Photo from Medina Police Department

SANBORN – Medina police officer Alex Villegas was among the graduates on Friday of the Niagara County Law Enforcement Academy. He will next complete supervised field training prior  to working on his own at the Medina Police Department.

Pictured from left include Lt. Christian Navas, Alex Villegas and Police Chief Todd Draper.

Law enforcement officers from Niagara, Orleans and Genesee counties were part of the 84th Basic Course for Police at the academy, which was about 6 months of education and training.

Photos courtesy of Orleans County Sheriff’s Office: Orleans County Sheriff’s Deputy Cuyler Hoke accepts the award for “Top Gun” during the graduation of the Niagara County Law Enforcement Academy.

Press Release, Sheriff Chris Bourke

ALBION – Sheriff Christopher M. Bourke is proud to announce that Deputy Cuyler Hoke has successfully graduated from the Niagara County Law Enforcement Academy.

During the academy, Deputy Hoke distinguished himself by earning the “Top Gun” Award for his outstanding performance in firearms training.

Deputy Hoke carries on a strong family tradition of service in law enforcement, and we are pleased that he will continue that tradition with the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office. He will now continue our comprehensive field training program under the supervision and guidance of experienced Field Training Officers before being assigned to solo patrol.

Please join us in congratulating Deputy Hoke on this significant achievement!

Sheriff Chris Bourke congratulates Deputy Cuyler Hoke on completing the law enforcement academy.

Press Release, Orleans County Sheriff Chris Bourke

MURRAY – Sheriff Chris Bourke announced that on Aug. 19 the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office arrested Brianna R. Button, 29, of Holley on two counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child following an investigation into an incident that occurred on July 7 at Newport Drive in the Town of Murray.

The investigation determined that two 15-year-old males became unresponsive after smoking an unknown substance allegedly provided by Ms. Button. Although Ms. Button attempted life-saving measures on one of the juveniles, she left the scene prior to the arrival of emergency medical responders.

A NYS parole officer in the area provided medical assistance upon being waved down by area residents who became aware of the situation. The Murray Joint Fire District responded to the scene and were assisted by Hamlin Ambulance and Mercy Ambulance.

Both juveniles were transported to area hospitals for treatment and have since made a full recovery.

Endangering the Welfare of a Child is a Class A misdemeanor punishable of up to 1 year of incarceration and $1,000 fine.

This case was investigated by investigators Brian Marsceill and Kevin Colonna of the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office.

Photo courtesy of Medina Fire Department: Medina is using a fire engine from the Murray Joint Fire District.

MEDINA – With two of its fire trucks out of service, the Medina Fire Department is borrowing a fire engine from the Murray Joint Fire District.

Medina’s ladder truck has been out of service since June and won’t be returning to operation. A new ladder truck is expected to be delivered in December.

Due to emergency repairs, a Medina fire engine is out of service until next week. Medina fire officials reached out to Murray about using a fire engine until Medina 11 is back in service. Murray Fire Chief Rick Cary and the Murray Joint Fire District agreed. The Murray truck will supplement fire responses with Medina’s other fire engine – Medina Engine 10.

“If you see a Murray Joint Fire District engine responding in the Village of Medina, rest assured, it is supposed to be there,” the Medina FD posted on its Facebook page. “Thank you Murray Joint Fire District.”

Cary said fire departments will sometimes share a truck while one is out of service. Murray borrowed Clarendon’s ladder truck, for example, for about a week recently while Murray’s was getting tested.

Murray won’t be paid for loaning out its fire engine from 2007. Cary said it is a truck in reserve for Murray.

“They’re an extremely busy department,” Cary said about Medina. “It’s the right thing to do.”

Photo by Ginny Kropf: Carol Culhane holds the special poster she created for St. Rocco’s 50th annual Italian Festival, scheduled for Aug. 31. She presented it on Friday to Amy Engert, left, chair of the festival’s Legacy Tent, and Jeanne Maxon, right, who chairs the festival with her husband Chuck.

HULBERTON – St. Rocco’s Italian Fest scheduled Aug. 31 is shaping up to be one for the record books.

This will be the 50th anniversary of the event, which will not only feature the traditional Italian foods and famous bocce tournament, but will focus on the legacy of St. Rocco’s and the quarrymen who immigrated to Orleans County.

“The Local Legacies Project was the cornerstone of the Library of Congress bicentennial celebration in 2000, which was an unprecedented collaboration of the U.S. Congress, the Library and people from all walks of life, who have documented America’s cultural and historical heritage in every state, trust, territory and the District of Columbia,” said Jeanne Maxon, who chairs this year’s festival with her husband, Chuck

In honor of this special year, a Legacy Tent chaired by Amy Engert will be set up, where videographer Christine Zinni of Batavia will be available all day showing a video she created on the immigrants and quarries. Zinni, whose grandfather worked in the quarries, was involved with the original documentation for the Library of Congress.

In honor of the 50th anniversary, Jeanne Maxon contacted local artist Carol Culhane in May and asked if she could create a design to be used on commemorate ornaments, clothing and glassware.

Realizing the possibility they would not know what souvenirs would be most popular and having a lot of merchandise left over, Culhane suggested a commemorative poster. The Maxons agreed and Culhane set about designing an appropriate poster, which was backed with a grant from Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council.

“I am honored I could paint a lasting tribute to this event,” Culhane said. “My first husband’s grandfather immigrated from Italy to work here in the stone quarries, so I was familiar with their history. I knew I wanted St. Rocco to be a focal point.”

She incorporated an area in Italy famous for its wine and where many immigrants came from, quarrymen, the nine young men from Holley who died in the Vietnam War, the St. Rocco’s church, the tarantella dance and traditional Italian food.

On Friday morning, Culhane met Jeanne Maxon and Amy Engert at the Print Shop where she presented them with the posters, which will be sold at the festival.

“In essence, the St. Rocco’s Festival represents a lasting legacy of Italian heritage, community spirit and a commitment to preserving local traditions and supporting the St. Mark’s and St. Mary’s Catholic Parish,” Culhane said.

The festival on Aug. 31 will run from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the festival grounds at 3415 Hulberton Rd.

Traditional Italian foods will include eggplant parmesan, meatball subs, pizza fritta, pasta fagioli and more.

Photos by Tom Rivers: Last year’s bocce tournament had 10 teams. The goal is to be the closest to the small ball. The winning team is the first one to 16 points, and the team has to win by at least 2 points.

Events featured will be a bocce tournament, which attracts teams from across Western New York; a basket raffle, vendor booths, live entertainment and more.

St. Rocco’s Festival first began in 1976 to celebrate the American bicentennial and the reopening of St. Rocco’s Church, after being closed for 15 years. The festival soon became a community tradition.

“Although there were concerns about sale of the property by the Diocese, the festival remains a ‘labor of love’ for volunteers and a beloved homecoming event that draws many former residents back to the area each year,” Culhane said. “The festival reflects the community’s strong ties to the church and its heritage.”

Some of St. Rocco’s parishioners have been involved in the festival for all 50 years, according to Maxon.

They are now accepting pre-sale orders for pans of eggplant parmesan, meatball subs and pizzelles by e-mailing https://www.onecatholic.org/about-3.

Teams wishing to register for the bocci tournament may also do so at the above web site.

Spaghetti and eggplant parmesan dinners will be served in the dining hall, while the Italian pavilion will serve up meatball subs, eggplant parmesan, shells in meat sauce and pasta fagioli.

Offerings from the grill will include Italian sausage with peppers and onions, chicken parm sandwiches, hot dogs, hamburgers, fried ravioli and mozzarella sticks.

Joe Morlino was among many volunteers cooking food at St. Rocco’s Italian Festival in Hulberton last year on Sept. 1. The event has been a big fundraiser for the St. Mark’s and St. Mary’s Catholic Parish. Morlino has been volunteering at the festival for 20 years. He is cooking French fries, ravioli and mozzarella sticks.

Dessert options will include pizza fritta, fried dough, cannolis, Italian ice and popcorn.

In the baked food booth, pizzelles, meatball cookies, Grandma’s lemon drop cookies and more will be for sale.

The fenced-in beer tent will be open from noon to 5 p.m.

Basket and cash raffles and a silent auction will take place, with drawings starting at 4:30 p.m.

In the Boutique Booth at the entrance to the grounds t-shirts, aprons commemorative prints and homemade craft items will be for sale. Cash or checks will be needed for purchases.

A new feature this year will be Bocce for beginners and families on regulation courts six and seven. Participants are encouraged to challenge friends and neighbors to this classic Italian sport.

Roxy’s Accordion Band from Batavia will play Italian style music at 1 p.m. in the Legacy Tent.

Also in the Legacy Tent, Christine Zinni will present a program documenting Italian festivals, community traditions and musicians. The program will include local Italian-American cultural heritage throughout the region, with a special emphasis on quarrying sandstone, local families’ ancestors who came to America and preserving the legacy.

Culhane will be available in the Legacy Tent to meet and greet visitors. Her commemorative print, which she donated for this special festival, is a beautiful tribute and accurate reflection of the local Italian heritage, Maxon said.

Festival events go on, rain or shine, with activities protected from the elements in a dining hall and four tents for visitors’ comfort.

Admission is free and there is plenty of free parking, with a large handicapped section near the entrance. Shuttles will run throughout the day to avoid long walks. Pets are not allowed on the festival grounds.

Mecate serving food, alcohol in former KFC location

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – A new Mexican restaurant, mecate, has opened in Albion at the former KFC location, 172 South Main St. The top shows two of the owners, Fabricio Palma, left, and Omar Garcia. Abigail Ramirez also is a co-owner.

The group also owns Mecate restaurants in Henrietta, Webster and Macedon. They opened their first Mecate in 2022.

“We feel like it will be a great addition,” Garcia said. “We are bringing something new to Albion.”

The Mecate is managed by Lucy Ramirez of Albion. She had been working out of the Mecate in Henrietta. About a dozen people work at the Albion location.

Mecate is open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. The restaurant had a soft opening on Thursday.

The owners worked about three months remodeling the restaurant. They installed a new bar, booths and kitchen equipment.

The wide-ranging menu of Mexican food also includes lunch specials and soups. The most popular items are birrias, which are slow-simmered beef.

“You’ll find a little bit of every style,” Garcia said about the menu of Mexican food.

The Mecate is at the former KFC, which was open in Albion from 2012 to 2019.

From left include Fabricio Palma, Ofelia Ramirez, Lucy Ramirez, Omar Garcia and Abigail Ramirez. Abigail, Lucy and Ofelia are sisters, and Fabricio Palma and Ofelia Ramirez are married.

Ofelia Ramirez gets ready to serve a drink made by Mekhi Rivera, the bartender. Rivera, 21, of Albion said he enjoys the fast pace in the restaurant business. He said Mecate has brought in people from other locations to help train him as a bartender.

Mekhi Rivera, left, and Mayner Rodriguez are working as bartenders today at Mecate. Rodriguez works at another Mecate and has been training Rivera.

The bar includes televisions, and Mecate has the package for showing NFL games.

The owners picked “Mecate” as a name because they said it sounded catchy. The term mecate means a rope made of hair or maguey fibre commonly used for tying horses.

Photos from State Police: A bus going from Niagara Falls to New York City overturned on the Thruway in Pembroke this afternoon.

Press Release, State Police

PEMBROKE – At 12:22 p.m. State Troopers out of Buffalo responded to a tour bus rollover collision on Interstate 90, eastbound between exits 48A and 49 in the town of Pembroke, Genesee County.

Investigation determined that a tour bus owned by M&Y Tour Inc was traveling east bound on the I-90 from Niagara Falls, NY to New York City. The bus exited the roadway into the median then abruptly corrected causing the bus to overturn and roll off the I-90 on the south embankment.

Multiple passengers were ejected, trapped with 5 deceased at the scene. Multiple individuals were taken to Erie County Medical Center, Strong Memorial Hospital, Millard Fillmore Suburban and UMMR in Batavia. Mercy Flight and numerous EMS and first responders assisted at the scene.

The bus had a total of 54 occupants. The cause of the collision is still under investigation, however the operator had no signs of impairment and the tour bus had no mechanical failure. This is still an active investigation.

The Red Cross has established a Family Assistance Center for the victims at the Amherst Senior Center, 370 John James Audubon Parkway, Buffalo, NY 14228. (716) 626-3050.

Anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has dash cam footage is asked to contact State Police at SP Batavia at (585) 344-6200.

The Collision Reconstruction Unit, Forensic Identification Unit, Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Unit, Bureau of Criminal Investigation Unit, Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, The Office of Homeland Security, NYS Thruway Authority, Erie County Emergency Management, Genesee County Emergency Management, Newstead Emergency Management and numerous EMS and Fire Companies throughout the area assisted in this incident.

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – Lee-Whedon Memorial Library celebrated a ground-breaking today on a 4,785-square-foot addition on the back of the current library, which is 11,100 square feet.

The addition will create space for two meeting rooms, two tutoring rooms, a programming room with makerspace, Friends of the Library book sale room, a quiet research room, a teen room and 14 parking spots.

There would also be additional restrooms, a new circulation desk, a new entry portico with automatic sliding doors, about a 10 percent increase in the collection and upgraded technology.

Library officials break ground with ceremonial shovels today. From left include trustees Steve O’Dea, Dave Schwert, Board President Cynthia Kiebala, trustees Isabella mark and Kathy Boice, and library director Kristine Mostyn.

The new addition is expected to be ready in September 2026.

Library Director Kristine Mostyn thanked the community for its support thus far for the addition.

The project is under the $5.2 million that was presented to the community for a Dec. 10, 2024 bond vote. That passed 223-214.

Mostyn said the total are now projected to be $4,980,323.

The construction bids totaled $3,892,623 with the following working on the project: Javen Construction of Rochester, general construction; TME Excavating of Hilton, site work; McGrain Mechanical of Rochester, HVAC; Erie Electric of Rochester, electric; LMC Industrial of Dansville, plumbing.

There also are expenses for soft costs – permits, legal, bonding, utility fees, inspections, and furniture, fixtures and equipment.

Jeanne Tuohey, a trustee for the Nioga Library System, praised Lee-Whedon for securing about $2 million in state funding towards the expansion, which also included acquiring two lots next door and demolishing the houses. The state is paying $1,669,444 of the construction costs for the addition.

Tuohey said libraries are much more than books. She said with the new meeting rooms and programming space, Lee-Whedon will become an even bigger community hub.

The expansion will go on the back of the current library, where there will also be a parking lot with 14 spaces.

The library is trying to raise $500,000 through a capital campaign in donations and already has 65 percent committed towards the project. Click here to see more on that campaign.

There is one anonymous donor at $50,000. Western New York Energy also gave $25,000. Jim and Barb Hancock also donated $25,000 and the new teen room will be named in their honor.

The library anticipates $2,839,556 in financing which would result in a tax impact of $34 per $100,000 of assessed property.

There were several people in the library today for the annual used book sale.

Many of the library events are in the open space inside. The “maker space” will be a separate room for some of the programs. The concerts will still be in the bigger open space.

The library received citations and commendations for breaking ground on the capital project. From left include Lynne Johnson, Orleans County Legislature chairwoman; Julia Bauer, community liaison for State Sen. Rob Ortt; library director Kristine Mostyn; and Assemblyman Steve Hawley.

The front entrance will be upgraded as part of the project.

Passero Associates created this rendering of the front of the building, which includes an overhang near the entrance. This is part of a $5 million capital project at the library, which includes a 4,785-square-foot addition.

Brett Sobieraski, retired sergeant from the Rochester PD, also hired as investigator

Todd Draper, left, and Brett Sobieraski have been hired as investigators in the Orleans County Major Felony Crimes Task Force.

ALBION – The Orleans County Major Felony Crimes Task Force has filled two vacant investigator positions with two well-known law enforcement officers.

Todd Draper, who is retiring as Medina police chief on Aug. 30, will join the task force. Draper has worked for the Medina Police Department the past 21 years. Before being police chief he was a lieutenant and the K-9 officer. During his career he completed a 10-week management/leadership program from the FBI’s National Academy in 2022.

Susan Howard, the Orleans County district attorney, oversees the task force. She said she didn’t recruit Draper to leave the Medina PD. He had already made that decision to retire from Medina when he applied to work with the task force.

The County Legislature also approved hiring Brett Sobieraski, a retired sergeant from the Rochester PD, as an investigator.

Sobieraski has served in law enforcement for 32 years, including time with the Lockport Police Department before transferring to the RPD.

During his time with the RPD, he worked in narcotics and on the SWAT team, as well as being an instructor at the Police Academy. He also supervised the Greater Rochester Area Narcotics Enforcement Team. Sobieraski ran for Orleans County sheriff in 2019, with Chris Bourke winning the race.

Sobieraski has raised more $300,000 towards charitable causes with endurances feats. He has pushed himself in challenges to raise money for fallen police officers and also the Special Olympics organization.

In 2023, he completed “8 States for Maz” and ran 1,310 miles through eight states over 50 days to honor fallen RPD Officer Anthony Mazurkiewicz, who was killed in the line of duty. Sobieraski ran a marathon every day in a journey that started in Florida and ended in Rochester. One of his marathons was in Orleans County.

He wrote a book about the experience – “8 States for Maz- The Humanity Tour” – where he describes all the acts of kindness he witnessed from friends and strangers.

He has also swam nonstop across Lake Ontario, ran 175 miles along the Erie Canal and completed the 135-mile Badwater Ultramarathon in Death Valley, California.

The Orleans County Major Felony Crime Task Force recently received a national award for its collaborative efforts with local and regional law enforcement agencies.

The Task Force has made over 1,250 arrests and participated in 2,800 investigations since 2007, and has a near 100 percent conviction rate, Howard said.

“The specialized unit is especially adept in the application and execution of search warrants, and is poised to assist other local law enforcement agencies in the effort to ensure successful prosecutions at all levels,” she said.

The National Association of Counties presented Orleans County with a “2025 Achievement Award” during its national meeting July 11-14 in Philadelphia, Pa.

The task force is led by supervising investigator Joe Sacco. It works with local state and federal law enforcement agencies, as well as the State Police, Drug Enforcement Agency, Immigration and Custom Enforcement, the Office of Special Investigations, the Attorney General’s Office and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Orleans County has received $85,038 from OTB in first half of 2025

Press Release, Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corporation

BATAVIA – The Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corporation has once again set a new record for municipal distributions in 2025.

Second quarter payments to participating municipalities surpassed first-quarter distributions of $2,864,269 by $79,069, setting a new record of $2,943,338. This marks the second consecutive quarter in which WROTBC has exceeded its prior distribution benchmarks.

“I’ve worked very closely with the Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corporation’s Board of Directors to improve disbursements to our 17 member municipalities,” said Byron Brown, president and CEO of WROTBC. “I’m pleased that we have achieved record distributions for the first two quarters of 2025. Batavia Downs is a premier entertainment destination in Western New York, and our customer base has been consistently growing, which is producing more revenue to benefit our member municipalities.”

Payments in total of $2,838,093, consisting of $2,795,023 in earnings from operations and $43,069 in surcharge revenue for the month of June 2025 were sent out.

Back-to-back record quarters confirm the positive impact of WROTBC’s growth strategy, enhanced marketing efforts, and internal reforms. These payments reflect the continued success of operations and the Corporation’s strong commitment to returning meaningful value to its member municipalities.

Year-to-date distributions through June now exceed $5.8 million, benefiting the 17 participating municipalities listed below:

• Erie County, $1,420,108
• Monroe County, $1,149,259
• City of Buffalo, $584,844
• City of Rochester, $443,173
• Niagara County, $446,457
• Cattaraugus County, $162,893
• Cayuga County, $160,289
• Chautauqua County, $269,367
• Genesee County (Home County), $122,862
• Livingston County, $130,819
• Orleans County, $85,038
• Oswego County, $248,045
• Schuyler County, $37,949
• Seneca County, $70,733
• Steuben County, $197,558
• Wayne County, $192,501
• Wyoming County, $85,712

These funds support essential public services, infrastructure, and local development initiatives throughout the region.

Effective June 1, 2025, WROTBC’s gaming tax rate was reduced from 49% to 44%, creating additional revenue to support our strategic priorities. These funds are being used to increase municipal distributions, raise pay and benefits for non-executive employees, and lower family healthcare costs, all aimed at strengthening employee retention and community support.

As of August 11, $926K has been collected, with $2.89 million expected by year-end. Any unused funds will be returned to the municipalities.

Across all 17 member counties and cities, which collectively represent over 2.7 million residents, WROTBC has returned more than $269.6 million in net revenue since its founding in 1975. With another $2,943,338 being returned for the second quarter of 2025, these distributions continue to reflect WROTBC’s mission as a public-benefit corporation dedicated to delivering tangible local returns.

About Municipal Distributions

WROTBC returns net revenues to its member counties and cities based on a formula established in New York State Racing, Pari-Mutuel Wagering and Breeding Law. Distributions are split 50 percent based on the amount wagered in each county and 50 percent based on population.

Support for Public Education

In addition to distributions to member municipalities, Western’s video gaming operations have made substantial contributions to public education through remittances to the New York State Gaming Commission:

• $22,477,977 contributed year-to-date through June 2025
• $21,330,966 contributed through June 2024
• $517,129,930 contributed since the program’s inception in June 2005

These figures underscore WROTBC’s ongoing role in funding essential public services at both the local and state levels.

WROTBC’s financial strength continues to be driven by the success of Batavia Downs Gaming and Hotel, and its focused commitment to transparency, operational efficiency, and community reinvestment.

Third quarter earnings results will be available in October, following the close of September, with current performance indicating continued strong momentum.

“As chairman of the Board, I am incredibly proud of the results WROTBC has achieved over the last few months on behalf of our member municipalities,” said Dennis Bassett, the WROTBC board chairman. “These record-setting distributions reflect not only the strength of our operations, but also the vision, discipline, and accountability that guide this organization every day. Our Board has made it a priority to support leadership’s efforts to strengthen operations, expand public benefit, and deliver meaningful value back to the communities we serve. Whether through record municipal payments or reinvestments in our workforce, WROTBC is fulfilling its mission as a public-benefit corporation with integrity and purpose.”

Photos courtesy of Genesee Community College: From left include Mary Alice Panek, Sarah Noble-Moag and Phillip DiMartino.

Press Release, GCC

BATAVIA – At its annual meeting on July 14, the Genesee Community College Board of Trustees elected its officers for the coming year in accordance with Board Bylaws. The Chair, Vice Chair and Secretary will serve one-year terms until their successors are elected at the next annual meeting.

Mary Alice Panek, a trustee since 2019, was elected Chair. An educator and GCC alumna, she has taught students from kindergarten through twelfth grade, serves as national vice chair for Caring for America programs and is active in community service in Stafford.

Sarah Noble-Moag, who joined the Board in 2017, was elected Vice Chair. Co-owner and manager of Noblehurst Farms in Linwood, she is a strong advocate for agricultural education in public schools and serves on multiple regional boards, including the Northeast Agricultural Education Foundation and the Genesee Gateway Local Development Corporation.

Phillip DiMartino, a trustee since 2019, was elected Secretary. A Batavia native and independent insurance broker, his career has included leadership roles in national sales for Brunswick Bowling and Billiards and John Deere/Sentry Insurance, as well as service on the United Memorial Medical Center Foundation Board.

The GCC Board of Trustees provides strategic guidance and oversight, ensuring the college continues to deliver high-quality, accessible education that supports student success and regional economic growth.

“We are deeply grateful to our newly elected officers for stepping into these vital leadership roles,” said Dr. Craig Lamb, president of GCC. “Their willingness to dedicate extra time and attention to Genesee Community College, on top of their already demanding commitments, speaks volumes about their passion for education and their care for our students, faculty and community. Their leadership will help guide GCC into an exciting future, and we are fortunate to have them at the helm.”