1962 grad was first from Lyndonville to attend U.S. Air Force Academy

Photos by Tom Rivers

LYNDONVILLE – The family of the late Rick Parsons, a colonel in the U.S. Air Force, holds a banner with his portrait.

From left include Parsons’ daughter Penn Grow, son Rustin Parsons, wife Nancy (Custer) Parsons, and Maj. James Plummer, retired from the U.S. Air Force. Parsons’ wife served as honorary grand marshal of the parade. She is a Lyndonville grad and she and her husband were high school sweethearts.

Parsons was the first Lyndonville grad to attend the U.S. Air Force Academy. He graduated in 1966 and then served in the military for a 26-year career, including two tours in Vietnam, and a pivotal role as commander of the 33rd Tactical Fighter Wing (Provisional) during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. He logged over 5,000 flight hours in his career in the T-38, F-4, F-15 and F-16.

While the flag was raised the national anthem was sung by Kayleen Sanchez and Joanna Folman. The 914th Air Refueling Wing of the U.S.A.F.  from Niagara Falls had four soldiers serving as honor guard during the parade with one raising the flag in Parsons’ honor.

Under his leadership, the 33rd TFW(P) achieved remarkable success, said Steve Goodrich, commander of the Houseman-Tanner Post of the American Legion in Lyndonville. Parsons led a unit that recorded 16 combat kills, the most of any allied unit. That earned Parsons the distinction of being the only wing commander to achieve an aerial victory during Desert Storm.

“Beyond his military achievements, Rick was a devoted husband, father and grandfather,” Goodrich said.

Parsons passed away at age 77 on May 25, 2021 in Colorado Springs, Colo.

Steve Goodrich, commander of the Houseman-Tanner Post of the American Legion in Lyndonville, is at left while Lynne Johnson, chairman of the Orleans County Legislature, reads a proclamation in honor of Parsons’ distinguished career. The offices of Assemblyman Steve Hawley and State Sen. Rob Ortt also presented citations in honor of Parsons being picked as honorary grand marshal.

Just before the hour-long parade a military flyover passed over Lyndonville. The plane came from the 911th United States Air Force Reserve from Pittsburgh, Pa. The flyover was at about noon. Mackenzie Poynter sent in this photo of the plane passing over Route 63, just south of the village.

Photo by Ginny Kropf: Cassandra Harden of Medina reads a train story to young children in a new event every Saturday at Medina Railroad Museum.

MEDINA – Medina Railroad Museum is starting off the summer with a new event coordinator and a series of new events.

Renee Hemby, who joined the Museum earlier this spring, has developed several ideas to bring more people to the world-class train museum.

First is Reading at the Rails, an opportunity for young children up to the age of 8 to come and learn about trains from picture story books, read by Cassandra Harden of Medina. Any age, however, is welcome to come, Hemby said. Sessions start at 10:30 a.m. on Saturdays and are free. Youth who attend three sessions will receive a souvenir badge. Anyone who joins the museum will also receive a souvenir badge.

The next feature, a historic speaker series, was suggested by museum volunteer and history buff Erica Wanecski. She will be the first speaker on July 9, talking about steel plants and how they related to the railroad.

On July 16, Medina native and news writer Ginny Kropf will share the history of the railroad museum and its founding by the late Martin Phelps.

On Aug. 6, the Cobblestone Society will discuss “Written in Stone.”

Speaker for Aug. 20 will be Craig Lacy, former owner of a sandstone building on North Main, which houses a jail in the basement, where the late Grover Cleveland was held when arrested during a visit to Medina. Lacy, who is also past president of the Medina Historical Society,  will also discuss other facts of historic interest in Medina.

On Sept. 3 the discussion will focus on Bill Lattin’s book, “Architecture Destroyed.”

On Sept. 17, Ryan Duffy from the Holland Land Office in Batavia will talk about the life of Dean Richmond.

Sessions will start at 6 p.m. each week and light refreshments will be provided. There is no charge, but donations to the museum are always appreciated.

“We are trying to bring more people to the museum,” Hemby said.

She remembers going to the late Beverly Mitchell’s house in Albion and listening to all her stories about the past.

“Hearing about history is cool,” Hemby said.

Lions Club sets goal for its biggest show ever in 2026 for USA’s 250^th anniversary

Photos by Tom Rivers

LYNDONVILLE – The Lyndonville Lions Club capped its 51^st annual Independence Day celebration with another spectacular fireworks show on July 4^th.

The Lions Club works with Young Explosives to put on one of the biggest fireworks shows in Western New York.

The Lions last year had its biggest show ever for the 50^th anniversary of the club doing the July 4^th celebration.

Club President Eric Johnson and fireworks chairman Harold Suhr want to make next year’s show even bigger. They have set a $52,000 fundraising goal which would top the $50,000 from 2024.

The band Bleeding Hearts performed from a  stage near the Lyndonville ball fields right up to the start of the fireworks show. Bleeding Hearts has been performing in Western New York since 1989.

The band plays a unique blend of Classic Rock from the ’60s and ’70s, retro hits of the  ’80s, alternative hits from the ’90s and current hits of today. The band closed with a tribute to Lyndonville by performing John Mellencamp’s “Small Town.”

The Bleeding Hearts include David Lloyd on lead vocals, drums and guitar; Bob Kupczyk on bass, vocals and keyboards; and Tim Unger on lead guitar and vocals.

Daniel Nottingham of Brockport swirls a sparkler while passing time before the fireworks show.

Wynter Dominguez, 2, of Brockport had glow-in-dark bracelets on and tried spinning a sparkler.

The fireworks proved to be a crowd pleaser for the big group gathered on the Lyndonville ballfields.

Photos by Tom Rivers

LYNDONVILLE – This group represents Head Start and Early Head Start in today’s Lyndonville Fourth of July Parade.

Snowstorm Solutions follows them with a tribute to Sept. 11, 2001 victims – “Gone but not forgotten” is painted on the snow plow with an image of the World Trade Center towers.

About 50 different groups were in today’s parade. The 51^st annual Independence Day festival put on the Lions Club concludes with a big fireworks starting around 10 p.m.

Orly the Ox, Orleans County’s bicentennial mascot, was decked out in red, white and blue for the parade. Orly is driven by Susan Starkweather Miller, a member of the Orleans County Bicentennial Committee.

Just before the hour-long parade a military flyover passed over Lyndonville. The plane came from the 911th United States Air Force Reserve from Pittsburgh, Pa. The flyover was at about 11:55 a.m.

A big crowd filled Main Street as the procession of fire trucks and floats made their way along the route.

Bob Eberle once again dressed as Uncle Sam. He waved to the crowd along Main Street.

Mark Watts has lots of people on board while he drives a former Medina fire truck from 1933.

The Christ family in Murray was in the parade promoting the Murray Tractor Pull July 19 on Groth Road.

Lyndonville native Matt Tabor was back in the parade as the character Deadpool.

Gallagher Hill Trucking brought some tractor trailers for the parade.

The Niagara Falls Air Force Honor Guard marches in the parade.

Many in the crowd removed their hats to show respect to the soldiers in the Honor Guard.

The Lyndonville marching band from the school had a strong contingent of students in the parade.

Veterans ride in a trolley provided by the Houseman-Tanner Post of the American Legion.

The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office led the parade with the family of the late Colonel Rick N. Parsons of Lyndonville not far behind. Parsons’s wife Nancy served as honorary grand marshal.

Colonel Parsons graduated from the Lyndonville Central High School in 1962 and was the first Lyndonville High School graduate to attend the United States Air Force Academy graduating in 1966. He spent 26 years in service to his country before his retirement from the Air Force in 1994.

Scott Schmidt served as the parade emcee. He is joined on the parade platform by his father, Bruce Schmidt, a member of the Lyndonville Lions Club.

The Alexander Fire Department Band has been a perennial parade performer in Lyndonville for many years.

Kids from the Oak Orchard Assembly of God unleashed many bubbles in the parade. They were promoting Kids Crusade from July 20 to 23, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. for children ages 4 to 11.

The Keystone Club Police Pipes & Drums in Gates is another parade mainstay in Lyndonville.

Joshua Vacanti, a star from The Voice, sang from a float to promote the upcoming Salt & Light Festival from July 25-27 at Solid Rock Assembly of God, 8590 Rochester Rd., Gasport.

Ontario Shores Realty generously sprayed water soakers at the crowd. The temperatures weren’t too bad at around 80. Some recent Independence Day holidays have been well above 90 in Lyndonville.

Provided photo: Medina firefighters Adam Fisher, left, and Paul Urquhart are pictured by a Medina ambulance. The two delivered twins early this morning while in an ambulance was headed to the United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia.

MEDINA – Two Medina firefighters – Adam Fisher and Paul Urquhart – delivered twins very early this morning while the ambulance was headed to United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia.

The two delivered a baby boy delivered at 2:49 a.m. while the Medina ambulance was in Orleans County, followed by a baby girl born at 2:56 a.m. in Genesee County.

The girl was born breech. Both babies and their mother are doing well, the Medina Fire Department stated this morning.

Medina firefighters are also trained to respond to ambulance calls. Fisher is a paramedic. These were his third and fourth field deliveries, while Urquhart, an EMT, made his first and second deliveries in the field.

The ambulance was dispatched at 2:08 a.m. for a call in the village. They then headed to the Batavia hospital with the mother in labor.

“Thanks to our partners at Orleans County Sheriff’s Dispatch and United Memorial Hospital for making this morning go super smooth!” the fire department posted on its social media today. “What a way to start of Independence Day!”

‘I’ve never seen so many people in the park in my whole life.’

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Bullard Park was hopping on Thursday for a July 3^rd celebration. The Who Dats are shown near the beginning of their concert. They were the final band out of three during the day.

People spread out in their lawn chairs to take in the music.

The Who Dats had many in the crowd dancing. The band includes, from left: John Borello, Todd Graham, lead singer Lonnie Froman,  Ed Hilfiker and Alex DeSmit on the drums.

These kids watch the finale of the fireworks from the top of a playground on Thursday night.

Bullard offered expanded activities throughout the day with the event capped by fireworks for the first time in a decade.

Several thousand people were at the park. Organizers aren’t sure of estimate.

Ron Albertson helped push through the upgrades to Bullard, an effort that started about a dozen years ago.

It paid off with a spray park for kids, an amphitheater, new playground equipment, a new pavilion with bathrooms, and other more recent improvements, including basketball courts, a walking trail, a disc golf course and soon, a pickle ball court.

“We have an absolute gem in our town,” Albertson said this morning about Bullard. “We wanted to bring recognition to our park.”

Albertson helps organize the upcoming Albion Summer Music Festival/Rock the Park which includes two days of bands on Aug. 1-2. This will be the 10^th year for Rock the Park, which started to raise money for the Bullard upgrades.

Seeing all the people at Bullard on Thursday felt like the realization of the Bullard dream for Albertson and others who worked on Bullard’s transformation.

“I’ve never seen so many people in the park in my whole life,” Albertson said. “I thought it was fantastic.”

Volunteers with the G-ACRE (Greater Albion Community Recreation and Events, Inc.) served 500 chicken barbecue dinners. In front are Denise London and John Kurtz at the pavilion by the spray park.

Albertson praised John Grillo, the Albion recreation director, for leading the effort to have a big Independence Day celebration in Albion, a day early on July 3. Grillo also rallied the community to donate $10,000 for the fireworks show.

“I just knew it would draw a lot of people,” Grillo said about the fireworks and day’s events. “I’m very proud of this community.”

Grillo also praised the efforts of the Albion Police Department, Department of Public Works and firefighters for make the day go smoothly.

Madaline Bloom, 9, rides a pony brought to the park by KTJ Saddle Up Pony Rides.

Jim Navarra gave people wagon rides through the park.

Emma Hollenbeck, 8, gets her face painted by Mary Jo Whitman.

These kids played an intense game of Gaga Ball. There were also several bounce houses available.

104 Country performed for nearly two hours. There were about 50 food and craft vendors at the park.

104 Country includes Mike Hartman on vocals and guitar; Norm Bock on vocals and guitar, mandolin and banjo; Luca Quagliano on percussion; and Cindy Lynn on bass and vocals.

Two Congressional members have strongly differing views on the mega-bill that gained final passage in the House of Representatives in a 218-214 vote.

All Democrats opposed it, with two Republicans also casting votes against the legislation.

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24), a Republican, issued this statement on Thursday:

“Today, House Republicans kept our promise to the American people by passing the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. This historic legislation restores and builds on the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which I voted for in 2017, by locking in the Trump Tax Cuts. The bill provides a significant tax cut to lower-income seniors who are collecting the Social Security they have earned through a lifetime of hard work, while also eliminating taxes on tips and overtime. This bill not only lowers taxes for working families but also provides tax incentives for small businesses and family farms. It prevents the largest tax hike in American history, delivers an average $1,300 tax cut, and paves the way for a nearly $14,700 increase in take-home pay for New York families.”

“This legislation protects our farmers and small businesses by preserving the small business pass-through deduction and 100% immediate capital expensing, which are tools that will empower investment and drive economic growth across NY-24. This bill will secure our borders by funding ICE and CBP, finishing the wall, and ending taxpayer-funded benefits like Medicaid for illegal immigrants. This bill will also unleash American energy and end our reliance on foreign sources of energy while lowering costs for consumers and businesses.

“The One Big Beautiful Bill also includes many stand-alone bills that I championed, including H.R. 1103, the New Markets Tax Credit Extension Act, and H.R. 1752, the Technology for Energy Security Act. The New Markets Tax Credit fosters private investments into economically distressed communities, particularly in rural areas, and has led to billions of dollars in investments into rural communities like NY-24. The Technology for Energy Security Act extends the credit for fuel cells and linear generators, helping to solidify America’s role as the leading manufacturer of these emerging technologies.

“The One Big Beautiful Bill restores economic freedom, strengthens our national security, and puts hardworking Americans first. This is a major victory for the American people and a significant step in restoring prosperity, security, and strength for all Americans across our great nation.”

Congressman Joe Morelle (NY-25), a Democrat from Rochester, released the following statement:

“House Republicans have forced through the most damaging and heartless piece of legislation in generations—a betrayal of the people we are elected to serve.

“This bill will strip health insurance from 17 million Americans and slash food assistance for nearly 3 million Americans, including 900,000 seniors. It includes the largest cut to Medicaid in U.S. history, defunds Planned Parenthood, and raises health insurance premiums for some New Yorkers by nearly $2,000. Meanwhile, it adds $3.3 trillion to the national deficit—all to fund tax breaks for Donald Trump’s billionaire friends.

“It’s not budgeting—it’s cruelty. These aren’t just numbers—they’re neighbors, families, and frontline workers trying to get ahead. This bill was never about helping working families; it was about rewarding the wealthy and well-connected at their expense.

“Like so many of you, I’m angry, frustrated, and deeply disappointed—but I am not done fighting. We are going to keep standing up for the American people.

“This fight isn’t over. Not by a long shot.”

Gov. Kathy Hochul issued this statement: “Today’s vote makes it official: all seven New York Republicans in Congress voted to rip health care away from 1.5 million New Yorkers and jeopardize SNAP benefits for nearly 3 million more. They had two chances to stand up to Donald Trump and fight for the people they serve. They failed both times, gambling with their constituents’ lives to pay for billionaire tax breaks.

“To the 48,000 New Yorkers set to lose their coverage in Rep. LaLota’s district, the 48,000 in Rep. Garbarino’s, the 52,000 in Rep. Malliotakis’, the 31,000 in Rep. Lawler’s, the 44,000 in Rep. Stefanik’s, the 35,000 in Rep. Langworthy’s, and the 31,000 in Rep. Tenney’s: your members of Congress may have given up on you, but I never will.

“As Governor, your family’s health and well-being is my top priority. And I will keep fighting every single day to shield you from the cruelty and chaos coming out of Washington.”

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Fireworks were back in Albion at Bullard Park for the first time tonight after a decade absence.

Young Explosives sent the fireworks into the sky over the park after a day of fun featuring three bands, about 50 vendors, and other food and entertainment.

John Grillo, Albion’s recreation director, started the fundraising push for the fireworks last October. He was able to secure $10,000 in donations from the community to bring back the fireworks.

These kids watch the fireworks from up high in the playground at Bullard.

People watched from all over the park, with some on lawn chairs, others on blankets and many others from their cars.

Jason Watts named ‘Water Operations Specialist of the Year’

Provided photo: Jason Watts, right, receives the “Water Specialist of the Year” from Kevin Miller, a state technical assistance provider with the New York Rural Water Association. Watts was recognized during the organization’s annual workshop last month at Verona.

MEDINA – The superintendent of the Village of Medina Department of Public Works has been recognized by the New York Rural Water Association as the “Water Specialist of the Year.”

Jason Watts, the Medina DPW superintendent the past four years, was presented the honor during Rural Water’s annual workshop last month in Verona.

Watts was praised for finding and fixing several big leaks in the village’s water system. That has cut the water loss rate from about 30 percent to about half of that, saving the village significant money in unaccounted for water.

Watts said the DPW’s team of 10 other employees are all dedicated to their jobs, and have been successful hunting down many leaks.

“It’s all my guys that do all of the work,” Watts told the Village Board recently. “I wouldn’t be where I am without them.”

The award from Rural Water goes to someone showing  “outstanding dedication to his profession and duty.”

Watts said the Rural Water Association has been a great resource for Medina, helping to pinpoint some of the leaks.

KENDALL – Karter May, a  high school student at Kendall, is urging community members to donate blood on July 8 at the Kendall Town hall.

Karter said there is currently a critical need for blood and a donation can make a life-saving difference for some of the recipients.

Karter has donated blood before during a drive organized by the school. He wanted to assist the American Red Cross during a summer drive when school is out.

The drive on July 8 will be from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Town Hall is at 1873 Kendall Rd.

Donors will be given a pair of sunglasses. If there are 25 units of blood donated, the donors will have a chance of winning two free passes to Darien Lake.

For more information on the blood drive, click here.

Small business, private non-profits can apply by July 28 for federal disaster loans

Press Release, Small Business Administration

Orleans County has been included in a disaster declaration from a high wind and hail storm on Aug. 11, 2024. The declaration also includes Cayuga, Genesee, Monroe, Niagara, Ontario, Seneca and Wayne counties.

The Small Business Administration said small businesses and private non-profit organizations in New York have until July 28 deadline to apply for low-interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by the high winds and hail.

Under this declaration, the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries and private non-profits with financial losses directly related to the disaster.

The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for small aquaculture enterprises.

The loans are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the small business or non-profit did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills not paid due to the disaster.

“Through a declaration by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, SBA provides critical financial assistance to help communities recover,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “We’re pleased to offer loans to small businesses and private nonprofits impacted by these disasters.”

The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.25% for PNPs, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement.

The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

To apply online visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

Press Release, Orleans County Sheriff Chris Bourke

ALBION – The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office is actively investigating a series of burglaries that occurred overnight between June 30 and July 1, in the area of Lakeshore Road in the Town of Yates.

Multiple residents reported stolen property, including a 2016 Polaris Ranger (side-by-side utility vehicle), a golf cart and various tools. Deputies and investigators responded to the area and have begun processing the scenes and collecting evidence.

Residents in the surrounding areas are encouraged to review their home security or trail camera footage from the overnight hours for any suspicious activity that may assist in the investigation.

Anyone with information or surveillance video related to these thefts is urged to contact the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office at (585) 589-5527, submit a tip via the confidential tip line at (585) 283-4960, or email sherifftips@orleanscountyny.gov.

Updates will be provided as new information becomes available. SXS had door attached at the time of the theft.