Police say Timothy Ausman Jr. was highly intoxicated while driving on sidewalks, road shoulders

Press Release, Albion Police Chief David Mogle

Timothy Ausman Jr.

ALBION – The Albion Police Department reports the arrest of Timothy Ausman Jr. following multiple incidents throughout the Village of Albion on May 18, culminating in a vehicle pursuit and collisions involving patrol vehicles.

At approximately 7:14 a.m. on May 18, Albion Police Officers responded to Crosby’s North regarding a reported larceny involving four alcoholic beverages. Timothy Ausman Jr., 56, was subsequently arrested in connection with that incident and released on an appearance ticket per NYS Bail Reform. Officers observed Ausman to be visibly intoxicated at the time, displaying impaired motor skills, slurred speech, glossy eyes, and the odor of an alcoholic beverage.

At approximately 10:04 a.m., officers were again dispatched to 301 Hamilton St. for reports of a male banging on doors and harassing residents for money. Officers identified the individual as Ausman. During this interaction, officers observed that Ausman appeared significantly more intoxicated than during the earlier incident. He was then instructed to return home.

Shortly thereafter, officers observed Ausman enter and operate a red Chevrolet Trailblazer. When officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop, Ausman failed to comply and fled from officers through portions of the Village of Albion. Officers initiated a pursuit with emergency lights and sirens activated.

During the pursuit, Ausman allegedly failed to stop at multiple stop signs, drove on road shoulders and sidewalks, operated recklessly through residential neighborhoods, and repeatedly refused commands to stop his vehicle. Officers attempted multiple controlled tactics to slow and stop the vehicle due to concerns for public safety and the belief that he was highly intoxicated driving near residential areas and public parks.

The pursuit concluded on South Clinton Street after Ausman allegedly struck a patrol vehicle and lost control while entering a residential property. Officers then took Ausman into custody without further incident. During the arrest, officers recovered an open alcoholic beverage container from inside the vehicle.

Following the arrest, officers administered Standardized Field Sobriety Tests, during which Ausman displayed multiple indicators of intoxication. Ausman refused to submit to a Chemical Breath Test after being advised of the consequences of refusal.

No civilians were injured during the incident. Two Albion Police Department patrol vehicles sustained extensive damage, with one vehicle requiring towing from the scene. Ausman was then transported to the Orleans County Jail for arraignment pursuant to NYS Bail Reform.

Timothy Ausman Jr. has been charged with the following offenses:

• Criminal Mischief in the Second Degree (Class D Felony)
• Aggravated Unlicensed Operation in the First Degree (Class E Felony)
• Unlawful Fleeing a Police Officer in a Motor Vehicle in the Third Degree (Class A Misdemeanor)
• Obstructing Governmental Administration in the Second Degree (Class A Misdemeanor)
• Reckless Endangerment in the Second Degree (Class A Misdemeanor)
• Driving While Intoxicated – First Offense (Misdemeanor)
• Reckless Driving (Misdemeanor)
• Failure to Yield Right of Way to an Emergency Vehicle (Traffic Infraction)
• Moving From Lane Unsafely (Traffic Infraction)
• Operating a Motor Vehicle by an Unlicensed Driver (Traffic Infraction)
• Operating a Motor Vehicle Without Insurance (Traffic Infraction)
• Operating a Motor Vehicle Without a Valid Inspection Certificate (Traffic Infraction)
• Driving on or Across a Sidewalk (Traffic Infraction)
• Speed in Zone Violation (Traffic Infraction)
• Drinking Alcohol or Using Cannabis in a Motor Vehicle on a Highway (Traffic Infraction)
• Failure to Stop at a Stop Sign (2 counts) (Traffic Infraction)
• Unsafe Turn / Failure to Signal (2 counts) (Traffic Infraction)
• Failure to Keep Right (Traffic Infraction)
• Failure to Wear Seatbelt (Traffic Infraction)

The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office assisted at the scene, including accident investigation and aerial drone photography documentation. This incident remains under investigation.

Anyone with additional information related to this incident is encouraged to contact the Albion Police Department.

Photos courtesy of NYS Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services: Mackenzie Rider-Work of the Medina Fire Department is shown at Academy of Fire Science in Montour Falls.

A Medina firefighter is among the 25 graduates of the latest class at the Academy of Fire Science in Montour Falls.

Mackenzie Rider-Work of the Medina FD completed a 15-week residential program that provides extensive fire service training in an environment like a full-time fire department. Upon graduation, all the recruits will serve as career firefighters in their respective fire departments. There are firefighters from 14 departments in the latest class.

“Congratulations to the graduates of the 93rd Recruit Firefighter training class,” said Terry O’Leary, acting commissioner of the NYS Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services. “Firefighters across New York put their lives on the line every day to keep their communities safe. Today, these men and women join the ranks of the thousands of brave and dedicated individuals who protect their communities — we wish them well as they begin their careers and thank them for their service.”

During the 15-week program, recruits participate in more than 600 hours of training in both classroom and practical settings. Classes focus on areas such as structural, vehicle and flammable liquid firefighting, emergency vehicle operations, hazardous material emergency incident and basic rescue technician operations, according to a press release from NYS Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services.

Recruits also participate in daily physical fitness training in preparation for the Candidate Physical Ability Test. Upon completion, graduates will have received national certification from the National Board of Fire Service Professional Qualifications in Firefighter I, Firefighter II, and Hazardous Materials Operations.

Today’s graduates received training in areas such as operating aerial devices; traffic incident management to keep firefighters safe on roadways; health and safety; firefighter rescue; hazardous materials response, and technical rescue. During the training program, students use iPads and physical books to provide them with greater access and flexibility to testing, as well as study materials.

The graduates represented the following departments: Brighton, Cortland, DeWitt, Dunkirk, Elmira, Fairview, Fredonia, Hornell, Ithaca, Lackawanna, Lockport, Medina, Middletown and Oswego.

Provided photos

CLARENDON – Boy Scout Troop 59 in Clarendon placed about 600 American flags at the graves of veterans at Hillside Cemetery on Wednesday evening.

Pictured at top: (Left) James Shaw places a flag at a veteran’s grave at Hillside Cemetery. (Center) Tyler Moore has several flags to place at the gravesites of veterans. (Right) Ken Shaw joined in the effort of placing flags to honor veterans with Memorial Day coming up on Monday.

From left include Scott Galliford, American Legion; Dave Arnold, former Cub Scout leader and Navy veteran; James Shaw, scout; Tyler Moore, scout; Randy Moore, scoutmaster; and Ken Shaw, committee chairman. Logan Lane (not pictured) also was part of the effort.

Robbie Weit took this photo of a deer. This image was the November cover in Orleans County’s 2026 calendar put together by the county tourism department.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is reporting hunters harvested 227,032 white-tailed deer during the 2025-26 hunting seasons, 2 percent more than the 2024 season and within 1 percent of the 5-year average.

The DEC recorded 4,494 deer taken in Orleans County in 2025, including 1,911 adult male, 232 male fawn, 2,087 adult female, and 264 female fawn.

The DEC documented widespread adoption of crossbows following an amendment to the Environmental Conservation Law in 2025 that allowed deer hunters to use a crossbow in the same seasons, places, and manner as a vertical bow.

In 2025, crossbows accounted for 55% of the total archery season deer harvest. For comparison, in 2024, crossbows accounted for 33% of the total archery harvest, the DEC reported.

“It is clear that deer hunters took advantage of expanded crossbow hunting opportunities this past season,” said DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton. “We are pleased that more hunters can participate in New York’s archery deer seasons and contribute to effective deer management into the future. The results from this past season continue to demonstrate that New York has much to offer for deer hunters.”

NYS calculated deer take in recent year:

• 2025 – 227,032
• 2024 – 223,304
• 2023 – 209,781
• 2022 – 231,961
• 2021 – 211,269
• 2020 – 253,990
• 2019 – 224,190

The biggest year in recorded history is 2002 with 308,216 deer harvested.

Other highlights from the 2025 report include:

• The 2025 antlered buck harvest of 120,909 was 1% less than 2024, but finally passed a landmark in buck age structure. For the first time in modern history, New York hunters harvested as many 3.5-year-old or older bucks (28.1%) as yearling bucks (28.0%). For comparison, 25 years ago only 10% of harvested bucks in New York were 3.5 years old or older and 67% were 1.5 years old.
• The 2025 antlerless deer harvest of 106,123 was up 5% from 2024. However, antlerless deer harvest throughout much of New York was still below what is necessary to achieve deer population objectives, the DEC said.
• No wild deer tested positive out of 3,050 tests for Chronic Wasting Disease, as efforts continue to “Keep NY’s wild deer CWD-free.”
• 530,808: The number of licensed NY hunters during the 2025 deer hunting seasons, an estimated 85% of whom actively participated in deer hunting.
• 11%: The estimated percentage of hunters who used the newly-offered E-tags for all of their 2025 deer hunting. An additional 19% of hunters used a combination of E-tags and paper tags throughout the hunting seasons.
• 63%: The portion of successful deer hunters reporting their harvest as required by law. This is well above the five-year average of 49%.
• 2,567: The estimated deer harvest by 12–15-year-old hunters during the Youth Firearms Season.

Robyn Ottaviano sent in this photo of the “Pretty in Pink!” sunset from Wednesday evening in Medina. She stunning sunset is reflected in the Erie Canal.

The forecast for the next few days includes a high of 57 today, when it’s mostly cloudy and then becoming sunny.

Friday it will be partly sunny with a high near 62, followed by rain on Saturday with a high near 60.

Sunday there are likely showers with a high near 72 followed by a cloudy Memorial Day on Monday with a high near 73.

Debbie Taylor took this photo of the sunset in East Shelby, or “God’s country.”

LYNDONVILLE – The Lyndonville Board of Education has scheduled a special meeting for 6 p.m. on Friday to discuss the next steps after the district’s proposed budget was defeated in a public vote on Tuesday.

The meeting on Friday will be in Jr./Sr. High School Library.

The district’s proposed $19,194,000 budget was voted down with 172 opposed and 129 votes in favor.

The budget would have increased spending by 9.8 percent or by $1,719,670  from the $17,474,330 in 2025-26. The tax levy in the proposed budget would increase by 2.5 percent from $4,758,692 to $4,877,659.

A contingency budget would mean reducing spending by another $266,495 to get the budget to $18,927,505.

Provided photo: from left, Foster Parent of the Year Michelle Lewis and DSS staff members Lianna Sheffer and Lizzy Boring.

Press Release, Orleans County Department of Social Services

ALBION – As part of Foster Care Awareness Month, the Orleans County Department of Social Services held its annual Foster Parent Appreciation Dinner on Monday night at Dubby’s Tailgate in Albion to recognize the individuals and families who provide safe, supportive, and nurturing homes for children in need.

The evening was coordinated through the efforts of the department’s Homefinder, Elizabeth “Lizzy” Boring, and Foster Care/Preventive Supervisor, Lianna Sheffer, whose work helped create a meaningful opportunity to celebrate and thank local foster families.

During the evening, Michelle and Cory Lewis were honored with the Foster Parents of the Year Award in recognition of their dedication, compassion, and commitment to children and families.

“Their willingness to open their home and heart reflects the important role foster parents play in the lives of children experiencing difficult circumstances,” said Dr. Cyndi Stumer, Deputy Commissioner of Orleans County DSS.

While the evening was a celebration of those already serving as foster parents, it also highlighted an important community need. Orleans County, like many communities across the state and country, continues to experience a shortage of foster homes.

“Foster care is about much more than providing a place for a child to stay — it is about providing safety, stability, support, and hope,” said Stumer. “Our foster parents step forward during some of the most difficult moments in a child’s life, and we are incredibly grateful for them. As we recognize Foster Care Awareness Month, we also encourage members of our community to consider whether fostering may be right for them. One caring home can make a lasting difference.”

The Orleans County Department of Social Services said it extends its appreciation to all foster families and staff who work together to support children and strengthen families throughout our community.

For those interested in learning more about becoming a foster parent, please contact Lizzy at 585-589-3161 or visit the county website to fill out the Foster Care Inquiry Form (click here).

Bradley Pierce of Albion, Colton Smith  and Camdeon Wittcop-Howes of Lyndonville earn associate’s degrees before high school graduation

Press Release, Genesee Community College

BATAVIA – On May 16, Genesee Community College celebrated its 58th annual commencement ceremony with a group of seven students from area high schools deserving special mention.

They completed their GCC degree requirements concurrently with their high school diplomas or New York State High School Equivalency. These graduates participated in the eighth annual cohort of the Excel Program (formerly Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Enrichment Program) through GCC’s Accelerated College Enrollment (ACE) Office.

These high-achieving individuals include the following: Peyton Hudson (Perry), Evelyn LaWall (Warsaw), Bradley Pierce (Albion), Gemma Reinhard (Greece Athena), Colton Smith (Lyndonville), Hunter Tobolski (Oakfield) and Camdeon Wittcop-Howes (Lyndonville).

The Excel program began in 2012 allowing the students to start their college studies as early as the seventh grade. In addition to their traditional schoolwork, they enrolled in college level coursework each year taking advantage of many academic opportunities and successfully completing all of the rigorous challenges of an associate degree.

“We are incredibly proud of these outstanding students who have achieved the remarkable milestone of earning both their high school diplomas and GCC degrees. Their dedication, perseverance, and commitment to academic excellence reflect the transformative impact of early college opportunities and serve as an inspiration to future students pursuing their educational goals,” said Ann Valento, director of Accelerated College Enrollment programs at Genesee Community College.

Kaitlyn Harloff, Excel program coordinator at Genesee Community College, added, “These students have demonstrated an exceptional ability to thrive in a rigorous academic environment while balancing the demands of high school and college coursework. Their success highlights the strength of the Excel Enrichment Program and the dedication of our faculty and staff who support students every step of the way.”

Genesee Community College’s 58th annual Commencement Ceremony was held at the Richard C. Call Arena on GCC’s Batavia Campus. To view the ceremony, click here.

(Left) The current sign for Butts Park at 1127 South Main St. is a wooden sign. (Right) The new sign will have a metal exterior with a portrait of John Butts, a recipient of the Medal of Honor for bravery during World War II.

MEDINA – There will soon be a new sign along South Main Street for Butts Park.

The new sign will go over the current wooden sign. The new one will have a metal exterior and will include a portrait of Lt. John Butts, who was awarded the Medal of Honor for bravery during World War II.

Butts was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for “courage, unflinching valor and inspiring actions” in Normandy, France on June 23, 1944.

The new sign will be made by The Print Shop and it is being funded by Rick Drilling. Chris Busch, chairman of the Orleans Renaissance Group, shepherded the project.

The Medina Village Board approved the new sign on Monday during its board meeting.

“That will be lovely,” Mayor Debbie Padoleski said about the new sign. “Thank you to Rick Drilling for that.”

Butts is one of five Medal of Honor recipients from Orleans County and the only one to be awarded it posthumously.

Butts was a Boy Scout and played right guard for the Medina High School football team before enlisting with the New York National Guard on Oct. 12, 1939.

Former Orleans County Historian Matthew Ballard researched the Medal of Honor recipients from Orleans County. He shared the following details in a previous column when he was historian:

When Company F of the 108th Infantry was federalized, Butts was 17 years old and lied about his age in order to join. He was sent to Hawaii in the months following the attack at Pearl Harbor and later returned to the mainland in November of 1942 to enroll in the Officer Candidate School at Ft. Benning, Georgia. Butts graduated from the school, commissioned as a Second Lieutenant at the age of 19; he was believed to be the youngest commissioned officer in the U.S. Army Ground Forces at that time.

His service overseas began in North Africa with the invasion of French Morocco as part of Operation Torch, where the 60th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Battalion encountered heavy resistance from German forces at an ancient fortress called “the Kasba.” The 9th Infantry Division earned its first Presidential Unit Citation during the Battle of Sedjenane when the unit repulsed a four-pronged attack from two German infantry battalions. Butts was then sent to participate in the invasion of Sicily, landing at Palermo on August 5, 1943 and remaining on the ground there until November of 1943.

After seven months of training at Winchester, England in preparation for the Allied invasion of mainland Europe, the 60th Infantry Regiment landed at Utah Beach just five days after the D-Day landing. Butts was placed in command of four squads in Easy Company of the 60th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Battalion, 9th Infantry Division charged with driving towards St. Colombe, France.

On June 12, 1944, 2nd Battalion progressed so quickly towards their objective that the remainder of 9th Division thought the 60th Infantry was lost. In fact, 2nd Battalion had pushed forward through heavy German resistance and established a bridgehead at the Douve River. Butts was wounded twice, first near Orglandes on June 14th and then at the Douve River just two days later; he refused medical treatment on both occasions in order to remain with his men.

On June 23, 1944, the 60th Infantry led the 9th Division’s advance from the Cotentin Peninsula as part of the breakout from St. Lo. While moving towards Flottemanville-Hague, Butts and his men encountered a German stronghold atop a hill, well defended with tanks, machine guns, and mortars. Butts was struck in the stomach by machine gun fire while progressing towards the objective. Pulling himself into the shelter of a nearby hedgerow, he planned a flanking maneuver with his Sergeants.

One squad was to progress up the left flank, another up the right flank, and the third was to remain in reserve. Holding one hand over his midsection and the other grasping his carbine, Butts charged the hill alone. The might of the entire German stronghold fell upon him directly, Butts falling approximately 10 yards from his objective. The distraction allowed the two flanking squads to outmaneuver the Germans while the third squad hit the hill head-on.

Awarded on July 19, 1945 by President Harry Truman, John Butts’ Medal of Honor citation references the two painful wounds he received in the days leading up to the deadly assault on June 23, 1944. His citation concluded by stating, “By his superb courage, unflinching valor and inspiring actions, 2d Lt. Butts enabled his platoon to take a formidable strong point and contributed greatly to the success of his battalion’s mission.” His brother, Charles, who visited John’s body wrote home to their parents, “John’s life reached a glorious end. It terminated exactly as John hoped it would – while performing magnificently in the face of the enemy…in an effort to relieve pressure on his men and buddies.”

The body of John Butts was interred at the U.S. Cemetery at Ste-Mere-Eglise on June 25, 1944. On April 8, 1948, his body was disinterred and sent home for burial at Medina. His body arrived in Buffalo on July 7, 1948 at the Connecticut Street Armory along with the remains of two other Medal of Honor recipients, Pfc. William Grabiarz and Pfc. Charles DeGlopper. He was buried in the family plot at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Medina.

Photos by Tom Rivers: Albion student artwork was displayed in Hoag Library today during the school district’s annual budget vote. The library serves as the polling location for the annual vote.

LYNDONVILLE – The school district’s proposed $19,194,000 budget was voted down today with 172 opposed and 129 votes in favor.

The budget would have increased spending by 9.8 percent or by $1,719,670  from the $17,474,330 in 2025-26. The tax levy would increase by 2.5 percent from $4,758,692 to $4,877,659.

A contingency budget would mean reducing spending by another $266,495 to get the budget to $18,927,505.

The other propositions passed.

• Purchase one standard 64 passenger bus through Transportation Vehicle Reserve funds at a maximum of $192,000 – 170 yes, 129 no.

• Funding for Yates Community Library at $153,345 (up from the current $146,722) – 159 yes, 140 no.

• Board of Education – Dana Goetze was the lone candidate and was elected to a three-year term.

The district-wide art show at Albion featured students’ works from elementary, middle and high schools.

ALBION – The $45,615,036 budget passed by a vote of 264 yes, 71 no. The tax levy will stay at $8,449,039, which is $359,906 under the district’s tax cap.

• Proposition two to allow spending $1.5 million for buses – 268 yes, 70 no.

• Proposition three allows the district to collect $687,760 for Hoag Library – 266 yes, 69 no.

There are also three candidates for three seats on the Board of Education. The two candidates with the most votes get five-year terms while the candidate with the third most votes gets a one-year term.

Kaitlyn Panek and Jaime Allport were elected to five-year terms and Michelle Waters was elected to a one-year term beginning July 1.

HOLLEY – The school district’s proposed $32,687,000 budget passed, 253 yes, 191 no.

The budget increases spending by 6.2 percent and will raise taxes by 2.5 percent. The budget maintains all existing programs.

• Proposition 2 authorizes replacement of school buses – one large and one small with a wheelchair lift ($374,000). It passed 256 yes, 186 no.

• Proposition 3 allows district to collect $217,703 for the Community Free Library. It passed 288 yes, 154 no.

• Proposition 4 authorizes the purchase of a vacant lot adjacent to Woodlands soccer field for $12,500. It passed 229 yes, 210 no.

• Proposition 5 authorizes the establishment of a Capital Improvements Reserve Fund that will not exceed $10 million. It passed 253 yes, 180 no.

There are also three candidates seeking three seats on the Board of Education. The two candidates with the most votes get three-year terms while the one with the third most votes gets a one-year term. The three-year terms begin July 1, while the shorter term starts May 20 because it’s filling a vacancy.

Janet Klossner, 282 votes, and Eric DiLella, 279 votes receive 3-year terms, while Cecelia Pacheco Stevens, 234 votes, was elected to a 1-year term.

KENDALL – The school district proposed $23,469,328 budget passed, 144 yes, 79 no. The budget will increase taxes by 3.15 percent – from $5,162,224 to $5,324,835.

• A proposition to use up to $390,000 from the vehicle capital reserve fund to purchase vehicles in the transportation program for the district, including passenger buses. It passed, 152 yes, 67 no.

There are also two candidates for one five-year term on the Board of Education: Christa Bowling was elected with 163 votes, while David Warren received 58.

MEDINA – Voters approved a $47,998,851 proposed budget for the 2026-27 school year, 237 yes, 92 no.

The budget increases spending by 2.89 percent. The tax levy would increase by 1.97 percent – from $9,170,809 to $9,351,474. The budget is again under the tax cap – for the 17th straight year.

There were three candidates for three open seats on the Board of Education. LuAnn Tierney, Steven Blount and Mackenzie Sullivan all were elected to three-year terms on the BOE.

MEDINA – Signs recently went up on Ohio Street saying “No Parking” and that’s for both sides of the street.

The Village Board on Nov. 24 approved no parking on the street after a resident said people parking on the street often trapped him in his driveway and made it difficult to see and maneuver traffic. The parking restriction was added for 525 feet of the street between Park Avenue and West Center Street.

But at Monday’s meeting, other residents said they didn’t know the no parking regulation was even being considered, or they would have spoken out at the public hearing.

Patricia Stacey said not allowing parking will force many older people who may have mobility issues to park on other streets and then walk to Ohio Street. Stacey said the sidewalks are in rough shape in parts of the area.

Stacey doesn’t have a garage or a double driveway so shifting around cars for her family will be a “nuisance” if they can’t park one briefly on the street.

“This is not New York City,” she said. “It’s Medina.”

Two other residents said the parking ban makes it difficult for them if they need to shuffle cars in their driveway and can’t park on the street.

Jessica Whitehair also submitted a petition to allow on-street parking on Ohio Street.

“This situation is particularly difficult for those living in apartments and households with limited driveway space,” she wrote in her petition. “The lack of street parking impacts the quality of life for many residents. Without easy access to parking, families may struggle with bringing groceries, lawn care, managing daily errands, or hosting social gatherings. The lack of street parking also compromises the safety of children as they are getting to and from vehicles and homes. Elderly and mobility-impaired residents are especially disadvantaged, as they might find it more difficult to walk from distant parking spots to their homes.”

Matt Anelli lives on Ohio Street and he supports the parking ban. He said Ohio Street is narrow, especially in the winter. If people park on the street it’s hard to get out of his driveway, he said.

There used to be a 2-hour limit on the street, but those limits can be difficult to enforce, village officials said.

Fire Chief Steve Cooley said there shouldn’t be parking allowed close to the intersection on Ohio Street because cars in the street would make it difficult for fire trucks to make the turn.

The Village Board will have a new public hearing at 6 p.m. on June 22 to repeal the law passed in November and change the street to parking on the west side of the street only.

Photo from shopgarage.com: Medina’s ladder truck is shown on an online site that sells fire trucks, emergency vehicles and equipment.

MEDINA – The Village of Medina’s ladder truck is officially for sale. It was listed this morning on an online site that sells fire trucks and other emergency vehicles and equipment.

The website, shopgarage.com, lists the 2025 quint fire truck with a 100-foot ladder for $2.4 million. That is about $700,000 more than Medina’s deal for the truck. Medina in March 2023 agreed to pay $1,698,995.

The Village Board on Feb. 9 voted to declare the truck surplus, to begin the process of selling it.

Medina listed the fire truck on shopgarage.com to get a big exposure for the truck, trying to get the biggest price possible, said Scott Bieliski, a Medina trustee. A broker also is helping Medina sell the truck and gets a 5 percent fee or $120,000 if the truck sells for $2.4 million. Garage isn’t the broker, but a marketplace to sell the truck. Garage also can help with freight shipping, warranty and secure payment for the transaction, the company said.

There is a lot of interest in the truck, Bieliski said during Monday’s Village Board meeting. He said a contingent from Rochester, Minnesota was in Medina on Friday to look over the ladder truck.

Three of the five board members on Feb. 9 voted to declare the truck surplus, saying the village can’t afford the truck and an addition on the fire hall to house it.

Shop Garage lists the following about the truck:

• 2025 Pierce Enforcer Quint
• Located in NY
• 1,095 miles
• Brand new, never used
• 100’ Heavy-Duty Steel Aerial Platform
• Engine: PACCAR MX-13
• Horsepower: 510 hp
• Front Suspension: TAK-4 Independent
• Rear Suspension Air
• Waterous Midship 2000 GPM pump
• 300 gallon tank
• Harrison Hydraulic 10 kW generator

The fire truck is currently being kept in the DPW garage but will soon be moved to the compost facility on North Gravel Road. The DPW garage is busy with a lot of vehicles coming and going this time of year, said Jason Watts, the DPW superintendent.

Darlene Zeliff

MEDINA – This year’s For Women Only, sponsored by Orleans Community Health, will honor a longtime nurse, who passed away from cancer.

Darlene Zeliff, who gave more than 40 years of compassionate service, left a lasting impact on the hospital and the community, said Scott Robinson, director of marketing at Orleans Community Health.

For Women Only is an empowering evening focused on cancer education, support, wellness and connection, and will take place June 2 at White Birch Golf Course in Lyndonville, beginning at 5 p.m.

The annual event brings together survivors, caregivers, healthcare professionals, families,  and community members for meaningful conversations surrounding cancer awareness, advocacy, treatment, grief, healing and life after diagnosis.

“This year’s event is especially meaningful as we honor Darlene Zeliff,” said Kimberly Gray, chief nursing officer and director of surgical services at Medina Memorial Hospital. “For more than 40 years, Darlene devoted her life to nursing and to this hospital. She represented the very best of nursing through her compassion, quiet leadership and unwavering dedication to her patients, coworkers and community. Her impact on generations of families and healthcare professionals will never be forgotten.”

The evening will feature speakers sharing personal experiences and insights on topics including detection and diagnosis, treatment and health advocacy, moving forward after treatment and grief and loss.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in a panel discussion with healthcare and wellness professionals, visit vendors offering health and cancer support resources and enjoy special features, including basket raffles, networking opportunities and community support connections. There will also be light food served and a cash bar.

Organizers say the goal of the event is to create a welcoming environment where education, encouragement and shared experiences can empower individuals and families affected by cancer.

Community members are encouraged to attend this inspiring evening of education, remembrance and support.

For questions or to donate a basket, contact Lori Condo at (585) 798-2000.

More information is also available by clicking here.

Alexander family will continue food truck business

Photos by Tom Rivers: Rebecca and Brian Alexander are shown with one of their games – “soccer pool” – offered at Dubby’s Tailgate at 165 Platt St. in Albion. Dubby’s featured many backyard or tailgate games at a 10,000 square-foot warehouse, and hosted many cornhole tournaments.

ALBION – Dubby’s Tailgate, which has hosted many cornhole tournaments and community fundraisers the past five years, will be closing on May 30 “due to circumstances beyond our control,” the Alexander family posted on Facebook.

Rebecca and Brian Alexander opened Dubby’s in 2021, and turned a 10,000-square-foot warehouse into an “eater-tainment” business. They served up food cooked in a wood-fired oven while offering many backyard and tailgate games in the warehouse.

They opened Dubby’s after running a food truck for three years. Dubby’s Wood Fired Pizza will continue as a mobile business, the family said.

“We are incredibly grateful for every single person who supported us, shared a meal with us, and became a part of the Dubby’s family,” the Alexander family stated. “We’ve made memories that will last a lifetime.”

They will be offering some closing specials in the coming days.

“From the bottom of our hearts, thank you from the entire Dubby’s family,” the Alexanders said. “We don’t see this as a goodbye, but rather a ‘see you later’ on the road!”

The mascots from McDonald’s, Grimace and Hamburglar, greeted kids inside Dubby’s on Oct. 9, 2025 for Family Game Night. There were 472 people registered, and the total attendance was likely even closer to 500. That is the most in the 11 years of Family Game Night. Dubby’s hosted many community events in the past five years.

Provided photo: Dubby’s Tailgate owners Rebecca Alexander, left, and Brian Alexander, right, are joined by American Cornhole League champions Miranda Coy and Lori Dool during a tournament on March 22, 2025. Dubby’s brought 108 teams to the area for the tournament. The 216 total players made it the biggest tournament so far for Dubby’s.

Many of the players came from outside Orleans County, including some American Cornhole league pros and the two top-ranked female players. Dool is a graduate of Lockport High School who now resides in Delray Beach, FL. Many of her family members came to Dubby’s in Albion to see her play in person.

More than 1,000 people went through Dubby’s on Jan. 27, 2024 at a benefit for Saul Harrison. Harrison was fighting myeloma, a cancer of the plasma cells.

There was a big turnout for Harrison, who is still remembered as a powerful football player for Albion. But the 1992 graduate these days is known for his mild manner and gentleness as a youthcare worker for the county and a deacon at the Shiloh Church.

Dubby’s hosted many other benefits for the community.