Photos from State Police: A bus going from Niagara Falls to New York City overturned on the Thruway in Pembroke this afternoon.

Press Release, State Police

PEMBROKE – At 12:22 p.m. State Troopers out of Buffalo responded to a tour bus rollover collision on Interstate 90, eastbound between exits 48A and 49 in the town of Pembroke, Genesee County.

Investigation determined that a tour bus owned by M&Y Tour Inc was traveling east bound on the I-90 from Niagara Falls, NY to New York City. The bus exited the roadway into the median then abruptly corrected causing the bus to overturn and roll off the I-90 on the south embankment.

Multiple passengers were ejected, trapped with 5 deceased at the scene. Multiple individuals were taken to Erie County Medical Center, Strong Memorial Hospital, Millard Fillmore Suburban and UMMR in Batavia. Mercy Flight and numerous EMS and first responders assisted at the scene.

The bus had a total of 54 occupants. The cause of the collision is still under investigation, however the operator had no signs of impairment and the tour bus had no mechanical failure. This is still an active investigation.

The Red Cross has established a Family Assistance Center for the victims at the Amherst Senior Center, 370 John James Audubon Parkway, Buffalo, NY 14228. (716) 626-3050.

Anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has dash cam footage is asked to contact State Police at SP Batavia at (585) 344-6200.

The Collision Reconstruction Unit, Forensic Identification Unit, Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Unit, Bureau of Criminal Investigation Unit, Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, The Office of Homeland Security, NYS Thruway Authority, Erie County Emergency Management, Genesee County Emergency Management, Newstead Emergency Management and numerous EMS and Fire Companies throughout the area assisted in this incident.

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – Lee-Whedon Memorial Library celebrated a ground-breaking today on a 4,785-square-foot addition on the back of the current library, which is 11,100 square feet.

The addition will create space for two meeting rooms, two tutoring rooms, a programming room with makerspace, Friends of the Library book sale room, a quiet research room, a teen room and 14 parking spots.

There would also be additional restrooms, a new circulation desk, a new entry portico with automatic sliding doors, about a 10 percent increase in the collection and upgraded technology.

Library officials break ground with ceremonial shovels today. From left include trustees Steve O’Dea, Dave Schwert, Board President Cynthia Kiebala, trustees Isabella mark and Kathy Boice, and library director Kristine Mostyn.

The new addition is expected to be ready in September 2026.

Library Director Kristine Mostyn thanked the community for its support thus far for the addition.

The project is under the $5.2 million that was presented to the community for a Dec. 10, 2024 bond vote. That passed 223-214.

Mostyn said the total are now projected to be $4,980,323.

The construction bids totaled $3,892,623 with the following working on the project: Javen Construction of Rochester, general construction; TME Excavating of Hilton, site work; McGrain Mechanical of Rochester, HVAC; Erie Electric of Rochester, electric; LMC Industrial of Dansville, plumbing.

There also are expenses for soft costs – permits, legal, bonding, utility fees, inspections, and furniture, fixtures and equipment.

Jeanne Tuohey, a trustee for the Nioga Library System, praised Lee-Whedon for securing about $2 million in state funding towards the expansion, which also included acquiring two lots next door and demolishing the houses. The state is paying $1,669,444 of the construction costs for the addition.

Tuohey said libraries are much more than books. She said with the new meeting rooms and programming space, Lee-Whedon will become an even bigger community hub.

The expansion will go on the back of the current library, where there will also be a parking lot with 14 spaces.

The library is trying to raise $500,000 through a capital campaign in donations and already has 65 percent committed towards the project. Click here to see more on that campaign.

There is one anonymous donor at $50,000. Western New York Energy also gave $25,000. Jim and Barb Hancock also donated $25,000 and the new teen room will be named in their honor.

The library anticipates $2,839,556 in financing which would result in a tax impact of $34 per $100,000 of assessed property.

There were several people in the library today for the annual used book sale.

Many of the library events are in the open space inside. The “maker space” will be a separate room for some of the programs. The concerts will still be in the bigger open space.

The library received citations and commendations for breaking ground on the capital project. From left include Lynne Johnson, Orleans County Legislature chairwoman; Julia Bauer, community liaison for State Sen. Rob Ortt; library director Kristine Mostyn; and Assemblyman Steve Hawley.

The front entrance will be upgraded as part of the project.

Passero Associates created this rendering of the front of the building, which includes an overhang near the entrance. This is part of a $5 million capital project at the library, which includes a 4,785-square-foot addition.

Brett Sobieraski, retired sergeant from the Rochester PD, also hired as investigator

Todd Draper, left, and Brett Sobieraski have been hired as investigators in the Orleans County Major Felony Crimes Task Force.

ALBION – The Orleans County Major Felony Crimes Task Force has filled two vacant investigator positions with two well-known law enforcement officers.

Todd Draper, who is retiring as Medina police chief on Aug. 30, will join the task force. Draper has worked for the Medina Police Department the past 21 years. Before being police chief he was a lieutenant and the K-9 officer. During his career he completed a 10-week management/leadership program from the FBI’s National Academy in 2022.

Susan Howard, the Orleans County district attorney, oversees the task force. She said she didn’t recruit Draper to leave the Medina PD. He had already made that decision to retire from Medina when he applied to work with the task force.

The County Legislature also approved hiring Brett Sobieraski, a retired sergeant from the Rochester PD, as an investigator.

Sobieraski has served in law enforcement for 32 years, including time with the Lockport Police Department before transferring to the RPD.

During his time with the RPD, he worked in narcotics and on the SWAT team, as well as being an instructor at the Police Academy. He also supervised the Greater Rochester Area Narcotics Enforcement Team. Sobieraski ran for Orleans County sheriff in 2019, with Chris Bourke winning the race.

Sobieraski has raised more $300,000 towards charitable causes with endurances feats. He has pushed himself in challenges to raise money for fallen police officers and also the Special Olympics organization.

In 2023, he completed “8 States for Maz” and ran 1,310 miles through eight states over 50 days to honor fallen RPD Officer Anthony Mazurkiewicz, who was killed in the line of duty. Sobieraski ran a marathon every day in a journey that started in Florida and ended in Rochester. One of his marathons was in Orleans County.

He wrote a book about the experience – “8 States for Maz- The Humanity Tour” – where he describes all the acts of kindness he witnessed from friends and strangers.

He has also swam nonstop across Lake Ontario, ran 175 miles along the Erie Canal and completed the 135-mile Badwater Ultramarathon in Death Valley, California.

The Orleans County Major Felony Crime Task Force recently received a national award for its collaborative efforts with local and regional law enforcement agencies.

The Task Force has made over 1,250 arrests and participated in 2,800 investigations since 2007, and has a near 100 percent conviction rate, Howard said.

“The specialized unit is especially adept in the application and execution of search warrants, and is poised to assist other local law enforcement agencies in the effort to ensure successful prosecutions at all levels,” she said.

The National Association of Counties presented Orleans County with a “2025 Achievement Award” during its national meeting July 11-14 in Philadelphia, Pa.

The task force is led by supervising investigator Joe Sacco. It works with local state and federal law enforcement agencies, as well as the State Police, Drug Enforcement Agency, Immigration and Custom Enforcement, the Office of Special Investigations, the Attorney General’s Office and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Orleans County has received $85,038 from OTB in first half of 2025

Press Release, Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corporation

BATAVIA – The Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corporation has once again set a new record for municipal distributions in 2025.

Second quarter payments to participating municipalities surpassed first-quarter distributions of $2,864,269 by $79,069, setting a new record of $2,943,338. This marks the second consecutive quarter in which WROTBC has exceeded its prior distribution benchmarks.

“I’ve worked very closely with the Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corporation’s Board of Directors to improve disbursements to our 17 member municipalities,” said Byron Brown, president and CEO of WROTBC. “I’m pleased that we have achieved record distributions for the first two quarters of 2025. Batavia Downs is a premier entertainment destination in Western New York, and our customer base has been consistently growing, which is producing more revenue to benefit our member municipalities.”

Payments in total of $2,838,093, consisting of $2,795,023 in earnings from operations and $43,069 in surcharge revenue for the month of June 2025 were sent out.

Back-to-back record quarters confirm the positive impact of WROTBC’s growth strategy, enhanced marketing efforts, and internal reforms. These payments reflect the continued success of operations and the Corporation’s strong commitment to returning meaningful value to its member municipalities.

Year-to-date distributions through June now exceed $5.8 million, benefiting the 17 participating municipalities listed below:

• Erie County, $1,420,108
• Monroe County, $1,149,259
• City of Buffalo, $584,844
• City of Rochester, $443,173
• Niagara County, $446,457
• Cattaraugus County, $162,893
• Cayuga County, $160,289
• Chautauqua County, $269,367
• Genesee County (Home County), $122,862
• Livingston County, $130,819
• Orleans County, $85,038
• Oswego County, $248,045
• Schuyler County, $37,949
• Seneca County, $70,733
• Steuben County, $197,558
• Wayne County, $192,501
• Wyoming County, $85,712

These funds support essential public services, infrastructure, and local development initiatives throughout the region.

Effective June 1, 2025, WROTBC’s gaming tax rate was reduced from 49% to 44%, creating additional revenue to support our strategic priorities. These funds are being used to increase municipal distributions, raise pay and benefits for non-executive employees, and lower family healthcare costs, all aimed at strengthening employee retention and community support.

As of August 11, $926K has been collected, with $2.89 million expected by year-end. Any unused funds will be returned to the municipalities.

Across all 17 member counties and cities, which collectively represent over 2.7 million residents, WROTBC has returned more than $269.6 million in net revenue since its founding in 1975. With another $2,943,338 being returned for the second quarter of 2025, these distributions continue to reflect WROTBC’s mission as a public-benefit corporation dedicated to delivering tangible local returns.

About Municipal Distributions

WROTBC returns net revenues to its member counties and cities based on a formula established in New York State Racing, Pari-Mutuel Wagering and Breeding Law. Distributions are split 50 percent based on the amount wagered in each county and 50 percent based on population.

Support for Public Education

In addition to distributions to member municipalities, Western’s video gaming operations have made substantial contributions to public education through remittances to the New York State Gaming Commission:

• $22,477,977 contributed year-to-date through June 2025
• $21,330,966 contributed through June 2024
• $517,129,930 contributed since the program’s inception in June 2005

These figures underscore WROTBC’s ongoing role in funding essential public services at both the local and state levels.

WROTBC’s financial strength continues to be driven by the success of Batavia Downs Gaming and Hotel, and its focused commitment to transparency, operational efficiency, and community reinvestment.

Third quarter earnings results will be available in October, following the close of September, with current performance indicating continued strong momentum.

“As chairman of the Board, I am incredibly proud of the results WROTBC has achieved over the last few months on behalf of our member municipalities,” said Dennis Bassett, the WROTBC board chairman. “These record-setting distributions reflect not only the strength of our operations, but also the vision, discipline, and accountability that guide this organization every day. Our Board has made it a priority to support leadership’s efforts to strengthen operations, expand public benefit, and deliver meaningful value back to the communities we serve. Whether through record municipal payments or reinvestments in our workforce, WROTBC is fulfilling its mission as a public-benefit corporation with integrity and purpose.”

Photos courtesy of Genesee Community College: From left include Mary Alice Panek, Sarah Noble-Moag and Phillip DiMartino.

Press Release, GCC

BATAVIA – At its annual meeting on July 14, the Genesee Community College Board of Trustees elected its officers for the coming year in accordance with Board Bylaws. The Chair, Vice Chair and Secretary will serve one-year terms until their successors are elected at the next annual meeting.

Mary Alice Panek, a trustee since 2019, was elected Chair. An educator and GCC alumna, she has taught students from kindergarten through twelfth grade, serves as national vice chair for Caring for America programs and is active in community service in Stafford.

Sarah Noble-Moag, who joined the Board in 2017, was elected Vice Chair. Co-owner and manager of Noblehurst Farms in Linwood, she is a strong advocate for agricultural education in public schools and serves on multiple regional boards, including the Northeast Agricultural Education Foundation and the Genesee Gateway Local Development Corporation.

Phillip DiMartino, a trustee since 2019, was elected Secretary. A Batavia native and independent insurance broker, his career has included leadership roles in national sales for Brunswick Bowling and Billiards and John Deere/Sentry Insurance, as well as service on the United Memorial Medical Center Foundation Board.

The GCC Board of Trustees provides strategic guidance and oversight, ensuring the college continues to deliver high-quality, accessible education that supports student success and regional economic growth.

“We are deeply grateful to our newly elected officers for stepping into these vital leadership roles,” said Dr. Craig Lamb, president of GCC. “Their willingness to dedicate extra time and attention to Genesee Community College, on top of their already demanding commitments, speaks volumes about their passion for education and their care for our students, faculty and community. Their leadership will help guide GCC into an exciting future, and we are fortunate to have them at the helm.”

2 from Smoke Shop face charges for criminal possession of cannabis

Raheeb Almaisari, left, and Aqeel Gobah both face charges following a search warrant at the Medina Smoke Shop.

MEDINA – The Medina Smoke Shop has been shut down by the State Office of Cannabis Management for selling and possessing unauthorized cannabis products, the Orleans County major Felony Crime Task Force announced today.

Two people operating the business also are facing charges for criminal possession of cannabis.

Law enforcement executed a search warrant on Wednesday at the Medina Smoke Shop, located at 335 North Main St. The Task Force was joined in executing the warrant by the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office, the Medina Police Department and the State Office of Cannabis Management.

Law enforcement seized over 3 pounds of cannabis flower, more than 25 pounds of cannabis edibles, over 200 THC vapes, numerous viles of THC wax, numerous mushroom-infused chocolate bars and over $2,000 in cash, the Task Force said in a news release.

Aqeel Gobah and Raheeb Almaisari, both of Lackawanna, operate the Smoke Shop. They were both charged with 1 count of criminal possession of cannabis in the second degree (class E felony) and 1 count of criminal possession of cannabis in the third degree (class A misdemeanor).

Gobah and Almaisari were taken to the Orleans County Jail for processing and issued appearance tickets returnable to Ridgeway Town Court on Sept. 8.

Law enforcement also were assisted in the investigation by Orleans County District Attorney Susan Howard and the Orleans County Public Health Department.

This investigation is ongoing with further charges and arrests are pending lab results, the Task Force said.

Photo by Tom Rivers: The grass is very yellow by these trees at Lyndonville Central School on Tuesday evening. Orleans County for the second week is considered to be in “moderate drought” after several weeks of being “abnormally dry.”

Orleans County for the second week is considered to be in “moderate drought.” Those conditions have spread in the state, up from 3.8 percent of the land a week ago to 5.6 percent in today’s update from the U.S. Drought Monitor.

The “abnormally dry” conditions also have spread from 49.3 percent of the state to 61.5 percent.

No where in the state was considered to be in a moderate drought until the map was updated today. All of Orleans is in moderate drought. A week ago that designation also includes most of Genesee, about half of Monroe and Niagara, and the northern part of Erie. It has spread east to most of Wayne County, and also includes a part of New York City.

In moderate drought conditions, the U.S. Drought Monitor said honey production declines, irrigation use increases, and hay and grain yields are lower than normal.

Trees and landscaping also are stressed, fish are stressed, reservoir and lake levels are below normal capacity, and wildfires and ground fires increase.

Business started as Bayex and has grown significantly in half century to over 200 employees

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – It was a day of celebration and reconnecting at Saint-Gobain ADFORS on Wednesday. The company marked 50 years in the Albion community.

The top photo shows long-time employees who are now retired. They started when the Albion site was Bayex. From left include Ted Grimes, 41 years of service; Gary Narburgh, 44 years; Keith Sabo, 42 years; John Tower, 30 years; Darryl Szklany, 29 years; Francis Dibley, 35 years; and Gary Bloom, 39 years.

“It was a good company,” Grimes said. “No one wanted to leave.”

This group said there was strong camaraderie among the employees which made they want to go to work. They credited Joel Allen, the plant manager for many years of their tenure, for being a great boss and leader.

Saint-Gobain ADFORS has done multiple expansions over the years, from the initial 45,000-square-foot plant and 13 employees to 181,000 square feet and 222 employees.

Saint-Gobain ADFORS expanded the plant at 14770 East Ave. with new space added in 1985, 1995 and 2008. The company also uses a building a Route 98, the former Remley Printing site, as a warehouse.

Gary Narburgh holds a photo from when the company opened a new manufacturing plant in Albion in July 1976. Narburgh started working there a month later and stayed for 44 years.

“It was local and they were always good to you,” he said.

Saint-Gobain ADFORS opened the doors for the public to tour the plant on Route 31. The company makes many building and construction products.

Provided photo: State Assemblyman Steve Hawley presented a citation to the company for its 50 years of commitment in Albion. Accepting the citation are Tyler Lombard, an HR recruiting and staffing specialist at Saint-Gobain ADFORS; and Constance Wadsworth, human resources manager.

“Achieving 50 years of business is easy feat,” Hawley stated in the citation. “Saint-Gobain ADFORS has served the Orleans County community and beyond with economic growth and stable employment and has initiated excellence through five decades of hardworking and dedicated individuals producing materials that make businesses and governments alike more efficient and lives more sustainable.”

This self-adhesive drywall tape is among the products made at Saint-Gobain ADFORS in Albion.

The company manufactures technical textiles for the construction industry, manufacturing the consumer drywall tape product FibaTape, along with reinforcement materials sold to other manufacturing companies for the production of cement board, carpet backing, and road reinforcement.

Community members were able to tour the manufacturing space. Here they see a large machine that cuts dry wall tape into smaller sizes.

This photo shows many spools of polyester.

Dinosaur Bar-B-Que in Rochester served lunch to about 475 people. Saint-Gobain ADFORS invited employees, retirees and their families for the celebration. They also were treated to LuGia’s Ice Cream and live music by the Who Dats.

The company wanted a big celebration to thank their employees for their hard work over the years.

“It’s a big milestone, especially for this community,” said Constance Wadsworth, human resources manager. “A lot of places have been shutting down or moving south.”

This display shows some of the Saint-Gobain ADFORS products in a typical home.

Provided photos

MEDINA – Dave Kusmierczak, left, accepts a $2,400 check on behalf of the Orleans County Joint Veterans Council from Dave Berry, president of the VFW Auxiliary to Lincoln Post 1483.

The van service is utilized by the veterans who need rides to medical appointments. They are taken to appointments by volunteer drivers.

The VFW Auxiliary 1483 held a chicken barbecue in May to support some of the programs the veterans and service members use in the community. The VFW Auxiliary would like to thank the community for supporting their Chicken BBQ, making this donation possible.

Dave Berry, president of the VFW Auxiliary to Lincoln Post 1483, is shown with one of the vans used to take veterans to medical appointments.

ALBION – The wet weather and threat of more rain has prompted the cancellation of this evening’s concert at Bullard Park.

Today was a rain date from Aug. 6. The Sky Cats were scheduled to perform. The band cannot do a make up next week, so the summer concert series has concluded, said John Grillo, Albion’s recreation director.

He already is working on the lineup for next year.

“We’re looking forward to the 2026 season,” he said.

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.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – The Orleans County legislature has recognized an Albion business for 50 years of working in the community. Saint-Gobain ADFORS was presented with a “Special Recognition Award” on Tuesday by the Orleans County Legislature. Fred Miller, a county legislator, read the citation and presented it to Saint-Gobain ADFORS employees.

The employees include, from left: Bonnie Johnson, production planner; Diane Varley, development coordinator; Joe Culbertson, logistics manager; Constance Wadsworth, human resources manager; and James Devault, knit operator.

Saint-Gobain Adfors will have a big celebration today at the manufacturing plant at 14770 East Ave.

The business started in Albion in 1975 as Bayex with 13 employees.

“It was built to manufacture technical textiles for the construction industry, manufacturing the consumer drywall tape product FibaTape, along with reinforcement materials sold to other manufacturing companies for the production of cement board, carpet backing, and road reinforcement,” The County legislature stated in its citation.

The company has completed numerous acquisitions and building expansions, now operating out of 181,000 square feet in Albion with 222 employees.

“The investment you have made into Orleans County will forever be widespread, long lasting and extremely appreciated,” legislators said.