By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 June 2026 at 3:45 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – The royalty for this weekend’s Albion Strawberry Festival were recognized during the Albion Rotary Club meeting on Thursday.
From left include princess Kinzie Healy, king Will Plummer, queen Julia Graham and princess Hazel Bringenbay.
They will be part of Saturday’s parade at 10 a.m. and will serve as festival ambassadors.
This year’s festival theme, “Gather and Celebrate: A Big Berry 250th in honor of our Nation’s 250th.” The royalty candidates were asked to write a 250-word reflection on the theme.
Plummer, a senior, wrote in his essay, “Albion’s rich history and small-town character make it an ideal place to honor America’s past while looking forward to the future. Community events such as parades, historical exhibits, concerts and patriotic ceremonies can bring residents together in a spirit of gratitude and remembrance.”
Graham, a sophomore, said Albion students have helped preserve historical sites and highlight other important local history, while also beautifying the town with murals and other projects. She praised festival organizers for putting on the 38th Strawberry Festival this weekend.
Kinzie Healy, an eighth-grader, said the festival is an opportunity to celebrate shared values of democracy, community and hope for the future. “When gathering on these historic streets we aren’t just eating strawberry desserts, we are honoring 250 years of a ‘berry’ big American journey,” she wrote.
Hazel Bringenbay, a fifth-grader, said the local parades, chicken barbecues and fireworks are all a great way to celebrate the USA’s 250th anniversary.
Katelyn Viza, a sophomore at Albion, holds her first place poster that will be used on Strawberry Festival brochures and posters.
The second place winner is senior Rosalee McCormick, left, while freshman Bonnie Ward won third place.
Click here to see the festival schedule for June 12-13.
Contributed Photo – Trey Rhim in action for the Fury at Harborfest.
The Northshore Fury AAU basketball team traveled to the Thousand Islands over the weekend to take part in the Harborfest Showdown in Alexandria Bay, NY.
After a slow start Saturday night, the Fury charged ahead Sunday morning starting with a 58-36 win over the Northern New York All Stars.
Led by tournament scorning leaders Trey Rhim (Notre Dame), Zia Dix (Medina), and Dean Fischer III (Medina) the team finished second in the tourney against talent from Syracuse, Utica, Rome, Newark, and Alexandria Bay.
Brayden Aydelotte (Lyndonville), Mason McGuire (Holley), Gunner Knight (Holley), Julian Tabor (Medina), Chris Andrews (Holley), and Torey Dames (Medina) all added points for the Fury.
Jackson Spencer of Holley added a late game three to seal a win for the team.
The Fury will return to action next weekend June 13th and 14th at the School’s Out Summer Jam-Fest in Rochester.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 June 2026 at 12:14 pm
Peters House considered outstanding example of Queen Anne style architecture
Photos courtesy of Christopher Schmidt: This Queen Anne-style residence on Salt Works Road has been recommended by the New York State Board for Historic Preservation to be included on the State and National Registers of Historic Places.
MEDINA – A Medina home in the Queen Anne architectural style has been recommended for inclusion on the State and National Registers of Historic Places.
The NYS Board of Historic Preservation met on June 4 and recommended the approval of the Peters House at 4018 Salt Works Rd. in Medina. The Board for Historic Preservation also recommended 19 other properties and districts for State and National Registers of Historic Places.
Constructed circa-1910 by George G. and Anna Peters, the two-story wood-frame residence is considered one of the finest and most intact examples of Queen Anne architecture in Western New York, said Christopher Schmidt, the current owner of the home.
More than a century after its construction, the houses continues to retain an exceptional degree of historic integrity, preserving many of the character-defining features that make the style so recognizable, he said.
“The Peters House is a fine example of the quality and craftsmanship that characterized residential construction during Medina’s period of growth and prosperity in the early twentieth century,” Schmidt said. “Its preservation allows future generations to appreciate both the architectural heritage and community history that helped shape Medina.”
Among the home’s most notable architectural elements are its asymmetrical façade, steeply pitched box gable roof, turret, bay windows, wrap-around porch, second-story porch alcove, overhanging eaves, classical columns, and decorative mix of clapboard siding and patterned shingles.
The residence is about 1 mile from Medina’s urban core. The house retains much of its original interior craftsmanship, including pine floors, wood trim, pocket doors, staircase, four-panel doors with original hardware, and extensive parlor woodwork, he said.
The property was recognized under National Register Criterion C for Architecture, reflecting its significance as a well-preserved example of the Queen Anne style. Despite modest updates over the years, including kitchen and bathroom renovations and porch modifications, the home continues to convey its historic appearance, materials, workmanship, and sense of place.
This photo from 1955 shows the horse racing oval by the property.
Beyond its architectural significance, the property occupies a site connected to an important chapter in Medina’s history. Prior to construction of the residence, portions of the property were part of the Medina Driving Park, a popular horse-racing and recreational venue established in 1871, Schmidt said. The Driving Park served as a social and entertainment center for the community, hosting horse races, bicycle competitions, football games, and other public events that drew visitors from throughout the region.
The listing on the State and National Registers of Historic Places recognizes the Peters House as an important cultural and architectural resource. Today, the Peters House stands as an enduring reminder of the village’s rich architectural legacy and the craftsmanship of a bygone era, ensuring that one of Medina’s historic treasures will continue to be appreciated for generations to come.
State and National Register listing can assist owners in revitalizing properties, making them eligible for various public preservation programs and services, such as matching state grants and federal and state historic rehabilitation tax credits.
“I encourage other owners of historic properties to explore historic designation and celebrate the unique history of their buildings,” Schmidt said. “There are many remarkable properties that deserve similar recognition.”
Once recommendations are approved by Kathy Moser, the commissioner of the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, the sites will be listed in the New York State Register of Historic Places and then nominated to the National Register of Historic Places, where they are reviewed by the National Park Service. If approved they will be entered in the National Register.
Some other nearby sites that were recommended on June 4 for the State and National Registers of Historic Places include:
Cobb’s Hill Historic District in Rochester, Monroe County
Dunkirk Macaroni and Supply Company Building in Dunkirk, Chautauqua County
Farmers and Mechanics Savings Bank in Lockport, Niagara County
RIDGEWAY – On Saturday at approximately 5:51 p.m., an Orleans County Sheriff’s Lieutenant James White initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle on Ridge Road in the Town of Ridgeway.
During the stop, the operator, identified as Dean E. Smith, 62, of Lockport allegedly displayed signs of impairment. Further investigation revealed that two children, ages 6 and 10, were in the vehicle at the time of the stop.
Standardized Field Sobriety Tests were administered. Smith was subsequently taken into custody. Following a Drug Influence Evaluation, Smith was charged with the following:
Aggravated DWI with a Child Passenger Less than 16 (Leandra’s Law) – Class E Felony
Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs – Unclassified Misdemeanor
Endangering the Welfare of a Child (2 Counts) – Class A Misdemeanor
Move From Lane Unsafely – Traffic Infraction
Smith was transported to the Orleans County Jail for Centralized Arraignment (CAP) Court. Lt. White was assisted by Deputy Michael Borrell.
Sheriff Bourke and the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office remain committed to impaired driving enforcement, striving to prevent tragedies and make our roadways safer for all those that live in, work in and visit Orleans County.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 8 June 2026 at 9:53 am
Photo by Ginny Kropf: Members of Oak Orchard Neighborhood Association get a close look at the ox Carol Culhane painted for them in her basement. From left are John Richmond, OONA president Ken Martin, Culhane, Martin’s wife Anne, Sally Leonard and Cheryl Giacherio. The ox is expected to go to the Orleans County marine park on Route 98.
POINT BREEZE – In her illustrious career as an artist, Carol Culhane has painted wildlife, landscapes, airplanes, horses, murals, portraits and vehicles. Now she has turned her talent into painting oxen, chosen last year as the mascot for Orleans County’s bicentennial celebration.
A request from the Oak Orchard Neighborhood Association to paint an ox sent her on a historical journey to trace the area’s landmarks from its early years to now.
Photos by Tom Rivers: The ox was on display on Saturday at Carlton’s Hometown Days festival outside the Carlton Rec Hall.
Her hand-painted work of art chronicles the story of the Oak Orchard River from Lake Alice to Lake Ontario back centuries to the current time.
On the left side of the animal, the river is depicted as it may have appeared long ago, before the construction of Waterport Dam and creation of Lake Alice, then known as the “Waterport Pond.”
There is also the Waterport Trestle, Point Breeze Hotel (originally known as the Orleans House) on the east side of the river, the Oak Orchard Inn on the west side and the original lighthouse at the end of the pier on the west side of the harbor.
On the right side of the ox are the “today” features – boating, fishing and kayaking; the hydroelectric site; charter boats and marine activity; breakwalls; the modern lighthouse; and wildlife.
Culhane incorporated wildlife into the design on both sides, to create interest by children. A great blue heron, turtles, lily pads, wetland vegetation and more represent the wildlife which has long depended on the Oak Orchard River ecosystem.
To be sure she was historically correct, Culhane visited Orleans County Historian Catherine Cooper and read several publications, including Arad Thomas’s Pioneer History of Orleans County and Dee Robinson’s Historical Amnesia.
Members of OONA recently visited Culhane’s basement to see their finished ox. This included OONA president Ken Martin and his wife Anne; Cheryl Giacheriz; Penny Miller, president of Orleans County Marine Park, through whom the Go Art! grant was received to fund oxen for OONA and Orleans County Legislature; John Richmond; and Sally Leonard, both Point Breeze residents.
“The ox has a lot of interesting historic details,” Martin said of the OONA ox. “It came out well.”
In addition to dedication of the OONA ox, several visitors came to view the work, including the builder of the fiberglass oxen, Patrick Keough and his wife Gaye from Nebraska. They deliver the oxen throughout the country, in addition to other animals they build. He was going to deliver an ox to Kendall that day, also.
Culhane said the oxen took many hours of work, but she is honored she was asked to do them.
Patrick Keough of Nebraska, with his wife Gaye, is the builder of the fiberglass oxen painted by Culhane. They stand next to one for OONA. This is the side of the animal depicts the Point Breeze area as it appears now, with fishermen, boaters and kayakers. She has also painted one for the county historian’s office and is working on one for the County Legislature.
Photos by Ginny Kropf: Carol Culhane shows an ox with portraits of pioneers to Isabella Zasa, digital content creator and tourism assistant for the Orleans County Tourism Department, and Catherine Cooper, the county historian. This ox is expected to go in the historian’s office in Albion.
Orleans County historian Catherine Cooper, left, and artist Carol Culhane hold historical reference books Culhane referred to when painting bicentennial oxen for the county and Oak Orchard Neighborhood Association.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 8 June 2026 at 9:42 am
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Cole Callard goes high for a header for the Medina Mustangs FC during Sunday’s tie game with the Sporting Cavs at Vets Park.
The Medina Mustangs FC saw the Sporting Cavs score a goal in the final minute to earn a 2-2 tie in a Buffalo District Soccer League Championship Division game at Vets Park Sunday evening.
The Medina goals were scored by Peter Martillotta, off an assist from Ethan Leonard, and by Cole Callard from Greg Husung.
The game was the home opener for Medina which slips to 1-3-1 at the halfway point of the season.
The Sporting Cavs are now 2-2-1.
Medina will next host the Williamsville Willies at 2 p.m. Sunday at Vets Park.
Peter Martillotta lets go with a shot that scored the first goal for the Medina Mustangs FC.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 June 2026 at 8:33 am
Students urged to pursue kindness, service in their lives, careers
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Nisi Beltran Roblero receives a blessing and prayer from Father Mark Noonan, priest of the Holy Family Parish. The Rev. Susan Thaine, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Albion, and Elder John Kubiniec of the First Presbyterian also offered a blessing to graduates during Sunday’s baccalaureate service at Holy Family Parish.
The service and blessings were optional for seniors, and 30 chose to attend the service at Holy Family which was organized by the Albion Ministerium.
Father Noonan urged the graduates to choose meekness over anger.
“The world is so much in need of people who will look out for others,” he said. “Never be afraid of the adventure of following God with your full heart.”
Julia Button lights a candle at the altar. Students were encouraged to strive to be a light in the world.
“The candle is a symbol of the light in you, of the light that God placed in you and that you carry with you into the world,” said the Rev. Marsha Rivers, who is pastor of the First Baptist Church in Albion and the Gaines Carlton Community Church.
Albion High School Select Choir members sang “Lakeside Lullaby.” In front from left include Lily Brigham, Kailee Anstey and Rosalie McCormick. In back are Adelaide Pettit, Gideon Pask, Yo’Hanel Harris and Julia Graham.
The Clarinet Choir, directed by Matthew Confer, played Variations & Fugue on the Theme by Mozart.
The Rev. Susan Thaine, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, was the keynote speaker. She delivered a message, “Overcome Evil with Good.” Thaine said the students are at “one of those threshold moments in life” at an area where the land meets the water. It is a moment of possibility. She urged them to orient their life towards a relationship with God, and strive to not let the world mold their thoughts, actions and sense of value.
Social media can give a warped view of what’s right and wrong, she said.
“Turn this world upside everywhere you go with the good manifested in your life,” Thaine said.
Kaitlynn Basinait reads a scripture, Ephesians 4: 21-25.
Other students who spoke at the service, sharing scriptures or a blessing, include Nisi Beltran Roblero, Gideon Pask and Abigail Kincaid.
Sister Dolores O’Dowd leads the group in a unison prayer.
“We look forward with hope, knowing your work is not yet accomplished. Our futures are not yet written, but our paths are secure, for you are our shepherd, and you guide us into life and love.”
The Rev. Marsha Rivers prays over Lindsay Crawford during the service at Holy Family Parish.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 7 June 2026 at 6:20 pm
File photo: Ed Shorey of Albion has been a frequent vendor at the Cobblestone Museum’s annual flea market. He sells fishing lures, which have been popular with the crowd. This year’s event takes place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 20.
CHILDS – The Cobblestone Museum’s annual flea market is scheduled this year from 9 .m. to 3 p.m. June 20 at the Cobblestone Church. Ample parking is available on the grounds of the Thompson-Kast Visitors Center across the street from the 1834 cobblestone church.
Vendors will be set up on the lawn around the church and nearby Ward House, according to Sue Bonafini, assistant museum director.
Small businesses, groups, organizations and individuals are still welcome to request a vendor’s application.
“We’re expecting sellers with household and holiday goods, collectibles, antiques, jewelry, a variety of merchandise hand-crafted from deer antlers, garden art, diamond art, wood and yarn crafts, baby items, workshop items, glassware, clothing and loads of books,” Bonafini said.
The Cobblestone’s Used Book Building has received two significant donations of books from an estate sale and an adult literacy organization. These items will be placed on display during the flea market for bibliophiles, bookworms or casual readers to purchase. There are titles from a wide array of genres, fiction and nonfiction, Bonafini said.
Many books are available for young readers, and Christmas books can be found in the Holiday Shoppe, which Bonafini said it bursting with Christmas-themed merchandise at highly affordable prices.
Collectors of Santas, angels or snowman and Dept. 56 Snowbabies are encouraged to stop and check out the selection. They will also find replacement lights, wrapping paper, holiday cards, ornaments and holiday décor of all kinds. Tabletop trees, Christmas mugs, holiday pillows, stockings and stocking stuffers are in good supply, Bonafini said. Merchandise is either brand new or gently used and all donated by members and friends of the Museum.
Also, assorted merchandise will be sold at White Elephant tables to benefit the Cobblestone Museum.
A food tent will be open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., or sold out, featuring Red Osier beef-on-weck with choice of roll, potato salad, baked beans and a pickle. A meal is $12 pre-sale or $14 that day.
Special docent-led tours will be available by donation during the Flea Market at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
The Museum’s Holiday Shoppe and Gift Shop are open during regular Museum hours throughout the open season, which is 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
Holiday-themed donations are accepted throughout the year from local citizens.
To reserve a beef-on-weck meal, request a vendor’s application or donate goods to the Holiday Shoppe or White Elephant sale, call (585) 589-9013.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 7 June 2026 at 5:31 pm
In a near instant replay of Saturday’s third round, a rash of bogeys on the back nine stymied Medina’s Melanie Green today on the final round of the U.B. Women’s Open at the Riviera Country Club, Pacific Palisades, California.
Starting the day at 3 over par for the tournament, Green rallied back to even after birdies on 1, 9 and 10.
However, those gains were wiped out by a double bogey on 11 followed by bogeys on 13, 17 and 18 for a 2 over par round of 73 and a 5 over par 289 total for the tournament.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 June 2026 at 4:20 pm
McQuaid Jesuit rowers passing through Orleans County today on day 1 of week-long trek
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – The McQuaid Jesuit crew team was out this afternoon rowing along the Erie Canal. They are shown in a photo taken from the Presbyterian Road canal bridge.
The group left Buffalo in the morning and is headed to Brockport on day 1 of an eight-day “Row for Hope” to Albany. The team is raising money for Rochester’s House of Mercy that serves people experiencing homelessness.
The journey will cover 368 miles over the eight days. The group left Buffalo in the morning and stopped in Medina just after noon for lunch. They will stay overnight in Brockport tonight.
There are 11 boys on the team making the trek across the canal. They plan to put in about eight hours a day of rowing. The schedule also includes camping at Palmyra, Weedsport, Brewerton, Rome and Glenville.
Provided photos: The Holley-Kendall Marching Band is shown today outside the Sherburne-Earlville Elementary School.
Press Release, Holley-Kendall Marching Band
The Holley-Kendall Marching Band’s had strong showings in the 58th Gorham Pageant of Bands and the 77th Sherburne Pageant of Bands.
58th Gorham Pageant of Bands
The Gorham Pageant of Bands has returned after a several-year hiatus following the Covid-19 pandemic and dwindling participation. The Pageant, hosted by the Marcus Whitman Band and Guard Boosters, has been a long-time tradition for many band programs in both Orleans County and Western NY.
The Holley HS Jazz Ensemble competed in the 58th Gorham Pageant of Bands Jazz Fest on Friday, May 29. Enrolled in the Small School Class (total K-12 enrollment less than 3,000 students), Holley HS competed against Perry HS and Mexico HS.
Waterloo Middle School was the only band in the Middle School category and Baldwinsville High School was the only band in the Large School Category. The evening was capped with a performance by a local professional jazz group: Bill Tiberio & the Canandaigua Jazz Project.
The Holley High School Jazz Ensemble won several awards at 58th Gorham Pageant of Bands Jazz Fest.
Holley performed a varied repertoire including “Can I Be Honest With You?” by Dave Mills, “Prayer Meetin'” by Matt Harris, and “Tiger of San Pedro” by John LaBarbera.
Small School Jazz Results: 3rd Waterloo HS; 2nd Perry HS; Best Rhythm Section; 1st Holley HS; Best Saxophone Section, Best Brass Section, Best Soloist (Jax Richards-Dyson, Piano).
Saturday, May 30th
On Saturday, the Holley-Kendall Marching Band took to the streets for the first time in Small School Parade Competition at the 58th Gorham Pageant of Bands. There were a total of 9 bands in the parade, 5 of which were competing in the Small School Class. In the parade, the Holley-Kendall Marching Band performed their 2026 Show titled “OZ”, which features song selections from the Wizard of Oz, The Wiz, and Wicked.
Junior Class: 1st – The Pride of Rochester, 77.5
Small School Class: 5th – Dundee, 76.5; 4th – Waterloo, 80; 3rd – Mexico, 90; 2nd – Holley-Kendall, 90.5; and 1st – Naples, 96.5.
Best Overall Drumline/Cadence – Naples
Best Drum Major(s) – Holley-Kendall
Best Color Guard – Naples
Exhibition: White Sabers Drum & Bugle Corps
The Holley-Kendall Drum Majors won first place at the Gorham pageant. From left include Riley Passer, Madison Hults and Layla Jones.
77th Sherburne Pageant of Bands
On Saturday, June 6th, the Holley-Kendall Marching Band competed in Class AA for the 77th Sherburne Pageant of Bands. A total of 25 Bands competed in the Parade ranging from Jr. High Bands, the High School Class D all the way up to AA.
Class AA Color Guard: 3rd (Tie) Holley-Kendall & Norwich, 83.00; 2nd – Mexico, 85.00; and 1st – Fonda-Fultonville, 87.00.
Class AA Parade: 5th – Sidney, 73.75; 4th – Fonda-Fultonville 82.375; 3rd – Mexico, 84.75; 2nd – Norwich, 88.75; and 1st – Holley-Kendall, 90.75.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 6 June 2026 at 8:06 pm
LPGA Photo – Melanie Green
Slowed by three bogeys on the back nine, Medina’s Melanie Green posted a 2 over par 73 today on the third round of the U.S. Women’s Open being played at the Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, California.
Green, who started the day at 1 over, improved to even for the tourney with a birdie on 4.
However, bogeys on 11, 14 and 17 caused her to finish the day at 2 over par and 3 over par for the tournament with a 216 total.
She opened the tourney with a 1 over par 72 on Thursday and followed that up with an even par round of 71 on Friday.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 6 June 2026 at 7:51 pm
The Niagara-Orleans League had several winners at today’s Section VI track and field championships held at Alden.
Wilson’s Ryan Hough was a quadruple winner in the Class C competition as he captured the 110 Hurdles (:15.48), Long Jump (23-2), High Jump (6-4) and Triple Jump (45-3.25).
Akron’s Quinn O’Malley won the Class C Pentathlon (4:44.11).
Albion’s Sophia Wendt won the Class B Triple Jump (35-3).
