Photo by Tom Rivers: East State Street is blanketed in snow on Thursday morning with the Presbyterian Church in the background.

Orleans County is facing three different weather advisories.

A cold weather advisory just went into effect at 10 a.m. and continues until 10 a.m. on Saturday. There will be bitterly cold wind chills as low as 15 to 20 below zero in Orleans, Genesee, Niagara and northern Erie counties.

“This is a potentially hazardous situation to be outdoors,” stated the National Weather Service in Buffalo. “If you must be outside, be sure to cover all exposed skin. Frostbite can occur in 30 minutes or less with apparent temperatures of 15 below zero or colder.”

A second weather advisory begins today at 3 p.m. until 10 a.m. on Saturday. The winter weather advisory calls for 3 to 5 inches, with gusts as high as 40 miles per hour producing blowing and drifting snow.

This advisory includes Orleans, Monroe, Wayne and northern Cayuga counties.

“Lake effect snow will fall in relatively narrow bands,” said the National Weather Service in Buffalo. “If traveling, be prepared for rapidly changing road conditions and visibilities.”

A winter storm warning goes into effect from Saturday night through Monday evening with heavy snow expected. Snow will develop from south to north Sunday morning through midday, with the heaviest snow later Sunday afternoon through Monday morning, the Weather Service said.

The following are facing drug charges, from left: Richard Button, Jerry Robinson, Jr. and Alaina Reece.

ALBION – Three people have been charged after an investigation into the sale and distribution of fentanyl and cocaine throughout Orleans County from the city of Rochester.

They were charged following a vehicle stop in the village of Albion. The Orleans County Major Felony Crime Task Force and the Albion Police Department executed a search warrant on the driver and the vehicle.

Another search warrant was then executed by Task Force members, the Albion PD and the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office at 431 West State St., lot #19 in Albion. Police arrested two people on drug charges with a third person from Rochester also charged who was allegedly the supplier of the fentanyl and cocaine.

Police seized over 1 ounce of cocaine, over an half ounce of fentanyl, various narcotic pills, over $1,600 in cash, scales and other drug paraphernalia.

The following were charged:

Jerry Robinson Jr., 36, of Lincoln Street in Rochester, who was charged with one count of criminal sale of a controlled substance in the second degree (AII felony), and one count of criminal sale of a controlled substance in the third degree (C felony).

Richard Button, 35, of 431 West State St. lot #19 in Albion, who was charged with three counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree (B felonies).

Alaina Reece, 25, of 431 West State St. lot #19 in Albion, who was charged with three counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree (B felonies).

Robinson was held in the county jail for CAP court, awaiting an appearance in Orleans County Court in front County Court Judge Sanford Church.

Button and Reece were released on appearance tickets due to bail reform laws. They are to return to Albion Town Court on Feb. 10.

Additional arrests and charges are pending in this case, said Joe Sacco, supervising investigator for the Task Force.

Assisting in the investigation include District Attorney Susan Howard, the Albion Police Department and Orleans County Sheriff’s Office.

Police seized over 1 ounce of cocaine, over an half ounce of fentanyl, various narcotic pills, over $1,600 in cash, scales and other drug paraphernalia.

Provided photo: Jim Doyle will lead a class at Hoag Library where people can make music with a mountain dulcimer.

Press Release, Hoag Library

ALBION – Hoag Library is bustling this winter season with a full schedule of engaging programs that combine creativity, music and essential community services.

Participants recently completed the popular “Make Your Own Mountain Dulcimer” classes, crafting their own instruments from start to finish. Due to strong interest, future dulcimer-making classes are in the works, and interested individuals are encouraged to contact the library.

In addition, music lovers can join Learn a Dulcimer Song with Jim, held on the first Tuesday of each month. This casual session does not require registration, and participants may bring their own dulcimer or use one provided by the library.

Hoag Library will host the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance Taxpayer Assistance Program in February, March, and April, offering free tax help by appointment. Registration is required by calling the library.

Additional February programs include a Red Cross Blood Drive on Feb. 21 (register here) and Advance Planning 101 with the Center for Elder Law & Justice on Feb. 27, covering healthcare proxies, power of attorney, and wills.

Rounding out the season, the Hoag Music Series returns March 28 with a performance by the Medusa Quartet of Toronto.

For full program details and updates, visit the Hoag Library website or contact the library directly.

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Michael Prezioso, left, and Mario Campana stand among some of the antique furnishings in their new store on East Center Street in Medina.

MEDINA – Two local businessmen have combined their talents to open a new store, located on East Center Street and aptly named Just East of Main.

Michael Prezioso and Mario Campana are owners of the store, which offers an eclectic mix of furniture, art, home décor and clothing, with the anticipation of adding a larger selection of items when they open up the space next door which formerly housed Corky’s Bakery.

Prezioso, formerly of Buffalo, and Campana, formerly of Niagara Falls, each have a background in business – Prezioso in big box marketing and advertising and Campana in big box retail. Campana also does estate sales.

The couple first became familiar with Medina in 2015 when a friend came to shop at a lily & a sparrow and fell in love with the village, Prezioso said.

“We had lunch and just loved this quaint little village,” he said.

They first purchased the former Corky’s building on East Center Street in 2019, and started renovating the building, Campana said.

Next, they bought the building at 116 East Center St., which housed Ashlee’s Place until it closed in 2024 after 33 years.

“When Angie (Waldriff) decided to retire, we started renovating this building,” Campana said.

(Left) This is just a sampling of the one-of-a-kind furniture, elegant china and artwork for sale at Just East of Main Street, located in the store which housed Ashlee’s Place. (Right) The latest business to open in Medina is an antique and vintage shop featuring furniture, collectibles, artwork, clothing and home décor.  It is aptly named Just East of Main Street, being located on East Center Street in the space formerly occupied by Ashlee’s Place.

Prezioso and Campana brought back the original floor and ceiling and exposed an original brick wall. The building was built in 1890, but a new façade was built after a fire in 1902. At the time, the building was owned by Mahar Furniture. Prezioso and Campana are interested in the history of the building and if anyone has newspaper clippings or pictures from the olden days, they would love to see them.

“We really believe in rebuilding and restoring architecturally significant homes and buildings,” Prezioso said.

“We have also purchased the former Houseman Funeral Home on Park Avenue and started renovating that,” Campana said.

“As we expand into Corky’s building, a larger selection of antique furnishings and vintage clothing, toys and primitives will become available,” Prezioso said.

Their current store, which opened Nov. 29, 2025, has exceptional brands of furniture, such as Ethan Allen, Kittenger, Henkel-Harris and other American made brands.

“For us, it has been really nice here,” Campana said. “Medina is a community of shops that support each other’s business efforts. We have been very well received by the community and a lot of repeat buyers.”

Collectibles, antiques and more are on display at Just East of Main Street, where renovation exposed the original brick wall.

Both Prezioso and Campana commended the Village Board for being so helpful when they were planning their renovations, especially retired code enforcement officer Marty Busch and current officer Dan Gardner.

In addition to their new venture in owning a retail store, Prezioso teaches art in his studio on the third floor of the furniture building and at Carnegie Library in North Tonawanda.

Just East of Main Street is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays from January through March; from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and noon to 4 p.m. Sundays in March through December; and by appointment all year-round by calling (716) 566-8032.

Donevan Harrison, left, and Marshella Johnson

ALBION – Two people are facing felony drug charges after cocaine, cash, scales and drug paraphernalia were seized after a search warrant at 431 West State St., Lot 29, the Orleans County Major Felony Crime Task Force reported today.

The Task Force executed the search warrant with assistance from the Orleans County Special Response Team, Albion Police Department and Orleans County Sheriff’s Office.

Donevan Harrison, 39, and Marshella Johnson, 42, both of the above address each have been charged with 1 count of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree (B felony), 1 count of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fifth degree (D felony) and 1 count of criminally using drug paraphernalia in the second degree (A misdemeanor).

Harrison and Johnson were both released on their own recognizance and issued appearance tickets to return to Albion Town Court on Feb. 10. No bail could be set due to the state’s bail reform laws, the Task Force said.

The Task Force, in a news release, said District Attorney Susan Howard and the Orleans County K9 unit assisted in the investigation. Joe Sacco, supervising investigator for the Task Force, said more arrests and charges are pending.

84 card players on first night, with 2 more days in 71^st annual tourney

HAMLIN – There was a big turnout on Wednesday for the opening day of the 71^st annual Kendall-Hamlin euchre tournament.

There were 84 players, which John Becker of Kendall believes is a record.

The Hamlin team is in a slight 184-point lead after the first day of card playing. Hamlin hosted the opener at Merritt Hall and the action shifts to the Kendall Fire Hall on Jan. 28 at 6:30 p.m. and then it’s back to Hamlin the following Wednesday.

The town with the most points after three days will be declared the winner. There is no trophy, just camaraderie and fun (and possibly a free fish fry paid for by the losing team).

Kendall won last year’s tournament by 158 points – 4,437 to 4,279. Last year there were at least 70 card players each if the three nights, but never got into the 80s. In 2024, the participants were in the 50s and 60s.

The two towns have kept up the tradition for generations. The tournament is open to residents in both towns. If one town has more players than the other, some of those players might play for the rival town to even out the players.

The tournament started in 1954 when a group of farmers from Kendall and Hamlin stopped to play cards after attending a farm show in Rochester.

They had so much fun playing cards and drinking beer that the euchre tournament became an annual event. It remains popular and has expanded from a one-evening tournament to being spread over three Wednesdays in the dead of winter.

Press Release, Albion Elks Lodge

ALBION – In an effort to help Orleans County residents who needed help obtaining necessary items to stay clean and healthy, the Albion Elks Lodge purchased $4,000 worth of cleaning supplies and hygiene items. These items were given to families on January 4, 2026.

A grant from the Elks National Foundation was used to purchase items like shampoos, soap, razors, paper towels, cleaning solutions, toothpaste, toothbrushes, toilet paper, etc.

“It’s such a great feeling to assist our residents that truly need it,” said Mike Jenks, Exalter Ruler of the Albion Elks Lodge.

The Albion Elks Lodge received over $11,000 worth of grants in 2025, and are anxious to help the community again in 2026.

Senior Center in Medina offers many activities, chances for residents to stay connected

Provided photo: Medina attorney Andrew Meier, who specializes in elder law, spoke to members of Medina Senior Center at their January luncheon meeting.

MEDINA – Members of the Medina Senior Center meet regularly on the second Monday of the month, with a business meeting at 11:30 a.m., followed by lunch and a speaker or program.

Meetings alternate between pot luck and a prepared meal for $8. The Feb. 9 meeting will be ham and scalloped potatoes, followed by speaker Brittany Dix from Hospice of Orleans County.

At the January meeting, guest speaker was local attorney Andrew Meier, who specializes in elder law. Meier shared a wealth of information for seniors on financial planning, such as the benefits of a trust, having a will and avoiding probate.

A will does not avoid probate, Meier said. He explained how complex and time-consuming probate can be.

He also stressed the need for every senior to have a power of attorney, regardless of their health. In the event of an unexpected illness in which a senior cannot act on his own, without a power of attorney the courts will appoint a guardianship and will likely go to probate. This can be costly and time-consuming, Meier said.

Another topic of interest was protecting a senior’s investments in the event a senior has to enter a nursing home or assisted living. Meier said it is never too late to protect one’s assets.

Another interesting note was the fact that a person in a nursing home is allowed $50 of their money to spend monthly. That figure hasn’t changed in 30 years, Meier said.

Anyone wishing more information on financial planning for their senior years may contact Meier at either of his offices in Medina or Lockport.

The Medina Senior Center is open from 9 a.m. to noon Monday and Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday and from noon to 4 p.m. on Friday. Day-old baked goods from Tops are available to members every day.

A coffee and crafts session is led by Robin Wehling at 10 a.m. the fourth Tuesday of the month. January’s project will be making Valentine cards, and February’s will be St. Patrick’s Day shadow boxes.

The Orleans County Office for the Aging conducts a popular exercise class at 11 a.m. the first Wednesday of the month and at 10 a.m. the other three Wednesdays.

Euchre games have become very popular, with a full house nearly every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday afternoons. Games begin at 1 p.m. and the cost is $2.

Any senior is welcome to join the Senior Center for $10 a year. A raffle for awesome prizes takes place at the monthly dinner meeting, and only members may participate.

The community is reminded the Senior Center accepts donations of cans and bottles and they may be dropped off at the Center, and at Medina Bottles & Cans on East Center Street or JCo Returns on South Main Street and designated for the Senior Center.

BUFFALO – The following local students were named to the University at Buffalo’s fall 2025 dean’s list.

• Daniel Barry of Lyndonville
• Adriana Botello of Kendall
• Sawyer Brigham of Albion
• Caiden Class of Medina
• Dan De Vera of Medina
• Autumn Flugel of Albion
• Kevin He of Albion
• Gwen Ingro of Lyndonville
• Emma Jacobs of Medina
• Jordan Marshall of Albion
• Brookelyn Nawotka of Medina
• Anna Oakley of Medina
• Jaxon Phillips of Medina
• Cole Quiter of Holley
• S’koi Sanders of Albion
• Hilda Santiago Bautista of Medina
• Carson Uderitz of Albion

UB is New York State’s flagship university and the largest and most comprehensive institution in the State University of New York system.

To qualify for the dean’s list, full-time undergraduate students must demonstrate academic excellence by earning a grade point average of at least 3.600 while completing a minimum of 12 or more UB letter graded (A-F) credit hours.

“Each term, we are inspired by the determination and drive of our students,” says Ann Bisantz, vice provost and dean of undergraduate education. “Those named to this semester’s undergraduate dean’s list have distinguished themselves through their commitment to academic excellence, intellectual curiosity and personal integrity. Their success reflects not only hard work, but also a steadfast dedication to their goals. We are proud to celebrate their achievements and look forward to the impact they will continue to make at UB and beyond.”

Gov. Kathy Hochul presented her executive budget on Tuesday and it shows increases for all five school districts in Orleans County.

Collectively the five districts in the county were budgeted for $121.45 million in state funding for the 2025-26 school year. That is projected to increase by $2,327,334 to $123.78 million in 2026-27, as part of the governor’s executive budget.

Here are the totals for each district:

• Albion – $37,980,717 in 2025-26 to $38,801,718, up by $821,001 or 2.16 percent
• Holley – $21,595,359 in 2025-26 to $22,204,243, up by $608,884 or 2.82 percent
• Kendall – $14,984,382 in 2025-26 to $15,195,968, up by $211,586 or 1.41 percent
• Lyndonville – $12,944,009 in 2025-26 to $13,195,388, up by $251,379 or 1.94 percent
• Medina – $33,948,527 in 2025-26 to $34,383,011, up by $434,484 or 1.28 percent

Hochul’s $260 billion budget provides $39.3 billion in total school aid, a $1.6 billion increase over the previous year, or 4.3 percent.

That includes $779 million more in Foundation Aid, the state’s primary school funding formula. Each district will receive at least a 1 percent year-to-year increase, bringing Foundation Aid to a total of $27.1 billion.

Hochul is proposing a major increase, 52.5 percent or $561 million more, for universal prekindergarten. She wants to make full-day Pre-K universal for all 4-year-olds in the state by the start of the 2029 school year.

The New York State United Teachers issued this statement in response to Hochul’s budget:

“Gov. Kathy Hochul’s executive budget proposal underscores the critical role that public education, from early childhood through higher education, plays in strengthening New York’s families, economy and future,” said NYSUT President Melinda Person.

“NYSUT welcomes the governor’s proposal to increase school aid, including a 3 percent increase in Foundation Aid overall, providing districts with stability while building on the state’s long-standing commitment to public schools. We look forward to additional updates to ensure the formula best serves all of New York’s students. We also strongly support the continued investment in universal school meals, ensuring students are ready to learn and families can count on this essential support.

“The proposal’s investments in early childhood education are an important step forward. By supporting truly universal pre-K, the state is giving districts resources to expand and to bring these programs into public schools and ensure they are delivered by certified teachers.”

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – An Orleans County Highway Department employee clears the sidewalk of snow this morning on East State Street in front of county jail and courthouse.

Fast-falling snow made the morning commute more challenging today.

There is a winter weather advisory in effect until 10 a.m. today for Orleans County with 1 to 3 inches of snow expected. Winds gusting as high as 35 miles per hour will produce blowing and drifting snow in open areas, the National Weather Service said.

The falling snow is in stark contrast to the First Presbyterian Church, which was built of Medina Sandstone in 1874-1875.

Press Release, Congresswoman Claudia Tenney

WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today announced the House passage of the Supporting Pregnant and Parenting Women and Families Act, legislation she co-led with Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach (MN-7) and Congressman Chris Smith (NJ-4) to protect states’ ability to support pregnant women, new mothers, and families through life-affirming care.

The bill passed the House by a vote of 215–209.

The Supporting Pregnant and Parenting Women and Families Act would codify states’ authority to use Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds to support pregnancy resource centers that provide essential services, including prenatal care, parenting education, counseling, ultrasounds and material assistance.

The legislation directly responds to Biden administration efforts to restrict states from directing TANF funds to these centers, despite lacking the statutory authority to impose this restriction and long-established flexibility for states to decide how to distribute these funds.

“The Supporting Pregnant and Parenting Women and Families Act ensures women are not left to navigate pregnancy and parenthood alone because of politics,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “Pregnancy resource centers serve women with dignity by providing medical care, counseling, and practical support during some of life’s most challenging moments. This legislation affirms states’ authority to support mothers, protect unborn children, and strengthen families without federal interference. Advancing this bill through the House is an important step toward restoring commonsense, pro-family policies that put women and children first.”

ALBION – A Lockport man pleaded guilty in Orleans County Court today to first degree attempted sexual abuse that occurred in the town of Yates.

Carl Ostrander, 42, admitted that between November 2018 and March 2019 he attempted to have sexual contact with a female under age 13 by touching her in the private parts. Ostrander formerly lived on Murdock Road in Yates.

Ostrander would face up to four years in state prison, but as part of a plea deal he will spend no more than 1 ½ years in prison. He also will have 3 to 10 years of post-release supervision and will be on the sex offender registry. He will be sentenced on April 22 by County Court Judge Sanford Church.

In other cases in County Court today:

Cody Sharlau, 36, of Medina was sentenced to 364 days for violating his probation. He was on probation after being sentenced in March 2024 for criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fifth degree.

Reginald Lucas, 37, of Albion admitted to several probation violations and will face up to 1 to 3 years in state prison when he is sentenced on Feb. 25.

Lucas is on probation for third-degree burglary. He admitted to failing to report to probation four times, not maintaining gainful employment, not going to substance abuse counseling or completing anger management counseling through a certified provider.

Michael White, 22, of Albion was arraigned for criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree and resisting arrest.

White was charged on Sept. 16 after he allegedly had a 20-round magazine in his backpack and pulled his hands away when law enforcement attempted to handcuff him. He also allegedly tried to strike an officer with his elbows.

White has been released on his own recognizance.

Allan Bieber, 22, was classified as a level one sex offender, the lowest of three levels, during a hearing before Judge Church. Bieber is on probation for 10 years for third-degree rape for having sex with a 15-year-old girl at St. Joseph’s Park on South Clinton Street on April 25. Bieber is a first-time offender.

Austin Buzzard, 27, of Carlton pleaded guilty to probation violations and could be sentenced to up to a year in the county jail on Feb. 25.

He is on probation after being convicted of second-degree attempted assault. He admitted to using cocaine, consuming THC, not being truthful with probation, being dismissed from two domestic violence counseling programs, and other violations.