Tenney says Canada using unfair trade practices on U.S. agriculture

Posted 22 April 2026 at 5:05 pm

Press Release, Congresswoman Claudia Tenney

WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today questioned United States Trade Representative Jamieson Greer during a House Ways and Means Committee hearing on the Administration’s 2026 Trade Policy Agenda, highlighting Canada’s refusal to substantively engage on longstanding trade barriers harming Upstate New York producers.

During the hearing, Congresswoman Tenney highlighted Canadian actions that are devastating NY-24 producers, including Canadian restrictions and prohibitions on the export of dairy, wine and bulk produce.

These issues are all highlighted in the National Trade Estimate Report as foreign trade barriers harming the U.S.-Canada relationship. These policies, Tenney emphasized, are placing Upstate New York farmers and producers at a competitive disadvantage despite repeated U.S. efforts to resolve these issues through negotiation.

As Ambassador Greer stated “I think we’re kind of at the end of our rope… there are two countries that have retaliated economically against the United States in the past year: The People’s Republic of China and Canada. So that’s kind of the company they’re running in.”

“Upstate New York farmers and producers are some of the best in the world, but they are not getting a fair shot,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “Canada continues to block our dairy, our wine, and our produce while expecting free and open access to our markets. That is not how a fair trade relationship works. I hear from these producers every day, and they are frustrated because of Canada’s discriminatory treatment and refusal to engage on these issues meaningfully and substantively. We need to hold Canada accountable, strengthen USMCA, and make sure our farmers and businesses can compete and win in the international marketplace.”

Orleans County to host free paint recycling event at GCC in Medina on May 30

Posted 22 April 2026 at 2:49 pm

Press Release, Orleans County Planning & Development Department

MEDINA – Orleans County celebrated Earth Day today by opening registration for its Annual Paint Collection Event, which will be held on Saturday, May 30th at the GCC Campus in Medina.

This event is done in partnership with Niagara County and is open to residents of both Orleans and Niagara counties. Registration is required.

“Earth Day reminds us that protecting our planet starts with everyday choices like reusing what we can and recycling what we can’t, and that is what this paint collection event is all about,” said Corey Winters, Orleans County Director of Planning and Development, which organizes the event. “Last year, hundreds of people participated, helping us keep paint cans out of our landfills. We hope for an even better turnout this year.”

Orleans County works in collaboration with paint-recycling company GreenSheen to collect the paint. Resident and businesses are welcome to bring oil-based, acrylic and latex paint, urethanes, varnishes, shellacs, lacquers, primers and clear coatings to be recycled at no cost.

“As I say every year, as everyone begins spring cleaning, this is a great opportunity to get those old paint cans out of your basement, garage and shed, and ensure they are properly recycled,” said Winters.

WHAT: Free Community Paint Collection Event

WHEN: Saturday, May 30, 2026 from 9am to 1pm.

WHERE: GCC Medina Campus Center, 11470 Maple Ridge Rd. Medina, NY 14103.

Registration for this event can be done at https://circular.eco/event/medina26. Staff will be on hand to unload vehicles so drivers can stay in their vehicles. Those with any questions about the event should call the Orleans County Planning and Development Department at 585.589.3198.

Former Lyndonville man gets state prison for sexual contact with child

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 April 2026 at 1:16 pm

ALBION – A former Lyndonville man was sentenced to 1 ½ years in state prison today by Orleans County Court Judge Sanford Church.

Carl Ostrander, 42, on Jan. 21 pleaded guilty to first degree attempted sexual abuse that occurred in the town of Yates.

The female victim, who was under 13 when Ostrander touched her in her private parts, spoke during the sentencing and said Ostrander has ruined her mental health and self esteem.

“You are more dangerous than you appear on paper,” she said. “I want everyone in the court to know that.”

She asked Judge Church to impose the maximum sentence. Ostrander was charged for sexual misdemeanor crimes against two other underage girls but those charges were dismissed after he was declared mentally incompetent. However, he was later deemed fit to stand trial and he faced the felony charge.

His attorney, Jeffrey Mallaber, said Ostrander suffered a traumatic brain injury in his youth that is a contributing factor in the case.

Judge Church said a TBI shouldn’t be blamed for Ostrander’s actions, which the judge said were intentional acts.

Ostrander, who recently moved to Lockport, did not speak during his sentencing today.

The judge gave him the maximum sentence as part of a plea agreement. Ostrander also will be on post-release supervision for 10 years and will be on the sex offender registry. The judge also issued an order of protection for the victim who spoke in court today.

In other cases in County Court today,

• A Medina man was sentenced to 1 ½ to 3 years of additional time in state prison for attempted assault, an E felony, to two jail corrections officers.

Patrick Casanova, 32, is currently serving a 2- to 4-year sentence in state prison at Five Points Correctional facility in Romulus, Seneca County. His earliest release date is listed as May 27, 2027.

The judge issued orders of protections for the two corrections officers who were injured.

Casanova disputed in court that he harmed the officers. He said he doesn’t plan on returning to Orleans County in the future because local law enforcement seems determined to put him in jail or prison.

Casanova is currently in prison after pleading guilty in 2023 to second-degree assault. He admitted to punching a woman in the face, which fractured her orbital bone and damaged her sinus.

• Richard Neal, 36, of Medina pleaded guilty to felony driving while intoxicated. He was charged by State Police on Aug. 25 after allegedly driving a motorcycle on Route 31 in Ridgeway while intoxicated and without a license. He registered a BAC of 0.10 percent, just above the legal limit of 0.08 percent. He has a previous DWI conviction on may 29, 2025 in the City of Batavia.

Neal faces a possible split sentence of a maximum of six months in the county jail plus five years of probation when he is sentenced on July 1.

N-O players earn All State basketball honors

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 22 April 2026 at 1:06 pm

Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Aidan Neumann

A total of seven Niagara-Orleans League players have earned spots on the All State boys basketball squad which was released this week.

Wilson senior Aidan Neumann, who was the N-O Player of the Year, has been named to the Class C first team. He scored 518 points and grabbed off 120 rebounds.

His teammate, Lakemen senior Ryan Hough, has earned Honorable Mention on the Class C squad as has Barker junior Anthony Taliaferro.

Akron has placed three players on the Class B squad.

Tigers junior Derren Brooks, who scored 451 points and pulled down 303 rebounds, has been named to the second team. Senior Ben Gerstung has been named to the 9th team and senior Blake Gerstung to the 10th team.

In addition, Medina senior Jerrell Nealy has earned Honorable Mention on the Class B squad.

Kendall blanks W-C in G-R tennis

Contributed Story Posted 22 April 2026 at 9:35 am

Kendall defeated Wheatland-Chili 5-0 in a Genesee Region League tennis match Tuesday.

Match Summary:
1st singles – Jonny Esposito (K) def Ryan Baird (WC): 6-1, 6-0,
2nd singles – Joe Fagan (K) def Torrence Bansbach (WC): 6-0, 5-7, (10-7),
3rd singles – Mitch Buzard (K) def Elizabeth Fugle (WC): 6-2, 6-1,

1st Doubles – Aidan Kwiatkowski/Lucas Barrett (K) def Paige Vandevoort: 6-0, 6-1, and
2nd Doubles – Devin Derosia/Anthony Seymour (K) def Derek Phillips/Mariah Colquitt: 6-4, 6-4

Governor announces expanded training stipends for volunteer firefighters

Posted 22 April 2026 at 8:58 am

Photo by Tom Rivers: Fire trucks with the Albion Joint Fire District drive in the Strawberry Festival Parade on June 14, 2025.

Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced New York’s Volunteer Firefighter Training Stipend program is expanding to offset costs for five additional training courses available to volunteer firefighters.

New York State created the program to strengthen the volunteer fire service and address recruitment and retention challenges by offsetting the costs of required training that individuals need to become a firefighter. This expansion will help reduce obstacles preventing volunteer firefighters from advancing their careers. Since 2023, more than 4,000 volunteer firefighters have successfully completed training through the program.

“Since taking office, I’ve been laser-focused on making New York safer and more affordable. By expanding the Volunteer Firefighter Training Stipend program, we’re doing both – cutting costs for those who serve while enhancing their lifesaving skills,” Governor Hochul said. “This program makes critical training more accessible, allowing our volunteers to grow in their careers without sacrificing their ability to provide for their families. I’m proud to invest in our volunteer firefighters who put their lives on the line to keep New Yorkers safe.”

The new stipend-eligible courses and course equivalencies are:

Firefighter Survival: Self Rescue: This course teaches firefighters how to rescue themselves if they become trapped or compromised during a fire incident. Stipend Amount: $250
Firefighter Assist and Search Team, and Rapid Intervention Crew: These courses are designed to train firefighters in the critical skills needed to rescue fellow firefighters who are trapped or in distress during an incident. Stipend Amount: $350
Fire and Emergency Services Instructor 1, Fire Officer II, and Firefighter 2: These courses are advanced leadership and instructor development programs. They aim to enhance the leadership capabilities of fire department members and improve their effectiveness in incident command roles, ultimately contributing to the safety of firefighters. Stipend Amount: $500

These five courses build on the catalog of trainings that are already stipend-eligible: Basic Wildland Fire Suppression ($250) Basic Exterior Firefighting Operations ($750), Fire Officer 1 ($1,000) and Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus/Interior Firefighting Operations ($1,250). Since the inception of the stipend program, completion of the Basic Exterior Firefighting Operations, and Interior Firefighting Operations courses have increased by 20 percent and completion of the Fire Officer I course has risen 35 percent.

New York State Homeland Security and Emergency Services Acting Commissioner Terry O’Leary said, “New York’s volunteer firefighters are critical parts of the fabric of communities statewide and they put their lives on the line every time they answer a call to protect those communities. As New York continues to face challenges with volunteer recruitment, the stipend program has resulted in marked increases in class completions, which has brought additional firefighters to departments across the state. Thanks to the leadership and support of Governor Hochul, this stipend program expansion will continue to help volunteer departments recruit and retain members, keeping themselves and their communities safe.”

Additionally, a local fire training stipend may be authorized for the completion of any state Office of Fire Prevention and Control (OFPC) training course or equivalent, as determined by OFPC, up to $500. Courses must have been completed on or after August 31, 2023, and applicants must be a member in good standing as determined by their department. Stipend applications must be submitted to OFPC-Stipend@dhses.ny.gov.

Additional information on the stipend program can be found on the DHSES website.

Citizens disaster preparedness training to be offered May 23 in Orleans County

Posted 22 April 2026 at 8:19 am

Press Release, Orleans County Emergency Management Office

KNOWLESVILLE – Orleans County Emergency Management has teamed up with the state Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Citizens to host a Citizens Preparedness Training Event from 9 to 10:30 a.m. on May 23 at Cornell Cooperative Extension, 12690 NY 31 in Albion.

The purpose of the training is to teach people how to prepare for disaster or emergency situations. The course includes information about the types of risks and hazards people face. It teaches how to develop individual and household plans.

The training also encourages all to think about and save needed emergency supplies. Learning how to help yourself and others in advance will help you react faster when facing a crisis. Each family that attends will be given a free preparedness kit.

To register for the training, click here.

Roy-Hart trims Barker in night contest

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 21 April 2026 at 10:42 pm

In a sea-saw battle Roy-Hart trimmed Barker 6-5 in a Niagara-Orleans League make-up baseball game which ended after 10:30 at Barker tonight.

Trailing 5-4, Roy-Hart rallied for the win by scoring twice in the bottom of the sixth inning on a fielders choice play off a bunt by RJ Townsend.

Earlier, the Rams had built up a 4-0 lead by scoring once in the first on a bases loaded walk, once in the fourth on a ground out and twice in fifth on a ground out and an RBI single by Jared Hy.

Barker rallied into what proved to be a brief 5-4 lead by scoring five times in the top of the sixth on a bases loaded walk, a three run double by Dom Cimato and an RBI single by Peyton Hirschman.

The Bulldogs did get two runners aboard in the top of the seventh on a walk and a single by Logan Flint but could not score.

Roy-Hart is now 3-0 and Barker 2-2 in N-O action.

Roy-Hart tops Medina in N-O tennis

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 21 April 2026 at 8:30 pm

Roy-Hart downed Medina 5-0 in a Niagara-Orleans League tennis match this afternoon.

Max Hickman and Colin Cousins scored singles wins for the Rams which also got victories from the doubles teams of Kaylie Churchill – Raegan Kern, Maria Trombley – Maya Moobe and Cora Lennon – Kennedy Boyle.

In another N-O match, Wilson bested Barker 4-1.

Daniel Goodwin won at first singles for Barker and Shelby Robinson took the second singles match for Wilson.

Golf
Byron-Bergen downed Holley 185-243 in a Genesee Region League golf match this afternoon.

Bergen’s Cody Carlson was medalist with a 43.

Aidan Kelley shot 54 and Dacodah Ireland 59 for Holley.

Lacrosse
East Aurora downed Medina 23-0 in a D Division lacrosse game this evening at Vets Park.

Medina and Roy-Hart split in N-O track meet

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 21 April 2026 at 8:14 pm

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Medina’s Aurora Owczarczak won the 100 and Bryson Ford the 110 Hurdles during today’s home meet against Roy-Hart.

Both schools came away with a victory as Medina and Roy-Hart split in a Niagara-Orleans League track meet at Medina this afternoon.

Medina won the boys’ meet 81-60 and Roy-Hart took the girls competition 73-56.

The Medina boys had seven individual event winners including Cole Hughes (1600 and 3200), Timothy Zeiner (Shotput), Jerrell Nealy (High Jump), Aleks Seefeldt (800), Jonathan Dix (Pole Vault), Nathanael Rutledge (Discus) and Bryson Ford (110 Hurdles).

Tysen McCaa was a triple winner for the Roy-Hart boys in the Long Jump, Triple Jump and 400 as Jase Waters won the 100 and Chris McOmber the 400 Hurdles.

The Roy-Hart girls had a trio of individual event double winners including Julia Rohde (1500, 3000), Kylie McOmber (Long Jump, Triple Jump) and Lily Isabel Pabon-Rosa the Shotput and Discus. The Lady Rams also had Jillian Ossont win the 400 Hurdles, Addy Carr the 400 and Taylor Alvord the 800.

For Medina, Aurora Owczarczak won both the 100 and 200 as Cayla Seever took the 100 Hurdles and Payton Denniston the High Jump.

Medina’s Cayla Seever bested Roy-Hart’s Kylie McOmber in the 100 Hurdles.

Roy-Hart’s Jase Waters, right, won the 100. Roy-Hart’s Anthony Adinolfe, left, placed third.

Medina’s Briley Allen in action in the High Jump.

Albion sweeps Newfane in N-O track meet

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 21 April 2026 at 7:51 pm

Photos by Tom Rivers: (Left) Tristian Tilbe won the 1600 meter boys race today for Albion today in 4:59. (Right) Ezra Bloom clears 5 feet, 4 inches in this leap with the high jump. He would finish second in the event.

Albion scored a sweep over visiting Newfane in a key Niagara-Orleans League track meet this afternoon.

Defending champion Albion won the boys meet 91-42 as Hunter Huscher doubled in the 100 and 200.

The Purple Eagles also got wins from Adam Burgio (110 Hurdles), Wesley Olles (800), Austin Huscher (Long Jump), Jon Money (Discus), Noah Harrison (Triple Jump), Tristian Tilbe (1600) and Jackson Snook (Shotput).

Payden Wightman doubled for Newfane in the High Jump and Pole Vault.

The Albion girls nipped Newfane 71-70 as Isabelle Truelson doubled in the 100 and 200 and SeMya Tilford in the Shotput and Discus. The Purple Eagles also had Mia Standish win the 400 Hurdles and Sophia Wendt the Triple Jump.

Eden Hillman was a quadruple winner for Newfane in the 800, 1500, 3000 and Pole Vault.

The Wilson girls downed Barker 86-50 as Savannah Jones was a triple winner in the 100, 200 and Triple Jump.

Payden Wightman of Newfane competes in the pole vault. He took first place in that event, as well as the high jump.

Eden Hillman of Newfane is out in front in the 800 meter race. She won that event plus the 1500, 3000 and pole vault in today’s meet at Albion.

Nic Cole hurls and hits Kendall to win

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 21 April 2026 at 7:04 pm

Nic Cole pitched and hit Kendall to a 3-1 Genesee Region League victory over Alexander this afternoon as the Eagles stay undefeated at 9-0.

On the mound, Cole hurled a 2 hitter with 12 strikeouts.

At the plate he accounted for all of the Eagles runs with an RBI single in the first inning, which followed a double by Vinnie D’Agostino, and a two-run single in the third, which followed singles by Jonny Conte and CJ D’Agostino.

Attica 19, Lyndonville 5
Attica exploded for 9 runs in the first inning and 10 more in the second to key a 19-5 win over Lyndonville in another G-R contest.

Newfane 11, Wilson 10
Newfane used a 6 run seventh inning rally to edge rival Wilson 11-10 in a Niagara-Orleans League game.

Newfane is now 1-1 and Wilson 1-3 in N-O action.

Lady Eagles and Lady Tigers use big scoring innings to key victories

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 21 April 2026 at 6:55 pm

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Kendall’s Izzy D’Agostino is safe at home ahead of a tag by Medina’s Savannah Jo Thompson during the Lady Eagles win over the Mustangs this afternoon at Vets Park.

Big early inning scoring bursts keyed both Kendall and Lyndonville to softball victories this afternoon.

Kendall erupted for 8 runs in the second inning in route to posting a 16-1 win over Medina in a non league game at Vets Park. A two-run single by Teagan Shaw, an RBI triple by Brooke Rodas and an RBI single by Adrianna D’Agostino highlighted the uprising.

The Lady Eagles later capped of the win with 5 runs in the sixth highlighted by a three-run double by Izzy D’Agostino.

Kourtney Marion hurled a 2 hitter with 1 strikeout in the circle for the Lady Eagles.

Lyndonville 9, Elba 4
Lyndonville used a big 7 run second inning to key a 9-4 Genesee Region League win over Elba.

A walk and a single by Emily Dill ignited the big inning which then got run production on a single by Brooke Robinson, 3 errors, a fielders choice play and a ground out.

Robinson had a total of 3 hits and Dill 2.

In the circle for the Lady Tigers Arnie Sturtevant pitched a 4 hitter with 7 strikeouts.

In other softball action, Wilson downed Roy-Hart 5-1 in a Niagara-Orleans League game, Barker rallied for 5 runs in the seventh inning to edge Notre Dame 14-13 and Perry topped Holley 15-8 in non league contests.

Desiree McCormick had 3 hits and Maddie Bonacci 2 for Holley.

Medina’s Molly Cook puts the tag on Kendall’s Alea Barrett to get the out at second base.

Legislators facing tough questions at SCOPE meeting should be welcomed

Posted 21 April 2026 at 3:35 pm

Editor:

This is in response to Mr. Schmidt’s letter about the county legislators at the SCOPE meeting. Thank you legislators for coming to the meeting.

The meeting was going fine until a man in attendance spoke up and came off as rude, arrogant, condescending and the smartest man in the room. A cheerleader for the Legislature.

He went on to lecture and make all kinds of suggestions of what we should do, even donate money to the legislators. People were asking after the meeting who was that jerk. What were the legislators expecting? Adulation? Softball questions? Love letters?

They are in a room full of people that are rabid constitutionalists applying first amendment rights. Who believe that document is the law of the land. That do not trust government and apparently them. That have paid attention to what they are doing and not doing.

They want pushback from our local leaders against Albany. They are disgusted by the land that was purchased. They are appalled by the surveillance, taxes and a government that is more concerned with not laying people off than funding the DA’s office to prosecute criminals, and one question that was not asked was why is the CAO not an elected position?

One legislator blew off the very valid comments of one member as “we all know Terry” like what he says is some kind of joke. Then the question of dividing NY was pushed off on Steve Hawley. Dividing NY has to come from all the counties all getting together and refuse to enforce, pay, or obey the dictates of Albany. Never going to happen.

Our government does not have the rebellious fortitude anywhere of the founding fathers, our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor. So, what is expected of frustrated constituents? This is why people don’t vote.

Term limits would help but why would the wolves vote to relinquish their power? You can watch the meeting in full on YouTube then you can decide if the room was negative or hostile. Click here to see the video.

Paul Lauricella

Lyndonville