Dangerously hot conditions with heat index values from 104 to 108

Photo by Marsha Rivers: The sun sets on Friday on the railroad tracks in Holley next to the Holley Cold Storage in this photo taken from the Route 31 overpass.

An Extreme Heat Warning has been issued for Orleans County from noon to 8 p.m. today, Thursday and Friday.

The National Weather Service said there will be dangerously hot conditions with heat index values 104 to 108 each afternoon. The very warm and muggy temperatures overnight will not provide much relief, the Weather Service said.

“Extreme heat and humidity will significantly increase the potential for heat-related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities,” the Weather Service said.

Today is forecast to be sunny and hot with a high of 94 degrees and heat index values up to 107. Tonight there will be a low around 77.

Thursday will be sunny and hot with a high near 95, followed by a mostly sunny and hot Friday with a high near 94.

On Saturday, the Fourth of July, the high will be near 90 with a chance of showers between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 2 p.m., the Weather Service said.

Proposed changes include allowing H-2A for dairy farms

Press Release, Congresswoman Claudia Tenney

WASHINGTON, DC — Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today joined House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson (PA-15) and a bipartisan group of lawmakers in introducing the Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act, legislation to modernize the H-2A agricultural guest worker program, reduce unnecessary bureaucracy, provide greater certainty for farmers, and help ensure America’s producers have access to the workforce they need to keep the nation’s food supply strong.

For nearly 40 years, the H-2A program has remained largely unchanged despite the evolving needs of American agriculture. As labor shortages continue to challenge farms across the country, producers face increasing difficulty finding enough workers to plant and harvest crops, care for livestock, and maintain safe, reliable food production.

The Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act would modernize the program by expanding eligibility for temporary agricultural work, including making dairy farms eligible for H-2A, creating a streamlined online application system, simplifying program requirements, and codifying recent reforms to provide greater wage stability and certainty for farmers.

“Farmers across New York and our nation work tirelessly to feed America, but too many are struggling to find the workforce they need to keep their operations running,” Tenney said. “Our outdated H-2A program has created unnecessary costs, delays, and uncertainty that hurt family farms and drive up food prices. For too long, critical industries like dairy have been locked out of the H-2A program.”

The legislation has earned endorsements from more than 385 organizations representing farmers, ranchers, agricultural employers, commodity groups, food producers, and businesses nationwide, including New York Farm Bureau, U.S. Apple Association, International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF), and dozens of other leading agricultural organizations.

“We appreciate Representative Tenney’s sponsorship of the Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act. This legislation includes long overdue improvements to the H-2A guest worker program, among other much-needed changes to the agricultural labor system. We value Representative Tenney’s continued leadership and support for New York farmers.” – New York Farm Bureau President David Fisher

“New York apple growers know firsthand that a reliable workforce is essential to keeping orchards productive. We appreciate Rep. Tenney’s leadership in advancing long-overdue H-2A reforms that will help ensure growers have the workers they need to continue growing apples in New York and across America.” – U.S. Apple Association President & CEO Jim Bair

“The Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act represents the most significant reform to the ag workforce we’ve seen in decades. It’s particularly critical for dairy farmers, who have been effectively shut out of the H-2A program, the main U.S. farmworker visa. The bill would stabilize the dairy workforce by allowing H-2A contracts of up to 350 days and providing a targeted mechanism for current dairy workers to transition to a viable visa program. We thank Congresswoman Tenney for joining Chairman Thompson in the Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act, and we look forward to working with these congressional champions and all of agriculture to get this bill to the president’s desk.” – Gregg Doud, President and CEO, National Milk Producers Federation

“International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) thanks Representative Tenney for co-sponsoring the Securing Agriculture Workforce Act and supporting commonsense guestworker reform for U.S. dairy. Dairy farms and processors alike operate year-round and need access to a reliable workforce. Modernizing the H-2A program to meet the needs of year-round dairy farm operations moves the needle in the right direction by strengthening the dairy supply chain. Although dairy processors also need reforms that offer workforce support, the Securing Agriculture Workforce Act better positions all of U.S. dairy to ensure families continue to have access to nutritious dairy products.” – International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA)

Photo by Tom Rivers: Jim Hancock, chairman of the Medina Tourism Committee, speaks during last week’s Village Board meeting.

MEDINA – The Medina Tourism Committee is looking forward to special events to celebrate the country’s 250^thanniversary.

The committee is organizing a patriotic birthday concert on Sept. 6 at State Street Park with a jazz band led by retired Medina band director Jim Steele, Jim Hancock, the Tourism Committee chairman, told the Village Board last week.

Retired broadcaster Mike Randall will be reading the Declaration of Independence. There will be 250 birthday cupcakes with red, white and blue frosting.

The Sons of the American Legion is contributing funds towards the event, Hancock said. The VFW will be playing Taps as well.

The Tourism Committee asked the Village Board for permission to have a time capsule buried at Rotary Park with the container to be opened in 2076. The board approved the request for the time capsule, which will be in a circular area in front of the Santa House.

Hancock and committee member Barb Gorham said they expect the time capsule will be buried by the end of October. They said they are discussing what to have in the capsule. They would like a little bit of Medina Sandstone and news coverage of notable events during 2026.

“We’re open to any suggestions about what people want to see put into it,” Hancock said.

The committee wants to reach out to the school district and ask kids what they think Medina will be like in 50 years.

Hancock said the Tourism Committee looks forward to welcoming about 600 cyclists when they visit and stay overnight in Medina on Sunday, July 12. It’s part of the annual Cycling the Erie Canal trip from Buffalo to Albany.

The committee also is working on its second annual Building Brick event at Sacred Heart Club on Sept. 19. Last year there were about 350 people – kids, parents and grandparents – making creations from LEGOs.

The Tourism Committee last week welcomed the Seneca Chief boat to the Canal Basin. This was the third year the replica of the famed canal boat visited Medina.

Hancock said the Tourism Committee also is working on plans for the Parade of Lights and the Christmas celebration on Nov. 28.

The Tourism Committee for the 17^th year also is staffing a visitor center during the summer. This year a team of about 15 volunteers is managed by Barb Gorham.

“We see a great number of people coming into the village,” Hancock said. “We try to provide information to them.”

CARLTON – The concert scheduled for this evening at the Orleans County Marine Park has been rescheduled due to the hot weather.

Something Else will instead perform on Aug. 11. The area is under a heat advisory today until 8 p.m. The heat index values could reach the upper 90s.

The events are organized by the Oak Orchard Neighborhood Association and Friends of the Orleans County Marine Park.

Extreme heat watch issued for Wednesday to Friday with heat index up to 105

Kimberly Stawicki sent in this photo of the Strawberry Moon from last night in Medina. This was the first full moon of the summer.

A heat advisory is in effect for Orleans County and most of New York State today.

The heat index values are expected to be in the upper 90s. From Wednesday afternoon through Friday evening, there is an extreme heat watch when heat index values could be as high as 105.

For today, the heat advisory is in effect from noon to 8 p.m. The high in Orleans County is forecast to reach 92. Then the highs are forecast for 94 on Wednesday, 95 on Thursday and 92 on Friday.

The National Weather Service advises people to drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors.

“Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside,” the Weather Service said. “When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.”

Robyn Ottaviano took this photo of the Strawberry Moon last night.

The average price for regular unleaded gas dropped in the past week – down 6 cents nationally to $3.86 today. One year ago, the price was $3.19, according to AAA.

The New York State average is at $4.12, down 11 cents from a week ago. A year ago, the NYS average was $3.21.

In Orleans County, the average price is down 8.3 cents from a week ago – from $4.396 to $4.313.

“Drivers continue to see relief at the pump as summer travel ramps up, with prices trending lower in recent weeks,” AAA said in a news release. “While motorists are benefiting from these declines, prices remain higher than they were this time last year, and New York continues to sit above the national average and rank among the more expensive states for gasoline, currently ranking 8^th for the highest prices in the country.”

This morning, crude oil prices are trading in the high $60s to low $70s per barrel range, down from $75-$79 last week, AAA said.

“Crude oil prices have remained relatively steady, with global supply dynamics and ongoing geopolitical developments influencing the market,” AAA said. “While volatility remains a factor, recent stability in oil prices has helped support the gradual easing in gas prices.”

Here are the average prices in counties around Western New York:

• Orleans, $4.313
• Genesee, $4.201
• Monroe, $4.250
• Niagara, $4.274
• Erie, $4.263
• Wyoming, $4.338
• Livingston, $4.332
• Chautauqua, $4.227
• Cattaraugus, $4.197
• Allegany, $4.267

The highest price is in Tompkins County at an average of $4.380 while Nassau has the lowest price at $3.919.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Kids keep a close eye on an armadillo that visited Hoag Library today with other creatures from the Wildlife Rockstars in Farmington.

There were about 100 people at the presentation at the library, which kicked off its summer reading program. Click here to see a schedule of events as part of the program which has a theme of “Unearth a Story.”

Steve, an ambassador with Wildlife Rockstars shows a ball python to kids and adults at the presentation.

Twin sisters Mileena and Adalyn were able to pet a chinchilla.

Rosie, an ambassador from Wildlife Rockstars, lets people get a close look at a hissing cockroach.

This tortoise seemed eager to meet the crowd at the library.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Becky Patterson, an artist from North Tonawanda, puts dinosaur-themed line art on the sidewalk in front of Hoag Library today.

Children will be encouraged to color the inside the lines with chalk throughout the summer as part of the summer reading program, which has a theme of “Unearth a Story.” Patterson used a water-based temper paint for the outline which should last throughout the summer.

Patterson also expected to work on chalk mural today, showing a three-dimensional T-Rex, and another dinosaur-themed chalk mural on Thursday.

Photos by Ginny Kropf

MEDINA – Patriotic banners are strung across Main Street this morning in observance of the Fourth of July and the country’s 250th celebration and the Fourth of July. This view is looking north from near the railroad tracks.

(Left) Village of Medina DPW employees string patriotic banners across Main Street in Medina. In the buckets are Brad Freeman and John Fike. (Right) Medina DPW employee Brad Freeman attaches the wire for a patriotic banner to an anchor on the Main Street buildings, which are the ones used for the holiday banners at Christmas.

There are eight banners, four on either side of Main Street. Jason Watts, the DPW superintendent, said it took about a half an hour to install each one, using the existing hardware on the buildings. The banners will remain up through Labor Day, he said.

The banners were requested by Medina Area Partnership and funded with a $3,000 grant from the New York State 250th Commemorative Commission, with the money from the New York State Education Department. Orleans County was approved for $15,000 from the state to help commemorate the country’s 250^th anniversary.

Other funding approved by the local 250^th committee and the Orleans County Legislature includes: Albion Strawberry Festival, $1,500; Barre Betterment Committee, $750; Lyndonville Lions Club, $3,585; Medina Area Partnership, $3,000; Town of Albion, $1,000; Town of Kendall, $740; Town of Murray, $275; Town of Yates, $500; Village of Holley, $1,700. The remaining $1,950 is to be spent at the discretion of the NY250 Committee in Orleans County.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – The Village of Albion summer park program kicked off today for six weeks with a full slate of programs as well as free food for children every day. The season ends on Aug. 7.

The top photo shows kids and park supervisor Wes Olles playing Gaga Ball.

There will be park counselors at Bullard from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. from Monday through Friday. They will lead children in games, arts and crafts and other activities. The summer program is free.

The first couple days of the park program include registration. Children should have a list of their immunization records.

These kids enjoy some relief from the heat at the splash pad.

The playground was put to use at the start of the park day.

Some highlights in the season include:

• July 3rd celebration later in the day, including fireworks
• Tennis clinic from July 6 to July 10 at Albion High School tennis courts
• July 8 soccer clinic at Bullard Park
• Wrestling camp from July 13-17 at Albion High School gym
• Volleyball camp from July 13-17 at Albion High School gym
• County Park Fun Day on July 15 with bounce houses, food vendors
• Tennis camp from July 20-24 at Albion High School tennis courts
• Baseball camp from July 27-31 at Albion High School
• Football clinic on July 29 at Bullard Park

Orleans County Amateur Radio Club competed in Amateur Radio Field Day exercise over the weekend

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Two ham radio operators – Jim Salyer, left, and Chuck Baker – make connections with other ham radio operators around the country on Sunday.

The Orleans County Amateur Radio Club participated in the annual Amateur Radio Field Day exercise on Saturday and Sunday at the Orleans County Emergency Management Office, 14064 West County House Rd.

The OCARC has been active in this Field Day exercise since 1961. This event ran from 2 p.m. on Saturday until 2 p.m. on Sunday. The Orleans ham radio operators were up to 822 connections at 1:30 p.m. with a half hour to go.

Since 1933, ham radio operators across North America have established temporary ham radio stations in public locations during Field Day to showcase the science and skill of Amateur Radio.

There are more than 725,000 licensed hams in the United States, as young as 9 and as old as 100. And with clubs such as the Orleans County Amateur Radio Club, it’s easy for anybody to get involved right here in the Orleans County area.

The Orleans club welcomed the public to the event over the weekend and served up food. Ray Hertel of Shelby is shown at the grill with Eugene Baker of East Shelby in back.

Hertel said he got into ham radio about 30 years ago after being injured at work with the Niagara Mohawk. He was laid up for six months. Two of his friends introduced him to ham radio and he has been active with the hobby since then.

He enjoys the camaraderie with the other radio operators. The Orleans club meets 7:30 p.m. on the second Monday each month at the EMO site, 14064 West County House Rd.

The club will also be at the Orleans County 4-H Fair on Aug. 1 doing demonstrations and will be at the Oak Orchard Lighthouse on Aug. 22-23.

Eugene Baker became active in ham radio four years ago when he woke up one day and his cell phone wouldn’t work. He didn’t like the feeling of having his communication system shut down.

He talked with local ham radio enthusiast Terry Cook and Baker embraced the hobby.

“It’s a great group of guys to hang out with,” he said.

Ron Craig of Middleport sends out signals from the digital ham radio center on Sunday.

The Orleans club had nearly 1,000 connections with its signal – 2FWNY.

Ham radio can function completely independent of the internet or cell phone infrastructure.

Bruce Sidari is shown inside the EMO at the ham radio station. Sidari of Albion has been in ham radio since he was 12 – about 65 years ago.

He said he has made friends all over the country through ham radio, meeting many of the people at conventions.

The local club has won many competitions over the years.

“I like the technology,” Sidari said. “It keeps my brain moving.”

Program will provide direct payments of a minimum of $1,000 and a maximum of $25,000

Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the release of the $30 million Agricultural Resiliency Against Tariffs Program for New York agricultural producers.

The program, first announced in the Governor’s 2026 State of the State address, will help offset rising costs and market loss that New York farmers faced in 2025 because of federal tariff policy. Applications for dairy, livestock, specialty crop and aquaculture producers are now available here.

“The tariffs imposed by the Trump administration are reckless and damaging to so many of our industries, including our agricultural producers, who rely so heavily on the forces of international markets.” Governor Hochul said. “I promised to stand up and fight for our farmers and I’m proud that our Agricultural Resiliency Against Tariffs Program will provide the much-needed relief to New York’s farmers who feed our communities.”

The deadline to apply for the Tariff Relief Program is Tuesday, August 11, 2026. Only complete applications will be considered for payment. The application and detailed instructions on how to apply, including a webinar, are available on the Department’s webpage at https://agriculture.ny.gov/agricultural-resiliency-against-tariffs-program. Farmers are encouraged to begin the application process early to ensure all parts are completed and submitted by the deadline.

New York Farm Bureau President, David Fisher said, “Farmers of many different commodities have been faced with significant tariffs, which have sometimes been staggeringly difficult to manage. As we all know, farmers already operate on razor-thin margins, so we welcome any kind of relief program and appreciate the Governor’s efforts to help alleviate some of the pain points farmers have been experiencing.”

With an estimated 20 percent of a farmer’s income on average dependent on export markets of their product, the federal tariffs instituted in 2025 and resulting market instability are creating economic hardship for New York’s agricultural producers. In addition, farmers are facing the escalating costs imposed by tariffs on essential imports like grain, feed and other inputs. Over 80 percent of agrochemical imports and 70 percent of farm machinery imports originate from countries that were subjected to U.S. tariffs, making it difficult for farmers to secure alternative sources.

While the broader financial impact of tariffs on New York agricultural producers is still being calculated, many commodities have already reported financial burdens. For example, New York’s wine industry, which is the third largest in the nation, supports tens of thousands of jobs and New York’s grape growers, has seen significant impacts. Canada is the largest market for U.S. wine exports, including New York, and last year New York exports to this bordering country were down 77 percent, a major market loss at a time when the U.S. wine exports decreased 33 percent overall.

The Governor’s tariff relief program will provide direct payments of a minimum of $1,000 and a maximum of $25,000 to eligible producers. Distribution of funds will be determined through two tracks:

Track 1: Cow Dairy Farms

Track 2: Livestock, Livestock Products, Specialty Crops, Aquaculture

Eligible applicants must fill out a general application, provide agricultural sales or milk production data and meet specific criteria, including:

• Applicants must have at least two-thirds of federal gross income in excess of $30,000 derived from agricultural activities, as defined by New York State Tax Law.
• Applicants must produce eligible crops within New York State.
• Eligibility and production data must be certified by a qualified financial professional.
• All applicants must provide a complete substitute W-9 form, necessary for payment.
• Dairy farm applicants must sign a records release form, allowing confirmation of milk production data.

New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “Farmers get hit by tariffs on both the export and import side, losing market opportunities while also facing rising costs of things like grain, equipment and fertilizer. I thank the Governor for continuing to advocate for and stand by our agricultural industry. This program will ensure that the producers impacted by tariffs will receive some level of relief to help offset these new expenses and safeguard their operation.”

NYS Horticultural Society Executive Director Jim Bittner said, “New York State is the number 2 producer of apples in the country. About 30 percent of the apples grown in the US need to be exported in order to have returns back to growers at a profitable level. When the US imposes tariffs on other countries, one of the first things those countries target is apples from the US. New York apple growers are the ones hurt by those tariffs on our apples. We are also hurt by the tariffs the US applies to inputs we use on our farms to produce those great local apples. The specialty equipment and the parts to repair them as well as the fertilizers we use are mostly imported and have increased in price to us because of the tariffs. Between lower prices for the apples we produce and paying more for many of our major inputs, we need help to mitigate these influences. The last two years of tariffs have been especially harmful. Agriculture is the bedrock of our economy. We want to be able to continue to grow high quality apples for New York residents.”

NYS Vegetable Growers Association President Brian Reeves said, “There is an old saying that farmers are the only ones who buy at retail and sell at wholesale. While this is not always the case, the tariff activity has raised the cost of many inputs, which are partly or in whole imported. Relief from the increased costs can only help farmers’ bottom line.”

72 in Class of 2026 celebrate commencement

Photos by Tom Rivers

HOLLEY – Confetti falls on the Class of 2026 during the end of the commencement ceremony on Saturday inside the Holley Junior-Senior Auditorium.

Holley graduated 72 students on Saturday.

Middle/High School Principal Matt Feldman commended the graduates on earning their high school diplomas.

He said they should continue to heed his advice of putting their cell phones away as much as possible so they don’t meet true human experiences. School districts throughout the state implemented a cell phone ban during school hours this past year, although Holley limited cell phone use before that.

“I want for you a deeper human connection,” Feldman told the grads. “I want you to feel admiration not envy.”

This grad walks into the auditorium to join her classmates on stage. Her cap included the message: “Did Everyone See That Because I Will Not Be Doing It Again!”

Feldman, the high school principal, said the strongest memories don’t come through Instagram, Snapchat or other social media platforms.

He shared about students doing karaoke on the last day of school, and students who had a pool party in the school parking lot at 6:45 a.m. before school, an experience that included cows in a pen.

“Put your cellphone in the locker because you have so much to offer others,” he said.

Kohle Pachla walks across the stage after his salutatory address. Pachla said it was an honor to be salutatorian in the class. He is headed to Alfred University to major in ceramic & mechanical engineering.

“We finally get the chance to experience life beyond these walls,” he said. “Keep one question in mind: Is this what I want to do?”

Mia Thom is recognized with a scholarship during commencement. Thom is the class valedictorian. She is graduating a year early. She will attend Rochester Institute of Technology to major in diagnostic medical sonography.

She opted not to give the valedictory address because she jumped a grade. She “donated” the speech to Jax Richards-Dyson, who ranked third in the class.

Jax Richards-Dyson gave the greeting as the class president and then gave a speech in lieu of the valedictory address. Behind him are Principal Matt Feldman and District Superintendent Karri Schiavone. Richards-Dyson is headed to the University of Rochester to major in biology.

He shared some humorous commentary about going five years in school with cell phones being banned at different grade levels and then state-wide in school buildings. He shared about the “chaos of Covid” when students were forced to do online learning and often were forced out of school if they were possibly exposed to Covid if a classmate tested positive for the virus.

“Class of 2026 we haven’t had a fair or normal educational experience,” Richards-Dyson said.

But he shared advice from John F. Kennedy: “Change is the law of life.”

Richards-Dyson also echoed the message of putting your cell phone away and talking to people, even a stranger sitting next to you on an airplane.

He said listening and learning from others is a powerful antidote against hate.

Hunter Pachla and Layla Jones, the class co-treasurers announced the class gift. The Class of 2026 is donating $1,800 to Operation Caring Hearts, which provides essential supplies, tents, and meals to the homeless people and veterans in the Rochester area. The gift is in memory of Bonita “Bonnie” Gekoski, a lunch lady at the school who passed away Feb. 12, 2026.

Skylar Gallagher is recognized for receiving a scholarship in memory of Richard Martin and Maynard Martin, given to a senior who makes the greatest contribution during four years at Holley Senior High School.

Brody Fiorito received the scholarship in memory of David Ruggles, given the senior who displays outstanding qualities of friendliness and compassion.

Leonidas Lucian Ladd receives a scholarship given by retired principal Susan Cory “to the senior who values education but more importantly, values people and treats everyone well.”

Spanish teacher Jane DelGudico was picked by the Class of 2026 to give the commencement address.

DelGudico has worked at Holley since 2017. She congratulated the grads but told them commencement is just the beginning.

“You have to keep pushing yourself to reach your goals,” she said.

She urged them to choose healthy habits of exercise, eating well, getting enough sleep and maintaining their relationships with their classmates.

“Call your mom, visit your grandparents and stay in touch with your friends from Holley,” DelGudico said.

She advised to spend less time on their phones and more time talking directly to other people.

“Maybe you’ll make a friend,” she said. “Maybe you’ll fall in love.”

She urged them to save money and push themselves to excel in their jobs.

“The world needs more hard workers,” she said. “You will stand out and it will be worth it. Push yourself to go out on a limb. That’s where the fruit is.”

Jayda Shampine is congratulated for earning her diploma. She goes through a line of Board of Education members including Cecelia Pacheco Stevens, back center, and Jennifer Reisman, right.

Anthony Feliciano poses for a photo with Stephanie Sanchez, director of Special Programs for the school district.

Alexis Van Ameron was given her diploma by her mother Tracy, who is a member of the Board of Education.

The students move their tassels to signify their graduation.

The graduates met on the football field after commencement to toss their graduation caps. The scoreboard was displayed at “2026” for the Class of 2026.