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Don Bent opened opera house in Medina in 1865, a changing Main Street anchor

Posted 28 July 2026 at 10:17 am

This image of a newly built Opera House is from the 1879 Illustrated History of Orleans County. Note there originally were three balconies: two on the front of the building and one over the West Center Street stairway entrance.

By Catherine Cooper, Orleans County Historian

“Illuminating Orleans” – Volume 6, No. 21

This portrait of Don C. Bent also is from the Illustrated Historical Album of Orleans County in 1879.

MEDINA – In the late nineteenth century, the construction of opera houses proliferated in small towns throughout the country. Generally located in prime downtown locations, these buildings were mixed-use with commercial or retail premises on the ground floor, performance or meeting space above. Few, if any, of these opera houses ever hosted classical opera performances but were so named to claim culture and sophistication.

Bent’s Opera House in Medina was opened to the public on Feb. 28, 1865. Named for its builder, Don Carlos Bent, it has seen many incarnations over the years and still retains its imposing presence as a Main Street anchor. Though Bent died in 1875, his name and legacy endure. Purchased in 2016 by Roger Hungerford and his wife, Heather, the building has since been fully restored.

Don Carlos Bent was born on December 2, 1815, the youngest son of Elijah and Susanah Bent. Some sources cite his birthplace as Orleans, Jefferson County, NY, while others list Shelby, Orleans County. At any rate, the Bents were early settlers in Shelby. Elijah was present at the first town meeting held at Ellicott’s Mill in Shelby on April 7, 1818.

In 1833, he purchased property located on the curve on the approach to Shelby Center. The family built a distinctive home there which still stands at 4536 South Gravel Rd. According to information provided by Miss Edith Colman, whose family later owned the property, the current gambrel roofed barn was constructed in 1928-29 and “was paid for just before the banks closed.”

Don C. Bent inherited the house and 100-acre farm in 1847. He and his wife Hannah Drew had one daughter, Frances M., who predeceased him. Mr. Bent bequeathed the farm of 100 acres to his two granddaughters, Julia M. Gates and Anna B. Gates, “share and share alike.”

He bequeathed the remainder of his estate to his wife Hannah. At the time of his death in 1875, his granddaughters were aged 14 and 13. Julia married Dr. DeWitt Green of Buffalo  on June 10, 1885. Walter Colman purchased the property from Julia in 1908 for $6,438. (E. Colman).

Mr. Bent had other business interests besides farming. He had acquired the strategic Main Street corner property in 1854 following a fire which had demolished the previous structure. Opened to the public on Feb. 28, 1865, Medina’s opera house was “larger than Ringuberg Hall in Lockport, Boardwell’s in Albion and slightly larger than the Corinthian Hall in Rochester.” A history of the Opera House prepared by Orleans Renaissance Group in 2013 chronicles the range and variety of shows, performances and meetings hosted in the dramatic third floor public hall.

The first floor has been home to a variety of businesses over the years: Fred A. Sheeley’s Opera House Pharmacy in the 1890’s, Theodorakos Brothers candy, confectionary and ice cream establishment in the 1900’s and subsequent Olympia Lunch operated by the Calafates Brothers.  The W. T. Grant variety store occupied the space from 1945 to the early 1970’s when it relocated to the new Maple Ridge Plaza.

Liberty National Bank opened a branch on the first floor in 1972. The location survived several corporate takeovers and name changes: Liberty National Bank, Norstar Bank, Fleet Bank and finally Bank of America which closed in 2009.

Our photographs chronicle some of these changes:

Bedecked in bunting for Old Home Week, August 19-26, 1906

All quiet on Main St., this photo must have been taken on a Sunday. Heritage Men’s Shop, to the north of Bent’s helped date this photo to the late 1970s – early 1980s.

Don C. Bent is buried in Boxwood Cemetery, along with his wife, Hannah, and his parents Elijah and Susanna.

Hawley: audit shows improvements needed to veterans’ housing program

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 28 July 2026 at 9:42 am

Press Release, Assemblyman Steve Hawley

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia), a veteran and one of the longest-serving members of the Assembly Veterans’ Affairs Committee, is calling for improvements to New York’s access to Home for Heroes and other veterans programs after a recent audit by Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli found significant administrative delays, inadequate oversight and poor outreach that prevented funding from reaching disabled veterans.

The audit found that only 36% of the program’s $3.3 million in contract funding was spent during the audit period, while many counties with large populations of disabled veterans were either unaware of the program or did not apply for available funding. Since the program’s creation in 2015, only about 31% of the $19.6 million allocated to the program has been spent.

“Our disabled veterans answered the call to serve our country, and they deserve a government that keeps its promises to them,” said Hawley. “After serving on the Assembly Veterans’ Affairs Committee since I first took office, I know these programs can make a real difference in veterans’ lives. When funding sits unused because of poor oversight and inadequate outreach, the people who pay the price are the men and women who sacrificed for our freedom.”

The audit also found repeated failures to meet project deadlines, inadequate monitoring of local administrators and insufficient marketing efforts that left many eligible veterans unaware assistance was available.

“We owe our veterans more than our gratitude. We owe them action,” Hawley said. “The state should implement the comptroller’s recommendations, strengthen oversight and ensure these resources reach every eligible veteran who needs them. No veteran should have to fight bureaucracy to receive the support they have earned.”

President abuses emergency powers to sidestep compliant Congress

Posted 28 July 2026 at 9:37 am

Editor:

President Trump has usurped the Constitutional authority of Congress by declaring emergencies where none exist. These actions align with Nazi theorist Carl Schmitt who argued that the power in a democracy can be exploited by using emergencies to create exceptions to the rule-based Constitutional order.

Republicans, including Congresswoman Claudia Tenney and Congressman Nick Langworthy, have not only acquiesced, but have enthusiastically encouraged this behavior.

Mr. Trump has declared emergencies, where none exist, to deploy troops to American cities. Declaring an emergency, again where none exist, to levy tariffs. Tariffs are taxes, we the people pay, bypassing our representation.

Mr. Trump has declared that there was an imminent threat from Iran to justify military action, despite U.S. intelligence assessments that indicated Iran had not started a nuclear weapons program, contradicting any imminent threat claims.

Mr. Schmitt also wrote that self-determination should be erased. That the individuals should be one with the state. This explains why any criticisms of Mr. Trump or his administration is seen as criticism of the state; as Mr. Trump says, “the free press is the enemy of the people.”

It is interesting that Vice President J.D. Vance cited Carl Schmitt in an interview with Ross Douthat. This explains the recent court documents where government lawyers told the judge that this administration has withheld millions of Congressional approved funds from states for purely political reasons. States that didn’t vote for Mr. Trump need to be punished by withholding moneys for disaster relief, healthcare and education.

Our Constitution gives the power of the purse, and right to declare war to the people through their Congressional representatives. As a result of Ms. Tenney’s and Mr. Langworthy’s actions their constituents have higher gas prices, higher grocery prices, increased unemployment, weakening GDP, inflation and above all pervasive corruption throughout the government.

Ms. Tenney and Mr. Langworthy are surrendering their responsibility and our Constitutional democracy to give Mr. Trump the authorities of a king.

William Fine

Brockport

Winner consumes eight ears of corn in fair contest

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 28 July 2026 at 9:30 am

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Madison Flor, left, downed eight ears of corn to win the corn-on-the-cob eating contest at the Orleans County 4-H Fair to take first place. Next to her are Reagan Flor and Jericho Hartman.

KNOWLESVILLE – The second annual corn-on-the-cob eating contest was a highlight at opening night Monday of the Orleans County 4-H Fair.

Nine entrants signed up to participate, with Madison Flor, 26, winning by eating eight ears in the allotted time.

Youngest competitor was Miriam Richardson, 3, whose head could barely be seen above the table.

The contest is a new feature, having been started last year to replace the pie-eating contest. Corn was donated by Rush’s Farm Market in Carlton.

Nine contestants signed up to participate in a corn-on-the-cob eating contest Monday night at the Orleans County 4-H Fair. From left are Stephanie Taylor (not visible), Anthony Snell, Miriam Richardson, Robert Richardson, Lane Richardson, Madison Flor, Reagan Flor, Jericho Hartman and Mitch Schaffer (behind contest organizer Kayla Dengler).

This is just one of the changes in programming at the fair, according to Robert Batt, a life-long 4-H’er and director of Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension.

One change will be the elimination of fireworks this year. Instead, the fair is planning a laser light show, pending approval from the FAA, Batt said.

“Everybody has fireworks,” he said. “And they are disruptive to the animals, they pollute the air and they take up half of our main parking lot.”

The laser show will take place on two 30-foot screens, accompanied by music.

Also new is a tram to take elderly or disabled from the parking lot on Taylor Hill Road to attractions on the fairgrounds.

Another new feature will be professional wrestling on Saturday night, instead of a band.

“This is all included in the admission cost to park,” said Abby Smith, who is in charge of communications.

Veterans open Orleans County 4-H Fair with flag-raising

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 28 July 2026 at 8:44 am

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Jim Freas, left, a retired Marine and head of the Orleans County Honor Guard, and Tom Snyder, who served in the U.S. Navy, fold a flag to ready it for the flag-raising signaling the start of the 2026 Orleans County 4-H Fair on Monday evening.

KNOWLESVILLE – The 2026 Orleans County 4-H Fair opened Monday night with the traditional flag-raising by the Orleans County Honor Guard, featuring veterans from all posts in the county.

Jim Freas, who is organizer of the Honor Guard, said he has been doing it for at least 20 years.

Dave Kusmierczak, a member of Medina’s American Legion Post, welcomed fairgoers and shared the fair has been an annual event in Orleans County for 70 years.

Nic Mroz, director of Orleans County Veterans’ Services, said the fair is a time for community to come together and celebrate. It is also meaningful to recognize the men and women who served their country, he said.

Mroz also reminded veterans of several upcoming events of interest to them – a golf tournament Aug. 17 and a Chiavetta’s chicken barbecue at the YMCA in Medina, free to veterans. They must stop at the Y in advance, however, and pick up their free ticket at the front desk. Tickets for the public to purchase are $16.

Navy veteran Tom Snyder, left, stands at attention after Louis Craston, Army National Guard, raised the American flag opening the 2026 Orleans County Fair. At right is Steve Goodrich, commander of the American Legion Post in Lyndonville, who led efforts last year for a new flagpole and a monument paying tribute to all six branches of the military.

Madelyn Elliott of Medina wowed the crowd with her rendition of the national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

Next, Steve Goodrich, commander of the American Legion Post in Lyndonville, praised those involved in obtaining a new flag pole and monument for the area, especially all the posts in Orleans County. He thanked those who spearheaded fundraising and those who donated time or materials or gave a discount.

Caton Conde, president of the Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension board, extended her welcome and said there are so many people to thank. She said faith in God and memories make us strong in hard times.

“It is the memories I’ve made here that I cherish,” she said.

State Sen. Rob Ortt said it is the memories made at fairs like this which get us through tough times. While the country celebrates 250 years, he said it is things like the Orleans County Fair and the memories made here which bind us together.

“It is great to meet young people who go through 4-H and then go on to other walks of life,” Ortt said.

Members of the Orleans County Honor Guard salute as the American flag is raised Monday night near the Dwight Hill Education Building. Seen in the second row at right are Senator Robert Ortt and Assemblyman Steve Hawley.

Assemblyman Steve Hawley reminded the audience of his involvement in 4-H and background in farming.

“4-H taught me all the important things in life,” he said.

He also shared he will be in the fair’s dunk tank on Tuesday.

Orleans County Legislature Chairman Lynne Johnson next spoke on her memories of 4-H.

Fair Queen Mackenzie McGrath urged fairgoers to visit the exhibits by 4-H’ers.

“I remember when my oldest daughter took part in the frog jumping contest at the fair,” Johnson said “We still talk about that today.”

Fair manager Marty Zwifka thanked the fair board, saying he couldn’t have a better board. He also reiterated the changes at the fair this year, and said the board put 100 percent in the fair.

“I love to see the children here and their exhibits,” he said. “They are our future..

Fair Queen McKenzie McGrath urged fairgoers to check out the exhibits of 4-H’ers.

“They have worked very hard at them,” she said.

McGrath, 18, has been in the 4-H program since she was 4 years old.

Women’s Softball playoffs get underway

Contributed Story Posted 28 July 2026 at 8:36 am

Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Ella Lewis bangs out a hit for White Birch.

Medina Women’s Softball League playoff competition got underway on Monday evening as Banes defeated Mr. Septic 18-11 and Katy’s/Parkitects downed White Birch 6-4.

Playoffs will continue next Monday night at 6 p.m. at Jr. Wilson as White Birch will face Mr. Septic and Parkitects will take on Jr. Wilson. Banes will play the Parkitects vs. Jr. Wilson winner at 7:15 p.m. There will also be a losers bracket game at 7:15.

Banes 18 Mr. Septic 11
Banes moved on top to stay by scoring six quick runs in the first inning on singles by Jami Chatt, Lindsay Chatt, Kathy Allen, Sue Seefeldt and Sophia Goyette.

Banes extended the lead to 14-4 by scoring 4 runs in both the the second and third  innings.

Singles by Jami Chatt and Lindsay Chatt, a sac fly by Morgan Allis, a double by Kathy Allen, a single by Sue Seefeldt and a double by Rileigh McCabe keyed the second inning uprising. Allis had a triple and Connie Heschke, Jami Chatt, Lindsay Chatt, Seefeldt and Amy Lavender all added singles in the third.

Jami Chatt fInished with 5 hits, Lindsay Chatt 4 including a double, Allis 3 including a triple and Kathy Allen 3 including a double.

Katy’s/Parkitects 6, White Birch 4
No. 5 seed Parkitects upended No. 2 seed White Birch, by a score of 6-4 scoring all 6 of their runs in the first inning.

The Birch scored once in the 2nd inning and another three in the third inning , but could get no closer.

There were runners stranded on the bases in the fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh innings, but the Birch could not capitalize on those runs scoring. The Birch ironically had 14 hits as opposed to Parkitects who only had 7 hits.

Hits from Parkitects included doubles by Robin Blaun and Kelsee Mest. Singles were hit by Jen Masse, Alishia Foss, KB Ball, Brianna Smith and Katy Wiesinger.

The Birch had two doubles by Ella Lewis and one double each by Maddy Boyle, Rebekah Hoffee and Stacy Buckland. Morgan Ralph had two singles as well as Dana Cotriss and Mallory Albone. Aubrey Lewis, Anna Lewis and Kenzie Muck all had one single.

White Birch 13. Banes 5
White Birch beat Banes 13-5 in a make up game due to rain during the regular season.

The Birch had 16 hits which included a double and two singles from Ella Lewis, a single and double from Anna Lewis and a single and double from Morgan Ralph. Stacy Buckland had three singles, Rebekah Hoffee had two singles and Aubrey Lewis, Kenzie Muck, Dana Cotriss and Mallory Albone all had one single.

Connie Heschke had 4 hits, Sophia Goyette had 3 and Morgan Allis a triple for Banes.

Today’s Fair Schedule (July 28, 2026)

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 28 July 2026 at 8:15 am

Photos by Tom Rivers: Asher Dix, 9, of Medina sings “One More Chance” by Michael Jackson during the opening night of karaoke at the fair.

8 a.m. – 4-H English Horse Show at Carlos Marcello Arena

9 a.m. to 11 a.m. – H Senior Council Stand Breakfast Hours at 4-H Senior Council Stand

10 a.m. – 4-H Swine Show at Livestock Show Arena

10 a.m. – Horticulture I.D. Contest at Orleans Hub Stage

10:30 a.m. – 4-H Fry Stand Opens at Fry Stand

Marilyn, one of the rescue dogs at Pompeyo’s Ranch, was called a “diva dog” by dressing up and walking on her hind legs. Pompeyo’s featured many rescue dogs doing stunts – jumping over hurdles, hopping on their hind legs and leaping from up high into their trainer’s arms. Pompeyo’s has been featured on America’s Got Talent!

11 a.m. – Senior Council 4-H Food Booth Hamburgers, Hots, and Cold Drinks at 4-H Senior Council Stand. Proceeds support teen award trips and programs.

11 a.m. to 3 p.m. – 4-H Rabbit and Cavy Showmanship at Wachob Pavilion

12 p.m. – Paid public admission begins, Buildings open to the public at Taylor Hill Road Parking Lots

1 to 3 p.m. – 4-H Rabbit and Cavy Knowledge Contest at Wachob Pavilion

2 p.m. – Public Contest- Register at Event: Trivia by the Junior Fair Committee  at JCH of Buffalo Food Court

Lew-E the Clown gets ready to do a trick where he ties a knot on a rope with one hand. He is performing outside by the Trolley Building.

4 p.m. – Dog Grooming and Handling: Junior Judging at Dog Show Tent

4 p.m. – 4-H Leaders’ Pie Stand Opens at Pie Stand

4 p.m.  – Free Entertainment: Agri-Puppets the Farming Singing Puppets! at Cattle Barn Lawn

5 to 10 p.m. – Main Event Amusements $35 Unlimited Ride Wristbands during this session at Midway

5 to 6 p.m. – Public Contest- Register at Event: Basketball Free Throw Contest at JCH of Buffalo Food Court

5 p.m. – Free Entertainment: Lew-e the Clown- a show full of Magic and Laughs! at Trolley Lawn

5 p.m.  – Public Contest- Register at Event: Live Action Contest: Survivor at Orleans Hub Stage

Jeremy Neal makes the first Byron Sundae of the fair on Monday in the Farm Bureau booth, which serves milkshakes, ice cream cones and sundaes. The Byron Sundae has vanilla ice cream, peanut butter sauce, peanut butter cups, hot fudge sauce and whipped cream. Byron Neal was a very active presence at the fair. He passed away on April 14, 2023 at the age of 8 after a brave battle with cancer.

5:30 p.m. – Free Entertainment: Pompeyo’s Ranch- As seen on America’s Got Talent! At Knights Lawn

6 p.m. – 4-H Dairy Cattle Show at Livestock Show Arena

6 p.m. – Free Entertainment: Agri-Puppets the Farming Singing Puppets! at Cattle Barn Lawn

6 p.m. – 4-H Rabbit and Cavy Show Costume, Pet and Cloverbud Classes at Wachob Pavilion

6:30 p.m. – Public Contest- Register at Event: Dunk Bucket by the Junior Fair Committee at Tram Stop (Assemblyman Steve Hawley from 6:30 to 7 p.m., and then Shawn Ramsey, owner of Canalside Tattoo, from 7 to 7:30 p.m.)

6:30 p.m. – Small Fry Pedal Tractor Pull- Registration ends 15 minutes before event. JCH of Buffalo Tent

7 p.m.  – Free Entertainment: Lew-e the Clown- a show full of Magic and Laughs! at Trolley Lawn

This group is back volunteering in the 4-H Fry Stand. From left include Corie Strickland, Rita Helsdon, Pat Daniels, Sheryl Watts and Jane Read. Read has been volunteering at the fry stand for nearly 50 years.

7 p.m. – 4-H Rabbit and Cavy Show, Breed Classes at Wachob Pavilion

7 p.m.  – Down Home Country Cloggers Dance Group at Orleans Hub Stage

8 to 10 p.m. – Orleans County 4-H Fair $1,000 Karaoke Challenge at Orleans Hub Stage

8 p.m.  – Free Entertainment: Agri-Puppets the Farming Singing Puppets! at Cattle Barn Lawn

8:30 p.m. – Free Entertainment: Pompeyo’s Ranch- As seen on America’s Got Talent! At Knights Lawn

9 p.m. – Free Entertainment: Lew-e the Clown- a show full of Magic and Laughs!- a show full of Magic and Laughs!- a show full of Magic and Laughs! at Trolley Lawn

10 p.m. – Buildings Close – Goodnight Fair

Phoebe Allen of Barre sings “Man or Muppet” from the Muppets.

Claire Streicher, 9, of Strykersville competes in a driving competition with a miniature horse. She is sitting in a cart with Carissa Klossner, 18, of Clarendon. This is Claire’s first year in 4-H.

Albion Lions Club presents scholarships

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 27 July 2026 at 2:08 pm

Screenshot

Provided photos

ALBION – The Albion Lions Club recently presented three $1,000 scholarships to students who graduated in 2025. The scholarships are awarded after successful completion of their first year in college.

Lions Club member Kevin Howard presents the scholarships to Oliver Beach, left, and Mallory Ashbery. Mallory Kozody also received a $1,000 scholarship.

Mallory Ashbery is a student at Nazareth University in Rochester, majoring in psychology.

Oliver Beach is an agricultural business major at Cobleskill. He wants to be the sixth generation in his family to work on the Elba muckland.

Malory Kozody is a student at Keuka College, studying early childhood education and special education.

Albion’s Class of ’86 gathers for 40th reunion

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 27 July 2026 at 1:34 pm

Photo courtesy of Karen Conn

Some members of Albion’s Class of 1986 met on Saturday at classmate Tom Snyder’s home in Medina for their 40th reunion.

Pictured from left include Tom Snyder, Joan Navarra Mrzywka, Carmine Calabria, Karen Kenney Conn, Frank Nash, Shawn Arnett, Cindy Arnett, Scott Gillette, Jill Harris Darling and Pam Tortorice Wadhams. Robin Neal also attended the reunion.

Ministry of Concern moving office to Arnold Gregory Complex

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 27 July 2026 at 1:11 pm

ALBION – The Genesee Orleans Ministry of Concern has announced it will soon be relocating its offices from 29 East State St. in Albion to 243 South Main St., Suite 2421, the Arnold Gregory Complex.

To facilitate the move, GOMOC will be closed to the public beginning Friday at 2:30 p.m., according to executive director Jami Allport. The organization will reopen at its new location at 9 p.m. on Aug. 5. Staff will be working diligently throughout the closure to relocate, unpack and prepare the new office so services can resume as quickly as possible.

Allport cited the need for more space as reason for the move.

“The move represents so much more than a change of address,” Allport said. “It represents growth, opportunity and our continued commitment to serving individuals and families throughout Genesee and Orleans counties.”

GOMOC extends its deepest gratitude to the Albion First Presbyterian Church for opening its doors and allowing the organization to utilize office space during the past two years. Their generosity and partnership provided a welcoming place for GOMOC to continue serving the community during a time of transition, Allport said. The kindness and support shown by the church congregation will always hold a special place in the organization’s history, she said.

As GOMOC begins this new chapter, there is something especially meaningful about the organization’s new home. The office will be located in what was once the maternity ward at Arnold Gregory Hospital – a place where countless families experienced some of life’s most joyful and unforgettable moments.

“It was a space designated to welcome new life, offer hope, provide compassionate care and support families during moments of both celebration and uncertainty,” Allport said. “Today, while the purpose of the space has evolved, its spirit remains remarkably similar. Just as the maternity ward once nurtured new beginnings, GOMOC seeks to help individuals and families begin new chapters of their own, offering encouragement, resources and the support needed to move toward stability and self-sufficiency.”

Allport said it feels incredibly fitting that their ministry’s new home is a place that has always represented care, compassion and new beginnings.

“While babies may no longer be born within these walls, hope will continue to be,” Allport said. “Every person who walks through our doors deserves to feel welcomed, supported and reminded that brighter days are possible.”

Although GOMOC’s address is changing, its mission remains the same – to provide compassionate assistance and empower individuals and families to overcome life’s challenges with dignity and hope, Allport said.

Community members are encouraged to update their records with GOMOC’s new address at 243 South Main St., Suite 2421, Albion. The office phone is (585) 589-9210, and Facebook page will show updates during the transition.

USDA approves disaster declaration for Orleans, 31 other counties from extreme spring weather

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 27 July 2026 at 12:16 pm

Photo by Tom Rivers: Domoy Farms in Oakfield harvests Triticale last Friday along Route 63 by Dunlap Road in Shelby. Triticale is a hybrid of wheat and rye.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has approved a disaster declaration for 32 counties, including Orleans, due to extreme spring weather that damaged crops.

Apple, stone fruit and grape crops suffered from the weather that damaged fruit buds, causing an estimated $30 million in damages to growers, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced.

The declaration allows growers to seek low-interest emergency loans through the USDA. The declaration includes counties in the Finger Lakes, Mid-Hudson, Capital, Central New York, Long Island, Mohawk Valley, North Country, Southern Tier and the Western New York regions.

“New York’s growers experienced significant damage early this year with some losing an entire growing season and reporting tens of millions in economic loss,” Hochul said. “I would like to thank the USDA for taking this action to declare a disaster designation for the impacted counties and help our growers get the assistance they need to recover and move forward. I also encourage New Yorkers to continue to support their local growers, whether it’s by buying fresh local products from the farm or purchasing the many products made from New York’s growers.”

Orleans County saw damage to fruit trees during a frost and freeze from April 19 to April 21.

A USDA disaster designation makes farm operators in primary counties and those counties contiguous eligible to be considered for emergency loans from the Farm Service Agency, provided eligibility requirements are met.

Farmers in eligible counties have eight months from the date of the disaster declaration to apply for relief programs. Farmers can contact their local FSA office. In Orleans County, the FSA office is at 446 West Ave. in Albion with the phone number: (585) 589-5320.

Lyndonville woman charged with 1st-degree assault after victim suffers severe lacerations

Posted 27 July 2026 at 11:47 am

Deputies applied tourniquets, lifesaving medical aid

Press Release, Orleans County Sheriff Chris Bourke

Alyssa M. Canne

CARLTON – Orleans County Sheriff’s deputies on Saturday at approximately 11:42 p.m. responded to a residence in the Town of Carlton following a report of a domestic incident involving a victim who had sustained severe lacerations.

Deputies were the first to arrive on scene. Upon arrival, they located the victim suffering from significant lacerations and life-threatening blood loss. Deputies immediately applied tourniquets and continued providing lifesaving medical aid until emergency medical services arrived. The victim was subsequently transported to Strong Memorial Hospital for treatment.

Following an investigation that included witness interviews, evidence collection, and the execution of a search warrant, Alyssa M. Canne, 34, of Lyndonville was charged with the following offenses:

  • Assault in the First Degree (Class B Felony)
  • Menacing in the Second Degree (Class A Misdemeanor)
  • Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Fourth Degree (Class A Misdemeanor)
  • Endangering the Welfare of a Child (Class A Misdemeanor)

Canne was transported to the Orleans County Jail for centralized arraignment.

Sheriff Chris Bourke commends the initial responding deputies for their professionalism, composure, and decisive actions under extremely stressful circumstances. Their prompt response and immediate medical intervention are believed to have saved the victim’s life.

The investigation was led by Chief Deputy Tooley, Investigator Marsceill, and members of the Sheriff’s Office midnight shift. The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Carlton Fire Company and Mercy EMS.

Gas prices up 11 cents in past week in U.S., up 9 cents in Orleans

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 27 July 2026 at 10:35 am

$4.33 average price in Orleans is highest in WNY

Photo by Tom Rivers: Gas prices are up in the past week. These are the prices on Sunday at the Crosby’s in Holley on the west side of the village.

The average price of regular unleaded gas is up 11 cents in the past week nationally, from $4.00 to $4.11, while the average price in New York State is up 8 cents to $4.23 a gallon, AAA reported today. A year ago the national average was $3.15 while the state average was $3.17 a gallon.

In Orleans County, the price increased by 9 cents from $4.245 to $4.333 a gallon, AAA reported.

“Rising crude oil prices are behind the spike at the pump,” AAA said in a news release. “Volatility along the Strait of Hormuz and instability in the region have pushed crude oil prices into the high $90 per barrel range last week. This morning, oil prices range from $85 to $91 per barrel. Higher oil prices could continue driving up pump prices during the second half of summer.”

Here are the average prices at counties around Western New York (Orleans is the highest):

  • Orleans, $4.333
  • Genesee, $4.271
  • Monroe, $4.284
  • Niagara, $4.287
  • Erie, $4.295
  • Wyoming, $4.286
  • Livingston, $4.304
  • Chautauqua, $4.259
  • Cattaraugus, $4.046
  • Allegany, $4.247