Gas prices went up 9 cents nationally in the past week while they dropped an average of 1.5 cents in Orleans County, according to AAA.

Nationally the average price is at $3.35 for regular unleaded. In Orleans, the average is at $3.345 today, compared to $3.360 a week ago.

The average price state-wide is up 2 cents to $$3.32 a gallon.

Here are the average prices today among counties in Western New York:

• Orleans, $3.345
• Genesee, $3.248
• Wyoming, $3.351
• Livingston, $3.376
• Monroe, $3.283
• Niagara, $3.242
• Erie, $3.320
• Chautauqua, $3.390
• Cattaraugus, $3.258
• Allegany, $3.381

AAA issued this statement: “This past week, we saw the national average for a gallon of gasoline jump up by 9 cents. The upward trend is likely to continue as travelers start heading out of town for Spring Break season.

“Historically, March and April bring higher gas prices as demand rises. With milder temperatures comes more road trips, and this time of year tends to be a precursor to the summer driving season.”

Press Release, Congresswoman Claudia Tenney

WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today highlighted her 2024 State of the Union guest, Western New Yorker, Anna Corbett.

Ryan Corbett, a husband, father, and Western New Yorker has been wrongfully detained by the Taliban since August 10, 2022. Anna has been tirelessly fighting for her husband’s release, who is being held in a basement cell without regular access to a bathroom, sunlight, or medical care. Other Westerners who have been released from the prison where Ryan is being held report that he is in deteriorating health.

Since meeting with the Corbett family and hearing their story, Congresswoman Tenney has advocated for Ryan’s release and well-being. This includes working to get Ryan officially designated as a wrongful detainee by the U.S. Department of State on October 10, 2023, and introducing H.Res. 965, a resolution calling for the immediate release of Ryan, which has 70 bipartisan co-sponsors.

“Anna Corbett has been bravely advocating for Ryan’s release for nearly 600 days, sharing her family’s story and bringing attention to her husband’s unjust detention and the brutal conditions of his captivity,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “I am pleased to have Anna as my State of the Union guest, and hope that her presence will increase attention to Ryan’s case and the urgency to bring Ryan home to his family.”

“This is my ninth trip to D.C. since this nightmare began,” said Anna Corbett. “And while I am weary – the trauma of the daily uncertainties that my teen-age children and I face daily is exhausting – I know that I cannot give up, or Ryan may never make it home alive. I’m grateful to Congresswoman Tenney for her ongoing efforts to help bring Ryan home before it’s too late.”

Members of Congress are allowed to invite one guest to join them for the address, which will take place on Thursday, March 7th, at 9 p.m.

‘Do not be mistaken, I have not sat back idly while rural communities are hurting.’

Legislative column from Assemblyman Steve Hawley

Throughout my time in the state Assembly, I’ve taken great pride in uplifting small-town communities like the one I grew up in.

Steve Hawley

I’ve seen rural New York as a veteran, farmer and businessman. I’ve served in numerous positions in local government from the county legislature to the Planning Board. I’ve spent my career fighting against downstate special interests in the state Assembly and creating jobs for rural New Yorkers in the private sector.

Because of this, I understand firsthand the immense impact that Aid and Incentives to Municipalities (AIM) has on small-town communities.

Increasing AIM funding for rural communities like those in Orleans County has been one of my top priorities as an assemblyman. Every year, I hear testimonies from local leaders saying we need to increase funding for this program.

Unfortunately, AIM funding has stayed essentially stagnant for over 10 years. Even worse, the state comptroller has said AIM funding has actually decreased in value due to inflation. This lack of action from the Majority limits the impact of this vital program and deprives localities of the funds they desperately need. But do not be mistaken, I have not sat back idly while rural communities are hurting.

I continue to push legislation that I had a number of years ago that would change the formula on how AIM is distributed to small cities, towns and villages. My proposal would create 2 Tiers:

“Tier 1” would include a town with a population equal to fifteen thousand or less, a village with a population equal to ten thousand or less and a city with a population twenty thousand or less receiving 80% of the total AIM funding.

“Tier 2” would include the remainder of the towns, villages and cities, receiving the remaining 20%. This is not the only example of my colleagues and I pushing for increases in AIM funding. Each year, my minority colleagues in the Assembly and Senate propose boosting other types of funding as well for localities.

But why do downstate politicians fight so hard against increasing AIM funding? The answer is simple, upstate communities do not get the same priority the city does. We’ve had this same issue when it comes to funds for local roads.

If we were talking about increasing funding for New York City, we would’ve had AIM increased 12 years ago. I’ve spent my time in Albany fighting for Western New York’s way of life and that starts with making sure our small towns and villages get the funding they need.

New York is more than just one city or region. We’re a collection of diverse and complex localities that form the backbone of our state. It’s about time the Majority recognizes this and provides the long overdue increases to AIM funding for our upstate communities.

Editor’s Note: Hawley’s column was in response to an Orleans Hub editorial, “Where is outrage over state shafting villages, towns with AIM funding?”

Press Release, NYS Correctional Officers & Police Benevolent Association

ALBION – A 33 year old inmate attacked a female officer inside the bathroom of the medium-security Albion Correctional Facility last Friday and injured three other officers who came to the her assistance.

On Feb. 20, the inmate became irate and created a disturbance while in the intake area waiting to give a urine sample. The officer attempted to deescalate the situation by ordering the inmate away from other inmates and into the bathroom.

Initially, the inmate complied and entered the bathroom with the officer following her. Inside the bathroom, the inmate suddenly turned and punched the officer multiple times in the face. The officer immediately grabbed the inmate in a body hold as a second officer entered the bathroom.

Both officers forced the inmate to the floor where she remained combative. Two other officers responded and assisted in applying handcuffs to the inmate. Once in handcuffs, she became compliant.  She was brought to her feet and escorted out of the bathroom.

Three officers who responded to the attack sustained shoulder and knee injuries while subduing the inmate. They were treated by medical staff at the facility and remained on duty.

The officer who was initially assaulted, sustained bruising and swelling to her eye lid, cheek and jaw.  She also sustained scratches to both arms. After being treated at the facility, she sought outside further medical treatment only to find out her wrist was broken, and still has not returned to duty.

The inmate, who was convicted of Criminal Possession of a Weapon 2nd and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 2nd in Cayuga County in 2022, was placed in a Special Housing Unit after the attack.  She was arrested in 2022 after firing a gun in downtown Auburn. She is serving a five-year sentence for gun and drug possession,

“The public forgets that the females that are incarcerated in our state prisons are just as dangerous as their male counterparts,” said Kenny Gold, Western Region Vice President for NYSCOPBA.  “This incident should be charged as a felony assault. This officer, like many other that are assaulted, works many hours of mandatory overtime, consistently being treated like crap, and feel like they became punching bags for the inmates and the legislators that only care about coddling convicts!”

Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments

Colorectal cancer, also known as colon cancer, is the second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States.

Colon cancer occurs when cells in the colon or rectum grow uncontrollably. Abnormal growths, known as polyps, can occasionally develop and certain polyps may eventually develop into cancer. Polyps can be found by screening tests and be removed before they become cancerous. Colon cancer is preventable, with the proper screening and education.

Some of the risk factors for colorectal cancer include:

• Inflammatory bowel disease such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease
• A personal or family history of colorectal cancer or colorectal polyps
• Lifestyle factors that include overweight and obesity; not being physically active; certain types of diets such as a diet low in fruit and vegetables, a low-fiber and high-fat diet, and a diet high in processed meats; tobacco use; and alcohol use

Colorectal cancer may not cause symptoms right away and some people have no symptoms. Some of the symptoms may include:

• A change in bowel habits
• Blood in or on your stool (bowel movement)
• Diarrhea, constipation, or feeling that the bowel does not empty all the way
• Discomfort in the stomach area such as cramps, gas, or pain that do not go away
• Unintended weight loss
• Weakness and fatigue

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 90% of people whose colorectal cancers are found early, diagnosed and treated appropriately are still alive five years later.

“Getting screened plays a big role in savings lives by preventing cancer and slowing its progression when it is found,” stated Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health).

“In recent decades, screening rates among older adults has significantly increased which is great news,” stated Laura Paolucci, Public Health Administrator for the Wyoming County Health Department. “However, current data indicates that individuals lacking health insurance or a primary care provider are undergoing screening procedures less frequently.”

For eligible men and women, the Cancer Services Program offers free screenings for breast, cervical, and colon cancer. To learn more, call 716-278-4898. If you live in New York State and need health insurance, you can contact the New York State of Health Official Health Plan Marketplace by phone at 1-855-355-5777 or online.

The most effective way to reduce your risk of colorectal cancer is to get screened for colorectal cancer routinely, beginning at age 45. Residents are also encouraged to increase their physical activity, keep a healthy weight, limit alcohol consumption, and avoid tobacco.

Although more research is needed to understand why, the incidence of colorectal cancer is growing among people younger than 50. If you have concerns about this, speak with your healthcare provider.

ALBION – Hospice of Orleans has set a goal to sell 1,500 bouquets of flowers, and 150 popcorn bags during the Annual Spring Bouquet Sale from March 11-15.

There will be 10-stem or 30-stem bouquets for sale. Della’s Chocolates in Medina is collaborating to make a chocolate-drizzled popcorn treat.

“This event is very important for our patients as all proceeds go directly toward patient care,” said Julia Alt, director of advancement at Hospice of Orleans. “We continue to appreciate the outpouring of community support year after year during our Spring Bouquet Sale.”

Numerous sites around the county have the flowers for sale. (Check the Hospice website or Facebook page for locations.)

Patrons have the option to pre-order their bouquets and popcorn online or by calling 585-589-0809. Alt said about half of the bouquets have already been sold.

There will also be two “Make & Take Bouquet” events March 15 and a third event on March 16.  Also available this year is an option to purchase and donate a bouquet to a Hospice of Orleans patient or a veteran, said Alt.

“Our care team will personally deliver beautiful bouquets to our patients and veterans,” she said.

CHILDS – The Cobblestone Museum has finalized plans for four days of celebration April 5-8 in observance of the solar eclipse.

 “SOLAR” weekend at the Cobblestone complex encompasses Shopping, Old Tyme Photos, Learning, Auto show and Refreshments.

Beginning on Friday (April 5), and continuing through Monday, the museum will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for shopping in the gift shop, Holiday Shoppe and used books building.

Visitors are invited to get decked out with accessories from the past and pose for a historic photo at the Cobble the Mouse photo booth.

Docents will be on hand throughout the weekend to share some history. Current exhibits will be open, with the blacksmith will be working at the forge and a storyteller will be on hand to entertain.

On Saturday and Sunday, weather permitting, antique, classic and sports cars will be motoring to the museum grounds.

On Monday, the actual eclipse day, refreshments will be available at the museum. Visitors are invited to enjoy pizza, popcorn, cobblestone candy and more, while listening to musical entertainment.

For  information about tickets, click here.

MEDINA – The Medina Rotary Club is trying another new fundraiser for the club with a meat raffle on Saturday at the Ridgeway fire hall, 11392 Ridge Rd.

That follows the club’s first corn hole tournament in January with 87 two-person vying for $5,250 in prizes, including $1,500 to the top team.

Medina Rotary commemorated its 100^th anniversary last year. While Rotary is an international organization, its local mission is to serve the Orleans County community, said Peter Bartula, the club president.

The local club supports the food pantry of St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church, providing families with Thanksgiving Day meals, Christmas gifts, or the comfort of new beds to those in need, as well as backing other community efforts.

Stephanie Mason and Liz Landis are Medina Rotarians on the Meat Raffle Committee. They said there can be up to 350 people in the Ridgeway firehall — and they are hoping to “sell the house.”

There is more than meat at the event. Local businesses donated baskets for a Chinese auction. There will be side raffles and the door prize which includes a 36” Blackstone grill package.

“I’ve personally been involved in a number of meat raffles,” Mason said. “It’s a great evening out with family and friends. They bring communities together to have fun while raising money for much needed causes throughout the community.”

Premier sponsors include Dockside Canvas, Halstead’s Heating and Plumbing, Jennifer Mason with Keller Williams Realty, and Orleans Ford.

Landis said the club’s goal is to raise $5,000 for the community.

Doors open at 6 p.m., and the first spin is at 7. Tickets are available at the door and include beer, pop, wine and entry into the door prize drawing. To secure tickets in advance, visit their Eventbrite page titled “Medina Rotary Club’s Meat Raffle,” contact Rotary via email Medinanyrotary@gmail.com or by phone 716-445-3872.

SHELBY – The warm winter will continue this week, with Monday’s high of 71 the hot day of the week.

That will be followed by highs of 67 on Tuesday, 49 on Wednesday and 43 on Thursday, the National Weather Service in Buffalo said.

The week end with a high of 46 on Friday and 48 on Saturday.

The Weather Service said this year’s winter so far has been the warmest ever for the Rochester with a 34.9-degree average breaking the record from 1931-’32. It was the second-warmest December, January and February ever for Buffalo with the 34.5 average temperature nearly topping the 34.6-degree record in 1931-’32.

The first day of spring is on March 19.

It was a foggy morning on Route 63 in Shelby this morning near the wildlife refuge.

EAST SHELBY – Saturday was an evening to celebrate for the East Shelby Fire Department, who held their annual Installation and Awards Banquet at the East Shelby Firemen’s Recreation Hall.

Dave Green welcomed guests and served as emcee for the evening. Guests were also welcomed by fire company president Mike Fuller and auxiliary president Shirley Printup, followed by an invocation by Rosie Allen, who called for a moment of silence in memory of Joe Newton, a longstanding member of the fire company who died last year.

The first order of business was swearing in of Ladies’ Auxiliary officers by Elaine Watts from Shelby Volunteer Fire Company. New officers are Shirley Printup, president; Sawyer Green, vice president; Deb Green, secretary; Sharlene Pratt, treasurer; Bronwyn Green, Sue Green and Cassidy Oliver, trustees; and Rosie Allen, chaplain.

Elaine Watts from Shelby Volunteer Fire Company, right, swears in members of the East Shelby Ladies Auxiliary at their banquet Saturday night. From left are Shirley Printup, president; Sawyer Green, vice president; Debbie Green, secretary; Bronwyn Green, trustee; Sharlene Pratt, treasurer; Cassidy Oliver and Sue Green, trustees; and Rosie Allen, chaplain.

Administrative officers, sworn in by Orleans 2 Scott Buffin are Mike Fuller, president; Kirk Zinkievich, vice president; Karen Bracey, secretary; Allen Turner, treasurer; Ken Printup, Norm Behrend, Gordon Reigle and Alan Lonnen, trustees; and Dave Green, steward.

Line officers are Deb Taylor, chief; Devin Taylor, 1st assistant chief; Andy Beach, 2nd assistant chief; Jeff Taylor, 3rd assistant chief; Jared Zinkievich, captain; Matt Grimes, lieutenant; Steve Wolters, fire police chief; Sue Behrend/Mike Fuller, EMS officers; and Todd Ralph, safety/training officer.

Service awards were given to members for their years of service. These included Joe Meyer, Julie Taylor and Bill Bacon, 10 years; Dennis MacDonald, 15 years; Alan Lonnen, 20 years; Dave Allen, 35 years; Gordon Reigle, 60 years, and a special recognition for Ron Sanders for 50 years.

In honor of his 50 years as a member of the East Shelby Fire Department, Ron Sanders, left, is presented with this plaque by fire chief Deb Taylor and president Mike Fuller.

Local officials line up to present proclamations to Ron Sanders, left, for achieving 50 years as a member of the East Shelby Fire Department. From left are Sanders, fire company president Mike Fuller; Eileen Banker, representing Assemblyman Steve Hawley; Skip Draper, on behalf of Senator Rob Ortt; Richard Silvaroli from FASNY; Bill Eick from the Orleans County Legislature; and Scott Wengewicz, supervisor of the town of Shelby. Seated at the head table are Sawyer Green and Ken and Shirly Printup.

East Shelby Fire Company president Mike Fuller, right watches as fire chief Deb Taylor kisses Gordie Reigle after recognizing him for 60 years of membership in the department.

Fuller chose Dennis MacDonald as recipient of his President’s Award, for always being a tremendous help, whether on the fire side or business side. He always goes above and beyond, Fuller said.

The EMS award was presented to fire chief Deb Taylor, who Fuller said responds to all the calls she can, is a big part of teaching others and keeps the trucks stocked with the right supplies.

Bronwyn Green handed out awards for years of service to Fonda Carr and Shelby Green, 5 years; Ariel George, 10 years; Elaine Newton, 25 years; Wanda Dingman, 30 years; Bronwyn Green, 35 years; Mary Zelazny and Louise Covey, 40 years.

Printup also recognized outgoing officers, vice president Debbie Green, president Bronwyn Green and secretary Sawyer Green.

Printup presented a check for $10,000 on behalf of the Auxiliary to Fuller for the fire company.

(Left) Bronwyn Green, right, trustee and outgoing president of the East Shelby Ladies’ Auxiliary, recognized Sharlene Pratt for her humor, advice and support. (Right) East Shelby fire company president Mike Fuller chose Dennis MacDonald as the recipient of his President’s Award.

Bronwyn’s President’s Award went to Sharlene Pratt, who was credited with always being there with her humor and advice.

Bronwyn also acknowledged Jessie Green, who was unable to attend, for being the Sunshine lady for 55 years.

Dave Green, a longtime steward of the department, presented the Steward’s Award to Leona Weese for being a big supporter and always helping the firefighters in any way she can.

Fire chief Taylor recapped the department’s achievements in 2023, which included the purchase of an off-road UTV, for which they have since invested in tracks for use in heavy mud and snow.

With a DEC grant they secured, the department has purchased equipment to either replace or provide additional equipment for the off-road and brush truck. They also purchased 20 new pagers for members last year.

One member, Jared Zinkievich, completed BEFO/IFO training, and three members will be starting their BEFO class Monday. They are Victor Jeffords, Josh Fuller and Dylan Taylor.

New last year was a Comedy Night, put on by Eli Howard. It was such a success, the fire company is planning to do another one this year.

Others who were commended by Taylor for taking charge of special events were Bill Bacon, meat raffle; and Ryan McPherson, Wrestling Night.

“I am very thankful and appreciative of every member who makes the East Shelby Volunteer Fire Company a successful and thriving company,” Taylor said. “We have a great turn-out of people for every call, and I can say the same for our events. Many members’ spouses or significant others help setting up, selling tickets and cleaning up after events.

“Our Ladies Auxiliary also deserves credit for preparing meals for these events and helping us with our needs,” Taylor said. “And thank you to everyone outside our department who has shown support. There’s a reason why we’ve been in service for 71 years.”

Taylor presented the final awards of the evening, the first to Jared Zinkievich, a fourth-generation member of the fire company, who is in his first year of line officer training.

“We are proud to have him in the department,” Taylor said.

Taylor chose Josh Fuller, grandson of the late Jim Fuller, as “Firefighter of the Year.” Josh, who joined last year, shows up every Tuesday and is eager to learn as much as he can, Taylor said.

Her final award was a “thank-you plaque” to Dennis MacDonald, whom she called her “double O7.”

East Shelby fire chief Deb Taylor was presented with the EMS award from Mike Fuller for her support.

Photos and information courtesy of Medina Mustang Boosters

MEDINA – The top photo shows Medina’s varsity winterguard competing Saturday in Lancaster. The students toss three rifles 30 feet high and they are caught simultaneously.

The JV winterguard, shown below, also competed in the event.

Both guards have improved their shows and scores in this highly competitive sport. Medina vies against a number of schools that have three and four times as many students.  The JV show is called “Sing with a Swing” and is set to a rousing version of Benny Goodman’s “Sing, Sing, Sing.”

The Varsity show is a take on Dick Clark’s “American Bandstand” and is set to songs of the last several decades. Caiden Class, a medina senior, has joined the guard and is depicting Dick Clark and at times playing his saxophone.

We urge supporters and fans of the band program to attend Medina’s Colorburst Winterguard show on Saturday at the high school gym where doors open at 3 p.m. and the show starts at 4 p.m.

Photos by Tom Rivers

KENDALL – Elementary students sing “Solfege Symphony” by Cristi Cary Miller. The song is a mashup with classical music including Eine kleine Nachtmusik, Surprise Symphony, Peer Gynt, Beethoven’s 5th and 9th Symphonies and the Hallelujah Chorus.

The sing during this afternoon’s All-County Music Festival at Kendall. The students were directed by guest conductor Dr. Sara Massey, a professor and music education coordinator at Houghton University.

There were 75 students in the elementary chorus from Albion, Holley, Kendall, Lyndonville and Medina.

The elementary students also sang “Look At The World” by John Rutter, “Ching A Ring Chaw” arranged by Linda Spevacek-Avery, and “Can You hear Me?” by Bob Chilcott.

Andrew Bodemer, a Clarence music teacher, served as guest conductor of the junior high band.

The 77 students in the band performed “Flourish and Festivity” by Douglas Akey, “Chasing Sunlight” by Cait Nishimura, “The Road Less Traveled” by Mat Campbell, and “Heart of Gold” by Brian Balmages.

Liam Leader of Albion was one of the trombonists in the junior high band.

Cassie Brown, front center, of Albion is among the 64 members of the senior high chorus. They started by singing “Três Cantos Nativos” by Marcos Leite.

The senior high chorus also sang “O Love” by Elaine Hagenberg, “Sisi Ni Moja” by Jacob Narverud, and “The Awakening” by Joseph M. Martin.

Dr. Kevin Dibble served as guest conductor for the senior high chorus. He is the associate director of the Greatbatch School of Music at Houghton University, where he is also associate director of choral activities and assistant professor of music.

The students sing “Sisi Ni Moja,” a Swahili title that means “We are one” and shares how human beings have much in common.

MEDINA – Thanks to a local Christian sportsman, the Orleans County YMCA will now begin offering archery programs to school children and the public.

Merle Fredericks of Medina, an avid sportsman, founded Bow Bending Believers in 2003, shortly after retiring from as the Orleans County sheriff. The chapter is part of the national Christian Bowhunters of America, and sponsors 3-D shoots, hunts and game dinners.

Last year, Fredericks approached YMCA director Jesse Cudzilo and asked if part of the facility could be used for an indoor archery shooting event for kids. The event took place last March with 20 kids from the community, who got to shoot bows and arrows, shared the Gospel and were treated to pop and pizza.

“We got such good feedback, we started thinking about converting the (former) armory’s indoor rifle range to an indoor archery range,” Fredericks said.

He spent $5,000 of his chapter’s money, along with other donations from MAAC and the community to transform the space into an archery range. Local contractor and painter Steve Dieter was asked to paint the range, and he donated many hours of his time transforming the space. Nearly a year has been spent emptying, taking out debris and cleaning the space.

“It is a huge and miraculous transformation,” Fredericks said.

Orleans County YMCA director Jesse Cudzilo, left, and archery instructor Merle Fredericks are standing in the archery range, after nearly a year of cleaning, clearing out debris and painting.

Beginning March 14, they will begin a program with fourth- to 12th-graders who can learn archery, participate in competitions and then take part in a free Bible study for eight consecutive weeks. The top three in the competitions will be recognized with a prize or trophy. The program is part of the National Archeries in School Program/Centershot Archery in the Churches.

Cudzilo said it is time to put the “Christian” back in the YMCA, and he is thrilled to be able to partner with Fredericks and his Bow Bending Believers.

“Partnerships are the key to success,” Cudzilo said. “With people working together, we are all better.”

On Fridays from 6 to 8 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to noon, the archery range will be open to the public. Archers/bowhunters are invited to come and hone their skills or learn how to shoot bow and arrow.

“We are very thankful and grateful to Jesse for giving us the opportunity to offer this archery ministry at the Y,” Fredericks said.

He said they hoped for a minimum of 12 participants for their eight-week session and 15 have already signed up. They are capping admission at 15 for this initial run, but plan to have several more eight-week courses a year.

The Thursday night, open sessions will be free, but going forward, participants will need to join the YMCA to use the archery range. Plans are not yet finalized, but Cudzilo may offer a discounted membership for those who just want to use the archery range.

More information is available by calling the YMCA at (585) 798-2040 or Fredericks at (585) 765-2839.

Fredericks has always been interested in bowhunting, and he and his wife Mitzi are both New York State Certified Bowhunting Instructors. His goal is to eventually offer bowhunting education courses. Fredericks chapter is located 2423 Oak Orchard River Rd., Medina.

Provided photo: This is what the former rifle range at the Medina Armory looked like when Merle Fredericks started transforming it into an indoor archery range.

Provided photos

HOLLEY – Contractors are on site at Sam’s Diner this morning helping to stabilize the building in the Public Square after the back wall collapsed on Friday morning.

Joe Penna of Holley is doing an emergency shoring of the back of the building. Steve Morgan is removing stone debris.

The scene shut down traffic in the Public Square until 8 p.m. Friday due to concern vibrations from the passing vehicles could cause more of the building to cave in.

Sam’s Diner owner George Gitsis thanked the community for the outpouring of concern and support for a much-loved restaurant in Holley. George’s father, the late Sam Gitisis, opened the diner in 1978.

While Route 31 is back open to traffic, the east one-lane strip in the Square from Red, White and Moo to Sam’s, and past Dr. Dan Schiavone’s dental office and the community center remains closed to vehicles.

Rick Cary, the Murray fire chief, said the immediate area by Sam’s also is currently off limits to pedestrians in case there is any shifting in the diner.

He said Schiavone and the Eastern Orleans Community Center should be able to reopen to the public on Monday.

Murray firefighters have been on the scene since shortly after the wall collapsed at about 9:30 a.m. on Friday. They provided an overnight presence. Cary said he expects they will be on scene until this afternoon.

He was inside the diner this morning, and he said it is in good condition despite the back wall collapsing.

The Murray Joint Fire District was assisted on the scene by Village of Holley employees, NYS Special Operations and Monroe County Special Operations, and firefighters from Kendall, Clarendon and Brockport.

Sam’s Diner posted the following message on its Facebook page:

“We are extremely thankful that nobody was hurt. We cannot express how we appreciate everyone who has reached out offering your love and support. We are humbled by all of the local fire departments, village workers, Monroe County Special Operations Unit, code enforcement officers, community members, Mayor Mark Bower, Dustin’s Pizzeria, and countless others that have been working hard to help us salvage the building and to give us their support. It really does take a village as the saying goes and we are beyond grateful! We will keep you updated with the progress.”

Photo by Tom Rivers

ALBION – The Main Street lift bridge in Albion, shown this afternoon, won’t reopen to traffic until September, about five months later than expected.

The state Department of Transportation met with village officials last week to explain that some of the steel pieces for the bridge were slightly off size, and replacing them will result in a delay.

Some of those pieces were 2 inches off size, and that is enough discrepancy to require new pieces that are manufactured out of state.

Deputy Mayor Joyce Riley said the delay is disappointing for the village, especially the downtown merchants.

“A lot of people are feeling the sting,” she said about the bridge being closed to traffic since Nov. 14, 2022. “The people downtown are trying to survive.”

The bridge closed to traffic in November 2022 for what was expected to be an 18-month rehabilitation project. A similar effort started in April 2023 in Brockport.

The state DOT is paying $28.3 million to contractors for the two projects.