Wilson tops Medina in N-O softball; Barker scores key victory over Akron

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 4 May 2026 at 6:41 pm

Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Wilson’s Lucy Madan puts the tag on Medina’s Samantha Heschke at second base during this afternoon’s game at Vets Park.

Scoring at least 3 runs in each of the five innings of the run rule contest, Wilson downed Medina 19-3 in a Niagara-Orleans League softball game at Vets Park this afternoon.

Katie Hardy had 3 hits for Wilson as Lucy Madan and Mackenzie Hardy each had 2.

Wilson improves to 7-2 in N-O action and Medina slips to 1-6.

Barker 3, Akron 1
Barker scored a key 3-1 win over Akron which tightens up the N-O softball title race.

A two-run double by Kaylee Stoll in the fifth inning snapped a 1-1 tie and provided the margin of victory for Barker.

In the circle, Peyton Bradley and Madyson Flint combined for a 2 hitter with 7 strikeouts.

Barker improves to a league best 8-2 record just ahead of 7-2 Wilson and 4-2 Akron.

Perfect pitching and a grand slam home run sparks Lady Tigers to victory over Lady Bees

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 4 May 2026 at 6:31 pm

Perfect pitching and a big home run highlighted Lyndonville’s 12-0 five inning run rule victory over Byron-Bergen in a Genesee Region League softball game this afternoon.

Arnie Sturtevant was perfect in the circle over the five innings for the Lady Tigers as she hurled a no hitter with no walks and 6 strikeouts.

The big hit was a grand slam home run by Rylan Townsend which keyed a 5 run first inning.

The Lady Tigers also scored 5 times in the third inning as Sturtevant had a two-run double and Brooke Robinson and Isabella Groves RBI singles.

Lyndonville improves to 8-1 in the league and 9-1 overall.

Oakfield-Alabama 22, Kendall 2
Oakfield-Alabama exploded for 15 runs in the third inning to key 22-2 G-R win over Kendall.

The Lady Hornets had a total of 17 hits.

Velocitii named one of top workplaces among mid-size companies in Rochester area

Posted 4 May 2026 at 2:19 pm

Press Release, Velocitii

Jeff Brandt

MEDINA – Velocitii, a Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) company, is proud to announce its recognition as a recipient of the Top Workplaces 2026 award presented by Rochester Top Workplaces.

This year, Velocitii earned 14th place in the Mid-Size Company category, reflecting the organization’s continued commitment to building a strong, people-first workplace culture.

This recognition highlights Velocitii’s ongoing dedication to fostering employee engagement, supporting professional growth, and strengthening a culture centered on collaboration and accountability. Over the past year, the company has continued to invest in initiatives designed to enhance the employee experience, including expanded engagement programs, structured feedback channels, ongoing leadership development efforts, and continued refinement of internal recognition and growth opportunities.

“At Velocitii, we believe the best outcomes start with empowered people. When our teams feel supported, connected, and equipped to succeed, that impact carries through to every client we serve.” said Jeff Brandt, CIO at Velocitii. “Being recognized as a Top Workplace once again is an honor, and it reflects the progress we continue to make in building a more efficient, supportive, and employee-focused organization.”

This achievement underscores the importance of prioritizing employee satisfaction and engagement within the competitive BPO industry. Velocitii’s continued recognition as a Top Workplace reflects its commitment to building a sustainable culture where employees can grow, contribute meaningfully, and thrive.

About Velocitii:

We partner with brands and organizations to create opportunities, find new customers, generate revenue, and build powerful connections at every touchpoint. Velocitii delivers a complete suite of business services and excels in designing solutions that align with client business goals, strategy, and financial objectives. We thrive on managing complex customer interactions. Our culture empowers our agents, leading to reduced attrition and consistent attainment of performance goals.

Local agricultural clubs tried to find way around alcohol prohibition a century ago

Posted 4 May 2026 at 9:48 am

492 bottles of beer seized from Kendall Hotel in 1914

Photo from Orleans County Department of History: This photo of the Kendall Hotel is dated 1935. Opened in 1901, the building escaped several destructive village fires. Later known as the Kendall Inn, it is now a restaurant named The Grove 1848.

By Catherine Cooper, Orleans County Historian

“Illuminating Orleans” – Volume 6, No. 11

KENDALL – The Kendall Agricultural Club, which assembled at the Kendall Hotel in 1913-1914, played a role in the Temperance campaign leading up to Prohibition.

As early as 1912, six of the ten towns of Orleans County were “dry” or “no-license” to use the parlance of the day, meaning that the sale of alcohol was prohibited in these jurisdictions. The energetic lobbying efforts of the Women’s Christian Temperance Union (W.C.T.U.) had secured these local victories.

However, not all residents were in favor of these restrictions. Taking advantage of a loophole in the 1896 NYS Liquor License Law, Farmers or Agricultural Clubs were organized in dry towns. One such was the Kendall Agricultural Club.

Incorporated in the summer of 1913, it had the stated goal of “the scientific study of agriculture and horticulture, the effect of insectivorous pests” and other farming questions. Club members were allowed access to the two hotel rooms rented at the Kendall Hotel. Members who paid $1 were given a ticket which allowed them 20 bottles of beer. They could also fill out continuous order vouchers directing the Bartholomew Brewing Company to deliver them one case of beer weekly.

Soon there were four other flourishing Farmer’s Agricultural Clubs in the county, three in the town of Gaines and one in Lyndonville.

However, the Temperance League was a force to be reckoned with. An article in the Buffalo Sunday Morning News of Feb. 8, 1914, mentions that the Orleans County Temperance League held their meeting with church temperance organizations to discuss lobbying plans for upcoming local elections at the Court House in Albion.

The article also mentions that several detectives had been employed by temperance leaders of the Town of Kendall to conduct investigations. Shortly after their departure, on January 16, 1914, Constable Louis J. Cady of the Town of Kendall filed a petition with the Supreme Court Justice, Cuthbert W. Pound, alleging that Warren C. Miller, Ida C. Miller, Ray Miller and Garret Rocque had liquor at the Kendall Hotel for the purpose of unlawful sale and distribution.

The following day, Constable William C. Singleton of the Town of Ridgeway seized 492 bottles of beer and one bottle containing whiskey from the Kendall Hotel.

In response, Norman Lindaler, Oscar Lind, William Scheplar, John H. Scheplar, Atley Stevens,  John J. Norton, Ray R. Miller, Thomas Jeffrey, William Scheik, Garret Recqua, Henry Scheik, Otto Greinke, Henry Scheplar, Charles Backus and Cornelius Fenner, each filed a claim that they were part owners of the seized beer.

They said that they were members of the Kendall Agricultural Club, a duly incorporated club, and that they each had their own beer at the hotel lawfully, that it was for their personal consumption, and not for sale or distribution.

Medina Daily Journal headline, Feb. 3, 1914

At a hearing at the Court House in Albion on February 16, 1914, Supreme Court Justice Cuthbert W. Pound of Lockport presided over the case of the State Commissioner of Excise against the 492 seized bottles of beer. An unusual case, it had no precedent in the district. At issue was whether “Agricultural Clubs” were operating as a pretext for the unlawful sale of alcohol and avoiding the excise tax law.

The four members of the club who testified confirmed the social aspects of their activities, though none could remember any occasion on which they actually discussed any aspect of agriculture.

Judge Pound heard the evidence of Raymond Miller, who conducted the Club, and of four members of the club whose testimony confirmed the social aspects of their activities. He then took the case from the jury and directed that “it appears without dispute that this alcohol was kept within the state for unlawful distribution and that the jury is directed to take proper judgement for seizure of the same and its turning over to the State Excise Dept. to be auctioned off according to the new law by that department.”

He also stated that he did not think that there was any evidence to show that Raymond Miller was guilty of unlawful selling of beer. He directed that the Kendall Agricultural Club and similar organizations were “illegal and had been perfected for the purpose of trafficking in liquors and the evasion of liquor tax law” (Buf. Enq., 2-17-14)

New York State Excise Commissioner Farley hailed the verdict as a severe blow to the evasion of the law by these so called “clubs” and in the enforcement of excise laws in dry towns.

100 participants try to solve murder mystery at Medina set in 1950s

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 4 May 2026 at 9:24 am

Photo by Renee Hemby: Erica Wanecski played the part of the musician Amanda Lynn for Medina Area Partnership’s Murder and Mocktails on Saturday. She serves up a drink at Medina Railroad Museum.

MEDINA – Medina Area Partnership’s annual murder mystery event, Murder and Mocktails, was an apparent hit – with the 13 businesses who participated and the more than 100 participants who tried to guess the guilty villain.

Photos courtesy of Ann Fisher-Bale: Jessica George and Nick Fitzak ham it up in front of a police-themed backdrop at the Medina Senior Center, where all attendees registered for Murder and Mocktails.

“It was a very well-organized event, from registration at the Senior Center and throughout,” said Cora Goyette of Medina, who decided to buy a ticket at the last minute. “There was eager participation among the ‘detectives’ with a sense of fun and community spirit. I was surprised how many non-Medina residents there were. The actors played their roles passionately, especially Georgia (Thomas) and Kathy Blackburn. It was great fun. Kudos to MAP.”

This was MAP’s fourth annual murder mystery event, in which participants checked in at the Medina Senior Center, where they received an investigator’s booklet and a goodie bag containing era-specific treats, said Ann Fisher-Bale, organizer of the event.

“Our 13 participating businesses did a great job embracing their characters and dressing for their ’50s era parts,” Fisher-Bale said. “For the first time, we offered mocktails and they were a big hit with attendees. Many commented they appreciated having the opportunity for a fun, non-alcoholic-related event. For some attendees, this event was an introduction to Medina and they said they had an enjoyable afternoon visiting our shops along the way.”

There was also an opportunity for a 1950s-themed photo at Alexandra Peracciny Photography, which attendees could take home with them.

Jessica George of Albion was among the participants with Nick Fitzak.

“The event provided a great opportunity to spend a day checking out local businesses and interacting with friends in the community,” George said. “We ultimately didn’t solve the crime, but it was so much fun trying to!”

Those who correctly guessed the murderer had their names put in a drawing for a prize pack valued at $200. Winner was Richard Lama of Basom.

And who murdered classmate May O’Ryll Powers? It was none other than the class jock, Jordan Michaels, portrayed by Brian Miller from Dream Vacations.

Brian Miller from Dream Vacations portrayed the class jock at the Medina Theater in Saturday’s murder mystery.

Gas prices jump 35 cents nationally in past week, 14 cents in Orleans

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 4 May 2026 at 8:14 am

Photo by Tom Rivers: The average price for regular unleaded was up to $4.39 on Saturday at the Kwik Fill in Albion.

Gas prices climbed significantly again in the past week, up 35 cents nationally, 27 cents more in New York State and an average of 14 cents in Orleans County.

The national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $4.46, up from $4.11 a week earlier. A year ago, the price was $3.17.

The New York State average went from $4.19 to $4.46 since a week ago, according to AAA. A year ago the average was $3.10.

“Gas prices rose sharply with the arrival of May as oil prices increased amid continued tensions in the Middle East,” AAA said in a news release. “Gas prices are the highest they’ve been in four years since 2022. This morning, oil prices range from $103 to $109 per barrel, compared to $97 to $108 per barrel one week ago. Oil is the main ingredient in gasoline, so oil prices have a direct impact on pump prices.”

Diesel prices are also on the rise with the national average at $5.64, up 19 cents from last week, and up from $3.55 a year ago. The New York average for diesel fuel is $5.94, up 3 cents from last week, and up from $3.90 last year, AAA said.

Here are the average prices at counties in Western New York:

  • Orleans, $4.354
  • Genesee, $4.391
  • Monroe, $4.403
  • Niagara, $4.381
  • Erie, $4.417
  • Wyoming, $4.387
  • Livingston, $4.421
  • Chautauqua, $4.406
  • Cattaraugus, $4.344
  • Allegany, $4.399

The highest price in the state is in Manhattan at $4.837 in Manhattan. In upstate the highest prices are in northern New York, with Franklin County the most at $4.733 a gallon.

Late goal nips Medina Mustangs FC

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 3 May 2026 at 7:30 pm

Playing with no subs, the Medina Mustangs FC dropped a narrow 1-0 decision at the Queen City Gunners this afternoon in a Buffalo District Soccer League Championship Division game.

The Gunners scored the game’s lone goal with five minutes remaining off a corner kick.

Now at 0-2, Medina next visits the Cattaraugus County FC on May 17.

Green has top 10 finish at Riviera Maya Open

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 3 May 2026 at 2:59 pm

Contributed Photo – Melanie Green

Slowed a bit by a pair of late bogies, Medina’s Melanie Green still earned a top 10 finish at the LPGA Tour’s Riviera Maya Tournament in Mexico which concluded this afternoon.

With the bogeys on 16 and 18, Green posted a final round of a 2 over par 74 and finshed the four day tournament with a 5 under par total of 283.

She started the day at 7 under and kept that score heading into the final three holes as birdies on 5 and 15 offset bogies on 2 and 9.

Green opened the tournament with a sizzling 6 under par round of 66 on Thursday. She then had a 2 under par 70 on Friday and a 1 over par 73 on Saturday.

The top 10 finish is her second in 6 tournaments on this her debut season on the LPGA Tour.

Next weekend the LPGA Tour moves to New Jersey for the Mizuho Americas Open.

Hoag Library election set for Monday with 4 candidates for 3 spots

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 May 2026 at 1:11 pm

Photos courtesy of Hoag Library: Four candidates will be on the ballot on Monday for trustees for Hoag Library. Voting is from noon to 7 p.m. at the library.

ALBION – Voters in the Hoag Library service area will cast ballots on Monday for candidates for the library’s trustees.

There are four candidates with three positions up for election. The terms are for four years.

Three incumbents – Linda Weller, Mary Witkop and Rachel Hicks – are seeking re-election. Jessica George also is running for trustee.

The election is from noon to 7 p.m. at the library, with the library’s annual meeting to follow at 7 p.m.

Voters must be 18 and older and live in the Hoag Library service area, the same area as the Albion school district.

Mary Covell has been a trustee the last four years, acting as vice president for all four. She also has been chair for the Personnel committee and the Planning committee. She has worked as an accountant the past 19 years.

“My family and I utilize the Hoag Library regularly,” she said in a candidate statement on the Hoag website. “Our experiences with the services provided by the library have been wonderful. In addition to the base level library hard copy book borrowing, the inclusion of Senior Citizen informational courses, Hoopla online services, and the community’s use of the library meeting rooms have been exceptional!”

Jessica George is a lifelong Orleans County resident and a library user since she was young, using the library for research long before the age of Google.

“I attend the library every week with my daughter (who calls the library her ‘favorite place in the whole world’) as a volunteer with the Friends of the Library bookstore every Monday night,” George said.

George has 10 years of experience on a board with the Pullman Memorial Universalist Church, including seven years as the board chair. She is a licensed therapist who specializes in working with trauma and providing care and support to victims of crime.

“The library holds a central place in our lives, which has influenced my decision to run for a board position,” George said. “As someone that has utilized library services consistently, I feel it is time for me to give back to the library through assisting as a board member and helping the library to be a central community resource for other individuals and families in the coming years.”

Rachel Hicks, a current trustee, has used the library for many years, including while studying for her bachelor’s degree in Business Management and Economics, I utilized the library, and then when she had a son and would bring him to the children’s library area.

“My family actively participate, as well as deeply appreciate, the efforts behind so many of the fun events that take place at the Hoag Library for children and families,” Hicks said.

She has worked at Albion Agencies Insurance for the last 12 years in insurance sales, agency management and accounting.

Hicks also has been active with the Albion Merchants Association, Orleans County Chamber of Commerce, and Albion Joint Fire District.

“I feel the library provides services and opportunities a lot of local community members haven’t even realized yet,” she said. “The weekly programs for different learning opportunities, provides a wealth of learning opportunity from ages of young to old.”

Linda Weller has been a trustee for the library since 2019, including the past five years as board president.

“During this time, I have been committed to supporting the library’s mission and ensuring it remains a vital resource for our community,” she said.

She also is the board president for the Albion Board of Education and recently joined the board of Community Action.

“I believe strongly in building a stronger, more connected community, and I am passionate about the role our library plays in that effort,” Weller said.

St. John’s in Medina part of Sacred Sites tour on May 16

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 May 2026 at 11:57 am

Photos by Tom Rivers: St. John’s Episcopal Church is shown on Oct. 18 when the church was featured in an architectural tour to benefit the Cobblestone Museum. The stained-glass windows, some from the 1800s, are the earliest ones in Orleans County.

MEDINA – The annual “Sacred Sites” tour around the state will feature St. John’s Episcopal Church, one of the oldest churches in the county.

St. John’s also is known as “the church in the middle of the road” and has been featured on Ripley’s Believe It or Not.

Provided photo: The church is one of the oldest in the region. Construction started in 1832 and was completed in 1838, with a bell tower added later.

St. John’s church began as St. Luke’s Mission in 1827, a result of a rapidly growing village and a group of men who felt spiritual guidance was needed. The Erie Canal was bringing progress and more people along its path.

Construction was started in 1832 with the Medina sandstone quarried from the banks of the Erie Canal. The building was completed, except for the tower, in 1838.

St. John’s will be part of the New York Landmarks Conservancy’s 16th annual Sacred Sites Open House on May 16 & 17. Visitors are welcome to explore the extraordinary architecture, art and history of diverse houses of worship across New York.

This year’s theme is “Holding Community Memories,” and participating sites will showcase their buildings, histories, and community programs through guided tours, lectures, musical performances, and by opening their archives, the Conservancy stated.

“Open House Weekend is an invitation to explore the architecture, art, and history within religious buildings in your community,” says Peg Breen, President of the New York Landmarks Conservancy.  “It’s an easy and enjoyable way to be a tourist in your own town.”

To date, congregations participating from the Western New York region in Sacred Sites include:

Buffalo

• Blessed Trinity Roman Catholic Church, 317 Leroy Avenue, Saturday, May 16, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• Corpus Christi Church, 199 Clark Street – Saturday, May 16, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday, May 17, 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Niagara Falls

• Niagara Heritage of Hope and Service, Home of Historic Holy Trinity, 1419 Falls Street – Sunday, May 17, 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Medina

• St. John’s Episcopal Church, 200 E Center Street – Saturday, May 16, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For more information about the New York Landmarks Conservancy Sacred Sites Open House, visit nylandmarks.org.

St. John’s, shown during the Oct. 18 open house, will offer guided tours and music on May 16 as well as games for children.

Weekly high school sports schedule

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 3 May 2026 at 9:18 am

Monday
Baseball – Newfane at Albion, Barker at Akron, 4:45 p.m.; Medina at Roy-Hart, 7 p.m.
Softball – Wilson at Medina, Albion at Roy-Hart, Akron at Barker, 4:45 p.m.; Byron-Bergen at Lyndonville, Kendall at Oakfield-Alabama, 5 p.m.
Tennis – Akron at Albion, Barker at Medina, 4:15 p.m.
Lacrosse – Medina at Clarence, 7 p.m.

Tuesday
Baseball – Wilson at Albion, 4:45 p.m.; Lyndonville at Wheatland-Chili, Kendall at Oakfield-Alabama, Holley at Attica, 5 p.n.
Softball – Alexander at Albion, 5 p.m.
Track – Albion at Medina, Akron at Roy-Hart, Newfane at Barker, 4:30 p.m.

Wednesday
Baseball – Barker at Medina, Newfane at Akron, Oakfield-Alabama at Roy-Hart, 4:45 p.m.; Kendall at Notre Dame, 7 p.m.
Softball – Roy-Hart at Akron, Barker at Newfane, 4:45 p.m.; Lyndonville at Kendall, Byron-Bergen at Holley, 5 p.m.
Tennis – Albion at Newfane, Medina at Roy-Hart, Wilson at Barker, 4:15 p.m.

Thursday
Baseball – Oakfield-Alabama at Lyndonville, Wilson at Kendall, 5 p.m.
Softball – Akron at Wilson, 4:45 p.m.; Roy-Hart at Medina, CSAT at Lyndonville, 5 p.m.
Track – Medina at Akron, Wilson at Albion, Roy-Hart at Newfane, 4:30 p.m.
Lacrosse – Wilson at Medina, 7 p.m.

Friday
Baseball – Albion at Wilson, Akron at Newfane, 4:45 p.m.; Medina at Barker, Roy-Hart at West Seneca East, 7 p.m.
Softball – Akron at Medina, Newfane at Roy-Hart, 4:45 p.m.; Oakfield-Alabama at Lyndonville, Pembroke at Kendall, Alexaner at Holley, 5 p.m.
Tennis – Barker at Albion, Roy-Hart at Wilson, Newfane at Akron, 4:15 p.m.

Saturday
Baseball – Pavilion/York at Medina, 11 a.m.; Pembroke at Lyndonville, Alexander at Kendall, 2 p.m.
Softball – Kendall at Alexander, 10 a.m.; Wheatland-Chili at Lyndonville, 11 a.m.; Medina at Roy-Hart, 12 p.m.
Lacrosse – Medina at Lockport, 11 a.m.

 

New slate roof will soon go on Mount Albion chapel

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 May 2026 at 9:01 am

Photo by Tom Rivers: The chapel at Mount Albion Cemetery, shown last week, will be getting a new Vermont slate roof, as well as other repairs to the building that was constructed in 1875 from Medina Sandstone.

ALBION – The slate has arrived in Albion and work should soon begin on replacing the roof at the Mount Albion chapel.

The building is a focal point of the historic cemetery for people who enter through the main arch off Route 31. The new roof is among several improvements for the structure that was built in 1875.

Local mason Neal Muscarella has already completed some repointing of mortar on the building. A drop ceiling also has been removed that revealed a vaulted ceiling had been covered up.

The new roof will be a comparable Vermont slate. The Albion Village Board in September accepted a bid for $83,985 to remove the existing roof and replace all the Vermont slate. The roofer should be on site this spring to work on the project.

There will be other substantial work to follow including interior replastering of the north wall; electrical upgrades (wiring, outlets, internal and external lighting); heating unit for seasonal use; repair of plaster and vaulted ceiling; removal of old floor, repair subfloor and put in a new floor; and refurbish exterior doors and window trim.

A committee led by Village Historian Sue Starkweather Miller has raised $225,000 for the chapel restoration. That met the initial goal but there are some additional expenses with the vaulted ceiling.

Tax deductible donations for the project can be sent to the Orleans County Historical Association, 3286 Gaines Basin Rd., Albion NY 14411. For more information, click here.

Once the project is complete, Starkweather Miller said the site will again be able to be used by the public for events.

Data center could be a costly boondoggle if AI boom turns into bubble

Posted 3 May 2026 at 8:42 am

Editor:

In a recent Daily News article about the proposed data center at STAMP in the Town of Alabama, GCEDC Director Mark Masse gave an electrifying account of the economic benefits. Underneath this buzz, though, is the need for closer examination of the economic returns.

There has been concern for some time that the generative AI boom may actually be a bubble that will someday burst.  According to a recent article in The Atlantic, during the 1990s, when it was thought that increased usages of PCs and the Internet would warrant them, there was a large build-out of fossil fuel-powered energy plants. When that demand failed to materialize, many energy projects were abandoned or went bankrupt. Well, guess what. The same article continues:

“The generative-AI boom, too, could prove to be a bubble. The technology remains extraordinarily expensive, largely because of the cost of advanced computer chips, and no AI firm has presented a convincing business model… And if AI doesn’t turn out to be as transformative a technology as experts predict, swaths of data centers could be left unused or unfinished—ruins from a future that never came to pass.”

What if this is the case for the $19.46 billion STREAM project and the undisclosed future operator? Is there any protection for the Town of Alabama, Genesee County or the GCEDC if the project is started but abandoned? Has the project been bonded for performance or payments or are there other safeguards to protect local entities? Does the Town of Alabama or the county have the capacity to maintain or to demolish a 2.2 million square-foot building or to take care of residual pollution?

GCEDC claims that Genesee County can expect $283.9 million in PILOT/Host payments over a 30-year period and $9 million annual in sales tax revenue from electrical usage, for a total of $270 million over 30 years.

Realistically, the average lifespan of these facilities is currently 10-15 years, with massive data centers like the one proposed at the STREAM site too new to be known. Because technology changes so rapidly, any prediction about an industry or tax benefits over a 30-year period is conjecture.

The public is increasingly skeptical of data centers, with a February poll showing 70% of Wisconsin residents now believing that the costs outweigh the benefits, a microcosm of what is happening elsewhere. In at least 14 states and dozens of local municipalities, governments are introducing legislation to slow or stop data center development.  In Virginia,  an area that’s referred to as “Data Center Alley,” voters have turned sharply against building more, with only 35% of people now comfortable with a data center in their community (69% in 2023); a proposed 1,700 acre campus near Manassas was recently dropped. In addition, Virginia voters have turned abruptly against tax breaks for these centers with 56% now strongly opposed (31% in 2023), an opinion that has shaken up local elections.

Data centers are unifying people across the political divide and garnering strong bipartisan resistance. In addition to environmental concerns, people are worried about higher electricity prices and lower home values, and they take exception to major corporations quietly arriving in their communities and setting up colossal and secretive deals affecting taxpayers.

Here in Genesee County and the GLOW region, resistance is mounting as people see the consequences of the dangerous environmental impacts along with the economic gamble.

Leslie DeLooze

LeRoy

Another frost advisory in effect tonight in Orleans

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 May 2026 at 9:07 pm

Photo by Marsha Rivers: Two fishermen head back through the Oak Orchard Harbor on Friday evening at Point Breeze.

Another frost advisory is in effect for Orleans County tonight for the third straight day. Temperatures in the low to mid 30s will result in frost formation, the National Weather Service in Buffalo said.

The advisory from midnight to 9 a.m. Sunday also includes Niagara, Monroe, Wayne, northern Cayuga, Oswego, northern Erie, Livingston and Ontario counties.

The high temperatures in the coming days include 55 and sunny on Sunday, 66 and sunny on Monday, 66 and mostly cloudy on Tuesday and 54 and mostly cloudy on Wednesday.