Albion duo heads annual N-O All League tennis team

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 18 June 2025 at 4:55 pm

Contributed Photos – Albion’s Landon Graybill and Leo Bolton.

Champion Albion has placed the singles duo of senior Leo Bolton and junior Landon Graybill on the first team of the annual Niagara-Orleans All-League tennis squad.

Bolton, who manned the first singles spot for the Purple Eagles, has also been honored as N-O Player of the Year. He is a four-time first team selection.

Graybill, who played second singles for the Purple Eagles, was a second team All-League honoree last year.

Barker also has two first team honorees in senior Ryan Fisk and junior Daniel Goodwin as does Roy-Hart in juniors Max Hickman and Colin Cousins.

Rounding out the first team are Medina sophomore River Jones, Akron junior Whitley Koopman and Wilson eighth grader Keira Croisdale.

The second team is headed by the Akron senior trio of Aubrianne Balztley, Hayden Wight and Wakinyan LaFromboise.

Roy-Hart has placed the duo of senior Allie Trombley and junior Kaylie Churchill as has Newfane in sophomores Dylan Lonnen and Sara Klinger.

Completing the second team are Medina senior Logan Trillizio and Wilson senior Natalia Ward.

The Honorable Mention selections, as listed by school, are as follows:

Albion – Oliver Beach (Sr.) and Jillian LeBaron (Soph.)

Medina – Paisley Panik (Jr.) and Talia Rupp (8th)

Roy-Hart – Ella Martillotta (Sr.) and Emily Livergood (Sr.)

Newfane – Emma Niver (Sr.) and Kendall Jesson (Jr)

Wilson – Shelby Robinson (So.) and Tessa Gunther (So.)

Barker – Nick Heidemann (Jr.)

Akron – Alexander Parisi (Jr.)

Albion nips Pavilion in 18U diamond contest

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 18 June 2025 at 4:41 pm

An unearned run midway through the game proved to be the difference as Albion nipped host Pavilion 2-1 in an 18U baseball game Tuesday evening.

Breaking away from a 1-1 deadlock, Albion regained the lead for good by scoring a run in the fourth inning as Chastin Styer reached on a dropped third strike, stole second, advanced to third on a ground out and scored on a passed ball.

Albion’s other run came in the first inning on singles by Elliott Trapiss and Gavin Boyce. Trapiss had 2 hits on the day.

Pavilion tied the game with a run on an error in the second inning.

Nate Gibson and Omer Fugate shared the pitching duties for Albion giving up a combined total of 5 hits with 11 strikeouts.

Now at 2-0., Albion next hosts Alden on Thursday.

Food chairman at festival appreciates help from many to make event a success

Posted 18 June 2025 at 4:19 pm

Editor:

Being a first time person heading up the food for the Strawberry Festival, I would really like to thank the following people: Aric Albright, Kyle Piccirilli, Will Malone, Kevin Kelly, Jay Pahura, Scott Bradshaw, Vance VanSkiver, Shaun Stephens, Ron Ricker, Steve Borowczyk, Rob Lightning, Charlie Ricci, Don James, Shawn Diebel, Pete Mathew and Jon Rissinger.

If it was not for all these hard working people I would not have had everything I need to get the job done. I really don’t think the community knows what these great people do behind the scenes from the electric to the garbage cans, closing down roads, putting picnic tables up, cleaning the streets and making sure everything is taking down and village is back to normal.

They also gave their cell phone numbers and said whatever you need, call.

From the bottom of my heart, I thank you very much.

Thanks.

Jeff Holler

Albion

Nelda Callard, retired Roy-Hart teacher, honored as ‘Woman of Distinction’ by Alpha Theta

Posted 18 June 2025 at 3:11 pm

Press Release, Delta Kappa Gamma

Provided photo: Pat Turner, co-president of Alpha Theta, presents the Alpha Theta Woman of Distinction Award to Nelda Callard.

MEDINA – Every other year Delta Kappa Gamma Chapters recognize a Woman of Distinction. A Woman of Distinction is a woman who stands out and is recognized for her achievements, leadership and positive influence.

This woman is a chapter member who embodies what it means to be a member of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International. She is involved in all phases of the chapter and makes significant contributions to education.

Nelda Callard of Medina is a retired teacher from Royalton-Hartland Central School. She was an outstanding teacher and continues to foster education and learning in our society and the community.

Nelda is presently the Treasurer for Apha Theta and a treasured member of Delta Kappa Gamma.

Barre firefighters retire worn out flags, assuming the duty from disbanded scout troop

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 June 2025 at 8:56 am

Photos by Tom Rivers

BARRE – Karl Driesel, past president of the Barre Volunteer Fire Company and a former scoutmaster in Barre, puts part of a flag in a fire on Tuesday evening behind the Barre fire hall.

The fire company led a flag retirement ceremony. Boy Scout Troop 175 used to do the flag retirement ceremony each year in Barre near Flag Day, but the troop disbanded not long after the Covid pandemic in 2020, facing dwindling numbers.

The Barre Volunteer Fire Company decided to lead the effort on Tuesday. Flags that were worn out, tattered and faded were dropped off at the Barre Town Hall, fire hall or given to firefighters.

About 20 flags were given a dignified retirement on Tuesday.

Bert Mathes cuts a flag, separating the stripes from each other. The 13 alternating red and white stripes represent the 13 original colonies. The stripes were set in the fire individually, and so was the corner with the 50 stars.

A small fire was used to retire the flags. From left include Karl Driesel, Barre Fire Chief Josh Jurs, Bert Mathes, Mark Farone, and Farone’s grandson, Aiden Narburgh.

Barre firefighters urged the community to leave worn out flags at the fire hall, town hall, Ace Hardware in Albion or the American Legion Post in Albion.

The group observes a moment of silence before the flag is retired at the beginning of the ceremony on Tuesday.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dylan Parker, the fourth lieutenant for Barre, sets part of a flag in the fire.

Tenney introduces resolution supporting Israel’s strikes to end Iran’s nuclear capabilities

Posted 18 June 2025 at 8:10 am

Press Release, Congresswoman Claudia Tenney

WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24), alongside Congressman Brad Sherman (CA-32), introduced a resolution reaffirming the United States’ steadfast support for Israel as it works to dismantle the Islamic Republic of Iran’s nuclear enrichment capabilities and defends its citizens from ongoing Iranian attacks.

Additional cosponsors of this resolution include Representatives Don Bacon (NE-2), Jeff Van Drew (NJ-5), Josh Gottheimer (NJ-10), Mike Lawler (NY-17), Juan Ciscomani (AZ-6), Chris Smith (NJ-4), Scott Fitzgerald (WI-5), Randy Feenstra (IA-4), Tom Barrett (MI-7), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1), Maria Salazar (FL-27), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Robert Aderholt (AL-4), and Elise Stefanik (NY-21). The resolution was also supported by FDD Action, JINSA, AJC, AIPAC, and Democratic Majority for Israel (DMFI).

For decades, the Islamic Republic of Iran has actively pursued a nuclear weapons program in direct violation of international agreements while funding terrorism, threatening the existence of Israel, and fueling instability throughout the Middle East. Despite bipartisan diplomatic efforts across multiple U.S. administrations, Iran has consistently obstructed inspections, expelled international monitors, and advanced its uranium enrichment to levels dangerously close to weapons-grade. On Friday, June 13th, the International Atomic Energy Agency declared Iran in breach of its obligations under the Non-Proliferation Treaty.

This resolution underscores the United States’ full support for Israel’s recent targeted actions to degrade the Islamic Republic of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, which protects not only Israel but also the United States and the free world. It reaffirms the vital importance of the U.S.-Israel alliance and makes clear that the pursuit of a nuclear-armed Iran will not be tolerated.

“This bipartisan resolution reaffirms the United States’ unwavering support for Israel’s right to self-defense and for its bold, courageous efforts to dismantle Iran’s nuclear program once and for all,” Tenney said. “The U.S.-Israel partnership remains unshakable, and this resolution sends a clear and unified message: we will work together to ensure the Iranian regime is never able to obtain a nuclear weapon.”

In Shelby, primary gives needed opportunity for change

Posted 18 June 2025 at 8:00 am

Editor:

If there was ever a time for change that time is now!  The people of the Town of Shelby deserve better and can’t afford to let any more time go on under the same leadership that we have been under the past few years.

We went over 18 months without a Supervisor’s Report. We finally received one at the June 10 board meeting. How can our budget already be over in two areas and we are not even half way through the year?

Legal fees with a budget of $80,000 this year and already we find out there has been $95,000 spent! For what? Is this why we weren’t seeing Supervisor Reports? Does he even know or have any idea how to do them or know anything about budgeting? Maybe he was just too embarrassed to show us how much he is spending!

Some of you received a letter in the mail from Supervisor Scott Wengewicz. Don’t be fooled! Unless you have attended board meetings (because the town’s YouTube channel doesn’t always work) you would know that most of these things on the list that he said he has accomplished while being Supervisor were not even done by him. But here he goes again doing what he does best…… trying to get credit and make himself look good for something that someone else did! (Reference June 10 board meeting public comments on YouTube).

The overspending and wasting of your tax dollars can be stopped by getting out and voting for new leadership. Both Jim Heminway and Larry Waters have been attending the Shelby board meetings for many years. Voting for them and re-electing Ed Zelazny only makes sense as they are all honest, hardworking and strive to do what is best for the town.

Linda Limina and Ed Zelazny have been a great team but they need the voters help, they can’t do it alone.

So please vote in the Town of Shelby June 24 primary: Jim Heminway – Supervisor, Ed Zelazny – Councilman, and Larry Waters – Councilman.

Together they can make Shelby great again!

Thank you.

Sharlene Pratt

Shelby

Life-or-death situation is nothing to laugh about

Posted 18 June 2025 at 7:43 am

Editor:

At this month’s Shelby Town Board meeting, a non-Shelby resident made a political statement or joke – not sure which way he meant to go with it – about an event that happened to the highway supervisor, Mr. Dale Root.

I’m not sure how you take a life-and-death situation and turn it into a political joke, but hey you just keep riding that big man power trip. Maybe you should go to church on Sunday and check your moral compass.

For I was there working the 3.5-ton jack to try to stop 8,000 pounds from coming through the block holding the secondary lift support. I did not find it funny at the time as words and phrases race through my mind that might be the last words that I speak to him.

Even with his wife, grandchild, daughter and son all there and 8,000 pounds determined to come through the block, Mr. Root was able to keep a cool level head to assist us in placing the jack in the correct spot and to assist first responders.

A cooler leveler head than if your favorite flavored whipped cream for your Frozen latte at the local Tim Hortons was suddenly out of stock. But I’m glad that somebody can laugh about it for that means that his grandchildren still have a grandfather.

With that the Root family would like to again thank the first responders and neighbors that came to assist. Also the local NAPA store for not weeks before selling us the new Carlyle 3.5 ton jack that could lift more than 7,000 lb.

In conclusion I would like to end with a public service announcement. Careful what you lay under it could hurt you.

Joseph Root

Shelby

Sharon Narburgh, fierce advocate for Point Breeze and local fishery, dies at 83

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 June 2025 at 10:02 pm

Sharon Narburgh

POINT BREEZE – Sharon Narburgh, one of Point Breeze’s staunchest and most dedicated promoters, has passed away at age 83 on June 14, about two years after she closed Narby’s Superette & Tackle.

Narburgh ran the business for 58 years. She and her late husband Bill were the first business to sell fishing licenses in the state. Before, only municipalities sold the licenses. The Narburghs became active in promoting the local fishing industry, attending many sportsfishing trade shows on behalf of Orleans County, urging people to come to Orleans County and fish Lake Ontario and the tributaries.

Mr. Narburgh died unexpectedly in 1992. His wife would run the business another 31 years.

“She was definitely an icon around here,” said Ron Beirstone, the county’s sportfishing promotion coordinator and owner of Oak Orchard Tackle & Lodge. “She was one of the earliest proponents and supporters of the fishery.”

Narburgh volunteered her time and attended many sports shows for the county, promoting the local fishery and amenities.

For 30 years she also compiled a daily fishing report. Narburgh listened to the fishing stories from her customers and local charter boat captains, and managed to compile their observations in a fishing report that became a go-to for local and out-of-town anglers. She stepped back from that duty in 2010, and received a citation from the County Legislature for doing that report for three decades.

Photo by Tom Rivers: Sharon Narburgh, owner of Narby’s Superette and Tackle, is shown in October 2020 for a news article about how local fishing-related businesses adapted during the Covid pandemic. Narburgh said Narby’s was busy during Covid. “We’re getting more people who were stuck at home and haven’t fished for years,” she said then. “They want to be out of the house.”

She was a big cheerleader for the area, and helped rally the community to land the “The Ultimate Fishing Town” designation for Point Breeze in 2013 from the World Fishing Network. Point Breeze topped 700 other fishing communities for the title and a $25,000 prize.

“I love this area,” Narburgh told county legislators in 2010 when she was honored by the group. “The potential for this area is just astronomical.”

The Albion Rotary Club in 2016 honored Sharon Narburgh as a Paul Harris Fellow, the club’s highest award. She is shown with Dick Pilon, left, and Bill Downey of the Rotary Club. Narburgh was recognized by the Albion Rotary Club for her long-time commitment to the club’s fishing derby. Narburgh sold more than half of the tickets for the fishing derby, which was last held in 2019.

Bierstine marveled how Narburgh ran a convenience store and gas station that also catered to tributary and lake fishermen. She kept up with a demanding business for more than 50 years.

“She did it all,” Bierstine said. “Narby’s was front and center for lake and tributary fishing. She was part of the earliest scene down here and she endured through all those years.”

Narburgh announced the closing of Narby’s in March 2023. In a Facebook post, she thanked her customers for their kindness, loyalty and friendship.

“Your loyalty and support have meant the world to me and I am truly humbled by the relationships we have built over the years,” Narburgh stated. “Although Narby’s Superette & Tackle may be closed, the memories and friendships forged within its walls will always remain cherished.”

The Albion Rotary Club in 2016 presented Narburgh with a Paul Harris Fellow, the club’s top award, for her many years helping with the annual fishing derby. Narby’s was a weigh station and Sharon regularly was the top ticket seller for the derby.

Calling hours will be held at Christopher Mitchell Funeral Home at 21 West Ave. in Albion from 4 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, June 25. A memorial Mass will immediately follow at the same location.

White Birch, Jr. Wilson and Banes score Medina Women’s Softball ‘A’ Division wins

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 17 June 2025 at 7:40 pm

White Birch, Jr. Wilson and Bane’s all scored victories in Medina Women’s Softball League ‘A’ Division games Monday evening.

White Birch defeated Dubby’s 10-6, Jr. Wilson downed Parkitects 14-2 and Banes trimmed Dubby’s 20-18.

White Birch 10, Dubby’s 6
Improving to 4-1, White Birch banged out 20 hits in the win as Aubrey Lewis had 2 singles, 1 double and 2 RBI’s; Ella Lewis 1 single, 1 double and 2 RBIs; Maddy Boyle, Mallory Albone and Lily Kompe 2 singles each; Anna Lewis 1 triple and 1 single; Bekah Hoffee 1 double; Gracie Johnson 2 singles and 2 RBIs and Stacy Buckland, Kenzi Muck, Brynn Howell and Dana Cotriss 1 single each.

Dubby’s highlighted hitters were: Kelsee Soule with 3 hits (2 singles and a double) and Jayden Townsend with 3 singles.

On defense for White Birch, Howell caught the closing third out at right field on a fly ball, leaving 2 batters stranded.

Jr. Wilson 14, Parkitects 2
Junior Wilson, which is now 5-1, scored 3 runs in the first on a two run double from Stormi Beach and a single off the bat of Jessica Rosenbeck and another 3 in the second after singles from Jenn Thom, an error, and a single from Chasity Chinn loaded the bases, allowing Jaclyn Rodriguez to knock in two runs.

A double from Sara Flansburg and singles by Lizzy Zacher, Connie Hornquist, and Thom scored 5 more runs in the third.

Flansburg finished with 3 hits on the night while Thom, Rodriguez, Rosenbeck, and Jodi Zacher contributed 2 hits each.

Lorelei Sanders and Kelsey Mest both had two hits for Parkitects, including a triple from Mest in the 3rd inning.

Banes 20. Dubbys 18
Rileigh McCabe, Amy Lavender, Teri Scharlau, Patti Page Jami Chatt, Kathy Allen and Sue Seefeldt each had 3 hits to lead the way for Banes. McCabe, Allen and Seefeldt all had doubles.

Trailing 6-3, Banes scored 6 runs in the third inning to take the lead for good. Triple by Morgan Allis, singles by Lavender, Krissy Scharlau, Page, Sophia Goyette, Connie Heschke and a double by Seefeldt keyed the uprising.

Banes also scored 3 in the fourth on singles by Lindsay Chatt, Allis, Allen, Lavender, Seefeldt, McCabe and Scharlau; 4 in the sixth on doubles by Allen and McCabe, singles Lavender, Seefeldt, Scharlau and Page and 4 in the seventh on singles by Heschke, Jami Chatt, Allen, Seefeldt, Scharlau and a double by Lindsay Chatt

Banes is now 2-3.

Republican-endorsed candidates in Shelby committed to moving town forward

Posted 17 June 2025 at 6:02 pm

Editor:

Good day Shelby Republican voters! Primary election is here and it is important to get out and make your voice heard.

Please utilize early voting at the County Office building (Rt 31 Albion) if you are unable to vote at the Shelby building June 24, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Your endorsed candidates are incumbent Scott Wengewicz for Town Supervisor, Mike Moriarty and Vassilious Bitsas for Council member.

As we gear up for another week of slander mailings and Facebook posts let it be known that before the Republican interviews for endorsement, Mr. Heminway (life-long Democrat), Mr. Zelazny (failed to attend interviews for a Republican endorsement or debate on 5/22/25) and Mr. Waters went to the Conservatives to be endorsed, making a Republican endorsement a secondary need. So, are they behind Republican values or seeking to be elected as Republicans in Name Only?

Mike and Vassilious are new to local government involvement. Both have voiced that the constituents of Shelby deserve better than what they have had the last 2-4 years with the bickering and finger pointing from council members who find fault, offering no solutions.

When interviewed to garner endorsement, Mike presented with confidence and spoke well on topics of personnel, budget and business. He is open minded and able to think for himself.

The committee agreed with his thoughts on the direction the town should be going in. He owns a small business and manages a multimillion dollar international produce company. Mike would like to see more business come to Shelby, but that is hard when a board is unwilling to work together.

Vassilious, while soft spoken, processes thoughts before speaking – a rare skill to some most days. He is very astute about his families business. He has the ability to function under pressure, multitask – think outside the box and is a team player showing leadership quality.

We found him engaging and what we thought a council member should bring to our town. Both would be fresh eyes and ears in bringing new ideas to the table. They do not have hidden agendas or a history of grudges with other town council members or supervisor.

Scott has been on an uphill battle since day one as Shelby Town Supervisor inheriting the 2023 budget. Extinguishing problems of personnel issues, harassment complaints, financial software problems, working with department heads & budgeting ARPA funds. Stood up for residents and looked for solutions to water rates while being ignored from Village of Medina and when members of both boards met to negotiate 2 hours later nothing was resolved.

He does the best he can with the limited support from his council members. He is looking forward to and continue working for the residents of Shelby. Scott would like to explore renegotiating the municipal agreement with the Village of Medina so Shelby receives the taxes from Maple Ridge merchants, research funding to rebuild the park in Shelby Center, and continue working on the water lines to form a loop so more dead end areas will no longer need to be flushed.

As we approach voting day June 24th, remember these individuals are our neighbors. Respect their rights to seek a public office. The amount of slander and bullying needs to stop. The residents of our amazing town deserve better.

Thank you,

Dale S. Root

Shelby Republican Chairman

At tour of women’s prison in Albion, community members see programs to help the incarcerated

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 June 2025 at 3:47 pm

Prison officials say facility remains in ‘recovery phase’ after strike, trying to fill many positions

Photos by Tom Rivers: Melinda Samuelson, superintendent of the Albion Correctional Facility, gave a tour last week to about a dozen community members, including County Legislator John Fitzak at left, who is retired as a corrections officer next door at Orleans Correctional Facility.

ALBION – The Albion Correctional Facility last week gave community members a tour of the women’s prison. This is the third year the facility has let in some local business owners, clergy, elected officials and others for the tour.

Prison leaders said the facility is hiring, seeking to fill many civilian positions and more than 100 jobs as corrections officers.

The tour highlighted educational and vocational training opportunities for the incarcerated population.

“We’re very proud of what goes on inside the prison walls,” said Melinda Samuelson, the Albion Correctional superintendent. “We have a desire to help. We want them to leave on track and better prepared.”

She said many of the staff choose to stay at Albion long-term for their careers, with some even driving well over an hour each way. Some employees have left to work at other prisons and returned to Albion.

Greg Bennett, an Albion village trustee, works in the prison as a locksmith. He was on the tour last week. He said he wished he had taken a job at the prison sooner. He said there are good benefits and pay, and plenty of room for advancement.

Albion Correctional, besides needing to fill many corrections officer positions, also is hiring for keyboarding, mail, licensed practical nurse, registered nurse, vocational instructors, teachers, library clerk, recreation program leader, production control supervisor, administrative assistant and cooks. For more information, contact personnel at (585) 589-5511, ext. 3600.

Danielle Hodges (left), first deputy superintendent, walks with Se Starkweather Miller, the Albion village historian on the tour at the correctional facility, which several said would look like a college campus if there weren’t fences with razor wire on the perimeter.

The state’s prison system dominated the news with a 22-day strike by corrections officers that started Feb. 17 and ended March 10. About 2,000 corrections officers were fired when they didn’t report to work by a March 10 deadline. Staffing statewide at prisons dropped from about 13,500 before the strike to about 10,000 with many officers choosing to resign.

Corrections officers said the prisons have been short-staffed since long before the strike, resulting in far too much forced overtime, and COs said the prisons were less safe due to the HALT Act, which limits solitary confinement in prisons.

At Albion Correctional, the facility is about 130 officers short of being fully staffed and continues to have a National Guard presence. There are about 36 soldiers from the National Guard at Albion Correctional, down from 90 during the strike.

Albion Correctional should have 394 corrections officers to be fully staffed and currently is at about 260. (The facility also has 160 civilian jobs.)

The prison also has about 500 inmates, even though it was a capacity for 1,200. If the prison was at full capacity, it would need 463 COs and sergeants to be fully staffed, prison officials shared on the tour last week.

“We are in the recovery stage from the strike,” Samuelson said at the QWL building during a discussion before the tour. “Many have returned but we are still short. We are constantly recruiting.”

She said the administration strives to make the prison safer for staff and the incarcerated population. The COs have used body worn cameras since 2017 to record any of their interactions with inmates. There are 570 other CCTV cameras on site, and Samuelson said another 6,000 cameras are going in throughout the prison.

The prion’s top administration met with about a dozen people at the QWL building before heading out on a tour of Albion Correctional Facility.

Samuelson said the prison is doing more regional hiring. It used to be corrections officers and civilian staff often had family and friends that worked in a prison. But she said many COs no longer recommend the job.

Albion Correctional started doing the tours for the community in 2023 to try to shine a light on careers within the prison, she said, and the facility is doing more work fairs and listing positions on Indeed.

The administration also is trying to show staff more appreciation. One of the display boards had pictures of staff and thanked them for keeping the facility afloat during the recent strike and the continued staffing issues.

Albion Correctional has been holding steady at about 500 incarcerated women the past several years. She doubts the prison will get back near the 1,200.

Although the inmate population is much lower than its capacity, Samuelson said today’s incarcerated population often struggle with many challenges. More than 80 percent of the population has a diagnosed mental health issue, and many come to Albion plagued with drug addictions. About 130 of the inmates are on methadone treatment to help them with their opioid addictions. She said the prison reflects society with an increasing disrespect for others.

She praised the staff for teaching the incarcerated population new skills, better ways of dealing with anger and strategies for mental health challenges.

On the tour, the community members saw inmates making garbage receptacles and metal furniture. They were welding and painting bins that are prevalent at state parks.

Jeff Benfer leads the vocational program at the prison where inmates learn metal fabrication, welding and painting. He said 32 inmates recently earned more than 250 occupational ed credits as the program rebuilds after the Covid pandemic.

During Covid, the metal fabrication and painting was shut down so inmates could bottle sanitizer. The shop was transformed into a bottling site with 48 inmates working two shifts each day.

Benfer, the industrial superintendent, also oversees a section where inmates use CNC lasers to engrave name plates for park police, state troopers and corrections officers. They also make numerous plaques. Benfer said the group is trying to get caught up on back orders.

A culinary café prepares breakfasts and lunches for staff. During the 22-day strike, the café served 4,500 meals for staff, including making deliveries.

The café serves breakfast burritos with home fries, monster sandwiches, French toast, sausage and cheesy grits. For lunch, there are cheeseburger with fries, chicken finger poutine, chicken dip, meatball sliders, fried bologna sandwich with chips and a pickle.

Mike O’Conner has been the horticulture program instructor the past 10 years. He teaches the incarcerated women in the program to grow and care for flowers and vegetables. The program has a competition among the residence halls to see which ones can best display their flowers. O’Conner, center, is shown chatting with Sue Starkweather Miller, the Albion village historian and also a master gardener through the Cornell Cooperative extension.

Troy Hopson, left, was on the tour. He is director of a juvenile program in Auburn for incarcerated girls.

Some of the produce grown by the horticulture program has been donated to Community Action in Albion.

Melinda Samuelson, the prison superintendent, and Sue Starkweather Miller take a close look at some of the flowers grown in the greenhouse. Starkweather Miller also is a master gardener through the Cornell Cooperative Extension. She said there are opportunities for the horticulture program to partner with the community.

Albion Correctional is one of only three women-only prisons in the state. The other two, Bedford Hills and Taconic Correctional, are on the other side of the state in Westchester County. Albion and Taconic are both medium-security while Bedford Hills is a maximum-security site.

Gov. Kathy Hochul said the state is looking to possibly close five prisons in the coming year. Samuelson believes Albion Correctional is in a good position to stay open as the only women’s prison in the western part of the state, and the many successful programs offered at the site.

The chapel at Albion Correctional Facility is one of the oldest structures remaining from the original prison complex built in the 1890s.

The site initially was established as the Western House of Refuge in 1890, with construction beginning in 1891 and operations starting in December 1893. The chapel was part of the initial complex.

The site has been a women-only prison since 1986.

The inside of the chapel shows where church services are held for the incarcerated population. Albion Correctional is trying to find a specialist to fix one of the old stained-glass windows above the pulpit.

Alfred State announces students on Dean’s List from Orleans

Staff Reports Posted 17 June 2025 at 2:47 pm

ALFRED – The Spring 2024 Dean’s List features 755 Alfred State College students including several from Orleans County. To be named to the Dean’s List, students had to take a minimum of 12 credit hours of course work and earn a minimum 3.5 grade point average (GPA) out of a possible 4.0.

“I’m continually impressed by the dedication our students show in both the classroom and the labs,” commented Vice President for Academic Affairs Carrie Cokely, PhD. “Congratulations on achieving this milestone—keep pushing forward in your pursuit of academic excellence!”

The students from Orleans County on the Dean’s List include:

  • Lorelei Dillenbeck of Lyndonville, majoring in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
  • Owen Hirschman of Kendall, majoring in Welding Technology
  • Alex King of Kendall, majoring in Business Administration
  • Xavier King of Medina, majoring in Welding Technology
  • Ethan Kuhn of Kendall, majoring in Health Sciences
  • James Salvatore of Albion, majoring in Motorsports Technology
  • Jacob Wilson of Lyndonville, majoring in Elec Cons & Maintenance Electrician

Several from Orleans County graduate from University at Buffalo

Staff Reports Posted 17 June 2025 at 11:11 am

BUFFALO – The following students from Orleans County graduated from the University at Buffalo.

• Jylees Bermudez of Albion graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in health and human services from the College of Arts and Sciences.

• Brooklyn Brown of Medina graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in public health from the School of Public Health and Health Professions.

• Amaya Cancino of Holley graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in health and human services from the College of Arts and Sciences.

• Thomas Costello of Medina graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering from the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences.

• Ethan Creig of Medina graduated with a bachelor’s degree in history/social studies adolescence education from the College of Arts and Sciences.

• Nathan Dillenbeck of Lyndonville graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences.

• Matthew Drum of Medina graduated with a bachelor’s degree in computer science from the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences.

• Anthony Gagliardo of Medina graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from the College of Arts and Sciences and a bachelor’s degree in physics from the College of Arts and Sciences.

• Ej Lloyd of Albion graduated with a bachelor’s degree in cognitive science from the College of Arts and Sciences.

• Allison Lyndaker of Holley graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the College of Arts and Sciences.

• Elizabeth McCarthy of Medina graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences.

• Jaklin Mofardin of Lyndonville graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies from the College of Arts and Sciences and a bachelor’s degree in Spanish from the College of Arts and Sciences.

• Chris Shabazz of Albion graduated with a bachelor’s degree in geographic information science from the College of Arts and Sciences.

UB is New York State’s flagship and the largest and most comprehensive institution in the State University of New York system. The university awarded over 10,100 degrees across 18 school-based degree-conferral ceremonies held May 1-18 and earlier in the academic year.