By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 25 January 2026 at 10:05 am
Photos by Ginny Kropf: (Left) Hunter, 10, and Evelyn, 7, children of Josh and Ashley Schmidbauer of Middleport play Go Fishin’ at Nola’s Gaming & Crafting Cafe in Medina. The family had been out to supper and stopped in to see what it was all about, after looking in the window on their way to the car. (Right) New Orleans native Steven Sones displays pieces of King cake which he made. The cakes are a tradition in New Orleans from Epiphany until Mardi Gras and can be ordered from Sones or enjoyed at his new business, Nola’s Gaming & Crafting Café, with a cup of homemade hot chocolate or delicious chicory coffee.
MEDINA – A parent looking for something to occupy the children on a day off from school, an adult looking for something different to do in Medina or a shopper wanting to get in out of the cold and enjoy a cup of homemade hot chocolate need look no further.
Nola’s Gaming & Crafting Cafe has the answer.
Located at 525 Main St., Nola’s is a Gaming & Crafting Café, where all ages can sip, play and create by paying a nominal fee for a set amount of time. It is the brainchild of Steven and Jennifer Sones of Millville, who said they got the idea because they both love to play games. The name “Nola” is an acronym of New Orleans, La.
Photo courtesy of Jennifer Sones: Jennifer and Steven Sones stand by a painting created in their new store, Nola’s Gaming & Crafting Café, which they recently opened at 525 Main St. The business is described as a New Orleans-themed gaming and crafting café. The name Nola’s is an acronym for New Orleans, La.
Steven, a native of New Orleans, has had various jobs in management throughout his life, while Jennifer does auditing of Early Intervention in New York state. They met while both were living in Florida, and moved back near Jennifer’s home town of Lockport, where they married and raised their five children. They eventually decided to move to Orleans County and found a house in Millville.
The decision to go into business came as a result of wanting something to do in their spare time, their love of games and Jennifer’s interest in crafts.
“Medina has bars, restaurants, beauty salons, specialty shops and antique shops, but nothing for people to do for entertainment,” Steven said.
After searching for space in Brockport, Albion, Medina, Middleport and Lockport, they discovered the store formerly occupied by Into the Enigma at 525 Main St., Medina.
“We really wanted to be in Medina,” Steven said. “We love Medina.”
Cindy Robinson, who owns the English Rose Tea Shoppe a few doors away, convinced them they should be open in time for the Parade of Lights, the Saturday after Thanksgiving. They have since planned a grand opening on Monday, with special events planned all week. There will be paper mache Mardi Gras mask crafts, gaming specials and a princess party, with treats such as beignets and King Cake, both New Orleans favorites, especially at Mardi Gras.
“We are geared toward family days every day,” Jennifer said. “We will be hosting weekly family events on Saturdays.”
Regular hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday. 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday and on Sunday for special events. This week on Monday Nola’s will begin their week-long grand opening with hours from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Going forward Monday will be reserved for Magic Monday events. This Wednesday will feature a Dungeons and Dragons character build for the D&D campaign scheduled on the first and third Sundays. They will host a weekly Date Night on Saturdays with events geared strictly for adults.
Steven said their business is a great experience for home-schooled children.
Nola’s Gaming & Crafting has one of the largest libraries of games for all ages in Western New York, Steven said.
Some of the crafts featured are macrame, beaded jewelry, candle pouring, crocheting, air drying clay and vision board (collage) workshops.
A popular feature of the store are the New Orleans-themed beignets (pronounced ben-yea), king cakes and Snowballs, along with homemade hot chocolate or his special coffee with chicory.
Steven has been selling his snowballs at local events, including the Canal Village Farmer’s Market in summer and the Orleans County 4-H Fair, where they have been a big hit, especially with children.
Steven Sones serves Erica Waniecski of Medina a beignet and homemade hot chocolate at the new business he and wife Jennifer have opened in Medina. Sones, a native of New Orleans, makes the beignets, a pillowy soft, air-fried piece of dough topped with a heavy coating of powdered sugar. The confections are a tradition in New Orleans, especially at the famed Café du Monde.
Beignets are pillowy-soft, deep-fried pieces of dough, traditionally topped with a heavy coating of powdered sugar. Originating from France, they are famously known as the official state doughnut of Louisiana, where they were introduced by French settlers and became a staple of New Orleans, particularly at the iconic Café Du Monde.
King cakes are a tradition served primarily from Jan. 6, or the Epiphany, until Mardi Gras. The cakes are usually made from a rich brioche-like dough twisted into a ring and filled with ingredients like cinnamon, cream cheese or pecans. It is very common to find a small plastic baby figurine hidden within a ring of king cake. While there are many beliefs, some say that the figurine represents the Baby Jesus. The history and figurine are taped to the inside of each box for the customers to use as they see fit, Jennifer said.
He makes his king cakes with cinnamon or cream cheese and raspberry. In addition to selling the cakes by the slice, he also takes orders for whole cakes. Orders can be placed during carnival season on social media or by calling (585) 318-4001. Beignets may be ordered at any time.
“We want Nola’s to become a community hub,” Steven said.
ALBION – The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office has issued a travel advisory for Orleans County, effective 10 a.m. Sunday, until further notice.
Winter Storm “Fern” is expected to impact Orleans County and Western New York from Sunday through Monday evening with 8 to 14 inches of snow possible.
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for our area. The N.W.S. predicts “very difficult travel and hazardous conditions during this storm event.”
Based on information from the N.W.S. and other sources, the sheriff recommends essential travel only during this storm. Heavy snow and frigid temperatures will make travel extremely difficult, and the safety of our citizens is our number one priority.
The Sheriff’s Office will be adding road patrol deputies along with extra dispatchers in the Sheriff’s 911 Center.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 January 2026 at 1:38 pm
UPDATED at 8:41 a.m. on Jan. 25: The following churches have announced that their services are cancelled on Sunday due to the impending winter storm and a travel advisory:
One Church in Medina
The Vine in Medina
Disciples United Methodist in Clarendon
Oak Orchard Assembly of God
Family of God in Middleport
Community of Hope – Albion Free Methodist
Concordia Lutheran Church in Kendall
First Presbyterian Church of Albion
First Baptist Church of Albion (online teaching will be available on church’s Facebook page)
Christ Episcopal Church of Albion. (The Warming Center will be open for those needing a warm place to stay.)
Holley Presbyterian Church
St. Peter Lutheran Church in Medina
Barre Center Presbyterian Church
Eagle Harbor Methodist Church
Lyndonville United Methodist Church
Holy Cross Lutheran in Middleport
Lyndonville Presbyterian Church
Canalside Community Church in Albion canceled in-person worship but will have online teaching at 10:30 a.m. through the church’s Facebook page.
Press Release, U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer
WASHINGTON, D.C. —U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) are calling on the Trump administration to immediately reverse its decision to withhold billions of dollars in federal child care and social services funding from five states, including more than $3.4 billion from New York.
The Trump administration has announced plans to withhold funding intended to support low-income children and families, targeting New York and other Democrat-led states. These subsidies help working parents across New York access affordable, high-quality child care.
In a letter to Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Senators Gillibrand and Schumer called on the administration to immediately reverse course and restore critical funding that New York families rely on.
“The Trump administration is pulling the rug out from under working families, threatening the affordable child care that parents in New York and across the country depend on,” said Senator Gillibrand. “This reckless move could force local child care centers to close their doors, leaving parents without the support they need to go to work and keep food on the table. Our children deserve better than to be used as political pawns. With everyday costs already skyrocketing for families, I will continue to fight relentlessly to secure this vital funding and stop these harmful political ploys that are putting our children and their futures in jeopardy.”
“Hundreds of thousands of New York households rely on the cash assistance and social services supported by CCDF, TANF, and SSBG, and any delay in funding will be catastrophic for families, children, workers, and communities across New York. Simply withholding funds will not fix fraud. Instead, it will destabilize an already fragile child care and social safety net system,” the senators wrote.
The senators demanded that the Trump administration detail any instances of the “extensive and systemic fraud” it cited, without evidence, to justify the funding freeze; identify which agency is conducting any such investigation and when it began; and provide a written justification for withholding federal child care and social services funding without first following established oversight procedures.
In New York alone, this funding freeze threatens more than 219,000 children who rely on child care services, as well as thousands of child care providers statewide, many of them small businesses that cannot withstand funding delays and may be forced to close.
MEDINA – The Medina Police Department charged two people with felony drug possession and intent to sell on Friday.
Police officers conducted a traffic stop in the area of Pearl Street and Main Street at about 12:45 a.m.
Police officers determined that both the driver and passenger had suspended driver’s licenses. That required the vehicle to be towed due to the lack of a valid licensed operator.
While conducting an inventory search of the vehicle prior to towing, officers located suspected narcotics. Evidence was seized and both occupants were taken into custody.
Milton Hinckley IV, age 31, was charged with criminal possession of a narcotic drug with the intention to sell in the third degree, a Class B felony; criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, a Class B felony; aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, a misdemeanor; operating a vehicle without inspection, a violation; and obstructed plate, a violation.
Leah Gerety, 26, was charged with criminal possession of a narcotic drug with the intention to sell in the third degree, a Class B felony; and criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, a Class B felony.
Both were processed and released on appearance tickets. They are scheduled to appear in town court at a later date.
The investigation was conducted by officer Brown, Officer Wendling and Officer Clouser of the Medina Police Deputy with assistance from Deputy Stornelli of the Sheriff’s Office.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 January 2026 at 7:59 pm
Union for firefighters says board inaction puts public safety at risk
Photo by Tom Rivers: The Medina ladder truck from 1996 is shown in March 2023 when the fire department had an open house showing the tight quarters at the fire hall, especially for the ladder truck which only had 2 inches of clearance in pulling in and out of the fire hall. This truck has been out of service since June due to mechanical problems. Medina has new fire truck but it doesn’t fit in the existing fire hall. The board has discussed a one-bay addition to the fire hall but hasn’t moved forward with that project.
MEDINA – The Village Board is moving Monday’s meeting site from the Shelby Town Hall to the Medina High School auditorium due to a large crowd expected.
The union representing Medina’s career firefighters has been urging the public to attend the meeting and share their concerns about public safety as some of the board members favor not putting a new ladder truck into service and selling it.
Trustees Deb Padoleski and Mark Prawel said during the Jan. 12 meeting they favor selling the truck.
They think the cost of the truck, plus for an addition to house it, is too much for village taxpayers.
Trustee Scott Bieliski also said he wants to hold off on putting the new truck into service to maximize its value in case it’s sold. He wants to reach out to a broker to see what another municipality would pay for the truck, and if a smaller used ladder truck is available that would fit in the existing fire hall.
The new ladder truck doesn’t fit in the current fire hall. The board has discussed a one-bay addition that is expected to be in the $1.1 to $1.4 million range. Bieliski said that price seems too high for only a one-bay addition.
Mayor Marguerite Sherman and Trustee Jess Marciano both said they support buying the new ladder truck for $1.7 million and moving forward with the addition (while pursuing grants to help offset the costs for the addition).
Medina Fire Chief Steve Cooley is expected to present the results of a report from 2020 looking at the ISO ratings for the community and how they would be impacted without a ladder truck – and the potential for higher insurance rates in the village.
“Important decisions affecting public safety in our community are being discussed,” the firefighters union stated on their Facebook page. “This is your opportunity to ask questions, share concerns, and make your voices heard. We will be there before and after the meeting to talk with you and answer your questions. Come get facts and data, not rumor and rhetoric.”
Photo by Aidin Bharti/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul: In Latham this morning Governor Kathy Hochul updates New Yorkers on extreme weather.
Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office
Governor Kathy Hochul today issued a State of Emergency ahead of extreme cold and a massive winter storm set to impact areas statewide this weekend.
Extreme cold moves in Friday night, with statewide feels-like temperatures in the negatives Friday and Saturday night. Sunday morning, a large winter storm will begin to impact the state and continue until Monday, with New York City, Long Island, the Hudson Valley, the Capital Region, Southern Tier, Mohawk Valley, lower North Country and parts of Central New York seeing the potential for 12 to 18 inches of snow. Western New York and the upper North Country will see snowfall totals of six to 12 inches.
Editor’s note: The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for Orleans County from 7 a.m. Sunday until 7 p.m. Monday with 10 to 15 inches of snow expected.
“Winter in New York is nothing we can’t handle, but it is important to take the risks that come with extreme cold seriously,” Governor Hochul said. “New Yorkers should avoid travel during the snow, especially with the danger that comes with being stranded in these cold temperatures. If you must travel, be sure to leave yourself extra travel time and pack your car with supplies like blankets, water, and snacks. Safety is always the top priority, so make sure you are ready to face this storm.”
In addition to preparing for snow and wind, New Yorkers should also prepare to protect against the dangers that can result from colder weather and winter activities. Under state regulation, a Code Blue is automatically in effect whenever the temperature and wind chill equal less than 32 degrees.
Local social services districts are legally required to take necessary steps to ensure those experiencing homelessness have access to shelter and that shelter hours are extended. New Yorkers also should check out these cold weather tips from the Department of Health; additional tips for preventing frostbite and hypothermia; information on Carbon Monoxide poisoning; information on the proper use of generators; and safe winter driving tips.
Department of Transportation
The State Department of Transportation is monitoring weather conditions and prepared to respond with 3,692 supervisors and operators. Regional crews are currently engaged in snow and ice response and preparation activities. All residency locations will remain staffed for 24/7 operations throughout the duration of the event and priority cleanup operations.
All available snow and ice equipment is ready to deploy. Fleet mechanics in affected areas will be staffing all main residency locations 24/7 to perform repairs and keep trucks on the road. Statewide equipment numbers are as follows:
1,624 large plow trucks
148 medium duty plows
52 tow plows
337 large loaders
37 snow blowers
Thruway Authority
The Thruway Authority is ready to respond with 685 operators and supervisors available. Statewide equipment numbers and resources are listed below:
345 large and medium duty plow trucks
10 tow plows
65 loaders
114,000+ tons of salt on hand
Drivers are reminded that Thruway snowplows travel at about 35 miles per hour — which in many cases is slower than the posted speed limit — in order to ensure that salt being dispersed stays in the driving lanes and does not scatter off the roadways. The safest place for motorists is well behind the snowplows where the roadway is clear and treated.
Press Release, NYS Correctional Officers & Police Benevolent Association
ALBANY – Newly released data from the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) shows continued reductions in inmate violence and staff use-of-force incidents statewide, reinforcing what NYSCOPBA has long warned: unsafe policies drive violence, and commonsense corrections practices reduce it.
According to DOCCS’ January 22, 2026 update, incidents of inmate-on-staff assaults, inmate-on-inmate assaults, and overall use-of-force declined during 2025. A significant factor in those reductions was the suspension of HALT-mandated programming in many facilities for part of the year due to chronic understaffing, which limited inmate movement and reduced opportunities for violent encounters.
NYSCOPBA has consistently maintained that overcrowded programming, uncontrolled inmate interaction, and the lack of meaningful discipline under HALT created a volatile and dangerous environment inside state prisons. The suspension of HALT programming, combined with other negotiated policy changes, such as the implementation of legal mail scanning, directly contributed to the decrease in assaults reflected in the DOCCS data.
“For years, our members have been forced to work in unsafe conditions created by misguided policies that ignored staffing realities and common sense,” said NYSCOPBA President Chris Summers. “The DOCCS data released today confirms what we have said all along — when HALT programming was suspended and inmate movement was reduced, assaults went down. When contraband was addressed by implementing the aforementioned programs, the numbers went down. These results were entirely predictable.”
NYSCOPBA cautioned that while the reductions are encouraging, they are fragile and reversible if failed policies are reinstated without regard for staffing and safety.
“This should be a wake-up call to the lawmakers who pushed HALT through despite repeated warnings from correctional professionals,” Summers added. “If the goal is safer facilities for staff and inmates alike, then policies must be based on reality, not ideology. We remain committed to working with DOCCS on solutions that actually work and finally put safety first. A starting point would be to take the recommendations of the HALT Committee that was jointly formed between NYSCOPBA, DOCCS and other state Labor Unions.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 January 2026 at 10:12 am
Photo by Tom Rivers: East State Street is blanketed in snow on Thursday morning with the Presbyterian Church in the background.
Orleans County is facing three different weather advisories.
A cold weather advisory just went into effect at 10 a.m. and continues until 10 a.m. on Saturday. There will be bitterly cold wind chills as low as 15 to 20 below zero in Orleans, Genesee, Niagara and northern Erie counties.
“This is a potentially hazardous situation to be outdoors,” stated the National Weather Service in Buffalo. “If you must be outside, be sure to cover all exposed skin. Frostbite can occur in 30 minutes or less with apparent temperatures of 15 below zero or colder.”
A second weather advisory begins today at 3 p.m. until 10 a.m. on Saturday. The winter weather advisory calls for 3 to 5 inches, with gusts as high as 40 miles per hour producing blowing and drifting snow.
This advisory includes Orleans, Monroe, Wayne and northern Cayuga counties.
“Lake effect snow will fall in relatively narrow bands,” said the National Weather Service in Buffalo. “If traveling, be prepared for rapidly changing road conditions and visibilities.”
A winter storm warning goes into effect from Saturday night through Monday evening with heavy snow expected. Snow will develop from south to north Sunday morning through midday, with the heaviest snow later Sunday afternoon through Monday morning, the Weather Service said.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 January 2026 at 9:49 am
The following are facing drug charges, from left: Richard Button, Jerry Robinson, Jr. and Alaina Reece.
ALBION – Three people have been charged after an investigation into the sale and distribution of fentanyl and cocaine throughout Orleans County from the city of Rochester.
They were charged following a vehicle stop in the village of Albion. The Orleans County Major Felony Crime Task Force and the Albion Police Department executed a search warrant on the driver and the vehicle.
Another search warrant was then executed by Task Force members, the Albion PD and the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office at 431 West State St., lot #19 in Albion. Police arrested two people on drug charges with a third person from Rochester also charged who was allegedly the supplier of the fentanyl and cocaine.
Police seized over 1 ounce of cocaine, over an half ounce of fentanyl, various narcotic pills, over $1,600 in cash, scales and other drug paraphernalia.
The following were charged:
Jerry Robinson Jr., 36, of Lincoln Street in Rochester, who was charged with one count of criminal sale of a controlled substance in the second degree (AII felony), and one count of criminal sale of a controlled substance in the third degree (C felony).
Richard Button, 35, of 431 West State St. lot #19 in Albion, who was charged with three counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree (B felonies).
Alaina Reece, 25, of 431 West State St. lot #19 in Albion, who was charged with three counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree (B felonies).
Robinson was held in the county jail for CAP court, awaiting an appearance in Orleans County Court in front County Court Judge Sanford Church.
Button and Reece were released on appearance tickets due to bail reform laws. They are to return to Albion Town Court on Feb. 10.
Additional arrests and charges are pending in this case, said Joe Sacco, supervising investigator for the Task Force.
Assisting in the investigation include District Attorney Susan Howard, the Albion Police Department and Orleans County Sheriff’s Office.
Police seized over 1 ounce of cocaine, over an half ounce of fentanyl, various narcotic pills, over $1,600 in cash, scales and other drug paraphernalia.
Provided photo: Jim Doyle will lead a class at Hoag Library where people can make music with a mountain dulcimer.
Press Release, Hoag Library
ALBION – Hoag Library is bustling this winter season with a full schedule of engaging programs that combine creativity, music and essential community services.
Participants recently completed the popular “Make Your Own Mountain Dulcimer” classes, crafting their own instruments from start to finish. Due to strong interest, future dulcimer-making classes are in the works, and interested individuals are encouraged to contact the library.
In addition, music lovers can join Learn a Dulcimer Song with Jim, held on the first Tuesday of each month. This casual session does not require registration, and participants may bring their own dulcimer or use one provided by the library.
Hoag Library will host the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance Taxpayer Assistance Program in February, March, and April, offering free tax help by appointment. Registration is required by calling the library.
Additional February programs include a Red Cross Blood Drive on Feb. 21 (register here) and Advance Planning 101 with the Center for Elder Law & Justice on Feb. 27, covering healthcare proxies, power of attorney, and wills.
Rounding out the season, the Hoag Music Series returns March 28 with a performance by the Medusa Quartet of Toronto.
For full program details and updates, visit the Hoag Library website or contact the library directly.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 23 January 2026 at 8:43 am
Photos by Ginny Kropf: Michael Prezioso, left, and Mario Campana stand among some of the antique furnishings in their new store on East Center Street in Medina.
MEDINA – Two local businessmen have combined their talents to open a new store, located on East Center Street and aptly named Just East of Main.
Michael Prezioso and Mario Campana are owners of the store, which offers an eclectic mix of furniture, art, home décor and clothing, with the anticipation of adding a larger selection of items when they open up the space next door which formerly housed Corky’s Bakery.
Prezioso, formerly of Buffalo, and Campana, formerly of Niagara Falls, each have a background in business – Prezioso in big box marketing and advertising and Campana in big box retail. Campana also does estate sales.
The couple first became familiar with Medina in 2015 when a friend came to shop at a lily & a sparrow and fell in love with the village, Prezioso said.
“We had lunch and just loved this quaint little village,” he said.
They first purchased the former Corky’s building on East Center Street in 2019, and started renovating the building, Campana said.
Next, they bought the building at 116 East Center St., which housed Ashlee’s Place until it closed in 2024 after 33 years.
“When Angie (Waldriff) decided to retire, we started renovating this building,” Campana said.
(Left) This is just a sampling of the one-of-a-kind furniture, elegant china and artwork for sale at Just East of Main Street, located in the store which housed Ashlee’s Place. (Right) The latest business to open in Medina is an antique and vintage shop featuring furniture, collectibles, artwork, clothing and home décor. It is aptly named Just East of Main Street, being located on East Center Street in the space formerly occupied by Ashlee’s Place.
Prezioso and Campana brought back the original floor and ceiling and exposed an original brick wall. The building was built in 1890, but a new façade was built after a fire in 1902. At the time, the building was owned by Mahar Furniture. Prezioso and Campana are interested in the history of the building and if anyone has newspaper clippings or pictures from the olden days, they would love to see them.
“We really believe in rebuilding and restoring architecturally significant homes and buildings,” Prezioso said.
“We have also purchased the former Houseman Funeral Home on Park Avenue and started renovating that,” Campana said.
“As we expand into Corky’s building, a larger selection of antique furnishings and vintage clothing, toys and primitives will become available,” Prezioso said.
Their current store, which opened Nov. 29, 2025, has exceptional brands of furniture, such as Ethan Allen, Kittenger, Henkel-Harris and other American made brands.
“For us, it has been really nice here,” Campana said. “Medina is a community of shops that support each other’s business efforts. We have been very well received by the community and a lot of repeat buyers.”
Collectibles, antiques and more are on display at Just East of Main Street, where renovation exposed the original brick wall.
Both Prezioso and Campana commended the Village Board for being so helpful when they were planning their renovations, especially retired code enforcement officer Marty Busch and current officer Dan Gardner.
In addition to their new venture in owning a retail store, Prezioso teaches art in his studio on the third floor of the furniture building and at Carnegie Library in North Tonawanda.
Just East of Main Street is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays from January through March; from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and noon to 4 p.m. Sundays in March through December; and by appointment all year-round by calling (716) 566-8032.
