By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 21 October 2025 at 7:59 pm
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Medina’s Aidan Papaj breaks in to score the Mustangs first goal during this afternoon’s sectional win over Olmsted at Vets Park.
A quick three goal scoring burst in the first nine minutes keyed No. 4 seeded Medina to a 5-1 victory over No. 13 Olmsted in the opening round of the Section VI Class B boys soccer tournament this afternoon at Vets Park.
Aidan Papaj got Medina off to a lighting quick start when he scored on a breakaway just 57 seconds into the game.
In rapid succession Caden Kingsbury and Jimmy Dieter followed up with goals to make it 3-0 with 31 minutes still remaining in the opening half.
Up 3-1 at the half, Medina put a lock on the victory on goals by Kingsbury and Vinny Gray in the first 15 minutes of the second half.
Izzy Anderson and Aleks Seefeldt both had two assists and Luke Duffina one on the afternoon for the Mustangs.
Improving to 15-2, Medina will next host No. 5 Fredonia in the Class B quarterfinals at 3:30 p.m. Friday at Vets Park. Fredonia ousted No. 12 Southwestern 2-0.
In another Class B opener Eden edged Akron 2-1.
Medina’s Owen Sargent goes after the ball ahead of Olmsted’s Joshua Wa Salche.
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) today criticized Gov. Kathy Hochul’s decision to veto bipartisan legislation that would have required the state to develop emergency response training for first responders dealing with electric vehicle (EV) fires and related incidents.
The bill, which passed both houses of the Legislature with broad support, aimed to ensure firefighters and emergency personnel have the tools and knowledge necessary to respond safely to EV crashes and battery fires, hazards that are rapidly increasing as the state pushes for more electric vehicles on the road.
“This was a commonsense, bipartisan measure that put safety first,” Hawley said. “Our firefighters and first responders are already putting their lives on the line every day. Denying them the training and resources they need to handle new dangers from electric vehicles is unacceptable.”
Hochul’s veto message cited concerns about unbudgeted costs, stating the program should be addressed through the state’s budget process. The justification shows little awareness of the urgent realities confronting rural and suburban fire departments.
“The governor is spending billions on green energy mandates but can’t find the resources to protect the men and women responding to EV fires?” Hawley said. “The government’s priorities are completely upside down. If the state insists on accelerating EV adoption, it has a responsibility to make sure our emergency responders are fully prepared.”
Hawley, a life member of the Stafford Volunteer Fire Company and strong advocate for first responders, vowed to keep pushing for this measure.
“I’ll keep fighting to make sure this legislation gets across the finish line,” Hawley added. “This isn’t about politics — it’s about protecting lives.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 21 October 2025 at 11:32 am
One trustee says board not consistent in weighing in on resolutions that could be deemed ‘political’
MEDINA – The Medina Village Board approved a resolution in support of the “Energy Choice Act,” which would prohibit New York and other governments from banning natural gas in new construction.
Congressman Nick Langworthy has proposed the bill in Congress. The Orleans County Legislature on Sept. 23 voted in support of the Langworthy bill. The County Legislature is asking other local governments to back the proposal.
The Medina Village Board agreed, in a 4-1 vote, on Monday evening. Trustee Jess Marciano cast the lone opposing vote.
She referred to a meeting in June when the Village Board declined to vote on a resolution in support of keeping Job Corps centers open. Some board members said then they didn’t want to weigh in on resolutions of support on an issue, saying it could be construed as political.
Marciano said she was surprised the board wouldn’t take up a resolution in support of Job Corps but instead would rally behind the legislation proposed by Langworthy, a Republican from Erie County and former chairman of the Republican Party in New York State.
New York’s law against natural gas for new construction is set to start in 2026 and be phased in by 2028. Gov. Kathy Hochul and the majority of the State Legislature say limiting natural gas will help reduce carbon emissions.
Village Trustee Scott Bielski was one of the votes in support of the Langworthy legislation.
“It would be detrimental to the Village of Medina,” Bielski said about prohibiting natural gas on new construction. “It would hurt housing growth in Medina.”
Langworthy said the state’s stance against natural gas limits energy choices and will increase costs for consumers.
Provided photo: from left include Carol Williams, Sharon Pollock, Marv Christ, John Spinks, Melvin Artis, Joan Christ, April Flesch and Lynda Standish.
Press Release, Albion Elks Lodge
BATAVIA – The Albion Elks Lodge on Sept. 30 hosted a chicken barbecue picnic for the long-term residents of the Veterans Medical Center in Batavia.
Veterans were able to invite a guest to join them which may have included a family member, friend or staff member. Music was provided by Elk members, Ken and Bonnie Draper with Moonshine productions, and each veteran also received a coupon book for free haircuts for a year.
Elks members had the pleasure to help the residents to their tables outside, and serve them chicken barbecue smothered in sauce, buttery salt potatoes, cowboy beans loaded with bacon and hamburger, fruit salad, corn bread and desserts.
“It was fun watching the veterans singing along to their favorite songs from yesteryear, but having the opportunity to sit and visit with our veterans was a highlight for our Elks members,” said Veterans Committee Chair Sharon Pollock.
The weather was beautiful and all participants enjoyed being outside in the mid-70 degree weather.
This opportunity was made possible by a grant obtained by the Elks National Foundation.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 21 October 2025 at 8:12 am
ALBION – Matthew Howell, a lift bridge operator in Knowlesville, sent in this photo of the sunrise. He took it on the Presbyterian Road bridge this morning.
The canal lift bridges and locks are currently operating from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. The canal system will close to boaters at 6 p.m. on Nov. 3.
This year is the Erie Canal’s 200th anniversary. It’s also the 201st navigation season. The Canal Corp. anticipates opening the canal for its 202nd season in May.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 20 October 2025 at 10:29 pm
This photo posted by the Firematic Supply Company shows a new ladder truck being built for the Medina Fire Department. The photos, which were posted Oct. 17, offered a weekly progress report on the truck. Firematic, a dealer for Pierce Manufacturing, reported that the torque box was merged on the chassis followed by body installation at the start of initial apparatus assembly. The next report may show completed initial assembly and the beginning of the final assembly.
MEDINA – A new concern has emerged with the village’s quest to acquire a new ladder truck: Will the federal government be functioning to approve the loan to pay for the truck?
Medina is getting close to receiving a new ladder truck from Pierce Manufacturing in Wisconsin. The truck was scheduled to be delivered to the Medina in December, but it looks more likely for January, said Fire Chief Steve Cooley. Village officials were aiming to have a new addition on the fire hall to accommodate the new truck, which won’t fit in the existing building. The truck is taller and will need more clearance.
Medina is now looking at keeping it in the DPW building in the short-term while the board mulls how to handle housing the truck long-term.
The payment for the truck is a new worry for the Village Board. The federal government shutdown, now in its third week, could hold up financing for the new truck. Medina in June 2023 agreed to pay Pierce Manufacturing $1.7 million for the ladder truck.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture approved financing at a 4 percent interest rate for a loan for the truck. The USDA payment would be made when the truck is delivered.
However, the village would need a functioning federal government to access and get approval for the money to be paid to Pierce.
“We’re depending on the federal government to be open because that is who our loan is through,” Mayor Marguerite Sherman said during this evening’s Village Board meeting.
Village Clerk-Treasurer Jada Burgess told the Village Board that the Medina’s financial consultant advised the village to begin the process of seeking a loan from a private bank for the truck. The village could put the financing out to bid to see what lenders would be willing to charge Medina with an annual interest rate. Right now, that rate is unknown, Burgess said.
Switching to a private lender could be a $15,000 to $20,000 charge by hiring a bond counsel, and that doesn’t include interest rates that are expected to be higher than the 4 percent from USDA, she said.
Medina could initially use a loan from a bank and then pay off that loan with the one from the USDA if the federal loan can’t be accessed on time. But the village would still incur some expenses for bond counsel and the initial elevated payment(s) if the loan is at a higher rate than what is offered by USDA.
The slight delay on the truck’s delivery gives the Village Board more time to consider the matter, especially if the federal government shutdown continues. Burgess said it could be a six-week process to access the loan once the government reopens.
Board members said there is still more time for the shutdown to end and the government to have the funding in place before Medina would have to pursue alternative financing.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 20 October 2025 at 9:22 pm
Tuning up for the upcoming sectionals, undefeated (10-0) Niagara-Orleans League champion Roy-Hart downed host Starpoint 25-19, 22-25, 28-26, 25-10 in a non league volleyball match this evening.
Grace Pearl had 11 spiking kills, Lauren Snyder 9 kills and Raegan Kern and Kylie McOmber 7 kills each for the Lady Rams.
In the season’s final N-O match, Wilson outlasted rival Newfane in five sets 25-19, 24-26, 25-22, 22-25, 15-8.
Final N-O Standings: Roy-Hart 10-0, Newfane 7-3, Wilson 7-3, Akron 4-6, Albion 2-8, Medina 0-10.
Holley 16-25-25-26, Attica 25-16-17-24
Holley downed Attica in four sets 16-25, 25-16, 25-17, 26-24 in a Genesee Region League volleyball match this evening.
Ali VanAmeron had 14 kills, 4 aces and 2 blocks; Madison Bonacci 6 kills and 4 aces and Kylie Allport 7 aces and 3 kills for Holley.
Vanessa Schlay had 7 kills, Meghan Gersitz 6 kills and 4 blocks and Eden Domes 4 kills and 10 assists for Attica.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 20 October 2025 at 9:05 pm
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Lyndonville’s Hannah Fox goes up for a block of a spike by Elba’s Jada Fite during the host Lady Tigers four set 25-20, 25-14, 23-25, 25-15 loss to the Lady Lancers.
Lyndonville’s Ainsley Vann spikes over Elba’s Madilyn Marks and Dalirys Soto Burgos. Vann had 3 kills, 3 blocks and 2 aces on the evening for the Lady Tigers as Hannah Fox had 2 kills and 1 ace, Bella Bresett 1 ace, 1 kill and 1 block, Sarah Corser 1 ace and 1 block, Emily Dill 4 aces and 1 kill and Destinee Holmes and Elena Barry 1 kill each.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 20 October 2025 at 8:50 pm
Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Medina’s Savannah Jo Thompson drives the to the circle during the Mustangs win over Nardin at Vets Park this evening.
Jumping out to a 4-0 first quarter lead, Medina went on to shutout Nardin 10-0 in a non league field hockey game at Vets Park this evening.
Getting goal production from seven players, the Mustangs held a 5-0 lead at the half and improve to 9-6 overall.
Jenelle Stalker sored 4 goals to lead the Mustangs attack as Emi Batista, Tatianna Maxon, Adelynn Lacy, Penelope Schalck, Lilah Class and Elaina Bruce each netted 1.
Medina will close out the regular season by hosting Newfane in a Niagara-Orleans League game at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Vets Park.
Medina’s Ava Blount sends the ball toward the goal.
Photos and information courtesy of Lyndonville Lions Club
LYNDONVILLE – The Lyndonville Lions Club held its second annual Oktoberfest on Saturday at the White Birch Golf Resort in Lyndonville.
The Die Wiesen (festival goers) enjoyed lively, traditional German music performed by The Frankfurters German Band. Their performance featured authentic Bavarian bell music and several pieces played on the Alpine horns—both instruments deeply rooted in the Bavarian Alps region of southern Germany.
Guests were treated to a hearty German buffet featuring bratwurst, sweet and sour cabbage, and pork schnitzel, followed by apple streusel for dessert. Of course, Oktoberfest beer also made an appearance and was enjoyed by all the attendees.
This year, the Lions added a new highlight to the program – the crowning of Oktoberfest Royalty. This fun tradition pays homage to the origins of Oktoberfest, which dates back to the early 1800s. The very first Oktoberfest was held in southern Bavaria to celebrate the marriage of King Ludwig I and Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen. Guests from Munich traveled to the royal festivities, which featured horse races, music, and plenty of Bavarian beer.
Since then, Oktoberfest has become an annual celebration held in late September and early October, drawing millions of visitors to Munich each year — and it’s estimated that over one million gallons of beer are enjoyed during the festival.
The Lions also introduced the Traditional “Shot Ski”, a lively addition that has become a staple at modern Oktoberfest celebrations. The tradition traces its roots to Alpine skiers in the Bavarian Alps, who began sharing shots together from a single ski to celebrate camaraderie and good cheer.
The Lyndonville Lions Club would like to thank everyone who supported this year’s Oktoberfest fundraiser and helped make it such a success. We hope all who attended had a wonderful time celebrating with us!
Looking ahead, the Lions are excited to host several upcoming community events, including the annual Village Christmas Tree Lighting in late November and the second annual Snowflake Bowling Tournament on Saturday, February 28th. Additional details on these events will be shared soon.
As we move through the beautiful fall season, the Lions extend warm wishes to all and ask that God continue to bless our community and this great nation we call home.
Provided photo: Employees at the Orleans County Department of Social Services dressed in purple and posed outside the County Administration Building in Albion as they participated in “Purple Thursday” to raise awareness of domestic violence.
Press Release, Orleans County Department of Social Services
ALBION – Employees at the Orleans County Department of Social Services participated in “Purple Thursday” last week in recognition of survivors of Domestic Violence. October is recognized as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, bringing awareness to domestic violence within our community.
Part of that awareness is reminding the community that domestic violence is not limited to physical or sexual abuse but can other forms like emotional or financial. Domestic violence is also not gender specific and can impact anyone, regardless of age, gender, race or sexual orientation.
If you or someone you care about is a survivor of domestic violence in need of support, know that there are services available locally and at the state level. Please contact Orleans County Domestic Violence at 585-589-3159 during normal business hours, call the 24/7 NYS Hotline at 800-942-6906, text 844-997-2121 or go to www.opdv.ny.gov.
For families in Orleans County, the early years of raising a child are full of joy—but they can also be filled with questions, stress, and uncertainty. That’s why Oak Orchard Health (OOH) in Albion is offering extra support to local families through a national program called HealthySteps—and it’s already making a big difference.
Local Help for Families with Young Children
HealthySteps began a year ago and is a free program for families with children from birth to age five. To date, we have helped 142 families in Albion. Every child under age three that is seen at Oak Orchard is automatically enrolled. The program adds an important member to the care team: a Healthy Steps Specialist who works closely with your pediatric provider to support the entire family.
“Our goal is to support the whole family—not just the child,” said Dr. Karen Mawn, a pediatrician at Oak Orchard in Albion and the program’s physician champion. “Sometimes that means helping with a referral, and sometimes it’s just listening and reassuring a new parent that they’re doing a great job.”
This nationally recognized program was made possible by a three-year grant, and Albion is the only OOH site currently offering it. Our Warsaw office has already been accepted in the program—we are working on implementation.
What Does HealthySteps Offer?
The program provides extra support at your child’s medical visits, as well as follow-up and care coordination. The HealthySteps Specialist can:
Talk through parenting questions and challenges
Address anxiety, stress, postpartum depression, or family well-being
Screen for child developmental delays and autism
Help connect families to WIC, food programs, and housing services
Offer guidance on speech delays, sleep struggles, and child behavior
Support mothers in recovery or those facing substance use challenges
Families are matched with the right level of support based on their needs. Some may have check-ins every few visits, while others receive help at every well-child appointment.
More Than Just Medical Care
What makes HealthySteps stand out is its focus on the whole family. The HealthySteps Specialist doesn’t just talk to moms, they also talk with grandparents, foster parents, and other caregivers. All are included. If your family is raising a child under five, the HealthySteps Specialist is here for you, too.
Unlike typical pediatric visits, which are often limited by time, the Care Specialist is available to follow up, offer emotional support, and guide you to services you may not have known were available.
“It’s like having an extra teammate who’s focused on your child’s development—and your family’s well-being,” Dr. Mawn added.
A Community-Based Solution
HealthySteps also plays a key role in addressing critical social drivers of health—the non-medical issues that affect families, like food insecurity, housing instability, and access to childcare. With direct links to local support programs, the HealthySteps Specialist can help families get what they need to stay safe, healthy, and stable.
How to Get Started
If your baby or young child receives care at Oak Orchard Health in Albion, you’re already part of the HealthySteps program. Ask your pediatric provider about meeting the Specialist and learning more about the resources available to you.
To learn more, call Oak Orchard Health in Albion at (585) 589-5613 or find out more during your child’s next appointment.
Your family’s well-being is our priority—every step of the way.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 20 October 2025 at 10:04 am
Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Aleks Seefeldt and his Medina teammates will host Olmsted in a Section VI Class B opening round game at 3:3 p.m. Tuesday at Vets Park.
Sectional soccer tournament competition gets under way on Tuesday as both the Medina boys and Holley girls teams will open at home while the Albion girls will open on the road.
Seeded No. 4, Medina will host No. 13 Olmsted in a Section VI Class B contest at 3:30 p.m. at Vets Park.
Medina went 14-2 during the regular season while Olmsted was 3-12-1.
The Mustangs offense was led by Aleks Seefeldt (16 goals, 17 assists), Aidan Papaj (13 goals, 5 assists), Caden Kingsbury (10 goals, 2 assists), Vinny Gray (8 goals, 8 assists), Luke Duffina (7 goals, 3 assists) and Izzy Anderson (3 goals, 9 assists).
Cam Fike and River Jones have shared the goaltending duties for the Mustangs while Duffina, Ryan Pegelow, Owen Sargent, Jimmy Dieter and Gavin Dahlhaus have helped to anchor the defense.
Holley, which is seeded No. 5, will host Genesee Region League foe No. 12 Alexander at 6 p.m. in a Section V Class C1 contest.
Holley went 9-6-1 during the regular season and Alexander 1-14-1.
Holley’s offense has been led by Ava Mosier (13 goals, 3 assists), Hanna Ostrom (7 goals, 5 assists), Kyla Burne (5 goals, 4 assists), Jayna Burris (4 goals, 8 assists) and Carsyn Mogle (4 goals, 6 assists).
Seeded No. 11 Albion will visit No. 6 Williamsville South for a Section VI Class A game at 3:30 p.m.
Albion went 4-8-4 during the regular season and Will South 5-9.
Offensively the Purple Eagles have been led by Julia Button (5 goals, 2 assists), Shayla Higgins (4 goals) and Madison Frasier (3 goals, 2 assists).
Tuesday’s openers will also have No. 10 Eden at No. 7 Akron and No. 11 Newfane at No. 6 Tapestry in Section VI boys Class B contests.
Wednesday’s Games Section V Boys Soccer
No. 7 seed Holley will host No. 10 Red Creek in a Class C1 game at 6:30 p.m..
Holley went 8-8 and Red Creek 1-14-1 during the regular season.
The Hawks offense has been led by Cooper Wolf (6 goals, 3 assists), Avante Walker (6 goals), Chase Kempa (5 goals, 8 assists), Blake Coleman (5 goals, 2 assists) and Cam Mosier (3 goals, 5 assists).
Section VI Boys Soccer
No. 8 seed Albion will host No. 9 Lake Shore in a Class A2 contest at 6:30 p.m.
The Purple Eagles offense has been led by Garret Jones (6 goals, 2 assists) and Joey Bropst (3 goals, 1 assist).
Section VI Girls Soccer
No 8 seed Barker/Lyndonville will host No. 9 Chautauqua Lake in a Class B game at 6 p.m. at Barker.
Barker/Lyndonville went 8-5-3 during the regular season and Chautauqua Lake 4-11.
Alexa Robinson has led the B/L offense with 28 goals and 9 assists as Natalie Rath has 9 goals, 4 assists, Braelynn Dillenbeck 4 goals, 6 assists and Ryland Townsend 3 goals, 3 assists.
Also in Class B, No. 4 Roy-Hart will host No. 13 Tonawanda at 6 p.m.
Roy-Hart went 8-5-3 and Tonawanda 3-13 during the regular season.
The Lady Rams offense has been led by Maria Trombley (12 goals, 3 assists), Ruth Walker (6 goals, 4 assists) and Kaylie Churchill (3 goals, 7 assists).
Also in Class B, No. 14 Medina visits No. 3 Falconer at 6 p.m., No. 6 Akron hosts No. 11 Silver Creek at 3:30 p.m. and No. 12 Newfane visits No. 5 Allegany-Limestone at 6 p.m.
The Die Wiesen (festival goers) enjoyed lively, traditional German music performed by The Frankfurters German Band. Their performance featured authentic Bavarian bell music and several pieces played on the Alpine horns—both instruments deeply rooted in the Bavarian Alps region of southern Germany.
