By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 21 August 2025 at 5:17 pm
2 from Smoke Shop face charges for criminal possession of cannabis
Raheeb Almaisari, left, and Aqeel Gobah both face charges following a search warrant at the Medina Smoke Shop.
MEDINA – The Medina Smoke Shop has been shut down by the State Office of Cannabis Management for selling and possessing unauthorized cannabis products, the Orleans County major Felony Crime Task Force announced today.
Two people operating the business also are facing charges for criminal possession of cannabis.
Law enforcement executed a search warrant on Wednesday at the Medina Smoke Shop, located at 335 North Main St. The Task Force was joined in executing the warrant by the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office, the Medina Police Department and the State Office of Cannabis Management.
Law enforcement seized over 3 pounds of cannabis flower, more than 25 pounds of cannabis edibles, over 200 THC vapes, numerous viles of THC wax, numerous mushroom-infused chocolate bars and over $2,000 in cash, the Task Force said in a news release.
Aqeel Gobah and Raheeb Almaisari, both of Lackawanna, operate the Smoke Shop. They were both charged with 1 count of criminal possession of cannabis in the second degree (class E felony) and 1 count of criminal possession of cannabis in the third degree (class A misdemeanor).
Gobah and Almaisari were taken to the Orleans County Jail for processing and issued appearance tickets returnable to Ridgeway Town Court on Sept. 8.
Law enforcement also were assisted in the investigation by Orleans County District Attorney Susan Howard and the Orleans County Public Health Department.
This investigation is ongoing with further charges and arrests are pending lab results, the Task Force said.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 21 August 2025 at 9:41 am
Photo by Tom Rivers: The grass is very yellow by these trees at Lyndonville Central School on Tuesday evening. Orleans County for the second week is considered to be in “moderate drought” after several weeks of being “abnormally dry.”
Orleans County for the second week is considered to be in “moderate drought.” Those conditions have spread in the state, up from 3.8 percent of the land a week ago to 5.6 percent in today’s update from the U.S. Drought Monitor.
The “abnormally dry” conditions also have spread from 49.3 percent of the state to 61.5 percent.
No where in the state was considered to be in a moderate drought until the map was updated today. All of Orleans is in moderate drought. A week ago that designation also includes most of Genesee, about half of Monroe and Niagara, and the northern part of Erie. It has spread east to most of Wayne County, and also includes a part of New York City.
In moderate drought conditions, the U.S. Drought Monitor said honey production declines, irrigation use increases, and hay and grain yields are lower than normal.
Trees and landscaping also are stressed, fish are stressed, reservoir and lake levels are below normal capacity, and wildfires and ground fires increase.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 21 August 2025 at 8:41 am
Business started as Bayex and has grown significantly in half century to over 200 employees
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – It was a day of celebration and reconnecting at Saint-Gobain ADFORS on Wednesday. The company marked 50 years in the Albion community.
The top photo shows long-time employees who are now retired. They started when the Albion site was Bayex. From left include Ted Grimes, 41 years of service; Gary Narburgh, 44 years; Keith Sabo, 42 years; John Tower, 30 years; Darryl Szklany, 29 years; Francis Dibley, 35 years; and Gary Bloom, 39 years.
“It was a good company,” Grimes said. “No one wanted to leave.”
This group said there was strong camaraderie among the employees which made they want to go to work. They credited Joel Allen, the plant manager for many years of their tenure, for being a great boss and leader.
Saint-Gobain ADFORS has done multiple expansions over the years, from the initial 45,000-square-foot plant and 13 employees to 181,000 square feet and 222 employees.
Saint-Gobain ADFORS expanded the plant at 14770 East Ave. with new space added in 1985, 1995 and 2008. The company also uses a building a Route 98, the former Remley Printing site, as a warehouse.
Gary Narburgh holds a photo from when the company opened a new manufacturing plant in Albion in July 1976. Narburgh started working there a month later and stayed for 44 years.
“It was local and they were always good to you,” he said.
Saint-Gobain ADFORS opened the doors for the public to tour the plant on Route 31. The company makes many building and construction products.
Provided photo: State Assemblyman Steve Hawley presented a citation to the company for its 50 years of commitment in Albion. Accepting the citation are Tyler Lombard, an HR recruiting and staffing specialist at Saint-Gobain ADFORS; and Constance Wadsworth, human resources manager.
“Achieving 50 years of business is easy feat,” Hawley stated in the citation. “Saint-Gobain ADFORS has served the Orleans County community and beyond with economic growth and stable employment and has initiated excellence through five decades of hardworking and dedicated individuals producing materials that make businesses and governments alike more efficient and lives more sustainable.”
This self-adhesive drywall tape is among the products made at Saint-Gobain ADFORS in Albion.
The company manufactures technical textiles for the construction industry, manufacturing the consumer drywall tape product FibaTape, along with reinforcement materials sold to other manufacturing companies for the production of cement board, carpet backing, and road reinforcement.
Community members were able to tour the manufacturing space. Here they see a large machine that cuts dry wall tape into smaller sizes.
This photo shows many spools of polyester.
Dinosaur Bar-B-Que in Rochester served lunch to about 475 people. Saint-Gobain ADFORS invited employees, retirees and their families for the celebration. They also were treated to LuGia’s Ice Cream and live music by the Who Dats.
The company wanted a big celebration to thank their employees for their hard work over the years.
“It’s a big milestone, especially for this community,” said Constance Wadsworth, human resources manager. “A lot of places have been shutting down or moving south.”
This display shows some of the Saint-Gobain ADFORS products in a typical home.
MEDINA – Dave Kusmierczak, left, accepts a $2,400 check on behalf of the Orleans County Joint Veterans Council from Dave Berry, president of the VFW Auxiliary to Lincoln Post 1483.
The van service is utilized by the veterans who need rides to medical appointments. They are taken to appointments by volunteer drivers.
The VFW Auxiliary 1483 held a chicken barbecue in May to support some of the programs the veterans and service members use in the community. The VFW Auxiliary would like to thank the community for supporting their Chicken BBQ, making this donation possible.
Dave Berry, president of the VFW Auxiliary to Lincoln Post 1483, is shown with one of the vans used to take veterans to medical appointments.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 20 August 2025 at 3:48 pm
ALBION – The wet weather and threat of more rain has prompted the cancellation of this evening’s concert at Bullard Park.
Today was a rain date from Aug. 6. The Sky Cats were scheduled to perform. The band cannot do a make up next week, so the summer concert series has concluded, said John Grillo, Albion’s recreation director.
He already is working on the lineup for next year.
“We’re looking forward to the 2026 season,” he said.
Sarah Beckler competes in FrogTape Paintover Challenge
Photos courtesy of FrogTape Paintover Challenge: Sarah Beckler did this patio makeover with a Mediterranean flair. She painted a checkerboard floor and incorporated textured walls to create a Mediterranean-inspired oasis.
Press Release
Sarah Beckler of Holley is a popular DIY influencer with about 70,000 followers on Instagram.
HOLLEY – Sarah Beckler of Holley is among 10 finalists in a do-it-yourself makeover challenge.
The contest challenges participants to transform their spaces using just $1,000 and FrogTape painter’s tape for a chance to win a $5,000 cash prize and a donation to the charity of their choice. Beckler picked the ARC Glow as the recipient if she is the winner.
From now until September 3, the public can cast their vote for the People’s Choice Award for their chance to win a $1,000 sweepstakes. Additionally, the new GOAT Award – “Greatest of Advanced Tape,” will be given by the brand for the project that demonstrates top craftsmanship.
The contest started as a friendly challenge among DIY influencers and has become a decade-long celebration of colorful creativity. This year, the FrogTape Paintover Challenge is bigger, bolder and ready to crown its first-ever “GOAT.”
Now in its 10th year, the contest invites 10 popular DIY influencers to transform their spaces using just $1,000 and FrogTape painter’s tape for a chance to win up to $10,000 in prizes, aligning with the 10 year anniversary.
The winning influencer will take home a $5,000 cash prize and a $5,000 donation will be made to the charity of their choice.
“For 10 years, we’ve been inspired by the painting perfection from the top DIY influencers around the country,” said Patti LaPorte, Director of Marketing at Shurtape Technologies, LLC, which markets FrogTape brand products. “We’ve been wowed by wainscoting and stunned by stripes – year after year, the Paintover Challenge has proven that you don’t need a big budget or fancy tools for an impactful makeover – just paint, good painter’s tape and a great imagination.”
Participating DIYers shared a room makeover project they think best represents their work for a chance to win. And the submissions are as varied as the influencers and charities of choice. From linen closet glow-ups and textured stair takeovers to spare bedroom makeovers and even a patio floor flip, the influencers put their heart and soul into these projects.
“The inspiring designs and impeccable execution go beyond the paint projects,” LaPorte said. “The charitable component fuels the friendly competition as each influencer strives to donate to a non-profit organization that’s dear to them. Potential charity donations include everything from children’s mentoring programs and dog rescues to suicide prevention and cancer support groups. We’re thrilled that FrogTape can champion such inspiring projects – both in design and in truly impactful causes that make a difference.”
To see all of the 10 finalists and to vote, click here.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 20 August 2025 at 10:04 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – The Orleans County legislature has recognized an Albion business for 50 years of working in the community. Saint-Gobain ADFORS was presented with a “Special Recognition Award” on Tuesday by the Orleans County Legislature. Fred Miller, a county legislator, read the citation and presented it to Saint-Gobain ADFORS employees.
The employees include, from left: Bonnie Johnson, production planner; Diane Varley, development coordinator; Joe Culbertson, logistics manager; Constance Wadsworth, human resources manager; and James Devault, knit operator.
Saint-Gobain Adfors will have a big celebration today at the manufacturing plant at 14770 East Ave.
The business started in Albion in 1975 as Bayex with 13 employees.
“It was built to manufacture technical textiles for the construction industry, manufacturing the consumer drywall tape product FibaTape, along with reinforcement materials sold to other manufacturing companies for the production of cement board, carpet backing, and road reinforcement,” The County legislature stated in its citation.
The company has completed numerous acquisitions and building expansions, now operating out of 181,000 square feet in Albion with 222 employees.
“The investment you have made into Orleans County will forever be widespread, long lasting and extremely appreciated,” legislators said.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 20 August 2025 at 8:47 am
Photos by Ginny Kropf: Phyllis Schrader, center, chair of the Orleans County Veterans’ Van Service, accepts a check from Albion Elks Lodge for $1,000. From left are Mike Jenks, Elks’ Exalted Ruler; Joan and Marv Christ and April Flesch, members of the Elks’ Grant Committee; Schrader; Veterans’ Service Agency president David Kusmierczak; and Jack Miles, Ron Boyd and Brad Rouse, Veterans’ Service Agency members.
ALBION – The Albion Elks Club on Monday morning presented a check for $1,000 to the Orleans County Veterans’ Van Service, in what has become an annual tradition.
Albion Elks Exalted Ruler Mike Jenks and Grant Committee members Marv and Joan Christ and April Flesch presented the check to Phyllis Schrader, who heads the Veterans’ Van Service.
The presentation took place outside the Village House, where they were all treated to breakfast afterwards.
Flesch said the Elks has a national foundation which provides Freedom Grants specifically for the benefit of veterans, and this is the third year they have supported Orleans County’s Veterans’ Van Service.
They are currently working to secure a $3,000 grant for the VA Medical Center in Batavia, Flesch said.
One of the ways the Albion Elks raise money to support their community is through chicken barbecues, which this year will also offer hair cuts during the event in September at Carlton Recreation Hall, Flesch said.
Members of Albion Elks Lodge and Orleans County Veterans’ Service Agency posed with the newest van in service after the Elks presented a check for $1,000 on Monday morning to Phyllis Schrader, chair of the Veterans’ Van Service. At left are Elks Exalted Ruler Mike Jenks and Grant Committee members Joan and Marv Christ and April Flesch. At right, with Schrader, are Veterans Service Agency president Dave Kusmierczak and members Jack Miles, Ron Boyd and Brad Rouse.
The Veterans’ Van Service was started in December 1996 by Jim Andre of Kendall, who saw a need, said Phyllis Schrader, head the Veterans’ Van Service. They initially started with one van, and now maintain five in service to transport veterans to medical appointments. Last year, a van was donated by Cooper Funeral Home in Medina, Schrader said.
During July, volunteers made 46 trips to Batavia, 26 to Buffalo and 10 to other locations, logging 2,841 miles total. That brings the total year-to-date to 15,423 miles, Schrader said.
Volunteer drivers and office staff totaled 31, accumulating 2,286 volunteer hours, she said.
Vans are purchased through fundraisers and donations, however, the Buffalo VA pays for repairs and fuel.
Volunteers are always needed in the office and to drive the vans. Anyone interested can call the office at 589-2856.
During the monthly meeting, Veterans’ Service Agency president Dave Kusmierczak reminded members of Assemblyman Steve Hawley’s Patriot Trip for veterans to Washington in September. Donations have been received to help veterans with the cost of the trip.
BATAVIA – “One big family, driven by hope” is the theme for this year’s International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) campaign – the annual observance that includes a local event from 4 to 7 p.m. August 26th at St. Anthony’s in Batavia, hosted by the Genesee-Orleans-Wyoming CARES Alliance.
The world’s largest annual movement to end overdose, IOAD is dedicated to remembering without stigma those who have died and acknowledging the grief of family and friends left behind.
More than 200 community events have been scheduled across the United States and around the world during the month of August to raise awareness of one of society’s worst public health crises.
Initiated in 2001 by Sally J. Finn at The Salvation Army in St. Kilda, Melbourne, Australia, IOAD spreads the message about the tragedy of drug overdose death and that drug overdose is preventable.
Goals of the campaign include:
Providing an opportunity for people to publicly mourn loved ones in a safe environment, some for the first time without feeling guilt or shame.
Providing information about the issue of fatal and non-fatal overdose.
Sending a strong message to current and former people who use drugs that they are valued.
The GOW CARES Alliance ceremony will feature several speakers including Lynda Battaglia, director of Genesee County Mental Health & Community Services; Paul Pettit, public health director for Genesee & Orleans Health Departments; Erin Martin, Pastor at City Church; and Chris Budzinack, Supportive Living counselor at UConnectCare.
The event will feature live music by Groove and a Kid’s Zone. The Kid’s Zone will offer sensory bins to search for prizes, DIY canvas bags, crafts, chalk art, temporary tattoos, and games. They will have snacks, drinks, and ice pops available. The Kid’s Zone will also include a Back to School Bash, providing school supplies for kids in all grades – items like water bottles, book bags, scientific calculators, and other basic school supplies. Funding for school supplies is from Mother Cabrini Health Foundation and JM McDonald Foundation.
Representatives of over 30 nonprofit agencies have been invited to set up booths at the park.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 19 August 2025 at 4:06 pm
MEDINA – The Canal Village Farmers’ Market will have a special feature on Saturday, as they celebrate the family farms who have supported them.
Earlier this month, market manager Gail Miller was trying to figure out how to celebrate National Farmers’ Market Week.
“I wanted to make our market celebration a celebration of the farmers that make up the farmers’ market,” Miller said. “I thought of my own farm history. It was such hard work every day, but my siblings and I remember the fun we had picking cherries with classmates, while WKBW played on the radio, and the long walks in the orchards. I remembered going to the large Buffalo market at 2 a.m. with my father. My family often talks about growing up on the farm, and I thought it would be nice to find out about the history of the market’s farmers.”
Miller knew several of the farms, but wanted to share the history of all the farmers at the market.
“Many friends fondly recall their experiences on family farms, and I hope this will bring back memories for them, as well as allow people who are unfamiliar with farms a chance to get a glimpse of farm life,” Miller said. “It is important to celebrate the farms and farmers who grow our food.”
At the market this Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., there will be a few antique farming implements on display from the Medina Historical Society, Miller’s family farm and another vendor’s father who collects farming equipment. There will also be old pictures and books on display, with a short summary of each farmer’s history on their tables.
There will also be picture opportunities and a chance to speak with the farmers, who will include Baker Farm, Human Farms and Greenhouse, Bower Family Farm and Greenhouse and Rosario Farm, a first-generation farm. History will also be available on Miller’s family farm, the Herbst Farm, and the Larry Jantzi family farm.
“It is my hope that people coming to the market will see that many farms and farmers have been working their farms for a few generations,” Miller said. “Also, that they will note that all of the farms are very local in Orleans and Niagara counties. Hopefully, market visitors will find the displays interesting and educational – showing how labor intensive farming was and continues to be. There is such a rich history of farming in our two counties.”
There will also be a game on Saturday for kids to identify some historical items found at the market.
The Canal Village Farmers’ Market is located at the corner of West Center Street and West Avenue.
HOLLEY – Holley Central School District is hosting homecoming weekend on Sept. 26-27. There are two alumni games scheduled for that weekend and registration is open now for for graduates from the district before 2022.
The Alumni Soccer Game will take place on Friday, Sept. 26 at 7 p.m. at the Sander Soccer Field at The Woodlands. To register to play in the game, complete the registration form (click here).
The Alumni Flag Football Game will take place on Saturday, Sept. 27 at 4:30 p.m. at Hawk Stadium. To register to play in the game, complete the registration form (click here).
Alumni cheerleaders are also welcome to participate in both alumni games. Please contact Heather Kelley for details.
The alumni games are fundraisers for the district, benefitting Interact Club, the Eighth Grade Washington, D.C. Trip Scholarship Fund and Holley Sports Boosters. A voluntary $3 donation will be collected at the entrance from spectators. Concessions will be available. Cash only.
