By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 6 November 2025 at 9:33 pm
Akron captured a sixth straight Section VI Class C field hockey championship by downing Niagara-Orleans League foe Barker 3-0 this evening at Alden.
Mackenzie Tomporowski scored what proved to be the game winning goal for Akron with seven minutes to go in the third quarter breaking a scoreless deadlock.
The Lady Tigers quickly doubled their advantage just five minutes later on a goal by Morgan Tomporowski.
Morgan Tomporowski tacked on Akron’s final goal with 8 minutes to go in the fourth quarter.
Goalie Marissa Brege anchored the defense for Akron which has now registered shutouts in all 13 games against N-O League opponents this season.
Improving to 15-1, Akron will next face East Rochester from Section V in the Class C Far West Regional at 2 p.m. Saturday at Alden.
Provided photos: From left include Sheriff Christopher Bourke, Employee of the Year John Doyle, and Director of Personnel Katie Harvey.
Press Release, Orleans County Department of Personnel
ALBION – The EAP Committee is tasked to recognize employees of the month. This is a very important and a very special occasion when fellow county employees are recognized for not only their service to the citizens of the county but to recognize those individuals who go above and beyond their duty.
The EAP Committee receives nominations from fellow employees and department directors and then the nominations are reviewed and discussed by the committee and a selection is made.
The employees of the months for the past year were:
• October 2024 – Craig Lane (Department of Public Works)
• November 2024 – Bert Mathes (Department of Public Works)
• December 2024 – Kathleen Bates (Office for the Aging)
• January 2025 – Cynthia Walter (Social Services)
• February 2025 – Dawn Hazel (Mental Health)
• March 2025 – Audra Fisher (Emergency Management)
• April 2025 – Maria Strathearn (Social Services)
• May 2025 – Dustin Wells (Sheriff)
• June 2025 – Shelby Willis & Page Smith (Sheriff-Dispatch)
• July 2025 – Samantha Lawson (Social Services)
• August 2025 – John Doyle (Sheriff)
• September 2025 – Gerald Bentley (Sheriff-Dispatch)
Employee of the Month attendees include from left: Craig Lane (Public Works), Bert Mathes (Public Works), Kathleen Bates (Office for the Aging), Dawn Hazel (Mental Health), Audra Fisher (Emergency Management), Maria Strathearn (Social Services), Dustin Wells (Sheriff), Shelby Willis (Sheriff-Dispatch), Page Smith (Sheriff-Dispatch), Samantha Lawson (Social Services), John Doyle (Sheriff) and Gerald Bentley (Sheriff-Dispatch). They were recognized at the Fairhaven Inn.
From this pool of candidates, a Department Head must make a recommendation to a separate committee to determine the Employee of the Year. The committee takes into consideration the service that an employee has performed before choosing the Employee of the Year.
Throughout the past year, our employee of the year has shown exceptional dedication to keeping the public, county buildings, staff, and visitors safe. His proactive approach, professionalism, and commitment to public safety have strengthened the sense of security for everyone in our community and workplace.
His attention to detail and quick actions have helped prevent incidents, reduce risks, and create a safer environment across our county. His calm and professional presence brings confidence and reassurance to all who interact with him.
This employee demonstrates consistent service, awareness, and dedication. His work to protect the public, county employees, and our buildings reflects both outstanding skill and a strong commitment to the safety of those who rely on them each day.
The Sheriff’s Office and Orleans County appreciate his service to the department and the community. His interactions with the public are thorough and professional. Qualities that make him deserving of this award.
I am pleased to announce this year’s Employee of the Year is John Doyle.
Photo courtesy of Albion Elks Lodge: Pictured from left: Niccole Moore (Albion Elementary Social Worker), Angela Conway (Elementary Principal), Marv Christ (Elks member), Joan Christ (Elks member), April Flesch (Elks member), Lynda Standish (Elks member), and Mickey Edwards (Albion Superintendent of Schools).
Press Release, Albion Elks Lodge
ALBION – The Albion Elks Lodge #1006 recently organized a donation of $4,000 worth of essential items to Albion’s Ronald L. Sodoma Elementary School to help support families in need this school year.
The donation included $2,000 worth of various hygiene items, shoes and basic clothing items; and $2,000 worth of winter coats.
Albion Elks members worked with school social worker Niccole Moore to understand what would be most useful for families. The Elks delivered the first donation of supplies earlier this school year, and the final donation of coats this past week.
“This contribution is incredibly meaningful to our district, as it allows us to help meet the needs of students and families within our community,” Moore said. “With the cold weather quickly approaching, these coats will be especially beneficial in ensuring our students stay warm and comfortable throughout the season.”
Families in need can connect with Moore, the school’s main office or their teacher for more information.
“Our mission is to help build stronger communities and improve the quality of life for our neighbors through grants obtained by our Elks National Foundation,” said Mike Jenks, Albion Elks Exalted Ruler.
Jenks also encourages Orleans County high school seniors to apply for the many scholarships the Elks has available. More information can be obtained at their schools.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 6 November 2025 at 11:32 am
Photos by Ginny Kropf: (Left) Craig Royal, left, and his partner Tom Bradley sit on the steps of 512 West Ave., the historic home purchased by Andew Meier, who then contracted with Royal and Bradley to paint it. (Right) This is the newly restored front of 512 West Ave. with age-appropriate paint, a gold starburst and new steps.
MEDINA – Andrew Meier, a Medina native and local attorney, has always admired the house at 512 West Ave.
Ed Grinnell’s “Medina – Here’s to Our Heritage,” says Samuel Rice Jr., a native of England, took two deeds on the west side of what was then called “West Street.” The Tribune of Aug. 13, 1885 states “S. Rice Jr. is drawing stone preparatory to the erection of a house to be completed within a year.”
Rice died in 1907 and the house passed to a daughter, Mrs. Harry (Grace) Bickle. Grace was Samuel Rice’s daughter. The Bickles are reported to have lived in the house for many years. After Harry’s death, Grace lived in the home until around 1960, when she moved to Woodland Avenue. The next reported owners were Jim and Pat Anderson.
Meier said the house is basically original, but underwent significant interior remodeling by Harry Bickle in the summer of 1927. At that time, according to Meier, the kitchens and bathrooms were modernized and, he believes, the tin ceilings were installed throughout.
“Almost the entire first floor and much of the second floor have tin ceilings,” Meier said. “It is quite amazing.”
More recently, former village trustee Tim Elliott owned the home and turned it into a ceramics’ studio. When Meier learned Elliott had moved his studio two years ago, he decided to go talk to him.
“The rest is history,” Meier said.
Meier did not have any definite plans for the house when he purchased it, he said.
“But I decided to make it back into a home after working inside it,” Meier said. “We have not done too much work inside, but on the outside, lots of rotten wood has been replaced and the entire porch was rebuilt. We were able to salvage the original porch posts, but all of the railing had to be turned on a lathe to match the original, as it was beyond repair.”
Craig Royal looks at the 1961 issue of Lipton’s Magazine, in which his father Zeke Royal and Zeke’s business partner John Bradley take a break for a glass of tea while painting the Orleans County Courthouse. Bradley’s son Tom currently works with Craig on painting projects.
Meier also knew who he wanted to paint the house, and he contacted Craig Royal, who took over his father Zeke Royal’s painting business and now lives in Mooresville, N.C. Craig’s partner in the business was Tom Bradley, son of Zeke’s partner John Bradley. Tom now lives and Naples, Fla., but agreed to come north and work with Craig on several projects, including the house at 512 West Ave. They also painted Creekside Floral during their time here.
Their dads and Craig and Tom have painted everything and anything, including water towers, schools and churches.
“Dad used to drive up West Center Street and pointing he would say, ‘I painted that house and this house,’” Craig said.
Craig is a Medina native and 1977 graduate of Medina High School. Tom was born in Albion, but his family moved to Naples when he was 14, he said.
Craig said they come up north in the summer to paint, because it’s cooler here then. When Meier called him last year about the house at 512 West Ave., he recruited Scott Grimm, a retired teacher, and current teachers John McCarthy, Christian Held and Shawn Ragonese to help.
He also had to resurrect his father’s old paint truck, which he had sold to Jim Lawson. It was sitting in a field and needed a lot of work, Craig said.
It took more than a month to apply 20 gallons of primer to the house. They completed the job around Sept. 1.
Craig Royal and Tom Bradley stand by their paint truck parked in the front yard of 512 West Ave., after completing a several month-long painting and restoration job on the home, recently purchased by Andrew Meier.
Provided photo: Emily Hung, an energy advisor, speaks during a presentation on Oct. 22 at Lee-Whedon Memorial Library in Medina.
ALBION/MEDINA – Energy advisors Emily Hung, Azmery Afnan and Brett Peters from the NYSERDA Finger Lakes Clean Energy Hub conducted presentations last month at Hoag Library in Albion and Lee-Whedon Memorial Library in Medina.
The purpose was to offer free and impartial information to local households and businesses to support our community’s transition to vehicles and buildings powered by carbon-free electricity, and to connect people to state and federal programs that can help subsidize their electrification costs and home repairs.
The Finger Lakes Clean Energy Hub, also known as AMPED, is a program of the Climate Solutions Accelerator. The Accelerator is an inclusive, non-partisan, not-profit organization dedicated to inspiring and facilitating a large-scale climate mobilization in the nine-county Genesee-Finger Lakes Region, which includes Orleans and Genesee counties.
Hung, Afnan and Peters explained the programs of clean energy technology and how individuals and small businesses can access these incentives. They explained that making your home and business more energy efficient can benefit not only yourself, but the community at large by reducing emissions and air pollution, as well as creating local jobs.
Individually, you can reduce your energy bills, improve air quality in your home, and decrease the risk of gas exposure. Many people do not know that NYSERDA Clean Energy Hubs offer free advertising on what you might be eligible for, including a free energy audit on your home. Following the audit, suggestions and recommendations are then offered to the home or business owner along with information regarding financial assistance and incentive availability.
For more information, contact the Finger Lakes Clean Energy Hub (aka) AMPED at hub@climategfl.org, or by calling 585-419-6218.
This will be fourth concert in Classical Music Series in Albion
Provided photos, and press release
ALBION – The Argos Trio will perform in Albion on Wednesday, Nov. 19, at 7 p.m. at the Pullman Memorial Universalist Church at 10 East Park St. in Albion.
The Argos Trio is a combination of violin, cello and piano. Violinist Juliana Athayde, cellist Lars Kirvan, and pianist Chiao-Wen Cheng will be performing trios of Mendelsohn and Beethoven.
Juliana Athayde, violinist, is the concertmaster of the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, appointed in 2005 at the age of 24. She has appeared as guest concertmaster and soloist at numerous orchestras throughout the United States. A dynamic teacher, Ms. Athayde is Associate Professor of Violin at the Eastman School of Music.
Lars Kirvan, cellist, is the assistant principal cellist of the RPO and an internationally recognized chamber musician as well as orchestral musician, having earned his bachelor’s degree at the Cleveland Institute of Music. Lars has performed with the New World Symphony Orchestra and was recently invited to join the World Orchestra for Peace.
A versatile musician and educator, Taiwanese pianist Chiao-Wen Cheng has performed as soloist, recitalist, and chamber musician in major venues throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia. Cheng holds a doctoral degree from the Eastman School of Music. Cheng is currently an Assistant Professor of Collaborative Piano and Chamber Music at the ESM. She joined the RPO as a Principal Keyboard in 2022.
The Argos Trio is the fourth concert in the Classical Music Series in Albion. Previously as a part of the Classical Music Series in Albion were three performing groups.
Chamber Music Players of the Genesee Valley Wind Ensemble performed at the Baptist Church in Albion in January.
Genesee Valley Wind Ensemble played in the High School Auditorium in May.
E-Yah-Pah-Hah Wind Quintet played at Riley Place for the Cobblestone Summer Soiree in July.
We are very grateful to the Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council (GO Art!) for its generous support of this project. This project is made possible with funds from the
Statewide Community Regrant Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and administered by GO Art!
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 November 2025 at 9:59 am
Returns up 9.7 percent, 5th highest among 57 counties outside NYC
Sales tax revenues are seeing strong growth in Orleans County through the first three quarters of the year, according to a report from State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli.
The local sales tax revenues in Orleans are up 9.7 percent, from $17.46 million to $19.14 million, for the first three quarters. That is the fifth highest growth rate in the state.
The only counties that have a higher growth rate include Hamilton County at 12%, followed by the counties of Yates and Chenango (each at 10.4%) and Delaware (10.3%).
Among the GLOW region, Genesee County is up 7.0 percent from $41.57 million to $44.49 million.
Livingston County is one of the six counties that seeing a drop in sales tax revenue. Livingston is down 2.5 percent from $36.41 million to $35.51 million in the first three quarters.
Wyoming County also is down. It dipped 0.1 percent, from $19.94 million to $19.92 million.
The state comptroller reported that nearly 90 percent of counties experienced a year-over-year increase in collections, with close to one-third of counties seeing more than 5 percent growth.
Orleans has seen steady growth in each of the three quarters so far this year – up 9.2 percent in first quarter ($5.39 million to $5.88 million), 14.8 percent increase in second quarter (from $5.68 million to $6.52 million) and up 5.5 percent in third quarter (from $6.39 million to $6.74 million).
State-wide, local government sales tax collections totaled $18.2 billion from January to September 2025, an increase of 4.3% ($747 million) compared to the same period last year, DiNapoli reported.
“New York’s local sales tax revenues rose through September compared to last year, but federal policy actions create significant fiscal risk for municipalities amid signs of a slowing economy,” DiNapoli said. “Local officials who rely on these revenues should take advantage of the financial planning tools and guidance my office offers to help them bolster their fiscal resilience.”
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 6 November 2025 at 9:28 am
Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Jakob West and Joey Reiter, shown here making a tackle during last week’s quarterfinal game, and their Barker/Roy-Hart teammates will host Chautauqua Lake/Westfield/Brocton in the Class C semifinals at 7 p.m. Friday at Barker.
Looking to keep the momentum from last weekend’s quarterfinal victory, Barker/Roy-Hart will host Chautauqua Lake/Westfield/Brocton in the semifinals of the Section VI Class C football playoffs at 7 p.m. Friday at Barker.
Both teams posted high scoring wins in the quarterfinals as Barker/Roy-Hart downed Salamanca 46-30 and Chautauqua Lake routed Akron 70-12.
“We are very excited fot this next challenge,” said Barker/Roy-Hart Coach Bill Bruning. “Chautauqua Lake is a very talented and well coached team. We need to continue to play our brand of football.”
Both teams bring 8-1 records into the semifinals. Barker/Roy-Hart captured the C North Division title with a 6-0 record while Chautauqua Lake went 6-1 in the C South Division finishing second to undefeated (7-0, 9-0) Southwestern.
“The key for us! This has not changed since week 1,” said Bruning. “Win the turnover battle, Explosive plays (create ours and limit their’s) and tackling.”
Leading the Chautauqua Lake attack is quarterback Brayden Gibbs who has passed for 1,365 yards and 17 touchdowns and rushed for 273 yards and 5 TD.
The Eagles rushing attack is led by Thandon Bensink who has rushed for 689 yards and 9 TD. The leading receivers include Devin Hewes (44 catches for 587 yards and 6 TD), Asher Olson (26 for 411 yards and 6 TD) and Carson Fairbank (20 for 272 yards and 4 TD).
“Defensively we need to be gap sound for the running attack and play sound pass coverage,” said Bruning. “They have a balanced attack and if we can get them to play one dimensional that would be great.”
Quarterback Tysen McCaa, who has passed for 682 yards and 10 touchdowns and rushed for 522 yards and 5 TD leads the Barker/Roy-Hart attack.
The Bulls rushing attack also features Joey Reiter (935 yards, 11 TD), Carter DerSarkissian (476 yards, 5 TD), Anthony Adinolfe (370 yards, 4 TD) and Vince Fazzio (354 yards, 7 TD).
Fazzio also leads the receiving corps with 13 catches for 256 yards and 5 TD. Adinlfe has 12 receptions for 156 yards and 3 TD and Ashton Ark 10 for 180 and 2 TD.
The victor will face the winner of the Eden (8-1) at Southwestern (9-0) semifinal in the Class C championship game at Highmark Stadium on November 13.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 6 November 2025 at 8:52 am
MAAC urges donations that will be shared with children and senior citizens
Photos by Ginny Kropf: Medina firefighters gather around the MAAC Christmas barrels on Wednesday morning, prior to loading them in their ambulances to be delivered to local shops, schools, churches, etc. to be filled with gifts for children and families in the Medina community. From left are firefighter Joe Kyle, Lt. Steve Miller, Lt. Adam Fisher, Lt. Jacob Crooks, chief Steve Cooley, Lt. Tim Miller, trainee Zyere Wade from Iroquois Job Corps, firefighter Frank Golojuch and Red Barrel chair Sherry Tuohey-Sipple.
MEDINA – When they are not busy putting out a fire or responding to an emergency call, Medina firefighters may be found supporting their community in other ways, such as delivering barrels throughout town for MAAC’s annual Christmas Present Program (otherwise known as the Red Barrel Program).
Delivering toys to children at Christmas time was started by the Medina firefighters decades ago. The Medina Area Association of Churches now runs the program. Sherry Tuohey-Sipple has been organizer of the program for going on eight years.
Every year, up to 42 barrels are delivered to targeted locations throughout Medina and nearby. The public is encouraged to fill the barrels with a new toy or gift suitable for youth up to 18 years of age and senior citizens.
Lt. Adam Fisher carries two barrels to his emergency vehicle at the Grove Methodist Church. Medina firefighters delivered 42 red barrels Wednesday morning.
Last year, more than 110 families were provided with Christmas gifts and a holiday meal. Tuohey-Sipple anticipates the need will be greater this year because of the state of the economy.
While Tuohey-Sipple heads the committee, she has lots of help. Norma Jean Foster has been in charge of the food baskets for the past four years. She shops for hams, potatoes, canned fruits and vegetables, stuffing and cereal.
Barb Vreeland, a member of MAAC, said this is a blessed ministry, for sure. Vreeland said they are grateful to the churches and community, all of which are so good to them.
Tuohey-Sipple added her thanks to the businesses, churches, banks, libraries and anyone else who accepts a red barrel in their establishment.
Provided photos: (Left) Norma Jean Foster carries boxes of canned goods into the Grove United Methodist Church where they will be used to fill food boxes for the Christmas Present (Red Barrel) Program. (Right) Katie Oakes poses with a MAAC red barrel at Lynoaken Farms on Ridge Road. Customers who donate a gift suitable for a teen will receive a bag like the ones she is holding filled with apples. This is the final weekend Lynoaken will be open.
Two new board members for MAAC have volunteered to take an active role in encouraging donations.
Katie Oakes, who heads LynOaken Farms U-pick apple orchard, and Meghan Fuller, whose mother owns Ellen J. Goods, have both come up with promotions for the public. Oakes said MAAC is an organization that is near and dear to her heart.
“Every year they run a Christmas Present program for local families in need – providing gifts for children up to 18, hats and gloves for all family members, hygiene kits for every adult in the household and a full holiday meal,” Oakes said. “I think it’s such an amazing program and this year I’m so honored to be a part of the committee that has been running it for years.”
Oakes went on to explain that while gifts for babies and young children are plentiful, teens are often the ones most overlooked when it comes to holiday donations.
In an effort to boost donations for this age group, Oakes has placed a red barrel in the U-pick pavilion for their final weekend this week, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Anyone who brings a new gift for a pre-teen or teen (ages 9-18) will receive a free half peck bag to fill with any of their remaining apples. (One bag per person – not per gift).
Medina firefighter/EMT Frank Golojuch and others at Medina FD finish loading the 42 barrels they would deliver to various locations in Medina and the surrounding area.
Some ideas for gifts are Legos, earbuds, portable chargers, reusable water bottles, cozy blankets, art kits/supplies and Bluetooth speakers.
Fuller works with her mom Lynne, owner of Ellen J. Goods store on Main Street. It is a vintage and antique furniture and home décor shop, offering painting and décor workshops. They sponsor retreats and welcome EJG campers at various times throughout the year.
Fuller said she is thrilled to have joined the MAAC committee and to be able to collect gifts for teens this holiday season.
“Teens deserve to feel the love, too,” she said. “I will put together an awesome Pentart/Decoupage Queen gift basket in our store. If you bring in a gift for a teen, you will be entered to win. Your help would mean the world to me and make the holidays a little brighter for local teens.”
To qualify for a holiday basket, families must live in the 14103 (Medina) or 14479 (Knowlesville) zip codes. They must sign up during the second and third weeks of November at either St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, 1355 West Ave., from 10 a.m. to noon or 5 to 7 p.m. on Nov. 11 or 18; or at the Vine at 11031 Maple Ridge Rd., from 10 a.m. to noon Nov. 13 or 20. They must provide proof of household, residence and income. Income guidelines will apply.
The barrels will be picked up on Dec. 3 and gift boxes delivered on Dec. 13.
Anyone with questions may contact Tuohey-Sipple at (585) 356-8346 or call (585) 798-5698 and leave a message.
Medina Fire Chief Steve Cooley helps load red barrels in his department’s emergency vehicles to kick off the 2025 Christmas Present (Red Barrel) drive.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 5 November 2025 at 8:20 pm
Contributed Photo – Roy-Hart players and coaches celebrate capturing the Section VI Class B2 volleyball championship with a thrilling five set win over Salamanca this evening at Cheektowaga.
No. 3 seed Roy-Hart outlasted No. 8 Salamanca in a five set thriller 25-9, 25-27, 22-25, 25-11, 15-12 in the Section VI Class B2 volleyball championship match this evening at Cheektowaga.
Trailing 10-9 in the decisive fifth set, Roy-Hart rallied to take the set and the match as Zoe Healey registered a spiking kill for point 10, Raegan Kern service aces for points 11 and 12, Grace Pearl a kill for point 14 and Ryleigh Capen an ace for the set and match winning 15th point.
“The girls were able to dig deep, trust each other and work together as a team to make that comeback,” said Coach Eliza Feocco. “Just incredible.”
The sectional championship is the first for Roy-Hart since 1996. The Lady Rams will next face the Class B1 winner (either Depew or Olean) for the Section VI Class B berth in the state tournament on Friday.
Roy-Hart also got off to a strong start taking the opening set 25-9 as Kern had a huge run of 11 straight service points (7-17) which included four aces.
However, Salamanca answered back to take the next two sets 27-25 and 25-22, to take a 2-1 lead in the match. Mckenzie Crouse had a big run of 11 straight points (12-22) for the Lady Warriors in the second set.
Roy-Hart though rebounded to knot the match at 2-2 by taking the fourth set 25-11 as Lauren Snyder served up 6 points in a row (15-20) giving the Lady Rams a 20-5 lead.
That set the stage for the decisive fifth set for the Lady Rams which was highlighted by kills by Snyder, Kern and Pearl and aces by Kylie McOmber, Kern and Capen.
Pearl had a total of 13 kills, Snyder 8, Kern and McOmber 6 each. Capen led the Lady Rams in assists with 26.
Roy-Hart will now take an 18-1 record into Friday’s state qualifier match.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 5 November 2025 at 3:50 pm
Soldier from Albion only one from Orleans County killed in combat in war in Afghanistan
Photos by Tom Rivers: The state Department of Transportation installed signs on Route 31A near Powerline Road and the Route 98 intersection naming that section of 31A in honor of Specialist Jason Johnston, who was killed in Afghanistan on Dec. 26, 2009.
Jason Johnston was a specialist and paratrooper with the Army.
ALBION – Two signs on Route 31A were unveiled today naming the section of 31A in Albion in honor of Specialist Jason Johnston, who is the only solider from Orleans County killed in combat during the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Johnston was 24 when he was killed by a roadside bomb in Arghandab, Afghanistan. Johnston was a specialist and paratrooper in the Army.
He was on his second tour in Afghanistan. He completed a 13-month-deployment in 2008 and left again for the war-torn country in October 2009.
His parents, Brad and Jenny Johnston, said they appreciated the community’s ongoing support for their son.
“It’s every parent’s worry that their children will be forgotten,” Jenny Johnston said.
The signs, declaring “Highway Dedicated To Specialist Jason Johnston,” ensure that her son will stay prominently recognized in the community.
State Assemblyman Steve Hawley, left, and State Sen. Rob Ortt speak to a group from the Johnson family, the American Legion in Albion and friends of the family before unveiling the sign on Route 31A in Albion, just east of Route 98. Ortt served in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan from March 2008 until December 2008.
Brad Johnston said he has been trying for more than 14 years to have the a highway named in honor of his son, who would turn 40 years old on Dec. 10.
Brad is retired from a career with the State Department of Corrections. He was speaking about a year ago with John Fitzak, a retired corrections officer and current county legislator, about naming a road in honor of Jason.
Fitzak led the effort to get local government support for naming the highway, including a resolution of support from the County Legislature last January. It was sent to the local state legislators. State Assemblyman Steve Hawley and State Sen. Rob Ortt were able to get the legislation passed by the Assembly and Senate, with Gov. Kathy Hochul signing off on the bill.
County Legislator John Fitzak presents a citation from the County Legislature in support of naming the highway for Jason Johnston. Jason’s parents, Brad and Jenny, and his sister Heather are at right. Jason has two other sisters, Carrie and Holly, and many nieces and nephews.
There also are memorials for Johnston at the Elks Lodge, American Legion in Albion and Albion Town Hall, and a $1,000 scholarship is given each year to a graduating senior pursuing a helping profession.
Mr. Johnston said he is grateful the community continues to remember and honor his son.
“Since Vietnam, he is Orleans County’s only solider killed in battle,” Brad Johnston said. “I think it’s phenomenal. It still shows the support he has when they brought him home. It was people lined up in a snowstorm. This means an awful lot to all of us.”
Sheriff Chris Bourke attended the sign unveiling. Jenny Johnson hugs a friend after the sign was unveiled.
Legion Commander Brad Rouse leads the group in a prayer after the sign covering was removed.
Everett Jubenville, up high, and Mike Blue from the DOT’s sign crew installed the two signs on Route 31A in Albion for Jason Johnston.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 5 November 2025 at 11:26 am
Curtis Schroth
ALBION – A Ridgeway man pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter in Orleans County Court this morning and could be sentenced to up to 20 years in prison.
Curtis Schroth, 52, admitted to hitting his mother in the back of the head with a hammer on Oct. 15, causing injuries that led to her death on Oct. 27.
Schroth was living with his mother, Dolores Schroth, at the time. She was 78.
After seriously injuring his mother, Schroth went to the Albion Police Department on Oct. 15, and confessed to the crime, District Attorney Susan Howard said.
The case was at a standstill because Schroth was deemed to be mentally incompetent. He has been in a psychiatric facility for several months but was brought to Orleans County on Sept. 24 to appear in court after being found competent.
Schroth in court today said his mother frequently put him down. He cited “mental health abuse” when Judge Sanford Church asked Schroth why he hit his mother with the hammer.
Schroth said the hammer was on a counter inside the house. He acknowledged he hit her with the intention of causing physical injury.
Howard said the Monroe Medical Examiner’s Office ruled Dolores Schroth died from the injuries sustained after being hit with the hammer.
“Do you understand tat hitting your mother in the back of the head with a hammer caused significant risk of death?” Judge Church asked Schroth.
“Yes,” he replied.
He will be sentenced on Jan. 7 and also could face a $5,000 fine, other court surcharges and fees, and post-release supervision.
Press Release, Community Action of Orleans and Genesee
ALBION – Main Street Corner Thrifts, Gifts and More, a program of Community Action of Orleans and Genesee (CAOG), is proud to announce the return of its annual Wishing Tree, a community-driven initiative created to help local families receive essential winter items and small gifts.
Launched 2 years ago, the Wishing Tree was designed with a simple purpose: to give the community an easy and meaningful way to help each other.
The Wishing Tree, located inside the store at 131 South Main Street in Albion, is decorated with prepaid coupons purchased by generous customers. Each coupon represents a specific item or level of support that someone in need can redeem at the register, including:
1 winter coat
2 pairs of socks
$10 toward clothing
$5 gift item
These coupons are available for purchase starting in November, allowing anyone to directly support neighbors, families, and individuals who may be struggling.
This year, Main Street Corner Thrifts, Gifts and More has expanded the program by launching an online ordering option, making it easier than ever for members of the community—near or far—to participate. Coupons purchased through the website will go directly to the store, where they will be added to the Wishing Tree for use by those who need them most.
“We’ve always believed that a small act of kindness can make a big difference,” said Cassie Healy, store manager. “The Wishing Tree has grown into something that truly reflects the heart of our community, and we are excited to make giving even more accessible through our website.”
In addition to serving walk-in customers, this year all unused or extra coupons will be donated to the local school district, ensuring students have access to warm clothing and needed items throughout the winter season.
“While we are all finding ways to cope with the government shutdown, rising costs, and all of the fear and uncertainty that comes with that, this program offers a low cost opportunity for us to help our neighbors in need,” said Renee Hungerford, CEO of Community Action of Orleans and Genesee.
Community members who wish to participate can visit the store in person or purchase coupons online. Every contribution—big or small—makes a direct impact on someone’s life.
The link to purchase these coupons can be found by clicking here.
