MEDINA – The newest event to call the YMCA “home” graduated its second class on Thursday night.

Merle Fredericks, founder and leader of the Bow Bending Believers, the Orleans County chapter of the national Christian Bowhunters of America, has announced the graduation and success of the program he started a year ago.

National Archery in the School-Centershot Archery is an eight-week archery class for boys and girls in grades four through 12.

It became a reality in Orleans County after Fredericks got permission from YMCA director Jesse Cudzillo to clean out and renovate an unused section of the basement, which had been the indoor shooting range in the former Company C Armory.

The first class from March to May 2024 graduated 14 young archers.

From left, Evan Wright, Charlotte Miner and Annalynn Kusmierczak compete one last time on Thursday night.

The recent free eight-week archery class began Dec. 5, 2024, with 10 youths who met from 6 to 8 p.m. every Thursday night.

Classes begin at ground level, first determining if the kids are right eye dominate or left eye dominate (essentially if they are a right-handed or a left-handed archer). Before a Genesis compound bow is put into their hands, the kids make a string bow, which helps them identify their draw length and develop good form and mechanics, Fredericks explained. Then the NASP/Centershot’s 11 steps of archery success are learned – stance, nock (notch), draw hand set, bow hand set, pre-draw, draw, anchor, aim, shot set-up, release, follow through and reflect.

Before they handle a Genesis compound bow, the kids are taught range safety, which Fredericks said means they must know and understand what the three lines represent – the waiting line, the shooting line and the target line. Then they must learn and understand the whistle commands.

Instead of coaches giving verbal commands, the NASP/Centershot teaches the kids four different whistle commands, so they know what they can and cannot do by the number of times the whistle is blown.

Jesse Cudzillo, center, director of the YMCA, poses with Merle and Mitzi Fredericks, leaders of the archery class which graduated its second group of youth on Thursday night.

One whistle means they may shoot (release an arrow); two whistles means they may get their bow; three whistles means they may retrieve their arrows; and five whistles means “Emergency. Stop what you are doing.” Safety is emphasized regularly during the course, Fredericks said.

Once the kids are allowed to shoot, they shoot at NASP/Centershot bulls-eye targets which have scoring rings that begin with 10 points in the center, decreasing to nine, eight, seven, etc. the further they get from the center.

It is emphasized from day one and every week thereafter that there will be friendly competition and every arrow shot will be scored ranging from 0 to 10. Kids know that at the end of the eight weeks, only the top three archers will receive a trophy. Each week, the kids shoot at least four rounds of five arrows and every arrow is counted and tabulated weekly. Good sportsmanship is emphasized throughout the course.

The 10 youths who participated and successfully completed this latest class were Jace Grimes, Maverick Hill, Bradley Klotzbach, Annalynn Kusmierczak, Charlotte Miner, Dudley Panek, Grady Panek, Zachary Prine, Evan Wright and Haylee Wright.

The three top winners in the archery class sponsored by the Bow Bending Believers at Medina’s YMCA are, from left, Grady Panek, second; Jace Grimes, first; and Haylee Wright, third.

The top three archers who received trophies were Jace Grimes, first, with a score of 936; Grady Panek, second, with 914; and Haylee Wright, with 908.

In addition, each archer was awarded an archery medal and certificate of completion.

“The competition was fierce, and a few kids missed a trophy by only a few points,” Fredericks said. “All the kids did a great job and improved weekly. We’re proud of all their many accomplishments.”

What is unique about this class is not only do the kids learn about archery, but they actually spend about one-half hour of the two-hour weekly class enjoying a snack and learning about God, following the Centershot Biblically-based devotional curriculum called “The Plan.” According to Fredericks, this is the primary reason for teaching archery at the YMCA.

“We want kids to know how much God loves them and what Jesus Christ did for them at the cross,” Fredericks said. “We want them to know they can be saved, reconciled to God and to live a meaningful life for God, sharing this Good News with their friends and family.”

After Thursday’s awards presentation, all in attendance were invited to celebrate with a piece of cake.

Archery students and parents who came to observe their final competition filled the former shooting range of the Medina YMCA during their graduation Thursday night.

In addition to Fredericks, three other NASP certified basic archery instructors are Mitzi Fredericks, Jeffrey Robinson and John Curtin. Also assisting with the program were Jason Cogovan, Jim Pritchard, Francis Grabowski, Donald Ingersoll, John Follman and Jim and Angel Arnold. Several of these are hoping to become certified in the future, Fredericks said.

Fredericks extended his appreciation to all who helped make this program successful, especially YMCA executive director Jesse Cudzillo, for allowing them to clean and renovate the old rifle range, which can now be used for archery and ministry.

In addition to NASP/Centershot classes, Fredericks added that they have 3D targets set up inside, so local bowhunters can hone their skills shooting out to 35 yards at buffalo, caribou, black bear, whitetail deer and other critters.

The Bow Bending Believers are also contemplating having regular indoor leagues in the future. Anyone who is interested is asked to call Fredericks at (585) 765-2839.

They are now taking applications for the next eight-week NASP/Centershot archery class. Boys and girls in Orleans or Niagara counties in grades four through 12 who are interested are encouraged to call him at (585) 765-2839 or e-mail him at mfred2@hughes.net. There is a limit of 15 in a class, first come, first served. Classes are free, however, donations are always appreciated.

12 percent gain led Greater Niagara Region; Residents urged to be ambassadors for Orleans County

Photos by Tom Rivers: These fishermen try to catch trout and salmon on Oct. 21 at Johnson Creek in Lyndonville near the dam. Fishing is Orleans County’s top draw for visitors.

MEDINA – Orleans County experienced 12 percent growth in visitor spending in 2023 compared to the previous year, the biggest gain among the five counties in the Greater Niagara Region, according to a report from Tourism Economics.

Orleans has been stepping up its promotion efforts and the work is paying off, Tourism Director Dawn Borchert told about 125 people during the Legislative Luncheon on Friday at Bent’s Opera House. The event is coordinated by the Orleans County Chamber of Commerce. Niagara County was right behind Orleans with an 11.7 percent gain.

Dawn Borchert, the county’s tourism director, talks about the county’s bicentennial and shows the cover of the new tourism guide. The cover includes a photo of 1906  “Old Home Days” in Medina, the Seneca Chief canal boat in Medina, a harvest luncheon at Hurd Orchards in Holley, and two fishing buddies. Brian Stratton, the canal commissioner for the state, is at left.

In Orleans County, the visitor spending totaled $42 million in 2023. That breakdown includes $3 million for lodging, $8 million for recreation, $15 million for food and beverage, $6 million at retail and service stations, $1 million in transportation, and $10 million for second homes used for income, according to the report.

The totals for the five counties in visitor spending in Greater Niagara Region include:

• Erie, $2.423 billion
• Niagara, $1.082 billion
• Genesee, $140 million
• Wyoming, $71 million
• Orleans, $42 million

Orleans County’s biggest draw is fishing, and anglers trying to catch trout, salmon and other fish accounted for an economic impact of $28 million in 2017, according to a survey by the DEC. With inflation factored in that impact is now about $34 million a year, Borchert said.

The county is promoting more than fishing. This year’s tourism guide is hot off the presses and arrived Friday. It was distributed to many people at the legislative luncheon. The guide celebrates the county’s bicentennial in 2025.

There are 35,000 copies that will be distributed at Thruway rest stops in New York and Pennsylvania, and airports in Buffalo, Rochester and Niagara Falls, as well as trade shows. The guides also will be available in the county at local businesses, libraries and the tourism office at the County Office Building.

The guide was bumped up by 12 pages to 60 to celebrate more facets of the county on its 200^th anniversary. It highlights all 10 towns and four villages, as well as agri-tourism, art galleries, campgrounds, the Erie Canal, history and heritage, marinas and yacht clubs, prominent local memorials and monuments, local trails, parks and the wildlife refuge.

Borchert said revenue from the county’s bed tax has helped increase promotion efforts. That bed tax money is used to match state funding from I Love NY.

The county imposes a 4 percent “bed tax” on lodging. That revenue has been increasing.

• $51,002 in 2018
• $58,424 in 2019
• $58,438 in 2020
• $79,102 in 2021
• $111,013 in 2022
• $119,003 in 2023

County Legislature Chairwoman Lynne Johnson said tourism promotion is a factor the county and local residents have some control over, unlike any of the mandated programs and policies from the state and federal governments.

Many visitors describe Orleans County as “cozy, charming and under-the-radar,” Johnson said.

She would like to raise Orleans County’s profile, and she welcomed residents and businesses to be part of that and serve as Orleans ambassadors in their conversations and social media posts.

“Through your friends, your social media accounts, your business networks and elsewhere, let’s be sure we all invite people to visit Orleans County and enjoy all we have to offer,” Johnson told the crowd at the luncheon.

Trump will place 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexican imports, 10% on Chinese

President Donald Trump said today that tariffs will go into effect beginning on Saturday – 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico and 10% tariffs on goods from China.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, in a news briefing today, said Trump is imposing the tariffs on countries that “have allowed an unprecedented invasion of illegal fentanyl that is killing American citizens, and also illegal immigrants into our country.”

Leavitt said the amount of fentanyl seized at the southern border in the last few years has the potential to kill tens of millions of Americans.

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) released the following statement following President Trump’s announcement that he will impose tariffs on goods from Canada, Mexico and China:

“It would be nice if Donald Trump could start focusing on getting the prices down instead of making them go up.

“All tariffs are not created equal. Donald Trump is aiming his new tariffs at Mexico, Canada and China but they will likely hit Americans in their wallets. I am concerned these new tariffs will further drive up costs for American consumers.

“We should be focused on going hard against competitors who rig the game, like China, rather than attacking our allies. If these tariffs go into full effect, they will raise prices for everything from groceries, to cars, to gas, making it even harder for middle-class families to just get by.”

The National Weather Service has issued a special weather statement at 5:07 p.m., advising that rain is turning to wet snow.

“Roads will rapidly become snow covered, slushy, and very slippery with the change to snow,” according to the National Weather Service. “Temperatures will also begin to drop into the 20s by mid evening, with untreated surfaces becoming icy.”

The weather statement includes Orleans, Niagara, Monroe, Erie, Genesee, Livingston, Ontario, Wayne, northern Cayuga, Oswego, Jefferson and Lewis counties.

“A general 1 to 3 inches of slushy accumulation is expected in most areas this evening, with a few locations seeing up to 4 inches across the Tug Hill Plateau,” the Weather Service stated.

This flag is shown on the Courthouse lawn with the Post Office shown across Main Street in Albion.

Noah Magee

ALBION – Noah Magee was sentenced to up to 15 years in state prison this morning, the maximum for second-degree manslaughter.

Magee, 20, offered a tearful apology for the death of Roger Kingdollar III,  who was 24 when he died after being hit by a pickup truck driven by Magee in Barre on Feb. 8, 2024. Kingdollar was riding a dirt bike when Magee crossed the opposite lane and hit Kingdollar on the north side of McNamar Road.

“I’m sorry from the bottom of my heart,” Magee said during sentencing today. “I would give my life to have Roger back.”

Magee said he and Kingdollar had their differences, but Magee said he didn’t mean for him to be killed.

“I’m really not a monster and the heartless person I’ve been made out to be,” Magee said. “I hope you won’t hate me and despise me forever.”

But Magee’s conduct caused the death of Kingdollar, and Magee has refused to take responsibility for his actions, said Joe Cardone, the recently retired Orleans County district attorney and acted as an assistant DA during sentencing today.

Magee has maintained the fatal collision with Kingdollar was an accident and random, the result of making too wide of a turn from Angevine to McNamar roads, Cardone said.

“There is no question what happened was deliberate on the defendant’s part,” Cardone said in court. “His actions have a lasting impact on everyone, most certainly the Kingdollar family.”

Kingdollar’s sister, Vanity Bennett, said her brother was a positive force for his friends and family, especially her three children.

“He will always be my baby brother,” she said during sentencing. “He was the light of the room.”

Her brother loved riding his dirt bike, and never missed a birthday party for Bennett’s three children.

She decried Magee for causing her brother’s death “in such a senseless and ruthless way.”

“He drove his truck as a weapon,” Bennett said. “We don’t ever want to see him on the streets. I hope he rots in prison.”

Magee’s attorney Paul Vacca insisted the collision was an accident. He said Magee has maintained his innocence throughout the case, since his arrest the night of Feb. 8, nearly a year ago.

Vacca asked for five years of probation for Magee, who has no prior criminal record. Vacca also noted Magee wasn’t found guilty of the more serious charge of second-degree murder.

Orleans County Court Judge Sanford Church said Magee is deserving of the stiffest sentence, 5 to 15 years in state prison.

“You certainly caused his death,” Church told Magee, who was wearing the orange clothing for inmates in the Orleans County Jail.

The judge said Magee hasn’t been truthful about why he veered across the road, and hasn’t taken responsibility for the crime.

Magee also was sentenced to 2 ½ to 7 years in state prison for leaving the scene of a fatal accident, 30 days in the county jail for reckless driving, and 15 days in jail for failure to keep right. Those sentences will be served concurrently or at the same time with the longer sentence for manslaughter.

When the judge announced the maximum sentence for Magee, up to 15 years in state prison, many of Kingdollar’s friends and family clapped and shouted in support.

Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments

In 2025, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health) will offer free rabies vaccination clinics for dogs, cats and ferrets. To receive the vaccination, all animals must be at least 3 months old. It is important for all animals to be leashed, crated, and kept under control during the clinics.

Why should your pets be vaccinated?

• Protects Your Pet: Rabies is a deadly disease that can affect both animals and humans. A rabies vaccination is the best way to keep your pet safe.
• Protects You, Your Family and the Community: Rabies can be passed to humans through bites or scratches from infected animals. Vaccination helps prevent outbreaks and keeps everyone safe.
• Required by Law: According to New York State Law, all dogs, cats, and domesticated ferrets must be vaccinated against rabies.

“Rabies continues to be a serious public health problem in Genesee and Orleans Counties,” stated Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for GO Health. “We remind all residents to keep their animals’ rabies vaccinations up to date.”

Orleans County Rabies Drive-Thru Clinics are at the Orleans County Fairgrounds (12690 State Route 31, Albion, NY 14411)

• Saturday, April 26, from 9 to 11:30 a.m.
• Wednesday, June 18, from 4 to 6:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, Aug. 20, from 4 to 6:30 p.m.
• Saturday, Oct. 25, from 9 to 11:30 a.m.

Genesee County Rabies Walk-in Clinic at the Batavia Town Highway Garage (3833 West Main Street Road, Batavia, NY 14020)

• Thursday, February 6, from 4:00 to 6:00 pm

Genesee County Rabies Drive-Thru Clinics at the Genesee County Fairgrounds (5056 East Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020)

• Thursday, May 15, from 4 to 6:30 p.m.
• Thursday, August 7, from 4 to 6:30 p.m.
• Thursday, October 9, from 4 to 6:30 p.m.

The funding for these clinics comes from the New York State Department of Health.

For more information on GO Health’s programs and services, visit GOHealthNY.org or contact your local health department at:

• Orleans County: 585-589-3278
• Genesee County: 585-344-2580 x5555

Press Release, Medina Central School

MEDINA – The Medina Central School District has seats available in the full-day Pre-K program for eligible district students for the remainder of the year.

As the district approaches the halfway point of the school year, Medina would like to stress the importance of a solid foundation in learning.

“We have seen a greater increase in student achievement in Kindergarten from students who attended the full-day program versus those who did not,” said Julie Webber, assistant superintendent for instruction.

The Medina Pre-K program follows the same schedule as the other Oak Orchard Primary

School grades from 7:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The district provides students with breakfast, lunch and transportation.

They participate in purposeful play activities in the classroom while establishing foundations in literacy, math, science and citizenship. Students also participate in art, music, library, STEM and physical education classes.

“Through UPK, children have the opportunity to interact with their peers, develop important social skills, and build confidence in a supportive setting,” said Jennifer Stearns, principal at Oak Orchard Primary School. “These early experiences will provide a strong foundation for their academic journey and lay the groundwork for a positive attitude toward learning.”

Eligible students at this time are those who reside in the district and who turned 4 years old on or before Dec. 1, 2024.

If you are interested in enrolling your eligible child for the remainder of this school year, please reach out to Oak Orchard Primary School at 585-798-2700, option 3.

Note: Registration will begin in March for the 2025-2026 Pre-kindergarten program for students who will be 4 years old on or before Dec. 1, 2025.

By Julie Webber, Assistant Superintendent for Instruction for the Medina Central School District

MEDINA – The Medina Central School District is thrilled to announce the installation of brand-new book vending machines in all three school buildings, thanks to Title V Rural Schools funding.

These innovative machines are part of an exciting initiative to promote literacy while encouraging students to embody the values of the Mustang Mission: respect, responsibility, honesty and kindness.

(Left) Oak Orchard Primary School Principal Jennifer Stearns helps kindergartner, Skylar Houseknecht, retrieve her selection from the machine. (Right) Tokens that students earn to redeem for books.

Students earn special tokens by demonstrating these core values. The tokens can then be used to “purchase” books from the vending machines, allowing students to take home a tangible reward for their positive behavior.

“This program is a wonderful way to inspire our students to read and demonstrate the traits of a good person,” said Julie Webber, assistant superintendent for instruction. “We’re proud to integrate this creative approach to fostering a love for reading and character development, while also getting books in the hands of our students.”

The book vending machines are filled with a diverse selection of books suitable for various ages and reading levels, ensuring that every student can find something they’ll enjoy. By connecting positive behavior to tangible rewards, the program is designed to motivate students to embody the values of the Mustang Mission both inside and outside the classroom. Students will have the opportunity to help select future titles to include in the machines.

The district believes this initiative will have a lasting impact on both the academic success and personal growth of its students.

(Left) UPK student, Liam Boyce, shows off his book choice while another UPK student, Vivienne Randolf, waits to select hers next. (Right) A second grader, Joziah Mortenson-Chamblee, ponders which book to select from the machine.

Press Release, Arc GLOW

ALBION — Do you have a few hours to spare every week?

If so, Orleans County seniors need you.

Since 2009 Arc GLOW has been working with the Orleans County Office of the Aging to serve hot, nutritious meals, and in 2024 Arc GLOW served 43,095 meals, and congregate sites served 2,810. Yet it was only possible due to the volunteer drivers that local seniors were able to get these much-needed meals. And Arc GLOW needs more volunteer drivers to ensure Orleans County seniors continue to get the help they need.

“It’s a service you or your loved ones don’t know that’s needed until you do,” said Kelly Anstey, senior director of day and employment services for Arc GLOW. “It’s typically healthier for people to age in place and stay in the home of their choice, and having nutritious delivered meals really helps some people be able to continue thriving at home longer.”

Extensive bodies of research on Meals on Wheels consistently demonstrates the effectiveness the program has in reducing health care utilization, preventing nursing home admissions and generating substantial health care cost savings. These outcomes are attributed to the profound impact of Meals on Wheels on critical aspects of older adults’ well-being, including food security, diet quality, nutritional status, social isolation, loneliness and falls/home safety—factors that significantly contribute to health care costs.

It takes a village to ensure everyone is taken care of, especially seniors who might need this help the most. Volunteer, and get to know your village.

If interested in volunteering or want more information on the Meals on Wheels program, contact Vicki Havholm at (585) 589-7817 ext. 1417 or VHavholm@ArcGLOW.org.

For more information on Meals on Wheels or Arc GLOW, visit ArcGLOW.org/Business-Services/Meals-on-Wheels.

Fire chiefs urge county to work on new EMO site

File photo by Tom Rivers: The emergency management office was built as early 1960s bomb shelter. It has a leaking roof and a shortage of space. The building is 8,000 square feet – 80 by 100 feet. Most of the structure is underground. It isn’t handicapped accessible and doesn’t have enough space for the emergency management office, said Justin Niederhofer, the EMO director.

ALBION – Orleans County officials have downsized the plans for a new emergency management office, seeking to reduce the expense from an estimated $10 million to an estimated $2.3 million.

The lower price would be covered entirely by state and federal grants and would give the emergency management office and first responders a modern facility for offices and training.

The County Legislature on Tuesday approved a $6,000 contract with Vanguard Interiors and Design of Buffalo for structural design and interior layout of the Emergency Management Office at 14064 West County House Rd. in Albion.

Justin Niederhofer, the county’s EMO director, said the new facility will be “bare bones” but will still be a much-needed improvement.

The county was awarded a $2 million grant from U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand on Aug. 18, 2023 towards the project, the maximum in federal funding towards the facility. Orleans also has been awarded $600,000 towards upgrades of the EMO site.

The county is looking to spend $2.3 million towards the new building. Some of the grant funds would also go towards demolition of the existing site. That 8,000-square-foot building – 80 by 100 feet – was built as an underground bunker in the 1960s.

The new facility would have offices for the EMO staff, space for training, a classroom and a backup 911 dispatch – “the bare essentials,” Niederhofer said.

‘The current building dating from the early 1960s is cramped, dilapidated and unsuitable for the operations of the EMO staff and for fire service training classes.’ – Orleans County Fire Advisory Board/Orleans County Fire Chiefs Association

The County Legislature received letters of support for a new EMO this month from the Orleans County Fire Advisory Board/Orleans County Fire Chiefs Association, Clarendon Volunteer Fire Company and Carlton Volunteer Fire Company.

“The current building dating from the early 1960s is cramped, dilapidated and unsuitable for the operations of the EMO staff and for fire service training classes,” wrote Robert Freida, chair of Orleans County Fire Advisory Board/Orleans County Fire Chiefs Association. “For too many years the plan to modernize this facility has been ignored or cancelled as it has been the previous two years. The fire service in Orleans County has a rich history and being mostly volunteer, saves the taxpayers an enormous amount of money.”

Freida sent his letter on Jan. 21. He urged the county to set aside some of its own funds to make the project a reality.

“We understand that county finances are limited for a project such as this, but we implore you to earmark funds in addition to the $2 million provided through Senator Gillibrand’s office, to construct a modern facility that is long overdue,” Freida said. “We are not asking for anything extravagant, just a good quality construction that can be utilized for training and emergency operations for the next several decades.”

Freida, the fire chief at Clarendon, also sent a letter from the Clarendon Volunteer Fire Company in support of a new EMO site. In that letter, Freida cited the following benefits:

1. Improved Training Opportunities: “An advanced training facility with modern technology would provide hands-on, realistic scenarios for responders to practice and refine their skills.
2. 2. Enhanced Collaboration: “A larger, modernized space would accommodate multi-agency exercises, fostering improved coordination among fire, police, EMS, and other critical partners.”
3. Community Preparedness: “The facility could also serve as a resource for public education, offering community members training in CPR, first aid, and disaster preparedness.
4. Recruitment and Retention: “Volunteer membership is at an all-time low not only county and statewide but nationally. A state-of-the-art training facility demonstrates the county’s commitment to emergency services, which can attract and retain highly qualified personnel.”

In the Jan. 13 letter from the Carlton Fire Company, Fire Chief Seth Dumrese and President David Bertsch said the 1960s’ building is inadequate for the emergency management office and for training for first responders.

“The building needs improvements and has for years and it would not be feasible to spend more money on the current building,” Dumrese and Bertsch wrote in their letter. “There is not enough room for many of the training classes/programs needed by our personnel or enough room for an emergency operations center if the need arose. We would respectfully request that constructing a new Emergency Management Office be a priority in 2025 for the Legislature.”

HAMLIN – Kendall and Hamlin card players completed the second night of their euchre tournament on Wednesday, and Kendall holds a lead over their rival.

Kendall won the opening day on Jan. 22 with a 157-point lead in the euchre action at the Kendall Fire Hall. The games shifted to the Hamlin Exempts Hall on Wednesday and Hamlin won by 2 points, with Kendall holding a 155-point lead after two days.

The two-town tournament, which goes back at least 70 years, culminates next Wednesday at Kendall. The losing team needs to buy the winners a fish fry dinner at The Grove 1848 in Kendall.

There were 72 card players on Jan. 22, followed by 76 last evening.