I am writing to ask for the support of Village of Medina residents as I run to be their mayor. This is a community I care deeply about and a position I believe I am well equipped to continue in.
My education background is in Education from SUNY Geneseo. Following my Bachelor’s Degree, I received a Master’s in Education from Buffalo State University. Like many of you, I started my professional career at Darien Lake, where I worked as an admissions manager. Any role in guest relations gives a unique look at organization, problem solving, and customer service, which quickly allowed for my desire to help others take off.
For over three decades, I have had the privilege of teaching in the Medina Central School District, serving 31 years as an educator and as Department Chair of the Special Education Department. During that time, I helped guide students, families, and fellow educators, navigate a learning environment where every child could thrive. It is truly heart-warming to see former students working and living in our community, knowing that I may have had a hand in assisting them in their personal success.
Beyond the classroom, I have been deeply involved in our community. I served as past President of the Mustang Sports Boosters, and have been a committed member of Holy Trinity Parish, teaching religious education and serving as a reader and eucharistic minister.
The Village of Medina means the world to me. When the opportunity came to serve on the Village Planning Board and subsequently run for a Village Trustee, I took it on. Then two years ago, I ran for mayor, a position I do not take lightly. These roles allowed me to work directly on issues that matter most to our residents, from responsible planning and spending, to ensuring a high quality of life for all.
As a parent of four children who were raised in the Medina Central School District, I understand firsthand the importance of supporting our schools, families, and youth programs. My husband and I have actively supported the arts, music, boy scouts, and sports programs in Medina. We continue to support our local businesses and events.
My lifelong commitment to Medina—through education, service, and active participation—drives my desire to continue working for the benefit of our community.
Progress and change rarely happen as quickly as we would like. I believe we can address affordability, without cutting essential services. To do that, we must continue working with town, county, and state officials to find ways to deliver services to taxpayers more efficiently and cost-effectively. We should continue to aggressively pursue grants and other funding streams that help to further remove the burden from taxpayers. While the Village Board may not agree on every issue, we must remain committed to working together to move our community forward.
I respectfully ask for your support as we work together to ensure that Medina remains a vibrant, welcoming, and thriving place to live, learn, and grow.
Photo courtesy of Kendall Fire Department: The Kendall Fire Department gave these kids a ride on fire trucks on Monday morning. They were picked up and taken to school, where they were enthusiastically greeted outside by their classmates.
Press Release, Kendall Fire Department
KENDALL – Community spirit was on full display on Monday morning as the Kendall Fire District escorted several local students to school aboard a fire truck after they participated in the department’s Snow Day Hydrant Challenge.
During the recent snow day on Jan. 26, students from the Kendall community stepped up to help their neighbors by shoveling out fire hydrants throughout the district. Keeping hydrants clear of snow is critical during winter months, ensuring firefighters can quickly access water in the event of an emergency.
To recognize their efforts, the Kendall Fire District entered the participating students’ names into a drawing. Several winners were selected to receive a special ride to school on a fire truck.
The students arrived at Kendall Central School in style, greeted by an enthusiastic crowd of classmates, teachers, and staff members who gathered outside to welcome them. The moment highlighted the pride the community takes in supporting one another and recognizing acts of service no matter how young the volunteers may be.
“This is what community is all about,” said Captain James Fox of the Kendall Fire District. “Seeing students take the initiative to help keep their community safe and then seeing the entire school come together to celebrate them was truly special.”
Captain Fox expressed his appreciation to District Chief Randy Davis, Deputy Chief Mike Cole, the Kendall Fire District, and the Kendall Central School District for helping make the event possible. Their leadership and partnership helped bring the recognition together and ensured a memorable experience for the students involved.
For us at the Firehouse, the event was more than just a fun ride to school it was a reminder of the importance of community involvement and the positive impact young residents can have on public safety, said Fox.
As the fire truck pulled away and the students began their school day, the smiles on the faces of the children and staff alike served as a powerful reminder that even small acts of service can bring a community together.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 March 2026 at 9:29 am
Village Board thankful for short-term “SOS: Save Our Sidewalks” assistance, aims for long-term plan
MEDINA – Bob Sanderson enjoys taking walks around the village of Medina, but he said he has to pay close attention to crumbling sidewalks so he doesn’t trip.
Sanderson decided to help the village and homeowners get some of the sidewalks in better shape. He has pledged some of his own money and lined up other donors at $200,000 so far towards new sidewalks.
The Village Board on Monday unanimously voted for Sanderson to move forward with a “SOS: Save Our Sidewalks” plan that would go 50/50 for property owners willing to put in new sidewalks. Sanderson advised Mayor Marguerite Sherman he would have a committee review the proposals for the new sidewalks and that committee would distribute the funds, which would be outside the village budget.
Medina had a similar local grant program more than a decade ago when a donor offered to help people paint their houses. That money and program was handled outside the village budget.
Board members expressed their appreciation to Sanderson during Monday’s meeting. Sherman said Sanderson and the committee want to have a simple process for residents to put in new sidewalks. They likely will have to submit an estimate to the committee before work gets started. Sherman said more information will be forthcoming on the process.
The board has tried to encourage better sidewalks in the community. In 2021, it removed a sidewalk application fee to replace the walkways. The village Department of Public Works also removes the old sidewalks so new ones can be put in.
Sherman also announced an effort for a longer-term plan – “Medina Safe Steps Initiative.” The board voted to have the Planning Board look at updating the sidewalk ordinance for ongoing maintenance. The village also will be looking at grant sources to help replace the sidewalks. Sherman said there are state funding sources for sidewalks through the Department of Transportation.
Sherman said she hears from many residents, including the mail carriers at the U.S. Postal Service, about the rough conditions of the sidewalks in the village.
She said she is grateful that there will soon be assistance from the Sanderson-led group, and the village will have a long-range plan.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 March 2026 at 8:35 am
Photo by Tom Rivers: The price for regular unleaded in Albion was at $3.49 on Monday night at the Kwik Fill in Albion.
Gas prices continued to jump on Monday, with the average price in Orleans County up another 7 cents from yesterday – from $3.306 on Monday to $3.376 today, according to AAA.
Gas prices went up an average of 39 cents per gallon of unleaded to $3.40 in New York State from March 2 to March 9, while the national price increased by 48 cents to $3.48.
The national price is up another 6 cents since yesterday to $3.539 today, while the state average increased by about 7 cents to $3.469.
The war in Iran is the main culprit behind the surge in prices. Refineries also are beginning the process of producing summer-blend gasoline which contains pricier additives to help reduce evaporation during warmer months, AAA said.
Here are the average prices with counties in Western New York:
Photo courtesy of Medina Band Boosters: The JV winterguard from Medina competed on Saturday in Greece and came in second place.
Press Release, Medina Winterguard
GREECE – The Medina Mustang Varsity and JV guards competed on March 7th in Greece, their 6th competition this season. A total of 19 guards participated in this competition.
Medina JV are in the cadet class and they came in 2nd place with a score of 64.62.
Medina Varsity are in the A1 class and they came in 3rd place out of 3 with a score of 71.65.
You can see these guards in action at our home show on Sat. March 14th at the high school gym when the doors open at 3 p.m. and the show starts at 4 p.m.
The Medina Band Boosters are also hosting a Basket Raffle on Friday, March 13th at the high school gym at 6 p.m. and the drawing starts at 7:30.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 9 March 2026 at 5:13 pm
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Spring practice got underway this afternoon for area high school baseball, softball, tennis, track and lacrosse teams. Here members of the Medina lacrosse squad work out at Vets Park as the Mustangs begin preparation for the March 24 season home opener against Tonawanda.
Medina varsity lacrosse Caoch Ben Austin, center, directs a ball control drill.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 9 March 2026 at 3:14 pm
Left – Provided photo: Nicole Tuohey holds one of the heart cookies like her mother used to make and sell at Case-Nic Cookies to benefit the Arc and developmental disabilities. This is the eighth year of selling “Have a Heart” cookies, during which time they have raised more than $13,000. (Right – Photo by Ginny Kropf) Hans Rosentreter stands in front of Hans Bakery, holding a plate of “Have a Heart” cookies to promote the fundraiser started by former owner of the store, Mary Lou Tuohey and her daughter Nicole. Rosentreter is continuing the tradition Mary Lou and Nicole sponsored for years in support of Arc GLOW during Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. The basket raffle in the store window will also support the ARC and run through March 30.
MEDINA – A fundraiser started by Mary Lou Tuohey with her daughter Nicole while owner of Case-Nic Cookies is now being continued by the store’s new owner, Hans Rosentreter at his Han’s Bakery.
Rosentreter purchased the store just over a year ago.
“I knew Mary Lou would want to continue to do her fundraiser, and I was happy to go along with it,” Rosentreter said.
Nicole was born 35 years ago with a developmental disability called Triple X Syndrome. Doctors told her parents at her three-week checkup that she may never walk, talk, read, write, do math or ride a bike.
At 3 months of age, Nicole was enrolled in the Arc’s Rainbow Preschool, which was her stepping stone to a full life, Mary Lou said. Nicole is now 35 years old and attends the Day Hab Program through Arc GLOW. She not only does everything doctors said she wouldn’t do, but more.
“The early intervention and her current involvement with Arc GLOW have helped make her the woman she is today,” Mary Lou said. “That is why Nicole will be having a cookie sale and window basket raffle again, with all the money raised going to programs that serve individuals at Arc GLOW.
Rosentreter said his family has dealt with developmental disabilities and that is why he is happy to participate in the Tuohey’s fundraiser.
He is baking the frosted heart cutout cookies, using Mary Lou’s recipe. They are being sold in his bakery for $1 each. He also has allowed use of his store window for a basket raffle to support Arc GLOW, the same as Mary Lou did when she owned the store.
A plastic bucket has been placed in the entryway full of envelopes which contain a listing of each basket. Customers may take an envelope home, include the amount of money for a sheet of tickets and then indicate next to each item how many tickets they want placed in the drawing for that item. Then they return the envelope and bring it in the store during open hours or drop it in the mail slot during closed hours.
Extra cookies may be ordered by calling the bakery at (585) 798-1676.
The cookie sale and basket raffle will continue until March 30.
Photo and information courtesy of Troop 35 in Medina
MEDINA – Scouts and friends of Troop 35 in Medina removed two dump trailer loads of wreaths that were placed in December as part of Wreaths Across America.
The group removed the wreaths from Boxwood, St Mary’s, and Sacred Heart cemeteries on Sunday in preparation for spring cleanups. Picture below if some of the volunteers that helped.
Picture left top right: Lani Dieter, Maddox Smith, Jimmy Dieter and Cole Herman.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 9 March 2026 at 10:05 am
Nathan Fuller named ‘Firefighter of the Year’
Photos by Ginny Kropf: (Left) Mike Fuller, president of East Shelby Volunteer Fire Company, presented the EMS Award to Nathan Fuller at the installation banquet Saturday night. Fuller was also named “Firefighter of the Year.” (Right) Sue Green, left, and her aunt Debbie Green received certificates for 40 and 45 years of membership, respectively, in the East Shelby Ladies Auxiliary.
EAST SHELBY – The East Shelby Volunteer Fire Company held its annual installation of officers’ banquet Saturday night at the firemen’s recreation hall. Steve Cooley, chief of the Medina Fire Department, served as master of ceremonies.
This was the first banquet since 1974 in which David Green did not serve as master of ceremonies, due to health problems. Green, a 65-year member of the fire company, was also recognized for serving 41-1/2 years as steward of the fire company.
The steward’s duties include arranging for food for meetings, signing up people for use of the hall, making sure the hall is ready for events and many other little things that may come along, Green said.
“The fire company has been a big part of my whole life,” Green said.
(Left) Bronwyn Green, center, poses with Doris Antinore, left, and Gerry Zinkievich, both of whom were recognized for 55 years of membership in the East Shelby Ladies Auxiliary. (Right) Dave Green, who was served East Shelby Volunteer Fire Company as steward for 41-1/2 years, chose the Ladies’ Auxiliary as recipient of the Steward’s Award. Accepting the award are Auxiliary president Bronwyn Green and vice president Leona Weese.
Dave Green joined the fire company on his 18th birthday, making this his 65th year as a member. He said he knew from an early age he would be joining the fire company, as his father Milton was a charter member.
“It was tough sledding in the beginning,” Green said. “In the early days we had to take up a collection from members just to pay the bills. Now we’re in good shape.”
Green has been involved with all the fundraisers through the years, and wishes more young people today would take an interest in volunteering.
“Young people would enjoy becoming a member,” Green said. “Our goal is to work hard with all the other members and see the fire company succeed. Once you join, you’ve got to think it’s the best.”
Officers of the East Shelby Volunteer Fire Company were inducted Saturday night by Steve Cooley, chief of the Medina Fire Department.
Mike Fuller, president of the fire company, and Bronwyn Green, president of the ladies’ auxiliary, welcomed guests and shared their memberships were healthy with 61 and 40, respectively. A moment of silence was observed for one auxiliary member who was lost last year – Judy Allen, who had more than 50 years as a member.
Senator Robert Ortt, who had to leave early for another fire department banquet, thanked the members for all they do for the community. He told them they had a terrific advocacy organization working for them in Albany.
“You take care of this community,” Ortt said. “Volunteer firefighters are the norm in New York state. They save taxpayers $4 billion with their volunteer hours.”
In stepping up to emcee the evening’s program for Green, Cooley said he had big shoes to fill.
“I won’t be half as funny as you were,” he told Green.
Fuller announced the fire company had five new members last year.
Members of the ladies auxiliary were installed by Robyn Watts, secretary of the Shelby Ladies Auxiliary. They are Bronwyn Green, president; Leona Weese, vice president; Sawyer Green, secretary; Mindy Kenward, treasurer; Shirley Printup, Pat Vader and Elaine Newton, trustees; and Rose Allen, chaplain.
Members of the fire company installed by Cooley were Mike Fuller, president; Kirk Zinkievich, vice president; Karen Bracey, secretary; Allen Turner, treasurer; and Dennis MacDonald, Norm Behrend and Alan Lonnen, trustees.
Firematic officers were Deb Taylor, chief; Devin Taylor, 1st assistant chief; Andy Beach, 2nd assistant chief; Jeff Taylor, 3rd assistant chief, Jared Zinkievich, captain; Josh Fuller, lieutenant; Steve Wolters, fire police chief; and Sue Behrend and Mike Fuller, EMS officers.
(Left) Susan Green received the President’s Award from Bronwyn Green, leader of the Ladies Auxiliary. (Right) Karen Bracey was recipient of the President’s Award, given by Mike Fuller, president of East Shelby Volunteer Fire Company.
Next on the program was presentation of awards and recognition of long-time members.
The first presentation was the President’s Award, given by Mike Fuller to Karen Bracey.
“Karen is somebody who helps me on the back end and spends numerous hours organizing tickets for our fundraisers,” Fuller said.
Mike also presented the EMS Award to Nathan Fuller, who put in a lot of time last year studying to advance his position. He became a Firefighter I and spent more than 200 hours studying for his EMS status.
Deb Taylor gave the Chief’s Award to Dylan Taylor, who she described as dependable and ready to step in when needed. He shows up consecutively when needed and serves with heart, she said.
Dave Green chose to give the Steward’s Award to the Ladies Auxiliary, which he described as the “Best ladies auxiliary in Western New York.”
They number 40 members and regularly have 20 to 30 who attend meetings.
“This award is given to the Ladies Auxiliary in appreciation for your contributions to the East Shelby Fire Company,” Green said.
Later in the program, the auxiliary presented Mike Fuller with a $15,000 check for the fire company. Fuller said that will be a big help in buying equipment.
East Shelby Fire Chief Deb Taylor, left, and president Mike Fuller accept $15,000 from the East Shelby Ladies Auxiliary president Bronwyn Green.
Outgoing auxiliary secretary Sue Green and treasurer Sharlene Pratt were recognized for their years of service.
Bronwyn Green announced the Service Awards for years of membership, with several receiving special recognition. They were David Green, 65 years; Charlie Ralph, 55 years; Mike Zelazny, 50 years; Alan Turner and Ken McPherson, 40 years; Ron Martin Jr., 35 years; Bob Scharlau, 30 years; Amy Fuller and Laura Fields, 25 years; Matt Grimes, 20 years; Devon Taylor and Sharon Grimes, 15 years; Josh Green, 10 years; and Eli Howard, 5 years.
The East Shelby Ladies’ Auxiliary officers were installed Saturday night by Robyn Watts, secretary of the Shelby Ladies’ Auxiliary.
A special recognition was given to Zelazny with a gift of a firemen’s axe mounted on a plaque. He received proclamations from Senator Robert Ortt, Assemblyman Steve Hawley, Orleans County legislator Bill Eick and FASNY trustee Michael Lipinski, who shared FASNY has one of only two retirement homes for firefighters in the country.
Zelazny joined the fire company Aug. 8, 1975, and has served as president and vice president. He also worked on the bingo team and fundraisers, as well as responding to all emergencies.
Fields and Amy Fuller received proclamations from Ort, Hawley and Eick.
The evening also included a meal catered by Donna Eick and music by DJ JT Thomas of Medina.
Photo courtesy of Alana Koneski: Mike Zelazny, left, was recognized for 50 years of service to the East Shelby Volunteer Fire Company. He was presented a special award by Medina Fire Chief Steve Cooley (master of ceremonies), East Shelby Fire Chief Deb Taylor and East Shelby President Mike Fuller.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 9 March 2026 at 9:51 am
Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Isabella Groves
Lyndonville senior Isabella Groves has been named to the Genesee Region League girls basketball All-Star team.
Groves scored 201 points on the season for a 10.6 per game average. She also grabbed off 123 rebounds and had 41 assists, 28 steals and 3 blocks.
She capped off her season with a big 27 point scoring effort to help lead the G-R to a 79-40 win over the Niagara-Orleans League in the annual Exceptional Senior game this past Friday at Albion.
Lyndonville sophomore Alexa Robinson also earned Honorable Mention on the G-R All-Star squad.
She scored 154 points or an 8.6 average. She also pulled down 100 rebounds and had 47 steals, 13 assists and 4 blocks.
Holley has Honorable Mention selections
Two Holley players – senior Ali VanAmeron and sophomore Brynn Thomas – have earned Honorable Mention on the G-R All-Star squad.
VanAmeron had 148 rebounds, 81 points and 8 assists this season.
Thomas had 129 points, 55 rebounds, 30 steals and 16 assists.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 March 2026 at 9:36 am
Photos by Robyn Ottaviano: This morning’s fiery sunrise is shown at the Medina Canal Basin.
The up-and-down weather will continue this week. Three days ago, Orleans County had ice-coated driveways, sidewalks and branches.
Today, the forecast shows sunny with a high of 70. The highs will be then be 58 on Tuesday, 54 on Wednesday and 33 on Thursday with snow showers.
Then the highs include 40 on Friday with snow showers, 36 on Saturday and 43 on Sunday. The forecast shows 40 next Monday and then a high of 25 next Tuesday.
A cardinal shown in a lilac tree encased in ice only three days ago on Friday.
My name is Mark Prawel and I am running for reelection for a second term as Medina Village Trustee. I am a lifelong village resident and have owned and/or managed a small business in the village for the better part of 35 years. I also am a former law enforcement officer that spent sixteen years working for the Village of Medina Police Department.
Prior to being elected, I heard from my customers for years regarding the direction of the village, questionable decisions by previous boards, and how the costs of living here were beginning to become unsustainable.
I care very deeply about Medina, always have and always will. This is where I grew up, where I went to school, where I raised my family, and where I have worked my whole life. I shared in the worries of the direction of the Village and I wanted to help fix it; that is why I ran two years ago and that is why I have decided to run for a second term.
In the last two years, especially in the last few months, I believe the Village Board has finally been making the right steps towards a better future for Medina and making responsible decisions for our residents. But, for far too long, the “Bully Mentality” has been accepted, and even sometimes encouraged, across the entire village government as the way to operate. This is not okay and should not be tolerated. I aim to create a better, healthier work environment for all village employees.
In recent months, some have even chosen to question my devotion to Public Safety. I believe my track record of 30+ years of serving the public faithfully, including 16 great years here in Medina, speaks for itself. My passion for serving this community and pushing for a safe and responsible Medina hasn’t diminished one bit and any assertion otherwise is just flat out false.
The public safety of this village is much more than one department, one piece of equipment, or one building. It encompasses all facets of us as a village. In order for this to be the best version of Medina, we need to continue to find the best ways to be responsible and equal in spending and attention for all of our village departments without bankrupting our residents. I have always been welcoming of any village resident to come speak with me directly regarding any issue or idea that they may have and that will never change.
I would also like to express my support for Debbie Padoleski for Mayor and Jeff Wagner for Trustee. For many years I have had the pleasure of witnessing firsthand Debbie’s hard work and dedication for this village, whether it be as our Clerk or Trustee. She possesses all the necessary knowledge, experience, and mindset necessary to be our Mayor. Jeff also would be a great asset to this Village as a trustee and I can personally attest to his great business mindset and his love for this community. We are all united in our commitment to putting the Medina taxpayers first and finding the best, most responsible way to keep moving forward.
I ask all Medina Voters to please come out and vote on March 18th and hope you chose to support Padoleski for Mayor and Prawel and Wagner for Trustee. Thank you.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 March 2026 at 8:47 am
Photo by Tom Rivers: These were the prices on Sunday at the Crosby’s in Medina.
Diesel prices soar 74 cents in past week to $4.74 a gallon
Gas prices have jumped in the past week as the war and conflict in Iran and the Middle East pushed crude oil prices over $100 per barrel.
The national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $3.48, up 48 cents from last Monday, while the average price in New York State is $3.40, up 39 cents from last Monday, AAA reported.
The average prices in WNY counties include:
Orleans, $3.306
Genesee, $3.286
Monroe, $3.413
Niagara, $3.340
Erie, $3.420
Wyoming, $3.392
Livingston, $3.419
Chautauqua, $3.349
Cattaraugus, $3.262
Allegany, $3.315
AAA issued this statement:
“The last time oil prices were in this range was during the Russia/Ukraine conflict in 2022. Oil prices have a direct impact on gas prices since about 60% of what consumers pay at the pump is in direct correlation to the price of crude. Oil is the main ingredient in each gallon of gas.
“Diesel prices have also escalated. The national average is $4.66, up 89 cents while the New York average is $4.75, up 74 cents in the past week.”
