ALBION – The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office has charged Nicholas Horn with Obscenity in the Third Degree and Endangering the Welfare of a Child, both Class A misdemeanors.
The investigation determined that around August 7, 2025, Horn allegedly contacted a minor in Ohio and sent unwanted, explicit images. Investigators also allege that Horn reached out to young adults after locating their phone numbers in online advertisements for services such as car detailing and lawn care.
Multiple law enforcement agencies across the United States are assisting with the investigation. Horn is believed to have contacted more than 170 individuals under similar circumstances.
The investigation remains active, and additional charges may be filed. The investigation was conducted by Investigator Brian Marsceill of the Sheriff’s Office.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 November 2025 at 9:24 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Kim Martillotta Muscarella, owner of Marti’s on Main, is shown inside the art gallery during an art show last month. She is pictured with a split leaf philodendron which she has had for 40 years.
Martillotta Muscarella has been organizing and hosting art shows the past 15 years. She announced that Marti’s has just been approved by the IRS an official non-profit organization.
She decided to have Marti’s be a non-profit to be in a better position to apply for grants to help with the building’s upkeep and for the programming at the site. Any donations will be tax deductible.
There is currently a three-member board for Marti’s with her son Jeremiah Knight as the president, her husband Neal Muscarella as vice president and Martillotta Muscarella as the treasurer.
Marti’s since 2021 has been at the former Cornell Cooperative Extension in Albion. Martillotta Muscarella and her family turned the building at 20 South Main St. into an art showcase.
The Muscarellas transformed the interior of the building into an art studio and gallery, painting the rooms in vibrant colors. Muscarella displays artwork throughout the building, including the hallways, staircase, even the bathrooms.
Martillotta Muscarella said the building needs more work, especially the windows. She is hopeful the non-profit status will secure funding through grants or other contributions.
Before it was Marti’s, the former Extension building was most recently used an outreach center for the Episcopal Church in Albion. The building was originally a house built in the 1830s.
Muscarella watched the site decline for many years, with little activity inside the doors of one of the prominent buildings in the historic Courthouse Square.
For about a decade she ran the Marti’s on Main art gallery and studio at her home at 229 South Main St. But that site, which was half of her house, was cramped to display art and accommodate groups of people.
Since 2021, Marti’s has hosted several art shows and classes a year, as well as two concerts.
The next class will be on Nov. 30 and is a chance to create one-of-a-kind ornaments with Fired Up Ready to Paint Ceramics. There will be sessions at noon and 2 p.m. Call or text 585-590-9211 or message Fired Up Ready to Paint Ceramics on Facebook for more information.
Martillotta Muscarella gives tours of the art gallery by appointment. She can be reached at (585) 589-6715 for more information.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 17 November 2025 at 7:53 pm
Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Preseason practices for the high school winter sports season boys and girls basketball, swimming and wrestling teams got underway today. Here several members of the Medina boys varsity basketball team work on a dribbling drill. Season opening action is not that far away as the Lyndonville boys basketball team will tipoff the season the day after Thanksgiving by participating in a North Country tournament at Lafargeville High.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 November 2025 at 3:56 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers: This historical marker dedicated for a Revolutionary War hero was unveiled on April 14, 2021. The marker highlights Marquis de Lafayette, a French military officer who provided critical aid to George Washington in securing American independence. The marker notes a farewell tour in 1824-1825 to honor Lafayette, who traveled on the Erie Canal from Lockport to Rochester in June 1825 to great fanfare. This marker is located by the Erie Canal in Albion in between the two lift bridges.
ALBION – The state has given Orleans County $15,000 to help commemorate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution in 2026.
The New York State 250th Commemorative Commission sent Orleans County Historian Catherine Cooper a letter on Nov. 7, thanking the county for partnering with the state Education Department in commemorating the American Revolution and also the “Unfinished Revolution.”
Cooper said she expects to have a committee in Orleans County to help direct how the county will spend the $15,000 and be part of the commemoration.
She has been leading an effort this year for the Orleans County Bicentennial, highlighting important dates, events and citizens since the community’s founding.
None of the Revolutionary battles were fought in Orleans County, but several soldiers from the war settled in Orleans County. Some of those soldiers, who are buried at local cemeteries, will be spotlighted next year, Cooper said.
People interested in being on the committee can reach out to Cooper by email at Catherine.Cooper@orleanscountyny.gov or call her office at (585) 589-4174.
New York State 250th Commemorative Commission wants to do more than celebration the period of American Revolution and the formation of the United States. That Commission wants to recognize ongoing efforts to reach the goals expressed by the nation’s founders. New York has been a significant force in those movements, including such iconic, historic stories as serving as the routes for the Underground Railroad, the abolition of slavery, women’s suffrage, the labor movement, and the LGBTQ+ rights movement, Gov. Kathy Hochul said on May 14 last year when the state named members of the Commemorative Commission.
There are numerous existing sites and battlefields associated with New York’s role in the American Revolution, all of which are vital to telling this part of the history of the nation., the Commemorative Commission writes in a guide to observing the 250th anniversary.
“The Founding Fathers wrote, ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator, with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness,’ as the guiding principles of a new nation,” the Commission states. “New Yorkers continue to lead in efforts to expand these ideals to include everyone. This part of the Revolution continues.”
For more information on the NYS 250th Commemorative Commission, click here to see a field guide on the commemoration.
The state’s commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution isn’t just based on the country’s founding in 1776. NYS wants to highlight other significant movements, including the push for women’s rights. This photo shows three statues in Seneca Falls of prominent women’s suffrage leaders.
The statues “When Anthony Met Stanton” depict the chance encounter in May 1851 in Seneca Falls that forever altered the struggle for women’s rights. Amelia Jenks Bloomer, depicted in center, introduced Susan B. Anthony, left, to Elizabeth Lady Stanton.
The friendship that was forged between Stanton and Anthony gave direction and momentum to the 72-year struggle for women’s suffrage which was culminated on Aug. 26, 1920 with the passage of the 19th Amendment in the U.S. Constitution. Neither woman lived to see women’s suffrage become a reality. When Anthony Met Stanton was gifted to the Seneca Falls community by the Governor’s Commission Honoring the Achievements of Women on July 18, 1998.
Provided photos: Trina Lorentz of Murray, left, and Nancy Walker of Kendall, both Master Gardeners with the Orleans CCE, help 4-Hers paint pots for holiday cactus. Participants learned about the three kinds of holiday cactus before selecting and potting-up their plants.
Press Release, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Orleans County
KNOWLESVILLE – Orleans County 4-H members gathered on Saturday morning to create projects for the Holiday Faire event set for Saturday, December 6, from 12 to 2:30 p.m. in the Trolley Building on the 4-H Fairgrounds.
Holiday Faire is a long-standing 4-H tradition in Orleans County and the public is welcome to attend the event which features holiday-themed 4-H projects; tables manned by 4-H clubs, and warm comfort foods.
“Holiday Faire is a festive event for 4-Hers and their families as well as anyone who would like to stop by for holiday-themed inspiration, fun crafts and food,” says Kristina Gabalski, Orleans County 4-H Program coordinator.
McKenna Richardson,10, of Barre, places a star at the top of a holiday tree she created from upcycling old sweaters.
4-Hers enter holiday-themed projects (any holiday can be featured) which are evaluated and displayed during the event. 4-H Club tables feature fun activities and inexpensive crafts, and the kitchen is open for lunch with hearty food like chili and warm cocoa.
“We also expect some special visitors from the North Pole,” Gabalski added.
On Saturday, 4-Hers worked on projects which will be entered in the Holiday Faire. Those projects included festive paper bag snowflakes which create an indoor blizzard when hung from the ceiling; ornaments made from Scrabble board game pieces, holiday cactus planted in pots participants decorated themselves, and stunning holiday-themed wall hangings.
A paper bag snowflake dangles above Jen Batt, a CCE Orleans 4-H volunteer, during Holiday Workshops on Saturday. Participants in Batt’s workshop made the paper decorations for 4-H Holiday Faire.
Eleven-year-old Fiona Oakes of Medina is a member of several 4-H Clubs including the Abundant Harvest Club. She said she enjoyed the event, especially making holiday trees from upcycled sweaters. “I also get to hang-out with my friends,” Fiona noted.
McKenna Richardson of Barre is 10 years old and a member of the Community Capers 4-H Club. She enjoyed learning about holiday cactus plants and painting a pot in which to plant hers. “I decorated the pot with my hobbies – music notes, flowers and cats with Santa hats,” she said.
Thirteen-year-old Charlotte McGrath of Medina said she likes the fact that the crafts are easy to complete and she can make several different entries for Holiday Faire. A member of the Abundant Harvest 4-H club, Charlotte said she enjoys the Holiday Workshops event each year because, “it is really fun.”
Nine-year-old Emma McGrath of Medina painted the Grinch on her holiday cactus pot.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 17 November 2025 at 9:52 am
Photos by Cheryl Wertman and contributed – Akron’s first team honorees include, from left, Madigan Regan, Morgan Tomporowski and Marissa Brege.
A trio of players from undefeated (12-0) champion Akron heads the first team of the annual Niagara-Orleans All-League field hockey squad.
Akron is represented by seniors Marissa Brege and Morgan Tomporowski along with junior Madigan Regan.
Tomporowski, who was named N-O Player of the Year, scored 49 goals. Regan had 4 goals and 18 assists while Brege made 50 saves in goal and had a 0.29 goals against average.
Runner-up Barker (10-2) has placed seniors Madelina Pavlock and Kaylee Stoll on the first team.
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Barker first team honorees Kaylee Stoll, left, and Madelina Pavlock and Roy-Hart honoree Adella Dukes.
Pavlock scored 22 goals and Stoll had 2 goals and 8 assists.
Third place Medina (6-6) also had a pair of first team honorees in seniors Penelope Schalck and Sophia Castricone. Schalck had 23 goals and 8 assists.
Rounding out the first team are Roy-Hart junior Adella Dukes (12 goals, 9 assists), Wilson senior Mackenzie Hardy. Kenmore senior Zoey Dettbarn and Newfane senior Roxy Smith.
Brege, Regan, Pavlock, Schalck, Dukes, Hardy and Dettbarn are all repeat first team honorees.
Contributed Photos – First team honorees Zoey Dettbarn from Kenmore and Roxy Smith from Newfane.
The second team All-League honorees, listed by school, are as follows:
Akron – Madison Gates (Jr.), Alexis Salmon (Jr.) and Mackenzie Tomporowski (So.)
Barker – Jordyn Kinne (Sr.) and Hailey Dodge (Sr.)
Medina – Isabelle Perez (Jr.) and Lilah Class (Sr.)
Roy-Hart – Brooke Zglinicki (Sr.)
Wilson – Ruby Narehood (Sr.)
Kenmore – Mackenzie Kumrow (Jr.)
Newfane – Eliana Reis (Sr.)
The Honorable Mention selections, listed by school, are as follows:
Akron – Brooke Milhollen (Jr.) and Aneika Forrestel (So.)
Barker – Jillian Maines (So.), Sophia Pavlock (So.) and Elise Monaco (So.)
Medina – Emiliana Batista (Sr.), Maggie Lonnen (Sr.), Tatianna Maxon (Sr.) and Jenelle Stalker (So.)
Roy-Hart – Dillan Santella (Sr.) and Alayna Kowalski (Sr.)
Wilson – Taylor Ernest (So), Brynn Lepsch (Fr.) and Katie Hardy (So.)
Kenmore – Annmarie Toukatly (Jr.), Sacha Vinson (So.), Hailey Mueller (Jr.) and Katherine Pritchard (Fr.)
Newfane – Nattalie Johnson (Sr.), Gabby Ross (Sr.), Aurora Ball (So.), Addison Reis (So.) and Emma Haseley (Fr.)
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Medina first team honorees Sophia Castricone and Penelope Schalck and Wilson honoree Mackenzie Hardy.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 17 November 2025 at 9:04 am
MEDINA – The Medina FFA has extended its deadline for ordering from its annual citrus sale.
Agriculture teacher and FFA adviser Jacqueline Jurek said the public has until Thursday to place an order.
The citrus sale has been an annual fundraiser for the FFA for many years. All the money raised goes toward providing educational experiences for FFA members, Jurek said. This includes the New York State FFA Convention, National FFA Convention, Summer Camp at Oswegatchie, New York State Fair, purchase of FFA gear and much more.
The public can order through the FFA website (click here); by calling the school at (585) 798 2700; or e-mailing jjurek@medinacsd.org.
Orders will be available for pickup the week of Dec. 8.
George E. Smith of Albion wrote and mailed a monthly newsletter to soldiers who were part of a Sunday School Class at the United Methodist Church.
By Catherine Cooper, Orleans County Historian
“Illuminating Orleans” – Volume 5, No. 40
This card was sent to George E. Smith of Albion in response to his monthly correspondence with servicemen during World War II.
ALBION – During World War II, George E. Smith wrote and mailed a monthly newsletter to the servicemen members of the Woods Brothers Men’s Class of the United Methodist Church in Albion.
His daughter, Aloha (Smith) Vick, compiled the correspondence into several albums which were recently donated to the Orleans County Dept. of History by his granddaughter, June (Vick) Schuck.
From Paris, France, Dec. 1944:
“Each month I look forward to receiving the Woods Brotherhood News and I appreciate very much your sending it to me. It always seems good to hear where the other boys are stationed and all about the church activities at home.”
Naturally, the albums make compelling reading. The newsletters provided seasonal information about the weather as well as tidbits of information regarding those who served. Mailed to far flung parts of the globe, this “news” helped service men feel remembered and connected.
George E. Smith wrote a total of thirty-eight issues of the Woods Brotherhood News. The final issue, the “Peace Issue” was written on Sept. 19, 1945.
Recipients of the Newsletters were very appreciative. Their return letters invariably began with expressions of gratitude. Several commented that fellow servicemen envied this correspondence and wished their churches had done likewise.
From: Somewhere in New Guinea, Dec. 1944, J.K. Shipman BKR 1/C USN:
“Your very nice Christmas greeting came yesterday, right on the proper day. I don’t see how you managed to judge the exact day to mail it.”
From Somewhere in Egypt, Nov. 1942, Gil Pritchard:
“Probably at this time, more than any other, I have come to realize how much I enjoy your letters. It may be because of the distance we are from you, or it may be because we are no longer in the States practicing but we are now playing for keeps.”
Portion of a Woods Brothers Newsletter, February 1943
Even though letters were censored, they provide compelling details:
From France, August 1944, A.M. Webber, “Lonnie”
(He operated a water-purifying unit)
Several days last week, we purified about thirty-thousand gallons of water per day. That was a lot of water to put through our small units. Of course, we worked 20 hours a day to do it.
At the present time, we are pretty close to the front line and we have lots of artillery around us. In fact, that is all they do all day and all night is shell the Germans. It is hard to sleep. There’s so much noise. The last two nites we have been shelled by the enemy. In fact, last nite, they landed a shell about 70 feet away from our foxhole and shrapnel went everywhere. We really felt the concussion from that shell, although none of us were hit because we were all in our fox holes.
I guess our boys over here are really going fast. Of course, we really have more equipment. However, the Germans are no pushover. I don’t think it will last much longer now. I would say about three months more and it will be over here.”
News from a proud new father:
Somewhere in Dutch New Guinea, Jan. 1945, Sgt. Louis Massaro, Jan. 1944:
“It may interest you to know that while I was on the boat coming over here, a baby boy was born, my son, named Thomas Charles Massaro. So you see, I have yet to see my son. My wife and son are both doing good, the last I’ve heard from them.”
P.S. Give my regards to the rest of the Brotherhood class and tell the people back home, our friends, that War is Hell.”
Newsletter writer, George E. Smith, grew up on Smith Road in Shelby. He was a state agriculturalist, and an active Mason as well as a member of the United Methodist Church. Incidentally, this is the anniversary of his death: he was killed in an accident on November 15, 1950, in Sodus, New York, when the car in which he was a passenger collided with a train.
Shame on the Clarendon and Carlton Democrats. You had two well-qualified candidates and you chose not to vote.
You had a choice and if had you voted, these two would have been elected. We also had a write-in candidate. These individuals worked hard yet you chose to not vote on a beautiful sunny and warm day. Stop telling us that you do not have a choice.
While the President hosts lavish, extravagant parties for his Republican enablers with sequined, feathered dancers and a scantily-clad woman dancing in a giant martini glass, his administration is terrorizing immigrants and less affluent communities.
Dayanne Figueroa, a Chicago paralegal, was on her way to get coffee before work on Nov. 4th when masked federal immigration agents crashed into her car, surrounding her with weapons drawn and violently dragged her out of her vehicle by her legs.
Ms. Figueroa, a U.S. citizen, was then detained without a warrant, moved between several undisclosed locations, and not allowed to contact family members or a lawyer. She was later released without charges.
The Chicago Sun-Times reported on Nov 9th that a video shows federal agents driving a black pickup truck, firing pepper spray into the open driver’s window of Rafael Veraza’s vehicle. Mr. Veraza is a U.S. citizen.
The family was shopping for groceries at Sam’s Club in Cicero, a suburb of Chicago. They were on a family shopping trip. In the vehicle was their one-year-old daughter, who was also exposed to the chemical agent.
On Nov. 14th, the Chicago Sun-Times reported that officers of the Chicago Police Department started to secure an area. Federal agents, after being informed that police officers did not have gas masks, used tear gas and other chemical irritants.
According to police sources, the Federal agent’s irresponsible use of chemical irritants sickened much of the district’s tactical team. U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis stated that the way the feds used gas “shocks the conscience.” Furthermore, the judge noted that U.S. Border Patrol Cmdr. Gregory Bovino admitted he lied under oath. Obviously, the objective is not law enforcement but to create an atmosphere of fear – to terrorize.
A federal immigration agent throws a tear gas canister at protesters on Oct. 14 at 105th Street and Avenue N in East Side. A Chicago police supervisor who did not have a gas mask washes the irritant from his eyes.
This Republican administration refused to use Congressionally approved funds for SNAP and actively voted to cut Medicaid. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) had billions of dollars in contingency funds and other reserves (like the $23 billion in Section 32 funds) available that could have been used to continue the benefits during the shutdown. It was a conscious decision, purposely made to make people suffer.
Multiple federal courts ordered the administration to immediately restore full benefits, ruling that the government was statutorily mandated to use available funds during the emergency. Instead of following the law and court orders, Republicans sought ways to delay and postpone needed food assistance.
In July, Republicans passed their “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” cutting Medicaid by 15% according to KFF. And so, Republicans partied. Spending $20 billion for Argentina, Kristi Noem spent $200 million of taxpayers’ money on two Gulfstream G700 private jets, Kash Patel used an FBI jet for a date to see his girlfriend, and millions more on an unauthorized ballroom.
While the government was shut down, Republican supporters and enablers of Mr. Trump’s campaign of terror and human rights abuses spared no expense to party, dining on dauphinoise, pan-seared scallops, and beef filet on your taxpayer dollars.
People can protect their health by testing for radon
Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments
November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. While smoking remains the primary cause of lung cancer, radon gas is the second leading cause and the leading cause among non-smokers.
Radon is an invisible, odorless, and tasteless gas that forms naturally when uranium in soil and rock breaks down. It can enter homes through cracks and openings in foundations and become trapped indoors. Long-term exposure to high levels of radon increases the risk of developing lung cancer.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), one in every 15 homes in the U.S. has elevated radon levels. The only way to know if your home has radon is to test for it.
“You can’t see or smell radon, but it can pose a serious health risk over time,” said Darren Brodie, Environmental Health Director for Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health). “Testing your home is simple and inexpensive, and if high levels are found, radon problems can be fixed.”
Protect your family in three easy steps:
Test your home. Radon test kits are low-cost and easy to use. You can buy short-term test kits online and or at local hardware stores. The Genesee County Health Department also has a limited number of free test kits for Genesee County residents.
Fix high levels. If your test result is 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) or higher, contact a certified radon mitigation professional to lower levels.
Retest after mitigation. Regular testing ensures your home remains safe.
Smoking combined with radon exposure greatly increases lung cancer risk. Quitting smoking and reducing radon exposure are two of the most effective ways to protect your lungs.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 16 November 2025 at 4:33 pm
Contributed Photos – Emma Brady, left, and Alivia Wolf
The Genesee Community College women’s soccer team has enjoyed a very successful season this fall capturing the Region III championship and advancing to the National Junior College Athletic Association Division III national semifinals.
GCC ended up in fourth place at the nationals after dropping a narrow 1-0 double overtime decision to Sulfolk Community College today.
The GCC roster has five Holley High graduates including sophomore Emma Brady, freshman Alivia Wolf, sophomores Samantha Bates and Bella Thom and freshman Alexia Renner.
Interestingly, Brady and Wolf’s mothers also both played collegiate soccer at GCC. Jeanette Brady played on the Cougars 1995-96 team and Renee Wolf, who is Holley’s varsity coach, played on the 1997-98 squad.
Contributed Photos – The 1995-96 Genesee Community College women’s soccer team included Jeanette Brady, No. 3 third from right in front row, who is the mother of current GCC sophomore Emma Brady.
The 1997-98 GCC women’s soccer team included Renee Wolf, No. 7 at the right in the top row, who is the mother of current GCC freshman Alivia Wolf.
Veterans Service Agency Office will be closed for event at Medina VFW
Press Release, Orleans County Veterans Service Office
ALBION – Orleans County Veterans Services is teaming up with GO Health to host a Veterans Health and Benefit Fair on Monday, November 17.
The fair will be from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the VFW, located at 216 E. Center Street in Medina. The Veterans Services Office on Route 31 will be closed Monday as staff will be working this event.
The event is open to all veterans. Representatives from GO Health and Veterans Services will be on hand to discuss healthcare resources and benefits available to veterans. Free food and drink will be provided.
“We are always looking for ways to support our veterans and by teaming up with GO Health for this event, we can offer information on a wide variety of health and benefit programs available to the veteran community,” said Nik Mroz, Director of Veterans Services. “While we asked for preregistration, any veteran who missed that deadline is still welcome to attend and bring a guest.”
Cooper said she expects to have a committee in Orleans County to help direct how the county will spend the $15,000 and be part of the commemoration.
November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. While smoking remains the primary cause of lung cancer, radon gas is the second leading cause and the leading cause among non-smokers.
