YATES – A section of Route 18 will be repaved, one of 68 paving projects around the state, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced today.

The repaving will be on Route 18 from the Niagara County line to oak orchard Creek, covering Yates and part of Carlton. It will cost $81,000, according to the governor’s office.

Other nearby projects include:

• $2 million to resurface Route 5 (Main Street) within the Village of LeRoy and Route 19 (Clay Street) from the south village line to Randall Road in the Town of LeRoy and Village of LeRoy, Genesee County.
• $2 million to resurface Route 19 from Route 31 to Route 104, and Route 31 from Redman Road to the Sweden Corners Plaza entrance east of Route 19 in the Village of Brockport and the Towns of Sweden and Clarkson in Monroe County.

Hochul announced $100 million in funding for repaving projects in 68 locations across the state to help rejuvenate roadways impacted by the harsh winter weather. A total of 642 lane miles of state highways across every region of the state will be repaved under the State Department of Transportation’s “Harsh Winter Paving” program.

“New York’s roads face challenging conditions from extreme weather in all seasons, and this investment will help to rejuvenate some of the state highways most impacted by the harsh winter weather we see each year,” Hochul said.

BARRE – The unveiling of a mural celebrating the Barre community will be at 7 p.m. on Nov. 18. The date was originally reported as Nov. 19 but needed to be moved back a day.

Stacey Kirby Steward created the 4-by-8-foot painting that will be on display at the Barre Town Hall.

The mural includes Barre landmarks and highlights an agricultural theme. Steward is working on the final touches, and she tried to show different parts of Barre, including Route 98, West Barre, East Barre, Pine Hill and some of the crops on the muck.

The Barre Betterment Committee spearheaded the project and received a grant through the Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council. The public is welcome to the unveiling next Wednesday.

Photo by Tom Rivers: Kevin Foster and his son Jack, owners of RJT Construction Services, were the first to walk across a new pedestrian bridge that was set into place on Oct. 15 over the Oak Orchard Creek in Medina.

MEDINA – Village of Medina officials and other local leaders will celebrate a new pedestrian bridge over Oak Orchard Creek with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 1 p.m. on Thursday.

The bridge was set into place on Oct. 15. A crane from Trimble Services LLC in Fulton lifted the 33,000-pound steel bridge over the Oak Orchard. The bridge was manufactured by Bridge Brothers Inc. from Pickens, South Carolina.

The bridge is 100 feet long and 8 feet wide. It was delivered in Medina on a truck in two 50-foot sections and bolted together by RJT Construction Services, the general contractor on a project that also included 2,000 feet of sidewalks along Maple Ridge Road.

The new bridge and sidewalks have been several years in the waiting. The village in 2021 was awarded a $1,094,196 grant to construct the bridge and sidewalks as part of a multi-use path for pedestrians and bicycles. The funding was awarded by the state through a federal Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grant.

That is covering 80 percent of the project. The remaining 20 percent is being paid locally from the village ($55,000), Town of Shelby ($130,000) and Orleans County ($97,500) using their share of funds from a now closed revolving loan fund through the Orleans Economic Development Agency.

MEDINA – The Medina Village Board is considering making West Oak Orchard Street, between Gwinn and Genesee, no parking.

This is a section that includes Veterans Park, where Village Trustee Jeff Wagner said the street is often congested with traffic, making it challenging for emergency vehicles and other motorists.  People often park along the street when there are games and other events at Vets Park.

The board will have a public hearing at 6 p.m. on Dec. 14 to hear feedback on the proposal. The hearing will be at the Shelby Town Hall.

MEDINA – The Village Board on Monday approved buying two new patrol vehicles for the police department, and also announced the board is close to new collective bargaining agreement with the union for the police officers.

The department has been operating about half strength with officers, including its former police chief, leaving for other departments where the pay is significantly higher.

The board said it is committed to rebuilding the department. The officers have been without a contract for about 3 ½ years.

The Medina PD currently has three marked patrol vehicles and an unmarked car.

The board approved spending $66,701 each for Ford Explorers that will be outfitted with light bars, steel cage, and other equipment. The vehicles will be purchased from Bob Johnson Ford in Avon at the state bid price.

Medina will pay for them through a Bind Anticipation Note to be paid over three years. The interest rate is expected to be between 4 and 5 percent.

The new vehicles are expected to arrive in the spring, Police Chief Corey Black said.

The department has two Tahoes  with mileage in the 50,000 to 60,000 range, Black said. Both have had engine trouble but he expects they can last with less wear and tear once the new vehicles join the fleet.

There is a Ford Explorer with about 140,000 miles that Black expects to be sold once the new vehicles arrive. The unmarked car is a Malibu that Black said has a lot of miles. He said that vehicle could stay with the village, but might be better utilized for other departments to go to conferences and trainings.

Black said he would ultimately like to see the Medina PD get on a schedule of replacing a vehicle every four years.

Brett Sobieraski

ALBION – Brett Sobieraski announced today he is running for Orleans County sheriff. Sobieraski, a retired sergeant with the Rochester Police Department, works an investigator for the Orleans County Major Felony Crime Task Force.

He will be challenging Chris Bourke, who wants another four-year term. Bourke has been sheriff the past seven years. He is a 42-year veteran of the Sheriff’s Department, starting as a part-time corrections officer and working his way up as a deputy sheriff, K9 officer, lieutenant, undersheriff and then sheriff.

The two faced each other for sheriff in 2019, with Bourke the victor, 51 to 49 percent in a Republican primary. Sobieraski was then a write-in candidate in November 2019 and received about 20 percent of the vote.

Sobieraski lives in Carlton. He has more than three decades of law enforcement experience.

“I’m running for Orleans County Sheriff because Kathy Hochul and Democrat Socialists in Albany and Washington continue to strip us of our rights and coddle career criminals,” he said in a campaign announcement this morning. “I’m a conservative Republican who will fight every day to protect our communities from dangerous offenders and make our community safer.”

With the Task Force he said he has investigated and arrested dozens of felony-level drug dealers, leading to the seizure of deadly narcotics, illegal weapons and drug proceeds. The Task Force operates within the Orleans County District Attorney’s Office.

Sobieraski began his career with the Lockport Police Department before joining the Rochester Police Department and becoming a sergeant. He supervised the Greater Rochester Area Narcotics Enforcement Team and served as entry team leader with the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team.

He also served as an instructor at the regional police academy, training the next generation of law enforcement professionals in drug identification, officer safety and emergency response.

Sobieraski, 60, is also well known in the region for taking on endurance challenges to raise money and awareness for families of fallen law enforcement officers, and non-profit organizations. In July, he raised over $25,000 for Community Action of Orleans & Genesee by leading an effort to cover 400 miles on foot over eight days.

In 2023, he ran 50 marathons in 50 days, starting in Florida and ending in Rochester. He raised over $100,000 for the family of Rochester police officer Anthony “Maz” Mazurkiewicz. He was killed in the line of duty on July 21, 2022.

When his sons were kids, Soberiaski also volunteered as a local sports coach with the Kendall Wrestling Program and baseball team. He is the founder of Limitless Racing Inc., a nonprofit organization that provides children with disabilities the opportunity to participate in road races.

He also volunteered with the Special Olympics, Huther Doyle addiction services, veterans’ organizations, families of fallen law enforcement officers, and individuals battling serious illnesses.

“Orleans County is my home,” he stated in a news release. “While Albany politicians prioritize criminals and make us less safe, I’ll be the fighter our community needs to aggressively target those bringing dangerous drugs into our community, create safer roads, unify our local police agencies, and bring new leadership into the Sheriff’s Office. We need change. I’m ready to get to work for our families, businesses and schools.”

A Republican primary is scheduled for June 22, 2027, with the general election on Nov. 2.

Photos courtesy of Cobblestone Museum: The cobblestone home of Margaret Ciechanowicz on Route 104 in Ridgeway was recognized with a Historic Preservation Award by the Cobblestone Museum on Oct. 30.

LYNDONVILLE – Five historic structures in Orleans County were recognized Oct. 30 by the Cobblestone Society and Museum with a Historic Preservation Award.

The annual award ceremony, which took place at White Birch Golf Course, was emceed by Cobblestone director Doug Farley.

Recognized for their historic significance were the cobblestone home of Margaret Ciechanowicz at 12387 Ridge Rd., Medina; the office of Albion Agencies at 30 North Main St., Albion; the Maple Crest, 503 Prospect, Medina; the First Presbyterian Church, 29 East State St., Albion; and the chapel at Hillside Cemetery, corner of Route 237 and South Holley Road, Holley.

The cobblestone home of Margaret Ciechanowicz was built in the late 1830s as a Greek Revival, cottage style house. Around the late 1860s, the appearance of the house was altered by raising the roof and creating a two-story, center-entrance building. The home had multiple owners, including John Amos, whose descendants lived in the home for 100 years. The next owner was Sheri Egeli, followed by Ciechanowicz.

Farley said Ciechanowicz’s remarks were especially poignant as she had just entered hospice care and came in a wheelchair, accompanied by two hospice workers and several family members.

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Albion Agencies, Bill & Jackie Bixler, in Albion

Albion Agencies is owned by William Bixler, and is the oldest and largest insurance agency in Orleans County. In continuous operation since 1844, it was originally operated as a fire insurance agency.

Operated by the Haines family from 1919 to 2018, the building is commonly referred to as the Haines Building. Christopher Haines served as president for many years, continuing the family’s stewardship. Constructed of brick, it was built in the early 19th century as a residence.

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First Presbyterian Church in Albion

The Albion First Presbyterian Church was completed and dedicated in 1874, as a result of a bequest of $50,000 (nearly $1 million today) by Elizur Hart, who died in 1870. Built at a cost of nearly $80,000, its 175-foot spire is the tallest structure in Orleans County.

The church has a two-manual Hook and Hastings organ, which cost $3,500 and was celebrated as one of the finest in Western New York. In 1937, the church boasted 450 members.

A fine example of Gothic Revival architecture, the church is constructed of Medina sandstone. It stands as a testament to the ingenuity of the earliest settlers of Orleans County and represents the foundation on which our area was built. It reflects an age of great wealth, prosperity and generosity.

The church has remained a major architectural and spiritual landmark in Albion. It continues active ministry, community engagement and preservation of its historic building. In 2024, the congregation celebrated its bicentennial, marking the 200th anniversary since the church’s founding. Current pastor is the Rev. Sue Thaine, an Albion native who has served since 2018.

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Hillside Cemetery Chapel  in Clarendon

Hillside Cemetery Chapel is an 1894 Gothic Revival chapel, designed by Addison Forbes, originally from Kendall. He also designed the Baptist Church in Morton, the Episcopal Church in Holley and the Methodist Church in Adams Basin.

The chapel is constructed of locally quarried rough faced Medina sandstone in the Gothic Revival style. A prominent feature is the flying buttress which supports an obelisk and serves as a decorative element, as well as a ventilator for the underground vault. The chairs, lectern and cast-iron stove are original to the building. The chapel was recently restored through the cooperative efforts of the town of Clarendon and the Clarendon Historical Society.

The chapel is on the National Register of Historic Places as a contributing structure to the cemetery. It is also in the Medina Sandstone Hall of Fame.

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Maple Crest in Medina

Maple Crest at 503 Prospect St., is owned by Rollin Hellner. It was the family home of Judge Henry Childs, and later became known as The Maple Crest Inn. The Maple Crest was built in 1860 for a Main Street merchant, who was a cousin of Susan B. Anthony.

Current owner, Rollin Hellner, remarked “When I saw the Maple Crest, I knew I wanted to live there,” he said. “I bought it in July 2022.” Hellner has made some repairs and restored the windows, original plasterwork and the parquet flooring. He has painted the outside in the home’s original color.

The Cobblestone Society and Museum takes its preservation mission very seriously. Caring for 11 historic buildings and equally as many out-buildings is a daunting task for an organization of our size, Farley said.

“Luckily, we have many dedicated volunteers and supporters who share our vision for a future that includes our cherished past,” Farley said. “We are pleased and proud that our preservation efforts have been recognized by the U.S. Department of the Interior and the National Park Service as the Cobblestone National Historic Landmark District.”

This honor is offered to a select group of roughly 3% of all structures which have been entered on the National Register of Historic Places.

Provided photos: Nearly 200 people attended Saturday’s Treasure Island fundraiser at the White Birch Golf Course in Lyndonville.

MEDINA – Another Treasure Island fundraiser was celebrated by Orleans Community Health Foundation on Saturday at White Birch Golf Course in Lyndonville, raising more than $50,000 to support the healthcare needs of the community.

This was the 32nd year for the annual event, which welcomed 175 guests for a wonderful evening of generosity, community spirit and friendly competition, all in support of keeping quality healthcare close to home, said Megan Johnson, director of OCH Foundation.

This year’s auctions were especially successful, said Johnson, bringing in a record-breaking $25,000, including more than $10,000 through the live auction alone. Guests bid on a wide variety of generously donated items and experiences, including vacation getaways, golf memberships, dining experiences and more. With more than 140 silent auction items, exciting live auction packages and popular raffles, there was something for everyone.

(Left) Marc Shurtz, CEO of Orleans Community Health, and Megan Johnson, director of OCH Foundation, appreciate the public’s support at the Treasure Island fundraiser on Saturday at the White Birch Golf Course. (Right) Wes Pickreign served as auctioneer on Saturday. JT Thomas, in back, served as the DJ.

One of the highlights of the evening was the popular Pirates’ Pillage Raffle, which gave participants the chance to win their choice of any live auction package for just $50. This year’s lucky winner selected the Buffalo Bills tickets, claiming the package before bidding in the live auction began.

During her remarks, Johnson shared some of the exciting growth taking place at Orleans Community Health, including record Emergency Department volumes and a 70% increase in outpatient surgeries in 2026. She also emphasized the continued importance of community support, even as the hospital expands its services.

“Growth and success don’t mean the financial challenges of operating a rural hospital simply disappear,” Johnson said. “In many ways, growth brings new needs and new expenses.”

Johnson highlighted several projects made possible through the generosity of Foundation supporters in recent years, including the opening of the Medina Healthcare Center, the purchase of surgical scopes to support expanded surgical services and a new fuel tank to support the hospital’s emergency generators.

Photos by Tom Rivers: There were more 140 silent auction items up for auction, including many Buffalo Bills photographs and memorabilia. David Cook donated many of the photos he took of Jim Kelly and other Bills stars during the Super Bowl run from the 1990 to 1993 seasons.

Foundation funding has also supported smaller but equally meaningful improvements, including new laundry equipment, patient and family recliners and activities and outings for residents of the North Wing Skilled Nursing Facility.

“Our community depends on Orleans Community Health, and Orleans Community Health depends on our community,” Johnson said. “For 32 years, Treasure Island has been a wonderful example of that partnership. Year after year, this community shows up for its hospital, and I hope everyone knows just how much that means to all of us.”

The Foundation extends its sincere appreciation to Sunset Presenting Sponsor Seaway Insurance Associates, Lucky Cork Sponsor Oak Orchard Health, Palm Tree Sponsors Baxter, Ontario Shores Federal Credit Union and Takeform, and Coconut Sponsors Cooper Funeral Home-Mitchell Family Funeral Homes, Manning & Napier and WNY Energy.

The Foundation also thanks the many businesses and individuals who donated items, sponsored the event, advertised in the program book and contributed to the evening’s success.

Special recognition goes to the Treasure Island Auction Committee, the many setup and event night volunteers, auctioneer Wes Pickreign and DJ JT Thomas, who generously donated their times and talents. The Foundation also thanks White Birch Golf Course for hosting the event.

“Whether you’ve been coming to Treasure Island for decades or this is your very first time, I hope you know how much your support means,” Johnson said. “There are so many worthy organizations and causes in our community, and we never take for granted the fact you chose to spend your evening here, supporting ours.”

With another successful year in the books, the Foundation is already looking forward to welcoming returning guests and new supports to the 33rd annual Treasure Island on Nov. 6, 2027.

The Orleans Community Health Foundation extends its heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped make this year’s event such a wonderful evening and an investment in the future of healthcare in our community, Johnson said.

The crowd started to arrive at 5 p.m. for an event that lasted until 9 p.m.

Photo by Tom Rivers: Albion firefighters Fred Piano and A.J. Fisher sweep the burnt grass and branches back into a fire along an Erie Canal embankment near Keitel Road in Albion on April 8, 2021.

Press Release, Assemblyman Steve Hawley

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C Batavia) is encouraging eligible volunteer fire departments throughout the 139th Assembly District to apply for the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) 2026 Volunteer Fire Capacity Grant Program, which provides up to $3,500 for wildland firefighting equipment and supplies.

Eligible purchases include protective gear, communications equipment, hoses, nozzles and hand tools. Departments must have at least 80 volunteer personnel, provide wildland fire protection to communities with fewer than 10,000 residents and provide a dollar-for-dollar local match.

“Our volunteer firefighters dedicate countless hours to protecting our communities, and ensuring they have the equipment and resources necessary to do their jobs is incredibly important,” said Hawley. “I encourage eligible departments to pursue this funding opportunity, and my office is available to provide letters of support for their applications.”

Applications are due Dec. 30. Departments can find program information and applications through the DEC website or contact DEC at vfagrant@dec.ny.gov or 518-402-2496.

Photo by Tom Rivers

BARRE – Stacey Kirby Steward is working on a mural celebrating the Barre community. The 4-by-8-foot painting will be unveiled at 7 p.m. on Nov. 18 at the Barre Town Hall.

The mural includes Barre landmarks and highlights an agricultural theme. Steward is working on the final touches, and she tried to show different parts of Barre, including Route 98, West Barre, East Barre, Pine Hill and some of the crops on the muck.

The Barre Betterment Committee spearheaded the project and received a grant through the Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council.

Steward did two community painting sessions in September with the Barre community as part of the project.

The public is welcome to the unveiling next Wednesday.

Some months will have 2 distributions with 1 in afternoon

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Brian Patten, a member of the Albion Interact Club at school, helps with a food distribution this morning from the Albion municipal lot on Platt Street across from the back entrance to Dunkin’ Donuts.

Community Action of Orleans & Genesee manages the state-funded food distribution, working with Foodlink in Rochester.

Tina Schleede, chief financial officer for Community Action, helps pack boxes with food. Caleb Wolfe, right, was one of four Interact Club members from the school who helped this morning with the distribution.

Community Action and the volunteers were able to give out food for about 200 households.

The food distributions started more than six years during the height of the Covid pandemic. Community Action announced the distributions will continue through at least June, with some months having two distributions in Albion, including an afternoon option.

The dates for the distribution in Albion for the upcoming months include:

• Dec. 14 at 10 a.m.
• Jan. 11 at 10 a.m.
• Feb. 8 at 10 a.m.
• Feb. 25 at 4 p.m.
• March 8 at 10 a.m.
• March 30 at 4 p.m.
• April 12 at 10 a.m.
• May 10 at 10 a.m.
• June 14 at 10 a.m.
• June 29 at 4 p.m.

Ernest Gursslin of Community Action, left, and Brody Furness, an Albion student, carry food to the vehicles that were lined up in the parking lot.

 For more information about the food distributions, call Community Action at (585) 589-5605. Ext. 101.

The Lyndonville Presbyterian Church and Cornell Cooperative Extension of Orleans County also run food distributions. Check Foodlink for a calendar of the when the distributions are happening in the Rochester region.

Kimberly Stawicki sent in this photo from Sunday morning at the Swallow Hallow Nature Trail off Knowlesville Road at the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge.

The area won’t see snow accumulations yet this week with the forecast showing highs in the mid 40s and above, including one day with a high of 60, according to the National Weather Service in Buffalo.

Today, the forecast shows a high of 51 with a chance of showers and an overnight low around 40 followed by a high of 60 on Tuesday with an overnight low of 41.

On Wednesday, which is Veterans Day, the high will be 55 with an overnight low of 39. That is followed by a high near 49 on Thursday with an overnight low around 34.

Friday will have a high near 44 with a low around 32, followed by a high near 46 on Saturday with an overnight low around 34, according to the Weather Service.

Photo by Tom Rivers: The Speedway gas station in Pembroke was selling regular unleaded gas for $3.99 on Saturday.

The average price for regular unleaded gas is at $4.00 nationally today, which is down 16 cents in the past week, AAA reported this morning. A year ago, the average price was $3.06.

In New York State, the average is $4.25 today, which is down 9 cents in the past week. A year ago, the NYS average was $3.11 a gallon.

“Gas prices have been going down for nearly two weeks, as crude oil prices have dipped, but pump prices remain the highest they’ve ever been during this time of year,” AAA said in a news release. “Before 2026, the national average had never gone above $4 per gallon during the month of November. This morning, oil prices range from $89 to $96 per barrel compared to $99 to $108 one week ago.”

Diesel prices are down, though prices remain much higher than a year ago. The national average is $6.17, down 12 cents from last week, but up from $3.73 a year ago, AAA said. In New York, the average diesel price is $6.43 per gallon, down 5 cents from last week. A year ago, New York drivers were paying an average of $3.89 per gallon.

Here are the average prices among Western New York counties for regular unleaded gas:

• Orleans, $4.381
• Genesee, $4.276
• Monroe, $4.299
• Niagara, $4.240
• Erie, $4.310
• Wyoming, $4.378
• Livingston, $4.338
• Chautauqua, $4.343
• Cattaraugus, $4.263
• Allegany, $4.350

Hamilton County in the Adirondacks is the highest in the state at $4.57 gallon, while Chemung has the lowest average at $4.05.

It is by the Grace of God and the expertise of medical personnel at Medina Memorial Hospital’s ER that I am writing this column.

The night of Oct. 17 I thought a cough I had for a week was finally letting up. Then about 10 p.m., it worsened again. I had decided earlier in the day that after the weekend, I would go the ER. By midnight, I wondered if I could make it until morning and then I’d have to go then. I was coughing so bad I couldn’t get my breath.

At 2 a.m., I woke my daughter Robin and told her to take me to the ER. Phone already in hand, she called an ambulance. I protested, but she said they were on their way. I went out and sat in a kitchen chair by the door to wait for them.

It was only minutes before they were out front and two paramedics rushed in and immediately put an oxygen mask over my face and gave me a shot of what I was later told was Albuterol. Then they proceeded to take me to the ambulance.

At the ER, nurses came running at me on both sides with IVs and that is the last I remember. Until four hours later. I opened my eyes and the doctor asked if I knew where I was. I told him Medina Memorial Hospital, and he said, “If you hadn’t done just what you did, you wouldn’t be here now.”

I didn’t think much about that until later, when I learned if my daughter had taken me, I probably would have not made it to the hospital. I was in heart failure.

Then I tried to end it in the ER, they tell me. My blood pressure soared to 286 over something, a number unheard of to survive or not have a stroke. Robin said she heard them say, “We’re losing her,” and the doctor asked if I had a DNR.

Well, I’ve been told more than once I’m stubborn, and I don’t “get lost” that easily.

I was diagnosed with Acute Hypoxemic Respiratory Failure, with pneumonia. My lungs were filling with fluid and my heart was shutting down because of the strain from coughing.

I am indeed lucky and very grateful to be here.

And it’s due to those paramedics and the team in the ER at Medina Memorial Hospital.

I spent three days in the hospital and came home, a little shaky and with not as clear vision. As it turns out, the surge in blood pressure damaged my retina. Added to that, I was already dealing with double vision.

I can’t drive until I get my eyes straightened out, but I can cook, talk and write. How fortunate I am at 88 to have a job where I get to sit down, talk to people I love and write their stories.

And I have three friends who have stepped up offering to take me to my interviews until my eyes get straightened out. One can’t get much luckier than that.

                                                                                    ***********

It was a coincidence I ended up in the ER at Medina hospital a few days ago. I had recently asked Scott Robinson, director of Marketing at Orleans Community Health, if he could gather some information for me on the ER, as I’d like to do a story on their increased number of patients and capabilities, not dreaming I would become one of those statistics.

More and more people are realizing the benefits of the ER at Medina Memorial Hospital. Robinson sent me information saying in July they saw 825 patients, the busiest month in years. Throughout 2025, they saw 8,473 patients. They are on track to see more than 8,600 this year, he said. Both of those numbers are at least 10-year highs.

Medina’s ER is not just a “stable and transfer” facility any more. Currently, the ER transfers only four percent of its patients. Those are ones they are able to stabilize before being transferred.

That brings to mind another time the ER at Medina Memorial Hospital came to my rescue. A little more than a year ago, I fell flat on my face at Hospice. My glasses cut my face above the eye, laying open the bone. Being on blood thinners, the blood was flowing. The ambulance driver asked if I wanted to go to Strong or ECMC, and I told him Medina. He said I needed to go to a hospital which had a plastic surgeon, as that was the nastiest wound he had seen. I insisted and he took me to Medina.

Today, there is no sign of a scar above my eye. It happened to be just under my eyebrow and a doctor in the ER at Medina Memorial Hospital glued it.

If it weren’t for Medina Memorial Hospital, the nearest facility to receive medical attention is at least 30 minutes away, and for many the outcome could be disastrous, Robinson said.

One such case is the Rev. Tom Gardner of Knowlesville. In late December 2014, he had a heart attack.

“My first stop was the ER in Medina, or I wouldn’t have made it to Buffalo General,” he said. “The long days and nights and weeks in the ICU, Buffalo General and rehab unit at Medina Memorial Hospital ended when I returned home on Jan. 13, 2015.”

The Rev. Gardner said in a sermon he preached Feb. 22, 2015, “I survived by the grace of God.”

And I’m sure another big factor was the ER at Medina Memorial Hospital – only minutes away.

Photo by Tom Rivers: Donte Bovani, left, and his friend Dillon Williams made the 5-hour drive from Scranton, Pa. to fish in the Oak Orchard River on Oct. 11.

The final free fishing day of the year will be on Wednesday, Veterans Day, where anyone can recreationally fish the freshwaters of the state without a freshwater fishing license.

This offers an opportunity to try out fishing for the first time, get back into the sport after taking a break, or take a friend or the whole family along to fish, the state Department of Environmental Conservation said.

Even though a license is not required, all fishing regulations apply. Click here for more on the regulations.