By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 2 August 2026 at 1:57 pm
The top seeded Niagara Surge downed the Medina Mustangs 15U 11-2 this afternoon in the quarterfinal round of the Western New York Summer Classic Baseball Tournament being played at West Seneca.
Medina did jump out to a quick 2-0 first inning lead on a two-run single by Brayden LaMartina after two walks and a hit batter had loaded the bases.
However, the Mustangs manged no more hits and no more runs the rest of the way.
The Surge rallied into the lead for good by scoring three times in the second inning on a bases loaded walk, a fielders chocie play and an RBI single.
Keeping the momentum, the Surge locked up the win by scoring a total of 8 runs over the next four innings including one in the third, two in both the fourth and fifth and three in the sixth.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 August 2026 at 1:00 pm
Alexandria Ledger was last seen by her family on July 27 on Lydun Drive Extension.
ALBION – The Albion Police Department is asking for the public’s help in locating a missing teen who was last seen on Monday at approximately 6 p.m. in the Lydun Drive Extension area of Albion.
Alexandria M. Ledger is 17 years old, and is 5’5″ and 120 pounds. She has brown hair and green eyes. She was last wearing a light purple hoodie and black short shorts.
On Monday around 6 p.m. Alexandria left to go for a walk with a friend and did not return later that evening. The next day her Snapchat location indicated she was in the area of Lockport-Olcott Road in Newfane. Family has been unable to get a hold of Alexandria since Monday. She was reported missing on Saturday to the Albion Police Department.
If you have seen Alexandria or have any information regarding her whereabouts, please contact the Albion Police Department immediately at (585) 589-5527 or call 911 if the situation is an emergency.
Even the smallest piece of information could help, the Albion PD said. Please share this post to help bring Alexandria home safely.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 2 August 2026 at 9:28 am
Medina Women’s Softball ‘A’ League playoff competition will continue with four games on Monday evening at the Jr. Wilson fields.
At 6 p.m. top seeded Jr. Wilson will face Katy’s/Parkitect in a winners bracket game and White Birch will take on Mr. Septic in a losers bracket contest.
Then at 7:15 p.m. the Jr. Wilson vs. Parkitect winner will take on Banes in the winners bracket semifinal. In addition, the White Birch vs. Mr. Septic winner will take on the Jr Wilson vs. Parkitect loser in the losers bracket semifinal.
The playoffs are scheduled to conclude on Monday evening August 10.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 August 2026 at 8:38 am
Isabel Nesbitt, 13, wins competition featuring top 9 showmen at the fair
Photos by Tom Rivers
KNOWLESVILLE – Isabel Nesbitt, 13, of Lyndonville is congratulated by judge Kirby Palmer after winning the grand master showmen title for large animals on Saturday. It is one of the most prestigious awards at the Orleans County 4-H Fair.
Nesbitt may be the youngest grand master showman in the fair’s history. It is typically won by a seasoned 4-Her with years of experience showing many species of animals.
Natalie Miller, 12, of Lyndonville (in front) was the reserve grand master, with Isabel Nesbit the grand master (in back). They are showing pigs during the competition. The two were tied in points, and tied in the number of first places after nearly 3 hours of the competition. The judge favored Nesbitt after two tiebreakers.
The judge commended both for their skills in showing a variety of animals. The competition features the master showman in nine different animals: horse Western, horse English, dairy goat, meat goat, sheep, swine, llama, dairy cattle and beef cattle.
Isabel qualified after winning the beef showmanship while Natalie won the pig master showman.
The judge said Nesbitt’s intensity stood out, and she showed great determination working with some uncooperative animals.
Isabel Nesbitt shows a sheep during the grueling event on Saturday at the fair. The exhibitors had to learn how to show animals they usually don’t work with during the fair.
“I love the competition,” Nesbitt said after winning the grand master title.
She has been showing animals at the fair since she was 8.
“It’s a true passion,” Nesbitt said. “I’ve learned so much from the older kids at the fair.”
Natalie Miller shows a dairy cow among the many different species during the grand master showmen competition. Behind her is Kaitlin Bennett of Barre. Natalie said showing the llamas was the most difficult because they are so tall and her arms had to be outstretched to control the animal with a halter.
Carissa Klosser, 18, smiles while showing a llama. She qualified as a llama master showman.
Gary “GJ” Donofrio, 17, of Bergen won the grand master title a year ago. He is shown keeping a dairy cow under control in the show ring.
Marissa Young (left), 14, of Kendall and Brooke Jurek of Kendall show sheep. Marissa qualified by winning the Western horse title. Brooke, who just graduated from Kendall, was the English horse showmanship champion.
Celes Paratore, 18, of Corfu leads a steer in the show ring. She qualified as the top meat goat showman. Earlier on Saturday she won the small animal grand master showman.
Kaitlin Bennett, 17, of Barre shows a dairy animal during the competition. She qualified as a the dairy master showman.
Kate Bennett, 15, of Brockport shows a llama. She won the dairy goat master showman title.
Judge Kirby Palmer keeps a close eye on how well the showmen are maintaining eye contact and leading the animals in the ring, as well as setting them up to best show off their desired characteristics.
Palmer said all of the showmen are clearly hard workers who she expects will be leaders in the future.
Brooke Jurek leads a horse as part of the grand master competition.
The showmen try to keep control of these pigs with gentle taps with a show stick.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 August 2026 at 8:01 am
The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for Orleans County, all of Western New York, parts of central New York and goes up to Watertown in northern New York.
The watch is in effect from 10 a.m. today until late tonight. The Weather Service said flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible.
Scattered to numerous heavy showers and thunderstorms are expected today and tonight, the Weather Service said.
“Locally heavy rainfall is possible with rainfall rates near, or exceeding 2 inches per hour at times,” the Weather Service said. “Repeated rounds of heavy rain over any given location could result in flash flooding.”
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 2 August 2026 at 7:49 am
Provided photo: Jake “the Snake” Jackson, 17, concentrates on a shot in the World Chinese 8 Ball Stop competition in New York City, where he has advanced to 16 out of more than 130 players.
MEDINA – Seventeen-year-old Jake Jackson, a student at Lyndonville High School and an avid pool player, is in New York City, where he is competing in the World Chinese 8 Ball Stop.
At 4 p.m. on Saturday, his father Roger e-mailed to say Jake had won 9-5 to move into 32nd place out of more than 130 players.
“This puts him in the money and I’m so proud,” said his father. “We all are.”
In another e-mail at 8:35 p.m., Roger reported Jake had advanced to the final 16 out of 130 players, and has an interview scheduled with Joy Heyball who is promoter of the largest billiard tours in the world. It is played with regular 2-1/4” standard American size pool balls, but pockets that are only 3-1.2”.
“This is a very difficult game and takes lots of precision and focus,” Roger said.
Jake will have an interview with Jay before his noon match today. Jake has also been invited to participate in the opening ceremony as speaker of the Athletes’ Oath.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 1 August 2026 at 10:13 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Songbirds, a Fleetwood Mac tribute band, performs at the Albion Summer Music Festival this evening at Bullard Park.
Lead singer Julia closed out the set singing “The Chain.”
The band include keyboardist Maryssa as Christine McVie, guitar player Christian as Lindsey Buckingham, drummer Dave as Mick Fleetwood, bass guitar player Jeffrey as John McVie, and Julia as lead singer Stevie Nicks.
The band received a standing ovation and enthusiastic applause after it was done. Moments later it started raining the final band, Knight Patrol, wasn’t able to play. Even though the rain stopped, the band and organizers were concerned there would be electrical problems due to the wet stage and instruments.
Songbirds have a busy schedule this summer, and will be playing close by at the Oakfield Labor Daze festival from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sept.7.
Other performers today in Albion included V3, Bad Sign, Mixed Experience and the Who Dats.
This was the 11th annual Albion Summer Music Festival, which originally was called Rock the Park. Proceeds have helped fund improvements to Bullard. The non-profit organization, Greater Albion Community Recreation and Events, runs the festival.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 1 August 2026 at 5:21 pm
Nine proved to be the lucky number for the opposition as the Medina 15U baseball team dropped a pair of decisions today at the Western New York Summer Classic Tournament being held at West Seneca.
Medina first lost 9-4 to the Clarence Crushers and then 9-3 to the 716 Patriots.
The tournament will continue on Sunday.
Clarence Crushers 9, Medina 4
Leading by a narrow 5-4 margin, the Crushers put a lock on the win by scoring four times in the sixth inning on two triples, two errors and a wild pitch.
Earlier, Medina built up leads of 3-2 in the fourth inning and 4-3 in the fifth frame.
The Mustangs scored once in the third on a single by Shawn Robertson and a passed ball, twice in the fourth on an RBI single by Viktor Snyder and a passed ball and once in the fifth on an error following a single by Brayden Calabro.
716 Patriots 9, Medina 3
Three run scoring bursts in the first inning on three walks, two singles and a multi run error and in the fifth frame on a double, a ground out and a double keyed the 716 Patriots to the win.
Medina had grabbed a quick 1-0 lead in the top of the first on a sacrifice fly by Mason Berry which followed singles by Jacob Duffina and Snyder.
An RBI sacrifice fly by Duffina, which followed two walks and a single by Brandon Floret Jr., pulled Medina to within 4-2 in the third inning but the Mustangs would get no closer.
Medina’s other run came in the fourth inning on an RBI single by Brayden LaMartina.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 1 August 2026 at 3:27 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – The band, Bad Sign, performs at the Bullard Park amphitheater this afternoon, singing “Born in the Bayou” by Creedence Clearwater Revival.
The band includes lead singer Erika Horning of Batavia, guitarist Erick Horning of Batavia, bass player Clint Worthington of Holley, drummer Joe Maino of Pembroke, and keyboardist Ron Bordinaro of Batavia.
Today is the 11th Rock the Park or Albion Summer Music Festival. Admission inside the beer tent is $5 for the day of music.
The lineup of performers includes
1 p.m.: V3
2 p.m.: Bad Sign
3 p.m.: Mixed Experience
4 p.m.: Who Dats
6:30 p.m.: Songbirds, a Fleetwood Mac tribute act
Closing: Knight Patrol, a cover band that performs the greatest hits from the ’80s
Ron Bordinaro sings “Can’t You See” by the Marshall Tucker Band.
Bad Sign performs on sunny day in Albion. Lead singer Erika Horning is next to guitarist Erick Horning, right, and bass player Clint Worthington, left.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 1 August 2026 at 1:54 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
KNOWLESVILLE – Celes Paratore, left, holds the trophy after winning the small animal grand master showman title this morning at the Orleans County 4-H Fair. Bailey Gonzalez, right, is the reserve grand master showman.
The two are both 18 and have been showing animals at the fair since they were 5 and Clover Buds.
The Small Animal Grand Master competition includes the top two showmen in Dog, Rabbit, Poultry and Mini Horse. All master and reserve showman in those four species compete for the Small Animal Grand Master title.
Paratore, a Corfu resident, qualified after winning the poultry and rabbit showmen competitions. Gonzalez, an Albion resident, won the dog showman event.
Paratore was the reserve grand master showman last year, finishing second to her sister, Evelyn. Celes said she has accumulated years of knowledge in showing and learning about many breeds and species of animals. She started as a 4-Her showing a chicken, and then added a rabbit, goats and a cow.
“I like the self confidence it gives you,” she said about showing animals. “It promotes self awareness, whether you win, lose or draw.”
She will be studying teacher education at GCC in the fall. She currently works as a nutrition educator for the Cornell Cooperative Extension in Orleans County. Paratore also will be competing in the large animal grand master showmen competition beginning at 4 p.m. today.
Bailey Gonzalez said she has enjoyed the friendships she’s made through the Orleans County 4-H Heelers Dog Club. She is comfortable showing dogs, rabbits and the mini horses, but showing poultry is a challenge.
“The chickens are squirmy, and they are a lot different with feathers and two legs,” she said.
Gonzalez graduated from Albion a year ago. She works at a kennel in Batavia.
The participants in the small animal grand master competition pose for a photo after the event. From left include Robert Hofmann, 14, of Albion, reserve master showman for dogs; Celes Paratore, 18, of Corfus, small animal grandmaster showman and master for poultry and rabbits; Madelyn Meyer, 12, of Attica, master showman for miniature horses; Bailey Gonzalez, 18, of Albion, the reserve grand master and master showman for dogs; Eveyln Paratore, 14, of Corfu, reserve master showmen for poultry and rabbits; and Alizabeth Murray, 17, of Medina, the miniature horse reserve master showman.
The judges commend the participants for their showmanship skills and knowledge of the animals. Nicole Dabney, wearing hat, is speaking. She is the horse judge. Other judges included Antonia Garcia for dogs, Dave Gerling for poultry and Susie Gerling for rabbits.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 1 August 2026 at 12:21 pm
Photo courtesy of Danielle Schmidt: Four out of five generations of Beatrice’s Young’s family have been active participants in the Orleans County 4-H Fair. They gathered here on opening day of the Orleans County 4-H Fair. Front row, from left, are Chantelle Blackburn (4th generation), her daughter Karsyn Blackburn (5th generation), Young (first generation) and Marsha Cook (3rd generation). In back are 4th generation Hollee Cook and Leigha Kidney, both currently active 4-H members.
KNOWLESVILLE – Beatrice “Bea” Young got a surprise on opening day of the Orleans County 4-H Fair. When she arrived to watch her great-grandchildren show their animals, she learned they were going to take a family picture.
Four generations of Young’s family have been active in 4-H and most were all gathered for the picture. Only the second generation is not represented, as those children all chose to go into scouting, Young said.
Starting with Young, who showed pigs at the fair in the early 1950s, were Chantell Blackburn, Leigha Kidney and Hollee Cook, 4th generation members; Marsha Cook, third generation; and Karsyn Blackburn, 5th generation.
The family’s involvement in 4-H goes back to Young’s youth. She grew up on a farm on County House Road, the former Beatrice Axtell. She had two sisters and a brother Kenneth who was a 4-H leader.
Young and her husband Don had five children and lived on a farm, where they raised a variety of animals. She said 4-H provided a great opportunity for youth to not only learn, but to interact with their friends.
“Kids need a positive way to socialize,” she said.
On Monday morning, Young, 90, drove herself to the fair, expecting to watch the children show their animals.
“Marsha asked me if I wouldn’t like to see what the kids were doing,” Young said.
Cook is a volunteer camping coordinator.
Karsyn showed rabbits, while Hollee showed goats, chickens and rabbits and Leigha showed goats.
Chantelle showed rabbits, chickens, sheep, goats and beef cows.
The youth also had exhibits in the Trolley Building, Cook said.
Not pictured were a 4th generation cousin, Albert and Chantelle’s sister Kendyll, who showed cows, rabbits and goats. She will age out of 4-H this year, Young said.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 1 August 2026 at 8:44 am
Photos by Tom Rivers: A crowd gathered in the parking lot by the Education Center to watch a laser light show, which had a patriotic theme for the 250th anniversary of the United States. The laser show replaced fireworks on Friday night.
Daily: Agri-Puppet Farm Truck Strolling the Grounds
All day: Main event amusements $35 unlimited ride wristband with rides open 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. with scheduled closure from 5 to 6 p.m. at Midway
9 to 11 a.m. – 4-H Senior Council Stand breakfast hours at 4-H Senior Council Stand
8 a.m. – Open Class Llama and Alpaca Show at Livestock Show Arena
9 a.m. – 4-H Gymkhana horse show at Carlos Marcello Arena
10 a.m. – Paid public admission begins at Taylor Hill Road parking lots, buildings open to the public
4-Hers dressed their goats up in costumes for a fun contest on Friday.
10 a.m. – Small Animal Grandmaster Showmanship Competition at Knights Building
10 a.m. – VE testing for ham radio at Education Center
10:30 a.m. – 4-H Fry Stand opens at Fry Stand
11 a.m. – Public Contest- Register at Event: Paint Wars by the Junior Fair Committee at east end of Swine Barn
11 a.m. – Senior council 4-H food booth hamburgers, hots, and cold drinks at 4-H Senior Council Stand. Proceeds support teen award trips and programs.
12 p.m. to 10 p.m. – Blacksmith demo at Beadle building
Robert Batt, executive director of the Cornell Cooperative Extension in Orleans County, gets drenched with a big bucket of cold water from 4-Hers Helen Schofield, left, and Kaylee Lasher, both of Holley. Batt drew a crowd of people who wanted to see him get wet in the dunk challenge on Friday.
1:30 p.m. – Public Contest- Register at Event: Dunk Bucket by the Junior Fair Committee at Tram Stop, featuring Aeddon Cayea, Community Programs leader for Orleans CCE, from 1:30 to 2 p.m. and then Steve Cooley, Medina fire chief, from 2 to 2:30 p.m.
2 p.m. – Free Entertainment: Agri-Puppets the Farming Singing Puppets! at Cattle Barn Lawn
2:30 p.m. – Free Entertainment: Lew-e the Clown- a show full of Magic and Laughs! at Trolley Lawn
4 p.m. – 4-H leaders’ homemade pie stand opens at Davis building
4 p.m. – Large Animal Grandmaster Showmanship at Livestock Show Arena
4 p.m. – Free Entertainment: Agri-Puppets the Farming Singing Puppets! at Cattle Barn Lawn
Bad Kitty performed rock, blues and country music on Friday night at the fair.
4:30 p.m. – Free Entertainment: Pompeyo’s Ranch- As seen on America’s Got Talent! at Knights Lawn
5 p.m. – Free Entertainment: Lew-e the Clown- a show full of Magic and Laughs! at Trolley Lawn
5 to 6 p.m. – Midway closed for dinner break at Midway
6 p.m. – Free Entertainment: Agri-Puppets the Farming Singing Puppets! at Cattle Barn Lawn
6:30 p.m. – Public Contest- Register at Event Dunk Bucket by the Junior Fair Committee at Tram Stop, featuring Bert Mathes, assistant fair manager, form 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Natalia Nauden, 8, of Brockport hit the target and got Kristin McAdoo wet in the dunk challenge. McAdoo, the deputy fire chief for Ridgeway, spent an hour in the cold seat on Friday evening.
6:30 p.m. – Free Entertainment: Pompeyo’s Ranch- As seen on America’s Got Talent! at Knights Lawn
6:30 p.m. – Small fry pedal tractor pull- registration ends 15 minutes before event. Located at JCH of Buffalo Food Court
6:30 p.m. – Bossy Bingo at Livestock Show Arena
7 p.m. – Free Entertainment: Lew-e the Clown- a show full of Magic and Laughs! at Trolley Lawn
7 p.m. – Empire State Wrestling at Orleans Hub Stage
7:30 p.m. – 4-H Herdsmanship, Family Consumer Science, and Royalty Awards at Livestock Arena
There were about 75 classic cars at the fair on Friday for the cruise in.
8 p.m. – Public Contest- Register at Event: Steampunk Costume Contest at JCH of Buffalo Food Court
8 p.m. – Free Entertainment: Agri-Puppets the Farming Singing Puppets! at Cattle Barn Lawn
8:30 p.m. – Free Entertainment: Pompeyo’s Ranch- As seen on America’s Got Talent! at Knights Lawn
9 p.m. – Free Entertainment: Lew-e the Clown- a show full of Magic and Laughs! at Trolley Lawn
10 p.m. – Bale Rolling Contest – teams of 1-2 ages 16 and up at Byron’s Bale Rolling Barnyard. Register at the fair office by 9:20 p.m. Immediately following qualifier, Hay Bale Rolling Contest for winners-only championship round.
10 p.m. Buildings close – goodnight fair
Some kids enjoy the Flying Elephants midway ride on Friday night at the fair.
LYNDONVILLE – The Lyndonville Class of 1986 recently held its 40-year reunion at The Shelridge Country Club. Members of the class get together formally every five years.
Seated from L to R: Tonia Young, Brian Marek, Nicole Dunham, Tricia Trupo Coffta, Laura Sills Merkl and Debbie Westfall Preston.
Middle row: Maria Quintern, Jacqui Schuner Young, Pamela Whittleton Allen, Julie Stalker Paul, Patti Thomas Hayes, Kimberly Lesher Stawicki and Jennifer D’Alessandro.
Back row: Brian Fisk, David Waldriff, Scott Goetze, Jeanne Whipple Goetze, Nicole Fisher Swallen, Randall Alan Cichocki, Robert Eddinger and John Hausler.
Class officers Nicole Fisher Swallen, Scott Goetze, Jeanne Whipple Goetze and Julie Stalker Paul organized the event.
Randall Cichocki gave a toast encouraging everyone’s attendance at the 75-year reunion, and Laura Sills Merkl presented an updated slide show featuring our more recent lives with family, friends, and with each other on many occasions.
