Photos by Ginny Kropf: Orleans County Legislative Chairman Lynne Johnson, second from left, presented citations to John Miga, Department commander; Maureen Morgan, Auxiliary Department president; and Joseph Guidice Jr., Department Detachment commander at the Genesee and Orleans Department Officers’ Testimonial Dinner Tuesday at Batavia Downs.

BATAVIA – Genesee and Orleans counties’ American Legions welcomed members and distinguished guests to their annual Department Officers’ Testimonial Dinner at Batavia Downs on Tuesday night.

Master of ceremonies was David Rumsey, 1st vice commander of Genesee County, who led guests in a salute to the National Colors. This was followed by the invocation by Orleans County Auxiliary chaplain Patty Woodworth, the Pledge of Allegiance and POW/MIA remembrance reading with Rumsey and Joan Fernaays.

Highlight of the evening was introduction of New York State Department Commander John R. Miga; Department president Maureen Morgan and Sons of the Legion Detachment Commander Joseph Guidice Jr.

American Legion’s Department Commander John Miga is presented with citations, from left, Eileen Banker representing Senator Rob Ortt; Miga; Gregg Torrey, representing Senator George Borrello; and Chad Zambito, representing Assemblyman Stephen Hawley.

Guests at the head table were John Miga, Department commander; Ryan Ditacchio, Genesee County commander; Ron Boyd, Orleans County commander; Steve Cybart, 8th District commander; Don Sisson, Department vice commander (7th and 8th districts); David Rumsey, Genesee County 1st vice commander; Maureen Morgan, Auxiliary Department president; Sharon DeBottis, Genesee County Auxiliary president; Cathleen Fox, Orleans County Auxiliary president; Sue Williams, 8th District Auxiliary president; Joseph Guidice Jr., Department Detachment commander;  Diman Smith, Detachment vice commander (7th and 8th districts) Joshua Spinler 8th District Detachment commander; and Patty Woodworth, Orleans County Auxiliary chaplain.

Tuesday’s Department Officers’ Testimonial Dinner at Batavia Downs began with a POW/MIA remembrance ceremony by David Rumsey and Joan Fernaays.

Distinguished guests included Gregg Torrey, representing State Senator George Borrello; Eileen Banker, representing State Senator Robert Ortt; Chad Zambito, representing State Assemblyman Stephen Hawley; and Orleans County Legislature Chairman Lynne Johnson.

The program began with Joseph Guidice Jr. of Rockland County, who commented on the guests’ visit to the New York State Veterans’ Home and VA Medical Center Tuesday morning.

“I was awestruck to see the level of care our veterans received,” Guidice said. “It goes above and beyond. “I’ve never had the chance before to sit down and talk to the veterans like that.”

Guidice went on to praise the Sons of the American Legion. He said New York state has the fourth largest detachment of Sons in the nation, with nearly 33,000 members.  There are more than 6,000 in our local district, he said. He urged members to get their kids involved in the American Legion.

Guidice went on to describe his personal project, Tunnel to Towers, an organization formed to provide mortgage-free homes to Gold Star families and families of fallen first responders.

“Our goal is to eradicate veterans’ homelessness,” he said.

He also talked about the Child Well-Being Foundation, of which SAL’s nearly $11 million donation makes them the largest donor.

SAL members ae selling commemorative coins for $20 with all proceeds going to the Foundation.

Guidice also talked about the need for all Legion families to be more diligent in reporting their activities to the national organization.

“In Genesee and Orleans counties, we had only 30% reporting, yet we donated more than $7 million,” Guidice said. “There are 64 squadrons in this district and we need to remind everybody we are important. We are impactful.”

He concluded by saying SAL may stand for Sons of the American Legion, but to him it also stands for “Service and Legacy.”

Cathleen Fox and Sharon DeBottis, Auxiliary presidents in Orleans and Genesee counties, respectively, welcomed guests and introduced Sue Williams, 8th District Auxiliary president, who then introduced Maureen Morgan, Auxiliary Department president.

Seated at the head table of the Department Officers’ Testimonial Dinner were, from left, Don Sission, Department vice commander of the 7th and 8th district; Steve Cybart, district commander; Ron Boyd, Orleans County commander; Ryan Ditacchio, Genesee County commander; and John Miga, Department commander.

Morgan has a long-standing record of involvement in the American Legion. A United States Navy veteran from the Lebanon/Grenada War, she is a dual member of the American Legion, a 10-year member of the American Legion Auxiliary and a 25-year member of the Spring Valley American Legion. She said her family are all members of the American Legion.

Morgan also commented on the visit to New York State Veterans’ Home, saying she met some amazing female veterans that day.

She summed up American Legion Auxiliary programs as Mission Outreach, Children in Youth and Community Service.

“None of those would be successful without member support,” Morgan said. “Membership is most important. We need members so we can continue. We are the largest patriot organization in America.”

Also at the head table of the Department Officers’ Testimonial Dinner were Maureen Morgan, Auxiliary Department president; Sharon DeBottis, Genesee County Auxiliary president; Cathleen Fox, Orleans County Auxiliary president; Sue Williams, 8th District Auxiliary president; Joseph Guidice Jr., Department Detachment commander; Diman Smith, Detachment vice commander of 7th and 8th districts; and Patty Woodworth, Orleans County Auxiliary chaplain.

Morgan said Genesee County is at 78.72% of its goal, while Orleans County is at 81.20%. She said the 8th District has added more than 1,000 new members this year.

Morgan’s two major projects this year are a Military Women’s Memorial in Arlington National Cemetery and Empire Girls’ State Program.

Honored guest and final speaker John Miga of Dunkirk was introduced by Don Sisson, Department vice commander.

Miga served in the military in South Korea and was drafted by the American Legion to promote patriotism across New York state in preparation for the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence this year.

Miga first commented on how inspiring the visits to the Veterans’ Home and VA were.

“I met a 103-year-old vet today, and it was wonderful,” Miga said. “He was sharp and right on. Another individual I met served in Vietnam, where he was shot down. He kept telling me, ‘I got shot down and got up and took them all out.’ That’s the kind of stories you hear in a place like that.”

Miga also stressed the importance of increasing membership in the American Legion. He said membership in Genesee and Orleans counties is doing pretty well, and as of today, Genesee County had made the largest increase. Albion, he said, was at 92.28% of its goal.

Master of ceremonies and 1st vice commander of the American Legion in Genesee County David Rumsey, right, welcomes Department Commander John Miga to the podium at the annual Department Officers’ Testimonial Dinner Tuesday at Batavia Downs. At left is Ryan Ditacchio, Genesee County commander.

Nationwide, Miga said the American Legion is losing members, and he asked, “Why?”

“Are we not doing things that interest young people,” he asked.

He said there are billions of dollars in benefits to veterans and $32 million in grants to hospitalized vets.

Miga commended Orleans County on their good job with Empire State programs.

“Every year they have somebody in the oratorical,” he said.

He also stressed the importance of Legions’ reporting their programs.

“When we go before the leaders of the county, state and nation, the more we have done, the more they give us,” Miga said.

Miga concluded by sharing his projects for the year – Be the One, Suicide Prevention (we are losing 18 veterans a day to suicide) and Chautauqua’s Safety Village in Ashville.

Continuing the program, citations were presented to American Legion’s Department Commander John Miga from Eileen Banker representing Senator Rob Ortt; Gregg Torrey, representing Senator George Borrello; Chad Zambito, representing Assemblyman Stephen Hawley; and Lynne Johnson, chair of the Orleans County Legislature.

In conclusion representatives of the American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary and Sons of the American Legion presented monetary gifts to Commander Miga, President Morgan and SAL Detachment Commander Guidice Jr.

Organizing chairs of the event were Fox and Ditacchio.

In Genesee County, officers of the American Legion are Ryan Ditacchio, commander; David Rumsey, 1st vice commander; Wallace Kornow, finance: and Willian Joyce, Veterans’ Service officer.

American Auxiliary offices are Sharon DeBottis, president and secretary; and MaryAnn Neider, treasurer.

Orleans County Legion leaders are Ron Boyd, commander; Scott Galliford, 1st vice commander; Peter Huth, finance; and Nikolas Mroz, Veterans’ Service officer.

Auxiliary leaders are Cathleen Fox, president; Rachael Spearance, vice president; Kristin Hein, secretary; and Chris Barone, treasurer.

Sons of the American Legion commanders are Peter Hennekey, Squadron35 in Albion; Scott Carlton, Squadron 204 in Medina; John O’Grady, Squadron 575 in Gergen; and Scott O’Neill, Squadron 576 in LeRoy.

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Archery instructor Merle Fredericks, left, greets young archery Aric Fox and his grandparents Mark and Pam Coville prior to the conclusion of the third archery class at the YMCA in Medina last Monday night.

MEDINA – The third archery class at the YMCA – started and run by Merle and Mitzi Fredericks – wrapped up eight weeks of competition last Monday evening, with a final shoot, some novelty shooting and awarding of trophies to the top three archers.

Fredericks who runs the local chapter of Christian Bowhunters of America at his home, got the idea for the indoor archery range several years ago and after getting permission from the YMCA, spent months clearing out what used to be the indoor shooting range for the National Guard when they occupied the armory.

Students (boys and girls) in grades four through 12 compete for eight weeks. An important component of the classes is learning to be a Christian and each night, in addition to archery instruction, students have a half hour of Scripture.

Archery students and their families and friends wait to be welcomed to the final competition and awarding of trophies after eight weeks of classes at the YMCA.

Students not only learn how to shoot a bow and arrow, but stewardship and good sportsmanship.

Mark and Pam Coville came to watch their grandson Aric Fox, 10, a first-year archer.

“We saw the ad for the classes and saw it was a Christian event,” Mark said. “It sounded like a good program. Aric’s dad is an avid hunter, and like a typical 10-year-old boy, Aric loves to hunt and the outdoors. We shoot in here and outside in summer.”

Instructors of the archery program with Merle and Mitzi are Doug Egert of Middleport and John Curtin of Medina, all certified by the North American Archery in Schools Program.

Merle and Mitzi Fredericks, Doug Egert of Middleport and John Curtin of Medina are all certified archery instructors who work with children in the new archery program at the YMCA in Medina.

Andy and Ann Fisher-Bale enrolled their son Mason, 9-1/2, in the archery program.

“He has participated in other things at the Y and learned about this,” Ann said. Dad is also an archer and his older sister likes to shoot, too.”

The evening concluded with awarding of trophies and refreshments. The top three archers were Niaweik Mt. Pleasant, first, with 1,060 points; Cole Jackson, second, with 1,044 points; and Quincy Atwater, third, with 993 points.

Merle said they have a waiting list to join the archery class.

“Kids just love it,” he said.  “I’m proud of all these kids. We are planning something for them in summer, also.”

The next class will begin later in spring, and any child in fourth through 12th grade who is interested may sign up by contacting the Fredericks on Facebook, by e-mail at mfred2@hughes.net or by calling (585) 765-2839.

An important part of the archery classes sponsored by the Christian Bowhunters of America is learning to be a Christian. Here, leader Merle Fredericks leads the class in a few minutes of devotion.

This photo shows a printout of a Dollar General rendering of a proposed store on East Avenue in Albion, across from the high school.

ALBION – The Village of Albion Planning Board adjourned a public hearing today about the site plan for a new Dollar General at 327 East Ave. The board will meet again at 5 p.m. onb match 12 and is expected to vote on the site plan.

The plan was supposed to go to the Orleans County Planning Board on jan. 22 for its review. But that meeting was cancelled due to rough winter weather.

Karen Conn, the Village of Albion Planning Board chairwoman, wants the county board to look at the site plan and offer its feedback before there is a final vote by the village.

The Village of Albion Planning Board heard from neighbors during today’s hearing who are concerned the store would bring more traffic by the school and a residential neighborhood. Neighbors also said they are concerned about tractor-trailers being able to maneuver the site and turn onto East Avenue.

The site is zoned general commercial and the store fits the criteria of what is permitted in that zone, Conn said.

The Village Planning Board can make recommendations on how the building should look, traffic flow on site and other issues.

The state Department of Transportation reviewed the entrance and parking lot. Conn said the DOT is recommending Dollar General have tractor trailers turn east out of the site after making deliveries, rather than going west due to the tightness of the site.

The 10,640-square-foot building would have a parking lot with 35 spaces. The village code requires one space for every 200 square feet of gross floor space for retail stores. The Village of Albion Zoning Board of Appeals on Sept. 9 approved a variance to allow for 35 spaces. That is more than enough spots, Dollar General representatives said, and will allow for more green space on site. The company said a store this size typically has 32 parking spaces.

The Broadway Group from Huntsville, Ala. is developer of the store in Albion. The company would demolish a building that has been used for auto sales and a warehouse. Currently, Ridge Road Station is parking smaller school buses on site.

The property is owned by Chris Kinter, the village’s code enforcement officer. He has recused himself from the review of the project with Dan Strong, the Town of Albion code enforcement officer, filling in for the village with this proposal.

Photo by Tom Rivers: The Broadway Group wants to knock down this building at 327 East Ave. and build a new 10,640-square-foot Dollar General across from the high school.

ALBION – The Albion Village Board voted on Wednesday to increase the fines for parking violations.

The board held a public hearing and there wasn’t any feedback from the community.

Police Chief David Mogle suggested the fines be doubled from their current levels of $25 if paid within seven days of the violation, $30 if paid after seven days but within 30 days, and $35 if paid after 30 days.

Board members didn’t want to double the fines. They opted instead to set the fines at $40 if paid within a week of the violation, $50 if paid after a week and within 30 days, $65 if paid after 30 days.

The Albion Police Department is almost out of parking tickets and will soon be ordering more. Mogle advised the board the fine amounts had not been changed in many years.

The Police Department can issue parking tickets for parking in the street overnight from Nov. 15 to April 15, parking in a no parking zone, blocking a fire lane, parking closer than 10 feet of a fire hydrant, double parking, parking in handicapped parking spot without a permit, parking on curb or sidewalk, and overtime parking.

The board also held a public hearing on Wednesday on increasing the term from two to four years for the clerk-treasurer, deputy clerk and deputy treasurer.

There were no public comments and the board approved the new four-year terms to run concurrently with the mayor’s four-year term.

Both villages have contested races for mayor, trustee

ALBION/MEDINA – The candidates are set for the March 18 village elections in Albion and Medina with the two communities having races for mayor and trustee.

In Medina, Marguerite Sherman is seeking re-election to a two-year term as mayor. She is running under the “Village Party.”

Deborah Padoleski, a current trustee and retired Medina village clerk/treasurer, is challenging Sherman, a retired special education teacher. Padoleski and Sherman have often been at odds with each other the past two years over the purchase of a new ladder truck for the fire department and a one-bay addition to house the vehicle.

Padoleski said Sherman and the previous board didn’t properly plan for the new truck and addition. Padoleski led the effort to have the new truck declared surplus at Monday’s Village Board meeting, saying that $1.7 million expense plus at least another $1 million for the fire hall addition are unaffordable for the community.

Sherman said the ladder truck is needed and the costs will only rise if the village has to sell this one and eventually pursue another one. The fire hall from the 1930s is in need of upgrades and is too small for the new truck. Sherman has tried to get Padoleski and the majority of the board to back grant applications for the fire hall addition but has been unable to get a consensus so far.

Padoleski is running under the “People’s Party” and is joined by Trustee candidates – Mark Prawel, a current trustee, retired Medina police officer and car mechanic; and Jeffrey Wagner, the owner of the former Apple Grove restaurant in Medina.

Dean Bellack, an active volunteer for the YMCA, United Way and Lions Club, also is running as a trustee under the “Connect Orleans Party.” Bellack has been vocal about the village’s high taxes and need to expand housing options in the community.

In Albion, the Democrats and Republicans held their party caucuses last month. The Democrats picked Joyce Riley, a current village trustee, to run for mayor.

The Republicans backed Tim McMurray, a current trustee for mayor, and also supported Kevin Sheehan and Jami Allport for village trustee.

Sheehan was on the Village Board for many years until 2020. He also worked as Albion’s code enforcement officer and is retired an a union plumber and pipe fitter. He is currently a commissioner for the Albion Joint Fire District.

Allport is the executive director of the Genesee-Orleans Ministry of Concern and the cheerleading coach at Albion.

Tuesday at 5 p.m. was the deadline to file independent petitions signed by at least 100 registered voters in the village. Riley submitted petitions for mayor for the “Vote for Albion” party.

Issac Robinson also submitted petitions as trustee for “Vote for Albion.” Robinson is a former Army medic who used to own the Robinson’s Redemption business in Albion near Walmart. He owns a bottle redemption business in Lockport and works in the arcade industry.

“I just wanted to give people a choice,” Robinson said about running as an independent candidate.

Press Release, Medina Mayor Marguerite Sherman

MEDINA –  As the cost of living continues to rise, the Village of Medina is highlighting its Senior Citizen Property Tax Exemption as an important way to help older residents remain in their homes and manage increasing expenses.

This exemption is the result of the Village of Medina taking action under Section 467 of the New York State Real Property Tax Law, which authorizes municipal corporations to enact a local law granting up to a 50 percent property tax exemption for qualifying homeowners 65 years of age and older.

The Village’s Local Law was officially filed with the New York State Department of State on March 19, 2024, reinforcing Medina’s commitment to affordability for seniors.

The exemption provides meaningful, income-based tax relief for seniors living on fixed or limited incomes.

Senior Property Tax Exemption highlights include:

• Available to homeowners age 65 and older
• Authorized under Section 467 of the Real Property Tax Law
• Based on annual household income, including Social Security and retirement benefits
• Income limit to qualify: $24,700
• Graduated tax exemptions ranging from 20% to 50%, depending on income level

The property must be the owner’s primary legal residence, used exclusively for residential purposes, and owned for at least 12 consecutive months.

Applications with proof of income must be filed with the Assessor’s Office by the taxable status date of March 1. Julie Cecchini is the assessor for both Shelby and Ridgeway.

“Our seniors are feeling the pressure of higher prices everywhere – from groceries to utilities,” said Marguerite Sherman, mayor of the Village of Medina. “By taking action under Section 467, the Village is using every tool available to help ease that burden and ensure residents can afford to stay in the homes and community they love.”

Sherman emphasized that affordability must remain a priority as costs continue to rise.

“Affordability isn’t a buzzword – it’s a responsibility,” she added. “This exemption reflects deliberate action to support seniors and protect longtime residents from being priced out of Medina.”

Eligible residents are encouraged to pick up a form at the Village Clerk’s office, the Town of Ridgeway Assessor’s office, or on either website. Residents must file the application with the Assessor’s office by March 1, 2026.

ALBION – A Foodlink distribution that was cancelled on Monday morning in Albion has been rescheduled for Thursday (Feb. 12) beginning at 12:30 p.m.

Community Action of Orleans & Genesee helps run the distribution with community volunteers. Vehicles can park at 165 South Main St., the lot next to Dubby’s Tailgate, and wait to receive a box of food.

The Department of Motor Vehicles state-wide will be shutting down at 2 p.m. on Friday and upgrade and modernize their aging technology systems.

The DMVs expect to reopen on Wednesday morning after the Presidents Day weekend. The upgrades are the first segment of a new, modernized system to give customers better and more streamlined service, and to help DMV staff serve New Yorkers more efficiently, the state DMV said.

During this time, the state DMV will migrate about 30 million records to the new system and complete the transition to bring the first phase of the upgrade online. No DMV transactions will be able to be completed during this period, including through the state DMV website, and no one will be available to answer phones.

“With one consolidated, state-of-the-art system, we will be replacing hundreds of software applications, some of which date back to the days of Nelson Rockefeller,” said DMV Commissioner and Chair of the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee Mark J.F. Schroeder. “I truly believe it will give our staff the ability to serve New Yorkers better, faster, and more comprehensively than ever before.”

The DMV’s new modernized system will enable employees to process transactions effectively and efficiently in one secure platform rather than moving between outdated systems, further supporting the agency’s goal of one trip to an office and done, Schroeder said.

The new system will also bring additional online transactions, making it easier for New Yorkers to do what they need on their own time and from the comfort of their own homes. And it will help the agency implement future technology enhancements faster and more seamlessly.

In Orleans County, the DMV will close at 12:30 p.m. on Friday.  Customers who are in line by 12:30 p.m. will be served. However, all DMV operations cease at 2 p.m.  The office will remain closed on Monday and Tuesday.

“February tends to be a slower time of year for DMV offices across the state so this is the best time to implement the system but we understand this can still be an inconvenience for residents,” said Nadine Hanlon, the Orleans County clerk.

Press Release, NYS Association of Counties

New York’s counties are approaching a fiscal reckoning driven by looming federal cost shifts. That is the warning that the New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC) is set to deliver in testimony before the Joint Legislative Budget Hearing on Local and General Government later today.

In written testimony submitted in advance of the hearing, NYSAC urged the State to act decisively to protect local governments and property taxpayers from unprecedented federal policy changes set to take effect beginning in October 2026—most notably deep cuts in federal support for administering the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the imposition of steep error-rate penalties.

“New York’s counties are facing a fiscal reckoning,” said Stephen Acquario, executive director of the New York State Association of Counties. “Recent federal actions threaten to shift billions of dollars in new costs onto local governments and local taxpayers. Counties are not here to complain—we are here to partner—but without strong state action, these cost shifts will fall squarely on local property taxpayers and put essential services at risk.”

The testimony highlighted the central role counties play as the delivery system for nearly every state and federal program that touches New Yorkers’ daily lives, from public safety and public health to human services, infrastructure, and care for the most vulnerable residents.

NYSAC expressed support for several components of the Executive Budget, including the continuation of the cap on local Medicaid costs, which they emphasized remains the foundation of county fiscal stability, saving counties and New York City billions of dollars annually.

At the same time, counties stressed that holding the line on state cost shifts alone will not be enough to offset the unprecedented federal changes bearing down on local budgets—particularly in SNAP administration, where counties could face hundreds of millions of dollars annually in new costs and potential benefit error-rate penalties totaling more than $1 billion statewide.

“Counties are being asked to absorb federal decisions that we did not make and cannot control,” said NYSAC President Phil Church. “If the State does not step in as a partner, these costs will translate directly into higher property taxes or painful cuts to core services that communities depend on. Protecting affordability for New Yorkers means protecting counties from these federal actions.”

In addition to immediate federal challenges, the testimony called for reforms to long-standing systems that continue to strain county budgets, including Raise the Age reimbursement, competency restoration under CPL § 730, Safety Net cost sharing, delayed Early Intervention payments owed to counties, and staffing challenges driven by outdated workforce rules.

NYSAC also urged the Legislature to make strategic investments in emergency medical services planning, public health programs, farmland protection, procurement modernization, and infrastructure initiatives that strengthen local economies and community resilience.

“The state-county partnership has never been more critical,” Acquario added. “Counties stand ready with solutions, experience, and a deep commitment to serving New Yorkers—but we cannot navigate this moment alone. The final Enacted Budget must reflect a shared responsibility to protect taxpayers and preserve the services people rely on in every corner of the state.”

MEDINA – Families who purchased “Hometown Hero” banners for the first time in 2023 may now take them home to keep.

Mary Woodruff, who originated and runs the banner program in Medina, will be at the conference room at the village clerk’s office on Park Avenue from 9 a.m. top 4:30 p.m. on Thursday for family and friends who want to pick up their veteran’s banner.

Those who wish to have banners mailed to them may contact Woodruff at (585) 798-4438 or by e-mailing mbwoodruff16@gmail.com.

Information on purchasing a banner for spring and summer 2026 will be forthcoming in an article on Orleans Hub in the near future.

Ryan Armstrong facing up to 4 to 8 years in prison

Ryan Armstrong

ALBION – The driver of a U-Haul truck that plunged into the Erie canal, leading to death of his passenger, pleaded guilty to second-degree manslaughter in Orleans County Court this morning.

Ryan A. Armstrong, 43, admitted to reckless conduct that resulted in the death of Reginald Russell, 56, on Sept. 2.

That day Armstrong was driver a U-Haul truck in a high-speed chase that ended in the Erie Canal in the Town of Murray, east of Holley and Bennetts Corners Road.

Armstrong is accused of stealing items from the Walgreens in Brockport at about 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 2. He and his passenger were putting merchandise in a U-Haul truck when law enforcement were called, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office after Armstrong’s arrest.

Monroe County Sheriff’s deputies and Brockport police officers attempted to stop the vehicle once it was on the move but Armstrong refused, leading law enforcement on a pursuit throughout the west side of Monroe County and into Orleans County.

Armstrong eventually drove onto the Erie Canal path in the Town of Murray and suddenly veered the vehicle into the canal.

“Were you aware that your conduct could result in someone’s death?” Orleans County Court Judge Sanford Church asked Armstrong in court today.

“Yes sir,” he responded.

The judge said the charge of second-degree manslaughter is a C felony where someone’s gross deviation of what a normal person would do results in another person’s death.

Judge Church asked Armstrong if he wanted to plead guilty to the charge, noting his conduct in a high-speed chase and driving into the canal.

Armstrong responded yes, and will face up to 4 to 8 years in state prison when he is sentenced at 9:30 a.m. on April 15. The charge would normally have a maximum of 7 ½ to 15 years in state prison. Armstrong has served three previous prison sentences for other felonies.

He has been in the Orleans County Jail since his arrest with bail at $100,000 cash, $200,000 insurance bond or $500,000 partially secured bond at 10 percent.

Russell was seen exiting the U-Haul on Sept. 2 but went under in the murky water and drown.

Two of Reginald Russell’s siblings attended the court appearance today. Astin Benton said his older brother is deeply missed by his family.

“He was a loving brother, a loving uncle and a caring father,” Benton said.

He would like to see Armstrong get the maximum sentence on April 15, and would have preferred even more time than in the plea agreement.

“My brother was free spirited,” Benton said. “He was the oldest brother and he left bigger shoes that I can’t fit or wear.”

Photo by Tom Rivers: Astin Benton shows the back of a sweatshirt showing his older brother, Reggie Russell at far right, with his family members.

‘Coming together and putting the rivalry aside is a win for our students as well as our community’

Press Release, Albion and Medina Central School Districts

ALBION/MEDINA – It was over 130 years ago when the Albion and Medina high school football rivalry first ignited. Now, a new era is set to begin on a united front.

Both the Albion CSD and Medina CSD Board of Education voted this week to combine the school’s football programs in preparation for the 2026 fall football season. At the Feb. 9 Albion CSD Board of Education meeting, the Board voted unanimously in favor of merging the programs. At the Feb. 10 Medina meeting, the Board subsequently followed suit.

This decision follows suit of approximately 90 high schools in Section V and VI who currently participate in merged football programs. These mergers were prompted by similar challenges including declining school enrollment and declining extracurricular participation trends. These challenges affect the school’s ability to maintain a safe, competitive, and developmentally appropriate program for student-athletes.

“The best interests of our students need to always remain top of mind,” said John Kast, Albion Board of Education vice president. “Both schools are familiar with the power of community and we believe that bringing our communities together to work toward the same goal will only make us stronger.”

“As leaders in the community, we have a duty and responsibility to make decisions based on what is best for our students,” said Donnell Holloway, Medina Board of Education member. “Coming together and putting the rivalry aside is a win for our students as well as our community.”

The teams will be combined at all three levels, modified, junior varsity and varsity. Teams need to have a minimum of 16 players. The projected participation for 2026 with a merged team includes 35 at modified, 40 at junior varsity and 29 at varsity.

“We are looking forward to providing a safe and competitive program for our student-athletes,” said Eric Valley, Medina athletic director and varsity football coach. “We hope to foster an exciting environment where school pride, comradery and lifelong friendships can flourish.”

The merger has been an ongoing discussion, becoming more urgent as the section VI deadline approached this month. Both schools were already forced to eliminate their JV programs and have continuously struggled to field full practices. They have already worked collaboratively to host joint practices on multiple occasions last season.

“Like many schools, we have been facing a tiring uphill battle,” said Mickey Edwards, Albion CSD superintendent and alum of Albion’s football program. “We are optimistic that this decision will help ensure long-term program sustainability and offer higher-calibre opportunities.”

Finalized branding including the team name, logo and colors will be shared at a later date. Details on what division the teams will play in are not yet confirmed. The schools are planning for a 5-year agreement, giving the new program time to develop and a better chance of success.

Each school will host two games at all levels, including their own homecoming. Sectional playoff games will alternate between schools. Practices will be split as evenly as possible between the two districts. Each district will be responsible for hiring coaches to represent their district and each level will have coaches from each district.