Mount Albion tour highlighted 4 Revolutionary War soldiers

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 1 September 2026 at 11:13 am

Early community leaders featured on annual tour

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Sue Starkweather Miller, the village of Albion historian, speaks on Sunday at the grave of Anthony Tripp Sr., a Revolutionary War soldier who enlisted three times. He first served in Rhode Island in 1777 at age 15 as a drummer for three weeks. In 1779, he served in New York for two months and then for three more months in 1780.

He settled in Albion in 1811. Tripp died in 1846 at age 84.

The fence at Mount Albion was purchased by his wife Polly who had saved her widow’s pension funds.

He was one of four Revolutionary War soldiers highlighted on Sunday’s tour of Mount Albion Cemetery. This was the fifth and final of the local cemetery tours organized by the Orleans County Historical Association. There have been annual cemetery tours at Mount Albion since 1994.

About 100 people attended the tour which started at the chapel, a building from 1875 which just got a new slate roof to replace the original. The project was funded by donations from the community.

People were able to check the inside of the chapel, which will see major interior restorations beginning this winter.

The drop ceiling was recently removed to reveal a plaster and lathe vaulted ceiling.

The complete chapel restoration is a $225,000 project for the roof, exterior and interior work. Once it’s complete, Starkweather Miller said the chapel could be used for funerals, historical talks and other events.

People walk through the chapel including the area in the back where up to 16 caskets could be stored during the winter.

Upcoming work inside includes replastering of the north wall; electrical upgrades (wiring, outlets, internal and external lighting); heating unit for seasonal use; removal of old floor, repair subfloor and put in a new floor; and refurbish exterior doors and window trim.

Bill Lattin, retired county historian, co-led the tour with Starkweather Miller. He is holding a head board for Joseph White, a Civil War soldier buried at Greenwood Cemetery in Kendall. Lattin acquired the head board in the 1960s. It was in a janitor’s closet at the county courthouse.

Head boards temporarily were used until a headstone could be made and set.

More photos will be posted soon.

Lady Eagles will have early G-R soccer opener

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 1 September 2026 at 10:54 am

Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Leading the Kendall gils varsity soccer team into Wednesday’s Genesee Region League home opener against Pembroke will be this group of returnees. In front are Addison Kludt, Haley Ball, Sophia Picardo and Payton Vogt. In back are Brynn Harenbrook, Ryleigh Denning, Izzy D’Agostino and Jersie Drake.

A late schedule change will have Kendall making an early Genesee Region League girls soccer season opener as the Lady Eagles will host Pembroke at 7 p.m. Wednesday.

Kendall captured the G-R title last fall with an 11-0 recod and finished with a 17-2 overall record.

The Lady Eagles are led by a trio of G-R All-Stars including seniors Addison Kludt and Sophia Picardo and junior Ryleigh Denning along with a quintet of Honorable Mention selections including seniors Keara Reed and Haley Ball along with juniors Brynn Hardenbrook and Izzy D’Agostino and freshman Jersie Drake.

Denning had 28 goals last season, Picardo 16 goals and 23 assists and Drake 10 goals and 8 assists.

New Coach Nino Pilato’s Lady Eagles also return experience in seniors Payton Vogt and Olivia Sawyer, sophomore Ella Cole and freshman Adrianna D’Agostino.

Kendall’s graduation losses included G-R All-Star Stella Kwiatek along with Honorable Mention selections Brooke Rodas and Alea Barrett.

Mustangs eye rebound N-O volleyball season

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 1 September 2026 at 9:54 am

Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Nine returnees provide plenty of experience as the Medina varsity volleyball team looks to bounce back from last fall’s 0-10 Niagara-Orleans League season. The Mustangs returnees include, in front, Caliyah St. Louis, Grace Goodrich, Samantha Heschke and Maddy Watts. In back are Raelynn Baker, Teagan Balaban, Payton Denniston, Maya Anderson and Cassidy Janas. All are seniors except Denniston who is a junior and St. Louis who is a sophomore. Anderson earned second team N-O All-League honors last fall while Heschke was an Honorable Mention selection. The Mustangs will tune-up for the N-O home opener on September 9 against Newfane by visiting Alden on Thursday.

Trio of All-League honorees leads Rams

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 1 September 2026 at 9:49 am

Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Looking to rebound from last fall’s 0-10 Niagara-Orleans campaign, the Roy-Hart boys varsity soccer squad is led by this trio of All-League honorees. From left are junior Michael Fuller who was a second team honoree along with Honorable Mention selections junior Will Bundrock and senior Ethan Brown. The Rams also return experience in seniors Amaan Chowdhury, Chris McOmber and Andrii Mikulskyi; juniors Jayden Colon and Lucaiah Seib and sophomores Jack Trombley and Devin Waters. The Rams will begin tuning up for the N-O opener at Akron on September 9 by visiting CSAT on Wednesday.

Barker/Lyndonville preps for second N-O League girls soccer season

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 1 September 2026 at 9:37 am

Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Leading the Barker/Lyndonville girls varsity soccer team into the upcoming Niagara-Orleans season is this quartet of All-League honorees. They include Arnie Sturtevant, Braelynn Dillenbeck, Alexa Robinson and Natalie Rath.

Looking to keep the momentum from last fall’s successful Niagara-Orleans League debut season, the Barker/Lyndonville girls varsity soccer team returns a large group of over a dozen veterans.

Barker/Lyndonville, which went 5-4-3 in the league and 9-6-3 overall last fall, is led by a quartet of N-O All League honorees. That foursome includes junior Alexa Robinson who was a first team honoree, junior Arnie Sturtevant and sophomore Natalie Rath who were both second team selections and sophomore Braelynn Dillenbeck who was an Honorable Mention pick. Robinson had 33 goals and 9 assists.

The other returnees include seniors Melodi Murphy, Leah Costello and Cheyenne Rouse; juniors Abigail Alexander, Alina Riches and Lila Bloom; sophomores Delaney LaFever and Noralee Pierce and freshman Elysse Dillenbeck.

Barker/Lyndonville’s graduation losses included goalie Isabella Groves and defender/midfielder Brooke Robinson who were both Honorable Mention All League selections.

Barker/Lyndonville will open the season on Thursday at 6:45 p.m. against the host Purple Eagles in the opening round of the Albion Tournament. The contest will also count as a league game. The tournament’s consolation and championship games will be held on Saturday.

Kendall sixth-grader selling lemonade on Wednesday for ‘REV’ cuddle buddies at Strong NICU

Posted 1 September 2026 at 8:13 am

Press Release

Provided photo: Rylie Fox holds a Rev cuddle buddy. She will be selling lemonade on Wednesday so more Revs will be available at the Strong NICU.

KENDALL – A Kendall student is turning a school leadership opportunity into a chance to give back to some of the region’s youngest patients.

Rylie Fox, an incoming sixth-grade student at Kendall Central School, was selected to participate in the school’s Safety Squad, a program conducted in partnership between the Kendall Central School District and the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office. The program gives students an opportunity to demonstrate leadership while promoting safety, responsibility and service within their school and community.

Students entering sixth grade must apply and interview for a position on the Safety Squad. Those selected receive an acceptance letter during the summer, along with instructions to complete a community service project.

For her project, Rylie has decided to hold a lemonade stand on Kendall Road on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. giving the opportunity for people coming home from work to enjoy an ice cold lemonade. The stand will be located on Kendall Road between Ridge Road and Creek Road.

Rylie will donate 100% of the proceeds to Healthy Highway, a nonprofit organization, to help provide “REV” cuddle buddies to children in the NICU at Strong Memorial Hospital.

Each REV costs approximately $25 to produce, and Healthy Highway relies on donations and community support to make the cuddle buddies available to children in need. Rylie is hoping her lemonade stand raises enough money to provide as many REVs as possible to children and families in the NICU.

The cause has a special connection to Rylie and her family. Her father James Fox, a chief with the Kendall Fire Department, began a partnership with Healthy Highway in June to bring REV to the Kendall Fire Department. After learning more about the program, Rylie knew where she wanted the proceeds from her community service project to go.

Rylie’s cousin spent an extended period of time in the NICU at Strong Memorial Hospital after he was born, and the care he received there helped save his life. Remembering what the NICU meant to her own family inspired Rylie to help other children who are going through similar experiences.

Her hope is that children who have spent their first days, weeks or months fighting in the NICU can eventually go home with a REV cuddle buddy of their own.

What began as a Safety Squad community service assignment has become an opportunity for Rylie to demonstrate exactly what the program is designed to encourage—leadership, compassion, safety and service to others.

Community members who would like to support Rylie’s project can stop by her lemonade stand Wednesday, September 2, from 4:30–6:30 p.m. on Kendall Road between Ridge Road and Creek Road. Every dollar raised will go toward helping put more REV cuddle buddies into the hands of children in the Strong Memorial Hospital NICU.

Marti’s on Main gallery hosting first art auction on Sept. 26

Posted 1 September 2026 at 7:45 am

Photo courtesy of Isabella Zasa: Marti’s on Main is located in the former Cornell Cooperative Extension offices at 20 South Main St. in Albion.

Press Release, Marti’s on Main

ALBION – Marti’s on Main Art Studio in Albion will host its first annual Art Auction on Saturday, September 26, featuring original artwork donated by 35 artists.

The auction will provide art lovers and collectors with an opportunity to view and bid on a variety of original works while supporting the nonprofit art gallery and its ongoing programming in the community.

“I’m incredibly grateful to the 35 artists who donated their work and made this first annual Art Auction possible,” said Kim Martillotta-Muscarella, owner and curator of Marti’s on Main. “We’re excited to showcase their artwork and create an evening that celebrates the arts while helping support the future of Marti’s on Main.”

Artwork will be available for preview beginning at 5:30 p.m., with the live auction scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. Todd Jantzi, owner of Bontrager Real Estate & Auction Service in Batavia, will serve as auctioneer.

RSVPs are required by September 17, and space is limited. To RSVP, call or text 585-590-9211 or complete the online registration form by clicking here. Businesses and organizations interested in sponsoring the event may email martisonmain@gmail.com for more information.

About Marti’s on Main

Marti’s on Main is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit classified under Section 509(a)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code. The studio provides a space for artists to showcase their work and for people to experience and participate in the arts through exhibitions, workshops and events. Marti’s on Main relies on donations and membership fees to support its operations and continue its mission of supporting artists and making the arts accessible.

Photo by Tom Rivers: Marti’s on Main celebrated its grand opening on July 24, 2021 at the former Cornell Cooperative Extension building at 20 South Main St. About 125 people attended the three-hour open house. Marti’s hosts several art shows and classes each year. The building has been turned into art showcase by Kim and Neal Muscarella.

Seats still available for upcoming Patriot Trip led by Hawley

Posted 31 August 2026 at 6:14 pm

Press Release, Assemblyman Steve Hawley

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) is announcing this year’s Patriot Trip to Washington, D.C. The trip will run from September 17 to 20 and is open to local veterans and their families.

Participants will get a tour of the memorials dedicated to our nation’s heroes and landmarks that honor those who served. This year’s trip will feature stops at several notable locations in the D.C. area, including the WWII, Korean and Vietnam War memorials and Arlington National Cemetery.

“This trip is an excellent opportunity to honor not only our local veterans but also those who served before them,” said Hawley. “I am incredibly excited to host this event for another year. We owe our veterans a deep level of gratitude for all they have sacrificed for the freedoms we enjoy in this country, so being able to take them to our nation’s capital to see these historic landmarks is truly an honor.”

Due to the many generous donations from the community, local businesses and organizations, the expected cost is $450-$500 per person for double occupancy for all three nights at the hotel, with everything included. To register, contact Hawley’s office at 585-589-5780 or email hawleys@nyassembly.gov for more details. The deadline to register for the Patriot Trip is Wednesday, Sept. 2 at 3 p.m.

Those who wish to donate to support this event can make their checks out to Patriot Trip and send them to PO Box 171, Albion, NY 14411.

Albion students worked on service projects over summer

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 31 August 2026 at 4:02 pm

Photos courtesy of Tim Archer

ALBION – Some Albion eighth-grade students worked on community service projects over the summer.

In the photo at left, Elizabeth Colmenero (right) and Giuliana Liuzzi painted portions of the Town of Albion sign along Clarendon Road.

In the photo at right, Gavin O’Brocta (right) and Kyler Bennett painted the poles for historic markers, including the one by the Orleans County Courthouse.

Orleans plans 9/11 remembrance ceremony on 25th anniversary of terrorist attacks

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 31 August 2026 at 3:11 pm

Photo by Tom Rivers: A giant American flag is displayed high over Main Street from the Murray and Albion ladder trucks on Sept. 11, 2025.

ALBION – Orleans County will again be holding a Sept. 11 remembrance service on the anniversary of the terrorist attacks that killed nearly 3,000 people.

There has been a remembrance service every year on Sept. 11 since the attacks, but the crowds have been getting smaller. Last year about 75 people attended the service outside the courthouse.

Scott Schmidt is hoping for a much bigger turnout this year. Schmidt is the keynote speaker for the service that starts at 6 p.m.

Schmidt, the Orleans County chief coroner and a funeral director for Mitchell Family Cremations and Funerals, spent three weeks with the federal DMORT team after 9/11 and assisted in collecting and identifying remains, and interviewing family members searching for loved ones.

He left for New York City on Sept. 11, 2001. He was there for 20 days, including a week at Ground Zero. He noted the death toll continues to grow as more people die each year from their exposure to particulates while working at or near Ground Zero or from when then were fleeing the site where two skyscrapers collapsed.

He would like to see more students and younger people at the remembrance service.

“The new kids in school don’t know what Sept. 11 is or what happened that day,” Schmidt said today. “I want bigger turnout, especially among students. I would love to see the courthouse lawn full like it used to be. It’s something we shouldn’t forget.”

The terrorists attacks killed nearly 3,000 people and injured more than 6,000 others. Terrorists crashed two planes into the World Trade Center towers in New York City, one into the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. and the other into a field in rural Shanksville, Pa.

During the service, Schmidt and the speakers will remember the nearly 3,000 victims from the attacks, and highlight the bravery of the first responders who fled towards the danger to help others.

The service will include a welcome message from Lynne Johnson, chairwoman of the Orleans County Legislature; and opening and closing prayer from David Fish, pastor of the Barre Center Presbyterian Church; a timeline of Sept. 11 by Justin Niederhofer, the Orleans County emergency management director; and a gun salute from the Honor Guard of the American Legion and VFW.

Doug Egling will play “America the Beautiful” and the crowd will join in singing, “God Bless America.”

Morelle joins Congressional effort to stop Lake Ontario name change

Posted 31 August 2026 at 2:49 pm

File photo by Tom Rivers: A woman fishes off the end of the western pier at Point Breeze on March 20, 2021.

Press Release, Congressman Joe Morelle

ROCHESTER – Today, Congressman Joe Morelle (D, NY-25) introduced the “Hands Off Our Great Lakes Act,” legislation to stop President Donald Trump’s attempt to rename Lake Ontario and protect the historic names of all five Great Lakes.

The legislation, co-led by Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D, MI-06) and Congressman Tim Kennedy (D, NY-26), comes after President Trump issued an executive order on Aug. 27 attempting to rename Lake Ontario as “Lake America.”

“Lake Ontario is Lake Ontario. No executive order, proclamation, or presidential temper tantrum is going to change that,” said Congressman Joe Morelle. “Families are worried about paying their bills. Businesses are looking for certainty. Communities like ours are asking Washington to focus on the challenges that actually affect people’s lives. And Donald Trump is spending his time trying to rename a lake.

“This is ridiculous, it’s embarrassing, and it’s exactly the kind of unserious distraction Americans are tired of. President Trump can play games with a map all he wants, but I’m not going to stand by while he wastes the authority and resources of the federal government doing it.

“Here in Rochester, we’ll keep calling it Lake Ontario. And in Congress, I’m working with my colleagues to make sure it stays that way.”

The Hands Off Our Great Lakes Act would prohibit the President, Secretary of the Interior, or any other federal official acting under presidential authority from changing the official geographic names of Lake Huron, Lake Ontario, Lake Michigan, Lake Erie, or Lake Superior.

The legislation would also specifically nullify Executive Order 14422, issued by President Trump on Aug. 27, and prohibit the federal government from implementing or enforcing the order—or any substantially similar action. It would further prohibit federal funds from being used to carry out the attempted renaming.

“The Great Lakes are a shared treasure that generations of Americans and Canadians have worked together to protect. Canada is not our enemy. It is our neighbor, our ally, and one of Michigan’s most important economic partners. It is a friendship that no stroke of a pen should be able to erase,” said Congresswoman Dingell. “By preventing President Trump from trying to divide us with distracting public relations stunts, maybe then he will turn his attention to his reckless trade war that is raising costs and threatening American workers.”

“Americans are struggling to afford groceries, housing, and everyday essentials, and yet this President chooses to pick petty fights with our closest ally,” said Congressman Tim Kennedy. “This unserious, unacceptable attempt to rename the historic, shared Lake Ontario adds insult to injury as Trump’s tariffs drive up costs, making an already difficult situation worse. Our families, workers, and businesses need an administration focused on lowering costs and strengthening our economy, not distractions. Renaming a lake won’t put food on the table, lower anyone’s bills, or create a single job. It is a pathetic attempt to distract from an affordability crisis that this President has failed to fix.”

Medina opens new parking lot on Pearl Street

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 31 August 2026 at 1:05 pm

Photo by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – The Medina Village Board last week approved opening a new parking lot at 115 Pearl St. This photo was taken last Monday before the traffic cones were removed. The lot was used by the public later in the week.

The lot is at the southwest corner of the intersection of Pearl Street and Proctor Place. It is rectangular in shape with dimensions of approximately 132 feet frontage on Pearl Street and 100 feet frontage on Proctor Place.

This land was donated to the village by 415 West Avenue LLC, which is owned by Dr. Syed Shah, a cardiologist.

The DPW removed concrete from the site and put down the millings. It will be paved in the future.

GoFundMe established for family of Albion native and daughter killed in car accident

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 31 August 2026 at 11:00 am

Photo from GoFundMe: Darrel Gray and his daughter Nora were killed in a Friday morning car accident in Oneida County while on the way to swimming practice for Nora.

A GoFundMe fundraiser has been established for the family of an Albion native and his daughter who were both killed in a car accident on Friday in Oneida County. Click here to be directed to the GoFundMe which will help the family with memorial expenses.

Darrel Gray, 52, and his daughter Nora, 17, both died in the collision with a tractor-trailer.

Gray graduated from Albion in 1992 and was a member of the school’s high-powered football teams. He was the modified football coach at Adirondack Central School. His daughter was involved in swimming and gymnastics.

The Gray family lives in West Leyden in Lewis County. The accident occurred in the town of Ava.

Gray is survived by his wife Marion and their son Mitchell.

The organizer of the GoFundMe posted this message:

“We are overwhelmed by the kindness that has surrounded Marion and Mitchell in such a short time. Every donation, every share, every message, every memory, and every gesture of love has been felt so deeply.

“Thank you to each of you who has helped carry this family in whatever way you can. The generosity of this community is incredibly moving, but even more meaningful is the reminder that Marion and Mitchell are surrounded by so many people who care for them.

“Please continue to hold them close in your hearts as they navigate the days ahead. We are so grateful for all of you.”

Albion boy cuts hair after 5 years with 16 inches donated to Wigs for Kids

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 31 August 2026 at 10:25 am

Cooper Traxler giving hair in memory of friend, Byron Neal

Photos courtesy of Jamie Traxler

BROCKPORT – Cooper Traxler, 12, of Albion is shown on Friday before he got his hair cut at Next Level Barbershop in Brockport.

Cooper had 16 inches taken off with his first haircut in five years. He is donating the hair to Wigs for Kids in memory of Byron Neal, who passed away from cancer at age 8 on April 14, 2023. Byron and his family sat in front of Cooper for church services at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Albion.

Cooper got a major overhaul with the haircut by Jeremy Burris at Next Level Barbershop. Many of Cooper’s friends and football coaches recommended Jeremy for the haircut.

Cooper said he was excited for the change with a new school year starting next week. He will be going into seventh grade.

Cooper’s hair will be given to Wig for Kids out of Ohio. He will be raising $500 to go with his hair which will start the wig production, said his mother, Jamie Traxler.

Many kids with cancer lose their hair while enduring chemo treatments.

“He wanted them to have his hair to make them feel more like themselves until their hair grew back,” Jamie Traxler said. “So that they could focus on feeling better and getting better while not worrying about people staring because of losing their hair and how that made them look.”

Anyone interested in donating towards the new wig can send the money by Venmo to @JamieTraxler82.

6 veterans lead Roy-Hart field hockey squad

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 31 August 2026 at 10:03 am

Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Leading Roy-Hart into the upcoming Niagara-Orleans League field hockey season will be this group of veterans. They include Izabella Green, Mackenzie Landers, Adella Dukes, Savannah Newton, Bella Rhinehart and Miley Reiter. Dukes earned first team N-O All-League honors last fall. Roy-Hart, which went 5-7 in N-O competition last fall, will open the league season at Kenmore on September 10. The Lady Rams will tune-up by hosting Sacred Heart in a non league contest this Thursday.