Albion grad guides Purple Eagles softball
Photo by Cheryl Wertman – New Purple Eagles softball Coach Albion graduate Jenn (Knaak) Mattle, meets here with her veteran players including Kaitlyn Bennett, McKinley Knight, Aubriella Barry, Lux Froman and Leah Pawlak.
A very familiar face has returned to coach the Albion varsity softball team this season. Albion graduate Jenn (Knaak) Mattle, who had been coaching at Red Jacket the past few years, has returned to teach and coach at her alma mater.
“I’m really excited. It’s so surreal,” she said of returning to coach the Purple Eagles team which she played for and helped lead to league and sectional titles. “We have such a special group. They are working really hard and with their work ethic and enthusiasm I think we will do well.”
The Purple Eagles lineup is anchored by a nucleus of five veterans including seniors Kaitlyn Bennett (infield/pitcher), McKinley Knight (outfield) and Leah Pawlak (infield) along with sophomore Aubrielle Barry (infield/pitcher) and freshman Lux Froman (catcher/infield).
Rounding out the Purple Eagles underclassmen dominated roster are junior Melia Prince (utility), sophomores Bailey Hickman (pitcher/infield), Katelyn Viza (outfield) and Sophia Bouchey (outfield) along with freshmen Aaliyah Jones (outfield/catcher) and Kamryn Peruzzini (infield).
Albion’s graduation losses included pitcher Alana Irvine, catcher Cami London and outfielders Kenzi Snook and Paige Newton.
The Purple Eagles are scheduled to open the Niagara-Orleans League season on Monday at Akron at 4:45 p.m.
Albion went 7-5 in N-O action and 11-6 overall last spring.
County issues proclamations promoting organ donation, Public Health Week, child abuse prevention
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – The Orleans County Legislature on Tuesday issued three proclamations to bring awareness to causes and initiatives in the community.
County Legislator John Fitzak, right, presents a proclamation about “Donate Life Month” in April to Orleans County Clerk Nadine Hanlon. The DMV is one way people can get on the registry to be registered for organ, eye and tissue donations.
Hanlon said Orleans County has one of highest percentage in the state of people on the Donate Life registry for organ and tissue donations.
“A single individual’s donation of the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, pancreas and small intestine can save up to eight lives,” legislators stated in the proclamation. “A donation of tissue can save and heal the lives of up to 75 others.”
For more information on Donate Life, click here.
County Legislator Fred Miller reads a proclamation about “Child Abuse Prevention Awareness and Family Strengthening and Support Month.” He presented the proclamation to DSS Child Protective Services Supervisor Judianne Gearing, Senior Caseworker Sharon Nenni, and caseworkers Shelley Sherman, Isabella Gibbs and Maria Strathearn.
“All children need love and care to support their healthy growth and development, and they deserve to be raised in an environment that keeps them safe from potential forms of harm including verbal, sexual, emotional and physical abuse, exploitation, malnourishment, and neglect of other basic needs,” the proclamation states.
People can report suspected child abuse or maltreatment to the Statewide Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment, the state’s child abuse hotline, which is available 24 hours a day/seven days a week by calling 1-800-342-3720.
Paul Pettit, public health director in Orleans and Genesee counties, accepts a proclamation from Legislator Don Allport. That proclamation was for “National Public Health Week” from April 6–12. The theme of the week is “Ready. Set. Action!”
The proclamation highlighted these services from the local Health Department:
- Community Health Services team protects public health by monitoring disease trends, supporting mothers and children, administering immunization clinics and conducting 1,862 communicable disease investigations in 2025.
- The Children with Special Needs Program ensures children with or suspected of having developmental, physical, or special health care needs have access to essential services and resources that support healthy growth and development, serving approximately 330 children in 2025.
- The Department of Weights and Measures is responsible for testing and inspecting all commercial devices used to weigh or measure various commodities and tested 364 devices and evaluated 49 fuel quality samples in 2025.
- Health education initiatives engage residents through presentations, training sessions, community events, and public communications, equipping community members with the knowledge and tools to make informed decisions, prevent disease, and foster a healthier, stronger, and more resilient Orleans County.
- The Emergency Preparedness program strengthens community resilience by equipping residents and partners for emergencies through training, education, drills, and coordinated response efforts, providing 68 individuals with training and contributing 72 hours of service and training through the Medical Reserve Corp (MRC) in 2025.
- The Environmental Health protects Orleans County residents by conducting 253 food service inspections, collecting and analyzing public and private water samples, responding to 149 rabies investigations last year and upholding the New York State Clean Indoor Air Act.
The listed items touch on a portion of what is offered by the Public Health Department, Pettit said.
“Public health plays a critical role in protecting and improving the health, safety, and quality of life of all residents of Orleans County,” the proclamation states.
For 250th anniversary of USA, Treasury announces Trump signature will be on paper currency
Press Release, U.S. Department of the Treasury
President Donald Trump
WASHINGTON – In honor of the 250th anniversary of the United States of America, President Donald J. Trump’s signature will appear on future U.S. paper currency along with the Secretary of the Treasury, marking the first time in history for a sitting president.
“Under President Trump’s leadership, we are on a path toward unprecedented economic growth, lasting dollar dominance, and fiscal strength and stability,” said Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent. “There is no more powerful way to recognize the historic achievements of our great country and President Donald J. Trump than U.S dollar bills bearing his name, and it is only appropriate that this historic currency be issued at the Semiquincentennial.”
“As the 250th anniversary of our great nation approaches, American currency will continue to stand as a symbol of prosperity, strength, and the unshakable spirit of the American people under President Trump’s leadership,” said Treasurer Brandon Beach. “The President’s mark on history as the architect of America’s Golden Age economic revival is undeniable. Printing his signature on the American currency is not only appropriate, but also well deserved.”
Upstate, including GLOW region, no longer under drought watch
The DEC released this map that shows no parts of upstate are considered in a drought watch. Only the Long Island counties of Nassau and Suffolk are in a drought watch.
Press Release, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced that all upstate drought regions have returned to “Normal” status.
In cooperation with the State’s Drought Management Task Force, DEC updated the drought status from “Drought Watch” to “Normal” in State Drought Regions II through VIII after assessing recent precipitation and elevated levels of ground and surface water. The Long Island counties of Nassau and Suffolk (State Drought Region I) remain in a Drought Watch.
“Precipitation and recent snowmelt have improved stream flows and groundwater levels, resulting in upstate drought regions returning to normal status,” said Commissioner Amanda Lefton. “DEC experts will continue to monitor conditions in coordination with the State Drought Management Task Force and update the public of any changes. DEC encourages communities and individuals to always be mindful of their water use and practice water conservation measures all year long.”
While regional hydrological conditions have notably improved, localized dry conditions may persist and despite encouraging hydrological conditions, New Yorkers are urged to continue reducing unnecessary water use and waste, fixing leaks, and choosing efficient water fixtures.
New York State drought Region IIA, which includes New York City and Westchester County, remains in normal status due to the satisfactory storage levels and refill probability of the New York City reservoirs. According to the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), the city’s reservoirs are at more than 95% capacity. DEC continues to work closely with DEP to monitor reservoir conditions and encourage responsible water use, especially outdoors, regardless of the hydrological conditions or season.
New York State encourages ongoing water conservation to ensure adequate supply for all emergency use. To protect water resources, homeowners are encouraged to voluntarily reduce water use and follow these tips:
- Reuse water collected in rain barrels, dehumidifiers or air conditioners to water plants.
- Use a broom, not a hose, to clean driveways and sidewalks.
- Fix leaking pipes, fixtures, toilets, hoses and faucets.
- Wash only full loads of dishes and laundry.
- Take shorter showers or fill the bathtub partly.
- Install water saving plumbing fixtures.
- Don’t run the tap to make water hot or cold.
- Wash cars less frequently.
State Drought Index
Drought stages are calculated using the State Drought Index, which evaluates whether several drought indicators have reached critical thresholds. DEC experts track and evaluate drought conditions based on stream flows, lake and reservoir storage levels, and groundwater levels.
These factors, and the duration of the dry period, season, and other information such as past and forecasted precipitation, weather patterns, and local conditions, are used by DEC to evaluate drought conditions across the state. The State Drought Index is attuned to the specific attributes of New York and may differ moderately from some national technical drought assessments.
DEC and the U.S. Geological Survey are partners in evaluating hydrologic conditions across New York State. In addition, DEC supports efforts by local governments and stakeholders to undertake water conservation measures based on specific local circumstances.
New Albion village trustee eager to work with village officials, staff and community
Editor:
To the residents of the Village of Albion, I would like to sincerely thank the people of our village for your votes, your confidence, and the opportunity to serve you as Village Trustee.
I do not take this responsibility lightly, and I am truly grateful for the trust you have placed in me. I am committed to serving our community with honesty, respect, and a genuine desire to do what is best for all residents.
I would also like to congratulate Tim McMurray on his election as Mayor and Kevin Sheehan on his election as Village Trustee. I look forward to working together in service to our village.
In addition, I am excited for the opportunity to work alongside William Gabalski, Greg Bennett, our village employees, and the residents of Albion as we move forward together. I believe that meaningful progress happens when people are willing to listen, collaborate, and work toward the common good of the community.
I also want to extend my sincere thanks to Joyce Riley and Angel Javier Jr. for their time and service on the board. Public service is not always easy, and I appreciate the time and effort they have dedicated to our village. I wish them both continued success in whatever comes next.
As we begin this next chapter, I encourage any and all residents to attend the next Village Board meeting on Monday, April 6, at 6 p.m. when the newly elected officials will be sworn in at Village Hall with the regular board meeting taking place right after. Community involvement matters, and I would love to see residents there as we continue working toward a stronger future for Albion together.
Thank you again for this opportunity to serve.
Sincerely,
Jami Allport
Village of Albion Trustee-Elect
Strong start for Green at Phoenix Tourney
Medina’s Melanie Green is off to a strong start at the LPGA Tour’s Ford Championship Tourament at Phoenix, Arizona.
Green fired a 3 under par opening round of 69 today.
Starting on the back 9, she registered a total of 5 birdies (on holes 11, 12, 1, 2 and 7) which more than offset a pair of bogies (on 10 and 3).
With some of the field still on the course the current tourney leader is Lydia Ko who had a 12 under par round of 60.
The tournament will continue on Friday and Saturday and conclude on Sunday. The field will be cut after Friday’s round.
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Rams return veteran laden diamond squad
Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Roy-Hart’s veteran contingent includes, in front, Isaac Smith, RJ Townsend, Gavin Heideman, Sean Mettler and Evan Poeller. In back are Jared Hy, John Brigham, Will Bundrock, Blake Stahl and Lincoln Murray.
Last spring an underclassmen dominated Roy-Hart team posted a 7-5 record in Niagara-Orleans League baseball competition,
Now, with the lineup returning virtually intact, the Rams are looking to challenge for top N-O diamond honors.
That veteran group includes seniors Gavin Heideman (pitcher/outfield/first base), Evan Poeller (infield/outfield/pitcher), Sean Mettler (shortstop/second base) and Isaac Smith (third base/pitcher) along with junior RJ Townsend (third base) and sophomores Will Bundrock (second base), Jared Hy (pitcher/outfield), Lincoln Murray (outfield), Blake Stahl (outfield) and John Brigham (first base).
Heideman was a first team N-O All-League honoree last spring while Poeller and Mettler were both second team picks and Townsend an Honorable Mention selection.
“It is a good veteran group but they’re still pretty young,” said Coach Jim Heideman. “Our pitching and defense should be ok we just have to be able to hit the baseball.”
The Rams will begin tuning up for the April 13 N-O home opener against Albion by visiting Sweet Home on April 1.
Orleans gets big payout from WROTB with Batavia Downs success
Photo by Tom Rivers: The video gaming center at Batavia Downs has been a money-maker for Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corp., which shares its profits with 15 counties and the cities of Rochester and Buffalo.
Orleans County is seeing a near doubling in its share of the profits from Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corp.
The county received $189,607 from WROTB in 2025, up from $101,097 in 2024.
WROTB is owned by 15 counties and the cities of Rochester and Buffalo. Batavia Downs Gaming has proven to be a money-maker for WROTB, averaging about $7.5 million in profit or “net win” a month with NYS receiving 39 percent of that total.
The WROTB revenues shared with the member municipalities increased from $6,705,049 in 2024 to $12,865,737 in 2025, a 92 percent increase.
“WROTB closed fiscal year 2025 with record-breaking results, marking the most successful year in the corporation’s history,” President and CEO Byron Brown wrote in a letter to Lynne Johnson, chairperson of the Orleans County Legislature.
WROTB paid out $251 million in winnings, up from $243 million. The organization also saw net win for the organization total $93 million, an increase of $4.7 million over 2024 and year-over-year growth of 5.4 percent, Brown said.
Orleans County was an original member when WROTB formed over 50 years ago. Since 1975, Orleans has received $3,180,777 from WROTB, Brown stated in his letter to Johnson.
Here are the revenues paid to Orleans County each year since 2020:
- 2020: $6,975 (Covid restrictions shut down operations for several months before reopening with restrictions.)
- 2021: $85,236
- 2022: $123,945
- 2023: $144,691
- 2024: $101,097
- 2025: $189,607
Albion mayor Javier, trustee Riley close out terms on Village Board
Photos by Tom Rivers: Albion village trustee Joyce Riley and mayor Angel Javier Jr. both are finishing four-year terms on the Village Board.
ALBION – The Albion Village Board meeting on Wednesday was the last one for Angel Javier Jr. as mayor and Joyce Riley as village trustee. They both are finishing four-year terms.
Javier, 36, didn’t seek re-election. He said he is moving outside the village and will be living in the Town of Albion. He wouldn’t have been eligible to be mayor.
Riley, 77, narrowly lost to Tim McMurray for mayor, 209 to 202, during the election on March 18.
Village residents also elected Jami Allport and Kevin Sheehan as trustees on the board with terms starting on April 1.
Riley, during Wednesday’s meeting, said she enjoyed the four years as trustee and has a deep admiration for the village employees.
“It has certainly been a learning moment,” Riley said about her time on the board. “Thank you for giving me these four years.”
With the election of McMurray, Allport and Sheehan, Riley said the village “is ready for a new look.” Her goal is the village will continue to offer all of its services, although “it may look a little different.”
The fire department, for example, now operates out of the Albion Joint Fire District rather than through the village budget with elected fire commissioners providing the oversight, not the Village Board.
Code enforcement officer Chris Kinter praised Riley for her work securing grants for the village. He also thanked Javier for his efforts as mayor.
John Grillo, the Albion recreation director, thanked both Riley and Javier for their service to the village.
After the meeting, Javier said he feels a sense of accomplishment during his four years as mayor.
“We brought in millions of dollars that is spread around through our water infrastructure and grants for the police and grants for our recreation department,” Javier said.
He also cited the land acquisition to allow for a future expansion of Mount Albion Cemetery. The village paid $250,874.58 to Patricia Nelson for the land that is next to Mount Albion’s southwest corner. That is about $7,000 an acre. The sale was finalized on Nov. 8, 2024 after about two years of effort.
A good chunk of Javier’s and Riley’s tenure involved the closing of the Main Street lift bridge. The bridge shut down to traffic on Nov. 14, 2022 for what was expected to be about 18 months for a major rehabilitation. But the project faced several delays and finally was complete on Sept.19, 2025.
The village dedicated the Erie Canal Park on Sept. 28, 2024. The new park includes a lamppost and a bench made from repurposed steel from the Main Street lift bridge when it was originally constructed in 1914. Bill Schutt, left, is the artist from Batavia who made the lamppost. A Go Art! grant paid for Schutt to make the lamppost. Albion Mayor Angel Javier Jr. is next to Schutt and then Deputy Mayor Joyce Riley is on the bench that was made by employees in the sewer plant, the Joint Pollution Control Facility. Village employees Ric Albright, Kyle Piccirilli and William Malone worked on the bench, which also includes a time capsule to be opened on Sept. 28, 2059. Albion students also were part of the day’s celebration which included the unveiling on a monument to the 15 people killed in the Main Street bridge collapsed on Sept. 28, 1859. A huge crowd gathered on the bridge that day to watch a tightrope walker.
Javier worries about the affordability in the village. He led a public hearing on June 11, 2025 to get a conversation started about possible dissolution of the village and consolidating many of the services in the village with the towns of Albion and Gaines. That idea has been seriously pursued at this point, but Javier said village residents might want to consider that in the future.
“I think it will be very difficult for any municipality at this time to operate,” he said after Wednesday’s meeting. “You’re really going to have to look at what your residents want. The residents are going to have to make a decision. If you want this it’s going to cost money. If you don’t want it, you’re going to have to tell the governing body.”
Javier said the village has been able to expand programs in youth recreation program through grants. He praised recreation director John Grillo for bringing in significantly more funding to expand that program. Other department heads also are being proactive pursuing grants, Javier said.
Overall, he counts many successes in Albion in the past four years.
“It was the village that did it, not necessarily me,” he said. “We all worked together to move forward.”
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County Legislature approves expanded tax exemptions for low-income seniors
ALBION – The Orleans County Legislature voted to increase the maximum exemptions for low-income seniors from 50 percent off their property taxes to 65 percent.
The Legislature approved the change on Tuesday. While the cap is going higher, the Legislature isn’t increasing the income limits for people 65 and older to be eligible for an exemption. That will remain at a $24,700 threshold.
Here are the new exemption levels based on income:
- $16,000 or less – 65 percent exemption
- $16,000.01 to $16,999.99 – 60 percent exemption
- $17,000 to $17,999.99 – 55 percent exemption
- $18,000 to $18,999.99 – 50 percent exemption
- $19,000 to $19,999.99 – 45 percent exemption
- $20,000 to $20,999.99 – 40 percent exemption
- $21,000 to $21,999.99 – 35 percent exemption
- $22,000 to $22,899.99 – 30 percent exemption
- $22,900 to $23,799.99 – 25 percent exemption
- $23,800 to $24,699.99 – 20 percent exemption
Gov. Kathy Hochul in December signed legislation to allow local municipalities to increase the size of the exemptions from a maximum 50 percent to 65 percent.
“No New York senior should lose their home because they can no longer afford their property taxes,” Hochul said on Dec. 6 in announcing the higher exemption levels. “By signing this legislation, we are working to make New York more affordable for our seniors on fixed incomes and empowering them to age in place, at home, in the communities they know and love.”
President Trump, popular culture unfairly show disrespect towards police officers
Editor:
In a recent Gunsmoke episode, a powerful cattleman attempts to take control of a water supply for a town of about 1,000 people. The Town Board passed regulations preventing this.
The cattleman threatens to overrun the village with thousands of cattle and his 30 cowboys. The village leaders call on their sheriff and their deputy to prevent this. “This is what we pay you for.”
US Marshall Matt Dillon points out to the village leaders that that’s impossible.
“They will need your backup.” Dillon helped them set up an ambush with many of the village men and some women, all with guns, helping the Sheriff, Deputy and Dillon.
The cattleman sent a thousand rampaging cattle through town to soften them up. He and his 30 cowboys followed, guns blazing. They we met by many villagers, armed and firing at them from behind barriers. They realized they were defeated and retreated.
* * * * * * * *
January 6, 2021: 185 US Capitol policemen were charged by approximately 1,500 rioters or more, some armed. They were urged on by the defeated, but then sitting President of the United States.
At least 140 policeman were injured. They tried to control things without using their weapons. One person, who’d broken through a door window and was starting to crawl through, was shot and killed.
About 15 policeman were hospitalized. Two died by suicide within 2 weeks; 2 more within 6 months. How were they to respond to violently protesting, but rioting American citizens? Urged on by the President? At least one of the rioters was so enraged they defecated on a Senator’s desk.
Over 1,300 of the rioters were convicted. So many hours were devoted to reviewing tapes, identifying perpetrators, assembling evidence, presenting it to the courts and sentencing in over 1,300 cases. Most of this work was wiped out by Trump pardons. The police, prosecutors and courts and all that work was disrespected and wiped out.
Trump gave $5 million to the family of the defendant that actually broke through a door window and was entering Congress chamber. But Trump awarded nothing to the injured police and their families.
He praised the rioters, but no mention of the police.
Assaulting policemen is OK, he seems to think.
I saw Trump recently complaining about making problems in the home “criminal matters.” To the contrary, domestic violence calls are among the most dangerous to police. Further, the NYS Legislature Republicans found that domestic violence is at the base of 50%+ of mass murders in our country. Many include police injuries and deaths. Again, Trump shows a disrespect for the police and women, the frequent victims.
We disrespect police when we expect them to enforce the law against the poor and minorities and women, but not against middle and upper class men. We unfairly expect police to show understanding and mercy toward them (not giving them a criminal record), but not so toward poor and minorities.
We show disrespect to the police, when we enjoy TV programs that present them as corrupt, rigid, buffoons or cruel. (Police are human and have the same problems that clergy, teachers, boy scout leaders, bank executives and employees have, about the same percentage as the average population, but most police are sincere and helpful and concerned about controlling crime, particularly violent crime. They need our respect and support.) I recommend Law & Order as a television show that represents police realistically and fairly.
Let’s be realistic and honest about what we want the police to do and support them.
Bob Golden
Waterport
Bob Golden worked 43 years in criminal justice, locally, state and private mental health, including 24 years as the Orleans County Probation director. His father was a police chief who was named the top chief in New York State in 1962.
Big last inning rally earns Medina a victory in the non league softball season opener
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Medina shortstop Savannah Jo Thompson gets ready to put the tag on JFK’s Danielle Odojewski during the Mustangs non league season opening win at Vets Park this afternoon.
Putting together a clutch last inning rally, Medina nipped visiting JFK 12-11 in a season opening non league softball game at Vets Park this afternoon.
Trailing 11-7, Medina rallied for five runs in the bottom of the seventh inning to claim the win on a two-run error off the bat of Karlee Cau (which included driving in the tying run) and RBI hits by Savannah Jo Thompson, Molly Cook and Harmoni Wilson which plated the game winner.
JFK had rallied from a 7-6 deficit to take the 11-7 lead by scoring four times in the top of the sixth and once in the top of the seventh.
Earlier, Medina scored twice in the first inning on a triple by Lilah Class and a two-run homer by Samantha Heschke, three times in the third on two errors and a fielders choice play and twice in the fifth on an infield out and an RBI single by Isabelle Perez for a 7-6 lead.
Samantha Heschke delivers a pitch for Medina. She registered 8 strikeouts on the day..
Kendall ‘9’ romps in diamond opener
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Sammy Conte bangs out a two-run double in the first inning to help ignite Kendall to a 17-0 win at Barker this afternoon.
Three pitchers combined for a no hitter and the offense pounded out 15 hits as Kendall romped to a 17-0 win over host Barker this afternoon in the season opening non league baseball game for both teams.
Nic Cole, CJ D’Agostino and Vinnie D’Agostino combined to hurl the no hitter registering a total of 10 strikeouts.
At the plate for the Eagles, Andrew Cole had 4 hits including two doubles and a triple, Jacob Abrams 3 doubles and Sammy Conte and C.J D’Agostino 2 hits each.
Kendall took charge at the outset erupting for 6 quick runs in the first inning on a two-run double by Sammy Conte, a two-run single by Andrew Cole an RBI double by Abrams and an RBI single by Vinnie D’Agostino.
The Eagles also had a big 7 run fifth inning to cap off the win as Abrams had a two-run double, Andrew Cole a two-run single and Nic Cole and Adrian Bucci RBI singles.
Kendall will next have two games and several scrimmages at Myrtle Beach.
Barker will next host Elba on Friday.
Kendall’s Jonny Conte slides safely into second base as Barker’s Keagan Schaal takes the throw.
