By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 27 September 2025 at 8:28 am
Photos by Tom Rivers: “Big E” in front and Bowie are two of the alpacas at Velvet Ridge Farm & Market on Ridge Road in Albion. The farm will be open to the public this weekend from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for National Alpaca Farm Days.
ALBION – It’s a big weekend for local alpaca farms. Five of those farms will be open to the public for National Alpaca Farm Days.
The farms are open today and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The farms on the tour include:
• Lake Alice Alpacas – 2125 Oak Orchard River Rd., Waterport
Toni and Tom Starks have opened a new alpaca farm, Velvet Ridge Farm & Market, LLC. They have seven alpacas and a store with alpaca products, hats and other fiber products.
Mrs. Starks is recently retired as a health educator and mentor teacher coordinator at Albion. Her husband is retired from a career in the defense industry.
The two wanted to stay busy in retirement, but not have intense pressure.
Alpacas are a low-maintenance animal, that are easy to take care of, Mrs. Starks said.
“After teaching I wanted to do something more peaceful but I also stay in teaching and sustainability,” she said.
Velvet Ridge has seven alpacas who are all named and adored by their owners: Snoop, Big E, Bowie, Tiny Tim, Bruce, Willie and Elvis.
The farm is named “Velvet” for the soft fleece from the alpacas.
A market at Velvet Ridge includes sock, hats and other products made from alpaca fiber.
There is also pottery from Magpie, Kathleen’s Crochet Creations, local honey and maple syrup, homemade fudge and baked goods, vintage goods, pumpkins and mums.
The market also sells Albanese’s Finest Gourmet Sauces, organically cultivated mushrooms and other local products.
Toni Stark has enjoyed creating the alpaca farm with her husband. They are at the former Poelma Farm on Ridge Road. The Velvet Ridge Farm & Market is new to National Alpaca Farm Days.
Visitors to all five local farms this weekend will be entered in a raffle with a chance to win a basket raffle over $300.
Photo courtesy of the Orleans/Niagara BOCES: GED teacher Lisa Behrend and case manager Julie Johnson are shown with graduates Victoria Wilson, Heaven Williams, Madison Banker, Marcus Fisher, Maria Gall, Sawyer Rotella, Andrew Schmidli, Sharon Thiel-Corey, Kadinz Sager, Daniel Hoffman and Cheyeanne Jenks. They joined on Thursday for a graduation celebration at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Medina.
Press Release, Orleans/Niagara BOCES
MEDINA – Seventeen proud GED graduates were honored Thursday at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Medina.
Congratulations go to Allissa Adams, Madison Banker, Heaven Williams, Kadence Sager, Daniel Hoffman, Tim Amrhein, Cheyeanne Jenks, Andrew Schmidli, Victoria Wilson, Dustin Peace, Sharon Thiel-Corey, Lee Skernick, Sawyer Rotella, Mariah Gull, Marcus Fisher, Michael Harris, Erika Sprague, Abigail Worsley and Kira Lee Vanich.
The Orleans/Niagara BOCES educators, in the Adult Literacy Zone program, work with students who need to prepare for New York State’s High School Equivalency Exam to earn their diploma.
Some students study for a month and some for years to achieve their goal. The classes are open to anyone 17 years or older who lack their high school diploma. The Literacy Zone instructors are certified teachers who work with students to overcome their challenges so they can successfully pass the exam.
The curriculum focuses on preparing students in reading, writing, social studies, science and math. There is no cost to the student.
Classes are held at St. John’s Episcopal Church from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and at the Albion Hoag Library from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. The Lockport location offers evening classes. Please reach out to Case Manager Julie Johnson at jjohnson@onboces.org for more information on attending the program.
Photo by Aidin Bharti/Office of Governor: Gov. Kathy Hochul today announced in Albany that New York State’s first-ever inflation refund checks up to $400 are now being sent to 8.2 million households statewide.
ALBANY – Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that New York State’s first-ever inflation refund checks up to $400 are now being sent to 8.2 million households statewide.
The checks will be mailed directly to eligible New Yorkers, with deliveries to continue throughout October and November. There is no need to apply, sign up or do anything to receive a check.
Governor Hochul secured and enacted this initiative as part of her ongoing commitment to putting money back in the pockets of New Yorkers.
Joint tax filers with income up to $150,000 will receive a $400 check.
Joint tax filers with income over $150,000 but no greater than $300,000 will receive a $300 check.
Single tax filers with income up to $75,000 will receive a $200 check.
Single tax filers with incomes over $75,000 but no greater than $150,000 will receive a $150 check.
Earlier this year, the Governor also secured and enacted initiatives to cut taxes for the middle class to their lowest levels in 70 years, expand New York’s Child Tax Credit to up to $1,000 per child and ensure universal free school meals to save families around $1,600 per child.
“Starting today, we’re sending inflation refund checks to over 8 million New Yorkers because it’s simple — this is your money and we’re putting it back in your pockets,” Governor Hochul said. “I’ll never stop fighting to help your family address the rising cost of living — and that’s why I also delivered on my promise to cut taxes for the middle class, expand the child tax credit and ensure free school meals for every student.”
Inflation has driven the costs of everyday necessities higher and as a result, the State’s revenue from the collection of sales tax has also increased. Governor Hochul believes that money belongs to hardworking New York families and should be put back in their pockets as an inflation refund — and that’s why 8.2 million households statewide will receive a check this fall.
During a time when costs are high due to inflation and the Trump Administration’s tariff policies, smaller expenses can be a hardship on families across the United States. The latest reports from the Federal Reserve show that approximately 37 percent of adults across the nation would have to borrow money or sell personal belongings to pay a $400 emergency expense using cash or its equivalent. The inflation refund checks can offer hardworking New Yorkers a cushion for smaller expenses, providing them with a sense of relief for unexpected repairs or emergencies.
Who’s Eligible for an Inflation Refund Check?
You are eligible for an inflation refund check if, for tax year 2023, you:
Filed Form IT-201, New York State Resident Income Tax Return;
Reported income within the qualifying thresholds below; and
Were not claimed as a dependent on another taxpayer’s return.
There are no age restrictions. Filers do not need to do anything to receive an inflation refund check. If you filed a tax return, are below the income thresholds, and no one else claimed you as a dependent, you will receive a check.
When Will Checks Be Delivered?
Checks will be mailed across the state starting today and deliveries will continue throughout October and November.
Your check may arrive earlier or later than your neighbors, as mailings will not be based on zip code or region.
Additional information from the New York State Tax Department can be seen at ny.gov/inflationrefund.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 26 September 2025 at 2:24 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – The Seneca Chief is led by the Orleans County Sheriff’s Marine Patrol as they head east on the Erie Canal around 11 a.m. today. This photo was taken from the Allens Bridge Road bridge with the Presbyterian Road bridge in back.
The Seneca Chief is a replica of the boat from 200 years ago that carried Gov. DeWitt Clinton across the Erie Canal for the first time.
The Seneca Chief is one day 3 of a 33-day journey from Buffalo to New York City, commemorating the first trip.
The boat passes by Allen’s Bridge with Eagle Harbor next up on the journey.
These people pass under the lift bridge in Eagle Harbor, waving to people on shore who water to see the boat.
The Seneca Chief is pulled by a tugboat, the C.L. Churchill.
Volunteers at the Buffalo Maritime Center built the 73-foot-long boat over four years.
As the boat approached the Main Street lift bridge in Albion, people pulled out their phones to get photos and video. Heidi Coriddi of Albion is in front at left getting some photos.
The Main Street lift bridge goes up to accommodate the Seneca Chief caravan of boats.
The boat stopped in Albion and offered tours to the public, before heading east to Holley. The boat’s final destination today is in Brockport.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 26 September 2025 at 1:07 pm
Albion, Holley and Medina all hosting activities, vendors
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – People check out some the artisan vendors this morning in Albion. There were about 10 different vendors in Albion for the debut Erie Canal Artisan Festival.
There are also vendors and activities in Holley and Medina today, Saturday and Sunday.
The Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council is organizing the festival.
There will be a theatrical car show in Medina as part of a car show in the Canal Basin.
Albion has its vendors and activities on Noeth Platt Street by the canal. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be there from noon to 3 p.m. Friday through Sunday, as well as a foam pit each of the three days. Letters to Santa, Gingerbread House and ornament decorating are among the activities.
Holley’s Canal Park Trail at 29 East Ave. will host vendors, as well as a concert today by Kissin’ Whiskey from 6 to 8 p.m. Chris Moore will perform on Saturday from 2 to 4 p.m., and Justin Reynolds from 6 to 8 p.m.
To see the schedule, click here to be directed to GO Art!
George and Carin Kennard came up from Watkins Glen with hand-blown glass art. They are one of the vendors in Albion.
Tegan Leach of Albion has hand-dyed wool and yarn for sale.
Bill Wesolowski of Blasdell, owner of Billamy’s Woodworking, has many hand-crafted wooden designs available at his booth in Albion.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 26 September 2025 at 9:53 am
Photo by Ginny Kropf: Sherry Tuohey Sipple, left, enjoys coffee and conversation with the new pastor of the Grove United Methodist Church in Medina, Barb Brewer.
MEDINA – The new pastor of the Grove United Methodist Church brings a bushel of energy and a ton of new ideas to the congregation.
Pastor Barb Brewer grew up in Lockport and graduated from Penn State with a degree in civil engineering.
“I spent 25 years as a civil engineer,” Brewer said. “Then I retired and opened a coffee house and café in Lockport.”
During that time, she said God was calling her and putting people in her way who led her to the ministry. She enrolled in United Theological Seminary.
Brewer grew up in the Lutheran church and attended regularly with her family. As a teenager, she became involved with Lockport Alliance Church.
“That’s when I accepted Christ in my heart and have carried on as a Christian all of my life,” Brewer said.
She started her duties at the Grove on Aug. 1, and since has instituted several new activities, including Christian Conversation and Coffee Thursday mornings at the Coffee Pot Café. She issues an open invitation for anyone to join from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. The sessions feature small devotions and conversation.
“I was hired half-time, but am working full time,” she said. “I’m here to serve and I visit the sick and take them communion.”
In addition to several new activities at the church, she has more planned. Last Saturday they had a campfire at the church, with s’mores.
“Basically, I put fun into worship,” the pastor said. “I put humor into all my sermons.”
Before coming to Medina, Brewer served the Alden United Methodist Church and Brocton Tri-Church Parish, made up of two Methodist churches and an Evangelical Lutheran Church. The Brocton church suffered a devastating fire which leveled the church.
When the District Superintendent contacted Brewer, she told her, “Have I got an assignment for you.”
Brewer took to her new assignment in Brocton and put her engineering degree to good use, designing a new church and negotiated with the insurance company to get the money to rebuild.
Some of the things coming up at the Grove are a Tailgate Party after worship on Oct. 26; Trivia Night with a potluck supper on Nov. 15; and the Lunch Bunch from noon to 1 p.m. Tuesdays, featuring cheese and crackers and dessert.
“I’m just feeling my way now,” Brewer said. “I believe if we show the community how active we are, the community will want to join us. God made a perfect fit when I came here. I needed this church as much as they needed me, and we are stronger than ever because of it.”
In addition to welcoming their new pastor, member Sherry Tuohey Sipple and Brewer want to take this opportunity to thank the Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Company for their response to several potential crises at the church.
At the back of the church property are motel units, which are now used for storage. In May, it had been very rainy and the motel basement flooded. The church called Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Company and they responded, pumping 30,000 gallons of water out of the basement.
Tuohey said the motel units date back to the 1960s when the restaurant was open, and the church is considering other options for the building.
Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Company responded again on several occasions when the motel’s fire alarms went off – sometimes in the middle of the night, for no apparent reason.
“We are thankful they were false alarms,” Sipple said. “We are blessed to have these volunteer firemen dedicated to service in our community.”
Ridgeway will be responding again soon with Medina and other volunteer fire companies to deliver the red barrels for the annual Christmas drive.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 26 September 2025 at 8:37 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ABOARD THE SENECA CHIEF – Terry Abrams, Orly the Ox, Medina Mayor Marguerite Sherman and Deputy Mayor Jess Marciano wave to people along the Erie Canal in medina on Thursday afternoon.
A replica of the historic Seneca Chief canal boat, the one that made the maiden voyage across the Erie Canal, is embarking on a commemorative trip over 33 days in honor of the canal’s bicentennial.
The Seneca Chief left Buffalo on Wednesday morning and stayed at Lockport that night. On Thursday, the boat travelled east to Medina.
Orleans Hub editor Tom Rivers was on board the boat from Middleport to Medina. Here on some photos from that trip, which included many onlookers who were taking photos and welcoming the Seneca Chief. The boat is on a 33-day journey and will end in New York City on Oct. 26, the exact 200-year anniversary of the original voyage with Gov. DeWitt Clinton in 1825.
These people record the Seneca Chief working its way down the canal. This spot is just east of Middleport.
These cyclists wave to the Seneca Chief contingent.
Ginny Kropf, a long-time local reporter, didn’t want to miss the Seneca Chief as it came to Medina.
This group waves to the people on board the Seneca Chief.
Mark Prawel, a village trustee and mechanic, took a short break from working on cars to see the boat pass by near the lift bridge in Medina.
Some people are on the Glenwood Avenue bridge in medina to see the boat come through. The mural was created by Brandi Zavitz.
John Kucko, who has a very popular social media presence, was at the north wall in the Canal Basin to record the boat coming to Medina.
The boat approaches its destination at the Canal Basin. There were about 200 people there to welcome the boat and then get a tour.
The boat will be on the move going east today. It is expected in Albion around 11:30 a.m., Holley at 1:30 p.m. and then in Brockport around 3-3:30.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 September 2025 at 10:52 pm
Replica of maiden canal boat recreating historic voyage from 200 years ago
Photos by Tom Rivers
MEDINA – Mayor Marguerite Sherman of Medina pours water from the canal in Medina into a barrel that will collect water from each stop the Seneca Chief makes along the canal as part of a 33-day trip to New York City.
The “Gathering of the Waters” differs from the original “Wedding of the Waters” when Gov. DeWitt Clinton poured water from Lake Erie into New York Harbor in 1825, following the maiden journey along the completed canal.
Sherman is joined on the deck of the Seneca Chief by Paul Winnie of the Tonawanda Seneca Nation, Medina Deputy Mayor Jess Marciano, and Terry Abrams, a Tonawanda Seneca and the curator of the Niagara County Historical Society.
Terry Abrams, a Tonawanda Seneca and the curator of the Niagara County Historical Society, collects water from the Erie Canal in Medina after the replica Seneca Chief tied up in the Canal Basin. That water was then added to the barrel that will gather more water along its bicentennial commemoration of the Erie Canal.
Water will be collected at each port in the commemorative trip and it will be poured on a freshly planted Eastern White Pine tree in NYC. As part of the commemorative trip along the canal, an Eastern White Pine is being given to each port stop.
Medina next week will plant its Eastern White Pine at State Street Park close to the Erie Canal.
Mayor Marguerite Sherman stands on the deck of the Seneca Chief and welcomes about 200 people who were at the Basin to welcome the replica boat.
About 200 volunteers with the Buffalo Maritime Center handcrafted the boat over four years. The replica boat is 73 feet long and weighs 44 tons.
It left Buffalo on Wednesday and is headed to New York City on Oct. 26, which is exactly 200 years from when DeWitt Clinton commenced the inaugural voyage.
The Seneca Chief will leave Medina in the morning and head east through Orleans County with its final destination for the day in Brockport.
It is expected to stop in Albion around 11:30 a.m. and in Holley at 1:30 p.m.
Terry Abrams shares how the Erie Canal opened up the state and the west, fueling Manifest Destiny. However, it displaced many Native Americans.
As part of the commemorative voyage, the Buffalo Maritime Center is acknowledging the impact on the Indigenous residents. It also is giving an Eastern White Pine to each port site. Those trees are the Great Tree of Peace in the Haudenosaunee culture.
Roger Allen, the master boatbuilder at the Buffalo maritime Center, talks with crew members as they get close to the Canal Basin in Medina.
The bow of the boat is shown after the replica Seneca Chief left Middleport and headed to Medina. The lift bridge in Middleport is shown in the distance.
The Seneca Chief is shown in the countryside between Middleport and Medina. The replica packet boat is pulled by the tugboat, C.L. Churchill.
The Churchill and Seneca Chief’s location can be tracked by clicking here.
Paul Winnie was grateful for the opportunity to be on the Seneca Chief from Middleport to Medina. He stands on the deck of the Seneca Chief as it passes by the Glenwood Avenue canal bridge. Winnie spoke at the Medina commemoration and highlighted the planting of the tree as a sign of peace.
“The message is we all need to bury our quarrels and bad language under this tree so we can make this place better for the next generation,” he said.
About 200 people greeted the Seneca Chief as it pulled up at the Canal Basin. Orly the Ox, the county’s bicentennial mascot, was aboard as a special guest. Orleans County also is celebrating its bicentennial this year.
The Orleans County Sheriff’s Marine Patrol provided an escort for the Seneca Chief as it approached Medina and the Canal Basin.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 September 2025 at 6:48 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
BARRE – Staff of AES Clean Energy gather for a group photo this afternoon in Barre in front of the Baird Solar Project.
AES celebrated the completion of that project as well as the Laubacher Solar Project in Albion at 3858 Gaines Basin Rd.
The Baird project is on land owned by Josh Baird. The solar panels have a capacity to generate 4.5 megawatts of electricity. The project covers 27 acres at 4320 Oak Orchard Rd. The site allows AES to tap directly into a 13.2-kilovolt distribution line. The project doesn’t include battery storage.
There are 14,118 solar panels and they are surrounded with a 7-foot-high perimeter chain link fence as part of Baird Solar, which is on Route 98 in the northern part of Barre.
The company’s landscape plan includes 191 deciduous and evergreen trees along with 92 shrubs and pollinators.
Donna Laubacher, left, speaks during a reception today celebrating the completion of the two AES solar projects.
Laubacher said she hopes the project will make electricity more accessible for people in the community.
The Laubacher project is on 15.6 acres of land south of Allen Road in Albion. The 2.5 megawatt solar system uses about 8,100 solar panels.
The landscaping plan includes 470 deciduous and evergreen trees with 183 Northern White Cedars, along with shrubs and pollinators.
AES is working on two much larger solar projects with construction expected to start next year and be complete in late 2027.
AES is the developer of Hemlock Ridge Solar, a 200 megawatt solar project in Barre and Shelby that will be along Crane, Townline and Burns roads near the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge. Hemlock Ridge is about 5 miles southeast of Medina.
AES also is working to develop Somerset Solar, a 125 megawatt project in the Town of Somerset in Niagara County. Some of the facility will on the site of a former coal plant, Somerset Station.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 September 2025 at 12:17 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – A caravan of vehicles escort an oversize load down Gaines Basin Road in Albion this morning.
The 195,500-pound condenser was manufactured by Graham Corp. in Batavia and started is journey around 5 a.m. today. It reached the Erie Canal in Albion around 10 a.m.
It will be transported east to its destination at the Navy. This is at least the third condenser made by Graham that will be shipped by the canal for the Navy.
Previous trips went to Albany, then down the Hudson River to New York Harbor. From there the condensers have moved to an ocean-going-barge for the trip to the Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Connecticut.
The oversize load heads north on Gaines Basin Road, getting close to the Countyhouse Road intersection.
The permitted route of travel started on Harvester Avenue in the city of Batavia, proceeded west on Route 5 to north on Route 98. Then it was west on Route 31A to north on Gaines Basin Road to east on Albion-Eagle Harbor Road in Albion.
There were about 15 bucket trucks in the caravan with people holding wires high for the big load.
The load had an escort by the State Police and other officials. Here it is shown going north on Gaines Basin Road, past Countyhouse Road.
Many onlookers came out to see the dispenser get lifted by two huge cranes onto a barge in the canal. Ellie Quatro brought her three sons to see the big machinery. Two of the sons are home-schooled.
They also saw the cranes in action two years ago when Graham made a similar-size delivery to the canal for the Navy.
The cranes, barge and big tugboat are ready to receive the heavy load.
Graham also had similar loads on the canal on May 22, 2022 and then another Sept. 27, 2023.
The load on the barge will be pushed by the tugboat Edna A., which is owned by the New York State Marine Highway Transportation Company of Troy.
Many people gathered on both sides of the canal to see the heavy equipment in action. The Gaines Basin Road bridge is in the background.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 September 2025 at 8:45 am
Donors have given $200K towards restoration of prominent Mount Albion building
File photos by Tom Rivers: The chapel at Mount Albion Cemetery, shown in September 2024, is getting new mortar and a new roof, with other upgrades as part of a $225,000 restoration. Donors have given $200,000 towards the project so far.
ALBION – The chapel at Mount Albion Cemetery will be getting a new slate roof. The building is a focal point of the historic cemetery for people who enter through the main arch.
The new roof is among several improvements for the structure that was built in 1875.
A committee led by Village Historian Sue Starkweather Miller set a $225,000 fundraising goal and raised $200,000 in about three months.
The Albion Village Board on Wednesday accepted a bid for $83,985 to remove the existing roof and replace all the Vermont slate. That was the lowest of three submitted bids. The others were for $111,875 and $114,220.
The mortar on the structure is currently being repointed and that was funded with a $5,000 grant from the Rochester Area Community Foundation.
“I have been overwhelmed by the community support for the project,” Starkweather Miller said. “We are very excited about this.”
Other work includes:
Asbestos abatement on the roof
Interior replastering of the north wall
Electrical upgrades (wiring, outlets, internal and external lighting
Heating unit for seasonal use
Repair of plaster and vaulted ceiling
Remove old floor, repair subfloor and put in a new floor
Refurbish exterior doors and window trim
The committee that has been working on the project, identifying the needs and fundraising, includes Starkweather Miller, Tim Archer, David Snell, Toni Stark and Tony Wynn.
About 90 donors have contributed to the project so far. Tax deductible donations for the project can be sent to the Orleans County Historical Association, 3286 Gaines Basin Rd., Albion NY 14411. For more information, click here.
‘Murder and Mayhem’ fundraiser tour set for Oct. 4
Matt Ballard is shown leading 200 people on a tour of “Murder and Mayhem” on Sept. 13, 2019 in Albion. Ballard was the county historian at the time. He shared stories of high-profile crimes from the community’s past, and some other curious happenings. He will be doing the tour again on Oct. 4.
A fundraiser is planned for Oct. 4 for the chapel. Matt Ballard, the former Orleans County historian, will lead a “Murder and Mayhem Tour.” Ballard did this tour in 2019 and it attracted 200 people.
There is a $20 donation to be on the tour which starts at 6:30 p.m. at the Pullman Universalist Church. Parking in the lot across the street.
In the photo of Ballard above, he is shown speaking on the Courthouse lawn. He told about Albion leaders ploy in deceiving state officials to naming Albion the county seat, over Gaines, which was more developed in the 1820s due to the well-travelled Ridge Road.
Philetus Bumpus and Nehemiah Ingersoll led the push for Albion to become the county seat. They concocted a plan to have Sandy Creek dammed just before the state commissioners were in town. The water was then released to make it appear Sandy Creek was a much stronger stream.
What appeared to be a powerful stream was influential in swaying the commissioners to pick Albion over Gaines. Ingersoll would later donate land for the courthouse to be built.
Ballard has several other stories to share on the tour.
ALBION – The State Police will be assisting with an oversized load escort on Thursday morning which may disrupt traffic patterns beginning at 5 a.m. in the city of Batavia and ending in Albion.
The width of this load will at times obstruct oncoming traffic.
The height of this load will necessitate the lifting of most overhead wires and traffic control devices. The load will move into oncoming traffic to avoid overhead obstructions.
The weight of the load will keep speeds to around 5-10 mph with many stoppages.
The permitted route of travel will begin north on Harvester Avenue in the city of Batavia, proceed west on Main St. (Rt-5) to north on Oak St (Rt-98) to west on Rt-31A (Lee Rd) to north on Gaines Basin Road to east on Albion Eagle Harbor Road in Albion.
It is recommended that if you encounter this load, move to the shoulder of the roadway, into a driveway or parking lot or seek an alternate route of travel to your destination. Lower your window and follow directions from State Police or escort vehicles.
Thank you for your patience and drive safety.
Editor’s Note: There have been other oversize loads in recent years from Batavia to Albion. Graham Manufacturing built 200,000-pound condensers for a nuclear submarine. The part was delivered to Albion, where the condenser was lifted by crane and set on a barge on the Erie Canal.
It then headed east to be delivered to a Navy base. There was an oversize load from Graham on May 22, 2022 and then another Sept. 27, 2023.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 September 2025 at 1:14 pm
Photo by Tom Rivers: The Village of Albion has a new 750,000-gallon water tank on Route 98, part of the Village of Albion water distribution system primarily in central Orleans County. The new glass-fused steel tank was built for $1,369,000 by Aquastore.
ALBION – The Albion Village Board expects to raise the water rates significantly, about 50 percent over the next three years.
The increases are needed to pay for upgrades to the water plant and aging infrastructure.
Village Board members will present the rates during a public hearing today at 6 p.m. at the Village Office. The new rates would take effect on Jan. 1.
Water users would face a 25 percent increase in the rates in the first year, then a 20 percent increase in year two, and then a 5 percent increase in the third year. The village would also raise an administrative charge by 55 percent the first year, then 40 percent and 5 percent.
The changes would raise rates for village of Albion residents and property owners by $3.90 per $1,000 gallons to $4.88 next year, $5.85 in year two and $6.14 in year three.
The average village water customer currently pays $92.10 every quarter. That would change to $125.21 next year, then $160.66 in year two, and then $168.70 in the third year, according to village.
The village also supplies water to several towns in Orleans County. They would see their rates go from $3.57 to $4.46 next year, and then $5.36 and $5.62.
The two correctional facilities would be increased from the current $4.65 per 1,000 gallons to $5.81 next year, and then $6.98 and $7.32.
Village Trustee Joyce Riley said the increases are necessary, but she worries some of the towns could switch to the Monroe County Water Authority, which would take away needed revenue for the water system.
The board during a Sept. 10 meeting considered making a 50 percent increase in the first year, but decided to do a staggered approach over three years.
The village is embarking a major capital project at the water plant on Wilson Road in Carlton. The village also replaced a water storage tank on Route 98 and needs to replace many of its transmission lines.
The Albion water fund has estimated expenses of $2,639,864 in the current fiscal year, but the current rates only will generate $2,195,250, forcing the village to use $444,614 in its fund balance. That will leave the fund balance at about $700,000.
The new rates and administrative charges would bring the revenues to $2,680,546 in 2026-27, while the expenses are at $3,021,857. (The expenses increase because the village needs to begin paying back a bond at about $400,000 a year.)
The second year, the revenue is up to $3,328,013 with expenses at $3,172,950. The third year, the revenue totals $3,494,414 with expenses at $3,331,597.
Village Board members said they will be working to develop a capital plan for the water plant and water distribution system.
Wendel, an engineering firm, presented a proposal on Sept. 10 for replacing some of the water lines on the east side of the village, a project that could top $13 million.
That project would include East State Street, from Platt Street to the village line (including Goodrich Street), Moore Steet (from the Butts/Caroline intersection to the village line, Brown Street and Knapp Street.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 September 2025 at 12:28 pm
ALBION – A Ridgeway man appeared in Orleans County Court this morning facing first-degree manslaughter charges for allegedly killing his mother after hitting her in the head with a hammer.
Curtis Schroth, 51, allegedly hit his mother with a hammer on Oct. 15, 2024 at her home on Rutherford Road in Ridgeway. Dolores Schroth died from those injuries at age 78 on Oct. 27, 2024.
Her son was living with her at the time of the crime, District Attorney Susan Howard said.
After seriously injuring his mother, Schroth went to the Albion Police Department on Oct. 15, and confessed to the crime, Howard said.
The case has been at a standstill because Schroth was deemed to be mentally incompetent. He has been in a psychiatric facility for several months but was brought to Orleans County this morning to appear in court after being found competent.
He was arraigned on first-degree manslaughter in County Court on Jan. 8, 2025. Public defender Joanne Best requested a mental competency exam on March 12.
Schroth was held in the county jail for several months before being transferred to a psychiatric facility. He is now back in the county jail. County Court Judge Sanford Church is continuing bail at $100,000 cash, $500,000 bond and $750,000 partially secured bond.
The charge of first-degree manslaughter carries a maximum of 25 years in prison. Howard presented an offer to Schroth today to plead guilty to first-degree manslaughter and face no more than 20 years in prison. Howard said she made the offer after consulting with Dolores Schroth’s other children.
Best, who is representing Curtis Schroth, has until Oct. 22 to file motions in the case with the motions to be argued in court on Nov. 5.
Best in court today said Schroth has an option of a plea of not criminally responsible, where a mental disorder or defect at the time of the crime makes defendants unable to understand the wrongfulness of their actions.
