By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 April 2025 at 12:44 pm
ALBION – The Main Street lift bridge in Albion is poised to close for about five to six weeks beginning April 21 to finish the construction overhaul of the bridge.
The bridge was initially closed on Nov. 14, 2022 for what was expected to be about 18 months for a major rehabilitation. That project stretched to more than two years when the bridge was reopened just after Christmas on Dec. 27, 2024.
But there was still some more work on the deck and with additional testing, Village Trustee Joyce Riley said today. She was notified by state Department of Transportation officials about the impending closing and work that should finish off the project.
“It’s not a surprise,” she said about the closure. “I’m just glad it’s before summer hits.”
The original bridge from 1914 has been extensively rebuilt with new steel now over about 80 percent of the structure.
Photos and information courtesy of Medina Central School
MEDINA – Throughout the week of March 24 to March 28, students at Oak Orchard Primary School had the opportunity to explore food preparation and the culinary arts interactively.
They created “ants on a log” snacks, dressed as food service workers, and welcomed a special visit from high school students to help them along.
For some students, this was their first time trying celery or raisins, and they enjoyed experimenting with different flavor combinations while learning how recipes are developed.
The Oak Orchard Cafeteria provided ingredients, and parent, community, and high school student volunteers guided students in crafting their snacks.
As an AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) school, one way Oak Orchard focuses on early college and career exploration is by introducing students to a variety of professions.
Through this activity, students learned about food service careers and enhanced their kitchen skills. After making their snack, they were encouraged to recreate them at home.
The week-long event also included video tours of local Medina businesses, including Hans’s Bakery, McDonald’s, Coffee Pot, Oak Orchard Café, Tops and Rudy’s Diner. Oak Orchard school counselor Miss Laroussi visited these locations to put together videos highlighting various food service careers.
Later in the school year, Oak Orchard students will explore careers in agriculture, with additional opportunities planned for the next school year.
To make the experience even more engaging, students had the chance to enter a raffle for a basket of ingredients to create a treat at home. To enter, they had to complete a challenge, which included greeting a food service worker at a local restaurant, café, or grocery store and helping their family prepare a snack or meal at home. The turnout for participation in the raffle was incredible!
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 April 2025 at 7:39 am
Gas prices are up nationally and statewide compared to a year ago, but have dropped more than 7 cents in Orleans County from $3.216 a week ago to $3.143 today for a gallon of regular unleaded, according to AAA.
The national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $3.26, up nine cents from last Monday. The price was $3.59 a year ago. The New York State average is $3.14, up three cents from last Monday. A year ago, the NYS average was $3.47.
“Several factors are driving the increase, including refinery maintenance and summer-blend gasoline switch,” AAA said about the higher prices. “The last time the national average reached $3.26 was back in September, consistent with seasonal shifts, but current prices remain below what they were this time last year.”
Here are the average prices in counties around Western New York:
Orleans, $3.143
Genesee, $3.119
Niagara, $3.055
Monroe, $3.104
Erie, $3.077
Livingston, $3.144
Wyoming, $3.138
Cattaraugus, $3.183
Chautauqua, $3.193
Allegany, $3.150
For drivers who use diesel, the national average price is $3.62, up two cents from last Monday. The New York average is $3.93, no change from last Monday, AAA said.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 April 2025 at 12:55 pm
Amy Sidari has taught dance for 38 years, including 28 years as Gotta Dance owner
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Amy Sidari (center), owner of Gotta Dance by Miss Amy, dances with five generations of the the Sidari family during Saturday’s evening’s dance recital at the Albion Middle School. Her daughter Gina is at left. The Sidari family danced to “Home” by Nick Jonas.
Saturday’s recital was the last one for Sidari as owner of Gotta Dance. She has led Gotta Dance the past 28 years and has been a dance teacher for 38 years. She is retiring to spend more time with her family, including three grandchildren.
Amy Sidari is presented with flowers at the start of Saturday’s recital which was attended by about 400 people. An earlier recital for younger children was attended by 320.
Next to her is dance teacher Crystal Hallenbeck-McPhall at left with Gloria Lear in back and Beth Webb at right.
Lear praised Sidari for creating a “safe haven” for dancers of all abilities and ages.
“Coming through the doors of the studio is like coming home,” Lear said. “We are truly grateful for the opportunities from the studio. We are a family and we will always be connected.”
Lear said there will be an open house for Sidari on April 18 at Gotta Dance, 28 West Bank St., Albion.
Sidari said she will remain active in the Albion community as she steps back from running the dance studio.
Saturday evening’s recital included 46 different dance numbers. Here are photos from some of the dances:
These dancers performed “Jazz Warriors Stand Up.” They include Ella Bruski, Krystal Butler, Eliana Coleman, Vanessa Coy, Millie Fisher, Piper Froman, Layla Kania, Keira Lemcke, Alana McAdoo, Aubrey McPhall, Alaina McPhall, Isabella Pahura, Isabelle Perkins, McKenzie Sample, Aubrey Stinson and Harriet Symons.
This group performed “Lyrical Ashes.”
The group performing “A Ballet Beach Baby” includes Blair Allchin, Olivia Bruski, Millie Fisher, Elady Fisher, Isabella Hafner, Keira Lemcke and Giuliana Liuzzi.
This group led off the recital with a “Mom and Me” dance to “Isn’t Going Down Like That.”
Kasey Neal performs a solo, “A Private Time Will Tell.”
This group dances to “Hip Hop Barbie Mix” and includes Aubrielle Barry, Kaitlynn Basinait, Evee Heinsler, Kendra Kaniecki, McKinley Knight, Mackenzie Lefrois, Nicole Loney, Ava Ludwick, Grace McCormick, Peyton McGuire, Semaj Miller, Chloe Mosele and Isabelle Truelson.
A group of adult dancers perform “Beautiful Things.” They are holding Lauren Thomas. Mollie Radzinski, front left, and Beth Webb, front right, are part of a group that also includes Rebecca DeBoard-Lake, Crystal Hallenbeck-McPhall, Brooke Kiefer, Tisha Loney, Kayla Osborne and Sarah Stornelli.
Jenna Uderitz did a solo dance with lots of gymnastic tumbles to “Private Dream on a Star Mix.”
Evee Heinsler, left, and her sister Thalia Heinsler perform a dance together.
BASOM – Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge announces plans to conduct up to seven prescribed burns on the refuge during the 2025 season.
The goal this year is to burn up to 175 acres of grasslands. The result will be enhanced grassland nesting cover for a variety of migratory birds and other wildlife. Grassland fields will be burned in the spring or summer (April – August). Each burn should take approximately two to six hours to complete.
Prescribed burns are conducted safely and successfully on National Wildlife Refuges and other public lands across the country. With prescribed burns, fire becomes a management tool removing accumulated fuel loads thus reducing the risk of wildfire.
Additionally, fire improves refuge habitats for wildlife by removing invading plants that compete for light and nutrients and exposing the soil to sunlight so that seeds may germinate and grow. At the same time, it releases nitrogen and other nutrients into the soil to nourish the new plants.
Specific dates cannot be announced in advance due to specific weather requirements, however, law enforcement and other emergency agencies will be notified on the day of the burn.
Before a burn can take place, specific weather and site conditions, including wind direction and speed, humidity, air temperature, and fuel moisture must be present. If any one of these conditions is outside of set parameters, the burn will not take place. Refuge staff have been specially trained to plan, ignite and monitor the fire to ensure public safety.
For further information contact Wildlife Biologist, Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge, 1101 Casey Road, Basom, NY 14013 or call 585-948-5445 ext.7032.
Iroquois NWR is located midway between Buffalo and Rochester and is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 5 April 2025 at 4:52 pm
Photos courtesy of Darlene Benton
BATAVIA – About 300 people were in a “Hands Off” rally today in Batavia, speaking out against polices from President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk, who heads the Department of Government Efficiency.
People held signs in protesting Trump and Musk’s steep cuts to government agencies and their effort to wipe out DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion). The signs state concerns about Social Security, public education, LGTBQ, veterans, women’s rights and other issues.
The rally is Batavia is one of about 1,200 across the country today and one of 60 in New York State.
The protestors included many from Orleans County. They were on both sides of Main Street from noon to 2 p.m.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 5 April 2025 at 11:41 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Devon Albone, left, and Rob Luff get the Albone Spray Foam booth ready this morning at the Home, Garden & Outdoor Show at Dubby’s Tailgate.
Albone, based in Medina, is one of 40 vendors at the show, which continues today until 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $3.
Albone usually is at similar home and garden shows in Buffalo and Rochester. He is glad to be closer to home to tout the business’s insulation products.
“It’s more home town here,” he said. “It’s more down to earth.”
These goats greet Laural Prentice at the entrance of Dubby’s. Prentice is part of the booth for Hearth and Home Real Estate Professionals, which is owned by her sister, Karen Conn.
Abby Alexander fastens balloons in an arch inside Dubby’s Tailgate.
Ray Laine, left, and his father Tom Laine of Frontier Heating and A/C Service in Albion are back at the home show after about an absence in recent years. Tom said he likes the heated atmosphere in Dubby’s with close access to their restaurant inside. The home show had been at the fairgrounds.
Frontier was picked as the Chamber of Commerce’s “Business of the Year” in 2024.
The Master Gardeners are at the home show giving out free pumpkin seeds for PumpkinPalooza during the Oct. 11 Medina Scarecrow Fest. They are also giving out seeds from a share program and dispensing other advice.
Seated include Master Gardeners Julie Granchelli, right, and Trina Lorentz. They are chatting with Doreen Wilson, left, and master gardener Nancy Walker.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 5 April 2025 at 9:50 am
About 1,300 Hands Off! protest rallies are planned around the country today, including in Western New York.
Close to Orleans County, Batavia will host a rally at noon at Batavia City Hall, 102 Main St. There is also a rally at noon in Geneseo at Veterans Memorial Park and 11 a.m. in Buffalo at Niagara Square.
The rallies are intended to send a message to President Donald Trump and Elon Musk, leader of the Department of Government Efficiency, to keep their “Hands Off” people, services and freedoms.
“Donald Trump and Elon Musk think this country belongs to them. We are fighting back!” the advisory about the Batavia rally states. “They’re taking everything they can get their hands on—our health care, our data, our jobs, our services—and daring the world to stop them. This is a crisis, and the time to act is now.”
Organizers stress these are nonviolent protests and participants should try to de-escalate any potential confrontations.
“This mass mobilization day is our message to the world that we do not consent to the destruction of our government and our economy for the benefit of Trump and his billionaire allies,” the Batavia advisory states. “Alongside Americans across the country, we are marching, rallying, and protesting to demand a stop the chaos and build an opposition movement against the looting of our country.”
ALBION – The staff of the Orleans County Department of Social Services today took part in “Wear Blue” Day as part of Child Abuse Prevention Month. “Wear Blue Day” is always celebrated on the first Friday in April.
“While our commitment to creating positive childhood experiences and preventing child abuse and neglect is year-round effort, Child Abuse Prevention month is an opportunity raise public awareness on the need to support, strengthen and celebrate families,” said Cyndi Stumer, Deputy Commissioner of DSS.
If you have suspicions of child abuse or neglect to report or you are concerned about the health or safety of a child, please immediately call the NYS Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-342-3720. In 2024, Orleans County DSS received approximately 700 referrals for investigation through the NYS State Central Registry.
OSWEGO – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) announced the launch of the Community Project Funding process for Fiscal Year 2026. The deadline for this year’s submissions is Thursday, April 24, at close of business.
The CPF process is an important way for members of Congress to advocate for projects that will directly benefit their district. It provides transparency, accountability, and oversight of the funding process rather than simply relying on bureaucrats in Washington to make critical funding decisions behind closed doors without community input.
The CPF program allows local governments and non-profits to submit requests for federal funding for high-priority community projects in New York’s 24th District. All projects are vetted thoroughly, are subject to strict oversight, and must demonstrate strong local support.
All CPF applications supported by Congresswoman Tenney’s office must meet rigorous eligibility requirements, as outlined in the appropriations guidance, and must provide a clear plan to execute funds promptly with strong accountability measures built in. Tenney’s office works closely with all grantees to ensure awarded funds are spent responsibly and for their intended purpose.
NEW YORK – Yesterday, U.S. Senators Kirsten Gillibrand, Charles E. Schumer, and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) introduced the 25th Anniversary of 9/11 Commemorative Coin Act, which would require the U.S. Mint to design and mint coins to honor the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
The coins would be sold in 2027 at a price that would pay back the U.S. Mint for production, and surcharge proceeds would go to support the National September 11 Memorial & Museum and its mission to “never forget.”
“On the 25th anniversary of one of the darkest days in our nation’s history, we must continue to honor our promise to never forget,” said Senator Gillibrand. “The 25th Anniversary of 9/11 Commemorative Coin Act would do just that while also generating funds to ensure that the 9/11 Memorial & Museum can sustain itself – two other ways we commit to never forget. Our city and nation owe our 9/11 heroes a tremendous debt, and it is time to get this done.”
“Minting commemorative coins for the 25th anniversary of September 11th provides a unique way to honor those who lost their lives and those who undertook brave acts of heroism, and to recall the patriotism and community that their sacrifice inspired,” said Senator Schumer. “I am proud to support this legislation that will honor those we lost, support the National September 11 Memorial & Museum, and uphold our sacred promise to never forget.”
Representatives Dan Goldman (D-NY) and Andrew Garbarino (R-NY) introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives, and the bill is supported by the National September 11 Memorial & Museum.
In addition to the 25th Anniversary of 9/11 Commemorative Coin Act, Senator Gillibrand leads the 9/11 Responder and Survivor Health Funding Correction Act in the U.S. Senate. The bill provides permanent and mandatory funding for the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) and updates an outdated funding formula to prevent a future funding shortfall and ensure that survivors and first responders don’t lose access to care.
Earlier this week, it was reported that the Trump administration cut staff that provide critical support for the WTCHP, which offers medical monitoring and treatment for first responders and survivors diagnosed with 9/11-related health conditions, including many types of cancers, respiratory illnesses, and more. The cuts include the dismissal of Dr. John Howard, the administrator of the WTCHP, who makes critical decisions regarding covered conditions and ensures the WTCHP complies with statutes enacted by Congress.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 4 April 2025 at 3:23 pm
There was a big celebration today outside the new stadium that is under construction for the Buffalo Bills.
Many of the Buffalo Bills leaders, construction workers, and elected officials were able to sign the last steel beam to be set for the stadium in a topping out ceremony.
The new stadium is on target to be ready for the 2026 NFL season. The stadium will cost about $2.1 billion to build. The state is paying $600 million, Erie County will pay $250 million, with the Pegula family covering the rest, including the cost overruns from the initial construction costs of $1.4 billion.
“As a proud Buffalo Bills fan it was a pleasure to attend the Topping Out Ceremony for the new Highmark Stadium today with local electeds and fellow fans,” State Sen. Rob Ortt posted on social media. “They placed the final beam, signed by fans and officials, on the structural framework. Looking forward to seeing the continued project move forward with the opening set for 2026. GO BILLS!”
Image from Governor’s Office: The new $2.1 billion stadium is under construction next to the existing Highmark Stadium. The new stadium is expected to be ready for the 2026 season.
Gov. Kathy Hochul spoke to more than 1,000 guests and hundreds of construction workers during the celebration in Orchard Park.
The new stadium is about 50 percent complete. The groundbreaking was 20 months ago on the new 60,000-seat facility.
The new stadium will face north-south to better protect fans from the winds that blown in from Lake Erie. The current Highmark Stadium faces east-west. The stadium also will have a canopy to shield the majority of fans from snow and harsh weather.
Contractors have put in place more than 22,000 individual pieces of steel weighing more than 25,000 tons, the governor’s office said. About 60 percent of the steel is being produced in New York State and almost all of it produced in the United States.
Photos from Rob Ortt’s social media: State Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt, whose district include Orleans County, signs the steel beam today.
In addition to the structural steel work, the project has included the removal of 742,000 cubic yards of dirt and the installation of more than 46,000 cubic yards of foundation concrete, and miles of piping among other materials.
As many as 1,500 workers will be on the site at the peak of construction. Workers have already put in over 1.7 million craft-hours to construction, with that number expected to double by completion, Hochul said.
“Today marks a major milestone for the future home of the Buffalo Bills and one of the largest construction projects ever in Western New York,” Hochul said. “This world-class stadium would not be possible without our skilled union workers and partners, and I look forward to cheering along with them at the first Bills game being played here in the 2026 season.”
Rob Ortt posted this photo of the beam being raised in the air to go up high on the new stadium. This beam is the last major roof module for the stadium structure.
