Farmers embraced this ‘AI’ that helped grow dairy herds with desired genetics

Posted 9 August 2026 at 9:37 pm

Family of county’s first AI technician donates relics from the New York State Artificial Breeders Cooperative

The New York State Artificial Breeders Cooperative was formed in 1938. This barn advertisement sign was distributed to NYSABC members.

Catherine Cooper, Orleans County Historian

“Illuminating Orleans” – Volume 6, No. 22

SHELBY – AI is much in the news at the moment. We understand those initials to refer to “artificial intelligence”. But these same initials have been used for many years to refer to a different form of human engineering: artificial insemination, a term that would be familiar to the farming community, and particularly to dairy farmers.

A recent donation to the Orleans County Department of History concerns this interesting aspect of Orleans County’s agricultural history.

Sue Albright Blevin of Kentucky recently visited Medina to attend her 65th High School reunion and took the opportunity to arrange for the donation to the Orleans County Dept. of History of several advertising items pertaining to her father’s occupation as a bovine reproductive AI technician. Sue’s parents were Howard and Florence Albright of Shelby. Sue recalled that as a young girl, the exact details of her father’s work were never explained to her. It was a new field at the time and not without controversy.

Bovine artificial insemination was developed in Europe around the turn of the 20th century. In the U.S., a collaboration between agricultural scientists at Cornell University and New York State farmers pioneered this new form of livestock reproduction. The New York State Artificial Breeders Cooperative (NYABC) was formed in 1938. Locally, the Orleans County Artificial Breeders, Inc. was formed in 1946. Howard Albright was hired as an AI technician that year and so was involved in explaining and promoting the service.

The arguments in favor of bovine AI were that it improved reproduction and genetics. A herd of 100 selected bulls was maintained at the State College of Agriculture in Ithaca.

Farmers could have access to champion bulls without having to own any. Bulls are massive and unpredictable and cause many farmworker injuries. Farmers could also select gender and specify specific traits such as meat quality or milk-yield.

Arguments against this new technology argued that it went against the natural order, was invasive and stressful to the animals, and that it reduced genetic variation by overusing a select number of elite bulls.

The AI service proved convenient, especially to dairy farmers. By 1956 the Orleans County Artificial Breeders Cooperative reported that it served 40% of Orleans County cows. Wayne Toal of Albion had been hired as a second AI technician for the county. There were 163 technicians in New York State.

Sign donated to Orleans County Dept. of History by family of Howard Albright, Orleans County’s first AI technician.

The Cooperative was run by Orleans County farmers. The following eight board members were selected at the 1966 meeting: Herman Hicks and David Mathes of Barre; Arthur Wilkins and Charles Beach of Medina; Dudley Mathes of Clarendon, Merle Woolston of Waterport; Maynard Moore of Kent; and Kenneth Knights of Knowlesville.

Later that year the NYABC merged with other northeastern cooperatives and eventually consolidated into the nationwide Genex.

Sue recalls that the telephone at their house was an essential part of her father’s business since farmers would call to arrange for service. Family members were trained to take accurate messages. She recalled that her father went to the Medina Railroad Depot daily to collect fresh supplies from Cornell.

Howard actively promoted the service. Photographed here are some of his giveaway items: a rain gauge, a paper holder and Beech-Nut gum.

Howard also sent bovine-themed Christmas cards to customers each year.

Howard Albright retired in 1972 and died in 1978 at the age of 71. His wife, Florence, who died in 2003, will be remembered by many as an active member of the Medina Historical Society. Howard and Florence are buried in Bates Road Cemetery

Medina FC nipped in playoff title game

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 9 August 2026 at 8:57 pm

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Peter Martillotta, who scored the lone Medina FC goal drives the ball up field against a Sporting Cavs defender during the playoff title game this evening at Nichols School in Buffalo.

A late goal proved to be the difference as the Medina Mustangs FC dropped a narrow 2-1 decision to the Sporting Cavs in the championship game of the Buffalo & District Soccer League Championship Division playoffs this evening at Nichols School in Buffalo.

The Sporting Cavs got the game winning goal with about 10 minutes remaining on a shot by Matt Cordovani which snapped a 1-1 deadlock.

The Sporting Cavs also jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the first half.

Medina FC put on good pressure early in the second half with two corner opportunities and a pair of direct kicks.

The Mustangs finally tied the game on a penalty kick goal by Peter Martillotta 25 minutes into the second half.

Medina again put on good pressure late in the game but could not score again.

Medina goalie Tyler Ribbeck made 10 saves including a pair of diving stops in the first half.

Both teams advanced to the finals with upset wins in the semifinals. No. 6 Seed Medina FC upset top seeded Buffalo Italia 1-0 and No. 5 Sporting Cavs bested No. 2 Ukraine 2-0.

Medina FC and Sporting Cavs played to a 2-2 tie during the regular season.

Medina finishes the season at 6-5-2 and Sporting Cavs at 7-4-2.

Zak Rowekamp works to gain control of the ball for the Medina FC.

Public asked to assist in tracking double-crested cormorants

Posted 9 August 2026 at 9:19 am

These birds viewed as threat to recreational fishing industry

Photo of double-crested cormorants by Donna Stanley/U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Press Release, New York Sea Grant

OSWEGO – New York Sea Grant, a collaborative program of Cornell University and the State University of New York, is inviting the public to document the presence, activities and impacts of double-crested cormorants.

Double-crested cormorants are a native, fish-eating, federally protected migratory bird species. New York Sea Grant partnered with Wayne County GIS to develop an online reporting tool at https://nyseagrant.org/cormorant for the public to upload photos and report observations of double-crested cormorant numbers, nesting, and feeding activities.

The survey includes options for logging the birds’ impact to natural habitat, water quality, infrastructure, and recreational usage. The survey developers strongly encourage users to submit photos to show the birds’ activity and impact.

Although originating in Wayne County, the nyseagrant.org/cormorant survey is designed for use by the public across New York’s Great Lakes region and statewide. The site includes a link to an observation viewer to see updates in real-time and as a resource for New York State, American, Canadian, and other environmental, wildlife and fisheries resource managers.

“This new reporting tool responds to local leaders’ interests in having a way for community members to report, track, and share with resource managers information about double-crested cormorant activity statewide,” said New York Sea Grant Associate Director Katherine Bunting-Howarth.

Double-crested cormorants utilize the Great Lakes region for breeding, with nesting colonies of a few dozen birds to more than a thousand pairs. Their droppings can destroy the trees and vegetation below their nests.

The birds’ wide-ranging diet of fish is a cause of concern for the recreational fishing industry. Double-crested cormorants were identified as a serious issue by New York’s charter fishing industry during industry meetings held by New York Sea Grant along New York’s Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River shoreline.

“In meetings in Oak Orchard, Irondequoit, Oswego, Henderson, and Alexandria Bay, charter captains expressed concerns about increasing populations of double-crested cormorants and interest in seeing more research on the birds and their predation of fish, particular after stocking,” said New York Sea Grant Great Lakes Fisheries and Ecosystem Health Specialist Stacy Furgal.

Double-crested cormorants, their nests, and eggs are all federally protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act updated by the U.S. Congress in 1972.

New York Sea Grant is one of 34 university-based programs under the National Sea Grant College Program of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. New York Sea Grant’s statewide network integrates research, education, and extension services focused on coastal community economic vitality, environmental sustainability, and citizen awareness and understanding about New York’s Great Lakes and marine resources.

Stuntman pulls makes big jump through wall of fire before crowd at Bullard Park

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 August 2026 at 8:30 am

John “Mercury” Morgan urges crowd to embrace Gospel message

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – John “Mercury” Morgan jumps with a bike over two Albion police patrol vehicles and a SWAT vehicle, and then goes through a wall of fire in a stunt at Bullard Park on Saturday.

It was part of Family Fun Day at Bullard, where several churches shared the Gospel message, and gave away back-to-school supplies, food and put on activities. There were more than 500 people watching the stunt.

Morgan, 61, of Rochester makes it through the wall of fire and lands on the ramp.

He has been a stuntman on bikes since he was 15. He was inspired by Evel Knievel, the famous daredevil.

Morgan shared about moving from Lake Placid to Rochester when he was 7. He struggle din Rochester, getting into trouble often and selling marijuana. He was in a “scared straight” program at the Attica prison when he was 14.

Morgan said he became a Christian at 15. He runs Leap of Faith Evangelism, doing stunts and sharing the Gospel message.

He urged people to have courage to follow Jesus, and take a leap of faith.

John “Mercury” Morgan leads a group in prayer after the bike stunt. At least 500 people watched the event at Bullard.

The team with Mercury pours gasoline on cardboard that will be raised in frame. Mercury would then plunge through the wall of fire.

Albion firefighters doused the flames.

Theresa Ottaviano shared this photo of Morgan breaking through the wall of fire and landing on the ramp.

Jovannie Canales, lead pastor at Harvest Christian Fellowship, helped lead Family Fun Day which had about 100 volunteers from many local churches in the community. They gave away back-to-school backpacks with supplies, hot dogs and water. There was also live music, bounce houses and face painting. The churches also gave away four bicycles, a TV and a laptop.

More than 1,000 people attended the Family Fun Day.

Pastor Canales said there were 232 decisions for Christ and 14 were baptized. In addition, 18 agencies and ministries participated, along with 85 volunteers who helped make the day possible.

“This event would not have been possible without God and the incredible support of the 15 churches, local businesses, and community partners who contributed and supported the event in various ways,” Pastor Canales said. “We are very grateful for everyone who came together to make Family Fun Day such a meaningful day for our community.”

A baptismal tank was set up by the amphitheater. There were many agencies and churches at Family Fun Day. When this photo was taken, most of the crowd had moved from the tents to see a stuntman.

Jeff LaFountain of Newfane did caricatures, including this one of Hollea Mackie and her children, baby Jordyn and son Ashyr, 10.

500-plus residents welcome chance to unload old tires, household hazardous waste

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 August 2026 at 2:53 pm

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Today was the annual Orleans County household hazardous waste collection event and about 525 to 550 residents signed up for the chance to get rid of old tires and leftover chemicals, batteries, oil and solvents.

The top photo shows Henry Haiens of Albion getting rid of a trailer load of old tires with help from Kevin Herring (center), an Orleans County Building and Grounds employee, and Devin Bruno, a motor equipment operator with the county Highway Department.

Andy Beach, a MEO in the Highway Department, uses a loader to move bigger farm tractor tires. Today’s collection for the first time allowed the larger tractor tires and also took tires that were on the rim.

The county contracts with Modern Disposal Services to take away the tires. The local towns dropped off tires earlier in the week. Corey Winters, director of the Orleans County Department of Planning and Development, said he expects the pile had about 7,000 tires. The Planning Department manages the annual household hazardous waste and tire collection.

The event also for the first time was held at the Orleans County Emergency Management Office on County House Road, which was spread out with more space compared to the Orleans County Highway Department in the village of Albion.

Employees from Environmental Enterprises, Inc. of Cincinnati work at the household hazardous waste collection event at the EMO site.

More than 500 Orleans County residents were able to get rid of leftover chemicals, batteries, tires, oil and solvents during the household hazardous waste collection day.

Residents were able to safely get rid of pesticides, motor oil & filters, adhesives, antifreeze, solvents, batteries, fluorescent bulbs, aerosols, old-based paints, and empty propane tanks.

The county typically pays the company about $18,000 to collect and remove the household hazardous waste, with the state them reimbursing the county about half of the costs. The tire removal is separate contract with Modern Disposal Services.

New retractable roof goes on Hart House event center in Medina

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 August 2026 at 10:47 am

Photos from Hart House: These screen shots from a video show the new retractable roof in the courtyard for the Hart House at 115 West Center St. in Medina. Roll-A-Cover, International from Bethany, Connecticut manufactured and installed the retractable roof. Watson Construction Group in Albion did all the steel work and the roof around the skylight.

MEDINA – An outdoor courtyard in Medina has a feature that will be sure to wow the community. A new retractable roof has been installed in the courtyard by the Hart House at 115 West Center St.

This 1,500-square-foot space is being turned into an event center to accommodate 80 to 120 people. The new skylight is 22 by 45 feet. It can open up and retract on nice weather days and slide shut during the cold or rainy weather.

It will allow the space to be used year-round, said Andrew Meier, owner of the site with his partner Richard Sarrero.

The courtyard is a new venture for Meier and Sarrero and will be called the Atria. They also own and run the Hart House hotel, Factory Espresso at Hart (serving espresso, breakfast and lunch) and the Shirt Factory, which serves coffee and cocktails. The businesses are part of the historic Newell building, which Meier acquired in 2005. His law practice with David Schubel is on the second floor of the building, which was built in 1876. Robert H. Newell operated a high-end shirt business at the site for many decades.

Photo by Tom Rivers: The team from Roll-A-Cover in Connecticut checks the new roof on Thursday after it was installed by crane earlier in the week.

The courtyard gives the site a new venture and energy, with year-round available for weddings, graduation and birthday parties, retirement celebrations, performances, concerts and other events.

The space was used for concerts when it was the “BeeGarten” about a decade ago in space that actually was the boiler room for the shirt factory.

The courtyard project also includes new cementitious siding with battens, new windows, doors and masonry to complement the existing brick.

Watson Construction Group of Albion served as general contractor and did all the steel work and the roof around the skylight. Watson will be assisting with the interior work as well. The total cost of the project is about $1 million.

The courtyard at Hart House is one of eight projects in Medina approved for funding as part of the $4.5 million NY Forward grant in Medina. The state approved the projects last year and the Hart House was awarded $500,000 from the $4.5 million total.

Meier said he expects the Atria will be ready by the end of the year and is accepting bookings for 2027.

The new retractable roof took four months to manufacture in Bethany, CT, and each bay weighs about 1,200 pounds.

The retractable skylight is one of 4,000 enclosures worldwide, Meier said.

“Medina has our first retractable roof event space similar to the several hundred located on rooftops in NYC, Chicago, London, Dallas, California and others worldwide,” he posted on social media. “Pinch us. Our glass retractable roof arrived this week and it’s all too surreal – every step has been exciting as this space unfolds, but this is just another level. We can’t wait to watch people dance under the stars.”

Softball playoffs will continue on Monday

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 8 August 2026 at 9:25 am

The Medina Women’s Softball ‘A’ League playoff competition will continue with three games Monday evening at the Jr. Wilson fields to determine the two teams which will compete in the championshp round on August 17.

At 6 p.m. Banes will face top seeded Jr. Wilson in the winners bracket final and White Birch will take on Katys/Parkitects in the losers bracket semifinal.

Then at 7:15, the Jr. Wilson vs. Banes loser will take on the White Birch vs. Parkitects winner in the losers bracket final.

The championship round is then scheduled for 6 p.m. August 17 at Jr. Wilson.

Roland Martin, on 100th birthday, credits family, healthy living and staying busy for longevity

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 8 August 2026 at 9:13 am

Photos by Ginny Kropf: (Left) Roland Martin, seated, sits with his daughter Margaret and son Bill during a recent reception at the First Presbyterian Church of Medina in honor of his 100th birthday Aug. 9. (Right) Roland Martin will celebrate his 100th birthday on Sunday with family, including granddaughter Sarah Hanssen and great-granddaughter Lainey, pictured here.

MEDINA – Roland Martin never thought much about getting old. He just took one day at a time he said at a reception last Sunday at the First Presbyterian Church to celebrate his 100th birthday. Looking much younger than his years, he greeted well-wishers at the church, where he is a lifetime member.

A son of the late Charles and Ethel Martin, Roland was born in the family home on Martin Road, along with three brothers and a sister.

“In winter, we were born downstairs where it was warmer, but in summer births took place upstairs,” Roland said.

Roland married the former Alice Knights and together they raised two children, son Bill and daughter Margaret. Roland is the fourth generation of Martin family farmers, and today son Bill is the fifth generation, grandson Ben is the sixth generation and Ben’s son will be the seventh.

Roland attended Medina High School, but got permission to quit during the last semester of his senior year to join the Army.

“We were on our way from the Philippines to Japan, and if that bomb hadn’t been dropped, I would probably not be here today,” Roland said.

He remembers driving their Model T down the country roads before they were paved and working the fields behind a team of horses.

He never got tangled up with computers, he said.

He contributes his longevity to good healthy living, keeping busy and having family.

Roland lives alone and does his own cooking, which he learned by cooking for 30 in his platoon in the Army.

Until recently, he kept busy in his woodworking shop.

“He still mows his lawn and has a garden,” daughter Margaret Martin said.

Roland has three grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. He will celebrate his birthday at a gathering with family on Sunday.

(Left) Trudi Schwert of Medina, a member of the First Presbyterian Church, gets a hug from Roland Martin, during a reception at church in honor of his 100th birthday. 9right) Longtime member of the First Presbyterian Church of Medina, John Williams, greets Roland Martin of Medina.

Stunt man to jump bike through wall of fire today at Bullard Park

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 August 2026 at 8:43 am

Family Fun Day at Albion also includes free food and many activities

File photo by Tom Rivers: Jovannie Canales, lead pastor at Harvest Christian Fellowship, holds a flat-screen television that was given away at the end of the Family Fun Day at Bullard Park last year on Aug. 9. There will be a big team of volunteers from multiple churches putting on the event today from 1 to 4 p.m.

ALBION – This year’s Family Fun Day at Bullard Park will include a stunt man riding a bike over cars and through a wall of fire.

The activities go from 1 to 4 p.m. today at Bullard, with John “Mercury” Morgan scheduled to make his jump over a long line of cars at 3:30 p.m.

Several churches team for the event that includes many giveaways, including back-to-school backpacks with supplies, hot dogs and water. There will also be live music, a bounce house and face painting. The churches also plan to give away four bicycles a TV and a laptop.

Many agencies are expected to be available to meet with the public during the event, which last year attracted 500 people.

Severe thunderstorm warning for southwestern Orleans until 8:30 a.m.

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 August 2026 at 7:51 am

The National Weather Service in Buffalo has issued a severe thunderstorm warning until 8:30 this morning for southwestern Orleans County, Genesee County, northwestern Wyoming County, northeastern Erie County and southern Niagara County.

Severe thunderstorms were located along a line extending from Grand Island to near Cheektowaga to Billington Heights, moving east at 35 mph, the Weather Service said.

The storm has 60 mph wind gusts that could damage roofs, siding and trees.

Hawley sets 3 town hall meetings in Orleans County on Saturday

Posted 7 August 2026 at 6:45 pm

Press Release, Assemblyman Steve Hawley

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) will host three town hall meetings on Saturday in Orleans County, providing residents with an opportunity to receive updates on state and local issues, ask questions and share their concerns.

“One of the best parts of representing our communities is having the opportunity to meet with residents face to face,” said Hawley. “These town halls are a chance to discuss what’s happening in Albany, answer questions, hear concerns and have meaningful conversations about the issues impacting our families and communities. I encourage everyone to stop by and join us.”

Residents from throughout the community are welcome to attend any of the meetings. Hawley looks forward to hearing directly from constituents and providing updates on issues affecting Orleans County and New York state.

Town of Barre & Town of Clarendon from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at Barre Town Hall, 14317 W. Barre Rd. in Albion.
Town of Murray & Village of Holley from 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. at Holley Village Hall, 1 Wright St., Holley.
Town of Kendall from 1 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. at Kendall Town Hall, 1873 Kendall Rd., Kendall.

Health Department seeks dog and owner after bite incident in Lyndonville near White Birch

Posted 7 August 2026 at 3:32 pm

Press Release, Orleans County Health Department

LYNDONVILLE – The Orleans County Health Department is seeking information regarding a dog and its owner following a biting incident.

A person was bitten by a dog on Saturday, August 1, between 5 and 6 p.m. at a property on North Lyndonville Road, just west of White Birch.

The dog is described as a male, possibly a pit bull/boxer mix, with a gray face with black stripes, one light-colored eye and one dark-colored eye, and wearing a red collar with a tag at the time of the incident. Following the incident, the dog ran west from the property.

The Health Department is seeking the dog to ensure it is healthy. If the dog is confirmed healthy, it helps confirm that rabies was not transmitted during the bite, and the person may not need treatment.

If you have any information, please call the Orleans County Health Department at 585-813-9541.

Medina man gets 5 years in state prison for Gaines burglary

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 August 2026 at 12:43 pm

ALBION – A Medina man was sentenced to 5 years in state prison during a recent sentencing in Orleans County Court.

Nicholas Boryszewski, 43, pleaded guilty to attempted burglary in the second degree. He also faces five years of post-release supervision.

He was arrested on April 1 in the town of Gaines after a burglary in Gaines. Boryszewski has a previous conviction for second-degree attempted burglary in 2020 in Shelby.

In other cases last week in county court:

Three people accused of selling fentanyl and cocaine in Orleans County were arraigned by County Court Judge Sanford Church.

• Jerry Robinson Jr., 36, of Rochester allegedly was trying to sell 1.19 ounces of cocaine as well as fentanyl.

He was arraigned for criminal sale of a controlled substance in the second degree, criminal sale of a controlled substance in the third degree, and aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle.

• Richard Button, 35, and Alaina Reece, 25, of Albion were both arraigned for four counts each for criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fourth degree and criminally using drug paraphernalia in the second degree.

They are to appear in court on Aug. 12 for an initial conference.

• Jose A. Rivera Gonzalez, 21, of Rochester pleaded guilty to fourth-degree grand larceny for stealing an iPhone from the Albion Walmart valued at $1,249.

He faces 1 ½ to 3 years in state prison when he is sentenced on Oct. 28. That sentence will run concurrently with the sentence from the Wyoming County Court where he pleaded guilty to larceny from a retail store in Warsaw.

• Allan Bieber, 22, of Albion was sentenced to 364 days in the county jail for violating terms of his probation. Bieber in December was sentenced to 10 years of probation for third-degree rape for having sex with a 15-year-old girl at St. Joseph’s Park on South Clinton Street on April 25. Bieber is a first-time offender.

He has missed many of his appointments for probation, a job training program, sex offender counseling and mental health counseling. Those appointments were terms of his probation.

Kendall’s Class of 1986 gathers for 40th reunion

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 August 2026 at 11:44 am

Provided photo

KENDALL – Kendall’s Class of 1986 recently met at a classmate’s home for their 40^th reunion.

“Plenty of yearbooks, hundreds of photos and other memorabilia were shared!” said John Richards, who helped plan the event for his classmates.

Pictured in first row: Tammy Riviere and Leandra Tonweber. Second row: Lori Green, Dee Bliss and Tonya Colburn. Third row: Mark Moss, Dale Bloodworth, John Richards, Cory Brumfield, Jim Sennett, Cathy Barthel, Stacey Ingraham and Jeff Perrigo. Top row: Anne Elphick, Brian Lang, Mike Hill, Nadine Paduchak and Paula Streeter.