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Lyndonville graduates 30 in 85th ceremony
In a ceremony dedicated to former teacher, coach and senior class advisor Mark Hughes, Lyndonville graduated 30 students this evening.
Photos by Cheryl Wertman- Lyndonville seniors toss their caps into the air after this evening’s graduation ceremony.
Salutatorian, Madison Davis, adjusts the cap of Valedictorian, Addison Dillenbeck, before the ceremony begins.
Shane Price, Lyndonville Teachers Association President (left picture), leads the procession of faculty and graduates while Juniors Emily Miner(L) and Elena Barry(R) are the Honor Escorts for the graduating seniors.
The Lyndonville High School Band, led by Kelly Folman, play Pomp & Circumstance as the grads entered the stage.
Performing the Senior Song “Home”, are these members of the Senior Select Choir: Aidan Allen, Andrew Austin, Olivia Belgiorno, Auston Bentley, Noah Fox, Amir Huzair, Elisabeth Ingersoll, Kendyll Kidney, Hannah Marker, Jacob Pitcher, and Alyssa Prine.
The Class of 2025 on stage awaiting to receive their diplomas
Several grads decorated the top of their caps. Here, Olivia Belgiorno has hers stating that graduation is the “End Of Act One”
Hawley announces registrations being accepting for Patriot Trip in September
Photo by Tom Rivers: Assemblyman Steve Hawley, right, tosses candy during Thursday’s parade for the Kendall Carnival. Behind him is his chief of staff Jayleen Carney, and Kendall highway superintendent Eric Maxon.
Press Release, Assemblyman Steve Hawley
ALBION – Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) is accepting registrations for this year’s Patriot Trip to Washington, D.C. The trip will run from Sept. 18 to 21 and is open to local veterans and their families.
Participants will get a tour of the nation’s capital and its numerous monuments and landmarks that honor those who served. This year’s trip will feature stops at several notable locations in the D.C. area, including the WWII, Korean and Vietnam War memorials and Arlington National Cemetery.
“This trip is an excellent opportunity to honor not only our local veterans but also those who served before them,” said Hawley. “I am incredibly excited to host this event for another year. We owe our veterans a deep level of gratitude for all they have sacrificed for the freedoms we enjoy in this country, so being able to take them to our nation’s capital to see these historic landmarks is truly an honor.”
Due to the many generous donations from the community, local businesses and organizations, we are expecting the cost to be $450-$500 per person with everything included. While the deadline to attend a White House visit has passed, the rest of the trip is still open to local veterans and their families. To register, contact Hawley’s office at (585) 589-5780 or email hawleys@nyassembly.gov for more details.
For those who wish to donate to support this event, please make your donation out to Patriot Trip and send it to PO Box 171, Albion, NY 14411.
NY offering free fishing this weekend with no license required
Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office
Photo by Tom Rivers: Logan Cole, 8, of Kendall goes fishing on Aug. 13, 2022 at the Daniel Spierdowis Memorial Fishing Derby. Logan was one of 63 kids in the derby at the Albion Sportsmen’s Association.
Governor Kathy Hochul announced today that June 28-29 is a free fishing weekend in New York State, encouraging New Yorkers to get offline and get outside to enjoy opportunities for affordable outdoor recreation across the state.
During free fishing days, the fishing license requirement is waived for freshwater fishing on New York’s waters. The weekend is one of six designated Free Fishing Days that take place each year in New York State.
“There’s no better time for aspiring anglers to try freshwater fishing than a free fishing weekend,” Governor Hochul said. “New York is home to numerous freshwater lakes, ponds, streams and rivers, allowing for memorable fishing experiences for angler experts and novices, as well as friends and family.”
No rod? No problem. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) partners with libraries across the state to provide a fishing rod lending program. Instead of borrowing a book, library patrons can sign out a fishing rod. This affordable program provides an opportunity for people to try fishing before deciding to purchase their own gear. For more information on the program and a list of participating libraries visit DEC’S website.
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton said, “Whether anglers are spending time with family and friends outside in nature or experiencing the thrill of catching a fish, there are plenty of reasons to enjoy fishing. I encourage participating anglers to share their love of fishing by introducing someone new to the sport during New York’s Free Fishing Weekend.”
Tooley named commander of Special Response Team at Sheriff’s Office
Press Release, Orleans County Sheriff Bourke
Sgt. Torry Tooley is commander of the Special Response Team at the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office. The SRT includes members from the Sheriff’s Office and Albion Police Department.
ALBION – Sheriff Christopher M. Bourke is proud to announce the appointment of Sergeant Torry Tooley as Commander of the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office Special Response Team (SRT).
The SRT is a specialized unit comprised of members from both the Sheriff’s Office and the Albion Police Department, trained to respond to high-risk situations requiring advanced tactics and coordination.
Sergeant Tooley brings 16 years of law enforcement experience to this leadership role. He is a certified NYS DCJS General Topics Instructor, Firearms Instructor, Advanced Firearms Instructor, Patrol Rifle Instructor, Defensive Tactics Instructor, and is also certified as a SWAT Operator and Tactical Team Leader through DCJS. He holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from SUNY Brockport.
Over the years, Sergeant Tooley has served as an SRT Team Leader, earning the respect of his peers and a reputation as a knowledgeable, skilled and dependable leader. His extensive training, practical experience, and dedication to excellence make him well-suited for this critical position.
As SRT Commander, Sergeant Tooley will oversee all aspects of team training, support grant management and equipment procurement efforts, and lead the planning and execution of tactical operations. Given that SRT deployments typically occur during high-risk, high-pressure situations, strong and capable leadership is essential. Sergeant Tooley embodies the professionalism and expertise necessary to ensure the safety of both team members and the community.
Sheriff Bourke expresses his confidence in Sergeant Tooley and appreciates his commitment to the Sheriff’s Office and the people of Orleans County. Sheriff Bourke remains dedicated to protecting those who live in, work in, and travel through Orleans County by maintaining highly trained, well-led specialized units such as the SRT.
Albion Rec. Dept. to sponsor tennis camps
The Village of Albion Recreation Department will be sponsoring two Tennis Camps this summer at the Albion High tennis courts.
The first camp will start this coming Monday, June 30th, at 10 a.m. and conclude at 12 p.m. each day through Thursday, July 3rd.
The second Tennis Camp will begin on Monday, July 7th at 10 a.m. and conclude at 12 p.m. each day, through Friday, July 11th.
Players do not need tennis experience to join this free summer event. Tennis balls will be provided. Players are encouraged to bring your own tennis racquet. However if a player does not have a racquet one may be provided.
There is no pre-registration for these camps. Walk up registration will be at the beginning of each session. An adult does not need to be at registration but encouraged.
Basic tennis skills will be taught to the beginners along with tennis drills and low level tennis competitive match situations. Scoring, rule and regulations will be taught along with tennis strategies.
Experienced tennis players will have an opportunity to drill and play matches throughout the two weeks.
This camp is for beginners to advanced tennis players of all ages.
The Tennis Camp will be postponed on any day related to bad weather.
Carnival brings lots of smiles and fun to Kendall
Photos by Tom Rivers
KENDALL – The Kendall Firemen’s Carnival returned Thursday for a three-day run of fun in Kendall. The top photo shows kids on a Caterpillar coaster ride.
Knox’s Great American Amusements in Franklinville has 12 different rides at the carnival. There wasn’t a carnival last year in Kendall, with the event downsized to field days over two days.
The department wasn’t going to do field days or a carnival this year, but jumped at the chance when Knox’s called in May to say it had 12 rides available this week.
Emelia Schildt, 3, of Kendall heads down the giant slide.
Kids in the Kendall Rec Program toss candy while riding on a wagon pulled by Partyka Farms.
The parade was held on Thursday, instead of the usual Friday during the carnival. The schedule was adjusted because this evening is Kendall’s graduation ceremony. The carnival is usually held in the second week of July. Kendall is the last fire department in Orleans County that puts on a carnival.
Vietnam Veterans of America based in Rochester marched near the front of the parade. They received a standing ovation from many in the crowd.
Gary Kludt drives a 1923 Model T carrying members of the Kendall Lions Club which is celebrating its 50thanniversary this year.
Bagpipers from ROC City Guardians Pipes & Drums perform in the parade, followed by the Murray Joint Fire District.
Girl Scouts were among many community organizations in the parade down Kendall Road.
Lloyd Christ of Holley brought his tractor, “It’s Only Money,” in the parade to promote the Murray Tractor Pull on July 19. The tractors will compete at a track developed by Christ on Groth Road. He competes in the heavy super stock class.
Cindy Tinkous, who is retiring as a Kendall school bus driver after 20 years, waves to many friends along the parade route. She was driven in a cart decorated as Bus 141. Karen Jones, director of transportation, drives the cart. The district’s transportation department also had a school bus in the parade and advertised its need for more bus drivers.
The Cosgrove Middle School Drum Line from Spencerport pounded the skins in the parade.
John Becker once again served as emcee of the parade and was joined by local officials on the review stand near the fire hall.
Students in Jeannie’s Dance Connection in Hamlin tossed candy.
Max Equipment Rentals was one of several local businesses in the parade.
Orly the Ox, the Orleans County bicentennial mascot, rode on a trailer with hay that also was promoting a big event next year in Kendall: a 250th anniversary celebration of the United States on July 3rd. The event will include a parade, fireworks and other activities.
The Mark Time Marchers have been perennial performers in the Kendall parade.
A costumed scarecrow promotes the Kendall Scarecrow Festival on Oct. 4.
Lone Oak Stables brought about a dozen horses and riders for the parade.
Scouts from Troop 94 were more than willing to share candy with kids along the parade route.
State Sen. Rob Ortt greeted many in the crowd and was happy to toss candy to children.
Students, teachers pay tribute to Medina principal at Wise Intermediate
Chris Hughes taking different job in district as the director of wellness and community engagement
Provided photos
MEDINA – Wednesday was a special last day of the school year at the Clifford Wise Intermediate School.
Many of the teachers dressed up as inflatable characters, and the students and staff signed a giant card for principal Chris Hughes.
He is taking a different job in administration with the school district. Hughes will be Medina’s director of district wellness and community engagement.
He will succeed Dan Doctor, who is retiring from the position.
Many of the students spoke on the school announcements thanking the principal for greeting them every morning regardless of the weather, his frequent high fives, encouragement, empathy and his joy in celebrating their milestones and achievements.
On Wednesday, the students from each grade level held up signs, saying “Thank You Mr. Hughes” for being such an outstanding leader at Wise.
Hughes is shown with his wife Anita, who is a school nurse.
Pavilion tops Lyndonville in 18U contest
Stymied on just one hit, Lyndonville dropped a 12-0 decision to visiting Pavilion in a GLOW League 18U baseball game Thursday evening.
Brandon Parsons pitched the 1 hitter with 9 strikeouts for Pavilion which scored 4 quick runs in the first inning on just one hit. A five run fourth inning later locked up the win.
Shawn Robertson had Lyndonville’s lone hit.
Special awards highlight Block ‘M’ Banquet
Contributed Photos – Seniors receiving scholarships at this week’s Block ‘M’ banquet included, in front, Carter Woodworth, Brody Fry, Eva Lacy and Ryleigh Culver. In back are Addy Paul, Riley Tompkins, Ryder Jones, Cam Kenward and Cole Callard. Missing is Sophia Goyette.
Current student-athletes and alumni shared in earning honors at the annual Medina High Block ‘M’ Banquet held this week at White Birch.
The honored alumni was the new quartet of Mustang Hall of Fame inductees Karl Barna (Football), Levi Pace (Football, Basketball), Kurt Rosentreter (Wrestling) and Steve Kenward (Cross-Country).
Heading the list of current honorees were seniors Brody Fry and Sophia Goyette who received the Babe Ruth Award and freshmen Bryson Ford and Payton Denniston who received the Russell Houserman Award.
Goyette and Ethan Carson also received the Mustangs Heart Award.
A number of seniors also received scholarships including the following:
Larry Decker Memorial Scholarship – Brody Fry, Addy Paul, Ryleigh Culver, Riley Tompkins and Eva Lacy.
Chad Kroening was honored as the Fan of the Year.
Boice/Ossont Scholarship – Ryder Jones and Cam Kenward.
Kyle Barna Memorial Scholarship – Cole Callard and Carter Woodworth.
Bev Sargent Scholarship – Addy Paul
Gary Gross Memorial Scholarship – Brody Fry.
N-O League Scholarship – Cam Kenward and Sophia Goyette.
Pony Awards were presented to the following student-athletes by sport:
Football – Brody Fry; Boys Soccer – Cole Callard; Girls Soccer – Honesty Hill; Cheerleading – Mahri Owen Harmer; Volleyball – Addy Paul; Golf – Tyler Allen; Field Hockey – Sophia Goyette; Boys Cross-Country – Ryder Jones; Girls Cross-Country – Talie Rupp; Tennis – Eli Bieseninger; Lacrosse – Cole Callard; Wrestling – Reece Senske; Unified Bowling – Michael Merlin and Matthew Kennedy; Softball – Eva Lacy; Baseball – Carter Woodworth; Unified Basketball – Alexis Lowe; Boys Basketball – Jerrell Nealy; Girls Basketball – Honesty Hill; Boys Swimming – Bryson Ford; Girls Swimming – Sophia Goyette; Boys Track – Riley Tompkins and Gordon Young; Girls Track – Aurora Owczarczak; Winter Cheerleading – Kylee Howard.
The Fan of the Year Award was presented to Chad Kroening.
The special award honorees included, from left, Ethan Carson (Heart of the Mustangs Award), Payton Denniston (Houserman Award) and Brody Fry (Babe Ruth Award). Missing are Bryson Ford (Houserman Award) and Sophia Goyette (Babe Ruth and Heart of the Mustangs Awards).
The Mustangs new quartet of Hall of Fame Honorees, from left, Karl Barna, Levi Pace, Steve Kenward and Kurt Rosentreter.
Heminway appreciates support for ‘new path forward for Shelby’
Editor:
You, the residents and taxpayers of Shelby, have made your desires known in the June 24th Republican Primary election. By a more than 2-to -1 margin you have made a choice for a new path forward for Shelby.
While we still have a November election to go through, the Primary is when democracy really works. In this case, the people you elected did not get the endorsement of a divided Republican Committee.
The results will place me, Eddie Zelazny, and Larry Waters on both the Republican and Conservative lines, virtually assuring that we will be sworn in on January 1, 2026. In the meantime, unless there are some resignations, Eddie and Councilwoman Linda Limina will have to hold the fort against the actions of the current 3-to-2 majority.
Thank you to all, from those early supporters who pushed me to run, to those that helped with the campaign, to the Conservative Committee who put some wind in our sails with their endorsement, to those that attended board meetings, to everyone who said they have had enough and wanted a different voice in their local government.
The campaign was draining and of course it did not help that my door-to-door activity was during those 90+ degree days. After spending another hot day taking down the signs, cooler temperatures are a relief.
But the support I have received has made it all worthwhile. Now I am going to take some time to relax, reflect on the path forward, which will include continuing to attend meetings and take any opportunity I can to better educate myself on the upcoming role of your Town of Shelby Supervisor.
Jim Heminway
Candidate for town supervisor
Shelby
Judge orders Job Corps centers to stay open while lawsuit in court
Orleans County Legislature passes resolution in support of program
Provided photos: Students at the Iroquois Job Corps Center learn in programs for brick masonry, carpentry, electrical, commercial painting, clinical medical assistant and certified nursing assistant.
June 30 won’t be the day that Job Corps centers shut down. A federal judge on Wednesday said the centers don’t have to close while a lawsuit is in federal court.
Department of Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer announced on May 29 that 99 privately run centers would go on “pause” due to what she said were low graduation rates and high incidents of violence. She said Job Corps is not cost-effective. She set June 30 as the date for the centers to close, with students to be sent home earlier on June 6.
But U.S. District Judge Andrew Carter said the Department of Labor can’t dismantle a program that Congress established and set aside funding to run. A preliminary injunction nationally will allow the centers to stay open while litigation continues.
The Job Corps program was founded in 1964 to help teenagers and young adults who struggled to finish traditional high school and find jobs. The program provides tuition-free housing at residential centers, training, meals and health care.
“Once Congress has passed legislation stating that a program like the Job Corps must exist, and set aside funding for that program, the DOL is not free to do as it pleases; it is required to enforce the law as intended by Congress,” Carter wrote in the ruling, according to the Associated Press.
Carter directed the DOL to stop removing Job Corps students from housing, terminating jobs or otherwise suspending the nationwide program without congressional approval, the AP reported.
The DOL said it was pausing the Job Corps, not shutting it down. But the judge disputed that.
“The way that the DOL is shuttering operations and the context in which the shuttering is taking place make it clear that the DOL is actually attempting to close the centers,” Carter wrote.
The judge said closing the centers harms students. They lose the progress they’ve made towards their education and certifications, with some plunged into homelessness. That is a big contrast from the “minor upheaval” described by government lawyers, he said.
County Legislature calls Job Corps ‘a vital resource’
The Orleans County Legislature on Tuesday unanimously passed a resolution in support of keeping the Job Corps program open and at full capacity. The center has room for 225 students. The center assists students in earning their high school diplomas and learn skills in various fields – certified nursing assistant, clinical medical assistant, electrical, carpentry, bricklaying and painting.
County legislators said the Job Corps program for more than 60 years “has been a staple in assisting young adults obtain life skills, earn high school diplomas, receive on the job training in healthcare, construction and other in-demand fields.”
The Iroquois Job Corps has a $17 million impact annual economic impact locally, legislators said. Students also have completed many projects in the community at municipal buildings and parks in Orleans, Niagara, and Genesee counties, “thus saving the cost burden having been put upon the local property taxes.”
“Orleans County Legislators view the Iroquois Job Corps Center as a vital resource to the county by means of assisting up to 225 young adults at a time, employing 100 local residents, and providing an estimated $17 million annual economic impact on our local economy,” the resolution states. “The Orleans County Legislature does hereby oppose a ‘phased pause’ and closure of the Iroquois Job Corps Center in our County.”
Lynne Johnson, the Legislature chairwoman, has been a member of the community council at the Job Corps.
She said many of the students come from difficult circumstances and Job Corps helps them to learn skills and get jobs.
“They are contributing members of our society,” Johnson said.
The Medina Village Board also considered a resolution in support of Job Corps on Monday, but it failed to get three votes to pass. Mayor Marguerite Sherman and Trustee Jess Marciano wanted to state Medina’s support of the program.
“I think there is a lot of value to that program,” Marciano said.
Trustee Scott Bielski said he had to abstain because his company works with the Job Corps and he didn’t think it was proper for him to vote on an issue where he has financial gain.
“I support the Job Corps 100 percent,” he said.
Trustee Deb Padoleski said she was uncomfortable with the village weighing in on the issue.
“It feels like political activism to me,” she said.
Trustee Mark Prawel wasn’t at the meeting.
Mayor Sherman said Job Corps students were planning to do projects at City Hall and the Village Office this year to gain work experience. Students in recent years built the pavilion at State Street Park and made several Buddy Benches at Medina parks.
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GO Art! offering 2 creative art camps this summer at fairgrounds
Press Release, GO Art!
KNOWLESVILLE – GO Art! is thrilled to present two art camps this summer at Cornell Cooperative Extension in Orleans County!
GO Art!’s Summer Creative Arts Camps are tailored to students in grades K-6. Grade school students will create and maintain positive connections while enjoying hands-on exploration of various disciplines including culinary arts, visual arts, performing arts and literary arts.
Participants will build upon problem solving and critical thinking skills, while increasing their knowledge about different mediums and forms of art in a safe, inclusive and structured environment.
In the past we have done visual arts projects while learning about famous artists and art movements, created puppets and put on plays, played in the musical garden, learned about different styles of dance, as well as various arts and crafts projects.
The cost for a week-long camp is $150 per child. There is a 10 percent discount for 4-H youths, for a family with multiple enrolled siblings or for GO Art! members. Full and partial scholarships are also available.
The camps run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Aug. 4-8 and Aug. 11-15. They will be held at the 4-H Fairgrounds, 12690 State Route 31, Albion.
For more information, contact Go Art! at (585) 343-9313, by email at info@goart.org or through the website: www.goart.org.
Conservative Party chairman praises candidates for pulling off primary victories
Editor:
I would like to congratulate the four Conservative Party-endorsed candidates on their powerful message sending wins to the establishment and the status quo.
In Shelby, Jim Heminway for Supervisor, Larry Waters and Ed Zelazny for councilman. In Yates, Bill Jurinich – all were overwhelmingly chosen. The people have had enough. These candidates worked their tails off during the campaign. The Conservative Party played a small role, it was the quality of these candidates that the people voted for.
#1. They all were for many years attendees of town board meetings and workshops. When you do that it’s like being a fly on the wall. When you attend you may see some good, but you also see the absolute worst in the people that represent you. They do not see it because it’s usually a circle of people with their nose in each other’s back sides playing out an episode of the twilight zone with your money and without your say. You come away in disbelief, disgusted and feeling helpless.
#2. None of these candidates ran for election because they wanted to. They would have never been picked or slid in the back door. They saw what was going on with their own eyes and knew that no matter what they said, what they did, they had no voice, no recourse, no one that was representing them or the common man. They had to step up, and if they are the type of men I think they are they will hate every minute of it not wanting to be there forever.
#3. My advice to the candidates-elect. You have not been given power or control. You are now beneath those that elected you. You are a servant. You have been given a responsibly to the people of your town. Not to the government body to which you have been elected. Not to a committee to bow to if you want their endorsement. You have the free will given to you by God almighty and to God almighty and the residents, all of them, are the only people you are accountable to.
If you are going to go along to get along you do not belong in a public office. You are now a public servant, you serve, and you work for us. We the people. Never forget that. Always take the time to look in the mirror. The reflection you see should always be you, not the monster you replaced. So, on the lighter side always carry with you at all times wolfsbane and a crucifix to ward of the werewolf changes (the controlling monster within) and to not become a blood sucker (“a vampire” raising taxes).
To our Conservative-endorsed candidates. On to November 4th, with both lines. Then on January 1st, 2026. Show them how it’s done. Others just may step up and follow. Lord knows Orleans County needs it at all levels.
Paul Lauricella
Orleans County Conservative Party Chairman
