Police seize 50 vials of crack cocaine, several plastic bags of cocaine

ALBION – An Albion man and an Albion juvenile are facing drug charges after an investigation into the sale and distribution of crack cocaine in the villages of Albion and Medina, the Orleans County Major Felony Crime Task Force reported today.

The Task Force and the Albion Police Department, the Orleans County Sheriff’s Department, and the Orleans County Special Response Team executed a search warrant at 238 East Bank St. in Albion.

Police seized over 50 plastic vials of crack cocaine, several plastic bags containing cocaine, over $800 in cash, scales, hundreds of new and unused plastic vials and other drug paraphernalia.

Andre R. Robinson

Andre R. Robinson, aka “Moola”, age 29, of 238 East Bank St., Albion is charged with: 2 counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, which are B felonies.

A juvenile, age 15, of the same address also is charged with 2 counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree.

The Task Force reported an arrest was also made related to this case by the Albion Police Department on July 23, after receiving a complaint of drug activity at St. Joseph’s Park at 120 South Clinton St. An individual that was staying at 238 East Bank St. was utilizing a bicycle to distribute drugs around the village, the Task Force reported.

Albion police seized 33 plastic vials of crack cocaine and arrested Jovan R. Cooper-Smith, age 21, of 44 Samuel Way in Rochester. He is charged with 1 count of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree (B felony), 1 count of resisting arrest. (A misdemeanor) and 1 count obstructing governmental administration in the second degree. (A misdemeanor).

Cooper-Smith was issued an appearance ticket returnable to the Town of Albion Court.

Robinson was arraigned in CAP court by the Shelby Town Justice Ed Grabowski and was committed without bail to the Orleans County Jail due to two prior felony convictions. Robinson is also currently on state parole. He is to return to County Court on Wednesday.

The juvenile was issued an appearance ticket and released to the mother.

Further arrests and charges are pending in this case, the Task Force said in a news release.

Press Release, Albion Central School

Provided photo: Richard Diminuco is a Hall of Fame football coach at Albion. He led the team Section VI championships in 1979, 1981,1983 and 1987. He was inducted in the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame in 2013.

ALBION – The Albion Central School District invites you to join them in celebrating the opening of the Richard C. Diminuco Athletic Complex before the Purple Eagles’ home opener on Friday, Sept. 13.

“This celebration underscores our commitment to celebrating the success of both our students and our broader Albion community,” said Mickey Edwards, district superintendent and a former player for Diminuco. “We look forward to sharing the official opening of the Richard C. Diminuco Athletic Complex with the Albion Community this fall. Once a Purple Eagle. Always a Purple Eagle.”

Named for the record-setting former Albion Athletic Director and football head coach Richard Diminuco, fondly called “Coach D” by his players, the athletic complex will encompass all of the newly turfed fields including Spierdowis Field, the multipurpose fields, soccer fields, softball fields, concession stand and Stackwick Field House.

The ceremony will take place before the game at 6:45 p.m. at Spierdowis Field located behind District Office at 324 East Ave. Gates will open at 6 p.m. and kickoff is at 7 p.m. Parking will be available next to District Office.

During his 34-year coaching tenure, Diminuco was named Coach of the Decade for the 1980s, recorded 204 wins and was selected as New York State Coach of the Year in both 1983 and 1984. In 2004, Diminuco was inducted into the Ottawa University Braves Athletic Hall of Fame and has also been inducted into the Section V and Section VI Halls of Fame. This October marks 10 years since Coach D was inducted into the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame.

Diminuco has lived in Albion for nearly 50 years, and started his teaching and coaching career as a Purple Eagle. In 1979, he became the Purple Eagles’ Athletic Director, leading the Varsity Football Team to New York State Section VI Champions in 1979, 1981,1983 and 1987.

Press Release, Town of Yates

LYNDONVILLE – The Town of Yates is pleased to welcome people to the 3rd Annual Street Dance this Friday, August 23rd, from 5 to 9 p.m.

The festivities will be held on Main Street in the Village of Lyndonville which will be closed to traffic from Maple Road to Eagle Street starting at 4 p.m.

“We are very excited to work with the village to host our 3rd street dance on Main Street,” said Town Councilwoman Susan Hrovat, the event coordinator.  “Join us for good music and dancing, card games and a bounce house, and enjoy some fun, food and fellowship with family, friends and neighbors.”

Live music will be played by a local band, the Guzinyas, and there will be food trucks, craft vendors and more. The event is free, and there will be tables and chairs on the street as well as plenty of room for dancing. All are welcome.

Planning Board chairman seeks compromise to allow 6 hens

Photo by Tom Rivers: The Village of Lyndonville Planning Board discusses a proposed chicken ordinance on Monday. Steve Vann is the chairman, and Justin Edwards, left, and Patti Gawne are members. Two other members, Terry Chaffee and Virginia Hughes, weren’t at the meeting. Village Clerk Teri Woodworth is taking notes.

LYNDONVILLE – The Village of Lyndonville’s Planning Board is trying to reach a compromise to allow residents to have a small flock of up to 6 hens.

The board had a draft ordinance ready on Monday, but failed to get at least three votes for the proposal which would then be forwarded to the Village Board.

Two of the five Planning Board members weren’t at Monday’s meeting. That meant the three remaining members all needed to be in favor of it for it to advance to the Village Board. Justin Edwards cast a nay vote because he doesn’t like the language in the proposed law about neighbor notification. He isn’t convinced having neighbor approval should be required to have hens.

Planning Board Chairman Steve Vann put together the draft ordinance, taking from other municipalities that allow chickens. One of those municipalities requires neighbors to give approval to allow chickens.

Vann wanted to have a majority of neighbors sign off when a resident applied for a permit to have chickens.

Kate Hardner, who has led the effort to have chickens be allowed in Orleans County villages, said neighbor approval shouldn’t be required for chickens. She noted the Health Department and state Department of Agriculture and Markets don’t require regulations for chickens.

She recommended Lyndonville instead have a process where neighbors can file a complaint about chickens, if the owner is not keeping the coops clean, if chickens are wandering off the property or other issues.

Vann said he doesn’t want to put more work on the village code officer in dealing with complaints and oversight.

“We don’t have the resources to be a neighborhood cop,” he said.

There are 457 homes in Lyndonville. Hardner estimates there would be 20 that would want to have chickens.

The Planning Board is proposing a one-time application fee of $25, with pictures of the coop and cage that the chickens would be kept in. The owners would need to reapply for a permit every three years, but wouldn’t be subject to the $25 fee every three years.

They would need neighbor approval every three years, including from any new residents who moved in adjacent to the chicken owner’s property.

Chickens won’t be allowed at duplexes or muti-family residences. They will be restricted to the rear or backyards of properties, and must be at least 30 feet from any door or window of a dwelling, school, church or other occupied structure other than the applicant’s dwelling. They must also be at least 5 feet from a side lot line or 18 inches from a rear lot line, according to the proposal.

The proposed ordinance also states the coops shall not exceed 32 square feet. The chickens must be kept in the coops or a fenced-in area at all times, unless there is a responsible individual directly monitoring the hens.

Vann said he intends to keep working on the ordinance.

“This is a good start,” he said. “We have to start somewhere. We’re trying to find a solution that works for all village residents.”

Hardner thanked the Planning Board for working on the issue. She said she supports the language in the proposal except for requiring neighbor permission.

Photos and information courtesy of Lee-Whedon Memorial Library

MEDINA – Library users had a fun-filled summer this year, said Kristine Mostyn, library director.

“Offering 45 programs over 6 weeks, we had 1,337 people learn how to make Nautical Knots, watch a movie with us, or learn about photography,” she said. “We visited the Iroquois Wildlife Preserve, created a Natural History Museum, sampled new recipes,

studied nature, and marveled at the stars. As part of the Library Adventure Map contest, we had over 175 visitors from other NIOGA libraries.”

One program helped educate children about the stars.

Storytime at the library was well attended.

“To say we traveled far and wide, through time and space seems appropriate,” Mostyn said. “We had a fantastic time learning and teaching alongside each and every one of you that attended. Thank you for a wonderful summer. Watch for more fun with Lee-Whedon to come in the fall.”

Some artifacts were on display for one of the programs where a natural history museum was created.

LYNDONVILLE – The Puckdaddys will be performing on Wednesday evening at Yates Community Library. The band was supposed to play on Monday, Aug. 19, but the event was pushed back to Wednesday due to the weather.

It’s part of the Concerts on the Lawn series. The Puckdaddys are an acoustic group that plays music from the 1960s up until current favorites.

The concert will start at 6:30 p.m.

Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office

 Governor Kathy Hochul signed landmark legislation S.2852A/A.3132A that allows New York’s small craft manufacturers of spirits, cider, and mead to ship directly to consumers.

The newly signed law opens significant opportunities for the state’s growing craft beverage industry by providing a vital market expansion tool—allowing these producers to ship their unique products directly to consumers within New York and across state lines.

“New York’s craft manufacturers create distinctive, world-class products that deserve a broader audience,” Governor Hochul said. “This legislation levels the playing field, allowing these small producers to reach new markets and foster economic growth across the state. With this new law, we are ensuring that New York remains a national leader in craft beverages, continuing to support our local businesses, tourism, and agriculture.”

Expanding Market Access for Craft Producers

New York’s craft cider and spirit producers often struggle to gain access to traditional wholesale distribution channels, placing these smaller manufacturers at a competitive disadvantage, as their products are less likely to reach licensed retailers and consumers. Direct-to-consumer shipping offers an essential new outlet for these smaller producers, enabling them to build brand loyalty by connecting directly with consumers who want to enjoy the unique products that define New York’s craft beverage industry. For consumers, the new law means greater access to high-quality New York-made products, driving demand for the state’s craft beverages both locally and nationally.

This expansion of market access is particularly significant as New York is home to the largest number of craft cideries in the nation and ranks second in the U.S. for the number of distilleries. By allowing these manufacturers to ship directly to consumers, New York strengthens its position as a leader in the craft beverage industry while supporting the state’s broader agricultural economy.

This legislation also represents a milestone for parity for New York’s spirits and cider producers, who have long advocated for the same privileges that wine manufacturers have enjoyed for nearly two decades, while providing safeguards against underage access to alcohol and ensuring proper tax collection by mirroring the responsible sales and delivery practices established under the DTC wine shipping laws.

Temporary Covid-19 Relief Now Permanent

During the Covid-19 pandemic, New York craft manufacturers of spirits and cider were granted temporary DTC shipping privileges to help them survive the economic downturn. This temporary measure proved highly successful, with no recorded violations, demonstrating that direct shipping can be done safely and responsibly. The new law permanently codifies this privilege, allowing small craft manufacturers to continue growing their businesses by reaching customers both within and outside of New York.

New York State Liquor Authority Chair Lily Fan said, “This legislation will hopefully support the long-term survival and create another growth spurt of New York’s vibrant craft and farm alcohol producers. I am immensely proud that our agency is able to support our manufacturing licensees in obtaining this long-sought change, which would allow them to directly touch their consumers and build brand loyalty in a meaningful manner.”

 New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “This legislation provides our distilleries and cideries with tremendous opportunity for growth that will have a ripple effect on our economy. With the most cideries and the second-most distilleries in the nation, New York State is committed to continuing to support these small businesses, who ultimately also help provide a boost to our farmers as well. By opening up the direct-to-consumer shipping option, producers can reach even more customers and consumers have an opportunity to discover a new, favorite New York beverage.”

The new law takes effect in 90 days, just in time for the upcoming holiday season, allowing consumers to explore and enjoy New York’s world-class craft spirits, cider and mead from the comfort of their own homes.

New York Farm Bureau President David Fisher said, “We are excited for our farm distillers and farm cideries who will now be able to expand their market by shipping their products directly to consumers. This is a lifeline for many struggling distilleries and cideries throughout the state. This will help strengthen the fruit, grain and potato industry in New York and is a huge win for agriculture.”

Press Release, Orleans/Niagara BOCES

MEDINA – The Orleans/Niagara BOCES Extended School Year (ESY) program at the Orleans Learning Center ended with a great celebration picnic.

Coordinator Michelle Kulbago and her staff went all out making sure teveryone had a great time, including students, staff and special visitors – District Superintendent Dr. Taweepon Farrar, Director of Special Programs Dr. Ron Barstys and School Attorney Melissa Kathan.

“It meant a great deal to the OLC staff here to see Dr. Farrar join in the fun,” said Mrs. Kulbago.  “The staff are over the moon thrilled to have her as our new superintendent!”

Entertainment was provided by the ONBOCES Super Band. Three of the performers are OLC staff – Gary Withey (Teacher Aide), Tom Smith (Job Coach) and John Osterhoudt (Teacher).

“The staff and students just loved it,” said Mrs. Kulbago. “They got a few local performers to come out to round out the band and donate their time and talent for free. We are grateful to Gary, Tom and John for the extra effort it took to plan, set up and perform for us.”

OLC would like to extend a special thank you to ESY secretary Mary Niemiec and school nurse Mary Lou Cohen who were outstanding with looking out for the students’ well-being all summer.

ONBOCES Super Band and student A’Zena Diaz enjoy the music.

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – Shawn Ramsey, owner of Canalside Tattoo, celebrated the opening of Canalside’s new location on Sunday, which was also Canalside’s annual “Caturday” fundraiser for the Cat by Cat, Inc. organization in Medina.

Canalside had 13 tattoo artists and other body piercers, as well as 150 gift baskets as part of the fundraiser that raised about $24,000. That is up from $18,000 last year and $10,000 in 2022.

Ramsey purchased the building at 627 West Ave. that was last used by AJ’s Play Date. Ramsey turned the site into the “Fantasy Factory” giving tattoo artists their own partitioned space, providing more privacy.

C.J. Cruickshank, one of the tattoo artists at Canalside, works on a raccoon tattoo for Olivia Miller on Sunday during Caturday under one of the ring lights that provides a more subtle, overhead light. The 13 artists were all booked for at least eight tattoos at $100 each with the proceeds going to Cat by Cat.

Cruickshank said she likes the new atmosphere and work space at Canalside tattoo.

“It is still an open vibe but we all have our own personalized space,” Cruickshank said.

Ramsey opened Canalside in 2015 in a small storefront on East Center Street. In 2017, he moved to Main Street at the former Curvin’s News, tripling his space from the first location. He then expanded next door on Main Street in 2020, giving him 3,500 square feet.

The West Avenue building is a chance for Ramsey to own the building and put in partitions, an office space, a gaming room for Ramsey and staff. There also is more display room for Canalside merchandise and to showcase local work from artists and crafters. The Fantasy Factory also has a gym/workout room for Canalside staff, as well as a kitchen and break room.

Canalside opened in the Fantasy Factory on Aug. 9.

Another tattoo artist, David Jednat of Buffalo, praised Ramsey for the layout and look of the new space.

“You can tell he put a lot of thought and time in it,” Jednat said. “This will work really well for the people. Most tattoo shops are really crowded.”

Besides donating his service son Sunday, Jednat agreed to eat a hot dog for each tattoo he did. He was up to seven by 5 p.m., with more to go. (The Boy Scouts were selling hot dogs as part of the Caturday event.)

C.J. Cruickshank works on the new tattoo for Olivia Miller. Miller said it was her sixth tattoo. She was happy to get the tattoo and have the proceeds go to Cat by Cat. She said her family has benefitted from Cat by Cat and she wanted to give back to the organization.

Caturday is a big fundraiser for Cat by Cat, which locally is run by Shannon Blount.

Cat by Cat seeks to humanely “TNVR” cats through targeted trapping. Cat by Cat focuses on a TNVR model – Trap, Neuter, Vaccinate and Return.

The Medina team cares for about 150 cats a year. Feral or community cats are an “overwhelming” problem in Medina and Orleans County, Blount said.

The money from “Caturday” goes towards neutering, medications, vaccinations, food and cat litter, and other supplies.

There were six cats up for adoption at Canalside, including “Chocolate Chip,” a 12 week old kitten.

There were 150 baskets up for raffle at Caturday. The basket raffle raised $7,000 of the Caturday total. Ramsey said body piercing netted over $1500 and tattoos raised nearly $15,000.

Event includes information and entertainment, while remembering those lost to cancer

LYNDONVILLE – Orleans Community Health has announced it is finalizing plans for its annual For Women Only on Oct. 3 at White Birch.

For Women Only was a yearly event for many years, returning in 2023 after a several year hiatus due to Covid-19, said Scott Robinson, director of Marketing, Communication and Outreach at Orleans Community Health.

In addition to raising funds, the event also provides educational information and entertainment to attendees, honors cancer survivors and remembers those lost to cancer.

“We’ve all known someone who has had their lives affected by cancer,” Robinson said. “FWO allows us to bring these individuals together for an evening of strength through numbers. Everyone in the room has a story to tell, and we’re lucky enough to hear many of them.”

Tickets are $30 and anyone wishing to purchase them or be a sponsor can call Lori Condo at (585) 798-8422 or click here for ticket information.

“The event will once again kick off breast cancer awareness month,” Robinson said. “While there is a traditional focus on that, we want to recognize those who have battled any form of the disease. There are plenty of individuals to honor, as well. In addition to basket raffles and other returning highlights, we’re continuing with last year’s opportunity to have loved ones included in a slide show that honors those we’ve lost, current fighters and survivors.”

Anyone interested in participating in the event or donating a basket should contact Robinson at srobinson@medinamemorial.org or Lori Condo at lcondo@medinamemorial.org.

By Catherine Cooper, Orleans County Historian 

“illuminating Orleans” – Volume 4, Number 25

Members of the Orleans County Home and Infirmary building project committee participated in a groundbreaking ceremony for the new facility on May 7, 1959. From left include Milton Bowen, Town of Clarendon Supervisor; Justin Roberts, Town of Shelby Supervisor; Victor Hawkes, Welfare Commissioner; Harold Hill, Town of Barre Supervisor; and William Knights, Town of Ridgeway Supervisor.

ALBION – As early as 1829, the Board of Supervisors of the newly formed Orleans County was mandated by the state to build a structure to “care for the downtrodden.”

Located three miles south of the Village of Albion, this facility determined the name of the road on which it was built. County House Road runs east-west between the hamlet of Millville in Ridgeway and Route 98 in the Town of Albion.

The original building was replaced in 1878. A separate structure to house an infirmary was added in 1903. People with a variety of needs were cared for at the Orleans County Home and Infirmary.

By 1957, the buildings had deteriorated and were deemed unsuitable for modern medical practices. An inadequate water supply on County House Road tipped the balance of the decision to relocate the facility. The new Orleans County Infirmary was dedicated on Sunday, August 28, 1960.

As is customary, a time capsule containing items thought to represent the times, was placed in the cornerstone. A list was prepared by Historian Cary H. Lattin. It is intriguing to read some 64 years later. The time capsule included:

• Newspaper editions of the Holley Standard, the Orleans Republican-American, the Albion Advertiser, the Medina Daily Journal, the Lyndonville Enterprise, and the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle. Also, an issue of the Albion-Holley Pennysaver.
• Proceedings of the Orleans County Board of Supervisors 1958-1960
• Photograph of Orleans County Board of Supervisors, 1958-1959
• Enrolled electors, 1959-1960
• Photograph of Orleans County Court House Square personnel, 1958-59
• Brochure of Niagara Power Project
• Brochure of new Dial Telephone System
• Photographs of old County House and Infirmary
• Clarendon Sesquicentennial Booklet, 1960
• Gaines Sesquicentennial Booklet, 1959
• Orleans County Census of Agriculture
• Statistical Report of Orleans County
• Current U.S. dollar note
• Current U.S. two dollar note
• Photograph of 48-star flag coming down for the last time on July 3, 1959
• Dedication program for the event.

New York State Senator Austin Erwin laid the cornerstone of the new County Infirmary on August 28, 1960.

Press Release, Albion Police Chief Dave Mogle

ALBION – On behalf of the Village of Albion and the Albion Central School District, the Village of Albion Police Department would like to remind motorists that the start of the new school year is just over two weeks away, with staff returning to Albion Schools on Tuesday, September 3rd and students returning on Wednesday, September 4th.

As such, the Albion Police Department is asking motorists to take their time and use extra caution while driving through the Village of Albion, especially along Route 31 in front of the school district as there will be an increase in pedestrian and school bus traffic.

With funding from the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee, the Albion Police Department will have extra patrols on for the start of the new school year to ensure the safety of our School District Staff and Students. We would like to remind motorists that the speed limit in the School Zone on Route 31 is 20 mph from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on all school days.

We would also like to remind motorists of the crosswalk on State Route 31 at McKinstry Street, which is used heavily by our students as they go to and from school, especially between 7:15-7:45 a.m. and 2:15-2:45 p.m. Even more caution will need to be used during this time while passing the schools.

The Albion Police Department is excited to see the return of our students and with your help, we hope to have a fun and safe school year.