travel, said Corey Black, Medina police chief.
Medina officers arrived on scene and were able to obtain additional information to include a partial license plate and clothing description. Within approximately 30 minutes of the initial call, an investigator with the Orleans County Sheriff’s Department was able to locate the suspect vehicle by use of a Flock camera in Orleans County. It showed the vehicle traveling south on Route 63 toward Genesee County, Black stated in a press release.
Additionally, the investigator was also able to verify a complete license plate number which returned to a Bronx NY address. This information was relayed to Genesee County dispatch and within a short period of time, officers at Family Dollar were advised that the suspect vehicle had been observed in the City of Batavia on both Flock cameras and City of Batavia cameras, Black said.
“As a result of that information City of Batavia Police Officers patrolling the area of the suspect’s last known whereabouts were able to locate the suspect vehicle,” Black said. “As Batavia Police were preparing to attempt a traffic stop the suspect fled and a short pursuit ensued with the suspect ultimately failing to obey a traffic control device and striking a vehicle in an intersection.”
Mclemoore initially refused commands to exit the vehicle. City of Batavia officers were ultimately able to get the suspect to exit his vehicle, and the suspect was taken into custody and transported via ambulance to Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester.
Mclemoore has since been transported to the Orleans County Jail to await arraignment on the above charges in Orleans County CAP Court.
“This investigation came to a successful conclusion as a direct result of multiple law enforcement agencies working together seamlessly utilizing current technology to include Flock cameras,” Black said. “Less than two hours after an armed robbery attempt in the Village of Medina the suspect with an address in Bronx NY was apprehended in an adjoining county.”
The Medina Police Department would like to thank the following agencies for their assistance in this case: Orleans County Sheriff’s Department to include Dispatch, New York State Police, Orleans County District Attorney’s Office and Major Felony Crime Task Force, Albion Police Department, Genesee County Sheriff’s Department and City of Batavia Police Department.
‘Stolen Ground’ presentation on Oct. 27 focuses American Revolution impact on Indigenous land
Press Release, Orleans County Department of History
Dr. Michael Oberg
ALBION – Dr. Michael Oberg, a Distinguished Professor of History at SUNY Geneseo, will share his unique perspective on 250th anniversary of the United States, particularly on the often-overlooked topic of the systemic dispossession of Indigenous land.
He will be speaking at Hoag Library at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, October 27.
Dr. Oberg teaches courses in Native American History, American Indian Law and Public Policy, and the history of the Iroquois. He is the author of several books based on a quarter-century of Native American research. His most recent title is “Stolen Ground: the American Revolution and Indigenous Dispossession in New York State”.
This program, which is free and open to the public, is sponsored by the Orleans County NY 250 Committee and made possible with funding from the NYS 250 Commission and the NYS Dept. of Education.
New mural in Albion one of 4 in Rochester region through CHARM initiative
Photos courtesy of WALL\THERAPY – Justin Suarez works on his mural on the northside of The Lockstone in Albion at 160 North Main St. This is one of four murals in the Rochester region funded by the by Governor Hochul’s CHARM Initiative and supported by the New York State Council on the Arts.
Press Release, WALL\THERAPY
ROCHESTER – WALL\THERAPY is proud to announce the completion of four new public art murals throughout the Finger Lakes region. The works are part of the Cultivating Havens for the Arts through Regional Murals (CHARM) program, an initiative from Governor Kathy Hochul and administered by the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA).
The new murals include:
“Starbright” by Pamela Carvalho and Justin Suarez aka Aerosol Kingdom, at Rio Tomatlan in Canandaigua. This mural depicts the figure of a woman calmly gazing forward as vibrantly-colored stars swirl around her.
Pamela Carvalho has been tattooing since 2013 and it is a job that she cherishes more every year. Having the opportunity to give someone something that they can admire forever is a privilege she does not ever plan on taking lightly, or for granted.
“Sanctuary” by Sarah C. Rutherford – Located at Dutch Creatives’ Collaborative in Rochester. Surrounded by electric pulses emanating from the figure, the mural portrays a person getting lost in music.
For the past 18 years, Sarah C. Rutherford (she/her) has worked in her chosen community of Rochester as a muralist, painter, educator and community-based artist. She is the co-founder of THE YARDS Collaborative Art Space and the creator of the mural project Her Voice Carries, featuring local women who lift up the voices of others. Sarah was also awarded a Creative Rebuild NY grant in partnership with Willow Domestic Violence Center to expand her multifaceted public art project, Stories of Strength, which directly engages and works alongside survivors of domestic violence.
“Take Care” by Francheska Diaz and Callisto Daly at Lyell Branch Library in Rochester. This mural features five vignettes, two designed by Callisto Daly and three by Francheska Diaz celebrating themes of nature, community and intergenerational relationships.
Roc Paint Division youth and alumni artists assisted with the installation.
Francheska Diaz is an artist based in Rochester. Her work showcases themes of emotion, identity and human connection. Her artwork creates a bridge between her nostalgic inner world and her audience. She develops her dream world through painting; a colorful place full of flowers, plants, fruit, and sunshine.
As a Puerto Rican, family is a huge part of her culture and she honors this by using old family photographs as inspiration for her paintings. Incorporating her family in the work makes her feel connected to them while also connecting her to the viewer through a shared experience.
In addition to her artwork, she co-leads a youth mural arts employment program, Roc Paint Division. She mentors and teaches teenagers in the city about mural work, drawing, and painting. Creating a space for the youth to harness their skills as both an artist and a human.
Callisto Daly is a youth educator and alumnus of Roc Paint Division.
“Blossom” by Justin Suarez aka Aerosol Kingdom at The Lockstone in Albion. This mural celebrates local plants and pollinators, featuring a Ruby-Throated Hummingbird, Swallowtail Butterfly and Bumblebee, along with zinnia, purple coneflower, dahlia, and sunflowers.
Justin Suarez aka Aerosol Kingdom is an artist, educator, and co-founder of Roc Paint Division, with two decades of experience in creating public art. He has painted murals throughout much of the United States, with a particular emphasis on showcasing wildlife and natural species. Through his mural work, Justin aims to engage communities and inspire a greater commitment to environmental conservation and stewardship.
The 2026 CHARM program has led to the creation of 42 works of art in 31 counties, building on last year’s initial program of 56 murals across 21 counties.
“Murals cultivate civic pride, spur community engagement, and become destinations to attract visitors that spark economic development,” said Erika Mallin, Executive Director of the New York State Council on the Arts.
“NYSCA is proud to continue this successful program into its second year, supporting more and more public art throughout New York State.”
“We are honored that WALL\THERAPY and Roc Paint Division have been selected to continue with the CHARM initiative in its second year,” said Erich S. Lehman, curator of WALL\THERAPY. “Having our longstanding efforts supported at the statewide level is incredibly meaningful, as it directly allows our programming and impact to evolve through both the murals we produce and the mentorship of our young artists.”
About WALL\THERAPY
WALL\THERAPY is an art and community intervention project in Rochester, using public murals as a means to transform the urban landscape, inspire and build community.
WALL\THERAPY murals have transformed walls, buildings, and neighborhoods. This transformation has sparked inspiration in individuals and communities alike. The murals have become part of the local conversation, the local identity, and the fabric of the city. Local art classes and schools tour the murals as part of the curriculum. Local professionals change their route to the murals as part of their drive home. Local artists, young and old, find inspiration in the works.
WALL\THERAPY mural project is now recognized worldwide. People from 2,000-plus cities in 104 countries have visited the WALL\THERAPY site to learn more. New mural artists from around the world ask about painting Rochester, for the first time or for another time.
About Roc Paint Division
Roc Paint Division is a youth employment and development program. Designed for high school-aged artists of all skill levels, the program offers hands-on training in researching, designing and producing large-scale public murals.
Through a supportive artistic environment, youth participants develop creative skills and build critical life competencies — including teamwork, time management and accountability. Whether participants go on to pursue careers in the arts or other fields, Roc Paint Division fosters pride, confidence and a lasting sense of community impact.
Since its inception, Roc Paint Division has employed more than 60 youth muralists and produced 48 public murals throughout the city. Each mural represents a unique collaboration between young artists, lead staff and guest muralists from across New York State and beyond. Roc Paint Division is made possible in part with funding by the New York State Council on the Arts.
About the New York State Council on the Arts
The mission of the New York State Council on the Arts is to foster and advance the full breadth of New York State’s arts, culture, and creativity for all. The New York State Council on the Arts will award more than $161 million in FY 2027, serving organizations and artists across all 10 state regions. Created by Governor Nelson Rockefeller in 1960 and continued with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature, the Council is an agency that is part of the Executive Branch. For more information on NYSCA, please visit arts.ny.gov.
Medina HS taking RSVPs for annual Veterans’ Day Dinner on Nov. 6
MEDINA –The National Honor Society at Medina High School will again be serving dinner to veterans and their families.
The annual Veterans’ Day Dinner will be at 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 6, at the high school cafeteria.
The dinner will be catered and is free to veterans and their families. NHS members collect donations to cover the cost of the meals.
Veterans and their families who want to attend are urged to call the high school office at (585) 798-2700 by Nov. 2. Reservations can also be emailed to NHS advisor Zachary Harris at zwharris@medinacsd.org.
EMS study, discussions don’t reflect financial burden on Village of Medina
Editor:
For the last several years, since re-entering public service, I have tried to address the rising costs of Fire and EMS services in our village, from selling our brand new ladder truck, that this community could not house and could not afford, to negotiating an increase in rates to the townships in the west end for ambulance service.
This endeavor has been a constant struggle to reverse the mindset of those who wish to maintain the status quo and business as usual.
The Village of Medina ambulance service is not a private business venture that earns a profit. The Village of Medina ambulance service is a municipal service funded by village taxpayers and in no way should be providing those services to outside village entities without appropriate compensation.
The cost to run the Village of Medina ambulance over the last few years is from $2.6 to $2.9 million in expenses with an average/stagnated revenue of $1.3 million. These expenditures do not include fire-related expenses and recognize a 90/10 ambulance/fire split for personal services. That leaves an approximately $1.3 million to $1.6 million tab for Village of Medina taxpayers. This is absolutely unacceptable and it is obviously time for a change.
Early negotiations with the towns of Ridgeway, Shelby and Yates brought this fact to the table. A one-year contract was offered with a substantial increase from $35,000 a year to $135,000. This one-year contract is intended to give the four entities time to assess a more viable solution for all and to see the outcome of the Orleans County EMS study.
Deputy Mayor Scott Bieliski and I were extremely disappointed to see that the cost of the ambulance service to Village of Medina taxpayers was not included in the slides shown at the recent Orleans County EMS Shared Services meeting.
They reported a $300,000 contract with Mercy for seven towns in the east and central and a potential $405,000 for the three towns in the west end. This glaring omission was even more ironic since I have heard on numerous occasions that the county should follow the Medina model!
How interesting, since I don’t recall any conversations with any County EMS representatives to discuss the costs involved to provide that service. In fact, just the opposite has occurred.
A county legislator at the previous shared services meeting insinuated that Medina may not cooperate. History proves that Medina has more than provided its fair financial share in cooperating with its neighbors. And then to have a town supervisor report at his budget meeting that Medina has “fabricated their numbers” and the budget crisis they find themselves in is due to “Medina’s shenanigans.”
Let me assure you, Supervisor Simon, the Village of Medina does not fabricate their numbers and we certainly do not engage in “shenanigans.” I, along with my fellow Medina taxpayers, do not consider this a game. We are also facing a fiscal crisis and the failure of this whole county to recognize the elephant in the room – the fact that we are all in the same predicament does not bode well for finding a viable solution.
I hope that everyone takes off their blinders and recognizes that, most definitely, cooperation and open-mindedness is the only way through this. The Village of Medina is open to work with all agencies involved, but this administration’s position will always be – Village of Medina taxpayers first.
Respectfully,
Deborah L. Padoleski
Mayor
Village of Medina
Holley will dedicate new mural on Oct. 21
Photo by Tom Rivers
HOLLEY – Village officials will be joined by artist Mary Jo Whitman during a dedication and reception at 3 p.m. on Oct. 21 for the new “Holley is Home” mural.
Whitman, a Holley native and graduate, spent about six weeks diligently creating the mural on the Geddes Street side of the Heath and Heath law offices at 66 Public Square.
Whitman, a Batavia resident, used a $7,500 grant through the Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council to create the mural. She was approached by Holley mayor Mark Bower about a mural with Holley landmarks.
Whitman painted the Salisbury Fountain, the Holley Waterfalls, the gazebo by the canal, the old Holley High School and the block of storefronts in the Public Square that incudes Sam’s Diner.
Medina man sentenced to 3 years in prison in sex abuse case
ALBION – A Medina man was sentenced to 3 years in state prison today by Orleans County Court Judge Sanford Church.
Jeffrey Fitzsimmons, 34, of West Oak Orchard Street also will get 10 years of post-release supervision. The judge also issued an order of protection for the victim for up to 10 years when Fitzsimmons is released from prison.
Fitzsimmons was charged in April with first-degree sexual abuse, forcible touching and endangering the welfare of a children for inappropriately touching a 15-year-old girl.
He pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of attempted sexual abuse in the first degree and admitted in court previously to committing the crime. However, during a pre-sentence investigation with probation staff, Fitzsimmons wouldn’t admit to the crime, District Attorney Susan Howard said.
Judge Church faulted Fitzsimmons for not taking responsibility for the crime.
“You pleaded guilty but now you deny it happened?” Judge Church said.
The mother of the alleged victim spoke in court this morning and said Fitzsimmons caused emotional trauma to her daughter by allegedly forcing himself on her and violating her trust.
“My child deserves justice,” the mother said. “Watching your child go through this is the most horrible thing in the world.”
She asked for the maximum possible sentence in the plea and for the highest level on the sex offender registry. That level on the registry will be determined in a separate hearing when Fitzsimmons is close to his release date from prison.
Barker/Roy-Hart seeks win at Alden Friday to clinch a tie for C North Division title
Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Barker/Roy-Hart quarterback Max Townsend meets here with Head Coach Bill Bruning. The Bulls will visit Alden Friday.
Looking to clinch at least a tie for the division title, defending champion Barker/Roy-Hart will visit Alden for a C North game at 7:30 p.m. Friday.
Barker/Roy-Hart is currently 5-0 in the division and a game ahead of runner-up Springville (4-1) with two division games remaining.
The Bulls, after visiting Alden, will close out the season with a home game against Cleveland Hill (3-2) on Thursday October 22 while the Griffins will wind up the season with games against Tonawanda (0-6) Thursday evening and Alden on Friday Oct. 23. The Bulls handed the Griffins their only division loss 29-24 in week 4.
Barker/Roy-Hart is coming off a 51-18 victory over Akron and Alden a 28-7 win over Tonawanda.
Alden has been sparked offensively by the trio of Aidan Phillips (795 yards rushing, 11 touchdowns), Brody Peresan (649 yards passing, 4 TDs) and Trent Hoffman (18 receptions for 268 yards and 4 TDs).
The Barker/Roy-Hart ground oriented offense has been led by Carter DerSarkissian with 1,164 yards rushing and 17 touchdowns. Aaron Bowerman has added 495 yards rushing and 4 TDs and Owen Maedl 288 yards and 5 TDs.
Bulls quarterback Max Townsend has passed for 237 yards and 6 touchdowns. Ashton Ark has 122 yards receiving and 4 TDs and DerSarkissian 65 yards and 2 TDs.
The other C North Division games will have Akron (1-4) at Eden/North Collins (2-4) at 7 p.m. Friday and JFK (3-2) at Cleveland Hill on Saturday at 2 p.m.
Medina robbery suspect under arrest in hospital after crashing vehicle in Batavia
Photo courtesy of The Batavian: The alleged perpetrator of an armed robbery in Medina on Tuesday morning then drove to Batavia in a red SUV, and crashed near the of intersection of Richmond Avenue and State Street.
MEDINA – A man who allegedly robbed the Family Dollar in medina on Tuesday morning, putting a gun to the head of an employee, has been arrested but is currently in Strong Memorial Hospital recovering from injuries after crashing an SUV in Batavia.
The alleged robber will be arraigned and likely remanded to the Orleans County Jail soon after being discharged by Strong, said Corey Black, the Medina police chief.
The man drove off from Family Dollar and his SUV was detected by a Flock camera. Law enforcement were alerted when the SUV was in Batavia.
The driver of the SUV collided with another vehicle near the intersection of Richmond Avenue and State Street. The SUV driver was unconscious and taken to Strong Memorial Hospital.
Black said he will release the man’s name and more details from the crime once the man has been arraigned and is out of the hospital. Orleans County Sheriff’s deputies are staying at Strong, keeping the man under arrest.
Black said the Flock camera system was paramount in the quick response by law enforcement in an adjoining county.
A member of the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office was able to put the red SUV and the last three digits of the license plate into the Flock system.
Medina Police were then assisted by the Orleans County Sheriff’s Department, Albion Police, State Police, Batavia Police, the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office and the Orleans County Major Felony Crime Task Force.
“This is a very dangerous person,” Black said about the alleged robber. “At the end of the day, the cooperation of the law enforcement agencies working together was huge.”
Knights Kaderli 5K and basket raffle raised $26,000
Provided photos: Walkers and runners head up the hill toward the East Shelby Community Bible Church on the first leg of the Knights Kaderli Run/Walk on Oct. 3.
EAST SHELBY – The Knights Kaderli Memorial Walk/Run on Oct. 3 has raised $26,000 to date, with donations still coming in, according to Melissa Knights Bertrand, an organizer of the event.
The fundraiser was started when the families of Richard Knights and Sue Kaderli merged their fundraisers into one, and since then have given away $2 million to cancer patients and their families in Orleans County.
“We are so grateful to the Orleans County communities for their continued generous support and participation at our events,” said Bertrand. “We know there are many activities and charitable events to choose from on a beautiful fall Saturday, and we are humbled that so many made an effort to join us.”
The most popular items at the Knights Kaderli fundraiser Oct. 3 were a Josh Allen jersey and a collection of merchandise in memory of Dave Green. The event has raised $26,000 to date, and donations are still coming in.
The annual event takes place at East Shelby Fire Hall, where a walk/run begins the day, followed by a huge basket raffle.
Two special raffle items which were popular were a Josh Allen jersey and an assortment of items in memory of Dave Green. The walk/run was dedicated to the memory of Green, a retired Orleans County sheriff and a longtime member of the East Shelby Fire Company. He also was a supporter of the Knights Kaderli Fund. Green passed away at age 83 on May 22. In his honor, walkers and runners wore green shirts with the initial “D” on them.
Anyone may donate to the fund on Venmo@KnightsKaderli or by sending a check to Richard Knights and Sue Kaderli Fund, P.O. Box 684, Medina, or on the Knights Kaderli website by credit card.
