Orleans Hub tops 7 million pageviews in past year

The Orleans Hub topped 7 million pageviews for 2024. The 7,213,288 pageviews is down from the 8,198,018 in 2023.

We are aware the site has been slow in loading for several months and we are working to resolve the issue.

We remain the county’s leading source for local news, covering community events, sports, local governments, county court and other breaking news in Orleans County.

The top 10 most-viewed articles tend to be tragedies or crime-related. They are a small percentage of about 3,500 articles we post a year.

Here are the most-viewed article from 2024:

1. Kendall mourns loss of special education teacher

2. Former inn on 104 gets new life as Tavern on the Ridge

3. First responders work to recover body in canal in Murray

4. Man dies in fire in trailer at Oak Orchard Estates

5. Pickup truck pulled from canal in Medina; No sign of driver

6. 2 charged in death of Genesee sergeant at Batavia Downs

7. Driver of pickup truck that went into canal located, issued citations

8. Winter storm hits Orleans with whiteout driving conditions

9. Wrong-way driver charged in fatal accident on McNamar Road in Barre

10. Body of man, 39, recovered from canal in Hulberton

Two local state legislators and the union for corrections officers have condemned the beating of Robert Brooks by COs at the Marcy Correctional Facility on Oneida County.

Robert Brooks died on Dec.10 after a beating from corrections officers at Marcy while Brooks was handcuffed with his hands behind his back. Video shows Brooks shows officers pushing, kicking, grabbing and pulling Brooks by his neck.

Assemblyman Steve Hawley, R-Batavia, issued this statement:

“The incident at Marcy Correctional Facility was appalling and should not be tolerated. I’ve spoken with numerous correctional officers in our community over the last few days who are equally disgusted and outraged by this tragedy. These events do not represent the overwhelming majority of our hardworking, dedicated and professional corrections officers. Those responsible should be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”

State Sen. Rob Ortt, R-North Tonawanda, issued this statement:

“I am sickened by the brutal and senseless attack at Marcy Correctional Facility. The footage is absolutely appalling, and these violent actions cannot be tolerated. While this incident will understandably outrage New Yorkers, it’s important to recognize that this horrific event does not reflect the dedicated service of the countless correction officers who risk their lives every day to maintain order and safety in our prisons. Those responsible must be held fully accountable – there is no excuse for this behavior.

James Miller, director of public relations for the NYS Correctional Officers & Police Benevolent Association, issued this statement:

“NYSCOPBA’s Executive Board has reviewed the video footage released by the Attorney General regarding the death of Robert Brooks at Marcy Correctional Facility.  What we have witnessed is reprehensible .

“It is clear to all of us that these actions are a disgrace to our profession and have put everyone inside our facilities at risk. As correction officers and sergeants, we have a duty to protect every person inside a correctional facility. At all times, we must be ready to stop those seeking to do harm, and that includes fellow staff.

“We, as an organization, stand in complete defiance of the callous disregard for the suffering that we have all witnessed on this video. NYSCOPBA will continue to fulfill its legal obligation to defend all members from all administrative charges, regardless of severity or public outcry. However, as more information becomes readily available, NYSCOPBA must continue to focus its efforts on advocating on behalf of those members who dutifully come to work every day and act with the professionalism and selflessness demanded of them.”

MEDINA – A major highlight of Orleans Community Health in 2024 was the announcement at Treasure Island in November of the creation of Medina Healthcare Center, a transformative outpatient facility set to open in the new year within Medina Memorial Hospital.

This new center is designed to address the critical healthcare needs of Orleans County residents, many of whom face significant challenges in accessing primary and specialized care locally, said Scott Robinson, director of Marketing at Orleans Community Health.

Overall cost of the new facility is $1.9 million, of which $600,000 has already been raised. The Foundation has aggressively been pursuing federal funds and public and private grants. This is in addition to fundraising efforts soliciting donors and events, such as Treasure Island and the Gala.

The Medina Healthcare Center will be located in the former Behavioral Health and Comprehensive Medical Rehab wings of the hospital. That is in the southern and southwest area of the first floor, Robinson said. As part of the final project, the south parking lot will be repaved, a new entrance added to the south and an elevator installed.

The newly opened Ear, Nose and Throat Center is already part of the expansion and the project team has been meeting with primary care providers, Robinson said. Services, such as primary care, will also begin earlier than completion of the project.

“We’re going to do everything possible to bring services to the community, especially those they are already in need of,” Robinson said. “If an opportunity presents itself, we’ll do everything possible to make it happen now.”

The Medina Healthcare Center will offer a comprehensive range of services, starting with the launch of the Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic which opened in November. Primary care services are slated to begin in the first part of 2025, addressing a pressing need in Orleans County, which currently has one of the worst primary care-to-patient ratios in New York state.

“Our community has consistently demonstrated a commitment to enhancing healthcare access,” said Marc Shurtz, CEO/CIO of Orleans Community Health. “The community’s continued support allows us to make meaningful strides toward making the Medina Healthcare Center a reality, bringing critical outpatient services right here in our community.”

The planned renovations include 13 state-of-the-art exam rooms, a dedicated procedure room and a consultation area, in addition to improved parking facilities, all aimed at providing efficient, patient-centered care in one accessible location.

As Orleans Community Health embarks on a capital campaign to fund this project, the initial steps are already underway. With continued community support, Orleans Community Health is working to expand primary care services as quickly as possible, ensuring timely access to essential care for Orleans County residents.

The Medina Healthcare Center represents a beacon of hope and programs, filling a crucial gap in outpatient healthcare services and reinforcing the hospital’s role as a cornerstone of community well-being.

Information provided by the hospital states, “This new state-of-the-art facility will transform outpatient care in Orleans County.”

Anyone who would like to help make this project a reality may contribute by logging on to Support the Medina Healthcare Center – Orleans Community Health.

ALBION – As 2024 comes to a close, Genesee-Orleans Ministry of Concern’s director Jami Allport is reflecting on the impact they have made, with support from the community.

“This year, thanks to your unwavering support, we’ve been able to provide services for 403 families and 1048 individuals,” Allport said. “In 2024, we have had many changes. We moved our office space in April (for which we are so happy and thankful), rebranded and relaunched our youth program, started our homeless outreach program and worked to increase our presence in the community.

“We have had some great times with our Mental Health Walk, the county-wide Recreation Day, pop-up play dates and parades. We loved being able to play games with kids and families before football games, and providing brand new school clothes for more than 80 children, Christmas gifts for more than 60 children and prom tickets for seniors. The outpouring of donations to help support our un-homed friends in the warming center has been nothing short of amazing. None of the would have been possible without the dedication and generosity of our community.”

As the agency looks to the future, key areas of focus for GOMOC are:

• The issue of homelessness, how it looks in our communities and how we can work together to begin to make a positive impact on this community.
• Providing long-term solutions to the people we serve. We do not want to just be a temporary “band aid,” but rather facilitate real change for the community.
• Continuing to partner with others in the community to identify gaps in care and work to fill those gaps.
• Providing much-needed support to the schools in Genesee and Orleans counties and to the youth they serve.
• Continuing to support the community members in need with rental assistance, furniture, prescription co-pays, personal care items, gas vouchers, bus passes and advocacy.

To their volunteers, donors, partners and supporters, Allport said their time, energy and contributions have made a real difference, and they are so grateful for each and every one of them.

“Your commitment has helped us create positive change, and for that, we are truly thankful,” Allport said. “As we look ahead to 2025, we are filled with hope and excitement for the work we will continue to do together. Our journey isn’t over – we can’t wait to see what we will achieve in the coming year.”

Allport concluded with a “thank you” to everyone for being part of their mission and pushing to make the community a better place.

GO Art! welcomes more support for cultural site at fairgrounds

Photo by Tom Rivers: Gregory Hallock, executive director of the Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council, speaks on Oct. 29 about a plan for a new cultural facility at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds. The building is planned for the west end of the Fairgrounds near Taylor Hill Road.

KNOWLESVILLE – The Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council has raised $11,725 from 187 donors so far towards the schematic drawings for the GO Barn! cultural center at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds.

“These contributions came from grassroots efforts, including checks, cash donations, and online contributions,” said Gregory Hallock, the GO Art! executive director. “It represents significant community support and the dedication of individuals across Orleans and neighboring counties.”

GO Art! is seeking $150,000 towards the final designs for the project, which are needed so GO Art! can pursue grants and other funding.

GO Art! is planning a major fundraiser, The Wells Barn Legacy Fundraiser, to boost donations. In the meantime, Hallock said there is a strong committee of volunteers to help raise additional funds to fill the gap. These efforts will include promoting ticket sales for the fundraiser.

If GO Art! doesn’t hit the fundraising goal soon, Hallock said the organization is prepared to utilize lines of credit to keep the project on track.

“However, maintaining the availability of these funds is crucial, as they are often used to cover upfront costs for our reimbursable grants,” he said. “By minimizing reliance on credit, we can ensure that our broader programs and operations remain unaffected while still advancing the GO Barn! project.”

Rendering by Red Green Design: The three-story building would have the look of a barn, with the silo having an elevator and stairs to access the three floors. GO Art! said the facility would boost arts programs, agricultural education and entrepreneurial initiatives.

GO Art! is actively seeking volunteers, “go-getters” and community influencers to join this effort. Those interested in helping can contact Hallock directly at ghallock@goart.org.

In the meantime, GO Art! is making a year-end push to encourage additional contributions. Donations can be made online at goart.org/gobarn.

“We welcome all levels of support to bring this project closer to reality,” he said.

The fairgrounds is an ideal location for the cultural center, located between Medina and Albion, Hallock said.

“It will be a dynamic cultural community hub designed to bring arts, agricultural education, and entrepreneurial opportunities together under one roof,” he said.

GO Barn! would serve as a vibrant space for a wide range of arts and educational programs, with workshops spanning fine arts, culinary arts, horticulture, fiber arts, and more, Hallcok said.

The building would have flexible or adaptable space that could be used for many things. Hallock and Go Art! envision two art galleries, artist studios and a residence where artists could bunk instead of driving home in the wee hours of the night. Hallock would like to the building to be used for many art forms – culinary, folk, horticultural, literary, visual, muli-media and more.

Hallock said the site would likely be built in stages. He said a July 2025 start is possible with the project’s target completion in July 2028.

He listed the following potential new programs:

Fiber arts and crafts; culinary arts; horticultural and agriculture programs; art and design classes; animals and fiber arts; health, wellness and social programs; technology and innovation programs; performing arts and music classes; film and digital media classes; woodworking classes and workshops; crafts and do-it-yourself classes; sustainability and eco-classes; business and entrepreneurship classes; collaborative and community projects; educational and community events; bar and beverage service; event space rentals.

The facility would be accessible and inclusive to all community members, Hallock said. The GoBarn would have hands-on programs in arts, agriculture and sustainability that would provide workforce readiness. Hallock said GO Art! wants to partner with local schools and organizations in “fostering a lifelong learning environment.”

MEDINA – After 29 years of bringing joy to customers through cookies and kindness, Mary Lou Tuohey is retiring after today as owner of Case-Nic Cookies in downtown Medina.

She and her staff have kept up their usual busy pace this holiday season. But this time there have been plenty of tears as Case-Nic nears the end of 29 years.

“I’m definitely going to miss it,” Tuohey said about the business where she has met so many people over the years. “A lot of people are upset we are closing.”

Kathy McHugh has worked for Tuohey the past decade at Case-Nic. She said Tuohey has an amazing work ethic and kind heart for the community.

“I’m grateful for everything Mary Lou has done for me and everyone,” McHugh said. “She is here from dawn to dusk.”

McHugh will miss the job at Case-Nic.

“It’s always great to put smiles on peoples’ faces,” she said.

Mary Lou Tuohey frosts cookies with a New year’s theme. Case-Nic has set a 100 dozen a day limit during the holiday season. It makes for a long day in the kitchen of baking and being bent over to do the frosting.

Case-Nic also made 2,000 dozen cookies for the Medina Railroad Museum this season for the Polar Express.

Tuohey decorates the New Year’s cookies with a 2025. Many customers orders for events happening months away with the cookies to be frozen. They wanted the Case-Nic cookies for their events.

Tuohey has the cookies ready for decorations. The blue ones are for the character Bluey for a birthday party in a few months.

A big banner is in the store thanking Mary Lou Tuohey for her 29 years at Case-Nic.

Many customers signed the banner, thanking Tuohey and the Case-Nic staff.

Case-Nic closes today at 5 p.m. Tuohey said the building at 439 Main St. will remain a  bakery. Hans Rosentreter, co-owner of the Coffee Pot Café, will take over the site.

Photo from Carter Center: Jimmy Carter, the 39th president of the United States, died at age 100 on Dec. 29. Carter was a noted humanitarian who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002.

Gov. Kathy Hochul and President Joe Biden have both directed flags to be at half-staff in honor of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter until sunset on Jan. 28.

Carter died at age 100 on Dec. 29. He was a noted humanitarian and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002.

“President Jimmy Carter embodied decency and integrity throughout his life of public service,” Governor Hochul said in a statement. “I’ll never forget as a teenager meeting him in Buffalo. He was an inspiration to me and so many Americans. Our hearts are with the Carter family during this difficult time.”

Carter died in Plains, Georgia. He is survived by his children Jack, Chip, Jeff and Amy; 11 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Rosalynn.

Biden marked Jan. 9 as a National Day of Mourning.

“With his compassion and moral clarity, he worked to eradicate disease, forge peace, advance civil rights and human rights, promote free and fair elections, house the homeless, and always advocate for the least among us,” Biden said in a statement. “He saved, lifted, and changed the lives of people all across the globe.”

MEDINA – Of the nearly 50 floats entered in Medina’s annual Parade of Lights Nov. 30, The Orleans/Niagara BOCES emerged as the grand champion.

 This morning, Jim Hancock, chair of the Parade of Lights committee, accompanied parade grand marshal Ginny Kropf to BOCES to present the the school with its much-deserved plaque for earning first place. BOCES also received a check for $500 for the top entry.

BOCES principal Nicole Goyette accepted the plaque, saying she is a firm believer it is important for the students to do things in the community.

“We tried to involve as many students as possible,” Goyette said.

Photos courtesy of Nicole Goyette: Niagara-Orleans BOCES award-winning float in Medina’s Parade of Lights had a theme of “On Track for Bright Futures.” 

The float had the theme of “On Track for Bright Futures” and featured a track around the flatbed with a toy train running; an eight-foot metal Christmas tree with thousands of green lights; and a fire pit around which students sat during the parade.

Students in the welding class fabricated the track and Christmas tree out of scrap metal and rebar. Automotive technology students wired the train with a toggle switch, and Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering students created the fire pit, with a fog machine to simulate smoke. Diesel program students had previously restored an antique 1954 John Deere 40U tractor, which followed the float in the parade. Graphics students made the sign describing the float.

“BOCES has always had beautiful floats,” Hancock said.

(Left) BOCES students string some of the thousands of green lights on the giant Christmas tree made from scrap metal which highlighted their award-winning float. (Right) A BOCES student welds a track out of scrap metal on a flatbed which would become the grand champion float in the Parade of Lights.

In all, Goyette said about 20 students and staff were involved in creating their float.

This is the sixth year BOCES has entered a float in the Parade of Lights and the first time they have won a prize.

“We were thrilled with the prize money,” Goyette said. “We are using it to help students who need materials for their classes, but can’t afford it. This includes work boots, tools, test equipment for nursing students and kits for cosmetology.

“It really comes in handy,” Goyette said.

Goyette said the kids have asked if next year they could keep the float and take it to Albion’s parade, which is what they plan to do.

A fire pit created by BOCES’ Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering (Machining) class was surrounded by students on their float in the Parade of Lights.

The idea for BOCES to have a float in the Parade of Lights was initially suggested by Auto Technology teacher Bob Winters, and the school has supported it ever since.

“The kids already have an idea for next year’s float,” Goyette said.

Hancock said they give out almost $4,000 in prize money to parade entrants, in addition to a plaque.

The Parade of Lights takes place every year on the last Saturday in November, at the end of Olde Tyme Christmas in Medina.

NY will expedite $400 million investment in body-worn cameras for all prisons

Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office

 Governor Kathy Hochul today visited Marcy Correctional Facility in Oneida County demanding answers from the facility’s interim leadership following the horrific killing of Robert Brooks.

Governor Hochul also met with a number of incarcerated individuals at Marcy who serve as liaisons for the larger incarcerated population and heard from them directly about their experiences.

Hochul announced immediate corrective actions following her visit, and she previously ordered an immediate and full investigation into the death of Robert Brooks and further directed New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision Commissioner Martuscello to begin the termination process for the 14 individuals who were involved in his fatal attack.

“Today, as I stood in the room where Robert Brooks was killed, I was once again heartbroken by this unnecessary loss of life and further sickened to think of the actions of depraved individuals with no regard for human life,” Governor Hochul said. “Mr. Brooks and his family did not deserve this. I told both Marcy leadership and the incarcerated individuals that I met with that every single individual who enters a DOCCS facility deserves to be safe, whether they are employed there or serving their time. The system failed Mr. Brooks and I will not be satisfied until there has been significant culture change. Today I am implementing a number of new policies at Marcy and within DOCCS, and I look forward to continuing to hear ideas from experts, elected officials, and advocates as we continue this work.”

During her meeting with DOCCS officials today, Governor Hochul directed Department leaders to implement immediate changes to protect the safety and well-being of all DOCCS personnel and incarcerated individuals. This includes:

• Directing DOCCS Commissioner Martuscello to appoint Shawangunk Correctional Facility Superintendent Bennie Thorpe as the new permanent Superintendent of Marcy Correctional Facility. Superintendent Thorpe has spent more than two decades working in corrections, including leadership roles at Hudson Correctional Facility, Sing Sing Correctional Facility and now as Superintendent at Shawangunk. He has extensive experience in security operations and also has implemented programs like College in Prison and Rehabilitation Through the Arts. He is a career DOCCS employee who has never served at Marcy or nearby facilities, giving him expertise and a fresh perspective on what must be done.
• Expediting $400 million to install fixed cameras and distribute body-worn cameras in all DOCCS facilities. Governor Hochul has already committed over $400 million for this initiative which has already invested millions of dollars in cameras across the system — the same body-worn cameras that were critical in capturing the horrific assault on Mr. Brooks. At the Governor’s direction, Commissioner Martuscello has already expanded the policy for activating body-worn cameras whenever a staff member comes in contact with incarcerated individuals.
• Adding DOCCS staff to the Office of Special Investigations to ensure that complaints are handled immediately and that anyone found of wrongdoing will be held accountable in a timely manner.
• Directing DOCCS to engage an outside firm to conduct a review of the culture, patterns and practices, not only in Marcy, but across the correctional system.
• Expanding the DOCCS whistleblower hotline to more effectively facilitate anonymous tips from DOCCS employees and contractors as well as incarcerated individuals.
• Deploying $2 million to expand DOCCS’ partnership with the Correctional Association of NY (“CANY”), which is charged with visiting and examining the State’s correctional facilities under §146 of New York’s Correction Law. These funds will allow CANY to expand their ability to provide independent monitoring and oversight of state prisons in New York State, which is a critical step in providing independent and ongoing concerns and solutions to the agency.
• Launching a new partnership with AMEND, a public health and human rights program that works in prisons to assess the operating culture of our facilities, offer recommendations to reduce misconducts and other adverse events among incarcerated individuals, and to improve health and wellbeing. AMEND will also review appropriate training curriculum and provide recommendations based on this review.
• Launching a new partnership with Chicago Beyond to conduct a safety gap analysis within several facilities with the goal of deploying fresh, expert eyes within corrections facilities to identify improvements and develop best practices.
• Creating a new dedicated unit on The Future of Prisons in New York State within the Council of Community Justice. The scope of work for the new exclusively dedicated unit would be broad, including (a) a strategy for creating a more healthy and safer environment of those who work and are incarcerated in our prisons; (b) the training and professional development of corrections staff; (c) staffing needs (a major national crisis); (d) the state of the economies of “prison towns” that would be impacted if prisons closed, building on the work of the previous commission; (e) the state of health care, particularly for the aging population; (f) the projected population for the prisons over the next 20 years (under different policy options for sentencing); and (g) the state of the physical plant.

These newly-announced actions build on the existing work directed by Governor Hochul in the days following Mr. Brooks’ horrific killing. These include:

• Directing Commissioner Martuscello to begin the termination process for all individuals involved in the killing. Currently 13 individuals have been suspended without pay and one individual has resigned.
• Enhancing DOCCS’ body-worn camera policy by requiring correction officers to have their body cameras activated and on at any time they are engaging directly with our incarcerated population. DOCCS is also requiring daily audits to ensure that body cams are being activated and used within each facility.
• Begin implementing an advanced performance matrix for body-worn camera oversight. DOCCS is working closely with the Department’s body-worn camera vendor to implement advanced performance matrix, additional body-worn camera oversight, review and audit functionality that will allow us to safeguard those in the State’s care.
• Expanding the requirements for senior leaders within each facility, known as the “Officer of the Day” policy, by ensuring senior leaders are present at all shifts in every facility.
• DOCCS call with all Correctional Facility Superintendents to reinforce the Administration’s position of not tolerating the use of excessive force and the need to treat all people in the State’s care with dignity and respect.
• Communicating with incarcerated individuals to address this incident with the incarcerated individual population and reemphasize the Department’s commitment to investigate and improve as an agency.

Press Release, Lyndonville Lions Club

LYNDONVILLE – The Christmas Decorations Committee of the Lyndonville Lions Club traversed the Village of Lyndonville and the surrounding community of the Town of Yates in search of the best holiday decorations on Sunday, Dec. 29.

The long-established tradition of awarding honorary plaques to residents of the local community was once again carried out to recognize their hard work in decorating their homes for the Christmas season along with their increased electric bills.

Inflation is real in Lyndonville as the committee saw a large “Inflation” of more displays.

This year’s inflatable display award goes to Mr. Eric Morton and Ms. Rose Carter of 65 Maple Avenue in the Village of Lyndonville. The committee was unanimous on this selection as Eric and Rose’s efforts are year-round and calculated into the equation of “Best Inflatable Display.”

The committee awarded the Best Newcomer Award to Andy and Donna Krall in the Village of Lyndonville. Not only are they newcomers, just recently moving into Lyndonville, they wasted no time or effort in joining in the holiday tradition of exterior home Illumination for Christmas.  The Lions would like to send their holiday wishes and a big welcome to Mr. and Mrs. Krall.

An award was also bestowed on Ms. Barb Tice of 8 Eagle St. for the “Best in Show 2025.” This decoration job touches all the facets of the holiday season with lights, Christmas ornaments and Nutcrackers on display. It was felt that this display has been one of the largest and longest running displays in Lyndonville and really brings in a welcome feeling to Lyndonville for Christmas.

The first rural award went to Ryan and Katie Klotzbach of Alps Road for the most traditional Christmas display. The committee felt this simple display reflected the “Reason for the Season” and wanted to recognize it for its simple but powerful message.

The final award was given to Steve Shaw who resides on North Main Street in Lyndonville.  The Currier and Ives Award honors the home decorations reflective of a nostalgic Christmas long ago.

The Lions had two honorable mention awards. It was felt the first reflected the Amish influence in the Town of Yates and the committee want to recognize this effort.

The second honorable mention went to a resident on Maple Avenue in the Town of Lyndonville. The committee felt this display was award worthy but since the resident already has a “Major Award” on display it was felt our plaque would have paled in comparison.

The Lyndonville Lions would like to thank all those who year in and year out continue to add, change or start decorating their homes for the Christmas Season. In an effort to increase the competition for these prestigious awards the Lions not only honored recipients with a plaque, but this year honorees received a gift certificate to the White Birch Resort.

The Lions would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year and my God continue to bless us and this great nation we live in as we start 2025.

MEDINA – Mile 303 will again host a ball drop on New year’s Eve on Main Street in Medina.

Mile 303 started the ball drop to ring in year 2019. The restaurant and bar at 416 Main St. will open at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday for a New Year’s Eve Party to culminate with the ball drop at midnight.

The Medina Village Board agreed to close off part of Main Street for the event. Police Chief Todd Draper said there hasn’t been any unruly behavior with past ball drop celebrations. He pushed to have the street closed so people can safely gather and mingle on Main Street to celebrate the start of a new year.

MEDINA – The Medina Village Board has gone on the record in support of an estimated $10 million in improvements to the canal in Medina, including work on the towpath trail and the concrete wall on the north side of the canal in the basin.

The State Canal Corp. is working on the design for improvements to the towpath from Bates Road to the lift bridge.

The Canal Corp. and New York Power Authority requested a letter of support for the improvement project. That letter of support from the board would be “invaluable” as the Power Authority works to get approval from the State Historic Preservation Office, according to a letter to Mayor Marguerite Sherman from Joana Pacheco, Capital Planning manager of Canals for the Power Authority.

“The Medina Waterfront Project is a transformative effort aimed at rebuilding the canal structure of the high wall and repairing the canal system trails,” Pacheco wrote in a letter to Mayor Marguerite Sherman. “It includes enhancements to existing trailheads and the creation of new public spaces that will provide much needed amenities, fostering increased accessibility, connection and quality of life for the community.”

The Medina Village Board on Dec. 16 said it strongly supports the project and will send a letter backing the effort.

The Power Authority and Canal Corp. also are looking to “reactivate” an industrial area where safety concerns have been reported, transforming it into a vibrant, welcoming space, Pacheco said.

“Vital to this initiative is the development of a recognizable central gateway adjacent to the Sydney Gross Memorial and the Apple – a site that will become the primary stopping point on the northside of the Canal Loop,” she wrote in her letter to the board. “This new arrival will support recreational activities, including kayaking, boating, while offering vital amenities such as parking, water fountains, seating, bathrooms and storage.”

The initiative from the Canal Corp. and Power Authority aligns with other big projects in Medina, including a $4.5 million Forward NY grant and an international art event to launch in 2026, Pacheco said.

“I am incredibly excited about the potential of this project to enrich the lives of Medina’s residents and visitors, and believe your support will underscore its importance to the wider community,” Pacheco said.

Now there’s a dog with an attitude! “Sloat’s Dog” presents a regal and commanding pose.  (Scott B. Dunlap Collection)

By Catherine Cooper, Orleans County Historian

“Illuminating Orleans” – Volume 4, Number 40

SHELBY – It is the holiday season! We have been dealing with serious photographs all year long, stern looking men and somber women, buildings and street scenes galore. Time for some lighter fare!

Our submissions today are from the Scott B. Dunlap collection which we have previously used for postmortem and Powerline project photographs.

Born in 1898, Scott B. Dunlap of Dunlap Road in Shelby was a fourth-generation member of the family for whom the road is named. Armed with his new Kodak camera, Scott, who graduated from Medina High School in 1905, took unposed, relaxed photographs of family, friends and animals.

Most likely without intending to, he compiled a precious chronicle of life in rural America in the early 1900s, in those years just before automobiles replaced the horse and buggy. In 2008, Scott B. Dunlap, Jr. donated this collection of over two hundred of his father’s glass plate negatives to the Medina Historical Society.

“Sloat’s Dog” with his snout in the air, cannot but make one smile. It appears that Sloat had another dog, an equally well-fed and imperious canine.

“Sloat’s Dog” #2 (Scott B. Dunlap collection)

According to the 1900 Census, Francis Sloat, a farmer, and his wife, Mary (Dutton), lived in Shelby. Sloat later moved to Corfu, died in 1921 and is buried in Millville Cemetery.

“Dunk’s children” (Scott B. Dunlap collection)

What a visual treasure! The horse is old and calm, the girls are dressed up for the occasion, in matching dresses and hats. The younger girl, on the left, is clutching part of the horse’s mane in her hand.

“Dunk” was Frank Dunkelberger, a farmer in Shelby. The 1900 Census lists his age as 30, his daughters Ruth and Rhea were 6 and 4 at the time of the Census.

“Remson’s children” (Scott B. Dunlap collection)

Upon investigation, these children with the white cat and a sheep may be Seth Ransom’s grandchildren, rather than Remson’s children, as labeled: Theron, Anita and J. Lawrence Caleb who lived on Southwoods Road in Shelby.

“Boy with two dogs” (Scott B. Dunlap collection)

Our last selection (it was difficult to choose) is of this young man, armed with a hunting rifle and two dogs. We were taken by the unsettling expression of the seated dog.

In addition to providing some levity, these photographs contain a treasure trove of attendant details which we can now zoom over and enlarge. Naturally, we relish the challenge of finding additional information on the subjects. Armed with the most basic descriptors “Sloat’s Dog” or “Remson’s Children” we were able to locate information in the Orleans County Genweb site and the New Century Atlas of Niagara and Orleans Counties, 1913.

https://orleans.nygenweb.net

https://www.historicmapworks.com/Atlas/US/7112/Orleans+County+1913/