By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 11 February 2026 at 3:31 pm
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.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 February 2026 at 11:37 am
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.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 February 2026 at 8:48 am
District implemented own policy about a year ago, before state-wide ban in September
Photo by Tom Rivers: Mollie Mark, assistant principal at Medina Junior-Senior High School, goes over data on student discipline that shows a drop in referrals since students have been banned from using their cell phones during the school day.
MEDINA – It was just over a year ago when the Medina Junior-Senior High School implemented a “bell to bell” cell phone ban in the school.
Medina started the new policy in January 2025, the beginning of the second semester. The district was ahead of the state which imposed its own state-wide cell phone ban in schools beginning in September at the start of the new school year.
Medina has seen a drop in student discipline referrals since instituting the new cell phone policy, and students report they are better able to focus on their studies. The hallways and cafeteria also are much noisier, which is a good sign that students are talking and laughing with their classmates rather than scrolling on their phones, said Mollie Mark, the school’s assistant principal.
She and Michael Cavanaugh, the junior-senior high principal, presented data to the Board of Education on Tuesday about student discipline and phone violations.
Discipline Data – first semester from September to January
2025-26: 562
2024-25: 727
2023-24: 744
2022-23: 623
2021-22: 1,104
Phone violations
2024-25: 156 first violations, 15 violations and 11 contracts
2025-26: 73 first violations, 8 second violations and 0 contracts
The school policy sets the following discipline for students who violate the cell phone policy:
• First Offense – Student delivers device to the main office and may pick it up at the end of the day.
• Second Offense – Student delivers device to the main office and is held for parent pick-up.
• Third Offense – Student delivers device to the main office and is held for parent pick up. A conference is then held and a contract is put into place with the parent/guardian.
Cavanaugh told the board there has been a “transformative change” in the school building since the new policy started. Students have to keep all devices silenced and in their lockers for the duration of the school day – from 7:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. That includes cell phones, earbuds/headphones, tablets and smartwatches. (The only exceptions to this policy are with a note provided by a medical doctor and the approval of school administration.)
Cavanaugh interviewed students on video about the policy change and showed their responses.
“People are interacting more with each other rather than sitting on their phone,” one male student said.
Other students said the school atmosphere is much more calmer.
“Everyone gets along better,” the male student said.
Students aren’t recording each other or posting on social media about other students during the school day, reducing a lot of anxiety among students.
“It’s easier to pay attention in class,” another male student said. “It’s less stressful.”
A female high school student said she is better able to focus on her classwork and made the honor for the first two marking periods this school year.
“It’s less stressful because I’m not constantly checking the phone,” she said.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 10 February 2026 at 9:57 pm
Improving to 11-5, Kendall downed visiting Byron-Bergen 65-45 in a Genesee Region League boys baskeball game this evening.
CJ D’Agostino scored a game high 22, Vinnie D’Agostino 16, Noah Morehouse and Jonny Conte with 10 each and Sammy Conte 7 to lead the way for the Eagles.
Finishing with double-doubles, Morehouse also grabbed off 16 rebounds and CJ D’Agostino 11.
Cody Carlson and Joe Brumstead each had 19 for Byron-Bergen.
The Eagles led 16-13 at the end of the first quarter and 29-23 at the half before pulling away to a commanding 20 point, 51-31, advantage at the end of the third period.
Kendall will next host rival Holley at 7 p.m. Thursday. At halftime the Eagles 1975-76 undefeated Section V champion basketball team will be inducted into the school’s athletic Hall of Fame.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 10 February 2026 at 9:39 pm
Akron stayed in contention to earn at least a share of the Niagara-Orleans League girls basketball title by downing visiting Medina 52-32 this evening.
Improving to 9-2, Akron will now close out the N-O season by hosting front-running defending champion Wilson (10-1) on Friday needing a win to earn a share of the title.
Olivia Novak scored 16, Abby Gerstung 12 and Clara Bodgan 11 for Akron.
Alexa Demmer scored 17 and Samantha Heschke 8 for Medina.
In the other N-O games, Wilson defeated Albion 61-46 and Newfane downed Roy-Hart 52-47.
Aaliyah Jones scored 13, Melia Prince 11, Jocelyn Friedl 7 and Madison Muckle and Leah Pawlak 6 each for Albion.
Julia Noonan scored 21 and Ali-Leena Golden 11 to lead Newfane.
Adella Dukes scored a game high 23, Millie Owens 7 and Peyton May 6 for Roy-Hart.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 February 2026 at 9:21 pm
This graphic was presented by Medina football coach and athletic director Eric Valley as the possible name and colors of the new Albion and Medina football program.
MEDINA – The Medina Mustangs and Albion Purple Eagles will be joining forces on the football field this fall after more than a century as bitter rivals.
The Medina Board of Education this evening approved a five-year agreement with Albion on a merged football program. The Albion Board of Education approved the merger on Monday.
Both school districts will pay 50 percent of the program costs the first two years, and then the funding shares will be based on the percentage of each district’s student participation among the players in the program in years 3 to 5.
Both schools have declining numbers of students playing football. They haven’t been able to field junior varsity teams, and Medina nearly went to 8-man football last season before going back to 11-man football just before the start of the season.
Eric Valley, Medina’s varsity head coach and the district’s athletic director, said the two schools have held joint practices in recent years. He remembers talking with Albion coaches in those practices, saying the two programs worked well together.
Valley is expected to lead the new merged program. He would like the team to be called the “O.C. Rivals” with gray, black and maroon in the colors. The logo could have two shovels, representing the two communities that began to flourish after the digging of the Erie Canal two centuries ago.
Valley said the merged team will likely be a Class B school. He is projecting the two schools will have 29 players for varsity, 40 for JV, and 35 for modified. That is enough to have a competitive program with a focus on student safety, he said. Medina and Albion needed to play some kids up a level when they may not have been ready due to a shortage of players.
The teams will alternate practicing at each school after every week. Both schools are expected to host two home games.
“We’re pretty optimistic,” Valley said after a unanimous vote from the Medina Board of Education. “We think we have a good core of kids and both schools have beautiful facilities. ”
Valley said five of the six coaches will be back from Medina’s team. He knows at least one will return from Albion.
The football program will be hosting an informational meeting at 6 p.m. this Thursday in Albion for players and parents and will soon be doing one in Medina.
He wants to form the staff for the program and advise players on off-season workouts.
He is pleased the two schools have joined forces and football will continue for Albion and Medina.
“Some people don’t like change but the alternative was no football,” he said.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 10 February 2026 at 9:20 pm
Undefeated Wilson locked up outright possession of the Niagara-Orleans League boys basketball championship with a 58-45 win over visiting Albion this evening.
The N-O championship is the first since the 2014-2015 season for Wilson which improves to 11-0 in league competition.
Aidan Neumann took game high scoring honors with 24 for the Lakemen as Shamus George and Chase Martin both added 9. Neumann tallied 15 in the second half.
Tyler Cody scored 13, Nate Gibson 12 and Elijah Doxey 7 for the Purple Eagles which finish the N-O season at 6-6.
Wilson led 12-9 at the end of the first quarter, 27-18 at the half and 40-31 at the end of the third period.
Newfane 53, Roy-Hart 39
Newfane topped Roy-Hart 53-39 in the other N-O contest as Isaac Zachary scored 15 and Kasey Wheat and Camlo Flowers 12 each.
Vinnie Fazzio scored 17 and Matt Aquilina 16 for Roy-Hart.
Alexander 79, Barker 48
Carson Marvin scored 15, Donovan Hefferon 14 and Carson Schwab 8 for Barker in the 79-48 non league loss to Alexander.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 10 February 2026 at 9:01 pm
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Akron’s Derren Brooks puts up a shot over Medina defender Avion Johnson during the Tigers win over the host Mustangs this evening.
In a tight sea-saw battle, Akron scored the game’s final 8 points to earn a 64-58 win over host Medina in a Niagara-Orleans League boys basketball contest this evening.
Trailing 58-56, Akron rallied to claim the win as Derren Brooks had two baskets and a free throw and Blake Gerstung followed up with a victory clinching three.
Blake Gerstung finished with a game high 20, Brooks 18 and Ben Gerstung 17 to lead the Tigers which outscored the Mustangs 17-9 in the decisive final period. Ace Abrams added 5 and Brodie Hill and Jackson Pragle 2 each for the Tigers. Blake Gerstung had a total of 4 threes and Ben Gerstung 3.
Preston Woodworth led Medina with 15 as Carlos Doval added 9, Christian Moss 8, Jerrell Nealy 7, Avion Johnson and Kendrick Russaw 6 each, Kolton Fletcher 5 and Jayzon Wills 2.
Akron grabbed a slender 20-19 lead at the end of the first quarter which saw 2 ties and 4 lead changes. In all the contest had a total of 9 ties and 9 lead changes.
Blake Gerstung and Ben Gerstung both scored 7 in the opening stanza as they each had a three.
All five of Medina’s baskets in the period were threes including two by Woodworth and one each by Moss, Fletcher and Johnson.
The Tigers maintained a five point, 37-32, lead at the half as Blake Gerstung scored 10 in the second period, including a pair of threes, and Ben Gerstung 7, also including a three.
The Mustangs though answered with a 17-10 third period scoring edge to rally into a 49-47 lead. Doval spearheaded that rally with 8 points including a three.
That set the stage for a back-and-forth fourth quarter which saw three ties and as many lead changes.
Medina went up by five, 52-47, at the outset on a three by Woodworth.
Akron answered with a 7-0 run on baskets by Brooks and Hill and a three by Ben Gerstung to regain a 54-52 lead.
The Mustangs answered right back with a 6-3 run to regain the lead for what proved to be the last time at 58-56 on baskets by Wills, Russaw and Woodworth.
However, the last rally 8-0 and the win belonged to the Tigers led by Brooks who scored 5 during that run and 9 of his 18 in the final stanza.
The tense fourth quarter was marred by a fight in the stands which spilled out onto one corner of the court and held up play for about 10 minutes.
Akron improves to 9-2 in N-O action while Medina slips to 6-5.
The Tigers will host front-running Wilson and the Mustangs will visit Newfane at 6:30 p.m. Friday to close out the N-O campaign.
Akron’s Ben Gerstung tries to block a shot by Medina’s Jerrel Nealy.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 February 2026 at 3:27 pm
This is a photo of a print out of a rendering of the proposed Dollar General store in Albion on East Avenue across from the high school.
ALBION – The Village of Albion Planning Board will take comments from the public about the site plan for a new Dollar General on Route 31 across from the high school.
The public hearing will be 5 p.m. on Thursday at the Village Office, 35-37 East Bank St.
The Broadway Group LLC from Huntsville Ala. is seeking to build the new store at 327 East Ave. The company is proposing a single-story 10,566-square-foot building with parking, storm water management, lighting, landscaping and connection to public utilities.
The 1.12-acre site is owned by Chris Kinter, the village’s code enforcement officer. Kinter has recused himself from the application and review.
The Broadway Group plans to demolish the existing structure, a former auto garage and vehicle maintenance facility. The site is currently used to park school buses.
The village Zoning Board of Appeals on Sept. 9 approved a variance for the project, allowing Dollar General to have 35 parking spaces instead of the 53 required for a store that size. Albion’s zoning calls for one parking space for every 200 square feet of a retail store.
The Broadway Group said having 35 parking spaces will allow for more green space on the site.
Contributed Story Posted 10 February 2026 at 2:39 pm
The Roy-Hart/Barker/Medina Knights Club hockey team made the trek to Olean Sunday evening to face the league- leading home team and fell 6-2 in the last game of the regular season.
After a scoreless first period, the hosts scored, but Clayton Wagner (Medina) tied the game from Ryan Felicetti (Wilson) and Nate Downey (RH).
Olean, however, scored three more times in the period taking a 4-1 lead into the third.
Blake Palumbo (Newfane) scored for RBM at the outset of the perod with assists going to Felicetti abd Gavin Ickowski (RH). That ended the scoring for RBM.
Season leaders for RBM were Wagner, John Peracciny (RH) and Felicetti for goals and Felicetti, Wagner and Sean Mettler (RH) for assists. Noah Orens (Newfane) played every minute in goal for the Knights.
Saturday, RBM travels to Jamestown for a first round playoff game beginning at 7 p.m.
ALBION – The Orleans County Youth Bureau today announced that nominations are now open for its 44th Annual Youth Recognition Awards. The purpose of these awards is to recognize those youth who have performed outstanding service for our community and/or have assumed an extraordinary role within their families by helping to support themselves.
“Each year we look to highlight the young people in our community who are committed to serving others, whether it’s through volunteer efforts or assuming tremendous responsibility within their own families, said Kelly Kiebala, Director of the Orleans County Youth Bureau. “By honoring the hard work of our award winners, hopefully we can inspire others to follow their lead.”
Anyone is welcome to nominate a candidate, but nominations from family members must be accompanied by a supporting recommendation from a non-family member. Nominees must reside in an Orleans County school district and be a minimum of 14 years of age and under the age of 21 before June 30.
In addition to the youth recognition awards, the Youth Bureau is also accepting nominations for the Helen Brinsmaid Award, given to an Orleans County youth-serving professional, in a paid position, whose work surpasses normal expectations, and the Eileen Heye Adult Volunteer Recognition Award, presented to an adult who serves the youth of Orleans County in a volunteer setting.
“Young people need mentors and positive role models and we have been very fortunate to honor some tremendous individuals over the years who did a remarkable job with our young people,” said Kiebala. “If you know someone who is making a difference working with our youth, please consider nominating them.”
All nomination forms can be found at the Youth Bureau webpage (click here). Nominations must be submitted to the Youth Bureau by March 15.
Chart information from NYS Department of Motor Vehicles.
Press Release, NYS Department of Motor Vehicles
ALBANY – The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles is reminding motorists that beginning Monday, February 16, some of the most serious traffic violations will have increased point values.
These changes will strengthen the state’s ability to keep persistently dangerous drivers off the roads and protect everyone else who drives, rides, walks, or bikes in communities across the state.
In addition to the updated points, these regulations adjust the time frame in which DMV can take administrative action against a persistent violator, going from an 18-month look back to a 24-month look back.
Many existing point assignments, such as the five points for any violation involving a mobile phone or portable electronic device while driving, or zero points for equipment violations, will remain as they are, with no additional changes.
“These updated regulations will have no impact on drivers who follow the rules of the road, but they will have a big impact on dangerous drivers and repeat offenders whose poor choices always put other drivers, passengers, and pedestrians at risk,” said NYS DMV Commissioner and Chair of the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee Mark J.F. Schroeder. “Our job is to make sure that New York’s roads are safe for everyone, and if someone chooses to be reckless and unsafe, they do not deserve to be behind the wheel, period.”
The changes were first announced as proposed regulatory amendments in September 2023, following Governor Kathy Hochul’s 2023 State of the State proposal to get high-risk and dangerous drivers off New York’s roads. They went through the State Administrative Procedure Act (SAPA) process, including multiple postings in the State Register and public comment periods. A prior regulatory change, which allows for permanent license denial for anyone with four alcohol- or drug-related convictions or incidents became enforceable in January 2025.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 February 2026 at 11:11 am
ALBION – The Albion Board of Education on Monday evening gave unanimous approval to a merger of its football program with Medina.
The two schools are gridiron rivals going back more than a century. But programs have declining student participation, putting both programs at risk of being able to field teams.
Medina’s Board of Education is scheduled to vote on the merger during a 6:30 p.m. meeting today.
Albion didn’t discuss potential names and uniform colors for the merged team or length of the contract. They details will be worked out in the coming months, said Chris Kinter, a member of the Albion Board of Education.
The two districts need to decide this month if there is a merged program to give Section 6 time to work out the classifications and schedule for the fall football season.
The agreement on Medina’s agenda for today calls for a five-year agreement between the two schools with the team to be called the “Orleans Rivals.”
The schools are to split the costs 50-50 for the first two years for modified, junior varsity and varsity. (Both schools didn’t field JV teams this past year due to a shortage of players.) After two years the costs will be based on percentages of student participation from each district. That percentage cost will then be updated annually.
Student-athletes from Medina and Albion who seek to participate in the football program must try out, according to the agreement. No student will be guaranteed a position on the team or playing time.
