A winter weather advisory has been issued for Orleans and Niagara counties from 10 a.m. today until 7 a.m. on Monday with 3 to 5 inches of snow expected.

The rain will change to wet snow, the National Weather Service said.

“Plan on slippery road conditions,” the Weather Service said. “The hazardous conditions will impact the Monday morning commute.”

Today is forecast for a high of 38 with an overnight low of 26. Monday there will be a chance of snow showers with a high of 31 and an overnight low of 21. On Tuesday, Veterans Day, there will be a chance of showers with a high near 36 and overnight low of 29.

Teams can win prizes, explore Orleans County

Photos by Tom Rivers: The Medina Rotary Club is gearing up for its first Road Rally on Nov. 15. It’s start at 10 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Club on North Gravel Road and teams then embark on a journey that includes 8 checkpoints. Pictured on a recent windy day from left include Jennifer Hill-Young, Edee Hoffmeister, Kelly Kiebala and JT Thomas.

MEDINA – The Medina Rotary Club has a new fundraiser that will get people out exploring the county while having fun and putting some of their skills to the test.

The club on Nov. 15 will have its first Road Rally. For $50 a vehicle, teams go on a journey that includes eight checkpoints. The event starts at 10 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Club on North Gravel Road.

The teams will be given clues that will direct them on their journey. They also will have some tasks to complete and puzzles to solve. The event is similar to “The Amazing Race.”

The rally is expected to take about 2 ½ hours. The winning team gets $100, with $75 to second and $50 to third. There are also prizes for best decorated vehicle.

“I don’t think people realize how much fun this is going to be,” said JT Thomas, a Medina Rotary member who is helping to plan the event.

The club teamed with the Orleans County Tourism Department to pick some of the sites on the Road Rally.

“We wanted to highlight a lot of what Orleans County has to offer,” said Jennifer Hill-Young, another member of the Medina Rotary.

People don’t need to be local trivia experts to do well in the event.

“Observation is the number one skill,” Hill-Young said about a key to success in the event.

Medina Rotary in 2024 added a cornhole tournament in January and a meat raffle in March as new fundraisers that continued this year. The Road Rally is the newest effort to raise money for the club to give back to the community, while bringing people together for a fun time.

For more on the rally, and to purchase a ticket, click here. Or send a message to the Medina Rotary Club through its Facebook page.

Provided photo

CLARENDON – Scouts from Troop 59 in Clarendon were out this morning in the annual “Scouting for Food.” They collected over 600 individual food items.

“We would like to thank the Community for their enormous support and the Community Center in Holley for distributing this food in a time of great need,” said Randy Moore, the troop’s scoutmaster.

Pictured from left are: Tyler Moore, Logan Lane, James Shaw, Scoutmaster Randy Moore and Committee Chairman Ken Shaw.

ALBION – After more than a week delay in SNAP benefits, the funds should be disbursed beginning on Sunday in New York State, Gov. Kathy Hochul said.

A U.S. District Court on Nov. 6 ordered the federal government to issue the full November SNAP benefits to eligible households. However, the Trump administration appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court and that court sided with Trump on a temporary pause on paying the full SNAP benefits.

However, Gov. Kathy Hochul said SNAP beneficiaries in the state will be getting their full benefits beginning Sunday. Those payments are expected to continue through Nov. 13.

In Orleans County, there are 5,146 people who receive SNAP.

“After weeks of the Trump administration putting millions of New Yorkers through chaos and confusion, following guidance from USDA, I’ve directed state agencies to issue full federal SNAP benefits for November,” Hochul said in a statement. “We expect the first New Yorkers to begin having access to their benefits starting Sunday.

“Let me be clear, President Trump is hellbent on preventing millions of Americans from putting food on the table. He’s made decision after decision to withhold funding that feeds families, seniors and children — and continues doubling down on this cruelty by challenging the courts’ clear orders. It’s senseless and un-American and I’m working tirelessly to bring this uncertainty to an end for the nearly three million New Yorkers who rely on this program.”

Photos from Orleans/Niagara BOCES – This photo shows the group of students at the Orleans Career and Technical Education Center who were inducted into National Technical Honor Society.

Press Release, Orleans/Niagara BOCES

MEDINA – Congratulations to the students from the Orleans Career and Technical Education Center, who were recently inducted into the National Technical Honor Society.

Out of all the high school students in the United States, the National Technical Honor Society students who receive this honor comprise 1.6 percent of that population. For staff at the Orleans/BOCES centers, they represent the four pillars of the National Technical Honor Society: scholarship, leadership, service and character.

The students were honored in front of their teachers, families and school district representatives. The students had to maintain an 89.5 grade average in their career and technical education programs and an 84.5 average at their high schools, have superior attendance, exemplary behavior, be a member in good standing with SkillsUSA and have a recommendation from a faculty member.

This group from Medina was inducted into the National Technical Honor Society. Mollie Mark, assistant high school principal is at left, and Dr. Mark Kruzynski, district superintendent, is at right.

Congratulations go to:

Bella Andes (Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering/Lockport), Brianna Bacon (Cosmetology/Royalton-Hartland), Jenna Barnard (Early Childhood Education/Albion), Emiliana Batista (Allied Health/Medina), Theresa Bennett (Allied Health/Royalton-Hartland), Adriannah Berner (Allied Health/Royalton-Hartland), Elliot Beyrle (Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering/Albion), Icess Britton (Automotive Technology/Lockport), Kara Browning (Security and Law Enforcement/Lockport), Deven Byrne (Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering/Medina), Kyle Cassick (Cosmetology/Royalton-Hartland), Karlee Cau (Allied Health/Medina), Joseph Cirillo (Graphic Communications/Barker),

Andrew Coder (Diesel Technology/Heavy Equipment/Royalton-Hartland), A’Niya Cornwell (Health Occupations Technician/Lockport), Cheyanne Cunningham (Cosmetology/Lockport), Alicia Dabb (Security and Law Enforcement/Royalton-Hartland), Kacie Disinger (Security and Law Enforcement/Royalton-Hartland), Matthew Donahue (Security and Law Enforcement/Lockport), Noah Doxey (Building Trades/Royalton-Hartland), Vincent Gray (Allied Health/Medina), Austin Guido (Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering/Medina), Carina Hartigan (Culinary Arts/Royalton-Hartland), Briley Huwyler (Auto Collision & Repair/Barker), Avion Johnson (Auto Collision & Repair/Medina), Conner Kam (Security and Law Enforcement/Lockport), Aydan Kickbush (Computer Technology/Medina),

Alyssa Killock (Cosmetology/Lockport), Abigail Kincaid (Allied Health/Albion), Matthew Maines (Welding/Barker), Nathaniel Miller (Security and Law Enforcement/Royalton-Hartland), Emily Miner (Allied Health/Lyndonville), Markayla Ming (Cosmetology/Lockport), Madison Muckle (Allied Health/Albion), Lauren Nagel (Animal Science/Lockport), Reilly Notin (Computer Technology/Royalton-Hartland), Aurora Owczarczak (Allied Health/Medina), Paisley Pasnik (Allied Health/Medina), Alexandrea Patrick (Cosmetology/Lockport), William Plummer (Welding/Albion), Cherish Potter (Health Occupations Technician/Barker), Ethan Robinson (Diesel Technology/Heavy Equipment/Akron),

Gianna Rowles (Cosmetology/Newfane), Penelope Schalck (Allied Health/Medina), Carson Schwab (Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering/Barker), Allie Smith (Allied Health/Medina), Savannah Spoth (Cosmetology/Lyndonville), Violette Streckewald (Cosmetology/Royalton-Hartland), Hagen Van Leuven (Welding/Medina), Camden VandenBosch (Computer Technology/Royalton-Hartland), Hunter Walczak (Electricity/Electronics/Medina), Aurora Wass (Security and Law Enforcement/Barker), Alexander Wilson (Building Trades/Medina), Nathan Woodworth (Diesel Technology/Heavy Equipment/Lyndonville), Giovanni Wright (Security and Law Enforcement/Newfane), Joshua Zayac (Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering/Albion), Brooke Zglinicki (Cosmetology/Royalton-Hartland).

This photo shows the students from Albion inducted into the National Technical Honor Society. Principal Jennifer Ashbery is at left with Superintendent Mickey Edwards at right.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Gideon Pask stars as the Big Bad Wolf in the Albion High School Drama Department’s production of The Big Bad Musical – A Howling Courtroom Comedy.

Friday was opening night at the Middle School Auditorium. There are shows today at noon and 7 p.m. Tickets are $5 at the door.

The Big Bad Wolf is shown singing “Have Mercy On Me” with some of the Wolfettes in back, including Julia Graham, Amelia Symons and Rianne Hand. Other Wolfettes included Sophie Kozody, Rosalie McCormick and Chloe Mosele.

The musical revolves around a courtroom drama with Big Bad Wolf is on trial for his alleged crimes against fairy tale characters. Those characters take the witness stand including Little Red Riding Hood, Granny, the Three Little Pigs, the Boy Who Cried Wolf and Miss Muffit.

The show is dedicated to Kim Nesbitt, a retired Albion art teacher who was the set design coordinator for the Albion High School Drama Department from 2005 to 2019. Nesbitt passed away from cancer at age 60 on Oct. 27.

“Mrs. Nesbitt was a creative force who worked to make sure students had opportunities to explore their creativity no matter what their skill level was,” a tribute states in the musical program. “Her talent, creativity and vision helped to make our productions shine.”

Lillian Fisher, Pig Three, gives some startling testimony before the Judge Wise Old Woman (played by Neveya Barnes). Lily Brigham plays the Fairy Godmother, at right, who is prosecutor in the case.

Asher Curfman plays the role of Bill Woodcutter, who rescued granny from the wolf’s stomach.

Phoebe Allen, right, is Sydney Grimm, a television commentator covering the trial. She interviews the Boy Who Cried Wolf (Bradyn Whittier) and the Shepherd (Makenzie Cook).

Adelaide Pettit is the Evil Stepmother who serves as the lawyer for the Big Bad Wolf. Evil Stepmother resents doing pro-bono work on behalf of the Wolf, but proves to be effective counsel, poking holes in the witnesses’ testimony. She is able to cast doubt in the case against Wolf, exposing some hostile attitudes toward the defendant. Here she is interviewing Grandmother Hood, played by Aniela Wilson.

D Johnson takes the stand as Little Red Riding Hood. Lily Brigham tries to build the case against the Big Bad Wolf.

Phoebe Allen as Sydney Grimm tries to interview The Three Little Pigs, including from left: Lillian Fisher, Reagan Flor and Olivia Andrews. The pigs have varying intelligences and provide lots of comic relief for the show.

Press Release, American Legion Auxiliary in Orleans County

Provided photo: From left include Izabella Garcia, Alexis VanAmeron and Nisi Beltran-Roblero.

Nisi Beltran-Roblero, Alexis VanAmeron and Izabella Garcia of Orleans County joined 300 high school students that were selected to attend the 84th American Legion Auxiliary Girls State session in Brockport this past summer.

As part of the annual program, outstanding students are chosen from their local high schools to spend a week learning about the inner workings of state, local and county government.

This premier leadership conference is designed to provide practical insight into the workings of the government, promote youth civic engagement, instill a sense of pride in America, and empower the next generation of women leaders, providing them with a network that lasts a lifetime.

Nisi, Alexis and Izabella, all rising seniors, are active in many ways in their school and community.

A key component of the ALA Girls State program is the mock legislative sessions in which the girls write and debate bills. Campaigns are held to elect local officials and an ALA Girls State governor.

In addition to their government forums, the delegates hear distinguished guest speakers, learn various aspects of Americanism and learn about the sacrifices of the American military.

“The ALA Empire Girls State experience is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for young leaders across our state“ said Claire Herrman-Moran, American Legion Auxiliary Girls State chairman. “After attending ALA Empire Girls State, the participants come back to their communities filled with patriotism and pride, having gained new leadership skills and built strong connections with the other students.”

“ ALA Empire Girls State exemplifies our mission to inspire the next generation of civic-minded leaders through education, service, and patriotism,” said Kim Quick, American Legion Auxiliary Department of New York President. “It’s incredible to see 300 students come together to grow as citizens and connect with one another in a program that truly changes lives.”

About ALA Girls State

The American Legion Auxiliary’s marquee Girls State program, first presented in 1937, is one of the most respected and coveted experiential learning programs in the United States.

The program embodies the ALA’s mission to honor those who have brought us our freedom through its enduring commitment to developing students as future leaders grounded in patriotism and Americanism. The participants become knowledgeable of the democratic process and how our republic form of government works at the state and national levels.

About the American Legion Auxiliary: Members of the American Legion Auxiliary, which was founded in 1919, have dedicated themselves to meeting the needs of the United States’ veterans, military, and their families both here and abroad. Members volunteer millions of hours yearly, with a value of nearly $3 billion.

As part of the world’s largest patriotic service organization for family members of veterans, Auxiliary volunteers across the country also honor and support veterans and the military community through annual scholarships and programs like ALA Girls State.

Photo by Tom Rivers

ALBION – The American flag outside the Orleans County Courthouse is lowered this evening out of respect for Dick Cheney, the former vice president who passed away on Nov. 7 at age 84.

Gov. Kathy Hochul directed American flags on all state government buildings be flown at half-staff in honor of Cheney through interment.

“I am directing flags across New York State to be lowered in honor of Dick Cheney, our former Vice President and lifelong public servant,” Governor Hochul said. “I extend my deepest sympathies to the Cheney family as we remember his life, leadership, and patriotism.”

Cheney’s funeral will be Nov. 20 at the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, DC.

Cheney was vice president from 2001 to 2009 under President George W. Bush. Cheney also previously served as secretary of defense under President George H.W. Bush and White House chief of staff under President Gerald Ford.

Provided photo: Members of the Albion Betterment Committee board of directors are shown today after acquiring this building on Main Street from the estate of Henri Pulley. From left include Gary Kent, Gary Derwick, Natasha Wasuck, Joe Gehl and Jim Babcock.

ALBION – The Albion Betterment Committee, which has embraced the Santa legacy for the Albion community with several projects, announced its biggest undertaking yet: turning a vacant two-story building on Main Street into a tourism center that celebrates Santa.

“We hope to create a community space where individuals can connect with friends, establish new relationships, and spread some festive cheer into Albion!” the Betterment Committee posted today on Facebook.

The ABC purchased 128 North Main St. from the estate of Henri Pulley. The site is 6,600 square feet.

The Betterment Committee wants to develop an interactive tourism center with displays about the Charles W. Howard Santa School and Christmas Park, which Howard ran for many years near his farmhouse on Phipps Road.

“This is the perfect building for us,” said Natasha Wasuck, a Betterment Committee board member. “We want to help Albion capitalize on tourism.”

Photo by Tom Rivers: This statue of Santa was dedicated on June 10, 2023. It is one of several efforts from the Albion betterment Committee to celebrate the community’s Santa legacy. The mural in back was painted in 2018 by Stacey Kirby Steward. The Albion Rotary Club spearheaded that project with support from the Betterment Committee.

Howard ran a Santa School from 1937 until his death in 1966. It was the world’s first school for Santas. He was a well-known portrayer of Santa, appearing in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade from 1948 to 1965.

The Betterment Committee on June 10, 2023 dedicated a bronze statue of Howard as Santa on Main Street. The group has put up “Believe” signs and backed other efforts in the community celebrating Santa, including the mural of Santa in a sleigh high above the County Courthouse and downtown Albion.

The Betterment Committee envisions the first floor as interactive exhibits and displays, as well as room for a bakery and food operator. Wasuck, owner of the Lockstone events center in Albion, also would like to see the Pulley site offer services, including showers, for canal boaters, cyclists and other visitors.

The second floor is envisioned to offer space for artists – painters, potters, and others in need of studio space. The second floor has large windows that let in natural light that would be ideal for artists, Wasuck said.

The Betterment Committee wants to soon tackle fixing/replacing the roof. The group is seeking grants to help with building upgrades. The group welcomes donations.

“The building is in better shape than people think,” Wasuck said. “It is structurally sound.”

Besides the roof, it will need lots of painting and some new flooring. Wasuck said some volunteers have offered to help with the work.

The Betterment Committee is a 501c3 organization that accepts tax deductible donations. Donations can be sent to Albion Betterment Committee, c/o Joe Gehl at 14487 Baker Rd. in Kent, NY 14477.

Wasuck said a GoFundMe should be live early next week to allow people to donate online.

Press Release, NYS Canal Corporation

Photo by Tom Rivers: The Medina Triennial Hub at 345 North Main St. will host workshops and discussions about the Erie Canal today and on Saturday.

MEDINA – The Medina Triennial Hub at 345 North Main St. will host a module dedicated to the Erie Canal today and on Saturday.

This module offers an opportunity to explore the canal through the lenses of Resilience, Care and Stewardship and Cultural Programming.

• “The Canal System: Lessons in Water Scarcity and Public Management” will be presented by Brian Platt and Scott Rybarczyk, with Todd Bensley at Medina High School from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

This series invites students to explore the New York State Canal system as a living structure that depends on careful water management and public responsibility. Led by New York Power Authority/New York State Canal Corporation engineers Brian Platt and Scott Rybarczyk, the classes will look at how canal water is allocated and what happens when water becomes scarce.

Through demonstration and discussion students will learn how decisions about shared resources can be made, what trade-offs are involved and how civic engagement plays a direct role in shaping the resilience of public infrastructure.

• “Reimagining the Erie Canal for its Third Century” will be moderated by Shannon Mattern today from 2:30 to 4 p.m. and will feature Rebecca Hughes, Deputy Director of Canals; Dave Mellen, Regional Manager and SVP of Canals; Gabrielle Barone, VP of Business Development for the Orleans EDA; and Charles Torres from the Ralph Wilson Foundation.

This session explores the challenges of maintaining and repositioning the canal as it enters its third century of operation. Framed within a broader dialogue on strategic infrastructure stewardship, it welcomes external guests in a forward-looking conversation on maintenance and long-term care.

Meet-and-Greet at 4 p.m. offers a chance to meet the curators, artists, panelists and NYPA experts at the Hub.

• “Cultural Perspectives” will be the focus of a discussion on Saturday from 12.30 p.m. to 2 p.m. This will feature Angelyn Chandler, VP Planning New York Power Authority; Natalie Stetson, Executive Director at the Erie Canal Museum; and invited artists: Sarah Cameron Sunde, Judit German-Heins, Clara Riedlinger and Alon Koppell.

In this session the Erie Canal’s artists in residence (2024 and 2025) will share their reflections on the canal’s legacy and the evolving relationship between infrastructure and cultural identity.

• Workshop: “Bodies of Water/Bodies in Water” with artist Sarah Cameron Sunde on Saturday from 2 to 4 p.m.

2025 AIR artist invites the people of Medina to gather at the edge of the Erie Canal to explore their relationship with water, place and time through their bodies. This workshop will be slow, spacious, and centered on attunement – both to the natural rhythms of the canal and to each other.

Together, artist and participants will practice noticing, listening, and responding to the water as a collaborator and witness, using movement, writing, and dialogue.

Press Release, Orleans County government

ALBION – In response to the recent stop to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefit payments due to the federal government shutdown, Orleans County Emergency Management, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health), the county Department of Social Services, and the Orleans County Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD) have collaborated to create a new online, one-stop hub to help residents find free or affordable sources of food.

The hub also provides links to 211NY, CODE BLUE, and additional county social services and mental health resources.

The COAD, which is a coalition of local nonprofits, faith-based organizations, government agencies, and volunteers, recognized the growing need for a single reliable information source for residents. The group worked closely with the various COAD partners to develop a single location where residents can find information regarding food pantries, food drives, and free or reduced cost meals.

“This initiative reflects the county’s and COAD’s shared mission of strengthening community resilience,” said Lynne Johnson, chairman of the Orleans County Legislature. “By pooling resources and expertise, Orleans County is ensuring that residents know that help is out there and available to everyone.”

Residents, by clicking here, can access the resource center and explore the various options available to them.

“The halt to SNAP benefits has placed an added burden on many families across the county that are already facing economic challenges,” said Justin Niederhofer, director of Emergency Management. “This issue is impacting over 10 percent of our residents, so our goal is to ensure that every resident knows where to turn to get the help they need.”

Holli Nenni, commissioner of Orleans County Department of Social Services, wanted to remind SNAP recipients that any available SNAP benefits that remain on the SNAP EBT card are still available for use.

“Recipients can check their card balance online at ebtEDGE.com or by calling 1-888-328-6399,” said Nenni. “And, of course, we will release any updates from the SNAP division of the Office of Temporary and Disability as they become available.”

Press Release, Assemblyman Steve Hawley

Provided photo: Assemblyman Steve Hawley is shown with Rep. Elise Stefanik at an event in Buffalo last month.

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) has announced his endorsement of Congresswoman Elise Stefanik ahead of next year’s gubernatorial race.

Rep. Stefanik announced her bid today alongside a wave of support from members of the Assembly Minority Conference as they seek to take on the one-party rule in Albany that has driven up the cost of living and driven out working families from our state. Hawley believes Rep. Stefanik is the best choice to take on Albany’s failed leadership and usher in a new era of prosperity in New York.

“I’m proud to be able to throw my support behind such a qualified and motivated candidate to bring common-sense policies back to Albany,” Hawley said. “Working families across our state can rest assured they will have an advocate fighting for them against the radical and out-of-touch policies being pushed by the Hochul administration. Her record of success shows she is fit to lead our state as we work to make New York a better place to live, work and raise our families.”

Hawley also referenced Gov. Hochul’s unashamed embrace of Socialist policies through her endorsement of now Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, saying the current administration has become out of touch with the needs of working New Yorkers.

“While Gov. Hochul has spent the last month in New York City campaigning for a Socialist, Elise Stefanik has been meeting with residents across our state who are struggling to make ends meet and put food on the table,” Hawley said. “New York doesn’t need another politician promising free handouts. Our state needs a strong leader who will fight against these radical policies, not advocate for them when it’s convenient. I’m confident Rep. Stefanik will be that leader for our state and provide the common-sense change that has been lacking in Albany for decades.”

Kari Hagglund sent in this photo from Thursday night of a nearly full moon in Albion.

Orleans County could see some snow for the first time this season on Sunday night. There are snow showers in the forecast for Sunday night and a chance for more snow showers on Monday and Tuesday night.

The highs and lows in the coming days include 58 today with a low around 40 tonight, followed by a high of 46 on Saturday with an overnight low of 36, and a high of 49 on Sunday with an overnight low around 29.