By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 July 2026 at 9:23 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
KENDALL – George Mann, a 97-year-old World War II veteran who served in the Navy, waves to people along the Kendall Road parade route on Thursday evening during the Kendall Firemen’s Carnival parade. He was joined in the car by veterans Pat Condo and Fred Conrad.
Many in the crowd clapped and showed their appreciation for Mann, Condo and Conrad, the three veterans in the car.
Vietnam Veterans of America based in Rochester marched near the front of the parade. They received a standing ovation from many in the crowd.
Gary Kludt drives a 1923 Model T carrying members of the Kendall Lions Club which is celebrating its 51st anniversary this year.
Max Equipment Rentals brought a foam cannon to the parade to the delight of many kids.
Rich Harpole, owner of Foam Hippo, was happy to spread joy with the foam cannon.
Mattison Maxon is covered in foam while riding the float for Max Equipment Rentals.
Bagpipers from ROC City Guardians Pipes & Drums perform in the parade, followed by the Murray Joint Fire District.
Scouts in Pack and Troop 94 created a float with a Statue of Liberty.
Adele Mathes, a member of Troop 94, waves to a friend along the parade route.
Orly the Ox, the Orleans County bicentennial mascot, rode on a trailer promoted activities on Saturday for the 250th anniversary celebration of the United States, including fireworks at 10 p.m.
Lone Oak Stables brought about a dozen horses and riders for the parade.
State Assemblyman Steve Hawley tosses frisbees to the crowd.
State Sen. Rob Ortt hustles to get a reload of candy.
The Safety Pup waves to people from the top of the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office’s new armored vehicle, a Bearcat.
Some older John Deere tractors were part of the parade procession.
A woman signals for Kendall highway trucks to honk their horns.
A young dancer from Jeannie’s Dance Connection in Hamlin shows her moves.
Head Over Heels Dance & Acrobatics in Holley brought a big contingent for the parade.
A passenger in a Kendall fire truck tosses candy to kids.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 July 2026 at 8:37 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
KENDALL – These kids are delighted to be on the “Little Wheel” at the Kendall Firemen’s Carnival on Thursday. From left include Sylas Herring, 4, of Holley and Brody Buschang, 3, of Hilton.
This is one of 12 rides brought to the carnival by Knox’s Great American Midways in Franklinville. The carnival continues today and on Saturday.
Chris Casale sings “Take Me Home, Country Roads” at the main stage of the carnival. There are bands performing each night.
Brynn Hardenbrook, 15, joins volunteers serving up hamburgers, sausage, fries and lots of other food. Carol D’Agostino, a long-time volunteer, is next to her.
The “Rock O Plane” ride flips people upside down.
Mackenzie Cooper, 12, tosses a ring during a game of Ring A Knife. She was on target and won a pocket knife. Her sister, 10-year-old Kayla, is next to her. Mackenzie had just played a soccer game for Kendall against Albion.
Elmora Arena, 2, of Greece rides the Merry Go Round and looks back at her mother.
Kendall firefighters are busy in the food pavilion. Deputy Fire Chief Mike Cole, left, and Fire Chief Randy Davis work the hot grill on Thursday evening. The hamburgers were served with peppers and onions.
The Gondola Wheel is a new ride at the carnival this year.
An open field has been transformed into a midway for the carnival.
Kids get on the Go Gator at the carnival. Kendall is the last community doing a firemen’s carnival in Orleans County.
These kids have fun on the Dizzy Dragon ride.
A hay bale by the Kendall Town Hall is decorated for the 250th anniversary of the United States of America.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 July 2026 at 5:05 pm
Provided photos
HOLLEY – Jim DeFilipps was commended and presented with a plaque from Mayor Mark Bower during Defilipps’ final meeting as a village trustee on June 29. He was on the board for over a decade.
DeFilipps, a former Holley police officer, chose not to seek re-election last month. Brenden Bedard has taken his position as a trustee. DeFilipps currently works as chief deputy of the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office. He was deputy of the year in 2015 in New York State.
The photo at left shows DeFilipps with his children, Jake and Gianna. At right, Mayor Mark Bower presents DeFilipps with a plaque for his service.
The board also on June 29 accepted the resignation of Katie Niles as village treasurer and Sarah Lyons as the deputy clerk-treasurer. The board appointed Lyons to be the village treasurer at an hourly pay of $25.46 and Vesna McGlen to be deputy treasurer at hourly rate of $20 per hour.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 July 2026 at 4:55 pm
The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstrom warning until 5:30 p.m. for Orleans County and northwestern Genesee County.
“Severe thunderstorms were located along a line extending from near Point Breeze to near Akron, moving east at 45 mph,” the Weather Service said.
The storm has 60 mph wind gusts. Locations impacted include Medina, Albion, Hamlin Beach State Park, Oakfield, Holley, Waterport, Lakeside Beach State Park, Point Breeze, Kent and Shelby.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 July 2026 at 3:46 pm
The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for western Orleans County and Niagara County from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. today. The warning also includes northwestern Genesee County and northeastern Erie County.
The storm could bring 60 mile per hour wind gusts. The Weather Service said to expect damage to roofs, siding and trees.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 July 2026 at 2:56 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Kurt Hobart of Medina sprays water from a fire hose with assistance from Barre firefighter Jerry Bentley this afternoon at Hoag Library.
Today was Fire Truck Day at the library and there was apparatus from the Albion Fire Department, Barre Volunteer Fire Company, Carlton Volunteer Fire Company and Murray Joint Fire District, as well as an ambulance from Mercy Flight EMS.
Kara Bentley, a Barre firefighter, lets her daughter Adalynn, 3, sit in an Albion fire truck.
To see a schedule for the summer reading program at Hoag, click here.
ALBION – The Albion school district is pleased to introduce a new addition to its athletics program. Dylan Jay will assume the role of Athletic Trainer ahead of the fall 2026 season. He was appointed by the Albion Board of Education at the July 7 meeting.
Jay is a certified athletic trainer and certified strength and conditioning specialist with UBMD Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine. He joins Albion with plenty of high school level experience, previously serving as an athletic trainer for five years at Medina Central School and four years at Cheektowaga.
Jay grew up in East Aurora and earned his undergraduate degree from SUNY Brockport. Growing up, he played soccer, ran track at the collegiate level, and trained for the Winter Olympic sport of Skeleton post college.
He looks forward to familiarizing himself with the Albion community, building strong relationships and serving as a trusted confidant for athletes, parents and coaches. He is excited to support athletes in pursuit of their goals and hopes to help teams challenge league, section or state titles in the coming seasons.
“We are beyond excited to welcome Dylan aboard,” said Lauren Kinard, Albion athletic director. “He will be a great asset to our program and we are confident our athletes and coaches will benefit greatly from his expertise, presence and guidance.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 July 2026 at 10:55 am
MEDINA – The organizers of the Blue Thursdays concert series have cancelled this evening’s concert due to the high possibility of thunderstorms this evening.
Miller and The Other Sinners, a nationally touring band from Buffalo, was scheduled to perform today at the pavilion at State Street Park.
The first three shows have now been cancelled due to weather. The Dave Viterna Group was scheduled to kick off the series on June 18 followed by the Growlers Blues Band on June 25.
The remaining schedule includes the Pat Harrington Trio on July 16, Eric Weinholtz Band on July 23, and Grosh on Aug. 6.
The concerts go from 6 to 8 p.m. There is no admission charge.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 July 2026 at 10:43 am
Parade, rides and lots of food will kick off event
Photo by Tom Rivers: These kids enjoy the Caterpillar coaster ride during last year’s Kendall Carnival.
KENDALL – The annual Kendall Fire Department Carnival returns for three days of fun beginning today.
The carnival grounds open at 5 p.m. with food, then 6 p.m. the amusement rides will be open. The parade starts at 7 p.m.
Knox’s Great American Amusements in Franklinville is the ride provider for the second year, and will have 12 rides. This time Knox is bringing a Gondola Wheel instead of a Ferris Wheel. The Gondola can fit four people, compared to two on the Ferris Wheel.
Last year was the return of the carnival after the fire department had a field days event in 2024. Kendall was unable to secure a ride company until Knox’s stepped in last year.
The community responded with big attendance all three days, making it one of the best carnivals for the fire department, said Bryan Hardenbrook, one of the co-chairman for the carnival. Cole Hardenbrook, Bill Hardenbrook and Phil D’Agostino also are co-chairs for the event.
This year’s carnival also includes special events on Saturday for the 250th anniversary celebration of the United States. The Town of Kendall has organized those events, which include displays of patriotic memorabilia. The town also took the lead on Saturday’s fireworks show, which will be bigger than in the past for the carnival.
The daily schedule includes:
Today
Grand Parade, 7 p.m. (begins at Kendall Elementary School)
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 July 2026 at 9:11 am
Some residents say their groundwater is in short supply and not healthy for drinking
Photos by Tom Rivers: Barre Town Supervisor Steve Coville said the current financial implications are far too high for the property owners in Water District No. 10 for the district to move forward.
BARRE – The Town Board is dissolving Water District No.10 after the costs for constructing the district more than doubled from when the district was initially formed in 2019.
The town has been unable to secure enough in grant funding to bring down the costs to an affordable level for the 37 chargeable units in the district, town officials said during a public hearing on Wednesday. Water District 10 covers 23,350 linear feet or about 4 1/2 miles on Angevine, McNamar and Transit roads.
The Town Board intends to look at a larger district, including other parts of town without public water access. That would give Barre a better chance at more grant funding to help pay for the project, said Town Supervisor Steve Coville.
The board held a public hearing on Wednesday about the district’s dissolution. Some residents said the annual debt service of approximately $3,133 was far too high.
But other residents said they are desperate with water wells that often run low or yield poor-quality water.
Richard Edman tells the Town Board he brought the first petition to town officials, trying to get public water for Water District 10. He is concerned the well water is putting many peoples’ health at risk.
Richard Edman of Transit Road said safe drinking water for residents should be top priority. He worries the poor quality water is ruining peoples’ health.
Brandon and Liz Gurnsey of Angevine Road said their well has often run dry. They have two children under age 3. They said they want to stay in barre to raise their family, but the lack of public water access has been very challenging.
“You’re putting people in an impossible situation,” Mr. Gurnsey said.
Coville, the town supervisor, said the costs are too much for the 37 equivalent dwelling units in the district. When the district was formed in 2019, the construction costs was estimated at $1 1. million with annual debt payment for each EDU at $508.16 per unit, plus about $300 annually for water use with another $60 maintenance fee.
But the construction costs skyrocketed after the Covid pandemic in 2020 and the cost of materials and construction have continued to rise, Coville said.
The total cost of the district is now at $2.7 million. That puts the debt service over 38 years for each EDU at $3,133.80 annually, plus water costing at least $345 a year with the $60 maintenance fee.
“That is an astronomical cost,” one resident at the hearing. “We don’t support that.”
Barre was approved for $616,600 in grants when the project was closer to the $1.1 million cost. Barre has twice applied for $1,624,800 state grants through the Water Infrastructure Improvement (WIIA) program, but has been denied.
“We want to help,” Coville told about a dozen residents at Wednesday’s public hearing. “We’ve done everything we possibly could. The numbers are just too big.”
Town Board members Kirk Mathes, Wes Miller, Margaret Swan, David Allen and Town Supervisor Steve Coville voted unanimously to dissolve Water District 10 and will instead try a bigger district that they said would have a better chance for grants.
Town officials said they tried to partner with Clarendon for a joint project that would have covered Water District 10 and part of Clarendon, but the Monroe County Water Authority denied having MCWA water go into Barre. The MCWA provides water in Clarendon while the Village of Albion provides Barre with water. The MCWA avoids out-of-district connections.
The Gurnseys on Angevine Road wondered if the Town of Barre Highway Department could provide the labor and install the district. But Coville said the department has other duties including patching roads, and Dale Brooks, the highway superintendent, said the department shouldn’t devote so much time to a water district, rather than a project benefitting the entire town.
The highway crew did put in a small waterline with hydrants on Eagle Harbor Road to close a dead-end main. Those materials were paid for with federal funds from the American Rescue Plan Act. Those ARPA federal funds were awarded by the federal government. Brooks said highway departments in the county have done the smaller projects through ARPA, but the larger water districts are done by contractors through the public bidding process.
Coville said Barre will discuss options for a new water district with its engineer. He said the town has already spent $129,293 towards Water District 10. The engineering and some of that work can still be used as the town looks at a larger district.
“It’s not like we’ve been sitting back,” Councilman Kirk Mathes said. “There’s not enough houses to get the costs down.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 July 2026 at 1:55 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
LYNDONVILLE – The Lyndonville Lions Club organized a ceremony on Saturday to honor Nehemiah Spalding on the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Spalding is a Revolutionary War solider buried at Lynhaven Cemetery.
Pictured from left include Scott Goetze and John Follman of the American Legion, Lyndonville Lions Club President David Godfrey and Mike Fiegl.
Mr. Spalding volunteered in a militia in the Albany area for the Revolutionary War. He fought in multiple British scrimmages in the Hudson and Mohawk Valley regions.
Further records show his cooperation in several of the major Revolutionary War battles including the Battle of Oriskany, The Battle of Klock’s Field and the Battle of Fort Ticonderoga.
Scott A. Goetze, a member of the American Legion in Lyndonville, presents a flag to descendants of Nehemiah Spalding. His family also was recognized as grand marshals of the Fourth of July parade.
Peter Wybron and his sister Nancy Gerhardt are 4th generation grandchildren of Spalding, and they live in Western New York. Other Spalding descendants also attended the ceremony which including a wreath-laying at Spalding’s grave.
Spalding’s family received commendations from the Orleans County Legislature, Assemblyman Steve Hawley, State Sen. Rob Ortt and Congresswoman Claudia Tenney.
American Legion members Scott Goetze, left, and John Follman fold an American flag that was presented to Nehemiah Spalding’s family.
Members of the American Legion served as the Honor Guard and did a 21-gun salute. Matthew Heinsler played Taps.
The Gates Pipe and Drum Band performed “Amazing Grace” at the end of a ceremony honoring Nehemiah Spalding.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 8 July 2026 at 11:48 am
MEDINA – A new event to promote family fun and healthy experiences, sponsored by Orleans Community Health, is scheduled to begin July 10.
OCH is excited to introduce Family Fun Fridays, a new summer series designed to bring families together through fun, active and educational experiences, while connecting with local organizations and health resources.
These free events, held every other week throughout the summer, will encourage children and families to stay active, learn healthy habits and discover programs and services available throughout Orleans County. Family Fun Fridays are part of Orleans Community Health’s ongoing Healthy Communities initiative, which focuses on prevention, education and community connection, according to Scott Robinson, director of marketing at OCH.
The program will take place in Medina and Lyndonville, with Medina events in the park located south of Medina Memorial Hospital, and the Lyndonville event in the pavilion at Yates Town Park.
Following is the schedule for Family Fun Fridays:
July 10 – Family Field Day (Medina)
In partnership with the YMCA, families will enjoy an afternoon of games, relay races, outdoor activities and friendly competition designed to keep children active, while having fun.
July 24 – Children’s Yoga (Medina)
Presented by Hometown Wellness, this event will introduce children to yoga through engaging, age-appropriate activities that promote movement, mindfulness, relaxation and overall wellness.
Aug. 7 – Family Fun Friday (Town of Yates Pavilion, Lyndonville)
Families from across the region are invited to enjoy activities, games and opportunities to connect with local organizations serving children and families.
Aug. 21 – Family Fun Friday Finale (Medina)
The series will conclude with another afternoon of family-friendly activities, community engagement and health and wellness resources.
Each event will feature interactive activities for children, along with information from community organizations that provide programs and services benefiting local families. Parents and caregivers will have the opportunity to learn about healthcare, wellness, education, recreation and other community resources available throughout Orleans County, Robinson explained.
“Family Fun Fridays are about creating opportunities for families to spend quality time together, while promoting healthy lifestyles and introducing them to the many organizations which help make our community stronger,” Robinson added. “We hope these events become a fun summer tradition that encourages families to stay active, build connections and discover resources that support their health and well-being.”
Community organizations and Orleans Community Health departments interested in hosting an informational table or providing a family-friendly activity are encouraged to participate.
In addition to Family Fun Fridays, Orleans Community Health is currently planning a Children’s Wellness Fair in Albion, further expanding opportunities for children and families to access health education, wellness resources and community support.
Family Fun Fridays are free and open to the public.
