By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 April 2024 at 6:35 pm
Susyn Tillman of Point Breeze sent in this photo taken from her backyard of the total eclipse with the moon covering the sun today.
Orleans County emergency management and law enforcement prepared for the worst today, but it ended up being quieter on the roadways than a usual Monday.
The county was braced for an influx of thousands of additional vehicles on roadways, with visitors trying to get a look at a rare solar eclipse.
But the big crowds never arrived, and emergency incidents were minimal. The forecast showing significant cloud coverage likely deterred some day-trippers from making the journey to Western New York to see the total eclipse.
“There were no real noticeable increases in traffic,” said Justin Neiderhofer, the county’s emergency management director.
The state Thruway and 81 and 87 corridor did see some backups outside of Orleans County, he said.
“All and all it was kind of a slow day on our end,” Niederhofer said.
The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office and the other local police agencies all had extra patrol cars and staff working.
Sheriff Chris Bourke said traffic actually seemed less than a typical Monday in Orleans County.
“There are no significant eclipse-related problems that I am aware of,” Bourke said.
This photo from Tracey Lewis shows Lake Alice during the eclipse today when darkness fell at about 3:20 p.m.
Tracey Lewis had eclipse glasses for her dachshund, Lucy.
Marguerite Sherman of Medina sent in these photos along Lake Ontario during the eclipse. This is on Scharping Lane in the Town of Lyndonville.
The sky got very dark on Scharping Lane during the total eclipse.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 April 2024 at 4:41 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers: It looks like nighttime at 3:20 p.m. looking at the Orleans County Courthouse during the totality of the solar eclipse.
ALBION – More than a year of buildup for today’s total eclipse in Orleans County was feeling like a massive disappointment due to heavy cloud cover.
I didn’t see the partially obstructed sun, but I was outside at the Courthouse Square when it quickly got dark around 3:19 p.m. The sky stayed nearly black for about 4 minutes and then was light again.
The sky was clogged with clouds at about 3:15 at the Courthouse Square.
Jim Boyer works out of the Clerk’s Building with his company, Orleans Abstract & Title Service of Albion. We chatted briefly around 3:15 p.m.
“Disappointing,” he said about the thick clouds in the sky.
But his feelings changed when darkness descended.
“That’s pretty stinking wild,” Boyer exclaimed about the dark sky.
A flock of birds also zoomed overheard during the totality of the eclipse.
Several people from the Clerk’s Office, Real Property Tax Services and Postal Service stepped outside to take in the celestial wonder. While there was plenty of murmuring about the clouds, the plunge in daytime darkness invoked awe.
The daylight vanished and then came back in about four minutes.
“That’s nuts how fast it was,” said Kim Hazel, a County Clerk’s Office employee.
Darkness settles over downtown Albion in this photo looking from the First Presbyterian Church of Albion, which tailored the message on its sign to tie in with today’s historic event, the first total eclipse in Orleans County since 1925.
Robert Cary and his family gathered in the parking lot by the Courthouse with their special eclipse glasses, which didn’t end up being needed. The family is from Albion. Mr. Cary works as a corrections officer at the County Jail and his shift started at 3:30 p.m. He is shown with, from left, daughters Emma, Madison and Kylie, their mother Alyssa Cary, and her mother Susan Devault.
Cary was expecting a big day for the community with many visitors but he said it seemed quieter than usual.
“You make the best of it,” his wife said.
Cheryl Wertman took this photo of the partial eclipse in Medina.
“There was a very brief moment when the eclipse was visible through the clouds as it went towards totality,” she said. “‘Spooky’ was heard as total darkness took over at the moment of totality and a flock of geese flew over sounding like they were very spooked by the sudden darkness.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 April 2024 at 3:45 pm
The sun is partially obstructed in this photo taken from the Medina fire station by firefighter Tim Miller just before 3 p.m.
It was very cloudy for the eclipse, which obstructed the view of the highly anticipated event, but some people were able to see it briefly when a patch of clear sky opened up.
Gayle Smith took this photo of the eclipse along Wood Road near the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds.
The total eclipse with darkness was from about 3:19 to 3:23 p.m.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 April 2024 at 1:58 pm
Photo from Medina PD: Joseph Colson allegedly pointed this black revolver BB gun at Medina firefighters and neighbors.
MEDINA – A Medina man has been charged after allegedly pointing a revolver at responding firefighters and also neighbors on Sunday afternoon, Medina Police Chief Todd Draper said today.
Joseph Colson, 21, was charged with 3 counts of menacing, criminal possession of a weapon, and resisting arrest, which are class A misdemeanors. Colson was arraigned this morning through the Centralized Arraignment Procedure. An order of protection was issued and Colson was released on his own recognizance.
The Medina Fire Department was dispatched to 744 Church St. at 3:43 p.m. for a 21-year-old man with an illness. At 3:47 p.m. Medina police officers heard radio traffic by Medina FD personnel reporting a man with a gun.
Upon arrival, Medina police observed Medina firefighters on the ground attempting to restrain an individual and a man on the porch with a shotgun. The man with the shotgun was ordered to the ground and disarmed, Draper said in a news release.
It was later determined that this man was a lawful gun owner and had retrieved the firearm to defend himself and assist FD personnel. He was released following a brief detention, Draper said.
While Colson was being restrained, he continued to resist and was taken into custody and placed in a patrol vehicle. All parties involved outlined that Colson pointed a revolver and threatened neighbors and Fire Department personnel, Draper said.
A search of Colson’s residence located an extremely realistic black revolver BB gun, Draper said. Arresting Officers in this case were Sgt. Christian Navas and Officer Kyle Daly. Units from the Orleans County Sheriff’s Department provided assistance as well.
“This incident highlights the dangers first responders face on a regular basis,” Draper said. “We would like to commend the officers and firefighters involved, and thank the Medina Fire Department, and the Orleans County Sheriff’s road patrol and dispatch.”
Photo by Mike Pettinella: Former NFL quarterback Ryan Leaf, right, and former Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Jack Ham appear at a Legends & Stars event in February 2023 at Batavia Downs Gaming. Now a motivational speaker, Leaf is scheduled to speak at Genesee Community College on May 8.
BATAVIA – “Twelve years ago today I woke up on the floor of a jail cell…with no hope or possible idea what could be! There was no possibility of this life, no love of my life, no career, no future, no family, no recovery,” Leaf wrote on X. “You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending! There is Hope!” – Ryan Leaf, April 1, 2024.
In 1998, the San Diego Chargers selected Ryan Leaf, standout quarterback from Washington State University, as the No. 2 overall pick in the National Football League Draft behind Peyton Manning. A finalist for the Heisman Trophy following his junior year, the future looked bright for the Great Falls, Mont., native.
However, dreams of a storied NFL career turned into a nightmare for the strong-armed 6-foot, 5-inch, 235-pound signal caller as issues involving bad behavior, injuries, work ethic and focus – beyond poor play – limited his time as a pro to four nonproductive years.
Leaf went into a downward spiral, eventually ending up in prison for burglary and drug-related offenses – a period of time he referred to in his statement above.
Although he wasn’t able to survive in the world of professional football, Leaf has turned his life around – carving out a respected space throughout the United States as a motivational speaker and ambassador for sobriety.
He said he has been in recovery from substance use disorder for the past 11 years, and has devoted his life to helping others overcome the stigma of mental health and addiction as a program ambassador for Transcend Recovery Community and CEO/President of RAM Consultant, Inc.
Leaf, 47, is coming to Batavia in May to share his experiences, both triumph and challenges, and offer invaluable lessons in resilience and the power of determination.
“Asking for help is the strongest thing you’ll ever do,” Leaf says, referring to those struggling with substance use.
Leaf also works as a college football analyst for the ESPN network.
UConnectCare (formerly Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse) invites the public to attend his presentation, which is scheduled for 6 p.m. May 8 at Genesee Community College, Room T102.
ALBION – This past Friday, April 5, the staff at Orleans County Department of Social Services (DSS) wore blue on in honor of Go Blue Day, which begins Child Abuse Prevention Month. Go Blue Day is always celebrated on the first Friday in April.
“April is Child Abuse Prevention Month and serves as a reminder for our community to come together to support, strengthen and celebrate families,” said Cyndi Stumer, deputy commissioner of DSS.
If you have suspicions of child abuse or neglect to report or you are concerned about the health or safety of a child, please immediately call the NYS Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-342-3720.
Orleans County DSS receives about 600 referrals for investigation annually through state Child Protective Services.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 April 2024 at 9:49 am
Provided photo: The large Santa figurine outside the Downtown Browsery on Main Street is outfitted with giant eclipse glasses thanks to the efforts of Dar Krull.
Clouds are moving into Orleans County and Western New York later this morning, just before the highly anticipated total eclipse.
The National Weather Service in Buffalo said there may be breaks and thinning of the clouds by mid-afternoon to allow a clear glimpse of the eclipse.
This is the first total eclipse in Upstate New York since 1925. This occurs when the moon will completely block out the sun, causing darkness during the day from approximately 3:19 to 3:23 p.m. The partial eclipse starts just after 2 p.m. and ends around 4:30.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 April 2024 at 8:55 am
Gas prices are on the rise, AAA reports today, with the national price up an average of 6 cents to $3.60 per gallon for regular unleaded. That’s the exact price from a year, AAA said.
In New York State, the average price is $3.47 today, which is up 2 cents from a week ago, but from $3.53 a year ago.
In Orleans County, AAA reports the average price is $3.42 today, up 4 cents from $3.38 a week ago.
Here are the average prices today in Western New York counties:
Orleans, $3.421
Genesee, $3.355
Wyoming, $3.419
Livingston, $3.441
Monroe, $3.408
Niagara, $3.343
Erie, $3.396
Chautauqua, $3.618
Cattaraugus, $3.484
Allegany, $3.511
AAA issued this statement about gas prices: “Oil prices have spiked recently due to renewed Ukrainian attacks on Russia’s oil infrastructure and increasing tension in the Middle East. Since the cost of oil accounts for roughly 60% of what motorists pay at the pump, there will likely be some upward pressure on prices at the pump nationally.
“According to recent data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), demand for gasoline rose last week, while supply decreased slightly. Higher demand and rising oil prices will likely nudge pump prices higher soon. However, the upward trend in gas prices is not unusual for this time of year, as many regions of the U.S. begin to transition to the more expensive summer blend of gasoline, which tends to increase pump prices by 10 to 15 cents.
“Diesel prices remain relatively steady. The national average price for diesel is $4.04, up two cents from last Monday. The New York average is $4.38, down two cents from a week ago.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 April 2024 at 8:24 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
KNOWLESVILLE – There were about 50 beach balls decorated in different themes as part of a contest for kids at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds. This one has a fire truck theme.
The beach balls were hung from the ceiling of the Trolley Building as planets.
It was one of many “Eclipse Over Eclipse” activities from Friday through this afternoon to celebrate the total eclipse in Orleans County.
Owen Gallo, 6, of Holley digs with a toy excavator in a display by Bentley brothers at the Orleans County Chamber of Commerce’s Home, Garden & Outdoor Show on Sunday. Owen joined his mother Michelle Gallo in visiting about 30 vendors at the show.
In back, representing Bentley brothers includes Hannah Wehling, left, and Courtney Traxler. Wehling works in marketing and advertising for Bentley while Traxler is a parts specialist.
Katie Sommerfeldt was among the vendors at the Home, Garden & Outdoor Show, promoting her business, KT Drainage and Consulting. She started that business three years ago to help property owners. She also is the director of the Soil & Water Conservation District in Orleans County, where she does surveys, planning and design work. With her new business, she can operate an excavator and do some of the physical work with the projects.
This beach balloon was decorated as a colorful planet as part of the “Eclipse Over Orleans” celebration at the Fairgrounds.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 April 2024 at 7:29 am
Send us your photos and your reactions to the total eclipse in Orleans County this afternoon. We welcome photos of the eclipse – partial and total – that are zoomed in or showing the local landscape. And we’d gladly accept photos of people viewing the eclipse.
Please note the location of these images and share your reaction to seeing this spectacle. The photos can be emailed to news@orleanshub.com or text to (585) 590-2870.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 April 2024 at 8:37 pm
MEDINA – A man was taken into custody by Medina Police Department after allegedly threatening an ambulance crew from Medina Fire Department this afternoon.
The ambulance was dispatched to what was expected to be a low-priority basic life support call for service.
“After arriving on scene, the crew was quickly met by a person with a gun, making threats to the crew and a neighbor,” said Medina Lt. Steve Cooley, the Medina FD public information officer. “The crew retreated and requested police assistance.”
The man with gun went back inside and came out without the weapon. The crew was able to restrain the male, prior to the police arriving on the scene. Medina police officers arrived on scene shortly thereafter and placed the male into custody, Cooley said.
“We would like to thank the Medina Police Department, the Orleans County Sheriff’s Department deputies, the Orleans County dispatchers and the neighbor for the quick assistance they provided to our crew,” Cooley said in news release. “Our crew is safe and both members remain on duty. We will have no further comment on this issue at the present time.”
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 7 April 2024 at 8:22 pm
MEDINA – Orleans Community Health Foundation held its second annual gala Saturday night at Bent’s Opera House.
Dr. Joseph Misiti
The evening featured special drinks to commemorate the eclipse, elaborate hors d’oeuvres, and the inaugural presentation of the Bowen Award to longtime surgeon Dr. Joseph Misiti.
Hospital CEO/CIO Mark Shurtz and Foundation director Megan Johnson welcomed guests, who had an opportunity to bid on a silent auction for a handful of high-end gifts and enjoy the music of the Something Else Rock City Band from Rochester.
Shurtz told the guests how lucky they were – to be in the path of totality during Monday’s eclipse and not have to travel to experience that stellar event; but also lucky that they need not have to travel for stellar healthcare services.
“We are here tonight to celebrate our achievements, acknowledge our challenges and to forge a path toward a brighter, healthier future,” Shurtz said.
“The story of Orleans Community Health is steeped in rich history that dates back to 1908, when a visionary group of citizens established Medina Memorial Hospital,” Shurtz said.
That visionary group was led by George Bowen, for whom the night’s award is named.
“Fast forward 15 years and Medina Memorial Hospital found its enduring home at its current location, where it has seen its fair share of ups and down,” Shurtz said. “Yet Medina Memorial Hospital has stayed steadfast and strong for more than 100 years, as hospital after hospital closed around us.”
Guests mingle and enjoy hors d’oeuvres at Saturday’s Orleans Community Health Foundation gala.
Shurtz said it was also essential to acknowledge their struggles and difficult choices they’ve had to make along the way.
“Reducing services and positions is never an easy decision, but these challenges have not deterred us,” he said. “They have instead fueled our determination to adapt, innovate and find new ways to serve our community. Our ability to adapt to meet evolving needs of our community has resulted in some exciting news I’d like to share.”
He reported over the last two years net revenue to the hospital has soared to the highest level in a decade. The same is true of patient visits for the fourth quarter of 2023 and patient satisfaction surveys, which showed approval at 4.9 out of 5. This achievement by hospital staff represents an unprecedented milestone in patient satisfaction, Shurtz said.
He added that while services and patient visits are on the rise, so too are their expenses.
“We must spread the word that Orleans Community Health offers unparalleled care,” Shurtz said. “It’s a simple truth, if we don’t use this valuable service, we stand to lose it.”
Support for the hospital will not only help sustain its growth, but also enable them to expand services, reach more people and make a lasting impact on the health and well-being of the community, he said.
Bartender Elizabeth Lipiec shows Orleans Community Health CEO/CIO Mark Shurtz a special Eclipse Punch which was served at Saturday’s gala at Bent’s Opera House to benefit Orleans Community Health. It was made with Captain Morgan’s rum and garnished with dried fruit resembling a sun and moon.
The evening also celebrated a new tradition – paying homage to deserving individuals who are dedicated and compassionate professionals, by awarding of the Bowen Award.
Shurtz introduced Kim Gray, director of Nursing and Surgical Services, who described the awards first recipient – longtime surgeon Dr. Joseph Misiti.
“In my role I’ve worked with Dr. Misiti for more than 20 years and witnessed his dedication and compassion,” Gray said. “No one is more dedicated in caring for our community Dr. Joseph Misiti. He is the heartbeat of our hospital. He has a profound understanding of the compassionate side of medicine, and I thank his family for sharing him with us.”
Gray then introduced Misiti’s wife Pam and daughter Teresa who accepted the award on his behalf.
Through the years Dr. Misiti has expressed his shyness in the limelight, preferring to remain in the background. For that reason, he did not attend, but extended his pleasure and heartfelt appreciation for those who thought enough to give him this prestigious award.
Provided photos: The Medina varsity guard consists of 11 students in grades 8-12.
Courtesy of Medina Band Boosters
MEDINA – The winterguard season for Medina came to a close on Saturday when the championships were held at the Gates-Chili High School. The Northeast Color Guard Circuit is a governing body for visual performing arts competition in Western NY and was f founded in 1988. The organization is a current partner with the Winter Guard International.
A total of 28 guards came to compete in seven classifications. Medina’s varsity guard competed in the SA class and came in 4th place with 76.95 while Victor earned 1st place with 85.54.
There were seven guards in the Cadet class and Greece Middle School came in 1st place with 78.85 while Medina came in 6th at 71.05.
In Regional A Corning Painted Post earned 1st place with 85.94. The A1 class had five participants and Gates-Chili earned 1st with 81.94.
There were only two guards in the IA class and Gates-Chili earned 1st with 89.81 and Batavia came in 2nd with 86.80. Luminosa was the only guard in the Senior class and they scored 89.48.
The Heritage Hurricanes are an all-abilities group sponsored by the Heritage Christian Services and they performed in exhibition.
The members of the Medina Marching Band and Colorguard are already preparing for their street season which includes parades on Memorial Day, the Sherburne Pageant May 31 and June 1 and their trip to Virginia Beach .
The Medina JV guard includes 13 students in grades 5-7.
