Roy-Hart FFA has big showing at National FFA Convention

Posted 21 November 2025 at 12:12 am

Adam Yanicki, a senior, takes first in nation in the Environmental and Natural Resources

Photos courtesy of Roy-Hart FFA: Senior Adam Yanicki earned 1st place in the Environmental and Natural Resources event, making him a National Champion.

Press Release, Roy-Hart Central School

MIDDLEPORT – Seventeen students from the Royalton-Hartland Central School District returned from the 98th National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis, the largest youth leadership and career competition in the country.

The event brought more than 70,000 students from all 50 states, competing in rigorous contests that prove agricultural, science, business, environmental systems, and public speaking skills.

And this year, Roy-Hart won.

Senior Adam Yanicki earned 1st place in the entire nation in the Environmental and Natural Resources event, officially making him a National Champion. He described the journey to first place as one of opportunity.

“It was my first time at nationals, and a new world was opened for me,” Yanicki said. “To prepare, we planned out our schedules on when we could get together, and we were practicing pretty much every day.

“We also studied individually for our solo pieces. I spent every minute I could studying. I competed against 171 other contestants—I knew I had the chance to be number 171 or number one. I had to do my best and keep my head up.”

Roy-Hart also garnered several additional top national finishes:

The Agricultural Sales Team earned a Gold Ranking and placed 12th nationally.
The Food Science Team earned Silver, with one student ranking 3rd in the nation individually.
Five Roy-Hart students earned the American FFA Degree, an honor achieved by less than 1% of FFA members nationwide.

Roy-Hart competed against teams from powerhouse agricultural states like Texas, California, and Indiana, and came home as national leaders.

The FFA’s national competitions require students to solve real-world problems, complete written exams, and present professional-level projects judged by industry experts. Winning takes years of preparation, countless hours of practice, and an extraordinary amount of teamwork and leadership.

“FFA cultivates strong, confident leaders by giving students real-world experiences, opportunities to problem-solve, and the chance to develop teamwork and communication skills,” said Principal Matthew Sweeney of the Roy-Hart Middle School. “We are incredibly proud of this year’s national results, which reflect the dedication, hard work, and talent of our students. Having a National Champion in a Career Development Event competition is an extraordinary accomplishment that puts our school district and FFA Chapter in the national limelight. Achievements like these not only highlight individual success but also demonstrate the strength of our agriculture programs here at Royalton-Hartland, reinforcing our commitment to preparing students to excel both in and beyond the classroom.”

Environment & Natural Resources CDE

The top individuals for Environment & Natural Resources CDE include Adam Yanicki – 1st Place in Nation; Fawn Elko – Silver Ranking; Judson Heck – Silver Ranking; and Shianne Barnes – Bronze Ranking.

Participants engage in various activities and practicums, working under challenging conditions to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in environmental and natural resources management. This includes soils, water, ecosystems, waste management, navigational mapping, and environmental monitoring skills through GPS.

Roy-Hart’s CDE Team earned a Silver Ranking. Shianne Barnes, a bronze-ranked competitor, reflected on her experience: “I found passion in FFA

over the summertime with livestock evaluation. I also did showing in 4H with poultry and goats, which was a lot of fun. At the convention, I had an overall great experience. Everybody was really friendly, you could ask anything to anyone. People were there from all 50 states, and we were all joined together.”

Agriculture Sales CDE

Roy-Hart’s Agriculture Sales CDE earned a Gold Ranking. The team members include Sean Labiak, Camden Vandenbosch, Mackenzie Diamond and Anthony Adams.

The agricultural sales event evaluates students’ sales and customer service skills through individual and team activities, including written exams, sales calls, and customer service scenarios. It fosters essential communication, problem solving, and relationship-building abilities for success in agricultural sales careers.

Sean Labiak earned 7th Place and a Gold Ranking in the individual competition.

Individually the Roy-Hart students placed high, including Sean Labiak – Top 10 Individual (7th Place, Gold Ranking); Camden Vandenbosch – 30th Place Individual, Gold Ranking; Mackenzie Diamond – Silver Ranking; and Anthony Adams – Silver Ranking.

FFA Chapter President and Silver-ranked Mackenzie Diamond shared the intensity of the competition: “The Agriculture Sales CDE is a competition where you are trying to be a salesperson. This year, we pretended to sell greenhouses, and it made me more aware of being a customer in agriculture by seeing what salespeople experience trying to accommodate us.

“I’ve done nationals three years in a row, and by my third year, I got the gist of things. For me, it was all about studying. I was up every single night leading up to it. I wasn’t worried about how well I would do because I knew my studying would reflect my performance. When the speaking portion came, I was overwhelmed with excitement. I was so happy to be there. The whole competition went amazing, and each time I heard someone from my team get awarded, I started bawling. To know that you have three people from your chapter placed in the top 10 with only three teams sent is incredible.”

Food Science CDE

Simon Fournier won 3rd Place and earned a Gold Ranking in Food Science & Technology.

The food science and technology event focuses on developing skills needed in the food science and technology industry through various individual and team activities. Participants are tasked with creating products based on scenarios provided, such as developing side dishes or snacks for specific markets.

Additionally, teams perform a food safety audit by evaluating given situations and identifying issues, corrective actions, and related policies. This event helps students gain hands-on experience and knowledge in food science, safety, and product development.

The CDE Team earned a Silver Ranking.

Roy-Hart’s Food Science CDE individuals also earned honors, including Simon Fournier – Top 10 Individual (3rd Place, Gold Ranking); Nico Schuster – Silver Ranking; Collin Nicosia – Silver Ranking; and Paityn Babiarz – Bronze Ranking.

Top-three Gold-ranked Simon Fournier shared what made the event memorable.

“Going into the competition, my strength was the math and chemistry parts, so that helped my team a lot,” Fournier said. “Teaching others helped me understand the content more. It was a lot of fun. We had to prepare a fake food product and advertise it to a panel of judges. It was so fun going up there, flexing my skills, and showing our hard work to them.”

American FFA Degree

Five from Roy-Hart earned American FFA degrees including, from left: Nicholas Armenia, Sophia Santella, Vanessa Grant and Cayla Burch. Joshua Kennedy isn’t in the photo but also earned the American FFA degree.

Less than 1% of the organization’s 1.4 million members earn this prestigious honor, including these five past graduates who returned to achieve it this year.

Roy-Hart FFA members are shown at the National Convention.

Local artist Carol Culhane creates ornaments for Hospice for 28th year

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 20 November 2025 at 10:14 pm

Senior Center in Medina will host Hospice’s Light of Life on Dec. 9

(Left) Photo by Ginny Kropf: Carol Culhane designed, created and donated this Christmas ornament for Hospice of Orleans County. (Right) Provided photo: Brittany Dix, left, community outreach specialist at Hospice of Orleans County, accepts a Christmas ornament from artist Carol Culhane to kick off the annual Light of Life campaign.

MEDINA – The Light of Life fundraiser to benefit Hospice of Orleans County is now underway, with a new venue announced this week.

Light of Life 2025 will take place Dec. 9 at the Senior Center in Medina. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., followed by the program at 6 p.m.

This is the 28th year local artist Carol Culhane has designed and donated ornaments to benefit Hospice.

“It has been my honor and privilege to provide and personalize these ornaments every year,” Culhane said. “As a community, we all benefit from having our hospice service available.”

Culhane purchases special German blown glass ornaments every year, which she then paints with a different Christmas design and donates to Hospice. This year’s ornament is blue with a tree and its branches extending around the ornament. The branches are covered with tiny sparkling gemstones.

Brittany Dix, community outreach specialist at Hospice, said Culhane will discuss her intended design with Hospice or ask them for ideas.

The ornaments can be purchased for $50, or for $100 Culhane will personalize them. They can be ordered by picking up an order form at Hospice, 14080 Route 31; or calling (585) 589-0809. Payment may be made at Hospice or online at www.hospiceoforleans.org/event-links.

Everyone planning to attend the event Dec. 9 must also RSVP by calling Hospice at the number above.

Ornaments may be picked up at Hospice, the day of the event at Medina Senior Center or Hospice will mail them if address is provided.

Dix said there is one gentleman who buys five or six ornaments every year for his family. A wooden snowflake ornament with space for a photo can also be purchased for $15.

Dix said Light of Life is a family event, and children are welcome. People are also welcome to attend, even if they don’t purchase an ornament, but an RSVP is requested.

There will be a hot cocoa bar and sheets for children to color. They will then be given to Hospice patients to let them know they are being thought of, Dix said.

The program will feature a short message by the Rev. Randy LeBaron, songs and readings. Members of Hospice’s Care Team will also be in attendance to remember their patients.

“We want to remind people we are here and can be a resource for them,” Dix said.

Albion businesses urged to check for credit card skimming machines after 1 placed at Save-A-Lot

Posted 20 November 2025 at 2:16 pm

Photos courtesy of Albion Police Department: These photos show the suspect who allegedly put a skimming device on a cash register at the Save-A-Lot in Albion.

Press Release, Albion Police Chief David Mogle

ALBION – On Wednesday at 3:44 p.m. the Albion Police Department received a report of a fraudulent credit card skimming device located at Save-A-Lot, 320 West Ave.

Through an investigation of the incident and reviewing of video footage, the investigation determined the skimming device was placed on cash register 4 (closest to entrance/exit) on Nov. 14 at 2:23 p.m.

A customer at the store had noticed the key pad on the credit card machine had “new” buttons. The investigation determined a white male, camouflage hat, black headband, brown jacket, gray sweatshirt, blue jeans and brown shoes entered the store and placed the skimming device unnoticed. These skimming devices are professionally handmade and can be very hard to notice.

The Albion Police Department would like to recommend all local businesses check their Point-of-Sale machines for credit card skimmers. One way to determine is to check for “new” looking buttons or lack of security of the machine pieces.

If you have shopped at Save-A-Lot between the dates of Nov. 14 and Nov. 19, we recommend you check your bank account for any suspicious activity. The Albion Police Department is investigating this incident thoroughly.

If you have any further information regarding this incident or any other similar incidents involving the suspect, please contact the Albion Police Department at (585) 589-5627.

These photos show a credit card skimming machine.

2 local businesses will again provide Thanksgiving meals to first responders

Posted 20 November 2025 at 1:34 pm

Provided photo: Pictured left to right include Orleans County Chief Deputy James DiFilipps, Legislator Skip Draper, Undersheriff Donald Draper Jr., Nate Sanders of Elite Meal Prep, Logan Callara of Logan’s Landscaping and Sheriff Christopher Bourke.

Press Release, Orleans County Sheriff’s Office

ALBION – Two brothers who own businesses in Medina are once again stepping up to provide Thanksgiving meals for first responders who are required to work on the holiday.

Nate Sanders, owner of Elite Meal Prep and his brother Logan Callara, owner of Logan Landscaping, decided last year that they would provide meals to first responders who had to work on Thanksgiving. The effort was a huge success, leading the brothers to do it again.

“Last year we provided more than 150 meals to first responders across the county who could not be with their families because they were serving our community on Thanksgiving,” Sanders said. “It was our way of saying thank you to the women and men who protect our community. They were so appreciative of the effort that my brother Logan and I wanted to once again be there for the people who are always there for us.”

Meals will be provided to the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office, Orleans County Sheriff’s Jail, Orleans County Sheriff’s Dispatch, New York State Police, Medina Police & Fire Department, Albion Police Department, Holley Police Department, and Mercy Ambulance for their personnel working on Thanksgiving. Meals are distributed through the kitchen at the Orleans County Jail.

“As I have often said, it is never easy for first responders to miss holidays and family events, but we all know that is the nature of the job,” said Orleans County Sheriff Christopher Bourke. “So Logan and Nate are not only providing a tremendous Thanksgiving dinner to our first responders, they are letting them know their commitment and dedication is recognized by the community.”

The brothers said they also intend to provide meals for first responders working Christmas Eve and Day.

About the businesses:

Logan’s Landscaping was started by Logan when he was 13 years old. He started mowing the neighbor’s lawn using a 3-wheeled bicycle with a homemade trailer attached to haul his lawnmower. Then he rented a storage unit at Lakewood Village to store his equipment and started mowing several more lawns at Lakewood Village. After obtaining his driver’s license Logan got an LLC for his business and started doing commercial work as well. His business has grown to approximately 500 regular customers and he is maintaining over 100 properties weekly. His business consists of several trucks, trailers, machinery and smaller equipment.

Elite Meal Prep (EMP) just celebrated its first anniversary. EMP was an idea of Nick Joy and Nate Sanders who wanted to offer healthy, affordable and high-quality meal options to patrons of Nick Joy’s gyms and other local businesses. Nick has since moved on to become a first responder and Nate is running the business on his own. Nate is currently providing anywhere from 200-500 meals a week to his customers, many of whom are first responders.

Trump should have denounced killing of journalist, instead of saying ‘things happen’

Posted 20 November 2025 at 11:36 am

Editor:

During the recent visit of Saudi leader Salman to the White House, a reporter asked Trump about the brutal murder of Washington Reporter Jamal Khashoggi in October 2018. Trump’s reply was “….things happen.”

The CIA had concluded in late 2018 that Salman had ordered the murder of Khashoggi by luring him into a trap. At the White House, Salman stated “…we are doing our best that this doesn’t happen again.”

Khashoggi was a US journalist and a U.S. citizen. Instead of outrage, we get “things happen.” It is a revealing statement by a narcissist who values self importance, and power over the welfare of US citizens whom he pledged to protect.

John Capurso

Albion High School graduate in 1960

Ashburn, Va.

Medina man faces weapons charges for possession of loaded ‘ghost’ gun

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 20 November 2025 at 11:26 am

Reginald Kendrick

MEDINA – A Medina man faces charges for criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree (loaded firearm) and in the third degree for having a weapon when previously convicted of a crime.

Reginald Kendrick, 50, of 301 Park Ave., Apartment 3, in Medina was charged after a search warrant at his residence. The warrant was issued as part of a investigation into the sale and distribution of cocaine in Medina, the Orleans County Major Felony Crime Task Force reported today.

Kendrick may face additional drug charges, pending forensic lab results, the Task Force reported.

He was convicted of selling cocaine in October 2016 and was sentenced to six months in jail and five years of probation as a first-time felon.

The search warrant on Nov. 12 was executed by the Orleans County Major Felony Crime Task Force, Orleans County Special Response Team, the Sheriff’s Office and Medina Police Department.

Law enforcement seized a loaded unbranded polymer “ghost” semi-automatic 9 mm pistol with an extended 30-round magazine, scales and other drug paraphernalia, the Task Force said today in a press release.

Kendrick was arraigned in Orleans County CAP Court and was committed to the county jail on $1,000 cash bail. He is to appear in Ridgeway Town Court on Dec. 1.

Holley has G-R volleyball All-Star

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 20 November 2025 at 10:17 am

Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Holley senior Alexis VanAmeron has been named to the Genesee Region League All-Star volleyball team. On the season she had 122 spiking kills, 131 digs, 24 blocks and 24 assists.

Caregiver respite sites now available at Albion church, Clarendon Historical Society

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 20 November 2025 at 9:36 am

ALBION/CLARENDON – The Caregiver’s Revitalize program, funded by an Exhale grant secured by United Way of Orleans County from the Ralph C. Wilson Foundation, is moving full steam ahead, with more days added to the schedule to help caregivers.

The Clarendon site is now open every Tuesday and the Albion site every Thursday.

In addition, a Christmas party will be hosted from 4 to 7 p.m. Dec. 2 at the Clarendon site. The event includes dinner, dessert and live music. There will also be live music by Ryan Klatt and door prizes. Participation is free for Orleans County caregivers and the person they care for. Space is limited and reservation are required by calling Samantha at (585) 208-4999 or Dana at (585) 209-9151.

The Caregiver Revitalize program provides a setting where both caregivers and their loved ones can get support and re-establish social connections in their community.

A caregiver is someone caring for a spouse, parent, other family member or even a friend or neighbor. Anyone who provides someone with help with medications, medical appointments, getting out of chairs or bed, showering and getting dressed, housework, shopping and preparing meals, is a caregiver.

The Caregiver’s Revitalize program offers organized activities, support and respite for caregivers with supervision for those they care for. This can give the caregiver time to run errands or just relax.

Current respite sites are from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. every Tuesday at the Clarendon Historical Society at 16426 Fourth Section Rd., Clarendon; and from 1 to 4 p.m. every Thursday at Christ Episcopal Church, 26 South Main St., Albion (use the Park Street entrance only).

Sites are closed on holidays.

Those wanting more information or wanting to volunteer should call (585) 209-9151 or (585) 208-4999 or e-mail Caregiversrevitalize@gmail.com.

Girl Scouts collecting food for pantry in Medina

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 20 November 2025 at 8:55 am

Photos courtesy of Jennifer Hughes, troop leader of Girl Scout Troop 82094

MEDINA –Girl Scout Troop 82094 from Medina has collected 591 non-perishable food items to donate to a local food pantry. The first collection of food has been delivered to The Vine Church.

The scouts also have built six food pantry boxes to be distributed in various locations in Orleans County.

“We are looking for anyone that may be interested in having a box at their location,” said Jennifer Hughes, troop leader of Girl Scout Troop 82094.

The girls are part of multi-level troop ranging from grades kindergarten to 10th grade.

The Girl Scouts are shown with two food pantry boxes. They have six that they want to place in the community.

To contact Hughes about hosting a food pantry box, email her at Jensgemsdaycare@yahoo.com.

Medina has four C North first team honorees

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 20 November 2025 at 8:47 am

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Medina’s first team C North Division honorees, from left, Frankie Stephens, Preston Woodworth and Kolton Fletcher.

Medina’s first team honoree Christian Moss has also been named C North Division Offensive Player of the Year.

Four Medina players have earned spots of the first team of the C North Division All Star squad.

The Mustangs quartet includes seniors Christian Moss (RB/DE), Kolton Fletcher (LB/RB), Frankie Stephens (OL/DL) and junior Preston Woodworth (QB/DB).

Moss, who was named C North Division Offensive Player of the Year, rushed for 1,138 yards and scored 16 touchdowns. He also caught 13 passes for 185 yards and two touchdowns. He is now the Mustangs career leader in both touchdowns (61) and yards rushing (4,350).

Fletcher rushed for 269 yards and 2 touchdowns and caught 33 passes for 582 yards and 6 touchdowns. On defense, he made 83 tackles and had 4 fumble recoveries, 2 interceptions and 1 sack.

Stephens made 42 tackles and had 1 sack and 1 fumble recovery.

Woodworth passed for 1,445 yards and 17 touchdowns and rushed for 168 yards and 4 touchdowns. On defense, he made 22 tackles and had 3 interceptions.

Medina also had four second team honorees including senior Avion Johnson (LB/TE), junior Hadrian Batista (WR/DB), sophomore Davi Mucaucah (kicker) and freshman Kendrick Russaw (RB/LB).

The Mustangs also had four Honorable Mention selections including senior Vinny Gray (WR/DB) and juniors Jayzon Wills (RB/LB), Matthew Jacobs (OL/LB) and TJ Champney (OL/DL).

Serving as judge at oratorical contest proves uplifting experience

Posted 19 November 2025 at 8:06 pm

Editor:

The Jewell-Buckman American Legion Post 529 in Holley sponsored another oratorical contest on November 18 at Kendall Central School. Five Kendall juniors took part in the competition. Each of them put together an 8-10 minute speech related to the United States Constitution.

Several people helped give these teens the opportunity to compose and deliver their sentiments.

As one of four people given the opportunity to judge the contest, I can say that listening to them was uplifting.

But the beneficial event would not have taken place had it not been for the folks at Jewell-Buckman Post 529 along with the encouragement of Kendall Central staff.

Thanks to Ron Boyd and those from the post as well as Kendall staff for pulling this off. And thanks to the students who overcame their reservations and accepted the challenge of participating.

With sincere appreciation,

Gary Kent

Albion

Kendall Class of 1962

2 from Orleans County promoted in National Guard

Staff Reports Posted 19 November 2025 at 4:50 pm

Two soldiers from Orleans County in the National Guard have recently received promotions.

Chandre Labuschagne from Medina and assigned to the NY Air National Guard Headquarters was promoted on Oct.1 to the rank of technical sergeant.

Air National Guard promotions are based on an airman’s overall performance, demonstrated leadership abilities, professionalism and future development potential.

Samantha Harvey from Holley and assigned to the Delta Company, 3rd Battalion, 126th Aviation Regiment, received a promotion on Oct. 21 to the rank of staff sergeant.

Army National Guard promotions are based on a soldier’s overall performance, demonstrated leadership abilities, professionalism and future development potential.

For more information about the New York Air National Guard or to contact a recruiter, visit https://dmna.ny.gov/ang/.

For more information about the New York Army National Guard, visit www.dmna.ny.gov.

Judge sentences 3 to incarceration in county jail

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 19 November 2025 at 12:59 pm

ALBION – Three people were sentenced to time in the Orleans County today by County Court Judge Sanford Church.

• Richard Kress, 38, of Albion was sentenced to 364 days in jail. He could have been sentenced to 1 to 3 years in state prison after pleading guilty to grand larceny in the fourth degree.

Kress and a co-defendant, Daniel Fritz III of Clarendon, are accused of taking a safe from a Clarendon home that had cash and jewelry inside. They will pay $5,000 in restitution to the victim.

Fritz pleaded guilty to attempted burglary in the third degree and faces up to 2 to 4 years in state prison.

Kress said he made some bad choices and was abusing drugs and alcohol. He said he has turned his life around. He apologized to the victim of the crime. He has already been in jail for 115 days.

• Christopher Doxley, 41, of Medina was sentenced to 364 days in the county jail for criminal mischief. He allegedly was in an argument at someone’s house and hit a car with a baseball bat.

He apologized to the court and his family. He also was fined $500 and needs to pay $250 in court fees.

• Charles Santiago, 37, of Albion was sentenced to weekends in jail over four months and five years of probation for criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree. Santiago had a loaded Taurus handgun on April 13 without a permit.

He could have faced six months in the county jail. Judge Sanford Church said the weekends in jail will allow Santiago to keep working full-time so he can support his family.

• A Medina woman is being held in the county jail while awaiting sentencing for violating her probation.

Erica Davis, 37, also faces new charges of promoting prison contraband in the first degree and criminal possession of a controlled substance for bringing cocaine into the county jail. She snuck the cocaine into the jail through her boot, District Attorney Susan Howard said

• Devon A. Robinson, 32, of Rochester pleaded guilty in court today to criminal possession of stolen property in the third degree. He admitted to having an ATV valued at more than $3,000 that he knew was stolen. The Arctic Cat ATV was taken from Hulberton Road in Holley on July 26, 2024.

Robinson, as a second-felony offender, could have faced up to seven years in prison. As part of a plea deal today he will face up t five years in prison when he is sentenced on Feb. 18.