MEDINA – The Medina Village Board is seeking to expand the boundaries of the school zone where the speed limit is capped at 15 miles per hour.

The board will have a public hearing at 6:05 p.m. on July 28 about the expanded zone. Medina Police Chief Todd Draper suggested the change, and Medina school officials also support it, said Medina Mayor Marguerite Sherman.

The school zone is designated from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Mondays through Fridays. The state Department of Transportation allows a school zone to extend a maximum of 1,320 feet along a highway passing a school building entrance or exit of a school abutting on the highway.

The proposed expanded zone includes:

• Gwinn Street, extending 1,320 feet north from the northern intermediate school entrance
• Gwinn Street, extending 650 feet south of the southern intermediate school entrance
• West Oak Orchard Street, extending 500 feet west of Oak Orchard School western loop entrance
• West Oak Orchard Street, extending 1,320 feet east of Oak Orchard School eastern loop entrance

The school zone restrictions do not apply to ambulances, fire vehicles or police vehicles when on emergency trips.

Morelle faults GOP for ‘rubber-stamping reckless and cruel spending cuts’; Tenney backs ending ‘wasteful and woke spending’

Republicans in Senate and House of Representatives have both voted to end $1.1 billion federal funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and about $8 billion in foreign aid for global health and refugee assistance.

The Senate passed cutting the $9 billion in funding which had already been approved by Congress in a 51-48 vote, with the House then approving it 216-213.

U.S. Rep. Claudia Tenney, NY-24, was among the Republicans who backed the funding cuts. In an earlier vote to advance the measure, she said the cuts were “a bold step toward restoring fiscal sanity in Washington.” She called NPR and PBS “left-wing propaganda outlets.” She said she supports ending “wasteful and woke spending.”

Elise Stefanik, a Republican from northern New York, cheered the passage of the cuts in Congress.

“This week, I voted to save the American taxpayer $9 billion of unobligated bloated spending via a rescissions package including defunding NPR, a promise I vowed to deliver to #NY21. Promises made, promises kept,” she said in an email to constituents today.

“The bill will now go to President Trump’s desk, fulfilling his mandate to rein in reckless spending and cut waste, fraud, and abuse.”

Congressman Joe Morelle, a Demcrat from Rochester, decried the cuts for public programs, such as PBS, NPR and rural radio. The legislation poses direct threats to local institutions, including Rochester’s WXXI News as well as endangers free educational TV, accessible emergency alerts, and local sports coverage, he said.

“Once again, House Republicans are rubber-stamping reckless and cruel spending cuts that will have a direct impact on communities like ours,” Morelle said. “Ripping away free educational resources like Sesame Street does nothing to improve the lives of our children and does not move us any closer to solving the real challenges our families face. My Republican colleagues need to stop bending the knee to Donald Trump and start standing up and standing with Democrats to protect the programs, resources, and fundamental rights Americans rely on.”

Many new events, including $1,000 pie-baking competition

File photos by Tom Rivers: Kerri Richardson, left, and her sister Caton Conde were among the moms trying to decipher which kid was theirs while the mothers were blindfolded and kids called out, “Mom!” at last year’s fair. The “Mom Calling Contest” returns next week.

Press Release, Orleans County 4-H Fair

KNOWLESVILLE – The 2025 Orleans County 4-H Fair is set for July 21st–26th, and this year brings more fun, and more prizes, than ever before. With over $16,000 in awards and giveaways, the fair features a wide variety of contests, activities, and entertainment for all ages.

One of this year’s biggest surprises? The brand-new $1,000 Apple Pie Baking Contest, sponsored by Valent with support from local apple growers.

“Everything happened so fast,” said Kayla Dengler, the fair contest coordinator. “Valent came forward to coordinate donations, and within 36 hours, the contest was fully funded- and all 20 spots, 10 youth and 10 adult, were claimed.”

A waitlist quickly followed due to overwhelming interest. Contestants will bake their pies at home and bring them in for judging on Thursday, July 24 at 5 p.m. The top baker in each division will walk away with a sweet $200 prize.

This year’s lineup includes several new contests, many free to enter and open to the public:

• Feuding Farmers – Life-sized Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em robots with a pitchfork twist!
• Pickle Eating Contest – Fast, fun, and full of crunch
• Cosplay Contest – Come dressed as your favorite character
• Orleans Trail – A live-action Oregon Trail challenge where teams of four compete to ford rivers, hunt to survive, and settle the West (if they don’t catch dysentery first)
• Basketball Free-throw Contest – Free to enter!

Qasim Huzair of Lyndonville sings “Sweet Child O’ Mine” by Guns N’ Roses to win the $500 first place prize in the karaoke competition at last year’s Orleans County 4-H Fair.

And some fan favorites are making a return, including:

• $1,000 Karaoke Contest
• Dairy Decathlon- Ice cream? Yes. Cheese? Yes. Milk? Of course!
• 2nd Annual Disc Golf Contest
• Mom Calling Contest – Can your mom tell it’s you from across the barnyard?
• Hay Bale Rolling- Teams of 2 race the clock to push a massive round haybale through a course
• Kids Pedal Tractor Pull- Free for kids under 85 lbs

In addition to the contests, the fair is also a celebration of the dedication and hard work of local 4-H youth, who will be proudly showcasing their animals, projects, and exhibits throughout the week competing for prizes and awards.

Whether you’re here for the food, the animals, or just the chaos of shouting “You have dysentery!” in front of a crowd, the 2025 Orleans County 4-H Fair (July 21–26) has something for everyone.

Questions about entering? Call 585-798-4265 or message us on Facebook!

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Mary Lonnen of Lyndonville, left, stops during her tour of the garden to take a picture of garden owner Jeanette Riley, seated at left, and her sister Joyce.

ALBION – An annual garden tour to benefit the Cobblestone Society has become a highlight of the summer season for many in Orleans County.

This year’s event took place Thursday afternoon and evening in the opulent gardens of Jeanette Riley and her family on Riley Place, off Moore Street in Albion near the bank of the Erie Canal.

Terry Wilbert of Albion meanders along a path in Jeanette Riley’s garden. His wife Kae, a bassoonist, was preparing for the performance of the quintet E-Yah-Pah-Hah.

Shirley Bright-Neeper of Medina and Joyce Chizick of Lyndonville, both members of the Cobblestone Society, led the annual event. Bright-Neeper praised the volunteers who helped, and the band, which she said was “absolutely wonderful.”

Showers were forecast, but held off for the event, which attracted more than 100 guests, exceeding expectations.

“This is our fifth year for the garden tour and it is a record one,” said Doug Farley, Cobblestone Museum director, who was all smiles as he directed traffic by the Riley’s driveway.

Joyce Potote of Holley chatted with Yuko and Chris Wilkins from Tokyo, who are on furlough in Albion as missionaries with the Free Methodist denomiantion. They marveled at Riley’s gardens, Potote saying she had visited them before with her garden club.

Mary Lonnen of Lyndonville and Sandy Fenton of Medina strolled the winding paths, admiring plants and statuary and stopping to take pictures along the way.

“As a fellow gardener, I just love it here,” Lonnen said. “Jeanette has so many original ideas. We all appreciate what she’s done here.”

“It’s wonderful they are sharing their wealth and imagination with us,” Fenton said.

There was plenty of comfortable seating throughout the garden, with many niches, alcoves and secluded arbors in which to relax. A small barn was converted into a kitchen area where elaborate snacks were supplied for guests, most all made by Chizick. Near the orchestra, Georgia Thomas served up sweet treats and iced tea. Another shaded area provided space for Mark Bower and Chris Sartwell to serve a selection of wine to guests.

As parking near the garden was limited, organizers arranged for a shuttle which transported guests back and forth from the former St. Mary’s Church a short distance away on Brown Street.

Riley, who was seated on a garden bench with her sister Joyce, greeted guests and answered questions, while sometimes posing for a picture. She said she was thrilled to be able to share what she has accomplished there with so many people.

From left, Chris Capurso, Brenda Radzinski and Gail Johnson, all board members of the Cobblestone Society, greet guests as they arrive at Jeanette Riley’s garden on the banks of the Erie Canal in Albion for the annual soiree Thursday afternoon and evening.

(Left) Georgia Thomas of Medina offers a petite pineapple square at the dessert table set up near the area where the quintent E-Yah-Pah-Hah entertained guests. (Right) Joyce Chizick arranges a tray of hors d’oeuvres she prepared for the Cobblestone’s garden tour on Thursday.

Guests stroll at their leisure through the extensive gardens of Jeanette Riley on the bank of the Erie Canal on Moore Street in Albion.

Yuko and Chris Wilkins, left, from Tokyo and Joyce Potote of Holley rest in one of seating areas throughout Jeanette Riley’s garden. The Wilkins are staying in Albion while on furlough as missionaries with the Free Methodist denomination until September.

Sandy Fenton of Medina, left, and Mary Lonnen of Lyndonville pose by a grouping of metal blooms in Jeanette Riley’s garden during the Cobblestone Society’s annual mid-summer celebration.

Guests enjoy elegant finger foods made by Joyce Chizick of Lyndonville.

Mark Bower and Chris Sartwell poured wine under a garden umbrella for guests, including Dick Remley at right.

ALBION – Entrepreneurs are encouraged to apply for the next class offering 10 weeks of instruction for small business owners or people looking to start a new business in Orleans County.

The Orleans Economic Development Agency will be running the fall Microenterprise Assistance Program from Sept. 3 through Oct. 30 starting at 6 p.m. on Thursdays at the Cornell Cooperative Extension on Route 31 in Knowlesville.

Since MAP was started in 2002, 569 people have graduated. More than 200 have started a business in the county.

The 10-week program covers topics such as legal requirements for starting a business, forms of ownership, business plan development, taxation for sole proprietors, marketing and advertising strategies, bookkeeping and record keeping, banking essentials, pricing goods and services, and cost analysis.

Prospective entrepreneurs aged 18 and older, who maintain a permanent residence or business physically located in Orleans County, are encouraged to apply.

Applications are due by Aug. 22. The course fee is $300. However, financial aid is available for qualifying applicants based on financial need. Interested individuals can complete the application online (click here) in under 10 minutes or contact OEDA with further program questions at (585) 589-7060 ext. 1 or MHolland@orleansdevelopment.org.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Susan Starkweather Miller and Tim Archer are shown at Mount Albion Cemetery by a sign showing progress towards raising $225,000 to repair the chapel’s roof and make the site safe to be used by the public again.

Albion eighth-graders made the sign showing the fundraising progress. More sections of the window need to be filled in because donations are currently at $140,000.

The chapel was built in 1875 and needs significant repairs to the roof and other improvements. The chapel is the focal point for visitors to the cemetery who enter through the main entrance through the sandstone arch.

The chapel remains structurally sound, but it needs a new Vermont slate roof. The roof has leaked causing other problems.

“It’s worthy of saving,” said Starkweather Miller, the village historian. “I believe in our community and there is a lot of love for Mount Albion.”

If the chapel is restored, she said the building could again be used for memorial services, local history talks and other events.

The roof has leaked in the chapel. The fundraising campaign will address the interior problems with the building, as well as putting on a new roof.

The $225,000 would restore the chapel with the following improvements:

• A new roof with Vermont slate matching the original design
• Asbestos abatement on the roof
• Repointing on the entire building
• Interior replastering of the north wall
• Electrical upgrades (wiring, outlets, internal and external lighting
• Heating unit for seasonal use
• Ceiling tile removal and repair of plaster and vaulted ceiling
• Remove old floor, repair subfloor and put in a new floor
• Refurbish exterior doors and window trim

A committee has been working about a year to identify the needs of the chapel and to start raising funds for the restoration. That group includes Starkweather Miller, Archer, David Snell, Toni Stark and Tony Wynn.

The Orleans County Historical Association, led by President Bill Lattin, also is helping with the fundraising. That group is a 501c3 organization and all donations can be tax deductible. Click here for more information about making a donation.

The fundraising received a major donation recently with $100,000 from George B. Harris. His grandfather, George D. Harris, was a prominent contractor in the community. George B. now lives in Washington state but continues to have a love for the Albion community, Starkweather Miller said.

Sue Starkweather Miller during a cemetery tour last August at Mount Albion discusses the life of George D. Harris, a prominent local builder and contractor. His office was on the canal. He died in 1918 at the age of 50.

The painting is by Peter West, who gave it to Harris in exchange for work. The rod and reel in the painting were owned by Harris. Three of Harris’s granddaughters attended the tour, and his grandson listened by speaker phone.

As a contractor Harris built many new homes in Albion and redesigned others, including the former Swan Library, the Trolley Depot next to Swan Library, Jacob Landauer’s home on West State Street, the Baptist Parsonage, remodeled the Citizen’s National Bank, remodeled the Village Hall, built the Arnold Gregory Memorial Hospital and built a high school at the two bridges in Carlton which has since been demolished.

The chapel restoration also has received a $10,000 donation from the DAR, and significant contributions from the Keeler family and Dale Blissett.

There will be a tour of Mount Albion at 6 p.m. on Aug. 3 with a focus on some of the pioneer settlers of the community as part of a celebration of Orleans County’s Bicentennial.

Photos by Tom Rivers

KNOWLESVILLE – Amelia Paratore, 15, of Corfu moves part of a stall for the goat barn on Wednesday evening during a work bee at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds.

Many volunteers and 4-H’ers were at the fairgrounds getting the site ready for next week’s fair which runs from July 21-26. Amelia will be showing goats, poultry and beef cattle at the fair.

The exhibitors for the fair include 204 showing animals, and another 50 are expected to have entries at the Trolley Building.

One of the biggest improvements for the public will be new bathrooms with showers. Jay Silversmith is shown helping spread some stone by the building. Charlie Ricci is doing most of the site work for the project.

Bert Mathes shows the inside of the new building including one of the four new showers. The new bathrooms and showers are handicapped accessible. There will be more space for the users and the bathrooms and showers will be in one building.

There is still some work to get the bathrooms and showers done, with siding, fixtures, sinks and handicapped accessible features all to be added.

“We’ll get it done,” Mathes said. “It’s only Wednesday.”

Camden Price, 12, of Lyndonville checks on a robot that will be on display in the Trolley Building. Camden is part of the Robotics program through the 4-H program. Erik Seielstad, in back, is the mentor for the program that is looking for more members, especially at the high school level.

Photos by Natalie Baron: Several children went all-out in a competition of Gaga Ball today at Bullard Park. Kids hit the ball with their hands, and, if hit with the ball below the knee, had to exit the pit until the next round.

By Natalie Baron, Orleans Hub intern

ALBION – Bullard Park hosted its County Wide Park Fun Day today, with many activities open to all children in the county.

The leaders of the Fun Day were the Genesee-Orleans Ministry of Concern and the Village of Albion Recreation Department. The Ministry of Concern covered the $5 that would have been the entrance fee. Along with this, all children received a free hot dog, juice, and French fries.

John Grillo, the recreation director, said more than 500 kids attended and received wrist bands. The park was bustling despite temperatures near 90 degrees.

Patrick Holman, a magician, performed at the Fun Day. Here, he used letters on cards to ask the audience if they were ready to see some magic. He stacked all the cards, then dropped cards to reveal them to be attached together, spelling out the word “MAGIC.”

Some of the young attendees played tug of war. They used all their might to score a victory.

Maisyn caught a ride on a pony. The pony rides were well-liked by the children.

A little girl smiled as she soaked in the suds pit. The children occupied themselves by making stacks of bubble foam.

Children flocked to Bullard Park’s splash pad to beat the heat. They joyfully played in the water.

Anna and Abigail faced off at checkers. The girls pondered moves, then struck.

Yarieliz survived a round of Jenga. She turned and excitedly gave a thumbs-up.

A child looked down at the pretty water in the duck pool. Children anticipated their turn to cool down.

The bounce houses made a return from last year’s event. They were a hit with the kids.

Other activities included face and rock painting, basketball, disc golf, and the playground. Food and beverages were offered.

Tonight, the band Savage Cabbage will play at the amphitheater, as the Summer Concert Series continues to entertain the community.

‘It will be turning Medina into an even bigger cultural destination than it already is.’

Photos by Tom Rivers: The former NAPAA Auto Parts building on Main Street in Medina will be headquarters for the Medina Triennial art initiative that starts this fall with next year the focus of the program, which is expected to feature 50 artists at about a dozen sites in Medina.

MEDINA – The Medina Triennial, a big art initiative planned for 2026, is expected to bring 50,000 visitors to the community next summer when the project features about 35 artists at 12 different locations in Medina.

Organizers met with the Medina Village Board on Monday, updating the board on plans for the initiative.

The former NAPA Auto Parts building at 345 North Main St. will serve as the base for the Medina Triennial, a festival of contemporary art. That building will host many art events on the first floor and is planning to open for its first event this September.

It is the first of the 12 sites to be announced that will display art for the Triennial. The sites will be both indoors and outdoors in Medina.

The former NAPA site will serve as office and “hub” for the Triennial, Village Board members were told by Kari Conte, co-artistic director for the Triennial. The University at Buffalo Department of Architecture is designing the Triennial office.

Conte is an independent curator and writer based in New York City. She is co-artistic director for the Triennial with Karin Laansoo, founding director of the Estonian Contemporary Art Development Center and artistic director of Kai Art Center in Tallinn, Estonia. Laansoo splits her time between Tallinn and Rochester, New York.

The Triennial was initiated by the New York Power Authority and the New York State Canal Corporation as part of a broader effort to revitalize the canal. The goal is to do the event every three years.

Federico Rosario, left, is the community engagement & programs coordinator for the Medina Triennial. Ekrem Serdar is associate curator for the arts initiative that will feature about 50 artists next year in Medina.

Conte, speaking with the board by speaker phone, said sponsors are welcome to be part of the effort that is expected to draw people to Medina from around the state and country, with some international visitors as well.

“It will be turning Medina into an even bigger cultural destination than it already is,” Conte said.

The Triennial’s steering committee includes leadership from the Buffalo AKG Art Museum, Rochester Institute of Technology, Burchfield Penney Art Center, the Corning Museum of Glass and the University at Buffalo.

“This will be the first site specific project of this kind in the region,” Conte said. “We’re really excited and honored to bring this to Medina.”

Medina offers a “dynamic natural environment and industrial history.” Artists will create pieces that respond to Western New York’s communities and ecosystems.

Some of the artists will be visiting Medina in August and they prepare for their works. The project will feature local, national and international artists.

Two of the staff for the Triennial met in person with the Village Board on Monday. Federico Rosario, a Medina graduate, is the community engagement & programs coordinator for the Medina Triennial. Ekrem Serdar is associate curator for the arts initiative.

Brian Stratton, canal commissioner, issued this statement about the Triennial: “As we commemorate the Erie Canal Bicentennial this year, our team has been deeply engaged in strategizing new ways to invest in more canal-side communities. The Medina Triennial project represents an extraordinary opportunity for cultural enrichment, and we are proud to support the creative vision of the curatorial team in their vision at this transformative moment.”

For more on the Triennial, click here.

Press Release, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation

Photo courtesy of DEC: Benjamin Ferguson, a fisherman from Lowville, holds his record-breaking brook trout.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced a new state record for brook trout.

Benjamin Ferguson, a dedicated brook trout angler from Lowville, Lewis County, caught a 22-inch, six-pound three-ounce “brookie” from the St. Regis Canoe Area in Franklin County on July 5, edging out the 2013 record by three ounces. The record-breaking fish was caught while slow trolling a Lake Clear Wabbler.

“This new state record brook trout is particularly special given our commitment to advancing the conservation of this iconic species,” said DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton. “Benjamin Ferguson’s record-setting catch further highlights this unique resource, which only the Adirondacks can provide.”

Ferguson submitted details of his winning catch as part of DEC’s newly revamped Angler Achievement Awards Program, which tracks state record fish and recognizes anglers that catch any of the 40 eligible fish species that meet or exceed the minimum qualifying lengths established for that species. Anglers with qualifying catches receive official recognition, along with a species-specific sticker commemorating their achievement.

The program’s three categories are: Angler Award; Youth Angler Award; and State Record. As part of the program revamp, anglers are now able to submit entries for qualifying catches from the convenience of a smart phone through an online entry form. For official program rules, eligible species, and associated minimum qualifying lengths, visit the Angler Achievement Awards webpage.

Photos by Tom Rivers: Patrick Whipple speaks during Tuesday’s Lyndonville Board of Education meeting after he was nominated for the board president. Jerod Thurber, the current president, is at left. Thurber wants to step back as president due to increased demands in his career. After the board was deadlocked, 3-3, Thurber needed to stay president for at least another month. The board will meet again on Aug. 19 when all seven members are expected to be present.

LYNDONVILLE – The Board of Education met Tuesday for its annual organizational meeting and didn’t a majority vote for the BOE leadership.

The board was tied, 3-3, in voting for a president and vice president. Without anyone getting at least four votes, the leadership reverts to the current office holders until a majority vote can be reached.

That means Jerod Thurber remains as president and Megan Bruning as vice president.

Board members said there isn’t a rift on the board despite the 3-3 votes on leadership.

Thurber would like to step back as president, citing increased responsibilities in his career. He will be president for at least another month. The board will next meet on Aug. 19 and is expected to have all seven members present. Vern Fonda was unable to attend Tuesday’s meeting.

The board was split with three voting for Patrick Whipple and three for Joanne Suhr as president.

Joanne Suhr also was nominated to be board president. She is sitting between James Houseman and Megan Bruning who both backed her for president. Suhr said the board needs to be more transparent in making decisions.

Suhr is new to the board. Her husband Harold was a board member for about 20 years until his term ended on June 30. He didn’t seek re-election.

Mrs. Suhr is a retired Lyndonville teacher. She is active in the community having served on the Town of Yates Planning Board, the Town of Yates Bicentennial Committee and many committees and organizations within the school district.

She said the board needs to be more transparent and include the full board in its decision-making.

“We need more transparency with important decisions,” she told the board. “They’re not always talked about with all elected officials.”

Suhr said she would gather information and input from all members “for the best outcome for the schools, students and community.”

Suhr was backed for president by James Houseman, Megan Bruning and Suhr (voting for herself).

Dr. Patrick Whipple, who has been on the board for about a year, also garnered three votes for president – from George Avery, Jerod Thurber and Whipple (voting for himself).

Whipple works as the director of professional learning services for the Genesee Valley BOCES.

He said the Lyndonville district needs to balance education and taxpayers in its push to offer the best possible outcomes for students.

The board also was 3-3 with vice president. Megan Bruning was in the role the past year and she will stay for at least another month. She was backed for VP again by Suhr, Houseman and herself.

She said she enjoyed the past year as vice president, including the more in-depth role with the search for a new district superintendent.

George Avery also received three votes for VP – from Thurber, Whipple and himself. Avery said he would strive to build a great team in the district, working with the board to develop teamwork and goals.