By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 September 2025 at 12:46 pm
Photo by Tom Rivers: Firefighters and law enforcement officers responded to a U-Haul that plunged into the Erie Canal, just east of the Bennetts Corners Road canal bridge. The body of a man who drowned was recovered by the dive team from the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.
A Monroe County man has been charged with second-degree manslaughter after his passenger in U-Haul truck drowned in the Erie Canal last night.
The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office said Ryan S. Armstrong, 43, recklessly caused the death of his passenger.
Armstrong was driving the U-Haul box truck with Arizona license plate and attempted to evade law enforcement, topping 85 miles per hour.
Armstrong and his passenger were allegedly stealing items from the Walgreens on Main Street in Brockport and loading the items into the U-Haul. The passenger’s name hasn’t been publicly released yet.
Brockport Police Department and Monroe County Sheriff’s deputies both attempted to stop the U-Haul, but Armstrong refused to stop and recklessly attempted to evade law enforcement, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office stated in the felony complaint filed against Armstrong.
He was arraigned this morning by the Orleans County District Attorney’s Office and is being held in the Orleans County Jail without bail.
Armstrong also drove into a field to evade law enforcement. After successful deployment of spike strips in the area of Bennetts Corners Road, deflating the left rear tire, Armstrong kept driving at a high rate of speed, the felony complaint states.
He turned down an Erie Canal service road and turned sharply to the left, plunging the vehicle into the water at about 7:16 p.m. Armstrong and his passenger both escaped from the cab of the U-Haul. Armstrong was able to swim ashore across the canal while the passenger drowned.
The numerous reckless actions by Armstrong led to the passenger’s death, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office stated.
Armstrong was located and detained after deputies formed a perimeter on the north side of the canal between Bennetts Corners and Countyline roads. A drone picked up a heat signature to help law enforcement locate Armstrong, said Chief Deputy Michael Fowler of the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 September 2025 at 8:54 am
Photos by Tom Rivers: Mia Thom paints “2026” on the windows of a car this morning before the start of her senior year. About half of the class was treated to breakfast by parents at the Holley Firemen’s Field before they drove to school in a parade of seniors.
HOLLEY – Seniors are starting their final year at Holley Central School with much fanfare. The seniors were treated to breakfast pizza, Timbits and other snacks before the start of the school day. Then they decorated cars with “2026” messages before lining up in parade to the school parking lot.
It’s an annual tradition that goes back a decade or so. The seniors’ parents make the breakfast at the Holley Firemen’s Field. The seniors then decorate their cars and head to school for their final first day.
“It gets everyone together to start the year,” said senior Mia Thom. “It’s the beginning of the end.”
Cadence Lujan was up extra early today for the senior breakfast and the parade to school.
Chelsea Bowen drives to school with “2026” painted on her car window. She welcomed the chance to be with her friends before the start of the school day. The Holley Police Department provided an escort to start and end the parade.
Cassidy Bowen puts some window paint with a message celebrating the start of her senior year.
Many of the seniors, including Kohle Pachla (center), have their parking spaces decorated for their senior year at Holley.
The vehicles carried messages to celebrate the Class of 2026 and highlight students’ passions at Holley Central School.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 September 2025 at 9:47 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
HOLLEY – Firefighters and law enforcement officers in rescue boats search the water just east of the Bennetts Corners Road bridge in Murray this evening.
Law enforcement detained one person who fled on foot north of the canal. Another person is presumed to be drown and first responders are attempting to recover the body.
The two fled in a U-Haul truck in the chase that went from Brockport to this spot on the canal between Bennetts Corners and the Monroe-Orleans Countyline roads.
There are rescue boats from Murray, Brockport and Kendall fire companies and the marine boat from Orleans County Sheriff’s Office searching for the drowned person. The Monroe County Dive Team and an underwater drone also have been deployed.
There were also K9 teams and drones from the Orleans and Monroe County Sheriff’s Departments that searched for the person who fled the scene.
UPDATE at 6:17 a.m.: WHAM in Rochester reports the body of the passenger was recovered last night.
The two men were allegedly stealing items from the Walgreens on Main Street in Brockport and loading the items into the U-Haul. After a high-speed chase with law enforcement, the driver of the U-Haul intentionally drove the U-Haul into the canal, and then swam across the canal, WHAM reported.
The passenger was unable to swim and struggled to stay afloat and went underwater, WHAM reported. The passenger’s body was recovered by the dive team from the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.
The Sheriff’s Office will be working with Orleans County District Attorney Susan Howard on determining charges in the case, WHAM reported.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 31 August 2025 at 4:56 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
HULBERTON – A “50” display of balloons is set up at the food court at the St. Rocco’s Italian Festival in Hulberton today.
The annual event, now in its 50th year, is always the Sunday before Labor Day and features lots of Italian food.
A crowd of people enjoys Italian food, a large basket raffle, and other fun at the Italian Festival. There was also a bocce tournament and other activities.
The event is a fundraiser for the St. Mary’s Catholic Parish.
The event today included a special tribute to the immigrant quarrymen. Hulberton was home to several large quarries.
This cutout was made by Stacey Kirby. Allyson Skeehan, 22, and Karl Biedlingmaier, 22, tried the cutouts. The two have recently got engaged.
Father Mark Noonan, the parish priest, said he is pleased to see the festival grow and build on the heritage of the Italian immigrants and Saint Rocco.
Roxie’s Accordion Band from Batavia played a concert during the festival. The band include eight accordion players.
They performed in a “Legacy Tent” that also included a documentary on the quarrymen from Hulberton. Christine Zinni of Batavia prepared that video about the local Italian immigrants and the Hulberton quarries.
Sara Mendonca, left, and Rachel Maxon were busy serving eggplant parmesan and spaghetti. Volunteers had 225 meals ready.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 August 2025 at 10:18 am
Photo courtesy of Medina Fire Department: Medina is using a fire engine from the Murray Joint Fire District.
MEDINA – With two of its fire trucks out of service, the Medina Fire Department is borrowing a fire engine from the Murray Joint Fire District.
Medina’s ladder truck has been out of service since June and won’t be returning to operation. A new ladder truck is expected to be delivered in December.
Due to emergency repairs, a Medina fire engine is out of service until next week. Medina fire officials reached out to Murray about using a fire engine until Medina 11 is back in service. Murray Fire Chief Rick Cary and the Murray Joint Fire District agreed. The Murray truck will supplement fire responses with Medina’s other fire engine – Medina Engine 10.
“If you see a Murray Joint Fire District engine responding in the Village of Medina, rest assured, it is supposed to be there,” the Medina FD posted on its Facebook page. “Thank you Murray Joint Fire District.”
Cary said fire departments will sometimes share a truck while one is out of service. Murray borrowed Clarendon’s ladder truck, for example, for about a week recently while Murray’s was getting tested.
Murray won’t be paid for loaning out its fire engine from 2007. Cary said it is a truck in reserve for Murray.
“They’re an extremely busy department,” Cary said about Medina. “It’s the right thing to do.”
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 23 August 2025 at 9:11 am
Photo by Ginny Kropf: Carol Culhane holds the special poster she created for St. Rocco’s 50th annual Italian Festival, scheduled for Aug. 31. She presented it on Friday to Amy Engert, left, chair of the festival’s Legacy Tent, and Jeanne Maxon, right, who chairs the festival with her husband Chuck.
HULBERTON – St. Rocco’s Italian Fest scheduled Aug. 31 is shaping up to be one for the record books.
This will be the 50th anniversary of the event, which will not only feature the traditional Italian foods and famous bocce tournament, but will focus on the legacy of St. Rocco’s and the quarrymen who immigrated to Orleans County.
“The Local Legacies Project was the cornerstone of the Library of Congress bicentennial celebration in 2000, which was an unprecedented collaboration of the U.S. Congress, the Library and people from all walks of life, who have documented America’s cultural and historical heritage in every state, trust, territory and the District of Columbia,” said Jeanne Maxon, who chairs this year’s festival with her husband, Chuck
In honor of this special year, a Legacy Tent chaired by Amy Engert will be set up, where videographer Christine Zinni of Batavia will be available all day showing a video she created on the immigrants and quarries. Zinni, whose grandfather worked in the quarries, was involved with the original documentation for the Library of Congress.
In honor of the 50th anniversary, Jeanne Maxon contacted local artist Carol Culhane in May and asked if she could create a design to be used on commemorate ornaments, clothing and glassware.
Realizing the possibility they would not know what souvenirs would be most popular and having a lot of merchandise left over, Culhane suggested a commemorative poster. The Maxons agreed and Culhane set about designing an appropriate poster, which was backed with a grant from Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council.
“I am honored I could paint a lasting tribute to this event,” Culhane said. “My first husband’s grandfather immigrated from Italy to work here in the stone quarries, so I was familiar with their history. I knew I wanted St. Rocco to be a focal point.”
She incorporated an area in Italy famous for its wine and where many immigrants came from, quarrymen, the nine young men from Holley who died in the Vietnam War, the St. Rocco’s church, the tarantella dance and traditional Italian food.
On Friday morning, Culhane met Jeanne Maxon and Amy Engert at the Print Shop where she presented them with the posters, which will be sold at the festival.
“In essence, the St. Rocco’s Festival represents a lasting legacy of Italian heritage, community spirit and a commitment to preserving local traditions and supporting the St. Mark’s and St. Mary’s Catholic Parish,” Culhane said.
The festival on Aug. 31 will run from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the festival grounds at 3415 Hulberton Rd.
Traditional Italian foods will include eggplant parmesan, meatball subs, pizza fritta, pasta fagioli and more.
Photos by Tom Rivers: Last year’s bocce tournament had 10 teams. The goal is to be the closest to the small ball. The winning team is the first one to 16 points, and the team has to win by at least 2 points.
Events featured will be a bocce tournament, which attracts teams from across Western New York; a basket raffle, vendor booths, live entertainment and more.
St. Rocco’s Festival first began in 1976 to celebrate the American bicentennial and the reopening of St. Rocco’s Church, after being closed for 15 years. The festival soon became a community tradition.
“Although there were concerns about sale of the property by the Diocese, the festival remains a ‘labor of love’ for volunteers and a beloved homecoming event that draws many former residents back to the area each year,” Culhane said. “The festival reflects the community’s strong ties to the church and its heritage.”
Some of St. Rocco’s parishioners have been involved in the festival for all 50 years, according to Maxon.
They are now accepting pre-sale orders for pans of eggplant parmesan, meatball subs and pizzelles by e-mailing https://www.onecatholic.org/about-3.
Teams wishing to register for the bocci tournament may also do so at the above web site.
Spaghetti and eggplant parmesan dinners will be served in the dining hall, while the Italian pavilion will serve up meatball subs, eggplant parmesan, shells in meat sauce and pasta fagioli.
Offerings from the grill will include Italian sausage with peppers and onions, chicken parm sandwiches, hot dogs, hamburgers, fried ravioli and mozzarella sticks.
Joe Morlino was among many volunteers cooking food at St. Rocco’s Italian Festival in Hulberton last year on Sept. 1. The event has been a big fundraiser for the St. Mark’s and St. Mary’s Catholic Parish. Morlino has been volunteering at the festival for 20 years. He is cooking French fries, ravioli and mozzarella sticks.
Dessert options will include pizza fritta, fried dough, cannolis, Italian ice and popcorn.
In the baked food booth, pizzelles, meatball cookies, Grandma’s lemon drop cookies and more will be for sale.
The fenced-in beer tent will be open from noon to 5 p.m.
Basket and cash raffles and a silent auction will take place, with drawings starting at 4:30 p.m.
In the Boutique Booth at the entrance to the grounds t-shirts, aprons commemorative prints and homemade craft items will be for sale. Cash or checks will be needed for purchases.
A new feature this year will be Bocce for beginners and families on regulation courts six and seven. Participants are encouraged to challenge friends and neighbors to this classic Italian sport.
Roxy’s Accordion Band from Batavia will play Italian style music at 1 p.m. in the Legacy Tent.
Also in the Legacy Tent, Christine Zinni will present a program documenting Italian festivals, community traditions and musicians. The program will include local Italian-American cultural heritage throughout the region, with a special emphasis on quarrying sandstone, local families’ ancestors who came to America and preserving the legacy.
Culhane will be available in the Legacy Tent to meet and greet visitors. Her commemorative print, which she donated for this special festival, is a beautiful tribute and accurate reflection of the local Italian heritage, Maxon said.
Festival events go on, rain or shine, with activities protected from the elements in a dining hall and four tents for visitors’ comfort.
Admission is free and there is plenty of free parking, with a large handicapped section near the entrance. Shuttles will run throughout the day to avoid long walks. Pets are not allowed on the festival grounds.
Sarah Beckler competes in FrogTape Paintover Challenge
Photos courtesy of FrogTape Paintover Challenge: Sarah Beckler did this patio makeover with a Mediterranean flair. She painted a checkerboard floor and incorporated textured walls to create a Mediterranean-inspired oasis.
Press Release
Sarah Beckler of Holley is a popular DIY influencer with about 70,000 followers on Instagram.
HOLLEY – Sarah Beckler of Holley is among 10 finalists in a do-it-yourself makeover challenge.
The contest challenges participants to transform their spaces using just $1,000 and FrogTape painter’s tape for a chance to win a $5,000 cash prize and a donation to the charity of their choice. Beckler picked the ARC Glow as the recipient if she is the winner.
From now until September 3, the public can cast their vote for the People’s Choice Award for their chance to win a $1,000 sweepstakes. Additionally, the new GOAT Award – “Greatest of Advanced Tape,” will be given by the brand for the project that demonstrates top craftsmanship.
The contest started as a friendly challenge among DIY influencers and has become a decade-long celebration of colorful creativity. This year, the FrogTape Paintover Challenge is bigger, bolder and ready to crown its first-ever “GOAT.”
Now in its 10th year, the contest invites 10 popular DIY influencers to transform their spaces using just $1,000 and FrogTape painter’s tape for a chance to win up to $10,000 in prizes, aligning with the 10 year anniversary.
The winning influencer will take home a $5,000 cash prize and a $5,000 donation will be made to the charity of their choice.
“For 10 years, we’ve been inspired by the painting perfection from the top DIY influencers around the country,” said Patti LaPorte, Director of Marketing at Shurtape Technologies, LLC, which markets FrogTape brand products. “We’ve been wowed by wainscoting and stunned by stripes – year after year, the Paintover Challenge has proven that you don’t need a big budget or fancy tools for an impactful makeover – just paint, good painter’s tape and a great imagination.”
Participating DIYers shared a room makeover project they think best represents their work for a chance to win. And the submissions are as varied as the influencers and charities of choice. From linen closet glow-ups and textured stair takeovers to spare bedroom makeovers and even a patio floor flip, the influencers put their heart and soul into these projects.
“The inspiring designs and impeccable execution go beyond the paint projects,” LaPorte said. “The charitable component fuels the friendly competition as each influencer strives to donate to a non-profit organization that’s dear to them. Potential charity donations include everything from children’s mentoring programs and dog rescues to suicide prevention and cancer support groups. We’re thrilled that FrogTape can champion such inspiring projects – both in design and in truly impactful causes that make a difference.”
To see all of the 10 finalists and to vote, click here.
HOLLEY – Holley Central School District is hosting homecoming weekend on Sept. 26-27. There are two alumni games scheduled for that weekend and registration is open now for for graduates from the district before 2022.
The Alumni Soccer Game will take place on Friday, Sept. 26 at 7 p.m. at the Sander Soccer Field at The Woodlands. To register to play in the game, complete the registration form (click here).
The Alumni Flag Football Game will take place on Saturday, Sept. 27 at 4:30 p.m. at Hawk Stadium. To register to play in the game, complete the registration form (click here).
Alumni cheerleaders are also welcome to participate in both alumni games. Please contact Heather Kelley for details.
The alumni games are fundraisers for the district, benefitting Interact Club, the Eighth Grade Washington, D.C. Trip Scholarship Fund and Holley Sports Boosters. A voluntary $3 donation will be collected at the entrance from spectators. Concessions will be available. Cash only.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 August 2025 at 7:12 pm
Provided photo
MURRAY – Organizers and volunteers of the Murray Tractor Pull this afternoon presented a check for $13,000 to the Ronald McDonald House, which provides hospitality for families with children fighting a serious illness.
The Christ family and a group of volunteers have been running the tractor pull for many years on a course they built on Groth Road. The setup includes a track, concessions stand and parking. This year’s pull was on July 19 and attracted more than 1,500 spectators.
The $13,000 for the Ronald McDonald House is up from the $10,000 in 2024, and the $8,500 donated in 2023.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 August 2025 at 5:37 pm
File photo by Tom Rivers
HOLLEY – The Village of Holley will rededicate its canalway trail on Saturday. The path was originally dedicated in honor of Andrew Cuomo, who was secretary of the federal Housing and Development in 2000 when the trail opened. HUD provided a grant to help create the canal path and park.
The village will rededicate the trail as “Holley’s Erie Canal Pathway” at 11 a.m. on Saturday.
The celebration will be near the historical marker by the Murray-Holley Historical Society Depot Museum. The brief ceremony will include remarks followed by a reception on the porch of the museum.
Holley Mayor Mark Bower said the two sandstone signs will continue to bear Cuomo’s name. The signs are at each end of the path. Cuomo visited the canal park with his family not long after it opened.
The trail was dedicated for Cuomo on Aug. 9, 2000. At the time Cuomo was secretary of the federal Housing and Urban Development. In that role, he pushed through a $300 million “Canal Corridor Initiative” for canal communities to upgrade public spaces and also assist some businesses.
Holley used nearly $1 million to develop the canal trail and a canal park that also includes a gazebo, docks, a paved path, public bathrooms with showers, a playground, pond and other amenities.
Bower said the canal projects have proven to be a big draw for the village, bringing in visitors while also being frequently used by local residents.
“It’s becoming bigger all the time,” Bower said about the village’s canal amenities.
Holley also will soon add a new playground along the canal path this fall, and a new kayak launch next year.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 19 July 2025 at 10:35 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
MURRAY – Don Telaak, representing Telaak Farms in Little Valley, drive his Go Rilla in the modified tractor division at today’s Murray Tractor Pull.
The event is part of the series for the Empire State Pullers, which has 18 pulling events this year in a season that started June 14 in Dansville and ends Sept. 13 in New Haven, Vermont.
About 1,500 people attended the tractor pull on Groth Road. The Christ family created the pulling track and facility about 30 years ago.
Proceeds from the event will be donated to the Ronald McDonald House. The Murray Tractor Pull raised $8,500 for the Ronald McDonald House in 2023 and $10,000 last year.
Lee Bement of Pitcher, NY competes with “New Yorker” in the modified class. His tractor is turbine powered and hits 13,000 RPMs.
Sharon Everman of Dansville comes off the track with “Wild Hare.” She competes in the modified class and recorded a pull of 290 feet, 1 inch.
Scott Christ is shown in the concession stands today. He and his family and other volunteers worked on the track, stands and concessions the past month to et ready for today’s event.
Christ said the weather was perfect, not too hot or chilly which kept a big crowd watching the action for several hours.
Scott and his son Travis both compete in the Super Farm Class.
Lloyd Christ, Scott’s father and Travis’s grandfather, is at the starting line in the Heavy Super Stock category. Christ named his tractor, “It’s Only Money.”
The monster-size tractors and semi trucks need to pull a 40,000-pound sled down a track that is 320 feet long.
Christ was able to get the tractor to budge despite all the dark smoke that was emitted. He just got a new pump today. He expects to be back in action the next tractor pull.
Lloyd Christ has been a mainstay with the Empire State Pullers for many years. He and his family are heavily involved in the sport and are happy to host an event at the home track.
Thomas Foster of Clarendon went to the tractor pull with his grandmother Juanita Harling and his great-uncle Larry Kennedy. Foster said he has been going the tractor pulls for 30 years.
“It’s the power, the smoke and the thrill,” he said.
A pickup truck named “Snow White” bears down and gets ready to pull the sled. It won the unlimited truck event by going 307 feet down the track.
Kevin Zimmerman and his truck made it 273 feet down the track pulling the heavy sled.
Noah Austin of Alpine, NY competes in the truck-pulling competition.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 July 2025 at 11:33 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
HOLLEY – These cyclists cross the lift bridge in Holley this morning as part of a 62-mile ride today from Medina to Fairport.
The Cycle the Erie Canal journey started Sunday in Buffalo and the cyclists made it to Medina, where they camped in tents. The entire ride will be about 400 miles ending in Albany on July 20.
This cyclist get her picture taken on the Holley boardwalk with a banner noting it’s the Erie Canal’s bicentennial this year.
Tom Henker of Goshen watches the lift bridge in Holley go up when a boater passed through. This is Henker’s fourth time cycling the Erie Canal and the first time seeing a lift bridge in action.
“I’ve never seen it go up or down,” he said. “It’s cool.”
These two cyclists approach Hulberton on the ride this morning.
These cyclists ride along the towpath as the get close to the lift bridge in Holley.
The cyclists had lots of beverages and snacks in Holley near the gazebo. Holley is an official rest stop for the cyclists.
John and Wendy Kenney greet Orly the Ox, the county’s bicentennial mascot, at Holley’s official rest stop where the 600 cyclists can get water, Gatorade, coffee, pastries and fruit.
Mr. Kenney, the former mayor of Holley, has volunteered at the stop for 27 years. His wife has helped out the past 20 years.
“You get to meet people from all over the country and world,” she said.
Mr. Kenney said he touts the assets in the Holley community and encourages the cyclists to come back.
The Albion Merchants Association also had water and fruit snacks ready for the cyclists this morning. Albion is an unofficial stop providing refreshments for the cyclists.
Mark Olsen gets his picture taken with Santa in Albion. Santa was there to promote Albion’s role as home of a Santa School from 1937 to 1966.
Olsen recently moved from Portland, Oregon to Millerton in Dutchess County. He said the bike ride adventure was off to a good start the first two days.
“The trails are well marked and the food is fantastic,” he said.
These three siblings grew up in Medina near the canal. They are riding the towpath together for the 8-day ride along the canal. From left include Bronwyn Green, Billy Balcerzak and Brandi Zavitz. Green has done the ride twice before while this is the first time for her brother and sister.
Wise Intermediate School in Medina hosted the cyclists last night and a tent city was created on the school grounds. The cyclists headed east this morning through the rest of Orleans County with the end point today in Fairport.
A cyclists crosses the lift bridge in Holley to go to the rest area.
These cyclists were happy to take a break in Holley on today’s ride.
The cyclists are out in the country on the towpath after passing the Densmore Road bridge in Albion with the Transit Road bridge in the distance.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 July 2025 at 9:05 am
Provided photos: Lorraine Pera is shown last week celebrating her 100th birthday which is today. Pera is also shown greeting her life-long friend, Pauline Stazie, who is 99 and will be 100 in January.
HOLLEY – A Holley woman turns 100 today. Lorraine Pera is well known in the community. She lives in the village and regularly drives, goes shopping, attends Mass, socializes with friends and family and is part of community events.
“I’m amazed every time I’m in her presence,” Holley Mayor Mark Bower said in a message today on the village’s Facebook page.
Lorraine LeStorti Pera is Bower’s aunt. She was born on State Street in Holley and had an identical twin, Edna Ruggeri, who passed away three years ago.
Pera graduated with Holley’s Class of 1943 and went on to work 25 years at Kodak.
She is a proud mother to her son Don, a retired teacher at Holley. Pera has two grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Bower issued a mayoral proclamation in honor of Pera’s 100th birthday. She also received a proclamation from State Sen. Rob Ortt and a greeting from Gov. Kathy Hochul.
“I hope you have the chance to celebrate this extraordinary milestone with good friends and family,” Hochul said in her letter. “You are an inspiration to us all and your wisdom continues to make you a living treasure to everyone fortunate enough to know you. As you look back on a century of memories and experiences, I send my best wishes for a wonderful celebration and continued happiness.”
Holley, in cooperation with the towns of Murray and Clarendon, has recognized residents who are 90 or older. The next celebration for those residents is being planned for Setember 2026.
“Let’s always celebrate, honor and respect our most elder residents, family members and friends,” Bower said.
Lorraine Pera is shown with her family during a party in her honor. From right to left include her son, Don Pera; daughter-in-law, Liz Pera; great-granddaughter, Leah Prior; granddaughter, Karyn Prior; Lorraine Pera; great-grandson, Caleb Prior; grandson, Jeffrey Pera; grandson-in-law, Eric Paskowski; great-grandson, Eli Prior; and grandson-in-law, Steve Prior.
Photos and information courtesy of Murray Joint Fire District
MURRAY – A three-alarm fire badly damaged a multi-family house at 17131 Gulf Rd. Firefighters were dispatched to the scene at about 3 a.m.
“Thankfully, no injuries have been reported but several families have been displaced and experienced significant loss,” the Murray Joint Fire District stated on its Facebook page. “Our thoughts are with them during this incredibly difficult time.”
Several other agencies provided mutual aid to Murray firefighters including, Clarendon, Kendall, Brockport, Albion, Spencerport, Hamlin, Shelby, Bergen, Medina, Barre, Carlton, Mercy EMS, Orleans County fire coordinators and fire investigation team, Village of Holley Police Department, Orleans County Sheriff’s Office (road patrol, investigations and 911 center), Town of Murray code enforcement and the water department.
“We are incredibly grateful for the brave firefighters who arrived on the scene swiftly and worked tirelessly to keep everyone safe,” The Murray Joint Fire District stated. “The blaze was contained and extinguished before more damage could be done.”
The following departments were on standby to protect Orleans County while the fire companies responded at the scene: Hilton Fire Department, Ridge Road Fire District, Town of Batavia Fire Department and Middleport Fire Department.
“This was a true team effort that shows the strength of mutual aid, coordination and public service in our region,” the Murray Joint Fire District said. “To those affected by the fire, please know that your community stands behind you as your recovery begins.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 29 June 2025 at 8:10 am
‘Dreams require action. They need effort, persistence, and sometimes, a little bit of failure along the way.’
Photos by Tom Rivers
HOLLEY – Neeko Caterisano pops confetti at the end of the Holley’s commencement on Saturday in the school auditorium.
Holley’s Class of 2025 includes 67 graduates.
The class gathered on the football field to toss their caps after the graduation ceremony.
Isabella Emery and Jose-Angel Modesto Valentin, co-vice presidents for the Class of 2025, announce the class gift – $1,300 to both the Holley Community Center and Foodlink. The class wants to help the community center with “their outstanding service and outreach,” Valentin said.
Foodlink also is an important resource in the region and community for fighting food insecurity, Emery said.
“We have been taught here in Holley to not only be good citizens but to also reach out to the bigger community,” she said. “Thank you to the faculty and staff for showing us how important it is to give back.”
The Salutatory address was given by Natalie Foose, left, and the Valedictory address was delivered by Allison Merle.
Both thanked their families, friends and teachers for their support during their time as a Holley student.
“There are so many more opportunities out there waiting for us. Don’t waste them,” Merle said. “Take the opportunities that come your way and make them the best you can because you may never get the chance to do certain things again.”
Foose said commencement “is the peak of hard work, dedication and perseverance, and it is proof to the strength and resilience of each and every one of us.”
She said some of her classmates have clear plans on what’s next in their lives, while others aren’t so sure.
“I do not know why 17- and 18-year-olds must have their lives planned,” Foose said. “But as we embark on this new journey, let’s remember to embrace the chaos and hold on to your dreams and pursue them with passion and purpose.”
Penny Cole was picked by seniors to be their commencement speaker. Cole retired in 2023/24 as secretary for the MS/HS counseling office and as the cheer coach. Cole graduated from Holley High School in 1975.
Penny Cole delivers the keynote address on Saturday. She was picked by the class to be the speaker.
Penny Cole is a member of Holley’s Class of 1975, the last class to graduate from the old Holley High School. Every time she goes by the old school, the memories come flooding back of friendships and she feels pride being a Holley hawk, she told the class.
Cole worked at school district for 35 years as administrative assistant. She was the cheerleading coach for 35 years and won 3 sectional titles and 19 Genesee Region championships.
She is a mom to three children and a grandma to four. In the school building she served as “everyone’s mom” who was always ready with a hug, said Board of Education member Anne Winkley.
Cole recalled sitting at commencement 50 years earlier, wondering what her future would hold.
“I want to tell you a little secret: that girl sitting in the chair 50 years ago, full of excitement and wonder about the future, she made it,” Cole said. “And she didn’t make it alone. She made it with the help of lessons she learned, the friends she made, the teachers who cared, and the community that supported her. Every time she passes the old school, all those memories come rushing back. She loves that school. And she hopes you’ll feel the same about your time here – that you’ll always look back with pride on the friendships, the experiences, and the growth that you’ve achieved.”
Cole shared advice with the graduates: “Life isn’t easy. But here’s the thing: If you work hard, if you give it your absolute best, and if you never stop learning, you will find that the lessons along the way will serve as your most valuable guide.”
She told the students they are now Holley alumni, and will carry that connection for the rest of their lives.
“Now is the time to turn that energy into action,” she said. “Here’s where your lives begin to change in ways you may not even realize yet. When you walk out of this auditorium today, you will be alumni, representing this community, carrying its legacy wherever you go.”
Their journeys and the pursuit of their goals won’t happen without some challenges and hard work.
“Dreams require action,” Cole said. “They need effort, persistence, and sometimes, a little bit of failure along the way.”
Owen Schultz and Maggie Skehan, co-presidents for the Class of 2025, welcome everyone to the commencement program.
Donovan Hendrick-Hayes is excited to be getting his diploma.
Thomas Brozek stands to be recognized as one of the award winners from the VFW for displaying the qualities of good citizenship and patriotism.
Frances Caraballo-Vazquez is recognized as one of the winners of an award in memory of Keith and Jean Kernan, which goes to a graduating senior “who freely and consistently offers a hug to the hurting, word of encouragement to the discouraged, and who readily welcomes all into their unconditional circle of friendship.”
Tracy Van Ameron, a Board of Education member, hugs Kylee Dann. The BOE members greeted all of the graduates.
Vincent Golisano is congratulated by board member Stephanie Merkley.
MacKenzie Fiorito smiles as she moves her tassel to signify her graduation. She is next to Kaiden Feis, left.
Rebecca Scharping receives her diploma and smiles for a photo with Principal Matt Feldman.
