By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 January 2026 at 3:42 pm
ALBION – A Medina man who pleaded guilty to third-degree rape was sentenced today to two years in state prison.
Joseph Reamer, 53, also will have three years of post-release supervision.
Reamer in a previous court appearance admitted to sexual contact without the other person’s consent in April 2025. He was initially arraigned on first-degree rape, forcible touching and unlawful imprisonment in the second degree.
In other cases in County Court today:
• Michael Savage, 37, of the town of Murray was arraigned on charges of course of conduct against a child, two counts of sexual abuse in the first degree for contact in the vaginal of a girl between the ages of 5 and 9, two counts of forcible touching and one count of endangering the welfare of a child. The crimes allegedly occurred between 2020 and March 2025, according to the District Attorney’s Office.
Savage is released after posting $5,000 cash bail.
• Seanna Corwin-Bradley, 42, of Barker appeared in court on felony driving while intoxicated. Corwin-Bradley, the former mayor of Barker, was charged on July 22 with a BAC at .193, more than twice the legal limit.
She was in a car accident on Ridge Road in Ridgeway, where she allegedly crossed the center line and sideswiped a camper that was being pulled by a truck. She has a previous DWI conviction in Erie County in September 2024.
She may be considered for a judicial diversion program but would need to first plead guilty and be screened to see if she is a good fit for the program. That diversion program could be handled in Niagara County.
• Dejanay Canteen, 37, pleaded guilty to aggravated harassment of an employee by an inmate. Canteen is incarcerated at the Albion Correctional Facility.
On Feb. 19, 2025, Canteen admitted to throwing urine that hit two corrections officers. Canteen said the urine was intended to hit another inmate, not the COs.
Dan Punch, assistant DA, said there is video showing Canteen throwing the urine.
Canteen faces another 1 ½ to 3 years in state prison. Canteen is currently serving a 7-year sentence for a robbery in Staten Island.
• Jose Casiano, 69, of Gaines pleaded guilty to criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fifth degree and driving while ability impaired.
He could face up to six months in the county jail plus probation when he is sentenced on March 11.
Casiano had 4.3 grams of cocaine when he was stopped by police on Aug. 1.
• Erica Davis, 37, of Medina was sentenced to 90 days in the county for violating her probation. Davis has already served 66 of those days.
She also pleaded guilty to a new charge of attempted promoting prison contraband in the first degree for sneaking cocaine into the jail through her boot.
She could get 1 to 3 years in state prison when she is sentenced on April 8.
“I’m apologetic,” Davis said in court today. “Addiction has taken a toll on my life. Sobriety is my goal going forward.”
Association of Counties calls on Feds to restore funding and work with states to address fraud concerns
Press Release, NYS Association of Counties
The Trump Administration’s freeze on funding for three critical social service programs threatens to destabilize essential services that support the state’s most vulnerable children and families, according to the New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC), the municipal association that represents the State’s 57 counties and the City of New York.
The Association is calling on the Federal government to restore these funds and work with states to address legitimate fraud concerns through proper oversight channels.
The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) notified New York State on January 6 that it will withhold funding for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Child Care Development Fund (CCDF), and Social Services Block Grant (SSBG) programs in New York and four other states. In New York, these programs are administered and partially funded by counties and local taxpayers.
“This funding freeze could lead to devastating consequences for innocent children and families who rely on childcare subsidies, local taxpayers, and the counties that administer these programs,” said NYSAC President Philip R. Church, the Oswego County Administrator. “While we all support rigorous oversight and fraud prevention, and work hard to ensure taxpayer dollars are used appropriately, a blanket withholding is the wrong approach and will create collateral damage that far exceeds any fraud concerns.”
As part of a broader action targeting California, Colorado, Illinois, Minnesota and New York, HHS is freezing over $10 billion in funding nationwide for these programs.
“If this funding is not restored, it will cause massive disruption to programs that help hundreds of thousands of working families,” said NYSAC Executive Director Stephen J. Acquario. “Losing child care subsidies will hit working families hard and exacerbate New York’s affordability crisis. Most forms of federal public assistance will disappear and when that happens, costs will get shifted to county-taxpayer-funded Safety Net programs.”
A prolonged freeze will cause a fiscal catastrophe for New York’s counties, which are now facing billions in new costs from the recently enacted One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which shifts significant new SNAP administrative costs and Medicaid expenses to counties.
Counties across New York State determine eligibility for child care assistance and administer public assistance programs using a combination of federal and state dollars. Family Assistance, which operates under federal TANF guidelines, forms the foundation of cash assistance programs statewide. The Social Services Block Grant consists entirely of federal funding and supports a range of services including child welfare, child protective services, and child care.
Under federal law, the TANF grant is an entitlement to states, established through the welfare reform legislation of the late 1990s. While that legislation eliminated the welfare entitlement to individuals, it created an entitlement to states that were then authorized to build their own programs as long as they met federal guidelines. This state entitlement ensured that services would continue to flow to eligible recipients.
“Our county leaders share the federal government’s commitment to program integrity and preventing fraud,” said Acquario. “Any and every allegation of fraud should be investigated and prosecuted through proper channels, not by withholding funding that supports hundreds of thousands of eligible New York families who have done nothing wrong.”
NYSAC will seek to join the New York State Attorney General’s lawsuit to restore child care funding and ensure continuity of services for eligible families.
NYSAC calls on the Trump administration to:
Immediately restore funding for TANF, CCDF, and SSBG programs to ensure continuity of services;
Work with New York to address fraud concerns through existing federal oversight mechanisms;
Target enforcement actions at specific bad actors rather than implementing blanket funding cuts that harm innocent eligible families; and
Recognize that New York State has robust eligibility verification systems in place and should not be penalized for isolated instances of fraud.
“New York counties will continue to serve our residents and uphold our role as safety net providers for our neighbors most at need,” said Church. “But we need our federal partners to work with us constructively, not against us. Cutting off funding will hurt innocent families these programs were designed to protect.”
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) yesterday announced she formally nominated President Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize for the third time in recognition of his historic Abraham Accords, citing his record of advancing decisive diplomacy and delivering peace through strength.
The nomination highlights President Trump’s groundbreaking work to advance peace and cooperation through the Abraham Accords, which resulted in normalization agreements between Israel and Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Morocco, and Sudan, marking the first such agreements between Israel and Arab nations since 1994.
It also underscores Trump’s extraordinary diplomatic record in his second term, during which he successfully negotiated settlements to eight international conflicts within a single year, including Armenia and Azerbaijan, India and Pakistan, Cambodia and Thailand, Egypt and Ethiopia, Serbia and Kosovo, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda, Israel and Iran, and Israel and Hamas.
These diplomatic efforts reflect a sustained focus on de-escalation, dialogue, and negotiated outcomes unmatched in modern history, and President Trump continues to work towards achieving peace and stability in some of the world’s most volatile regions.
“President Trump has delivered something many said was impossible: real, lasting peace through diplomacy,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “I nominated President Trump for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize for the third time, and I encourage all who are eligible, including my colleagues in Congress, to do the same through the formal process.
“Through the Abraham Accords, longstanding barriers to normalization in the Middle East were overcome, and in his second term alone his administration negotiated settlements to eight international conflicts within one year. Extraordinary. President Trump changed the course of human history with these agreements, his leadership has saved lives and strengthened international stability, and he continues to deliver peace through strength.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 January 2026 at 12:43 pm
Photo by Tom Rivers: Curtis Schroth walks out of Orleans County courtroom today after he was sentenced to 20 years in state prison for first-degree manslaughter.
ALBION – A Ridgeway man who killed his mother by hitting her in the head with a hammer was sentenced 20 years in state prison this morning in Orleans County Court. .
Curtis Schroth, 52, was given the maximum sentence as part of a plea agreement. His attorney, Public Defender Joanne Best, asked for a 10-year sentence, noting Schroth has no prior arrests and was suffering from a mental health disorder.
Schroth, in a Nov. 5 court appearance, admitted to hitting his mother in the back of the head with a hammer on Oct. 15, 2024, causing injuries that led to her death 12 days later on Oct. 27.
District Attorney Susan Howard acknowledged the “mitigating circumstances” with Schroth’s mental health conditions.
“This is a heart-breaking story that ended with the life of an innocent woman,” Howard said.
Schroth was living with his mother, Dolores Schroth, at the time. She was 78.
Curtis Schroth declined to speak during sentencing this morning. Best said he has been diagnosed with Schizoaffective disorder and is bipolar. With medication, he can function well with the conditions, she said.
“This was an isolated, random incident,” Best said during sentencing. “What occurred is extremely out of character for Mr. Schroth.”
Judge Sanford Church imposed the maximum sentence, saying Schroth is “dangerous.”
“He killed his mother by hitting her in the head with a hammer,” the judge said.
He also imposed five years of post-release supervision of Schroth. Judge Church didn’t fine Schroth, but assessed a $300 court surcharge, $50 DNA fee, and $25 crime victims’ fee.
ALBION – Orleans County Chief Administrative Office Jack Welch said the 2026 garbage and recycling calendar from Modern Disposal Services should have been received by residents over the last week.
Anyone who has not received it can visit the county website by clicking here. That same website also has information on acceptable items, tips for collections and contact information for any issues.
Service will be interrupted and delayed by a day on New Years, Jan. 1; Memorial Day, May 25; Independence Day, July 4; Labor Day, Sept. 7; Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 26; and Christmas, Dec. 25.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 January 2026 at 8:07 am
Equipment can be used to carefully lift vehicles if someone trapped
Photos by Tom Rivers
BARRE – The Barre Fire Company on Tuesday evening unveiled new air bags in memory of Joe Grabowski, who passed away on April 12 at age 84. Grabowski, a retired Barre highway superintendent, was a 48-year member of the Barre Volunteer Fire Company. He also worked for Keeler Construction.
Josh Jurs, the Barre fire chief, said the new air bags will replace ones from 1991. They were initially purchased from donations by Grabowski. When he was highway superinent, a loader tipped over on Mix Road and Grabowski was trapped.
Barre firefighters didn’t have air bags at the time, and the Albion Fire Department came to the scene with the equipment.
Fire Chief Josh Jurs and Lt. Marty Zwifka show the new air bags that cost $6,000. They replace ones that were 34 years old. The air bags are made of a very thick rubber that can be inflated up to about eight inches. As they are inflated, firefighters can put in cribbing to stabilize vehicles, tractors or structures that have been slightly lifted. The four air bags can be set on top of each other to allow for a lift of about 32 inches altogether.
After Grabowski passed away, 37 donors gave in his memory to the Barre Volunteer Fire Company, which used those donations to buy the new air bags, an air cylinder and controllers. The Barre Fire District also chipped in some money to replace the equipment from 1991.
A plaque listing the donors will be placed inside the fire hall.
Grabowski’s family attended a presentation at the fire hall on Tuesday when the new equipment was dedicated in memory of Grabowski. From left include Grabowski’s daughter, Julie Kornow; daughter, Christine Maas; sister, Diane Riley; granddaughter, Miranda Merton; wife, Janice Grabowski; and brother, Don Grabowski.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 6 January 2026 at 3:40 pm
Photos by Ginny Kropf: A.J. Gere, creative director for Orleans Hub and Lake Country Media, garnered the most votes in an annual program called Rochester Community Votes. Here, she shows examples of some of her work.
ALBION – A.J. Gere, creative director and graphic designer for Orleans Hub and Lake Country Media, has emerged a winner of Rochester Community Votes, an annual program in which the public can vote for their favorite individual, business or service in a variety of categories.
Gere learned about the contest and entered Specialty Art Services and Graphic Design.
She won gold in Specialty Services for her pyrography (woodburning), and silver for her Graphic Design. The skull took her 35 hours to complete, she said.
To be considered for the program the entrant must first be nominated by the public. Then the top nominations move to the voting stage, where the public can vote daily for their favorites. Winners are revealed at an awards gala, which this year took place Dec. 10 at the Rochester Riverside Convention Center.
“The fact someone anonymous nominated me made it so special,” Gere said. “I had tears in my eyes when I learned I had won.”
The pieces in woodburning held here by A.J. Gere are some of her favorites, the cabin being an homage to her childhood camping and the skull at right the piece which won her a gold award in Rochester Community Votes.
Gere first started doing woodburning several years ago. One of her first pieces was of the home her grandmother used to live in. She gave one to her parents, and her hobby just took off from there, she said.
Her main subjects deal with nature.
“I grew up camping and surrounded by nature,” Gere said. “To be able to combine my hobby with nature was appealing to me.”
She likes to do her woodburning on recycled wood and has found a gentleman who used to own a saw mill and provides her with wood when she needs it. News of her talent is spreading, and she recently finished a commissioned piece for someone in Kansas.
Her woodburning is accomplished under the name of Fern and Timber. She recently entered a craft fair at the Rochester Museum of Science Center and did very well, she said.
At work, Gere is the creative director, or graphic designer, for Orleans Hub, having started working there in 2019. She manages Hub uploads and orders and is a liaison between her office and vendors. She also works at the front desk, answering phones and greeting customers when no one else is available.
“Whatever position needs to be filled or whatever customers want, I find a way to get it done,” she said.
Photo by Tom Rivers: A.J. Gere is shown during an Aug. 15 reception at the Marti’s on Main art gallery in Albion, where she was one of the featured artists. She is shown next to her creations showing a barn owl on top, then “Mirrored Mushrooms,” and a riverside cabin.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today encouraged constituents to prepare for tax filing season by reviewing new tax relief provisions made available under the Trump Tax Cuts and the guidance released by the Internal Revenue Service.
The IRS published detailed information to help taxpayers understand how the new law affects filing for the 2025 tax year. Key provisions include allowing eligible workers to deduct up to $25,000 in qualified tips and up to $12,500 in eligible overtime pay, with higher limits for joint filers.
The law also includes enhanced relief for seniors and maintains pro-growth policies that support small businesses and working families. These commonsense changes are designed to reward hard work, let Americans keep more of what they earn, and ensure taxpayers can file correctly while taking full advantage of the new benefits.
“Hardworking Americans deserve a tax code that rewards work instead of punishing it, and the Trump Tax Cuts deliver exactly that,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “Service workers who rely on tips, employees who put in overtime hours, seniors living on fixed incomes, and small business owners across NY-24 now have real opportunities to keep more of their hard-earned money. These reforms recognize the value of work, strengthen family finances, and bring fairness back to the tax system. As filing season approaches, I encourage constituents to review the IRS guidance, understand how these provisions apply to them, and make sure they claim every benefit they earned under this law.”
For full IRS guidelines and more information, click here.
Press Release, U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo, Western District of New York
Joshua Mahley
BUFFALO – U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that a federal grand jury has returned a six-count indictment charging Joshua Mahley, 42, of Gasport, NY, with interstate travel to engage in illicit sexual conduct, transportation of a minor, penalties for registered sex offenders, and obscene visual representations of the sexual abuse of children. The charges carry a maximum penalty of life in prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Colleen M. McCarthy, who is handling the case, stated according to the indictment, in December 2010, Mahley was convicted in Orleans County Court of Rape in the Second Degree, Sexual Intercourse by Person 18 or More with Person Less than 15, and Sexual Abuse in the Second Degree, and is a registered sex offender in New York State.
On three separate occasions in June, July and August 2025, Mahley traveled across state lines to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a minor victim. In September 2025, Mahley transported the minor victim across state lines to engage in sexual activity. In addition, on September 8, 2025, Mahley possessed visual depictions, namely obscene computer, and AI generated images, depicting minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
The indictment is the result of an investigation by the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Michael Filicetti and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Philip Tejera.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 6 January 2026 at 8:54 am
Photos by Ginny Kropf: Sharon Breckenridge, a longtime volunteer at MAAC’s Thrift Depot, accepts a box of winter clothing collected by Medina Police Department and Orleans County YMCA.
MEDINA – Personnel from the Medina Police Department and Orleans County YMCA recently came up with the idea to join their forces and collect warm clothing for people in need during the cold winter season.
Medina police officer Brandon Brown is a cousin of YMCA director Andrew Houseman’s fiancée, and the two are friends. They recently thought it would be nice for the two organizations to build a partnership with each other to help the community, Houseman said. They began by holding a food drive, but with the cold weather this winter, Houseman said they decided to collect warm clothing through December.
On Monday morning, Brown and Houseman collected the more than 75 coats, hats, mittens and scarves which had been donated to their two agencies.
“The first day we posted the drive on Facebook, someone came in with a large bag full of hats, scarves and gloves,” Brown said. “It is nice to have a place like the Y where people could drop off their donations. It’s a great goal to have to help people in this cold weather. I remember as a kid how I liked to play in the snow, and hopefully these clothes will help keep those kids warm who want to play in the snow, but don’t have warm clothing.”
At the MAAC Thrift Depot, Sue Metzo, president of MAAC, said they were thankful for the donations.
“What we don’t use, we help other agencies with,” she said. “Our winter stuff goes fast.”
Houseman said this is the first year for the clothing drive between the YMCA and Police Department, but they plan to make it an annual event.
Medina police officer Brandon Brown and YMCA director Andrew Houseman stand next to a box of warm clothing they have collected for MAAC’s Thrift Depot on Starr Street.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 5 January 2026 at 9:51 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers: Geno Allport speaks during this evening’s Albion Board of Education meeting, stating his support for an Albion/Medina merged football program. Linda Weller, the board president, and Mickey Edwards, the district superintendent, are shown leading the meeting.
ALBION – They have been rivals on the football field for more than a century but beginning in 2026 they could be teammates.
Albion and Medina school officials and coaches have held preliminary discussions about a merger of their football programs with the goal of player safety and a sustainable path for the program at both districts, Mickey Edwards, the Albion district superintendent, said at this evening’s Board of Education meeting.
“This is about providing our students safe and meaningful athletic opportunities,” he said.
Both schools have shrinking enrollments and declining student participation in football. Both did not field JV teams this past season, offering varsity (grade 10 to 12) and modified (grade 7 to 9). Those teams also were often short on players, pushing some students to play above their grade levels. The schools held some joint practices when they were short on players.
Mickey Edwards, the district superintendent, played for Albion’s football teams when he was a student. He said he values the relationships and opportunities from his playing days.
Medina almost went to 8-man football due to low student participation before switching back to 11-man before the start of the season.
The boards of education from both districts need to vote next month if the merger is to go forward, Edwards said.
Section 6 has given the districts until February to decide so the Section can plan the football schedule for 2026. Albion has been playing in Class B while Medina is in Class C.
If the districts vote to move forward with a merger, all the details don’t need to be ironed out by February, Edwards said during this evening’s Albion BOE meeting.
The cost of the program would be split 50-50 for uniforms, coaches, transportation and other expenses. Each district would likely host two home games. There would be a head coach for each team and coaching staff from both districts.
Edwards said Albion and Medina would need to approve an intermunicipal agreement and the two districts would decide on colors and a mascot for a merged team.
Albion will next meet on Feb. 9 and will decide if it backs a merged football program.
John Kast and Trellis Pore were among the board members who spoke at this evening’s meeting, saying they support student safety and continued opportunities with football.
Two community members spoke during the Albion board meeting. Molly Preston is the mother of the Albion varsity quarterback, a sophomore. She also is a member of the football boosters at Albion.
She doesn’t want to see Albion make a hasty decision. She said some Albion players would see less playing time. A merged team would mean more travel time and less school pride, she said.
“I encourage exploration of all options,” she said. “I’m not against a merger but I see it as a last resort.”
Geno Allport, an Albion youth football coach for 25 years, said a merged team would be better for Albion and Medina, allowing them to field more competitive teams at modified, JV and varsity.
Allport also coaches in Rochester for a high school. Albion and Medina working together could offer more coaches, and the players from both schools would become teammates with friendships that last beyond school, he said.
Albion has often been overmatched in recent years, and some Albion kids have transferred to play at private schools in Buffalo, further diminishing the Albion program.
A competitive team would draw more students, keep them engaged and not overcommit some of the younger players who are needed to play above their grade levels, Allport said.
He has seen other nearby schools, who were bitter rivals, link up on the football field as teammates to great success. He noted Elba and Oakfield-Alabama, Alexander and Pembroke, and LeRoy and Caledonia-Mumford have joined forces with their football teams, despite their rivalries from years ago.
Medina has had merged programs with other districts, including a past partnership with Lyndonville for football.
Medina is expected to discuss a possible merger with Albion during the Jan. 13 board meeting. It then meets again on Feb. 10.
Photo by Cheryl Wertman: Albion defensive lineman Jackson Snook is congratulated by his teammates after scoring the go-ahead touchdown late in the Purple Eagles thrilling 30-27 win over visiting East Aurora/Holland on Oct. 16 for Albion’s only win in the 2025 season.
Photo from Rob Ortt’s Office: State Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt speaks at a press conference today with other state officials and local legislators.
Press Release, State Senator Rob Ortt
LOCKPORT – Today, New York State Senator Rob Ortt, along with Assemblyman Angelo Morinello, Assemblyman Paul Bologna and representatives from FAIR, called for the continuation of State Touring Routes funding and for municipalities receiving funding to fully utilize it.
The State Touring Route program was designed to provide capital funds to municipalities for the construction and repair of vital infrastructure including highways, bridges and other transportation facilities.
In 2020, the New York State Legislature created the State Touring Route program to provide additional financial support to cities, towns and villages based on mileage of state touring routes they are responsible for maintaining – prior to this program it was the obligation of the municipality to pay for these repairs or improvements. Funding is based on the amount of miles in a municipality and has been funded in the state budget since the program’s inception.
This program is different from CHIPS funding in that not all municipalities qualify for funding, but it is similar in that STR operates as a reimbursement for money spent by municipalities. Reimbursement is eligible for costs related to repairs and construction of roads, bridges/culverts, railroad crossings, traffic control devices, lighting and more.
One of the biggest issues with the program is municipalities not being able to fully utilize the funds available.
“Based on the underutilization of the State Touring Route Program, some of my colleagues are considering axing this important funding,” said Senator Rob Ortt. “For instance, in my senate district alone, nearly $34 million is available to the municipalities that qualify for this program, which remains out of the current funding. This is millions of dollars that should be put toward repairing our roads for commuters and if we need to make changes to the current program allowing for the full utilization of this money, we should as it will be to the benefit of our communities.”
“The State Touring Route program is a critical lifeline for local governments that are responsible for maintaining designated tourism routes with limited local resources. When this funding goes unused, it puts the entire program at risk and shortchanges taxpayers who depend on safe, well-maintained infrastructure. We need to ensure municipalities have both the flexibility and the support necessary to fully utilize these funds so our roads, bridges, and transportation systems get the repairs they deserve.” said Assemblyman Angelo Morinello.
“We go to Albany to fight for our region and deliver real results for our communities,” said Assemblyman Paul Bologna. “State Touring Route and CHIPS funding are absolutely critical to maintaining winter-battered roads, bridges, and infrastructure across my district. When State Touring Route dollars go underutilized, it weakens the argument for continued investment— especially because local governments are best positioned to utilize these funds more efficiently and effectively than state entities. Local government knows what the community needs and where the funding would be best spent.”
“The FAIR group, composed of transportation contractors and suppliers that advocate for addressing our infrastructure needs, was instrumental in getting the STR funding put in place and we want to see our communities take full advantage of the program,” said Brad Buyers, FAIR Coordinator of Local Infrastructure Programs. “We are attempting to reach out to local governments to help them better understand the program and hopefully work with them to advance road and bridge projects using these funds.”
Senator Ortt has offered to meet with stakeholders in these municipalities or facilitate meetings with transportation experts who can provide guidance in meeting program requirements and spending STR funds properly.
Editor’s Note: The Seaway Trail is an example of a State Touring Route. The 454-mile route goes from Ripley to Massena. It includes a portion in Orleans County – Route 18 eastward about halfway through Orleans County, and then onto the Lake Ontario State Parkway at its western terminus.
BROCKPORT – The New York State Department of Transportation will host an in-person public open house on Tuesday, January 13, pertaining to the proposed safety improvement project at the intersection of State Routes 31 / 31A with County Route 236 (Redman Road) in the Town of Sweden, Monroe County.
The open-house style meeting will be held from 4-6 p.m. at the Sweden Town Hall, 18 State Street, Brockport, NY 14420. The session will feature displays about the project and provide an opportunity for discussion with DOT representatives who will be available to receive comments and answer individual questions. No formal presentation is planned.
The intersection safety improvement project, which is scheduled to occur in 2027 and 2028, proposes to reconstruct the intersection into a modern roundabout. Other improvements include guide rails, drainage repairs and sign upgrades.
For further information, or to request a sign language interpreter or assistive listening system, contact Kayle Stettner, PE at (585) 272-3471 or Kayle.Stettner@dot.ny.gov. Please reference Project Identification Number 40C1.03.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 5 January 2026 at 2:35 pm
The average price for regular unleaded gas in New York State dropped 2 cents in the past week to $3.03 today, which is also down 10 cents from a year ago, AAA reported.
Nationally, the average price is $2.81 a gallon, which is down 25 cents from a year ago.
“The holiday season offered lower gas prices for travelers who hit the road in record numbers,” AAA said. “Motorists are benefitting from a strong supply of gas and the cheaper-to-produce winter blend of fuel when it comes to price at the pump.”
Oil prices remain low, AAA said, in the $56-60 range per barrel.
“Despite the events in Venezuela over the weekend, there has been little disruption in the oil markets,” AAA said. “If these trends continue, drivers should see the national average remain well below the $3 per gallon threshold in the coming weeks.”
Diesel prices are also on the decline with the national average at $3.52, down three cents from last Monday, and the New York average at $3.87, down two cents from a week ago.
Here are the average prices for regular unleaded in WNY counties:
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 5 January 2026 at 10:15 am
Former Medina HS will host 20 artworks with 10 to 12 others in Medina
Photos by Ginny Kropf: A handful of guests enjoyed brunch at the Triennial Hub on Saturday and participated in a discussion on ideas for Medina’s upcoming inaugural Triennial this year. From left are Karin Laansoo, co-curator; Federico Rosario, Community Engagement and Program coordinator for the Triennial Hub; and Shirley Verrico, operations manager.
MEDINA – The Medina Triennial hosted a brunch and informative session Saturday afternoon at their hub at 345 North Main St., for the purpose of explaining the features of the initiative, getting ideas and to share the Triennial’s goals and opportunities for work and volunteers during 2026.
The brunch was hosted in collaboration with the Medina Area Partnership, Medina Railroad Museum and Orleans County YMCA. Leading the discussion were Federico Rosario, Community Engagement and Program Coordinator; Shirley Verrico, operations manager; and Karin Laansoo, co-artistic director with Kari Conte.
They explained the reason Medina was chosen for this inaugural initiative, scheduled to take place June 6 through Sept. 7 in various locations in Medina, was because Medina embodies the convergence of industry, agriculture, immigration and civic life. The town is also rich in cultural and ecological significance, situated between Buffalo and Rochester and surrounded by farmland, wetlands and canal infrastructure.
When the New York Power Authority and New York State Canal Corporation met to discuss what to do with an aging waterway, they began planning this event as a broader effort to revitalize the canal. They agreed 150% on choosing Medina for the location, said Verrico. She also added that Medina has an amazingly active antique community.
“We agree with their choice 200% and I hope everyone in Medina does as well,” Laansoo said. “I was so happy when people at the community brunch applauded and agreed with Medina being the best possible choice.”
“One thing about Medina is it has a lot of landmarks,” Rosario said. “And the canal has a strong presence in the area, with Medina Falls, the aqueduct and the culvert on Culvert Road.
Laansoo said the question gets asked a lot during meetings when they introduce the triennial and explain where Medina is.
“We usually say that historically Medina was the widest point in the Erie Canal where boats could turn around,” she said. “Medina has a lot going on for a village of 6,000 people – a well-preserved Main Street, it is rich in culture and ecology, surrounded by farmland, wetlands and infrastructure. Obviously, an amazing community, as well. “
Also announced on Saturday was the creation of a book club, which will meet every third Saturday, with the first one scheduled Jan. 23. The first book chosen is The Mezzanine by Nicholas Baker, and copies were available on Saturday.
Guests take part in a discussion on Saturday at the Triennial Hub on North Main Street, sharing ideas and asking questions about the first-time Triennial expected to bring 50,000 people to Medina from June to September.
A highlight of Saturday’s meeting was the announcement of a movie to be filmed by a renowned Mexican artist and composer. Filming will be on March 28 at Medina High School, 324 Catherine St. The are looking for singers, movers, vocal enthusiasts and attentive listeners. All voices, bodies and abilities are welcome to audition. No experience is needed. Applications must be submitted by Jan. 30 by e-mailing info@medinatriennial.org.
In addition, a plea was issued for housing for artists, preferably within walking distance from downtown and the high school, mostly in April and May.
In all, 400 volunteers from the community are going to be needed, including guides who will be trained to help visitors engage with the artwork. Opening hours for sites hosting artwork are still being finalized, but public spaces with artworks will, of course, be accessible 24/7, Laansoo added.
Twenty artists will show their work at the old Medina High School, while others will be at 10 to 12 other sites, all within walking distance of downtown. Light renovation and painting at the high school have already begun, and thanks was issued to Roger and Heather Hungerford for their generosity in allowing use of the building. Most of the artwork will be on the second floor, with some on the first floor as well.
Types of art represented will include a large variety of different mediums, such as video, sound, paintings, photos, textiles, sculptures, prints and even a floating garden.
One artist who has already been here is Mary Mattingly, who will develop a garden on a floating barge. The barge arrived in the fall and work will continue on it when the water returns to the canal this spring.
Among those who attended Saturday’s brunch were Medina historian Todd Bensley and his wife Nicole.
“This is a very exciting opportunity for Medina to showcase everything we have,” Todd said.
Funding for the Triennial comes from the New York Power Authority and the Canal Corporation, Laansoo explained. In essence, NYPA functions like a self-sustaining business, using its power generation and sales to fund operations, new projects and state initiatives, all without relying on state taxes.
“The Triennial still needs to fundraise quite a bit, because everything is very expensive and it is important for it to be free to the public, so we are working hard to get additional funds,” Laansoo said.
In closing Saturday’s event, Verrico said, “We want to be here for visitors. We want to collaborate with all of you. We know art. We don’t know Medina.”
