Holley student Jax Richards-Dyson honored by county music educators with Scholar Artist Award

Posted 11 March 2026 at 11:55 am

Photo by Tom Rivers: Jax Richards-Dyson of Holley, a member of the senior high all-county band, raises a cymbal after he was announced on Saturday as the winner of Scholar Artist Award among senior music students in Orleans County.

Press Release, Orleans County Music Educators’ Association

MEDINA – Jax Richards-Dyson, a senior from Holley, was the recipient of the Scholar Artist Award at last Saturday’s All-County Music Festival in Medina.

The Orleans County Music Educators’ Association (OCMEA) wanted to recognize and celebrate their graduating music students who demonstrate commitment and leadership in their respective music programs, while also prioritizing academics and maintaining good grades.

County music teachers were asked to nominate students who met the following criteria: maintain a GPA of 90.0 or above, actively participate in their school’s music department, and demonstrate leadership in their school district and/ or community. Jax, who was nominated by Mr. Zach Busch (Holley junior-senior high band director), was selected by the OCMEA executive board.

Jax has a GPA of 97 and is a leader in his music department. He plays percussion in the HS concert band, piano in the jazz band, serves as Holley’s Concert Choir accompanist, and marches on the drumline of the Holley-Kendall Marching Band.

Jax has also been a regular in his school’s theater productions, taking on roles both on stage and in the pit. He also plays piano and performs in a variety of groups around the Rochester area. He plans on attending college next year and hopes to major in pre-med.

“Jax has always been a lead by example type of student,” Mr. Busch wrote in his nomination. “He is always a musician I can count on to know his music and positively contribute to any ensemble he is playing in through his preparation. He is also the musician who spends the most time practicing of all the musicians at Holley HS – and it shows in his skill and ability. Jax’s actions in practice set an example for other students who wish to work up to the level of musicianship he has achieved. Jax can often be observed helping younger students with their music during rehearsals for the many groups he performs in.”

Jax was one of four nominees this year. Other nominees included Madison Hults from Kendall, nominated by Miss Chalmers; Gideon Pask from Albion, nominated by Mr. Michki & Mr. Confer; and Emily Miner from Lyndonville, nominated by Mrs. Trupo.

Mrs. Andrea Busch, Co Vice-President of OCMEA, created the award last year and said, “I am so proud of Jax and all of the other students who continuously go above and beyond to make Orleans County an amazing place for music education. All four of this year’s nominees are outstanding young men and women, and I cannot thank them for the positive impact they have made.”

Eagles trio earns G-R All Star honors

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 11 March 2026 at 10:07 am

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Kendall’s Genesee Region League All Stars include, from left, Jonny Conte, CJ D’Agostino and Vinnie D’Agostino.

Kendall is represented by three players on the Genesee Region League boys basketball All Star team

The Eagles trio includes seniors Vinnie D’Agostino and Jonny Conte and junior CJ D’Agostino.

In addition, Kendall junor Noah Morehouse has received Honorable Mention.

CJ D’Agostino scored 334 points this season for a 16.7 average and also grabbed off 180 rebounds.

Vinnie D’Dgostino scored 254 points (12.7 ave.) and pulled down 98 rebounds.

Conte scored 140 points (7.0 ave.) and had 85 rebounds.

Morehouse scored 162 points (8.1 ave.) and grabbed off 110 rebounds.

The Eagles went 12-3 in G-R competition and 15-7 overall.

Share concerns about proposed Dollar General in Albion during meeting on March 12

Posted 11 March 2026 at 9:05 am

Editor:

If you have children attending the Albion Central School district, live in the Albion area, a neighbor, or if you are another community stakeholder, please attend the meeting in regards to the proposed 327 East Avenue Dollar General store site on Thursday (March 12) at 5 p.m. at the Albion Village Hall.

There are very real concerns about student and public safety at this site as well as declining quality of life issues it will bring.

The first concern is that of students and others jaywalking back and forth on Route 31 to shop at the store regardless if there is a school crossing guard available. There are many after-school, after-dark activities (i.e. football games) which will make crossing The Avenue even more dangerous.

Secondly, truck deliveries with tractor trailers, which can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, will be attempting to turn in or out of the store, which will block traffic as they do so. This will not only cause traffic backups, but will also block emergency vehicles. Additionally, there will be various delivery trucks in and out of the store throughout the day. The aforementioned issues will be further exacerbated during after-school events, many taking place during the evening hours.

Quality of life issues include the creation of food deserts, lost tax revenue, and the lowering of property values. Dollar stores cut into nearby grocery stores’ profits, forcing them to close a few years later, creating a food desert.

Once closed, tax revenue from the former grocery store will be lost. The presence of the dollar store and the lost grocery store will, in turn, drive down neighboring property values.

Please come to the Albion Village Hall on Thursday, at 5 p.m. if these issues concern you or if you have your own concerns.

Sincerely,

Annette M. Piano

Albion, affected resident of East Avenue

Medina would be well served keeping Sherman as mayor

Posted 11 March 2026 at 8:59 am

Editor:

There is an old adage “Don’t swap horses in midstream.” And no, I no longer pay taxes in Medina, but have lived in Orleans County for over 60 years, paid taxes in Medina for 40 years. I read minutes and the Hub.

Marguerite Sherman has been a very active and progressive member of this village. She has done her research and has moved Medina forward. It’s time to let here finish her tasks and move forward. You need someone who listens to your concerns and does not dismiss them or put them off.

We are assured of two things in life….death and taxes. Do not be fooled, taxes rarely decrease.

Jeanne Crane

Carlton

Gas prices up 11 more cents in one day in Orleans County

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 March 2026 at 8:30 am

Another day, another jump in gas prices in Orleans County.

AAA is reporting the average price for regular unleaded in Orleans County jumped 11 cents since yesterday, from $3.376 to $3.482 today. That followed a 7-cent increase from Monday to Tuesday, putting the total at 18 cents over two days.

The 11-cent increase since Tuesday was the largest in Western New York, where most counties saw 2 to 4 cent increases. In Genesee County, it dropped 4.5 cents to $3.428.

The national price was up an average of 4 cents in one day to $3.578 today, while the state average also increased 4 cents to $3.506. The average price of gas is up 20 percent since the start of the war in Iran on Feb. 28. The average price of gas nationally has risen every day the past 11 days.

In New York, the average price for diesel is at $4.969, up from $4.895 the previous day and $4.144 a week ago.

The state-wide average for unleaded was $3.105 a week ago and $2.994 a month ago. That is a 40-cent increase over the past week and 52 cents since a month ago, according to AAA.

The highest recorded average price was $5.041 on June 14, 2022 with diesel’s high of $6.542 on May 19, 2022. This was a time when oil and energy supplies were disrupted at beginning Russian-Ukraine war. In a few weeks during that war, gas prices shot up 50 percent from $3.50 a gallon to just over $5.

Thunder, lightning and brilliant sky to start the day in Orleans County

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 March 2026 at 7:53 am

Kimberly Stawicki was walking her dog this morning along the towpath in Medina when she took this photo of lightning.

Austin Meacham captured this image of the pink sky in Medina this morning.

Jodi Kent was out in Albion with the brilliant sunrise.

Today is forecast for a high of 64 degrees, with showers and possibly another thunderstorm after noon. High near 64.

The overnight low is forecast for 27 with the high near 36 on Thursday and then 42 on Friday.

Holley mayor recognizes 4th grader for winning photo of deer

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 March 2026 at 9:21 pm

Photo by Tom Rivers

HOLLEY – Village of Holley Mayor Mark Bower holds the Orleans County Tourism calendar for 2026 that includes a photo of a deer taken by Robbie Weit.

The mayor presented Robbie with a “Certificate of Achievement” during this evening’s board meeting.

This photo of a deer is the November cover in Orleans County’s 2026 calendar put together by the county tourism department.

Bower said he looked the calendar in December and was pleased to see the local photo of the deer. He was amazed when he learned it was taken by a Holley fourth-grader.

Robbie goes on photo outings with his grandfather, Dave Brooks. They drive the back roads looking for wildlife, landscapes and other interesting scenes.

They were out late in July when they saw the deer. Robbie aimed a Canon with a zoom lens at the deer and got his winning photo, “Doe in Flower Field.”

Robbie about a year ago also was recognized as an honorary member of the Clarendon Fire Company by Fire Chief Bob Freida and Deputy Chief Don Moiser. Robbie has made posters for both Clarendon and Murray fire halls about the Sept.11 attacks that killed 343 New York City firefighters. Robbie dresses as a firefighter at Halloween and looks forward to joining the department when he is older.

Medina backs calls for more AIM funding from state, which gives village a paltry amount

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 March 2026 at 5:22 pm

MEDINA – The Village Board approved a formal resolution calling on the governor and State Legislature to increase funding to municipalities.

The New York Conference of Mayors, a organization representing cities and villages throughout the state, asked Median to support the resolution. Medina also will send a letter of support from Mayor Marguerite Sherman.

The state’s current Aid and Incentives to Municipalities distributes $715 million statewide to towns, villages and cities outside of New York City. With AIM, the cities get $647.1 million or 90.5 percent of the total, while towns statewide receive $47.9 million, and villages share $19.7 million.

Gov. Kathy Hochul has proposed a $150 million increase in Temporary Municipal Assistance with the lion’s share again going to cities of all sizes in the state.

Medina approved the resolution of support on Monday, but Trustee Scott Bieliski noted Medina doesn’t get much in the program, despite offering many municipal services.

“With the state budget, our residents could be paying more than they are receiving,” he said.

The Village of Medina with a population of population 6,047 currently gets $45,523 in AIM, and would get another $9,555 in Temporary Municipal Assistance, or $55,078 total. That breaks out to $9.11 per person.

That is a far cry from what smaller cities receive. The City of Batavia in Genesee County, population 15,174 gets $1,750,975 in AIM, and would receive another $609,978 in TMA for $2,360,953 total. That would be $155.59 per person.

Sherman, the village mayor, noted villages like Medina don’t get much in AIM and Temporary Municipal Assistance.

“We don’t get a huge share of this,” she said. “Hopefully we can get some more. Every bit helps.”

The resolution from the Medina Village Board states the increase in funding from the state will help municipalities “address fiscal challenges and maintain essential services for residents.”

The cities, villages, and towns are essential in delivering services, infrastructure, public safety, and quality of life that residents expect and deserve, the resolution states.

“Local governments across New York continue to face mounting fiscal pressures driven by inflation, increased service demands, infrastructure needs, and rising operational costs, while striving to provide relief to taxpayers amid a rising cost of living,” according to the resolution.

Sherman brings long-needed action to Medina’s sidewalk problem

Posted 10 March 2026 at 4:44 pm

Editor:

Several years back, I got voluntarily involved in Medina government as a member of Mayor Sidari’s Visionary Committee with some wonderful people I still consider friends, even though we didn’t always agree.

Our charge was to think about Medina’s future — what it could become — we were not asked to consider anything specific. One of the weaknesses we identified was the state of the village sidewalks, and I had several disagreements with one of the trustees at the time over what Medina should do about fixing them.

Marguerite Sherman is the first village official I am aware of to really take the concerns we expressed then seriously — spurred on by the very helpful donations and efforts of Bob Sanderson and his group. Aside from making Medina a more walkable community — a laudable goal in itself — this is a basic safety problem that is in dire need of a solution.

If you walk around the village as I do, you will soon see the issue — because current code puts the onus on the homeowner to finance new sidewalks, the result is a patchwork of good and bad sections like a mouth missing numerous teeth.

There are students walking to school and people without cars who are forced to navigate huge heaves of concrete created by the roots of trees planted by the village. Moreover, there are a number of people in the village who have to travel by wheelchair or scooter who are forced to ride in the street because the sidewalks are so uneven.

As a member of the village Planning Board, I look forward to taking up Mayor Sherman’s proposal to find a more effective code for sidewalk maintenance if and when it comes before us.

And I wholeheartedly support her re-election as mayor. Sherman has the experience and integrity necessary for the village to survive its current challenges and create a bright future for all of its residents.

Richard Moss

Medina

Lee-Whedon mostly packed up inside before closing for 6 weeks after March 21

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 March 2026 at 3:05 pm

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – It’s a radical different look inside Lee-Whedon Memorial Library these days. There aren’t too many tables or chairs left, and the big book shelves are mostly gone.

The books are on temporary shelves with wheels. Those shelves will be rolled into storage pods for interior work on the library as part of a $5.2 million capital project.

The library will close next Saturday on March 21 and reopen about six weeks later on May 4.

The books are on shelves from Lincoln Moving & Storage of Buffalo.

While Lee-Whedon is closed, library users can access digital materials through hoopla, Libby, Mango and Freegalmusic.

Lee-Whedon members also can use their card at other Nioga libraries. The closest ones are Yates Community Library, Hoag Library in Albion, and Royalton-Hartland Library in Middleport.

Lee-Whedon broke ground last Aug. 22 for a 4,785-square-foot addition on the back of the current library, which is 11,100 square feet.

The addition will create space for two meeting rooms, two tutoring rooms, a programming room with makerspace, Friends of the Library book sale room, a quiet research room, an art gallery, a teen room and 14 parking spots.

There will also be additional restrooms, a new circulation desk, a new entry portico with automatic sliding doors, about a 10 percent increase in the collection and upgraded technology.

The state is contributing nearly $1.7 million in New York State Public Library Construction Aid grants to the $5.2 million project. The community also has donated more than $500,000 to the expansion.

Medina expects to pursue grant funding for inclusive playground at State Street Park

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 March 2026 at 2:21 pm

GameTime design: The proposal for Medina from GameTime includes playground equipment would be accessible to children with disabilities and mobility issues.

MEDINA – The Village of Medina has $110,000 secured towards a new inclusive playground that would serve kids of all abilities, including those with mobility issues.

But the village will need a sizable state grant to make the playground a reality. The village could pursue three state grant programs for the playground, which would have cost $541,252 in 2024. That price has likely gone up in the two years since then, perhaps by $100,000, said Haylee Ferington, who is helping to lead the effort for the new playground as a member of Friends of Medina Parks.

Photo by Tom Rivers: Haylee Ferington, a member of the Medina Parks Committee, updates the Village Board on Monday about upcoming grant opportunities for an inclusive playground at State Street Park.

The Friends applied for state grants last year but didn’t get picked for funding. Ferington advised the Village Board the grant applications would be stronger I fthe Village of Medina was the applicant.

The board will consider that, and needs to decide before the next round of grant applications in May, Ferington said.

The state funding opportunities come with a 50-50 match through the state Canal Corp., 70-30 match through the Environmental Protection Fund, and a 90-10 match through the State Historic Preservation Office, she said.

Gov. Hochul on Jan. 6 also has announced a new “NY Plays” funding opportunity for $67.5 million towards playgrounds. The grants range from $100,000 to $2.5 million, and require a 20 percent local share.

Ferington said the new playground has secured funding commitments of $50,000 from the Community Foundation of Buffalo, $50,000 from the Community Foundation of Rochester, and $10,000 from Brookfield Power which runs a hydroelectric plant in Medina.

“We’re hoping 2026 will bring about more fruitful funding opportunities through the state,” she told the Village Board.

The Friends of Medina Parks will meet at 6:30 this evening to make a recommendation to the Village Board on which state grants to pursue. The board will have to decide by May which ones to go after and if it will apply as the village.

Sherman remains committed to leading Medina, keeping essential services while addressing affordability

Posted 10 March 2026 at 11:28 am

Editor:

I am writing to ask for the support of Village of Medina residents as I run to be their mayor. This is a community I care deeply about and a position I believe I am well equipped to continue in.

My education background is in Education from SUNY Geneseo. Following my Bachelor’s Degree, I received a Master’s in Education from Buffalo State University. Like many of you, I started my professional career at Darien Lake, where I worked as an admissions manager. Any role in guest relations gives a unique look at organization, problem solving, and customer service, which quickly allowed for my desire to help others take off.

For over three decades, I have had the privilege of teaching in the Medina Central School District, serving 31 years as an educator and as Department Chair of the Special Education Department. During that time, I helped guide students, families, and fellow educators, navigate a learning environment where every child could thrive. It is truly heart-warming to see former students working and living in our community, knowing that I may have had a hand in assisting them in their personal success.

Beyond the classroom, I have been deeply involved in our community. I served as past President of the Mustang Sports Boosters, and have been a committed member of Holy Trinity Parish, teaching religious education and serving as a reader and eucharistic minister.

The Village of Medina means the world to me. When the opportunity came to serve on the Village Planning Board and subsequently run for a Village Trustee, I took it on. Then two years ago, I ran for mayor, a position I do not take lightly. These roles allowed me to work directly on issues that matter most to our residents, from responsible planning and spending, to ensuring a high quality of life for all.

As a parent of four children who were raised in the Medina Central School District, I understand firsthand the importance of supporting our schools, families, and youth programs. My husband and I have actively supported the arts, music, boy scouts, and sports programs in Medina. We continue to support our local businesses and events.

My lifelong commitment to Medina—through education, service, and active participation—drives my desire to continue working for the benefit of our community.

Progress and change rarely happen as quickly as we would like. I believe we can address affordability, without cutting essential services. To do that, we must continue working with town, county, and state officials to find ways to deliver services to taxpayers more efficiently and cost-effectively. We should continue to aggressively pursue grants and other funding streams that help to further remove the burden from taxpayers. While the Village Board may not agree on every issue, we must remain committed to working together to move our community forward.

I respectfully ask for your support as we work together to ensure that Medina remains a vibrant, welcoming, and thriving place to live, learn, and grow.

Sincerely,

Marguerite Sherman

Candidate for Village of Medina Mayor

Kendall kids who shoveled out hydrants get ride to school on fire trucks

Posted 10 March 2026 at 9:48 am

Photo courtesy of Kendall Fire Department: The Kendall Fire Department gave these kids a ride on fire trucks on Monday morning. They were picked up and taken to school, where they were enthusiastically greeted outside by their classmates.

Press Release, Kendall Fire Department

KENDALL – Community spirit was on full display on Monday morning as the Kendall Fire District escorted several local students to school aboard a fire truck after they participated in the department’s Snow Day Hydrant Challenge.

During the recent snow day on Jan. 26, students from the Kendall community stepped up to help their neighbors by shoveling out fire hydrants throughout the district. Keeping hydrants clear of snow is critical during winter months, ensuring firefighters can quickly access water in the event of an emergency.

To recognize their efforts, the Kendall Fire District entered the participating students’ names into a drawing. Several winners were selected to receive a special ride to school on a fire truck.

The students arrived at Kendall Central School in style, greeted by an enthusiastic crowd of classmates, teachers, and staff members who gathered outside to welcome them. The moment highlighted the pride the community takes in supporting one another and recognizing acts of service no matter how young the volunteers may be.

“This is what community is all about,” said Captain James Fox of the Kendall Fire District. “Seeing students take the initiative to help keep their community safe and then seeing the entire school come together to celebrate them was truly special.”

Captain Fox expressed his appreciation to District Chief Randy Davis, Deputy Chief Mike Cole, the Kendall Fire District, and the Kendall Central School District for helping make the event possible. Their leadership and partnership helped bring the recognition together and ensured a memorable experience for the students involved.

For us at the Firehouse, the event was more than just a fun ride to school it was a reminder of the importance of community involvement and the positive impact young residents can have on public safety, said Fox.

As the fire truck pulled away and the students began their school day, the smiles on the faces of the children and staff alike served as a powerful reminder that even small acts of service can bring a community together.

Lady Eagles have G-R All-Star trio

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 10 March 2026 at 9:48 am

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Kendall’s G-R All-Star trio includes, from left, Stella Kwiatek, Izzy D’Agostino and Mia Price.

Kendall has placed three players on the Genesee Region League girls basketball All Star team.

The Lady Eagles trio includes senior Stella Kwiatek, junior Mia Price and sophomore Izzy D’Agostino.

In addition, sophomore Teagan Shaw has earned Honorable Mention.

Price scored 241 points for an 11.0 average, D’Agostino 225 points (10.0 ave.), Shaw 218 points (10.0 ave.) and Kwiatek 166 points (7.0 ave.) Price made 34 threes and Kwiatek 25.

In addition, Shaw averaged 9 rebounds per game and D’Agostino 8. Shaw also had 35 blocks and Kwiatek averaged 4 assists per game.