Scouts put in garden by UConnectCare’s women’s residence in Albion

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 30 May 2026 at 6:43 pm

Logan Kast led the project for Eagle Scout rank

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Logan Kast, a Boy Scout in Troop 164 in Albion, led scouts today in putting a garden in behind UConnectCare’s residence on Butts Road for 25 women.

Logan, a junior in high school, has been in scouts since first grade. He worked to put in the garden for his Eagle Scout project.

He said he hopes the garden is therapeutic for the residents.

He has completed all of his merit badges and the project will fulfill the requirements to earn scouting’s highest honor.

Logan will follow his brother Tyler and father John as Eagle Scouts.

Jax Gotte works on the garden with other scouts. Other scouts who helped today, besides Logan Kast and Jax Gotte, include Stryker Braley, Leo Gotte, Jack Breuilly, Peter Stritzinger, Sebastian Stritzinger and Colton Durow, as well as scout leaders Jeff Braley and Ben Metcalf.

Logan Kast works on the garden with the other scouts. Logan appreciated local donations to the project, including brown mulch and gravel from Art Hill Construction, pavers from Kast Farms, flowers from Roberts Farm Markets and Kirby’s Farm Market, and a bench from Kathy Kast.

Logan said he plans to attend Texas A&M after he graduates from Albion to pursue range land management and wildlife biology. His brother Tyler and sister Sierra graduated from Texas A&M.

Logan said he is grateful through the opportunities through Boy Scouts.

“I love helping my community, being outdoors and being around nature,” he said.

Cal-Mum downs Lady Eagles in Class C2 final

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 30 May 2026 at 2:02 pm

Top seeded Caledonia-Mumford downed No. 3 Kendall 6-2 in the Section V Class C2 softball tournament championship game this afternoon at Livonia.

Kylie Padlick-Field and Grace Beach combined to hurl a 2 hitter with 12 strikeouts for Cal-Mum.

Kendall did grab a 1-0 lead in the second inning as Alea Barrett singled and came home on an error.

Cal-Mum answered with a pair of runs in the third inning on an RBI single by Padlick-Field and an error to take the lead for good.

The Cal-Mum lead increased to 4-1 on a two-run homer by Colleen Talty in the fourth inning.

Kendall did cut the deficit to 4-2 in the fifth on two walks and a groundout but could get no closer.

Cal-Mum tacked on a pair of insurance runs in the sixth on a double by Padlick-Field, a run producing error and an RBI single by Talty.

It’s a family affair for the Kendall baseball squad; Eagles play at Dwyer Monday

Contributed Story Posted 30 May 2026 at 10:32 am

Contributed Photo – This season’s Kendall varsity baseball team has six starting players who are cousins (three sets of brothers). They include senior cousins Vinnie D’Agostino and Jonny Conte, CJ D’Agostino who is a junior and his brother Andrew who is a freshman, along with Vinnie’s brother Luca and Jonnny’s brother Sammy, both sophomores, to round out the group. In addition, the Eagles diamond squad also includes the Cole brothers Nic, who is senior, and Andrew, who is a sophomore. Shown here in front are Andrew and Luca D’Agostino. In back, from left, are Sammy Conte, Vinnie D’Agostino, Jonny Conte and CJ D’Agostino. Kendall, which repeated as Class C2 champions on Friday, will now face C1 champion Gananda for the Section V Class C berth in the state tournament at 7 p.m. Monday at Dwyer Stadium in Batavia.

Albion, Medina have Class track meet winners

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 30 May 2026 at 9:48 am

Albion and Medina both had winners at Friday’s Section VI Class track meets

Albion had a pair of winners at the Class B meet as Adam Burgio took the 400 Hurdles (:57.66) and Parker Roberts the Pole Vault (10-3).

At the Class C meet, Medina’s Caliyah St. Louis won the triple jump (33-8.50).

Also at the Class C meet, Roy-Hart’s Tysen McCaa was a double winner in the Long Jump (22-4) and Triple Jump (42-4) and Julia Rohde took the 3000 (11:43.32).

Akron had a trio of winners at the Class C meet as Reece Addesa took both the 800 (2:29.33) and 1500 (5:04.29). Anna Bergman the High Jump (4-9) and Hannah Liss the Long Jump (15-11.25).

Newfane’s Eden Hillman won the Class C Steeplechase (7:38.23)

Lyndonville will do school budget revote on June 16

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 30 May 2026 at 8:41 am

LYNDONVILLE – The school district is doing a budget revote on June 16, and the budget is the same as the one that was rejected on May 19 with 172 opposed and 129 votes in favor.

The Lyndonville Board of Education has held two budget meetings since the vote and the board opted to keep the budget unchanged in the revote.

The budget with a 2.5 percent tax increase is already below the district’s allowable tax cap of 4.0 percent.

The $19,194,000 budget would increase spending by 9.8 percent or by $1,719,670 from the $17,474,330 in 2025-26. The tax levy would increase from $4,758,692 to $4,877,659.

The spending increase is largely driven by a capital project with state aid covering most of the expense.

The budget is voted down again Lyndonville would have to adopt a contingency budget would mean reducing spending by another $266,495 to get the budget to $18,927,505.

Dr. Heather Lyon, the district superintendent, in a message to the community acknowledged community feedback, including residents who raised concerns about rising taxes and cost of living.

Lyon said the district considered further lowering the levy and using more reserves to lower the property tax.

“After reviewing multiple options, the Board determined that the original proposal best balances: support for students, the district’s future financial health, and limiting the impact on taxpayers as much as possible,” she wrote to the community.

If the budget is voted down, Lyndonville would have to go to a contingency budget, which Lyon said would put significant restrictions on spending and future planning.

Those reductions could affect student programs, athletics, music, extracurricular opportunities, equipment replacement, and other student services, she said.

“These consequences are set by New York State law and would not be a local Board decision,” Lyon said.

For more on the budget, click here.

Kendall repeats as Class C2 sectional champs

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 29 May 2026 at 10:42 pm

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Kendall’s Jonny Conte dives into home plate for the Eagles first run of the sectional championship game victory this afternoon at Livonia. The Genesee Valley Belfast catcher is Damon Davis.

Making a successful title defense, top seeded Kendall downed No. 2 Genesee Valley Belfast 3-1 in the Section V Class C2 baseball tournament championship game this afternoon at Livonia.

Nic Cole hurled a sparkling 4 hitter with 12 strikeouts and only 1 walk on the mound for Kendall which improves to 19-2.

“Nic was outstanding,” said Kendall Coach Tige Noni. “We knew they would be tough but we went up early and held them. Our guys did the job.”

Nic Cole, who was named the Class C2 tournament’s MVP, delivers a pitch for the Eagles.

Kendall jumped out to an early 3-0 lead by scoring once in each of the first three innings.

In the first inning Jonny Conte reached on a walk, stole second and came home on an RBI single by Andrew Cole.

Nic Cole then helped himself at the plate by driving in what proved to be the game winning run in the second inning on a ground out which plated Jacob Abrams who had reached with a triple.

The Eagles then tacked on what proved to be a big insurance run in the third inning as CJ D’Agostino reached on a bunt single stole second and came home on an RBI single by Sammy Conte.

Genesee Valley Belfast got on the scoreboard in the fifth inning on an RBI single by Carson Foster.

The Jaguars then threatened again in the sixth getting two runners aboard via singles. However, the Kendall defense came up with its biggest play of the day as a relay throw from centerfielder Mikey Colucci to first baseman CJ D’Agostino to catcher Andrew D’Agostino got a huge out at home plate to keep the Eagles yp by two.

Nic Cole then closed out the inning with a strikeout. “Our defense made some big plays behind me,” he said. “Our guys really came up big on defense.”

Cole then closed out the Eagles championship victory by retiring the Jaguars in order in the top of the seventh on two strikeouts and a ground out to shortstop Vinnie D’Agostino.

Kendall will now face D1 champion Gananda on Monday at a site to be determined for the Section V Class D berth in the state tournament. Gananda nipped Notre Dame 1-0 in the D1 title contest as a bases loaded walk in the first inning plated the only run.

Note – Additional photos are on the HUB’s Facebook pages.

Completing the defensive play of the game Kendall catcher Andrew D’Agostino tags Genesee Valley Belfast’s Ethan Davenport out at home in the sixth inning.

Getting the out at second base Kendall shortstop Vinnie D’Agostino looks to turn two.

Kendall players celebrate after getting the final out of the sectional championship victory.

Lady Tigers bow in Class D2 title contest

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 29 May 2026 at 10:20 pm

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Lyndonville’s Isabella Groves slides into third base during this evening’s sectional championship game at Livonia as Avoca-Prattsburgh third baseman Alydia Mcintyre stretches to get the ball.

Stymied on just three hits, top seeded Lyndonville dropped a 3-0 decision to No. 2 Avoca-Prattsburgh in the Section V Class D2 softball tournament championship game this evening at Livonia.

Avoca-Prattsburgh scored the only run they needed as it turned out in the fourth inning on an RBI double by Charlotte Peck.

The Titans later added a pair of big insurance runs in the sixth inning on a double by winning pitcher Peyton Hopkins, an RBI triple by Alydia Mcintyre and a run producing ground out.

In the circle, Hopkins scattered 3 hits and struck out 7.

A double by Isabella Groves and singles by Hannah Fox and Brooke Robinson were Lyndonville’s only hits as the Lady Tigers left a runner stranded at third base in the fourth, fifth and sixth innings.

Arnie Sturtevant gave up 6 hits and struck out 11 in the circle for Lyndonville which finishes the season with an 18-2 record.

Section VI Class C Final
Falconer 12, Barker 7
Building up an early 11-1 lead, No. 5 seed Falconer went on to down No. 2 Barker 12-7 in the Section VI Class C softball tournament championship game this afternoon at Olean.

Falconer scored 4 quick runs in the first inning on 3 doubles an 2 errors; 3 runs in the second on 2 errors, a double and a single and 4 more in the third on 2 errors, a double and 2 singles.

Barker’s run production came on a two-run homer by Kaylee Stoll, a solo homer by Madelina Pavlock, a two-run double by Peyton Bradley and a pair of RBI singles by Lexi Brazzell.

Lyndonville’s Isabella Groves tosses to Braelynn Dillenbeck covering first base to get the out on Avoca-Prattsburgh’s Addalynn Stone.

Governor seeks disaster declaration for Orleans, other counties with crop loss from April frost

Posted 29 May 2026 at 8:09 pm

Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that New York State has requested a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretarial Disaster Designation for counties in the Hudson Valley, Capital Region, Central New York, Southern Tier and the Western New York regions.

Following an early bloom due to warmer than normal temperatures, frost conditions in April 2026 significantly impacted many fruit operations, including apple, stone fruit, grape and strawberry growers. To date, producers that reported in these regions have experienced an estimated loss of more than $30 million. A Disaster Designation would allow affected farmers to apply for USDA low-interest emergency loans. The request was made to the USDA on May 20.

“New York’s growers are second to none and many have taken a significant hit, with some reporting upwards of a 100 percent loss of their crop and millions in economic loss,” Governor Hochul said. “This hardship follows a trend we are becoming all too familiar with — temperature swings that are indicative of our changing climate. This time, our fruit growers are taking the brunt of frost conditions that damaged already blooming buds and shoots.

“I urge the USDA to take swift action to declare a disaster designation for the impacted counties and help our growers get the assistance they need to recover and move forward,” Hochul said. “I also encourage New Yorkers to continue to support their local growers, whether it’s by buying fresh local products from the farm or purchasing the many products made from New York fruit.”

New York is a major specialty crop state. The apple, grape and stone fruit industries represent an important and large component of New York’s agricultural economy. New York ranks second in the country for apple production and third for grapes, for example. The apple industry alone generates $574 million in economic impact. These crops also play an important role in wholesale markets as well as retail and direct pick-your own sales.

Freezing temperatures that dipped below 23 degrees significantly damaged the primary and secondary fruiting buds and shoots of fruit crops, including apples, grapes, stone fruit — peaches, plums, cherries — pears and strawberries across the regions, particularly those in higher elevation, following warmer than average temperatures that brought many crops to bud early. In addition, early vegetable crops like onions sustained damages.

Impacted counties include Albany, Columbia, Dutchess, Erie, Greene, Niagara, Chautauqua, Onondaga, Orange, Putnam, Schuyler, Sullivan, Ulster, Westchester and Yates. Contiguous counties include Cayuga, Chemung, Cortland, Delaware, Erie, Madison, Monroe, Ontario, Orleans, Oswego, Rensselaer, Rockland, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Seneca, Steuben, Tompkins and Wayne.

Damage varies from county to county and a survey conducted by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets estimates that many growers are facing a wide range in losses — anywhere from 15 percent to 100 percent, with an estimated economic loss of more than $30 million to date.

A USDA disaster designation makes farm operators in primary counties and those counties contiguous eligible to be considered for emergency loans from the Farm Service Agency, provided eligibility requirements are met. Farmers in eligible counties have eight months from the date of the disaster declaration to apply for relief programs.

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said, “Farmers are the backbone of New York’s economy, but as climate change worsens, extreme weather events are becoming more common and are wreaking havoc on growers across the state. These frost events are devastating for New York’s specialty crop and fruit sector, and a secretarial disaster designation would help ensure that impacted growers have the resources they need to recover. I urge USDA Secretary Rollins to swiftly consider and approve New York’s request in order to bring relief to farmers across New York.”

Tenney asks Hochul to allow local law enforcement cooperation with ICE

Posted 29 May 2026 at 7:52 pm

Press Release, Congresswoman Claudia Tenney

WASHINGTON, DC — Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24), today sent a letter to New York Governor Kathy Hochul opposing a provision in New York’s Fiscal Year 2027 Enacted Budget that prohibits local law enforcement agencies from entering into 287(g) agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

The provision prevents sheriffs and local law enforcement agencies from partnering with federal authorities to identify, detain, and process illegal aliens who pose threats to public safety. New York included the prohibition as part of the FY27 Enacted Budget signed into law this week.

In her letter, Tenney argued that cooperation between federal, state, and local law enforcement is critical to protecting communities and warned that banning 287(g) agreements further entrenches New York’s sanctuary state policies while limiting the tools available to local law enforcement.

“Cooperation among federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies is essential to keeping New Yorkers safe,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “By prohibiting local law enforcement from participating in the 287(g) program, Albany is preventing sheriffs and local agencies from utilizing federal resources that are necessary to protect their communities. New Yorkers deserve policies that prioritize public safety and support law enforcement, not policies that limit their ability to keep dangerous individuals off our streets.”

Orleans CCE offering youth canning classes this summer

Posted 29 May 2026 at 3:27 pm

Provided photos: (Left) Master Food Preserver Eileen Sorochty shows how to measure headspace during last year’s Master Food Preserver Training. (Right) Master Food Preserver Albie Suozzi demonstrates how to use a jar lifter to remove processed jam from an electric water bath canner.

Press Release, Orleans County CCE Master Food Preservers

ALBION – Orleans County CCE Master Food Preservers are excited to offer two youth canning classes this summer.

The first class will be a Jam Making session offered on Saturday, June 13th, from 1-4 p.m. Participants will learn the basics of water bath canning and then use hands-on techniques to make their own strawberry jam. Youth attending the June Jam Making class can enter their jams as exhibits in the Orleans County 4-H Fair, July 27-August 1.

The second class will be a “Canning 101” class on Tuesday, August 25th, from 1 to 4 p.m. Students will be given an overview of various canning techniques and have the opportunity to make their own quick pickles to take home. Both classes will be taught by Master Food Preserver Volunteers Albie Suozzi and Eileen Sorochty.

“I learned to process food at home at a very young age, and I see a need in the community for young people to acquire skills that their parents may not have necessarily learned,” said Eileen Sorochty. “We’re lucky to live in such an agriculturally-rich area where we can have fresh fruits and vegetables at the peak of the season.”

The youth canning classes are offered at a discounted rate of $5 per person. Attendees must be aged 8 or older, enrolled in 4-H (they can be enrolled the day of the class for an additional $5) and must be accompanied by an adult.

“I started cooking and baking with my mom around age 8,” said Albie Suozzi, “I think the interest is there and it’s a great time to get started!”

“Offering a workshop for youth that includes an adult caregiver has the potential to create a life-long shared interest between the two,” Sorochty chimed in. “I spent a lot of time in the kitchen with my daughter when she was young and it’s still a hobby that we continue to bond over today.”

Details on all classes can be found at the Orleans CCE website Events page (click here). Pre-registration is required for all classes – spots are limited. To register or for more details, please contact the Orleans CCE Master Food Preserver coordinator Katie Oakes at klo54@cornell.edu or 585-798-4265 ext. 125.

Albion turns senior prank into fundraiser for mother of 14

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 29 May 2026 at 2:53 pm

Dawn Hollenbeck has started chemo for lymphoma

Provided photos

ALBION – Members of the Albion senior class had their “prank” on Thursday, but didn’t get into any mischief. Instead seniors stopped teachers and other visitors and asked for donations to park in the school lots.

The top photo shows one of their signs, and seniors Gideon Pask and Neveya Barnes.

The fundraiser took in $1,125.80 for the family of Dawn Hollenbeck, a mother of 14 who has been diagnosed with large B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma, stage 3. One of her children is Victoria Hollenbeck, an Albion senior. Mrs. Hollenbeck also has 11 grandchildren.

This group of seniors includes, from left: Victoria Hollenbeck, Abby Kincaid, Julia Button and Aubrey Gannon.

Dawn Hollenbeck started chemotherapy treatments last week. She and her husband Brian are long-time Albion residents.

Dawn worked for many years at Burger King and most recently at Taco Bell.

Her husband is disabled. He previously owned a pest extermination business.

The students were praised for rallying around the mother of a classmate.

There is a GoFundMe set up for the Hollenbeck family and additional fundraisers are being planned.

Hanna Kumalac, left, and Nisi Beltran Roblero helped with the fundraiser on Thursday.

Bogeys slow Green to open LPGA N.J. tourney

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 29 May 2026 at 1:11 pm

Contributed Photo – Melanie Green

Surviving a rash of bogeys on the front nine, Medina’s Melanie Green posted a 1 over par 72 today on the opening round of the LPGA Tour’s ShopRite Tournament at Galloway, New Jersey.

Green had four bogeys on the front nine (on 1,2, 6 and 7).

However, she was able to answer with three birdies (on 3, 5 and 8) to stay at just 1 over at the turn.

Another bogey on 14 put her to two over but she rallied with a clutch birdie on 18 to finish the round at 1 over.

The tournament will continue on Saturday after which the field will be cut in preparation for Sunday’s final round.

Section VI Class B title test for Medina Sat.

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 29 May 2026 at 12:26 pm

Two time defending champion No. 2 seed Medina will take on top seeded JFK in the Section VI Class B baseball tournament championship game on Saturday at 4 p.m. at Frontier High School.

Medina, which is 18-2 on the season, advanced to the finals by blanking No. 3 Southwestern 8-0 in the semifinals on Thursday while JFK, which is 16-2, downed No. 5 Roy-Hart 7-2.

The victor will advance to the first round of the state tournament, a sub regional game on Tuesday also at Frontier High.

Medina has captured the Section VI Class B title the last two years and five of the last six seasons.

Tickets must be purchased online by clicking this link: https://gofan.co/event/6555504

Hochul announces immigration plan with local police not doing ICE’s job

Posted 29 May 2026 at 10:16 am

Law enforcement banned from wearing masks; ICE kept from ‘sensitive locations’ without a warrant

Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul

Governor Kathy Hochul announced a sweeping set of laws to protect New Yorkers against aggressive federal immigration enforcement as part of the FY27 Enacted Budget.

These new laws will keep local law enforcement focused on keeping our communities safe instead of doing ICE’s job, protect the constitutional rights of New Yorkers from federal overreach, and hold federal agents accountable.

“From day one, I have been clear: Flagrant abuses of power by ICE will not stand in New York. That is why we have enacted a comprehensive set of policies to hold ICE accountable, protect the constitutional rights and safety of every New Yorker, and ensure there’s no sanctuary for criminals in our state,” Governor Hochul said. “States like New York can and must be a guardrail and national leader against ICE overreach, and I’m proud to enact these strong, common-sense protections for New Yorkers.”

Measures included in the Enacted Budget build on the Governor’s previously introduced proposals to protect New Yorkers amid an unprecedented escalation in aggressive federal immigration enforcement.

Local Cops, Local Crimes

Prohibits local governments, state and local police, and state and local corrections from entering into 287(g) Agreements or similar agreements with the federal government that allow for state and local law enforcement personnel and facilities to be used for civil immigration enforcement purposes.

Local governments would also be barred from paying or otherwise contributing to the costs related to constructing, owning, or operating an immigration detention facility. They would also be prohibited from changing zoning to allow for construction or use of buildings as immigration detention centers without public input.

Bans Law Enforcement from Wearing Masks

Prohibits state, local, and federal officers from wearing face covering while interacting with the public. This excludes necessary tactical equipment, sunglasses, or medical masks from the definition of face covering. Willfully violating the statute would be an infraction, and subsequent willful violations would be a misdemeanor.

Holds Federal Law Enforcement Accountable for Constitutional Violations

Currently, New Yorkers can sue state and local government officials for a violation of their constitutional rights under federal civil rights law but actions against federal officials are much more limited under federal law. This would establish a state law under which New Yorkers can bring a lawsuit against federal, state, and local government officials for a violation of their constitutional rights.

Safeguards Interactions With Public Employees

Prohibits the use of state and local civilian agencies and public school resources, including employee time, for civil immigration enforcement activities. This includes a ban on questioning or investigating individuals solely for civil immigration purposes unless required by a federal judicial warrant or by law.

Also prohibits officials from disclosing personally identifying information to immigration authorities, granting them access to non-public areas of public facilities, or using immigration officers as interpreters, and would prohibit the release or transfer of a student into immigration custody even if a parent has been detained, unless specifically mandated by a judicial warrant or court order.

Keeps Immigration Authorities Out Of Sensitive Locations

Prohibits all civilian state, local, and school employees (including higher ed and K-12) from permitting access to any non-public area of a state-owned or operated facility to immigration authorities without a judicial warrant, meaning any state or municipally owned or operated facility including housing accommodations, parks, childcare facilities, preschools, hospitals, schools, dorms, healthcare facilities, community centers, libraries and shelters, cannot grant or facilitate access to any non-public areas of their facilities to immigration authorities without a warrant.

Also protects against voter intimidation and interference at polling locations by denying immigration authorities access to such sites without a judicial warrant, and empowers privately owned or operated sensitive locations, including hospitals, daycares, schools, housing accommodations, and houses of worship to do the same.

Protecting Every Student’s Right to Free Public Education

Ensures immigrant students can access education, codifying the right to a free public education regardless of immigration status. Prohibits various practices, particularly around data collection and disclosure regarding immigration status, that could chill the exercise of that right by undocumented students.