By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 12 February 2022 at 9:56 am
Photo by Tom Rivers: A tree by the Holley Elementary School is pictured on Wednesday evening.
Temperatures are plummeting today after a recent warmup took a dent out of the high snow piles.
Today started at about 30 in the morning but will drop to the teens this evening with an overnight low of 10, the National Weather Service in Buffalo said.
Sunday there is a chance of snow showers with a high of 14 and overnight low around 6 degrees.
Monday there is a slight chance of snow showers before 1 p.m. with a high near 17 and overnight low of 12.
Tuesday it will warm up with a high near 27 and sunny, followed by a high near 49 on Wednesday and Thursday.
Photos and information courtesy of Medina Central School
MEDINA – Medina High School Agriculture teacher/FFA advisor Todd Eick had been rocking shoulder length hair for quite a while this school year.
“I shaved my head from August 2007 to January 2020,” he explained. “When the pandemic hit and the hair salons had to shut down my last haircut was February 4th of 2020. My kids convinced me just to let it grow out. So I decided if I was going to do that, I would see if I could donate it to Wigs 4 Kids.”
Wigs 4 Kids serves children suffering from hair loss from a health crisis and helps to boost their self-image and self-esteem.
FFA alum Tori Grimes, who is a hairstylist, was going to come to the school on February 4th and cut Mr. Eick’s hair for his donation, so that his current students and his leadership team could take part in the fun.
“I wanted to do this in school with the students because one piece of our FFA motto is ‘Living to Serve,’” Eick said. “I thought this was a great opportunity to practice what I preach.”
Unfortunately Mother Nature had other plans; February 4th was a snow day.
“While by many standards of school aged students and teachers is a wonderful surprise, it stopped my planned ‘Living to Serve’ lesson for my leadership class and officer team,” Eick said. Originally scheduled to help with the lesson was an outgoing local chapter officer, a district president, a state line officer and a county legislator. Eick decided despite the weather he was going to go through with his plans and met Tori at the salon she works, Mera Hair Co. in downtown Medina.
His daughter, a current member of FFA, and his son, the incoming President of FFA, accompanied him and got in on the action.
“It was not what I was hoping for, but we made the best of it and I got my donation in the mail,” Eick said. “I want to thank everyone that was going to help and all of those who were able to!”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 February 2022 at 11:07 am
Sue Cory proud of family atmosphere at school
Photos by Tom Rivers: Sue Cory, the high school principal, and Brian Bartalo, the district superintendent, present the high school diploma to Jamel Hildreth during graduation on June 27, 2020. The district moved the ceremony to the school parking lot due to Covid restrictions that capped attendance at 150 for outdoor ceremonies.
HOLLEY – Sue Cory will be retiring on June 30 as principal of the Holley Junior-Senior High School. She has been principal for about 12 years during a time of a major capital project at the school and gains in student academic achievement.
Cory said new clubs have emerged for students and the district has embraced students’ social, emotional and mental health, along with academics.
“I love Holley,” Cory said. “We do a great job of taking care of each other. We really are family.”
Cory has worked at Holley for about 34 years. She started her career for four years as a home economics teacher in Ticonderoga and then worked a half year at Brighton. She has been a guidance counselor at Holley, a teacher on special assignment and director of student services.
Cory has been eligible to retire but wanted to help students and staff work through the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“I’m ready for the next chapter,” Cory said. “I know I have made a difference in the lives of some and they have definitely made a difference in my life.”
Cory spoke on Wednesday evening to the Orleans Hub while she watched a JV basketball game between Holley and Kendall girls. That game and the varsity contest that followed also were a fundraiser for a student battling lymphoma. Cory and many of the attendees wore green T-shirts in support of the student, Ella Richards-Dyson, a high school junior.
Cory said the small school district rallies around students facing a health crisis.
“I’m proud that we’re a staff and school that bands together in happiness and sadness,” Cory said.
Sue Cory speaks to a gym full of students and staff on April 22, 2019 when they welcomed back Evan Valentine, a student who was in the hospital fighting leukemia.
WATERTOWN – Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (NY-21), House Republican Conference Chair, endorsed Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) for the newly formed New York 24th Congressional District.
“I am proud to endorse my colleague and friend, Chris Jacobs for New York’s 24th Congressional District,” Stefanik said in a news release. “Since taking office, Chris has been a strong fighter for conservative values and our Constitutional rights. He stood up for New Yorkers against the unconstitutional SAFE Act and held the line against vaccine mandates and lockdowns. He’s fought reckless spending, failed Far-Left Socialist policies, and to secure our southern border. I have seen his efficacy and dedication firsthand through our work together. I know that he will fight on behalf of the people for the 24th District.”
The new 24th Congressional District stretches from Erie County to Jefferson County. It also includes Orleans, Genesee, Wyoming, Livingston, Ontario, Wayne, Niagara, Cayuga, Monroe, Oswego, Seneca, and Yates counties.
“I am honored to have Elise’s endorsement, the highest-ranking elected Republican in New York State,” Jacobs said. “Together, over the last two years we have taken on the Biden administration and Nancy Pelosi’s reckless spending and liberal priorities, and we will hold them accountable on behalf of the American people.
“When we earn back the majority in 118th Congress, we will protect New Yorkers from this administration’s unconstitutional mandates, we will get control of reckless spending causing surging inflation, and we will work to ensure that Upstate New York and the North Country is prosperous and growing for generations to come,” he said.
“Finally, Congresswoman Stefanik has been an unmatched advocate for Fort Drum, our service members, veterans, and the surrounding community. I am humbled at the opportunity to join Elise in representing Fort Drum, and I look forward to working with her to ensure this community and military families have strong and vocal representation in Congress for years to come.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 February 2022 at 10:09 am
ALBION – No sledding or snowboarding is allowed at Mount Albion Cemetery, Mayor Eileen Banker said.
She and village officials are concerned that many people have been snowboarding and sledding on the east side of the cemetery, where the oldest tombstones are located.
That section of the cemetery isn’t plowed regularly. Some people have been using the hills and even tombstones for their sleds and snowboards. Ramps have been built on some of the old stones, Banker said.
“It’s a historic cemetery and we don’t need damage to the stones,” Banker said. “It is sacred ground.”
The Albion Police Department will be increasing patrols at the cemetery, she said.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 February 2022 at 8:55 am
Allport family has been passionate season ticket holders since 1974
Photo by Tom Rivers: Geno Allport holds his “Fan of the Year” Buffalo Bills jersey for 2021. He is shown at his home with framed jerseys from many Buffalo Bills legends. Allport and his son Tre are currently in Los Angeles for the Super Bowl festivities.
ALBION – Geno Allport is the Buffalo Bills “Fan of the Year” for 2021 and he and his son, Tre, have been treated to attending the Super Bowl in Los Angeles.
Provided photos: Geno Allport is shown on the shoulders of former Bills offensive lineman Reggie McKenzie, who was an all-pro guard for the Bills from 1972 to 1982. McKenzie was in Albion in this photo from about 1980 for a charity basketball game.
Allport, 47, said the award should go to the Bills’ “Family of the Year.” His late father, Gene, bought season tickets in 1974. The Allports have had family tickets since, even expanding to six season tickets this past season for the first time. They sit in Section 135 in Row 12 with a great view of the 40 to 50 yard line.
In 2020, when no fans were allowed for most of the home games, Allport still was there – as a security guard. He said he has only missed two home games in the past four decades.
Allport’s home on East Park Street proudly displays his love of the Bills, from the red and blue porch lights, to many Buffalo Bills jerseys on the wall. There is even a year-round Buffalo Bills Christmas tree with Bills ornaments.
Allport and his wife Jami were married Aug. 24, 2020 – at the Bills stadium in Orchard Park. Moments after their daughter Hensley was born about three years ago, Allport played the Bills “Shout” song. Allport even convinced the doctor to wear a Bills surgical mask during the delivery.
The Allport home is full of Bills memorabilia and keepsakes from some other famous Bills fans, including signed ketchup and mustard bottles from Pinto Ron, a legendary fan who gets doused in ketchup and mustard while tailgating.
Allport said he has made tons of friends through Bills fandom, and connected with numerous players. Jim Kelly remains his all-time favorite, Kelly transformed a losing franchise into a team that went to the Super Bowl four times. Allport is high on current Bills star Josh Allen and the chances for the Bills to win that elusive Super Bowl.
If that happens, “I would bawl like a baby,” Allport said.
He has been youth football coach for more than 20 years in Albion and also helped start the football program in 2021 at the Vertus Charter School in Rochester. Ocie Bennett of Albion is the head coach for the team. Allport has worked at Vertus for nearly six years as a preceptor and alumni coordinator. He serves as a mentor and teacher for 22 students. Last month was presented with the “Golden Apple” teaching award from WROC in Rochester.
Geno Allport holds his daughter Hensley at her first Bills game on Jan. 2, when Bills beat the falcons 29-15. After Hensley was born, Allport played the Bills “Shout” song in the hospital.
Allport arrived in Los Angeles on Thursday with his son, Tre. Kim Pegula, co-owner of the Bills, had a letter waiting for the Fan of the Year.
“Dear Geno, Welcome to Los Angeles and Super Bowl LVI! You’re going to have a great weekend, and we’re thrilled you are representing the Buffalo Bills. It’s fans like you that make Bills Mafia so great. We really appreciate your unwavering support and are looking forward to a great 2022 season. Enjoy the game and Go Bills!”
The following interview with Allport was conducted at his home on Tuesday evening.
Q: Why are you so passionate about the Bills?
A: Born into it. I mean I came home from the hospital (in 1974) with an OJ pin on. My grandparents told me the only time I wouldn’t through a fit when I was away from my mother is on Sundays when I’d go to the game. They would put me in the car and I’d go to sleep. They said the only time I was calm was on Sundays.
Q: Even when you were a kid what did you like about the team so much, especially with all the screaming fans around?
A: I could tell you everything about all the players, even then. I remember being in school as an elementary and middle school kid and being quizzed by the high school kids, and I could rattle off everything about who was who on the Bills, where they went to college, what position they played and their number.
Q: I’m assuming you’ve made a lot of friends through being a Bills fan, especially the people with seats near you?
A: Yes. A couple that were in front of us they moved up to the red seats. We were real good friends with them for years. The red seats are the Van Miller Club, the Pepsi Club, the seats up there. They were getting up in age and wanted to be up there where they could go inside if need be, or sit under the heaters.
The guys behind us have been there for a while. They are attorneys in Orchard Park. We were able to get the two seats next to us. They had belonged to two guys who had been coming for years been then the last two years they weren’t there and the seats became available. So we added those to our account.
It’s a good section. You see a lot of the same people.
Q: Is there a bond you feel with your dad by going to the game?
A: Oh yeah. We always stop by his brick before the game.
This brick honors Allport’s late father, Gene “Lou” Allport. He was nicknamed for Lou Saban, the Bills coach from 1962 to 1965 and 1972 to 1976. Saban twice led the Bills to be AFL champion in 1964 and 1965. Allport bought season tickets beginning in 1974.
Q: That brick, what is the story behind it?
A: At one point in ’99 they started to sell the bricks you can out by the stadium. They used to be over by Gate 3 but they moved them in front of the store when they built the store.
It was November 1999 and we got it for him for his birthday and he actually got out there for a game, which was the Bills versus the Colts – the Rob Johnson game, and he was able to get up there and see the brick, that was in January 2000. He ended up passing away in March of that year.
Allport has a tattoo on his arm about the love for the Bills being in the family’s DNA.
Q: It’s necessarily a memorial then?
A: It has his name on it. It says Gene Allport from Albion, New York.
Q: Why did the team do the bricks?
A: That was when they were trying to raise money to keep them in Buffalo. It was part of the whole big pitch they were doing. They haven’t done it since and they won’t do it again.
Q: So, outside your house you have blue and red lights on the porch. Have you had those a long time?
A: Oh yeah, we do it just for that reason. It’s part of the Christmas decoration but it’s always Bills season here. That’s why we have the tree up. It’s always Bills season. It’s only got Bills stuff on a white tree.
Q: It’s interesting just how excited the community gets when the team is winning.
A: The kids will even say it when we walk into Walmart. They say they’ve never seen this much Bills clothes on people walking around.
Q: I do feel bad for the Fred Jacksons of the world, the team leaders during the playoff drought years that lasted 17 seasons. (Allport has Jackson’s No. 22 jersey in a frame in the dining room with several other Bills greats.) He didn’t get as much love because the team struggled. : You feel like a fan more when the team struggles. It’s a lot easier when they are winning.
A: Yeah, Kyle Williams played for many years too, but at least he did make it to the playoffs.
Q: Do you have a favorite Bills player of all time?
A: I grew up with (Jim) Kelly. During Kelly’s rookie year (in 1986), our family became friends with Van Miller (the broadcaster). He got a football signed for me during Kelly’s rookie year and I’ve had this since ’86. (It’s signed: “Merry X-mas, Geno – Jim Kelly”) I’ve always been a Jim Kelly fan. I was 12 years old when he got here.
I’m a big Josh (Allen) fan. My 3-year-old says that’s her boyfriend. She loves Josh.
Geno Allport is introduced as the Bills “Fan of the Year” on Oct. 31 on the big scoreboard at Highmark Stadium. He is joined by retired Bills players Will Wolford, left, and Reuben Brown.
Q: Was it hard to be a fan during the drought years?
A: Oh yeah. I remember going to the Bills-Colts game in ’84 or ’85 and there were 17,000 fans in the stands. They were 0-11 in ’84 and Dallas came to town in first place and we ended up beating them 14 to 3. So that was fun.
The 2-14 years were tough. Even when they went to the Super Bowl and I was in high school. I still went to school the next day in all my Bills clothes. I’m not going to hide from them. Just like when they just lost to the Chiefs. I went to work in my Bills clothes.
Q: How did you get Fan of the Year? Were you nominated?
A: My son, Tre, sent in a nomination.
Geno and his family keep up a Buffalo Bills-themed Christmas tree up year-round.
Q: Is it about your love of the Bills or more than that?
A: It’s everything. He put in there a few things and I didn’t know anything about it until they came and surprised me at the football practice (in October with the youth football team). He put in there a few things about our family with the Bills. One of the guys from the Bills, my ticket rep, saw my name and pushed for it. I don’t know how the process works or who has a say in it.
Q: Since 1974 as a season ticket holder that’s impressive.
A: Jami and I even got married at the stadium. Just us and the kids went up.
Q: So you have contacts with the Bills. You know these people?
A: I do a lot of work with the Bills through youth football. I’m on the Western New York Amateur Football Alliance. I’ve been working with the people in community relations with the Bills for years.
Q: I think you’ve had the Albion youth teams play at the Bills stadium at halftime?
A: They used to. But since Covid started, actually the year before that, they kind of scaled it back but we’re trying to get that back, or even do the Punt, Pass and Kick or a different version of that because the NFL got rid of it. We went that back because it’s for the kids.
Q: So you’ve been the NOFA (Niagara Orleans Football Association) rep for a long time?
A: This will be coming up on year 22. I’ve been on the NOFA board for 15 years maybe. My son started when he was 6 or 7 years old and I was a coach. Tre is now 27 and he’ll be coming with me to the Super Bowl in Los Angeles.
Q: What does the schedule include for you as Fan of the Year?
A: We leave Thursday morning because we’re able to attend the NFL honors show that night. We get to do the red carpet. We get to attend the awards show at the YouTube Theater that night.
Friday we have Captain Morgan’s brunch, they are the sponsors of the Fan of the Year program. They put on a brunch for us on Friday. Saturday they gave us tickets for the NFL Experience so we get to do that whole thing. There will be different displays from the Pro Football Hall of Fame and I think they even have the Super Bowl trophy, and a bunch of different things for the fans to see and do. It covers all 32 teams so nobody is left out. Sunday we have the game.
Q: Well is this a big deal to you?
A: Oh yeah, definitely. I’ve become friends with the other 31 Fans of the Year. We text. We’re in constant communication. I can’t wait to meet everybody. I’m thrilled. I wish our team was there, but it will be less stress. I’d rather be stressed though. It’s up and downs. It’s a rollercoaster.
Q: Your football passion goes beyond the Bills. Why do you keep doing the youth football?
A: I love helping kids. I love getting kids involved. I think sports are a big part of helping them grow and becoming a good teammate. The hard work, the dedication and the commitment is needed when it’s time to get a job. You’re already working hard, you’re already dedicated. If you’re going to college it’s the same way. It’s getting them to commit to something even if it’s not football. It could be soccer, or indoor track, outdoor track or baseball. It’s just keeping them involved in something. Plus, it keeps them off the streets. It keeps them busy.
Q: As a sport I wonder why you like football so much?
A: I actually played soccer until my junior year and never played football. I played flag football but I was a soccer player. But I always loved football.
My junior and senior years I played varsity. I was 138 pounds, and played kicker, receiver and DB.
Q: Did you play much?
A: No, I had Rayford Callicutt in front of me. Rayford and Lee (Froman) were phenomenal receivers and DBs. Rayford had Ohio State looking at him. He ended up at Bowling Green and then went to Edinboro.
Q: With the youth program in Albion, you’ve been a coach, the equipment manager, and other roles. You must be organized?
A: I’ve done it so long I know what to do. My garage is now the storage shed. I have Tim (McMurray) more involved now. My sister (Jaime Allport) has always been there and she keeps track of the birth certificates, the rosters, the check-ins, and all the stuff no one wants to do DJ Moore, Joe Fuller and Rocco Sidari are stepping up as well. It’s knowing people from Albion, the Lions, from USA Football. It all helps.
Geno Allport, left, is shown with his mother Pam, brother Joe and sister Jaime and their children in this photo from about a decade ago. Allport said supporting the Bills has been a big part of the family his entire life.
Q: A lot of the key players in the youth program don’t have kids anymore that are playing. A lot of times when people’s kids age out the parents don’t continue as coaches.
A: About 10 of us had dinner this past summer with Scott Hallenbeck, he’s the CEO of USA Football. We were talking about our head coaches and how many coaches you got. When he gets to me, I said we have four head coaches and now of them have a kid on their team. He said what do you mean? Three of them don’t have a kid in the program and one has kid on the team above him but he coaches the team under.
He (Hallenbeck) said are you serious. I told him it’s different out here. At the time I think we had nine coaches who didn’t have a kid playing for them. That’s hard to find, but that’s when you know they are there for the right reasons and not playing Daddy Ball, which is the big phrase out there. They are coaching for the love of the game and they love the kids. It’s tough to find but when you do they are guys you want to hold on to.
Q: You could have stayed home and just watched the Bills on TV. But your life really has been enriched by being such a passionate fan.
A: It’s the whole experience. For the 1 o’clock games we leave here at 7 in the morning, make a pit stop at Walmart and get the gas we need. We’re pulling in at the parking lot at 9 and then hanging out. I’ve met a lot of friends.
Contributed Story Posted 10 February 2022 at 9:10 pm
Contributed Photo – Ryleigh Culver, a member of Medina High’s Unified bowling team rolled a perfect 300 game this afternoon at Medina Lanes during a match against Newfane. Here he stands in front of the scoreboard which shows his 300 game. Earlier this week he rolled a 257 during a match against Middle Early College.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 February 2022 at 2:43 pm
Local State Assembly members – Steve Hawley of Batavia and Mike Norris of Lockport – are among 42 Republicans in the Assembly who signed a letter to Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, requesting that the capital funding budget for libraries not be cut.
The proposed executive budget increases funding for library operating grants, the Republican members say they are alarmed to see that the governor’s plan slashed capital funding for library construction projects by $20 million, a 59% cut from last year’s state budget.
“There should be no barrier when it comes to providing our constituents with the essential tools necessary for their betterment,” the letter states. “Our constituents, who range from toddlers to the elderly, depend significantly on the services provided by our libraries. In addition, access to resources for job training, start-up businesses, consumer health, education, financial and technology training come from our libraries.”
In their letter, Republican members argue that since the executive budget proposes a 7.2% increase in school funds, library capital funding should be restored given the role libraries play in educating the public.
“Libraries are critical resources to people of all ages and backgrounds throughout New York state, providing our residents an equitable means of accessing information and technology vital to their success and happiness,” Hawley said. “A great equalizer for those willing to make the most of the opportunities they provide, we would be holding back the potential of our best and brightest New Yorkers by allowing library funding to be decimated as has been proposed by our governor. As someone who considers themselves a true believer in the American dream, I cannot overstate what a loss this cut would be for people with big ideas and limited personal resources.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 February 2022 at 9:44 am
Photos courtesy of Kelly Dudley
GAINES — State Sen. Rob Ortt, center, and Assemblyman Steve Hawley, right, present a proclamation from the State Legislature on Wednesday evening to Mark Tillman in honor of the Tillman family’s long-time operation of Tillman’s Village Inn.
The family closed the popular restaurant on Dec. 30 after 70 years of service.
The restaurant earned numerous awards over the years, including from the USA Beef Council for menu excellence. The Village Inn was well known for its prime rib, steak and lobster. It also was a premier wedding destination in Orleans County through the ownership of brothers Mark and Tom Tillman, according to the proclamation..
The Village Inn also hosted numerous community events over the years, including the Orleans County Chamber of Commerce awards event and Legislative Luncheon.
“Mark, Tom and the whole Tillman family have shown the true meaning of investing into a community,” the proclamation states. “Their departure from the Village Inn will truly be felt by the Western New York hospitality community and most important the entirety of Orleans County.”
Mark Tillman and his wife Susan hold the proclamation from the State Legislature.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 February 2022 at 8:17 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
HOLLEY – The Holley junior varsity basketball team warms up on Wednesday before a game at home against Kendall. The Holley players are wearing green T-shirts in honor of Ella Richards-Dyson, a high school junior who was recently diagnosed with lymphoma.
The varsity team also wore the green shirts before their game. There were several fundraisers for Ella during the two games.
“We come together as a small town,” said Sal DeLuca, one of the JV team coaches.
Students and community members were encouraged to leave a message of support for Ella, who is described as an outgoing, hard-working and athletic student.
Olivia Wolf, a ninth-grader, puts up streamers at the entrance of the gym to show support for Ella. The green T-shirts were available for sale.
There were about 70 gift baskets available to bid on, as well as a 50/50 raffle.
Hawkins Daly, a seventh-grader, signs his name after buying 50/50 tickets. Missie Ketchum, right, and her daughter Melia Prince sold the tickets.
Sheri Girvin, a teacher at Holley, welcomes the crowd to the game and encourages them to check out the fundraisers for Ella.
Mark Thomas and Renee Wolf, Holley teachers, coordinated the event on Wednesday with lots of help from students Ava and Ellie Quincy, Rachel Kinsey, Hope Falls, Lydia and Lily Sprague, Lena Golisano and Alyssa Wright.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 February 2022 at 7:21 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
HOLLEY – A performer with Billy Martin’s All Star Circus entertains the crowd on Wednesday during the first of two shows at the Holley Elementary School Intermediate Gym.
The circus was back after most of its schedule was wiped out the past 23 months due to Covid-19 concerns and restrictions.
Billy Martin has led the circus the past 45 years. Since the group returned to performing iits New York and Pennsylvania tour on Feb. 1, they have been greeted with big crowds.
“It’s very emotional,” Martin said during intermission of the first show. “I thought people might have forgotten about us.”
The circus was able to survive the past two years working out of an amusement park in Iowa for 21 weeks in both 2020 and 2021.
Martin said the group is happy to be back performing in small towns. The tour started Feb. 1 in Lyons.
They perform today in Leroy, then Friday in Medina at the Wise Middle School Gym for shows at 5:15 and 7:15 p.m. On Tuesday the circus will be at Albion with shows at 5 and 7 p.m.
Kids get in for free and tickets for adults are $10 in advance or $15 at the door.
Some of the proceeds from Holley’s performances went to the National Honor Society.
Slinko, a crowd favorite, is back in the ring for Billy Martin’s Cole All Star Circus.
Maggie Edmonds, 4, of Holley gets her face painted during intermission.
The circus is doing two shows at schools in New York to help reduce the crowd capacity. Holley had a full house for the first show on Wednesday.
Angela is back performing her aerial acrobatics.
The souvenirs were popular at Holley.
A juggler tests her skills in front of a capacity crowd in the gym.
Editor’s Note: For the Friday shows in Medina there aren’t presale tickets available for adults. Tickets are only sold at the door. Kids are free with a paying adult. Adult tickets are $15 unless you have a $5 off coupon. Coupons are available at the following locations: Orleans County YMCA, Lee-Whedon Library, Orleans Community Health/Medina Memorial Hospital, Oak Orchard Main Office, Lyndonville Main Office, Champs Mini-Mart on 104, Rudy’s, Mark’s Pizzeria, Cusimano’s, Avanti’s, Marathon gas station in Medina on 31, Kwik Fill in Medina, Chop Shop Pizza in Gasport, Crosby’s gas station in Middleport on 31, and Middleport Family Health in Middleport.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 February 2022 at 8:14 pm
Orleans reports 2 more Covid-related deaths, Genesee 4 more
The number of new Covid cases in Genesee and Orleans counties continues to fall. The two counties are reporting 355 new cases in the past week, with 198 in Genesee and 157 in Orleans.
Genesee also is reporting 4 more Covid-related deaths and Orleans has 2 more. Genesee has now had 181 residents pass away due to Covid and Orleans 109 during the nearly two years of the pandemic, according to the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments.
The 355 new cases from Feb. 2 to Feb. 8 are down from 616 new cases the previous 7 days.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 February 2022 at 3:11 pm
ALBION – Orleans County Court Judge Sanford Church today sentenced an Albion man to two years in state prison, plus two years of post-release supervision for selling cocaine.
Henry Rodgers, 56, was charged in February 2020 after allegedly making one sale of cocaine in Albion.
He pleaded guilty to criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fifth degree. He was sentenced as a second-felony offender with a previous felony of driving while intoxicated.
Also in County Court today, a Middleton town man pleaded guilty to attempted promoting of prison contraband.
Jamarr Gooden, 33, was charged on Nov. 13, 2021 after bringing Oxycontin and Suboxone into the Orleans Correctional Facility with intent of passing them to an inmate.
He will be sentenced on May 11 and faces a maximum sentence of 1 ½ to 3 years in prison.
Provided photo: Assemblyman Steve Hawley’s Chief of Staff Eileen Banker drops off pizza today to Sheriff Christopher Bourke at the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office.
Press Release, Assemblyman Steve Hawley
ALBION – Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) today used National Pizza Day as an opportunity to show his appreciation for the work local police departments within his district have done to protect their communities by sending pizzas from local shops to numerous departments.
“Our officers put their lives on the line daily to protect us and our neighbors, and it must be said their work has only grown more challenging in the last several years,” said Hawley. “When I learned that National Pizza Day was coming up, I knew that it was a chance to give back, so it was my honor to provide some nourishment to our hard-working officers. While it is unfortunate I was not able to deliver the pizzas to the departments myself, having legislative session to attend to today, I hope our law enforcement professionals are able to find some time to enjoy a slice.”
Hawley sent pizzas to the following departments today:
