Photos and information courtesy of Medina Central School
MEDINA – For several years running, the Medina Teachers’ Association has embraced the spirit of “Movember” by growing mustaches, raising awareness, and generating essential funds for men’s health and mental wellness in Medina.
This November, despite a season filled with other school fundraisers (including the annual Helpful Harvest Food and Essentials Drive supporting MAAC), Medina’s dedicated staff came through once again. The men on staff grew out their mustaches throughout the month, while the entire team rallied with donations, encouragement, and momentum.
Joe Byrne, MTA president, presents a check to Nola Goodrich-Kresse, who accepted on behalf of the Orleans County Suicide Prevention Coalition.
The results were an incredible $1,200 raised for the Orleans County Suicide Prevention Coalition, marking the third consecutive year Medina has surpassed the $1,000 mark.
These generous donations will directly support next year’s Men’s Day Out event in Orleans County, an event that creates a welcoming space for men to come together and to support one another and learn life-saving tools while having fun.
MTA President and 8th-grade Social Studies teacher Joe Byrne shared his gratitude in a message to staff:
“Thank you to everyone who grew a mustache, donated, encouraged others, or helped spread the word. Your generosity and enthusiasm made this year’s campaign truly special. Because of all of you, we’re able to support the Orleans County Suicide Prevention Coalition and continue making a meaningful impact right here in our community. I’m deeply grateful for the kindness, humor, and heart our staff brings to Movember each year. This is a team effort, and once again, you’ve shown what can be accomplished when we come together.”
A special thank-you goes to Nola Goodrich-Kresse, who leads the coalition’s efforts, for her ongoing collaboration.
This annual tradition not only raises critical funds but also fosters camaraderie, humor, and a deeper sense of purpose among our staff, all while making a real difference in Orleans County.
Provided photo: From left include Makayla Davis, Hailey Burdick, Desiree Bieber, Anthony Roman, Violet Borck and Trent Baehr who is standing behind music teacher Mary Kuhn.
Press Release, Orleans/Niagara BOCES
Thanks to the generosity of Brenda and Mark Zimmerman, owners of the Gathering Place and Checkered Poppy Antiques and Gifts in Lockport, the Orleans/Niagara BOCES Bell Choir played to a standing room only audience.
The Bell Choir, composed of students from Godfrey Learning Center and the Orleans Learning Center, was conducted by music teacher Mary Kuhn at the Gathering Place on Dec. 18.
The program consisted of holiday classics with students lending their talents and voices to this fun and festive performance. Everyone loved this magical and heartfelt performance!
Contributed Story Posted 22 December 2025 at 10:01 am
The Roy-Hart/Barker/Medina Ice Hockey Knights visited the Northtown Center in Buffalo Sunday evening and lost 4-1 to St. Joseph’s of Buffalo.
The home team scored first in the opening period, but RBM was able to tie in the second on a goal by Aiden Cronkhite (Newfane) with Clayton Wagner (Medina) and Max Pilon (Medina) assisting.
In the final period, RBM penalties led to a power play goal by the hosts which proved to be the game winner.
RBM’s, which currently has a record of 1-4-1, will travel to Leisure Rink in West Seneca on Friday evening to play Bishop Timon at 6:15 p.m.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 December 2025 at 9:51 am
The minimum wage is on the rise again and will go to $16 an hour beginning on Jan. 1 in Orleans County. That is up 50 cents from the current $15.50 an hour.
It continues a trend where the minimum wage has increased from $11.80 in 2020 to $12.50 in 2021, $13.20 in 2022, $14.20 in 2023, $15 in 2024 and $15.50 in 2025.
This will be the last scheduled increase with a set amount. After 2026, any increases will be tied to inflation.
The rate will be $16 an hour for Orleans County and most of upstate. The minimum wage will be $17 per hour for New York City, Long Island and Westchester County.
This charming “Merry Christmas” postcard was mailed to Miss Hattie Ball in Lyndonville in 1903. (Ball-McCombs Card Collection)
By Catherine Cooper, Orleans County Historian
“Illuminating Orleans” – Volume 5, No. 43
Who could better provide a glimpse into life in days gone by other than a County Historian?
Joseph B. Achilles served in that position from 1944-1957. Here are some of his observations about life in Albion in the late 1890s.
Reminiscences of Main Street
“Shopping for the ladies in those days was a comparatively simple matter. You went to Upper Landauer’s, now a grill, where Moritz Landauer sold you Sattinetts, Cassimeres, Velveteens etc., or to Lower Landauer’s where Simon Landauer, his brother, showed you the same patterns in the recently streamlined store, now operated by his grandson. That dignified and friendly competition has no counterpart in the savage merchandising of today, and you did not require a metal name plate and a number to open a charge account, and you did not have to pay before the end of the month either.”
Joseph B. Achilles, Orleans County Historian, 1944-1957
“The residents of “Ruffled Shirt Hill”, as Upper Main Street was called, turned out on Sunday morning in fine equipages, some even ran to part time coachmen and the ladies sported those small black silk parasols to protect complexions that would drive Elizabeth Arden green with envy.
Sunday morning in those days meant church, not a hangover. You dined at the Albion House about 1:30 p.m. and the check was about $.75, not $7.50. Meals like those are definitely a matter of history.
Short drives in the afternoon and a light lunch in the evening closed Sunday for our grandfathers and if the surrey with the fringe on top didn’t get you here or there very quickly, at least the finance company was not interested in it, and you could cross the street in front of it without someone collecting your insurance.
People were born, lived and usually died in their own homes. The maternity ward and the pulmotor* squad and funeral home were still in the future, and a doctor was called when you needed him and not just when you wanted him, and home remedies took care of most of the troubles of those days.
And, if the toll of years or the lack of Sulfa* or Penicillin closed your earthly account, George Brown and the Black Team took you for a quiet ride in the plumed hearse out the Avenue to Mt. Albion for a long rest in the only surroundings that seem to have defied the changes that Time has made in the Albion of those other days.”
*surrey: a four-wheeled open horse-drawn carriage
*pulmotor: an early device for artificial respiration
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 December 2025 at 8:30 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
HOLLEY – Santa rides on a fire truck from Murray Joint Fire District on Sunday in annual pre-Christmas tradition from the Holley Volunteer Fire Department.
There were two trucks that gave Santa and Mrs. Claus a ride through the village, with kids having a chance to meet Saint Nick.
Santa was an enthusiastic greeter along the journey through the village.
Provided photos: Santa makes a stop and visits a family in Holley.
Santa and Mrs. Claus met with Kerri Neale to get his wish list.
‘The Governor has missed an opportunity to engage in thoughtful, collaborative reform that brings DOCCS and New York State forward’
Press Release, NYS Correctional Officers Police Benevolent Association
ALBANY – NYSCOPBA is deeply disappointed that the Governor has signed the Corrections Omnibus Bill into law.
The death of Robert Brooks was a profound tragedy and meaningful reforms to ensure that never happens again must be made. However, we cannot support legislation that responds to a single tragedy by imposing broad, punitive oversight on thousands of dedicated corrections professionals who had no role in it and who are already under constant surveillance and scrutiny.
The death of Robert Brooks should be a catalyst for smart, collaborative reform, not rushed measures that assume guilt on the part of all correctional staff. The individuals responsible were held accountable through the judicial system — as they should have been. It is unfair and counterproductive to use their misconduct as the basis for sweeping new burdens and disciplinary structures that will undermine morale, complicate operations, and worsen the ongoing staffing crisis.
If New York State is truly committed to improving the correctional system, it must start by listening to the voices of the men and women who serve inside these facilities every day. Our members know firsthand where outdated policies fail and where system improvements are urgently needed. Policies from the 1980s and 1990s are no longer effective for the realities of today’s environment.
By signing this bill, the Governor has missed an opportunity to engage in thoughtful, collaborative reform that brings DOCCS and New York State forward. NYSCOPBA will continue to fight for the rights, dignity, and due process of our members and pursue all available paths to ensure their voices are heard in shaping the future of corrections.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 21 December 2025 at 9:54 am
The upcoming Christmas holiday week will bring a light schedule of high school contests.
On Monday in non league boys basketball games Medina will host Eden at 6:30 p.m. and Albion will visit Oakfield-Alabama at 7 p.m.
In addition, Kendall will take on Northstar at 9:30 p.m. at the Rocket Arena in Cleveland following the Cavaliers game. This is the second year in a row that the Eagles have played in Cleveland.
On Tuesday in non league girls basketball Medina will visit Lyndonville at 6 p.m.
The Niagara-Orleans League will have a full slate of wrestling matches at 6 p.m. Tuesday with Roy-Hart/Barker at Albion, Medina at Wilson and Akron at Newfane.
Defending champion Newfane and Akron are both 2-0, Albion and Roy-Hart/Barker 1-1 and Medina and Wilson 0-2.
Albion will also be competing in the Spencerport Tournament on Saturday.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 21 December 2025 at 8:35 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – The Albion First Presbyterian Church Choir sings “Call to Christmas” on Saturday during the annual community Christmas concert hosted by the church.
The event is presented by the Albion Alumni Foundation and the Albion First Presbyterian Church.
Bella Davy, a 2021 Albion grad, holds her son Wyatt while singing “The Christmas Song.” Davy was among many Albion alumni to perform in the concert.
About 200 people attended the concert in the historic church. Here they are listening to Jason Pahura, a 2008 graduate.
Jason Pahura plays the guitar and sings, “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.”
Sarah Hill sings, “River.” She has performed as a soloist and in many of the productions by the Lakes Plains Players.
Other performers included Gary Simboli, Lonnie Froman and John Borello, Annalise Steier, Mike Thaine, Alec Sherman, Hannah Brewer, Mollie Radzinski, Ron Albertson, Jason Anstey, Keira Zambito, Susan Thaine, Denise Thomas, Leah Kania, Erin Moody and the community choir.
After the election of Donald Trump, a year ago, I wrote a letter that I titled “Hate Won.” A year ago, I could only write about his hateful campaign promises; now I can write how he has fulfilled those promises.
The Trump administration has used racial profiling to make very public, aggressive arrests using excessive force by masked officers, in full tactical gear, including the use of military helicopters, to apprehend and deport people (including U.S. citizens) without due process.
Dressing officers in full tactical gear, purposefully using excessive force to make violent public arrests are done to dehumanize people. Officers wear masks to prevent accountability for using cruel and excessive force in violation of our Constitution and the law.
The leader of the Republican Party has called entire communities garbage, an ugly and hateful expression. Not one Republican has objected. It is obvious they revel in harming, subjugating and dispossessing those they consider the wrong race, ethnicity, religion or sexual orientation.
Congresswoman Claudia Tenney and Congressman Nick Langworthy support the dehumanization of immigrants. Ms. Tenney, in fact wants to put an image of Mr. Trump on Mr. Rushmore for his policies of racism and hate.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 20 December 2025 at 7:17 pm
Staying perfect at 8-0, Wilson outlasted Niagara-Wheatfield 76-70 in overtime in non league boys basketball game this afternoon.
Aidan Neumann scored 30, Shamus George 17, Ryan Hough 12 and Brock Lepsch 10 for the Lakemen.
Wrestling Linda Knuutila Memorial Tourney
Four local wrestlers earned top four finishes at the Linda Knuutila Memorial Tournament which concluded this evening at SUNY Niagara.
Roy-Hart/Barker had RJ Townsend finish second at 285, Luke Fay fourth at 144 and Isabella Gatto fourth at 235 in the girls division.
Medina had Luke Duffina finish third at 132.
Williamsville South JV Tourney
Medina had Ryan Frentz (144) and Nate Surdel (285) both place third at the Williamsville South JV Tournament.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 20 December 2025 at 3:50 pm
Contributed Photo – Holley-Kendall wrestlers and coaches celebrate winning the East Rochester Tournament this afternoon.
Going 4-0 on the day, Holley-Kendall captured top honors at the East Rochester Wrestling Tournament this afternoon.
In route to earning the championship Holley-Kendall defeated East Rochester 54-26, Warsaw 64-22, Hornell 60-23 and Lancaster 52-24.
John Blosenhauer and Immanuel Cornell both went 4-0 on the day for Holley-Kendall as Carson Cady, Jayden Rivera, Brenden Eichas and Brody Fiorito all went 3-1.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 20 December 2025 at 2:09 pm
Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Albion’s Madison Muckle drives to the basket against Letchworth defender Lillian DeRock during the host Purple Eagles loss to the Legends this afternoon.
Improving to 6-0, Letchworth rolled to a 62-16 win over host Albion in a non league girls basketball game this afternoon.
Charity Scott scored 14, Annika Milillo 13 and Gillian Kemp 12 to spark the balanced attack for the Legends which led 19-5 after the first quarter, 36-9 at the half and 53-11 at the end of the third quarter.
Aaliya Jones scored 7 and Jocelyn Friedl 4 to lead Albion.
The Purple Eagles next visit Newfane on January 5 for a Niagara-Orleans League game.
‘Every single individual who enters our prisons deserves to be safe, whether they are employed there or serving their time.’ – Gov. Hochul
Press Release, Governor Kathy Hochul
Kathy Hochul
Governor Kathy Hochul on Friday announced an agreement with the Legislature on the prison reform omnibus bill that would enact a series of ten transformational changes within state prisons and local jails.
The bill (A8871/S8415) will improve the safety and security of all incarcerated individuals and employees within prisons and jails, while also increasing accountability through reporting and greater oversight. This landmark legislation follows the murder of Robert Brooks and Messiah Nantwi in DOCCS prisons, after which Governor Hochul directed DOCCS to implement immediate changes and then worked with the Legislature to provide additional funding for cameras and investigational staff.
“Every single individual who enters our prisons deserves to be safe, whether they are employed there or serving their time,” Governor Hochul said. “In the year since the murder of Robert Brooks, we have implemented a number of new policies and initiatives to begin the process of reforming our corrections system: expediting the installation and use of fixed and body worn cameras, making it law that body worn cameras must be worn and turned on, and investing more money in the Office of Special Investigations.”
With the changes agreed to with the legislature, the bill (A8871/S8415) codifies the requirement that cameras be installed in all facilities and also requires cameras to be installed in all vehicles used for the transport of incarcerated individuals, codifies the requirement that video evidence be promptly disclosed to investigating authorities, strengthens the procedures regarding notification to next of kin concerning deaths in custody, and strengthens the requirements surrounding autopsies of incarcerated individuals.
The legislation also increases the number of members on the State Commission of Correction — boosting the total membership to five, including three full-time commissioners and two part-time — and requires the Commission to conduct a study on deaths in State correctional facilities. This legislation also improves reporting requirements, provides additional avenues for incarcerated individuals to privately contact the Correctional Association of New York, and gives returning New Yorkers the ability to file claims after their release for harms caused while incarcerated.
DOCCS previously began implementing many core reforms with a clear focus on improving safety, accountability and transparency across the State’s facilities. Body-worn cameras are now fully deployed statewide, with all correction officers required to activate them at all times by law, regulation, and policy. Regular audits are conducted to ensure compliance. Fixed-camera projects have been prioritized at Marcy and Mid-State, including in medical areas, and the Office of Special Investigations has expanded hiring to increase investigative, medical, and data-driven capabilities.
In addition, DOCCS has implemented targeted de-escalation training, launched independent reviews of policies and practices, commissioned an external culture and harm-reduction assessment, and made leadership changes at both Marcy and Mid-State Correctional Facilities.
The Department has also strengthened CERT operations through expanded training, background checks, and mandatory camera use during deployments, while advancing multiple contraband-control measures, including enhanced body scanning and legal mail screening. Together, these actions, and others, reflect a department that is not waiting to act but is already moving decisively forward and committed to meaningful, lasting change.
Based on the agreement with the Legislature, the legislation signed will:
Require State and local correctional facilities to disclose video footage related to deaths to Office of the Attorney General (OAG) within 72 hours, or within 24 hours if it is belatedly discovered.
Require complete audio/visual camera coverage in all Department of Correction and Community Supervision (DOCCS) facilities and transport vehicles, extended storage of videos, and quick disclosure of the videos to incarcerated individuals and their counsel.
Require DOCCS post online within 48 hours of notifying next of kin of an incarcerated individual’s death.
Require the State Commission of Correction to conduct a study on DOCCS deaths over the past ten years.
Require copies of autopsy reports of individuals incarcerated in state or local facilities to include copies of the photographs and x-rays.
Provide for designation of a Deputy AG when OAG has a conflict.
Require DOCCS Office of Special Investigation (OSI) to quarterly report data.
Increase the number of SCOC commissioners from three to five total, including three full-time and two part-time members, with at least one of the commissioners being a formerly-incarcerated person.
Give the Correctional Association of New York (CANY) more access to DOCCS facilities and data and give incarcerated individuals more avenues to privately access CANY.
Provide a window post incarceration for individuals to file claims arising from harms caused during incarceration.
New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision Commissioner Daniel F Martuscello III said, “In the wake of the horrific murders of Robert Brooks and Messiah Nantwi at the hands of correctional staff, the Department has undertaken the difficult but necessary work of reform focused on strengthening safety, transparency, and accountability across our system. With the signing of the omnibus bill, the Governor and the Legislature affirm my shared commitment to sustained, meaningful action. Taken together with the steps we have already implemented, this legislation positions the Department to move decisively forward. We are committed not to symbolic change, but to meaningful, lasting reform that focuses on dignity and respect for all.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 20 December 2025 at 10:04 am
Provided photos
ALBION – The Orleans Koinonia Kitchen celebrated its annual Christmas event on Thursday and served over 600 meals.
The OK Kitchen also gave gifts and goodie bags to 175 children. Faith Smith, the kitchen’s director, said the OK Kitchen assisted 275 families with food and gifts.
The Community of Hope Church prepared the hot meals, with to-go meals put together by Harvest Christian Fellowship.
The goodie bags for adults were handed out by Rome Santiago. Children received a filled fanny pack, goody bag and a toy that were given out by Annabella Dusharm and Meleana Mengs. Every family received a food box filled with non-perishable foods, eggs, fresh produce, Christmas tree cakes and frozen chicken that were handed out by Michael Smith and Albion Lions member Kevin Howard.
Debbie Coon Barbato set up a holiday craft table for children. Kelly Follman, a Lyndonville music teacher, and a student played music for the group at the OK Kitchen.
“We were blessed with so many donations from the community,” Smith said. She listed Harvest Christian Fellowship, Community of Hope, The Albion/Medina Lions, Albion Save-A-Lot ,Tops in Albion, Albion Faith Fellowship, Albion Middle School, Albion National Honor Society, Pirate Toys, Frosty & Friends, the Millers Bulk Food & Bakery, and Foodlink.
The kitchen is based at Harvest Christian Fellowship and served about 35,000 meals on Thursdays this year. The kitchen will be closed on Christmas and be back open on Jan. 1.
The OK Kitchen also gave out over 2,300 frozen meals, over 1,700 extra care bags, 1,600 food bags, 900 cleaning/laundry bags and over 750 bags for homeless people.
Faith Smith, the kitchen’s director, said the site is now fully supported by Foodlink.
“We will now be getting food on a regular basis, so we are looking for groups to come cook at the kitchen,” she said. “We will be supplying everything, food included!”
Volunteers are welcome to go to the OK Kitchen website – www.okkitchen.org, click the calendar and date, and send Smith a message.
Who could better provide a glimpse into life in days gone by other than a County Historian?
