Clarendon responded to 565 calls, Murray 866

Photos by Tom Rivers: Clarendon Fire Chief Bob Freida and Rose Porter light a candle in memory of her husband, Mark Porter, who passed away at age 54 on April 15, 2025. Porter was a commissioner on the Murray Joint Fire District and was very involved in the previous three decades with the Holley Fire Department and Monroe Ambulance.

BATAVIA – The Clarendon Fire Company and Murray Joint Fire District held a combined annual installation dinner on Saturday at Batavia Downs. Both fire service organizations reported record high call volume in 2025 with Clarendon going to 565 calls and Murray responded to 866.

“Behind every one of those numbers is a person who needed help – and members who answered,” said Bob Freida, the Clarendon fire chief.

Clarendon responded to 248 EMS calls, 127 fire calls, 50 motor vehicle accidents including one with seven patients with five of those in critical condition. Clarendon firefighters also went on 140 service calls with trees and wires down, pump details and lift assists.

Earl Jenks, left, a member of the Clarendon Fire Company Board of Directors and Fire Chief Bob Freida address a crowd of 144 people on Saturday at Batavia Downs.

Clarendon presented the following awards:

• Chief’s Award – Karl Biedlingmaier “for his outstanding commitment to our organization and his leadership with training.”
• President’s Award – Cory Fultz for his drive to not only better himself with training but to help make the Clarendon Fire Company stronger.
• Board of Directors Award – Renee Biedlingmaier for her commitment to the organization.

Years of service awards were presented to the following: Matt Campbell for 30 years; Troy Kingdollar and William Gergly Sr. for 25 years; James DeYoung and Jon R. DeYoung for 20 years.

This is the 70th anniversary of the Clarendon Fire Company. Freida noted how the community formed the fire company in 1956 when “a handful of local farmers and friends who believed their community deserved protection. They pitched together to purchase a used fire truck, not because it was easy but because it was necessary.”

The fire company now has a fire hall with state-of-the-art equipment and highly trained members, Freida said.

Larry Vaughn, retired Brockport fire chief and lieutenant with the Ridge Road Fire Department, served as master of ceremonies. He said the volunteer departments all need more active members. He urged the members to personally invite people to join their organizations.

The Clarendon Fire Company currently has 26 active members. Freida said more members are welcome. Some of the members in January started meeting at the fire hall at 9 a.m. on Sundays for breakfast. Freida said it facilitates the family environment and fellowship at the fire company.

Clarendon firefighters logged 1,421 training hours in 2025, with 530 hours in meetings and 5,504 hours dedicated to calls and work details.

“That’s thousands of hours given freely, away from families, jobs and personal time, all in service to this community,” Freida said.

He highlighted the following:

• Cory Fultz completed both the BIFO (basic interior firefighting operations) and IFO (interior firefighter operations) classes and is working on his EMT.
• Renee Biedlingmaier earned her EMT certification.
• Kyle White completed the BIFO class and is working to complete the IFO.
• Mark McGuire and Jamie Steffen were welcomed back as members.

Clarendon Fire Company Line Officers for 2026 include:

• Fire Chief: Robert Freida
• Deputy Chief: Karl Biedlingmaier
• Assistant Chief: Don Moiser
• Captain: Jim DeYoung
• Lieutenant: Earl Jenks, Bill Gergly, Pat Wallace
• Safety Officer: Dan Campbell and Bob Margis
• Fire Police Captain: Craig Hadden
• EMS Lieutenant: Renee Biedlingmaier and Lorene Biedlingmaier

Freida said Clarendon is grateful for the positive working relationship with the Murray Joint Fire District.

“The teamwork and camaraderie between our two organizations is outstanding,” Freida said. “Whether it’s on scene at a call or working together throughout the year, your partnership makes us stronger and better.”

Murray Fire Chief Rick Cary addresses the crowd for the installation banquet, which Clarendon and Murray held at Batavia Downs for the first time, to try to something different for the annual event.

Murray’s 866 calls in 2025 were up from 124 in 2024, and already are at 142 the first two months of this year.

Murray responded to four working fires, several accidents with people trapped, a fatal drowning in the canal with large law enforcement presence from two counties, 125 mutual aid calls, and many storm-related services calls “from the never-ending falling ash tree saga around the county,” Cary said.

Murray firefighters also lead fire prevention at Holley schools and attend many community events, such at the June Fest, the Fall Festival and Trunk or Treat for Halloween.

Murray’s Line Officers for 2026 include:

• Fire Chief: Rick Cary
• Deputy Chief: Pete Hendrickson
• Assistant Chief: Kevin Dann
• Captains: Chris Chilson and Allan Smith
• Lieutenants: Chris Middleton Justin McMillon and Matt Edick
• Fire Police Captain: John Morriss
• Fire Police Lt: Jerry Wagner

Bob Beisang, third from left, receives an award for his efforts with inventory control. He receives congratulations, from left: Chief Cary, Deputy Chief Pete Hendrickson and Assistant Chief Kevin Dann.

Chief Cary announced the following awards:

• Dave Smith for working on all the small-powered equipment, keeping everything running and the blades sharpened.

• Bob Beisang for spending many hours on reports and inventory control. “When I need a task to be completed, he usually steps up and asks how he can help,” Cary said.

• Allan Smith as top responding line officer. “This individual is always just a phone call away,” Cary said. “He manages our training program and oversees fleet maintenance. Although he has only been a member for a couple of years, he has jumped in with both feet and has truly excelled.”

Cary also commended “rock stars” for their efforts with many of the emergency calls in the community. He praised the Holley Police Department, Holley DPW, Murray Highway Department, Orleans County dispatchers and road patrol deputies, and others for their assistance.

Dr. Dan Schiavone and Jenna Amering receives the “Distinguished Service Award.” The duo responds to the night-time calls. Schiavone runs a dental practice in the Public Square and Amering is the practice’s adminsitrator.

Cary said Schiavone and Amering both have been “standout” members. They respond to about 500 calls a year.

Schiavone manages health and safety initiatives, ensuring medical needs are met and follows up with members to keep them on track, Cary said.

Amering is a district commissioner. She also completed the 151-hour training courses for basic exterior firefighter and interior firefighter. She is working on becoming a certified EMT. Schiavone already is an EMT and interior firefighter. The couple said they want to give back to the community that gives back to them at the dental office.

They also said they enjoy the friendships with the Murray Joint Fire District.

Fran Gaylord, right, received a “I can’t pay you but I can feed you” plaque for his many years of offering hospitality at the fire hall in Holley. He is shown with Holley Police Chief Bob Barton and Shannon McMillion, who is a board member for the Holley Fire Company. McMillion said Gaylord makes chili and other food for firefighters.

“He’s such a role model,” McMillion said. “He’s a person who makes our fire department feel like family.”

Photo from the Webster family scrapbook – This photograph of Jennie Webster at her millinery store in Holley is filled with fascinating details – the ladies’ clothing, the furnishings, the hats and hat paraphernalia.

By Catherine Cooper, Orleans County Historian

“Illuminated Orleans” – Volume 6, No. 6

HOLLEY – At one time, hats were an essential component of women’s clothing. A lady would simply not appear in public hatless. Hats were indicative of social status and financial means. Styles ranged from everyday bonnets and berets to large, elaborate confections with flowers and feathers.

While clothing was often homemade, hats were a specialty item and were custom made by milliners. The term “milliner” to denote a person who makes hats, comes from Milan, Italy, noted for its hatmakers in the 16th century. By the nineteenth century, milliners were primarily female. Being a milliner was regarded as a respectable profession which could be sufficiently lucrative to provide an income and financial independence.

Jennie Webster was a milliner in Holley for over fifty years. Born on April 20, 1876, she was a daughter of Martin and Marietta Perry Webster. Her father was a farmer on Hurd Road.

She is listed as a milliner in the 1900 Census. She accepted a position in a millinery store in Canton, Ohio in 1909, presumably to hone her business skills. In Feb. 1912, she purchased Miss Jennie Cole’s millinery business in downtown.

Holley and leased Cole’s parlor on the second floor of the Newton block. She travelled to Buffalo, Cleveland and Detroit in August of that year to attend the fall shows of the millinery houses and purchase goods for her store.

Suitably be-hatted, Jennie loved to travel.

Jennie moved into her new millinery parlor in Sept. 1912. Competition was stiff.

Lena A. Church operated a millinery on White Street, while Ethel A. Wilson was on Geddes Street. At that time, hats were large and elaborate. Trimmings could include ribbons, lace, feathers and flowers. Each hat was unique and tailored to the customers’ wishes. Long hat pins were used to secure them to the ladies’ hair.

Jennie regularly attended millinery shows and fashion promenades in Buffalo and Rochester and was keenly attuned to changing trends. Smaller hats and more subdued designs were preferred in the 1920’s. The 1926 Orleans County Directory indicates that Jennie was the only milliner in Holley. By that time, she had moved her parlor to a building adjoining the family home on Geddes Street. It is interesting to note that the county was still well supplied with hatmakers.

Orleans County Directory, 1926

Hats adorned with veils, feathers and artificial flowers made a comeback after World War II. As the clothing industry became more industrialized, women were less inclined to purchase custom-made hats.

Jennie adapted to these changes by joining her brother’s tailoring business on Main Street where she expanded to selling ladies apparel as well as millinery. Having weathered seismic shifts in her chosen field, she retired in 1955, when the store was closed. It was purchased by Nixon’s Clothing.

Jennie was unmarried and apparently supported herself. She enjoyed a busy, independent life. Her activities and social engagements were frequently mentioned in the Holley Standard newspaper. She died on Monday, Jan 2, 1967, at the age of 91. The Webster family is buried in Hillside Cemetery, Holley.

Photos and information courtesy of Medina Mustang Band Boosters: The Medina varsity winter guard team is shown in action on Saturday during a competition in Lancaster.

LANCASTER – Both of Medina’s varsity and junior varsity guards performed in competition on Saturday in Lancaster.

This was Medina’s fifth competition and there were 22 guards performing from around state Pennsylvania and Canada.

In the Cadet class there were five guards and Medina earned 3rd place with a score of 62.19.  In the A1 class there were four guards and Medina’s varsity earned 4th place with 66.78.

In the Regional A class there were six guards and Greece RA earned 1st place with a score of 76.74.  In Scholastic A Greece earned 1st place with 79.44; Independent A  had 2 competitors and Ventures scored 76.05; Senior class had two competitors and Luminosa earned 1st place with 78.20.

Medina’s next competitions are March 7th in Greece,  March 14th in Medina and on March 28th the Championships at Gates Chili.

It’s amazing to watch these students perform not just the choreography but their ability  to maneuver  various pieces  of equipment like flags, sabres and other props while keeping time with the music.

You can see these guards in action by coming to the Medina home show on March 14th.

The JV winter guard earned a third place finish at Lancaster.

Kimberly Stawicki took this photo this morning of a frigid Canal basin in Medina.

Warmer weather is just around the corner, including a high in the 60s on Saturday.

Today was chilly with temps in the teens and 20s. It will drop to 9 overnight.

The highs for Orleans County in the forecast show 29 for Monday, 40 on Tuesday, 43 on Wednesday, 45 on Thursday, 56 on Friday and 61 on Saturday, according to the National Weather Service in Buffalo.

Marsha Rivers captured this scene at Hamlin Beach State Park on Friday.

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Marcia Toussaint looks on as Brian Napoli, Ridgeway supervisor, presents a citation to her husband Jeff in celebration of his retirement from the board after 30 years of service. Toussaint was Napoli’s choice as deputy town supervisor for many of those years on the board.

MEDINA – Town of Ridgeway councilman Jeff Toussaint was honored at a luncheon Friday to celebrate his retirement after serving 30 years on the Ridgeway Town Board.

“I very much enjoyed my years on the board,” Toussaint said. “Whenever we looked at tough subjects, everybody always came together.”

Toussaint, who grew up on the family farm on Culvert Road, which he now runs, said public service ran in his family.

“My mom and grandpa both served years on the Medina School Board,” he said. “I was in my 20s when I was asked by the Republican Committee to run, but I was getting married and working on the farm, so I wasn’t interested. Then when Russ Rau stepped down, I was in my mid 30s and I interviewed with the other candidates and was approved and got elected. I never wanted to be a politician. I was never political in anything I did.”

He said one of the most satisfying things he helped accomplish during his years of service was getting municipal water for most of the town.

“At the time, some of the people weren’t in favor of it, but in hindsight, it was the right thing to do,” Toussaint said. “There are still a few spots which still don’t have water, but the town is working on it.”

Retiring Ridgeway Town Board member Jeff Toussaint, second from left, poses with his wife Marcia, daughter Andrea, son Matt and his wife Molly with baby Sloane.

Talk of dissolution of the Village of Medina was also a difficult time, as people had strong opinions both ways, he said.

Toussaint and his wife Marcia have three children: Matt, who works on the farm; daughter Andrea, a teacher; and son Aaron, who works in archeology.

“I couldn’t have asked for a better deputy than Jeff,” said Ridgeway supervisor Brian Napoli. “He’s been a big help during the 20 years I’ve served with him. We’ve had disagreements, but we always came to a compromise.”

“I never expected to be here 30 years,” Toussaint said. “It’s pretty amazing and I’m so appreciative the people kept voting me back in. I only worked under two supervisors during that time – J.T. Gidley and Brian.”

When asked why he decided to retire, he replied, “It was time.” As to what he’ll do now, he said he will occasionally come to a meeting to keep the others on their toes.

“And in a year or so, who knows what I’ll do,” he said.

The retirement luncheon was organized by Mary Woodruff, deputy supervisor; and board member Cliff Barber. Other board members are Jesse Cudzillo, the newest board member just voted in; and Duane Payne. John Olinger is the highway superintendent and Hannah Hill is the town clerk.

Woodruff’s granddaughter Amanda made and donated the cake for the retirement party, which included lunch catered by Avanti’s.

Mary Woodruff and Cliff Barber, standing, welcome family, friends and co-workers to a retirement party for Jeff Toussaint, who just completed 30 years as a member of the Ridgeway Town Board. Among the guests were, from left, Patty and Gus Blackburn, Duane Payne, Dan Wolfe, Mark Goheen and assessor Julie Cecchini (with her back turned).

Press Release, Albion Central School

ALBION – Albion Central School District’s Universal Prekindergarten (UPK) applications and kindergarten registration packets are now available for the 2026-27 school year.

The district plans to once again offer a morning and afternoon UPK program at the Albion Elementary School. Applications can be picked up from the District Office or the Elementary Main Office. They can also be printed from the ACSD website. Applications must be returned by 4 p.m. on Friday, May 1, to the registrar at the District Office.

The Albion UPK program is a New York State grant-funded education program, so there is no cost to enroll. To be eligible for the Albion UPK program, children must be four years old on or before Dec. 1, 2026 and must reside in the Albion Central School District.

There are 72 half-day UPK seats available for the 2026-27 school year with 36 students to be placed in the morning session and 36 in the afternoon session. Please note, if the District receives more applications than seats available by the deadline of May 1, there will be a lottery drawing.

If there are 72 or less applications, all students will be placed in the program. Families will be notified of either placement or the lottery process within the first week of May. For subsequent applications received, students will be placed based on availability within the program. A waitlist will be developed if the program becomes full after May 1.

Registration for kindergarten is also open. If your child is already enrolled in Albion’s UPK program, they are automatically registered for kindergarten and parents don’t need to complete any other paperwork.

A letter will be sent from the elementary school inviting parents/guardians and the student to the kindergarten screening process, which will be held in late June. If you are new to the district, or have a child who was not enrolled in Albion UPK and did not receive a registration packet in the mail, you may pick one up from the District Office or the Elementary Main Office.

Packets should be returned to the registrar at the District Office by 4 p.m. on March 30. A letter regarding kindergarten screening will then be mailed after all paperwork is received.

More information including printable UPK applications and kindergarten registration packets are available on the Albion CSD website, https://www.albionk12.org/page/registration. Please contact the registrar’s office with any questions at 585-589-2051.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – The annual Ben Kirby Memorial Tournament in Albion has brought about 2,000 people to Albion for the two-day tournament that started Friday and concludes tonight.

The top photo shows the grades 5 and 6 teams from Albion and Buffalo United in the elementary school gym. Buffalo United won the game, 2 to 1.

There are 74 teams in the tournament, up from 65 last year. The teams can have six players on the court and most teams have three or four subs. Many of their parents attended the tournament.

Lena Grillo of Albion looks for a pass in a JV game against the Batavia YMCA. Grillo would score for Albion in the game.

There are teams from grades 3 and 4 to adults in an open division in the tournament. The teams are from Albion, Alexander, Attica, Batavia, Bloomfield, Brockport, Buffalo, Campbell Sanova, Canandaigua, Holley, Hilton, Kendall, Le Roy, Lyndonville, Palmyra Macedon, Pavilion, Victor and Warsaw in the tournament.

Peter Borello, one of the organizers of the tournament for the Albion Soccer Club, runs the scoreboard during a game in the elementary school gym.

Borello said a big group of volunteers put on the tournament. He estimated about 2,000 people attended the tournament on Friday and today.

Peter Borello holds a medal that will go to a winning team.

Renee Wolf, coach for Holley’s JV and varsity girls teams, gathers the JV team before a game against Attica this afternoon in the high school gym.

The Albion Soccer Club organizes the two-day tournament which honors the memory of Ben Kirby of Albion. He was a student at the Rochester Institute of Technology when he died in a car accident on Nov. 6, 2017. He was 21 at the time, in his senior year majoring in software development. Kirby played youth soccer for Albion and also on the school teams.

Some of the proceeds go towards a $500 Ben Kirby scholarship given to a student nominated by one or more of the teachers in the Albion High School. Three of the scholarships are awarded each year.

Photo courtesy of Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Company: Firefighters converge at the scene of a fire on South Main Street in Medina this morning.

MEDINA – Three people were safely rescued from a fire this morning on Sout Main Street in Medina.

The Medina Fire Department was dispatched to 824 South Main St. at 5:52 a.m. Firefighters encountered active fire and heavy smoke conditions near the entrances of two apartments of a large multi-unit apartment building.

Medina Police officers were first on the scene and attempted to slow the spread of fire with several fire extinguishers.

With reports of multiple residents still inside, firefighters deployed a 1¾’ hoseline and initiated fire attack, Fire Chief Steve Cooley said in a news release.

“After knocking down the fire at the doorway, crews made entry into an apartment under hazardous smoke-filled conditions,” Cooley said. “Firefighters quickly located and removed two occupants, a mother and child.”

Firefighters were then told a third person remained inside a bedroom. Lieutenant Adam Fisher and Firefighter Amanda Cassano re-entered the apartment with the protection of a hoseline and conducted a targeted search with the thermal imaging camera, locating and rescuing the third victim found in the bedroom, Cooley said.

Additional firefighters and Medina police officers conducted searches of the remaining smoke-filled apartments to ensure all occupants were accounted for. Medina firefighter-paramedics immediately began medical evaluations and treatment of the rescued residents, Cooley said.

“As additional firefighters arrived, crews completed primary and secondary searches, continued suppression efforts, and conducted overhaul to ensure the fire was fully extinguished,” Cooley said,

The Orleans County Fire Investigation Unit, assisted by the Medina Fire Department Investigation Unit, began determining the cause of the fire. The Erie County Sheriff’s Office accelerant detection K9 unit also responded to assist. The fire cause is under investigation.

Two residents were transported to Strong Memorial Hospital. One occupant left the scene prior to transport, and another resident was evaluated for smoke inhalation but declined further treatment. No firefighters were injured at this incident.

East Shelby, Albion ladder, Middleport and Mercy EMS all responded to the scene with the Middleport Fire Company providing coverage at the Medina Fire Station to ensure uninterrupted emergency response within the village during the incident.

“We extend our sincere appreciation to all the agencies listed above including the Orleans County dispatchers and deputies, village code enforcement and the Red Cross,” Cooley said. “During this incident, an additional EMS call within the village was handled by Medina Fire Ambulance. We would also like to thank the manager of Dunkin’ Donuts for delivering fresh coffee to crews operating on scene.”

Photo by Tom Rivers: Workers from Upstate Tower Construction in West Seneca are shown putting up a 180-foot-high tower in Carlton on Feb. 5, 2024. The tower is next to the Town Hall and highway garage on Waterport-Carlton Road. The tower was paid for as part of $2,990,000 grant from the state to the county through the Statewide Interoperable Communications Grant. That grant pays for the new tower in Carlton, a new tower and equipment at the Orleans County Emergency Management Office on West Countyhouse Road in Albion, and two backup 911 dispatch consoles at the EMO site. A separate $11.5 million grant is paying for more towers and high-speed internet equipment.

ALBION – Two new towers for high-speed internet service will be built in Ridgeway and Carlton, and equipment also will be going on a grain silo in Clarendon.

Those projects are part of a build-out of the wireless internet system in the county. The county in November 2024 was awarded a $11,562,698 state grant to upgrade wireless internet service throughout the county.

The funding came through the Empire State Development’s ConnectALL Municipal Infrastructure Program. This will allow the county to increase wireless internet speeds from the current 25 Mega Bit Per Seconds (Mbps) to 100 (Mbps).

There are currently 19 towers for the high-speed internet system. The Orleans County Planning Board on Thursday gave its support for two new towers plus the equipment on a grain silo in Clarendon. Those additions should fill gaps in internet coverage.

The county approved a $11,216,500 contract from North Shore Networks LLC in Medina to implement the faster internet service. That company is led by Duston Ellis, who worked over a decade in Kentucky for Broadlinc, helping run a high-speed internet service in a rural area. Ellis moved to Medina to be near his wife’s family.

• The new 150-foot-high tower in Carlton will be a monopole at 961 Wilson Rd. near the Village of Albion Water Treatment Plant.

• The 150-foot-high tower in Ridgeway will be at 2490 Townline Rd. on land owned by Panek Farms. The tower will be on a site that is not being actively farmed.

• In  Clarendon, an antenna array will be installed atop an existing 140-foot-high grain silo at 5122 Soth Holley Rd., near Glidden Road. The property is owned by Kevin Wolf, LLC.

The equipment includes four radios and a network cabinet. The radios will broadcast out at 90 degrees in each direction.

Press Release, Congresswoman Claudia Tenney

WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today released the following statement regarding Operation Epic Fury and the joint U.S. and Israeli military strikes targeting the Iranian regime.

“As the Department of War brilliantly executes Operation Epic Fury against the despotic Islamist Iranian regime, I pray for the safety of all our U.S. service members and allies in the region,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “I hope the brave Iranian people will take back their country from the brutal mullahs, and the people of Iran can have a future of peace and prosperity, instead of tyranny and terrorism.”

UPDATE at 1:23 p.m.: Gov. Kathy Hochul issued this statement:

“Following the U.S. military operations in Iran overnight, we are taking precautionary steps to protect New Yorkers. State Police are increasing their presence at religious, diplomatic, and cultural sites statewide in coordination with federal, state, and local law enforcement partners. Additionally, in advance of the Jewish holiday of Purim, State Police remain alert and have already begun outreach to religious organizations to offer support.

“While there have been no specific, credible threats to New York identified, we continue to monitor online activity for any potential threats, and we encourage New Yorkers to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity.”

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Senate Intelligence Committee, released the following statement on U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran:

“I came to Congress in opposition to endless wars. Trump’s actions today risk exactly that again.

“Congress should return to session immediately to vote on a war powers resolution.

“The president lacks the constitutional authority – and in my opinion, the temperament and judgment – to act in such a reckless fashion.

“I pray for the safety and well-being of our brave service members and American families in the region.

“America voted for lower costs, not forever wars.”

ALBION – The Orleans County Planning Board is recommending the Town of Yates approve a special use permit for Call Farms in Batavia for farmworker housing at 2162 Lyndonville Rd.

Call Farms has already built two barns near the property as part of a new seed potato operation. They would use an existing house for about 10 farmworkers who would be in the H2A guest worker program. The house is south of the Village of Lyndonville on Route 63 ina residential-agricultural district.

The house for farmworkers is not expected to result in a significant increase in traffic to the area, the County Planning Board said during its meeting on Thursday in Albion.

“It’s a positive thing for the community,” said Planning Board member Gary Daum of Lyndonville. “Call Farms is a first-class operation. They’re very conscientious.”

Call Farms isn’t planning any exterior work on the house, but will do a small amount of interior work and may need to enlarge the septic system if required by the Orleans County Health Department.

The Planning Board also acted on another referral from the Town of Yates. The board supported a special use permit for Kervin Stauffer to run a home business repairing hydraulic cylinders and heavy equipment, and could include part sales at 11916 Roosevelt Highway, which is in a residential-agricultural district.

Stauffer wants to build a 10-by-12-foot storage shed and 50-by-70-foot accessory structure for the business.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – ONE Catholic is hosting the Albion Ministerium’s annual Lenten Luncheon series on Wednesdays at St. Joseph’s Lyceum, 114 South Main Street.

This past Wednesday was the first luncheon of the season. Albion churches and clergy take turns preparing soups and sandwiches, and also sharing a devotional message.

Elsie Boring and her daughter, the Rev. Susan Boring, are in line to try some of the soups and sandwiches prepared by the First Baptist Church of Albion and the Gaines Carlton Community Church. The Rev. Boring is pastor of the Eagle Harbor Methodist Church.

Mike Thaine, left, was an enthusiastic participant in the luncheon. The serving line includes, front to back, Peggy Bropst, Cheryl Denson, Eileen Allen and Lori Thomson.

The hour-long gatherings will occur five consecutive Wednesdays, from Feb. 25 through March 25.

There is no charge for the meal. A free will offering is collected to be used for luncheon supplies and other Ministerium events, such as the Albion High School Baccalaureate in June.

Kay Marsh plays the piano for one of the hymns during Wednesday’s luncheon. Pastor Marsha Rivers of the First Baptist Church and Gaines Carlton Community Church gave the message.

Medina’s Lenten luncheon series is hosted by the Medina Area Association of Churches. It started last Thursday and takes place at noon every Thursday for six weeks at the First Presbyterian Church on Main Street.

Participating churches will provide lunch on a rotating basis, followed by a meaningful reflection. There is a suggested donation of $5 for lunch, with all the proceeds going to the Meals on Wheels program and the Orleans Koinonia Kitchen in Albion.

Provided photo:  County Legislator John Fitzak, Congresswoman Claudia Tenney, Legislature Chairman Lynne Johnson and Legislator Skip Draper meet in Tenney’s office in Washington, DC.

Press Release, Orleans County Legislature

WASHINGTON, DC – Orleans County legislative leaders joined nearly 2,000 county leaders from across the country for the 2026 National Association of Counties (NACo) Legislative Conference this week in Washington, D.C.

The conference featured speakers from the Trump Administration and Congress including of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and Lee Zeldin, head of the Environmental Protection Agency.  Conference attendees shaped NACo’s legislative agenda, received updates on key federal policies and advocated for county priorities on Capitol Hill.

“Each year, we use this conference as an opportunity to collaborate with county leaders from across the country on our shared priorities and then advocate for those policies and the specific needs of Orleans County with federal leaders,” said Lynne Johnson, Chairman of the Orleans County Legislature.  “In previous years, our advocacy efforts have been key to securing federal funding for local projects.”

Joining Chairman Johnson at the NACo conference were Legislators Merle “Skip” Draper of Medina and John Fitzak of Carlton.  The conference touched on several key areas of importance to Orleans County including data centers, artificial intelligence, workforce development and public safety. There was also a Federal Agency Expo, with nearly 50 federal program offices sending representatives to meet with conference participants and build intergovernmental partnerships.

“Federal policies have direct and long-lasting impacts on county governments and our residents,” said NACo President J.D. Clark. “NACo’s Legislative Conference is an important opportunity for county leaders to strengthen relationships with our intergovernmental partners, tell our county story and advocate for county priorities that help our communities and residents thrive.”

The conference culminated in an Advocacy Day of Action, positioning attendees to advocate for county federal policy priorities.  Orleans County officials spent time on Capitol Hill meeting with staff from Senator Schumer and Senator Gillibrand’s office. In addition, Orleans County officials met with Congresswoman Tenney and staff from the USDA.

Orleans County leaders thanked federal representatives for securing funding for the future Emergency Management Operations Center and the Public Safety Building rehabilitation.  This year’s priorities included funding for the modernization and upgrades of the former Genesee Community College building in Albion for the Probation Department; support for the regional dredging initiative that includes Oak Orchard Harbor; and funding for Marine Park dock repairs to support public safety.

“We know we will not get everything we ask for, but it’s important to continue to beat the drum for our funding priorities and hope our federal representatives can deliver,” Fitzak said. “Sometimes it takes years of asking before a funding pot is identified for a project, so our job is to keep it on the front burner until that happens.”