Albion businesses urged to check for credit card skimming machines after 1 placed at Save-A-Lot

Posted 20 November 2025 at 2:16 pm

Photos courtesy of Albion Police Department: These photos show the suspect who allegedly put a skimming device on a cash register at the Save-A-Lot in Albion.

Press Release, Albion Police Chief David Mogle

ALBION – On Wednesday at 3:44 p.m. the Albion Police Department received a report of a fraudulent credit card skimming device located at Save-A-Lot, 320 West Ave.

Through an investigation of the incident and reviewing of video footage, the investigation determined the skimming device was placed on cash register 4 (closest to entrance/exit) on Nov. 14 at 2:23 p.m.

A customer at the store had noticed the key pad on the credit card machine had “new” buttons. The investigation determined a white male, camouflage hat, black headband, brown jacket, gray sweatshirt, blue jeans and brown shoes entered the store and placed the skimming device unnoticed. These skimming devices are professionally handmade and can be very hard to notice.

The Albion Police Department would like to recommend all local businesses check their Point-of-Sale machines for credit card skimmers. One way to determine is to check for “new” looking buttons or lack of security of the machine pieces.

If you have shopped at Save-A-Lot between the dates of Nov. 14 and Nov. 19, we recommend you check your bank account for any suspicious activity. The Albion Police Department is investigating this incident thoroughly.

If you have any further information regarding this incident or any other similar incidents involving the suspect, please contact the Albion Police Department at (585) 589-5627.

These photos show a credit card skimming machine.

2 local businesses will again provide Thanksgiving meals to first responders

Posted 20 November 2025 at 1:34 pm

Provided photo: Pictured left to right include Orleans County Chief Deputy James DiFilipps, Legislator Skip Draper, Undersheriff Donald Draper Jr., Nate Sanders of Elite Meal Prep, Logan Callara of Logan’s Landscaping and Sheriff Christopher Bourke.

Press Release, Orleans County Sheriff’s Office

ALBION – Two brothers who own businesses in Medina are once again stepping up to provide Thanksgiving meals for first responders who are required to work on the holiday.

Nate Sanders, owner of Elite Meal Prep and his brother Logan Callara, owner of Logan Landscaping, decided last year that they would provide meals to first responders who had to work on Thanksgiving. The effort was a huge success, leading the brothers to do it again.

“Last year we provided more than 150 meals to first responders across the county who could not be with their families because they were serving our community on Thanksgiving,” Sanders said. “It was our way of saying thank you to the women and men who protect our community. They were so appreciative of the effort that my brother Logan and I wanted to once again be there for the people who are always there for us.”

Meals will be provided to the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office, Orleans County Sheriff’s Jail, Orleans County Sheriff’s Dispatch, New York State Police, Medina Police & Fire Department, Albion Police Department, Holley Police Department, and Mercy Ambulance for their personnel working on Thanksgiving. Meals are distributed through the kitchen at the Orleans County Jail.

“As I have often said, it is never easy for first responders to miss holidays and family events, but we all know that is the nature of the job,” said Orleans County Sheriff Christopher Bourke. “So Logan and Nate are not only providing a tremendous Thanksgiving dinner to our first responders, they are letting them know their commitment and dedication is recognized by the community.”

The brothers said they also intend to provide meals for first responders working Christmas Eve and Day.

About the businesses:

Logan’s Landscaping was started by Logan when he was 13 years old. He started mowing the neighbor’s lawn using a 3-wheeled bicycle with a homemade trailer attached to haul his lawnmower. Then he rented a storage unit at Lakewood Village to store his equipment and started mowing several more lawns at Lakewood Village. After obtaining his driver’s license Logan got an LLC for his business and started doing commercial work as well. His business has grown to approximately 500 regular customers and he is maintaining over 100 properties weekly. His business consists of several trucks, trailers, machinery and smaller equipment.

Elite Meal Prep (EMP) just celebrated its first anniversary. EMP was an idea of Nick Joy and Nate Sanders who wanted to offer healthy, affordable and high-quality meal options to patrons of Nick Joy’s gyms and other local businesses. Nick has since moved on to become a first responder and Nate is running the business on his own. Nate is currently providing anywhere from 200-500 meals a week to his customers, many of whom are first responders.

Trump should have denounced killing of journalist, instead of saying ‘things happen’

Posted 20 November 2025 at 11:36 am

Editor:

During the recent visit of Saudi leader Salman to the White House, a reporter asked Trump about the brutal murder of Washington Reporter Jamal Khashoggi in October 2018. Trump’s reply was “….things happen.”

The CIA had concluded in late 2018 that Salman had ordered the murder of Khashoggi by luring him into a trap. At the White House, Salman stated “…we are doing our best that this doesn’t happen again.”

Khashoggi was a US journalist and a U.S. citizen. Instead of outrage, we get “things happen.” It is a revealing statement by a narcissist who values self importance, and power over the welfare of US citizens whom he pledged to protect.

John Capurso

Albion High School graduate in 1960

Ashburn, Va.

Medina man faces weapons charges for possession of loaded ‘ghost’ gun

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 20 November 2025 at 11:26 am

Reginald Kendrick

MEDINA – A Medina man faces charges for criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree (loaded firearm) and in the third degree for having a weapon when previously convicted of a crime.

Reginald Kendrick, 50, of 301 Park Ave., Apartment 3, in Medina was charged after a search warrant at his residence. The warrant was issued as part of a investigation into the sale and distribution of cocaine in Medina, the Orleans County Major Felony Crime Task Force reported today.

Kendrick may face additional drug charges, pending forensic lab results, the Task Force reported.

He was convicted of selling cocaine in October 2016 and was sentenced to six months in jail and five years of probation as a first-time felon.

The search warrant on Nov. 12 was executed by the Orleans County Major Felony Crime Task Force, Orleans County Special Response Team, the Sheriff’s Office and Medina Police Department.

Law enforcement seized a loaded unbranded polymer “ghost” semi-automatic 9 mm pistol with an extended 30-round magazine, scales and other drug paraphernalia, the Task Force said today in a press release.

Kendrick was arraigned in Orleans County CAP Court and was committed to the county jail on $1,000 cash bail. He is to appear in Ridgeway Town Court on Dec. 1.

Holley has G-R volleyball All-Star

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 20 November 2025 at 10:17 am

Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Holley senior Alexis VanAmeron has been named to the Genesee Region League All-Star volleyball team. On the season she had 122 spiking kills, 131 digs, 24 blocks and 24 assists.

Caregiver respite sites now available at Albion church, Clarendon Historical Society

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 20 November 2025 at 9:36 am

ALBION/CLARENDON – The Caregiver’s Revitalize program, funded by an Exhale grant secured by United Way of Orleans County from the Ralph C. Wilson Foundation, is moving full steam ahead, with more days added to the schedule to help caregivers.

The Clarendon site is now open every Tuesday and the Albion site every Thursday.

In addition, a Christmas party will be hosted from 4 to 7 p.m. Dec. 2 at the Clarendon site. The event includes dinner, dessert and live music. There will also be live music by Ryan Klatt and door prizes. Participation is free for Orleans County caregivers and the person they care for. Space is limited and reservation are required by calling Samantha at (585) 208-4999 or Dana at (585) 209-9151.

The Caregiver Revitalize program provides a setting where both caregivers and their loved ones can get support and re-establish social connections in their community.

A caregiver is someone caring for a spouse, parent, other family member or even a friend or neighbor. Anyone who provides someone with help with medications, medical appointments, getting out of chairs or bed, showering and getting dressed, housework, shopping and preparing meals, is a caregiver.

The Caregiver’s Revitalize program offers organized activities, support and respite for caregivers with supervision for those they care for. This can give the caregiver time to run errands or just relax.

Current respite sites are from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. every Tuesday at the Clarendon Historical Society at 16426 Fourth Section Rd., Clarendon; and from 1 to 4 p.m. every Thursday at Christ Episcopal Church, 26 South Main St., Albion (use the Park Street entrance only).

Sites are closed on holidays.

Those wanting more information or wanting to volunteer should call (585) 209-9151 or (585) 208-4999 or e-mail Caregiversrevitalize@gmail.com.

Girl Scouts collecting food for pantry in Medina

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 20 November 2025 at 8:55 am

Photos courtesy of Jennifer Hughes, troop leader of Girl Scout Troop 82094

MEDINA –Girl Scout Troop 82094 from Medina has collected 591 non-perishable food items to donate to a local food pantry. The first collection of food has been delivered to The Vine Church.

The scouts also have built six food pantry boxes to be distributed in various locations in Orleans County.

“We are looking for anyone that may be interested in having a box at their location,” said Jennifer Hughes, troop leader of Girl Scout Troop 82094.

The girls are part of multi-level troop ranging from grades kindergarten to 10th grade.

The Girl Scouts are shown with two food pantry boxes. They have six that they want to place in the community.

To contact Hughes about hosting a food pantry box, email her at Jensgemsdaycare@yahoo.com.

Medina has four C North first team honorees

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 20 November 2025 at 8:47 am

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Medina’s first team C North Division honorees, from left, Frankie Stephens, Preston Woodworth and Kolton Fletcher.

Medina’s first team honoree Christian Moss has also been named C North Division Offensive Player of the Year.

Four Medina players have earned spots of the first team of the C North Division All Star squad.

The Mustangs quartet includes seniors Christian Moss (RB/DE), Kolton Fletcher (LB/RB), Frankie Stephens (OL/DL) and junior Preston Woodworth (QB/DB).

Moss, who was named C North Division Offensive Player of the Year, rushed for 1,138 yards and scored 16 touchdowns. He also caught 13 passes for 185 yards and two touchdowns. He is now the Mustangs career leader in both touchdowns (61) and yards rushing (4,350).

Fletcher rushed for 269 yards and 2 touchdowns and caught 33 passes for 582 yards and 6 touchdowns. On defense, he made 83 tackles and had 4 fumble recoveries, 2 interceptions and 1 sack.

Stephens made 42 tackles and had 1 sack and 1 fumble recovery.

Woodworth passed for 1,445 yards and 17 touchdowns and rushed for 168 yards and 4 touchdowns. On defense, he made 22 tackles and had 3 interceptions.

Medina also had four second team honorees including senior Avion Johnson (LB/TE), junior Hadrian Batista (WR/DB), sophomore Davi Mucaucah (kicker) and freshman Kendrick Russaw (RB/LB).

The Mustangs also had four Honorable Mention selections including senior Vinny Gray (WR/DB) and juniors Jayzon Wills (RB/LB), Matthew Jacobs (OL/LB) and TJ Champney (OL/DL).

Serving as judge at oratorical contest proves uplifting experience

Posted 19 November 2025 at 8:06 pm

Editor:

The Jewell-Buckman American Legion Post 529 in Holley sponsored another oratorical contest on November 18 at Kendall Central School. Five Kendall juniors took part in the competition. Each of them put together an 8-10 minute speech related to the United States Constitution.

Several people helped give these teens the opportunity to compose and deliver their sentiments.

As one of four people given the opportunity to judge the contest, I can say that listening to them was uplifting.

But the beneficial event would not have taken place had it not been for the folks at Jewell-Buckman Post 529 along with the encouragement of Kendall Central staff.

Thanks to Ron Boyd and those from the post as well as Kendall staff for pulling this off. And thanks to the students who overcame their reservations and accepted the challenge of participating.

With sincere appreciation,

Gary Kent

Albion

Kendall Class of 1962

2 from Orleans County promoted in National Guard

Staff Reports Posted 19 November 2025 at 4:50 pm

Two soldiers from Orleans County in the National Guard have recently received promotions.

Chandre Labuschagne from Medina and assigned to the NY Air National Guard Headquarters was promoted on Oct.1 to the rank of technical sergeant.

Air National Guard promotions are based on an airman’s overall performance, demonstrated leadership abilities, professionalism and future development potential.

Samantha Harvey from Holley and assigned to the Delta Company, 3rd Battalion, 126th Aviation Regiment, received a promotion on Oct. 21 to the rank of staff sergeant.

Army National Guard promotions are based on a soldier’s overall performance, demonstrated leadership abilities, professionalism and future development potential.

For more information about the New York Air National Guard or to contact a recruiter, visit https://dmna.ny.gov/ang/.

For more information about the New York Army National Guard, visit www.dmna.ny.gov.

Judge sentences 3 to incarceration in county jail

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 19 November 2025 at 12:59 pm

ALBION – Three people were sentenced to time in the Orleans County today by County Court Judge Sanford Church.

• Richard Kress, 38, of Albion was sentenced to 364 days in jail. He could have been sentenced to 1 to 3 years in state prison after pleading guilty to grand larceny in the fourth degree.

Kress and a co-defendant, Daniel Fritz III of Clarendon, are accused of taking a safe from a Clarendon home that had cash and jewelry inside. They will pay $5,000 in restitution to the victim.

Fritz pleaded guilty to attempted burglary in the third degree and faces up to 2 to 4 years in state prison.

Kress said he made some bad choices and was abusing drugs and alcohol. He said he has turned his life around. He apologized to the victim of the crime. He has already been in jail for 115 days.

• Christopher Doxley, 41, of Medina was sentenced to 364 days in the county jail for criminal mischief. He allegedly was in an argument at someone’s house and hit a car with a baseball bat.

He apologized to the court and his family. He also was fined $500 and needs to pay $250 in court fees.

• Charles Santiago, 37, of Albion was sentenced to weekends in jail over four months and five years of probation for criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree. Santiago had a loaded Taurus handgun on April 13 without a permit.

He could have faced six months in the county jail. Judge Sanford Church said the weekends in jail will allow Santiago to keep working full-time so he can support his family.

• A Medina woman is being held in the county jail while awaiting sentencing for violating her probation.

Erica Davis, 37, also faces new charges of promoting prison contraband in the first degree and criminal possession of a controlled substance for bringing cocaine into the county jail. She snuck the cocaine into the jail through her boot, District Attorney Susan Howard said

• Devon A. Robinson, 32, of Rochester pleaded guilty in court today to criminal possession of stolen property in the third degree. He admitted to having an ATV valued at more than $3,000 that he knew was stolen. The Arctic Cat ATV was taken from Hulberton Road in Holley on July 26, 2024.

Robinson, as a second-felony offender, could have faced up to seven years in prison. As part of a plea deal today he will face up t five years in prison when he is sentenced on Feb. 18.

Hemp House in Medina shut down for selling unauthorized cannabis products

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 19 November 2025 at 11:33 am

Mitchell Kwandrans, left, and Marcus Verratti have both been charged with criminal possession of cannabis in the first degree.

MEDINA – The Hemp House and More in Medina has been shut down by the NYS Office of Cannabis Management for possessing and selling unauthorized cannabis products.

Two people, including the Hemp House owner, also are facing charges for criminal possession of cannabis in the first degree, which are class D felonies.

The Orleans County Major Felony Crime Task Force, Sheriff’s Department, Medina Police Department and the NYS Office of Cannabis Management on Nov. 5 executed search warrants at the Hemp House at 409 Main St. and at 2651 Angling Rd. in Ridgeway.

Police seized over 64 pounds of high-grade cannabis flower, 264 pounds of cannabis edibles, 97 THC vapes, 106 viles of THC wax, over 6 pounds of marijuana hash, 10-1000ml containers of THC concentrate distillate, over 1 pound of mushrooms (Pslocybin), and over $96,000 in cash.

The following were charged:

Mitchell Kwandrans, 38, of 2651 Angling Road in Medina for 4 counts of criminal possession of cannabis in the first degree.
Marcus Verratti, 40, of 905 West Ave. in Medina for 2 counts of criminal possession of cannabis in the first degree.

Kwandrans, owner of the Hemp House, and Verratti, a Hemp House employee, were taken to the Orleans County Jail for processing and issued appearance tickets for the Ridgeway Town Court on Dec. 6.

As a result of the items seized, the NYS Office of Cannabis Management closed the store for selling and possessing unauthorized cannabis products. These illicit cannabis products can pose a threat to public health and safety due to not being tested or approved by the Office of Cannabis Management, said Joe Sacco, the supervising investigator for the Major Felony Crime Task Force.

“New York State will not tolerate businesses selling illicit cannabis,” said Dan Haughney, Office of Cannabis Management director of enforcement. “We want to send a clear message that untested, unsafe products do not belong in our communities.”

He thanked the Orleans County Major Felony Crime Task Force, the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office, Orleans County District Attorney’s Office and the Medina Police Department for their partnership in the case.

Also assisting in the investigation were the U.S. Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Administration and the Albion Police K9 unit.

The investigation is ongoing and further charges are pending multiple lab results, Sacco said.

The Hemp House is the third business to be shut down in Orleans County for selling unauthorized cannabis products. The state also closed the Medina Smoke Shop at 335 North Main St. on Aug. 20 and the Albion Mini-Mart at 45 North Main St. on May 20.

Champion Barker/Roy-Hart has seven C North Division first team honorees

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 19 November 2025 at 9:39 am

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Barker/Roy-Hart first team C North honorees, from left, RJ Townsend, Tysen McCaa and Anthony Adinolfe.

Undefeated (6-0) champion Barker/Roy-Hart has placed seven players on the first team of the C North Division All-Star squad.

The Bulls large contingent includes seniors Joey Reiter (RB/LB), Tysen McCaa (QB/DB/K), Vinnie Fazzio (RB/LB), Anthony Adinolfe (WR/RB/DB) along with juniors Carter DerSarkissian (WR/RB/DB) and RJ Townsend OL/DL/LB) and sophomore Jakob West (OL/DL).

Reiter rushed for 973 yards and scored 11 touchdowns. He had 29 tackles on defense.

Barker/Roy-Hart’s Vinnie Fazzio has been named C North Defensive Player of the Year.

McCaa passed for 744 yards and 10 touchdowns and rushed for 533 yards and 6 touchdowns. He also handled the Bulls kickoff, punt and extra point kicking duties.

Fazzio, who has been named C North Defensive Player of the Year, rushed for 384 yards and 7 touchdowns and caught 13 passes for 256 yards and 5 touchdowns. On defense he led the Bulls with 72 tackles, including 51 solo, and had 8 fumble recoveries and an interception.

Adinolfe rushed for 378 yards and 4 touchdowns and caught 14 passes for 162 yards and 3 touchdowns. Defensively, he had 43 tackles, including 29 solo, 3 fumble recoveries and 2 forced fumbles.

DerSarkissian rushed for 576 yards and 6 touchdowns. On defense he made 46 tackles, including 31 solo, and had 3 interceptions, 1 fumble recovery and 1 forced fumble.

Townsend made 32 tackles, including 21 solo, and had 2 sacks and 1 fumble recovery.

West made 26 tackles, including 17 solo, and had 3 sacks.

Barker/Roy-Hart also had four second team honorees including senior Carson Schwab (WR/DB), juniors Ashton Ark (WR/LB) and Logan Flint (OL/DL) and sophomore Max Townsend (WR/DB/QB).

The Bulls also had a quartet of Honorable Mention selections including seniors Evan Baker (WR/DB), Ben Hess (OL/DL), Aiden Munn (OL/DE) and sophomore John Brigham (OL/DE).

Barker/Roy-Hart first team honorees Jakob West, Carter DerSarkissian and Joey Reiter.

Author donates book and poster of local Civil War soldiers to Albion students

Posted 19 November 2025 at 8:47 am

Photos and information courtesy of Tim Archer

ALBION – Local resident, historian, and author Tom Taber (right) donated his book, “The Orleans Battery,” and a framed poster on the soldiers of the Civil War’s local 17th New York Light Artillery. He presented them to Albion Middle School eighth grade students Brian Patten and John Vivas, along with social studies teacher Mr. Shawn Ragonese.

The book is a history of the NY 17th created from letters sent home by several of the men, from privates to commanding officer Captain George T. Anthony, who left Medina for Kansas, and eventually was elected governor there. He was also Susan B. Anthony’s second cousin.

The poster was a Civil War roster listing the names and ranks of the men, predominantly from Orleans County, who were the original volunteers in the NY 17th. Soon after arriving in Washington in late 1862, they were offered the poster for $1.

Future classes will benefit from Taber’s extensive research for years to come.