By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 30 October 2025 at 9:03 pm
Stung by a Medina touchdown in the opening seconds, Southwestern came roaring back to defeat the visiting Mustangs 48-7 this evening in the quarterfinal round of the Section VI Class C football playoffs.
Medina struck like lightning on the game’s first play from scrimmage as quarterback Preston Woodworth hooked up with Kolton Fletcher on a 61 yard touchdown pass play. Davi Mucoucah tacked on the extra point kick tom make it 7-0.
However, Southwestern answered right back on a 49 yard touchdown run by quarterback Trent Lewis. The Trojans though missed the extra point attempt leaving the Mustangs holding a slender 7-6 lead.
Keeping the momentum Southwestern quickly moved on top to stay to 20-7 before the opening quarter ended on two short scoring drives capped off first by a 17 yard touchdown run by Lewis and then by a 43 yard Lewis to Roger Markham TD pass.
Both of those scores were set up when Medina lost on fourth down gambles in their own territory first at the Mustangs 24 and then at the 33.
The Trojans upped the lead to 27-7 on a 4 yard touchdown run by Bradyn Fuller late in the second quarter.
Southwestern closed out the win by scoring once in the third quarter and twice in the fourth.
Southwestern advances to next week’s semifinal round with a 9-0 record while Medina finishes the season at 6-3.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 30 October 2025 at 9:01 pm
Business offers wide selection of firearms, ammunition, apparel and accessories
Photos by Tom Rivers: Shawn Malark, owner of North Star Ammo & Defense, is shown inside the business with two of the employees, Corey Black and Eric Harling, who are both recently retired after careers as investigators with the Orleans County Major Crime Felony Task Force.
ALBION – A new business celebrated its opening today, and many of the customers and local officials marveled at the transformation of an old sandstone warehouse into the new North Star Ammo & Defense.
Shawn Malark worked for three years to create North Star, which offers firearms, ammunition, apparel and other accessories at 227 West Ave.
Malark is a Kendall graduate who has been running Orleans Pallet at the Medina stone warehouse in Albion since 2006. Part of the warehouse from 1901 burned in a dramatic fire on Oct. 17, 2013. Malark was able to keep the pallet business going despite the devastating fire.
Malark has been wanting to branch out in a business to help people with self protection, to help them feel safer.
Shawn Malark, his wife Kelly and their daughter Montana cut the ribbon outside North Star Ammo & Defense this morning during a ribbon-cutting celebration.
Several local officials attended the ribbon-cutting. Malark received commendations from the Orleans County Legislature, Assemblyman Steve Hawley, and the offices of State Sen. Rob Ortt and Congresswoman Claudia Tenney.
The grand opening celebration continues on Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with giveaways and raffles, and a meet-and-greet with the team of experts.
The transformation of the warehouse for North Star shocked many of the local officials who attended the ribbon-cutting today. The warehouse was being used for storage but Malark has turned it into a retail store that also has computers for people to shop online at other distributors, giving them access to more than 100,000 items.
North Star has three employees who are well known in the community for their long careers in law enforcement. Corey Black and Eric Harling are both recently retired from the Orleans County Major Felony Crime Task Force. Black also worked for the Sheriff’s Office as a deputy and investigator. Harling worked 20 years with the Medina Police Department before joining the Task Force the past 11 years.
Dave Meyer also joined North Star after 31 years as a state parole officer.
Black, Harling and Meyer worked together for many years, and they are happy to be together again on the job. North Star is far less stressful with only positive interactions, they said.
“This is a breath of fresh air coming from the career I was in,” Harling said. “Every engagement here is a positive one.”
NY makes $65 million available in emergency food assistance
Photo by Susan Watts/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul: Gov. Kathy Hochul visits Common Pantry in Harlem in anticipation of the looming cut-off of SNAP benefits.
Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office
Governor Kathy Hochul today declared a state of emergency and announced new actions in response to the Trump administration stripping food assistance from 3 million New Yorkers come November 1.
As the GOP federal government shutdown continues, the Trump administration has refused to release billions in statutorily approved federal contingency funding that would address this crisis in states across the nation.
By refusing to release this contingency funding, the federal government is leaving millions of New Yorkers without critical assistance they rely on to feed themselves and their families.
Governor Hochul is stepping up by committing an additional $65 million in new State funds for emergency food assistance that will reinforce New York’s network of vital food bank and pantry partners and provide about 40 million meals to hungry New Yorkers. The Governor is also deploying Empire State Service Corps and SUNY Corps Members to support local food banks during this emergency period of increased need, and continuing to explore food hubs at schools.
“The Trump Administration is cutting food assistance off for three million New Yorkers, leaving our state to face an unprecedented public health crisis and hurting our grocers, bodegas and farmers along the way,” Governor Hochul said. “Unlike Washington Republicans, I won’t sit idly by as families struggle to put food on the table.”
Since the inception of the program, SNAP benefits have been federally funded. New York administers approximately $650 million per month in federally funded SNAP benefits to nearly 3 million New Yorkers. Given the scale of the program, Governor Hochul along with governors across the country have repeatedly emphasized that no state government can replace SNAP benefits or backfill the program.
Here’s a look at what today’s announcement means for New Yorkers:
• $40 million in new funding for the Hunger Prevention and Nutrition Assistance Program, which provides emergency food relief and nutrition services to food-insecure populations. HPNAP works in partnership with a network of about 2,700 Emergency Food Providers (EFPs), including food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters.
• $25 million in new funding for Nourish NY, which supplies surplus agricultural products (e.g., milk, apples, cheese, yogurt, cabbage, squash) to populations who need them through the State’s network of food relief organizations (i.e., regional food banks, food pantries, soup kitchens, and community-based organizations that provide food for free to persons experiencing food insecurity).
Deploying Empire State Service Corps and SUNY Corps Members to support food banks
Currently, hundreds of SUNY students serve as peer navigators, helping fellow students complete SNAP applications and assisting at campus and local food pantries.
The Empire State Service Corps will allow current members to expand their paid hours, enabling them to provide greater support at food pantries statewide. In addition, new short-term crisis response positions will be created to assist food pantries and food banks facing staffing shortages.
Today’s announcement comes as New York, along with 24 other states, sued the Trump administration on Tuesday to demand the release of emergency SNAP funds. The Governor also joined a letter alongside 20 other Governors to the President, calling for the Administration to reverse course and release emergency SNAP funds. Governor Hochul also fast-tracked $41 million in state funds for emergency food assistance earlier this week — today’s announcement brings the total of allocated state funds to $106 million.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 30 October 2025 at 4:41 pm
Provided photo: Maci Manicki teamed with Mike Weldon to win first place at the All American Quarter Horse Congress in Jackson, Ohio.
Maci Manicki,15, of Kent recently won first place at the Ranch Sorting National Championships Congress Super Sort.
Manicki teamed with Mike Weldon to take the championship among 179 teams in the rookie division. They competed as part of the All American Quarter Horse Congress in Jackson, Ohio on Oct. 17.
With Ranch Sorting, a group of 11 cattle are gathered into a 50-to-60-foot round pen. All but one of the cattle is tagged with a number from 0 to 9.
Riders compete as a two person team with the objective to sort the cattle, one at a time, away from the herd and through an opening between the pens. (Click here to see a video of Maci Manicki at the competition.)
It is a difficult challenge. The cattle must be sorted in sequential order according to the back numbers.
The arena announcer calls out a number, at random, between O and 9. As the first rider enters the pen with the cattle while the other rider guards the opening between the pens.
The sorter must start with the animal tagged with the announced number and work through the sequence. Any untagged animal is left in the pen.
The sort has a time-limit. The team with the most accumulated cattle in the least amount of time after the three rounds wins. Manicki and Weldon sorted 29 cattle in three rounds totaling 167.59 seconds.
Along with cattle sorting, Manicki has competed in the Pennsylvania and New York high school rodeo circuits, where she does barrels, poles, goat tying and breakaway roping. She has won multiple events including year-end “All Around Cowgirl” for her division. Manicki also competes in the Attica Rodeo and Show Association, running barrels and team penning.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 30 October 2025 at 3:55 pm
Paul Fulcomer
ALBION – Paul Fulcomer, who was retired as Orleans County’s Veterans Service Agency director, was killed in a motorcycle accident on Wednesday afternoon.
Fulcomer was riding a motorcycle west on East County House Road when he entered the intersection at Route 98, failing to stop at the stop sign and then colliding with a northbound vehicle, according to a news release from Sheriff Chris Bourke.
Fulcomer, 78, was ejected from his motorcycle. Emergency life-saving measures were administered at the scene by Mercy Ambulance, Mercy Flight, and the Albion Fire Department, Bourke said. Fulcomer was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Orleans County Coroner’s Office.
The resulting collision caused both vehicles to leave the roadway, coming to rest on the lawn of a residence located on the northwest corner of the intersection.
The investigation is ongoing by the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office with assistance from the New York State Police Crash Reconstruction Unit.
Fulcomer served as director of the Veterans Service Agency in Orleans County for 13 years, retiring in November 2015. He helped veterans and their families receive benefits through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.
In his retirement, he continued to be active in veterans’ causes.
WASHINGTON, DC — Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today joined House Leadership and members of the New York Republican delegation at a press conference marking Day 30 of the Democrat Shutdown, calling on Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries to stop appeasing the far left and reopen the government.
Tenney highlighted the devastating consequences of the shutdown for American families, small businesses, and essential workers across the country, emphasizing that the crisis was entirely avoidable.
Tenney criticized Schumer and Jeffries as weak leaders who have surrendered to Marxist and anti-Israel activists driving the Democratic Party’s agenda. She pointed to figures such as Zohran Mamdani, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Bernie Sanders as the new faces of a far-left coalition that has overtaken New York’s Democratic leadership and brought the country to a standstill.
“We are here to fight for the men and women who build, farm, serve, and raise families. They are the backbone of this nation and they deserve a government that works for them, not for the political insiders who created this mess,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “So my message to Schumer and Jeffries is simple: stop playing games, stop bowing to the mob, and reopen the government. Pay our troops, fund essential services, and start putting American families and New York families first.”
Tenney urged New Yorkers to speak out and reject the radicalism that has taken over their state.
Press Release, U.S. Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) held a virtual press conference to demand the Trump administration stop cruelly withholding available funds for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).
While Republicans continue to deny this vital assistance, despite having the ability to keep food assistance flowing, the senators announced they are pushing new legislation — the Keep SNAP and WIC Funded Act of 2025 — to continue these vital food programs for working families during the GOP shutdown.
“For the first time in history, a president, Donald Trump, is refusing to fund SNAP during a shutdown despite the fact that he has the available funds to keep it going,” said Sen. Schumer.
SNAP is the largest anti-hunger program in the United States, providing an average of $187 per month in food aid to over 42 million people nationwide—including nearly 3 million New Yorkers.
Despite having billions of dollars ready and available to pay for SNAP in a contingency fund, the Trump administration is refusing to tap into this fund. Leader Schumer and Senator Gillibrand called on the administration to immediately make this money available to help keep SNAP benefits flowing until the government reopens.
“Trump is weaponizing hunger,” Schumer said. “He is using kids who rely on school meals, seniors on fixed incomes, veterans & families trying to get groceries as political pawns. If this administration can cough up $40 billion for Argentina, they can fund SNAP from existing funds to stop American families from going hungry.”
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) had a plan to release SNAP contingency funds, but Trump forced the USDA to abandon their shutdown contingency plan, making this Saturday the first time in American history SNAP benefits will lapse for hungry children, veterans, seniors and other Americans.
“In refusing to fund SNAP during the government shutdown, the Trump administration is playing politics with my constituents’ lives,” Gillibrand said. “But for families that are already stretched thin, this decision is more than political—it’s a matter of survival.”
Schumer and Gillibrand are demanding Republican leadership allow the Keep SNAP and WIC Funded Act of 2025 to come for a full vote, which would ensure that SNAP and WIC benefits continue uninterrupted during this Republican shutdown.
The legislation additionally requires the federal government to reimburse states for covering SNAP and WIC benefits for the duration of the shutdown. The senators also joined 44 other Democrats in a letter to the Trump administration demanding that they immediately release the billions of dollars at their disposal to fund SNAP.
Since the beginning of his term, Trump has targeted food assistance for hungry Americans. Earlier this year, Trump already gutted nearly $200 billion from SNAP in the Republican “Big, Beautiful Bill,” and canceled $1 billion in food assistance for schools and food banks.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 30 October 2025 at 11:19 am
Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Carter DerSarkissian shown here picking up yardage behind the block of Anthony Adinolfe and their Barker/Roy-Hart teammates will host Salamanca at 7 p.m. Friday at Barker in the quarterfinal round of the Section VI Class C playoffs.
Looking to keep the momentum from a 6-0 C North Division championship campaign, top seeded Barker/Roy-Hart will host Salamanca in the quarterfinals of the Section VI Class C football playoffs at 7 p.m. Friday at Barker.
Barker/Roy-Hart posted a 7-1 overall record during the regular season while Salamanca went 4-3 in the C South Division and 5-3 overall. The Warriors are the C South Division’s No. 4 seed.
Barker/Roy-Hart’s balanced rushing attack is led by the quintet of Joey Reiter (867 yards, 11 TDs), Carter DerSarkissian (458 yards, 5 TD), Tysen McCaa (342 yards, 3 TD), Anthony Adinolfe (326 yards, 3 TD) and Vince Fazzio (312 yards, 6 TD).
McCaa has also passed for 642 yards and 8 touchdowns.
Fazzio has 13 receptions for 256 yards and 5 touchdowns and Ashton Ark 10 for 180 yards and 2 TD.
On defense for the Bulls, Fazzio has 53 tackles, Adinolfe 36 tackles and 3 fumble recoveries, DerSarkissian 35 tackles and 2 interceptions and Carson Schwab 31 tackles and 2 interceptions.
The Salamanca offense has been led by quarterback Payton Bradley who has passed for 985 yards and 9 touchdowns and rushed for 412 yards and 8 TDs.
Conner Seeley has also rushed for 412 yards for the Warriors and scored 3 TDs.
The Warriors leading receivers have been Camron Bowser (21 receptions for 316 yards and 4 TD) and Waylon Dowdy (16 for 284 yards and 3 TD).
The sectional appearance is the first for Barker/Roy-Hart since 2011.
The victor will advance to the semifinals against the winner of Friday’s Akron vs. Chautauqua Lake/Westfield/Brocton quarterfinal.
Class C Quarterfinal Matchups Tonight
Medina (4-2, 6-2) at Southwestern (7-0, 8-0), 7 p.m.
Portville (4-3, 5-3) at Eden (5-1, 7-1), 7 p.m. Friday
Salamanca (4-3, 5-3) at Barker/Roy-Hart (6-0, 7-1), 7 p.m.
Akron (5-1, 6-2) at Chautauqua Lake/Westfield/Brocton (6-1, 7-1), 7 p.m.
Contributed Story Posted 30 October 2025 at 10:11 am
Contributed Photo – The first annual Medina Alumni Field Hockey game held this past weekend at Vets Park matched alumni from Medina and Newfane. Proceeds from the game are going to the American Diabetes Association. The Medina alumni included Amy Fuller, Tanya Callard (Boyd), Cori Matuszak, Audrey Tuohey (Gunther), Justine Kratz (Parada), Katie Crossett, Jessica Demmer (Matuszak), Anna Foster, Katie Misiti (Hartway), Lindsey Frawley (Basford), Sarah Bateman (Hallifax), Nicole Guild (Cree), Jessica Breed (Boyd), Ryin Moriarity), Kaley Santoro, Chasity Chinn, Taylor Chinn, Kelsey Tran (Evoy), Courtney Joy (Albone), Alaina Boyce, Alissa Blount, Sarah Cochrane, Guinevere Dilloff (Schalck), Abigail Blount, Hannah Kenward, Arianna Bloom and Adeline Castricone. The Newfane alumni included Kristi Young (Liddell), Audrey Schalck (Gunio), Katie Hockenberry (Jordan), Kelly Sidell (Jordan), Rachel Maziarz (Mellott), Morgan Bedford, Leah Burdick (Good), Nicole Leverentz, Linzie Michel and Madison Lawton.
Provided photos: The group is shown at the American Legion Butts-Clark Post 204 at 305 North Main St.
Information courtesy of Deborah Berry, VFW Auxiliary Treasurer
MEDINA – The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post and Auxiliary members from the VFW Lincoln Post 1483 in Medina as well as members from the community held a Stop 22 Walk to increase the public awareness of veteran suicide.
The members walked 22 minutes along Medina Business District in the village of Medina. An average of 22 veterans die by suicide every day.
A veteran in any type of need or service is encouraged to reach out to our VFW Post 1483 at 216 East Center Street in Medina. Help is also available at the National Veteran Crisis Hotline 1-800-273-8255.
Participants in the walk include VFW 1483 Post members Patrick Little, Louis Chraston, Steve Earle, and Gregg Smith. VFW Aux members Dave and Debbie Berry, Donna Little, Tammy Pogel, Evon Parker, Becky Persons, and Joe Meyer. Community members Jenn Arnold, Kevin Dennis and Joe Fearby.
The walkers are pictured in front of the VFW Post 1483 at 216 East Center St.
Press Release, Community Action of Orleans and Genesee
Sherrie Carter and Louise Mana donated several bags of food to a pantry at Community Action.
ALBION – The Emergency Services Pantry at Community Action of Orleans and Genesee recently received a generous donation from Sherrie Carter and her mother Louise Mana.
The donation included a variety of non-perishable food items that will greatly assist the agency in its ongoing mission to combat food insecurity throughout the community.
As the organization works diligently to ensure pantry shelves remain stocked, this contribution comes at a critical time. With a potential reduction in food stamp benefits anticipated on Nov. 1, the need for community support has never been greater.
Community Action of Orleans and Genesee, Inc. extends heartfelt thanks to Sherri Carter and Louise Mana for their generosity and community spirit.
The agency encourages additional donations to help meet the growing needs of local families facing food insecurity. Every contribution—large or small—makes a difference.
For more information or to make a donation, please contact: Community Action of Orleans and Genesee at 585-589-5605 x101 or email kettinger@caoginc.org.
Press Release, Community Action of Orleans and Genesee
ALBION – In the interest of concern and transparency, Community Action of Orleans and Genesee is making the community aware that due to ongoing funding uncertainty and the recent government shutdown, the agency is experiencing difficulty providing assistance at a level that matches the increased needs of our community.
Food insecurity in the region is skyrocketing, and the agency is exploring all avenues to ensure that food distributions and pantry services remain available to those who need it most.
However, upcoming challenges such as the loss of SNAP, HEAP heating assistance, rising healthcare costs, and unmanageable housing rental expenses are creating a crisis for families. Resources to assist with rent and utilities are running dry. Some funding streams have been suspended while others have been terminated altogether.
“Despite these setbacks, our team is doing everything possible to distribute the scarce resources we have,” said Renee Hungerford, Executive Director/CEO of Community Action of Orleans and Genesee. “We are deeply concerned about the impact this will have on our neighbors as winter approaches.”
Community Action of Orleans and Genesee is a Medicaid 1115 participant. Medicaid recipients are encouraged to contact the agency for an 1115 screening, which may open alternative avenues of assistance for critical needs such as rent, utility assistance, and other health-related social supports.
How You Can Help
Donations of any size and volunteers are needed. Support at any level can make a real difference during this critical time. The number of families assisted at food distributions is growing at an unprecedented rate, volunteers for these and special holiday distributions are sincerely appreciated.
In addition to donations and volunteering, you can make a powerful impact by reaching out to your elected officials. Urge them to take immediate action to support reopening our government as well as support funding for programs like the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG), Weatherization Assistance, and Head Start. These programs are lifelines for families in need, and your voice can help ensure they remain funded and accessible.
Community Action changes people’s lives, embodies the spirit of hope, improves communities, and makes America a better place to live. We care about the entire community, and we are dedicated to helping people help themselves and each other.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 29 October 2025 at 9:29 pm
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Kendall’s Pablo Rosario-Reyes heads the ball away from Gananda’s Idan Fridman during the Eagles sectional semifinal win this evening at Brockport.
Pulling away in the second half, top seeded Kendall downed No. 4 Gananda 6-1 in the semifinals of the Section V Class C2 boys soccer tournament this evening at Brockport.
Defending champion Kendall held a slender 1-0 lead at the half on a goal by Jonathan Esposito on a rebound off a scramble in front of the Gananda net with 13 minutes to go in the opening half.
The Eagles then broke the game open with five goals in the second half including three by Brandon Barrett and two by Pablo Rosario-Reyes.
Esposito also had two assists as Rosario-Reyes, Tyler McCue and Mikey Colucci each had one.
Jonny Conte made 8 saves in goal for the Eagles as Jonas Rhodes had a strong game defensively.
Improving to 18-0, Kendall will now face No. 2 Naples in the Class C2 championship game at 1 p.m. Saturday at Honeoye Falls- Lima. Naples blanked No. 3 Geneseo 4-0 in the other semifinal.
Kendall’s Brandon Barrett drives between Gananda defenders Malakai Thomas and Walter Sawyer.
Kendall’s Jonathan Esposito sends a crossing pass toward the goal as Brody Oleksyn moves in for Gananda.
ALBION – In the interest of concern and transparency, Community Action of Orleans and Genesee is making the community aware that due to ongoing funding uncertainty and the recent government shutdown, the agency is experiencing difficulty providing assistance at a level that matches the increased needs of our community.
