Month: February 2015

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Posted 24 October 2023 at 3:00 pm

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Barker posts key win at Albion to maintain a two-game N-O softball lead

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 1 May 2024 at 7:51 pm

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Barker’s Peyton Bradley delivers a pitch during the league leading Lady Bulldogs win at Albion this afternoon.

Moving closer to locking up the league title, Barker downed host Albion 7-1 this afternoon to improve to 9-0 and maintain a two game lead atop the Niagara-Orleans League softball standings.

Peyton Bradley hurled a 3 hitter with 11 strikeouts for Barker.

Trailing 1-0, Barker moved on top to stay with a pair of runs in the third inning on a double by Madyson Flint and an error.

Barker’s Rachel Sutter slides into third base after banging out an early inning triple.

The Lady Bulldogs doubled the lead to 4-0 in the third frame on a two-run single by Elise Monaco.

Barker later locked up the win with three runs in the sixth as Kaylee Stoll had an RBI single and Arnie Sturtevant a run producing sacrifice.

The loss drops Albion to 5-3 in N-O action.

Akron 6, Medina 0

Sloan Jonathan hurled a 2 hitter with 10 strikeouts to lead Akron past visiting Medina 6-0.

Akron is now 3-6 and Medina 1-7 in N-O action.

Notre Dame 12, Holley 8

Notre Dame scored four times in the bottom of the sixth inning to earn a 12-8 Genesee Region League win over Holley.

An RBI single by Gianna Falleti highlighted the decisive frame for the Irish.

Holley had rallied into an 8-8 tie by scoring 6 runs in the top of the sixth inning highlighted by RBI singles by Leigha Walker and Teanaa Church who both had a pair of hits on the day.

Mustangs top Panthers again to increase N-O diamond lead; Rams and Eagles win

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 1 May 2024 at 7:17 pm

Photos by Cheryl Wertman -Medina’s Aidan Papaj bangs out a two-run single during the Mustangs win over Newfane at Vets Park this afternoon.

Completing a key home-and-home series sweep, Medina downed Newfane 10-1 at Vets Park this afternoon as the Mustangs grabbed a one game lead in the Niagara-Orleans League baseball title chase.

The Mustangs, which also posted a narrow 8-7 win at Newfane on Monday, improve to 5-1 as the Panthers slip into third place at 5-3.

Roy-Hart, which bested Akron 5-2 this afternoon, takes over second place at 4-2.

In today’s other N-O contest, Wilson defeated Albion 7-2 to move into a tie for third place with Newfane at 5-3.

Julian Woodworth set the tone for Medina as he led off the bottom of the first inning with a home run. Winning pitcher Brody Fry then helped his own cause by banging out an RBI single.

The Mustangs upped the lead to 4-0 by scoring once in the second on an error and once in the third on a single by Preston Woodworth.

Medina third baseman Carter Woodworth makes a throw to first.

Medina then broke the game open by tallying four times in the fourth inning on an error, a two-run single by Aidan Papaj and a double steal. The big frame was ignited by a walk and a single by Vinny Gray and aided by a double by Julian Woodworth.

Julian Woodworth, Fry and Gray each finished with a pair of hits.

Fry pitched the first five innings allowing 2 hits and striking out 6. Lukas Grimes hurled the final two frames giving up 2 hits and fanning 3.

Roy-Hart 5, Akron 2
Roy-Hart scored three quick runs in the first inning highlighted by a two-run single by Gavin Heideman. Singles by Brayden Hy and Jake Gould set up the threat.

The Rams other two runs came in the second inning on a single by Gould and a double steal.

Dawson Draper earned the win on the mound scattering 4 hits and striking out 9 over the first six and one-third innings.

Wilson 7, Albion 2
Conner Ernest pitched a two hitter with 14 strikeouts to lead Wilson past Albion.

A double by Tyler Durow highlighted a big five run third inning for the Lakemen.

Kaiden Froman had both of Albion’s hits.

Kendall 12, Alexander 0
Kendall improved to 6-2 in the Genesee Region League and 10-3 overall with a 12-0 five inning run rule win over Alexander.

Nic Cole picked up the win on the mound for the Eagles allowing just 1 hit with 12 strikeouts.

Jimmie Swift banged out 3 hits to lead Kendall at the plate.

Swift had a two-run double in the first inning and an RBI single during a four-run second frame.

The Eagles then erupted for 6 runs in the third inning as Louis Conte had a two-run single and Jonny Conte and Colby Hughes RBI singles.

N-O Standings – Medina 5-1, Roy-Hart 4-2, Newfane 5-3, Wilson 5-3, Akron 3-5, Albion 2-4, Barker 0-6.

2 taken into custody in Shelby after brief standoff

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 1 May 2024 at 6:37 pm

SHELBY – Law enforcement went to search a bench warrant for a man who didn’t show up in Orleans County Court this morning, and a brief standoff ensued that led to two people being taken into custody.

Today at 11:24 a.m. Orleans County Sheriff’s deputies, county probation officers and State Police went to serve the bench warrant to Jacoun Harden, 38, at his residence at 10775 West Shelby Rd. Harden failed to appear in County Court for a probation violation and Judge Sanford Church issued the warrant after the request from District Attorney Joe Cardone.

The probation violation is on the charge of criminal possession of a weapon in the 2nd degree (loaded firearm), said Rob Riemer, chief deputy for the Sheriff’s Office.

Maranda L. Button, age 30, was also at Harden’s residence. She let the law enforcement personnel inside.

The law enforcement officers saw a loaded Smith and Wesson 9mm pistol on the floor and drug paraphernalia, Riemer said.

Harden ran to the upstairs of the residence to hide and refused to come out, Riemer said in a news release. The Orleans County Special Response Team (S.R.T.) was activated and responded to the location.

After a brief stand-off Harden gave himself up to the S.R.T. and he was taken into custody at 1:57 p.m.

Both Harden and Button were charged with criminal possession of a weapon in the 2nd degree, and criminal possession of stolen property – firearm. The gun was reported stolen in February 2024 to Niagara County Sheriff’s Office.

Additional charges may be forthcoming pending further investigation, Riemer said.

Your Care, Your Choice: Empowering Patients in Healthcare Decision-Making

Posted 1 May 2024 at 3:00 pm

In today’s rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, patients are active participants in determining what’s best for their own health. Central to this is the fact that patients have the ability to seek out the care they want, wherever they want it. This message centers around the essence of empowering the patient with information, rather than making the determination for them. With an array of convenient options at their disposal, patients now wield unprecedented control over their healthcare decisions.

There was a time when primary care physicians and the local hospital may have been the only place to receive medical care. Today, there are endless options and informational hubs. Telemedicine, urgent cares, walk-in clinics, and even online searches can provide information that patients previously lacked access to.

However, among the plethora of choices, navigating the healthcare system can be overwhelming for many patients. The abundance of options, coupled with varying levels of quality and affordability, underscores the importance of informed decision-making. Healthcare providers play a crucial role in guiding patients through this decision-making process, offering valuable insights and recommendations tailored to individual needs and preferences. While challenges still exist in our rural communities, efforts are constantly underway to remove those standing barriers. On occasion, these barriers are a product of perceptions versus realities. These barriers can be overcome simply by patients asking additional questions about where treatment might be available closer to home.

Today, patients are empowered to make several decisions about their health with the guidance of others. Specifically, here are some examples of decisions you, the patient, may have to make:

1. Choice of Healthcare Provider: Patients have the freedom to select their healthcare providers based on factors such as reputation, expertise, location, and personal preferences. Whether choosing a primary care physician, specialist, or alternative healthcare practitioner, patients can explore their options and make informed decisions about who will oversee their care.

2. Treatment Options: Patients have the right to participate in decisions about their treatment plans. Healthcare providers should educate patients about available treatment options, empowering them to make choices that align with their health goals.

3. Informed Consent: Before undergoing any medical procedure or intervention, patients have the right to receive comprehensive information about the proposed treatment, including its purpose, potential risks, alternatives, and expected outcomes. Informed consent ensures that patients fully understand the implications of their healthcare decisions and can provide consent voluntarily, based on their understanding and preferences.

4. Healthcare Settings: Patients can choose where they want to receive medical care, whether it’s a traditional hospital, outpatient clinic, urgent care center, or telemedicine platform. The availability of diverse healthcare settings allows patients to access care that is convenient and cost-effective.

5. Lifestyle Choices: Patients play a significant role in promoting their own health and well-being through lifestyle choices. This includes decisions related to diet, exercise, sleep, and stress management. By adopting healthy habits and adhering to recommended preventive measures, patients can proactively reduce their risk of developing chronic conditions and improve their overall quality of life.

At the heart of patient empowerment lies the principle of patient-centered care, which places the individual at the forefront of the healthcare experience. Patient-centered care prioritizes the unique needs, preferences, and values of each patient, recognizing that no two individuals are alike. By embracing diversity, equity, and inclusivity, healthcare providers can create a supportive and inclusive environment where patients feel heard, respected, and empowered to take an active role in their health.

Recognizing that health is influenced by social, economic, and environmental factors, healthcare providers are increasingly adopting a holistic approach that addresses the root causes of illness and promotes overall wellness. This includes initiatives such as preventive care, health education, and community outreach programs aimed at empowering patients to make healthier lifestyle choices and take control of their health.

In the end, you should be able to receive the care you want in a setting that is both comfortable and convenient for you. With several health systems available in Western New York, you have a variety of options where you might want to receive care. Moreover, you don’t need to stick to that system for all of your care. Just because you receive primary care services from one place, doesn’t mean you can’t receive laboratory/blood draws, imaging, or specialty services from another. Where you receive care, is your choice. The results of all of these tests and/or procedures will be available to you and your original physical/provider. By fostering open communication, shared decision-making, and a holistic approach to care, healthcare providers can empower patients to make informed choices that promote their well-being and enhance the overall quality of care.

Master gardeners suggest better alternative to ‘No Mow May’

Posted 1 May 2024 at 2:55 pm

Photos from Master Gardeners: This and other “NO Mow Grow Zone” signs are posted at the 4-H Fairgrounds in areas where the grounds manager will be mowing less frequently. The signs can be purchased from the Master Gardeners for $30 apiece.

Press Release, Orleans County CCE Master Gardener Sustainability Committee

KNOWLESVILLE – If you generally keep your lawn mowed, “No Mow May” however well intentioned, may not be the best for your lawn or for native pollinators.

The “No Mow May” movement began in the UK where their lawn composition and native pollinators are very different than here in WNY.

Different native pollinators forage at different times of the season and use a variety of flowers from trees, shrubs, garden and native plants, so your lawn of predominantly turf grasses may not be as helpful as we might think in May.

Mown grass thrives best when only 1/3 of its height is cut at a time, so letting it grow really tall and then cutting back to normal mowing height of 3-4 inches will send your lawn into shock!

Leaving your lawn to simply grow tall will not turn it magically into a meadow since turf grass does not automatically become wildflowers.

So instead of just not mowing during May when grass is growing at its fastest, consider mowing less throughout the year to reduce air pollution, increase biodiversity of plants and beneficial insects & pollinators, reducing noxious weeds, slowing rainwater run-off, and saving time & money!

One approach to less mowing is to create “Mow” & “NoMow” zones around your property. At the Orleans County CCE Fairgrounds we have established “area rugs” (versus “wall to wall carpet”) of Mow Zones around buildings and where activities are held regularly. These areas are mown at a height of 4 inches. Areas that are used for special events are only mowed prior to those events. The remaining “NoMow” areas are only cut once a year for hay production.

In your yard, you might be able to identify unused areas that can be planted to flowering native plants, a small meadow, or simply left unmowed and undisturbed (please check with your community’s codes).

The more native plantings areas we can provide, the more pollinators and beneficial insects like fireflies and ladybugs we will have. Less mowing by keeping your lawn at a 4 inch height will also allow any clover, self-heal, or other small lawn flowers to bloom for the very important pollinators!

Contact OCCCE for resources on creating a healthy, pollinator friendly yard & “No Mow Grow Zone” signs.

Resources:

xerces.org

https://beecityusa.org/no-mow-may-low-mow-spring-faqs/#

https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-news/what-not-mowing-may-could-mean-your-lawn

https://www.nrdc.org/stories/more-sustainable-and-beautiful-alternatives-grass-lawn

https://www.healthyyardsmonroecounty.org/

https://www.healthyyards.org/

https://extension.umd.edu/resource/lawn-alternatives

Dandelions are an important forage plant for pollinators like bees and other insects.

Gillibrand praises DEA for easing restrictions on marijuana

Posted 1 May 2024 at 1:03 pm

Press Release, U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand on Tuesday issued the following statement about the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) moving to reclassify marijuana from a Schedule I to a Schedule III substance:

“I’m grateful that the DEA is heeding my call to reclassify marijuana as a Schedule III substance,” said Senator Gillibrand. “As most Americans realize, marijuana is simply not comparable to other Schedule I substances like heroin and LSD. And while I continue to believe that marijuana should be descheduled entirely, this is an important first step to remedying decades of unjust federal marijuana policy. I applaud this move and will continue working in Congress to legalize marijuana and expunge the records of Americans with prior marijuana possession convictions.”

Gillibrand has repeatedly called on the DEA to reclassify marijuana. She has also cosponsored the Marijuana Justice Act, landmark legislation that would legalize marijuana and help reverse decades of failed drug policy that has disproportionately hurt communities of color and low-income communities, and the SAFE Banking Act, which would ensure that legal cannabis businesses have access to critical banking and financial services.

Former Albion resident pleads guilty to burglary of liquor store

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 1 May 2024 at 11:33 am

ALBION – A former Albion resident pleaded guilty to third-degree burglary in Orleans County Court today and could face 2 to 4 years in state prison when he is sentenced on July 31.

Michael R. Bauer, 38, admitted in court to entering the Plaza Liquor Store at 127A South Main St. on Aug. 20, 2023 without permission and with the intent to commit a crime.

Bauer, who now lives in Middleport, was charged after breaking into the Plaza Liquor Store, damaging the building and taking some of the merchandise.

Albion police said there was approximately $2,000 damage to the building, and $336 in damage to alcohol bottles. About $90 worth of alcohol and cash also were stolen.

Bauer is a second-felony offender with a previous conviction of attempted burglary in the second degree for breaking into a convenience store in medina in June 2014.

In another case in court today, Kevin McEwen, 41, of Kendall was scheduled to be sentenced but the sentencing was pushed back a week when McEwen said he is getting a new attorney.

He pleaded guilty on Feb. 28 to attempted criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree. McEwen was charged after firing two rounds from a Glock near people on Sept. 18 in Kendall in a dispute over car repairs.

McEwen admitted in court on Feb. 28 to having a loaded firearm, and shooting it at a zucchini to scare people. He faces up to two years in state prison when he is sentenced.

GO Health advises not to touch wildlife, including baby animals

Posted 1 May 2024 at 11:14 am

Health Department investigated 137 animal bite and rabies incidents in Orleans last year

Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments

With the arrival of spring, the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health) are encouraging residents not to touch wildlife – including baby animals.

Touching wildlife disrupts their natural behavior as well as poses risks to both human safety and animal welfare. During the spring months, many baby animals are born, and it can be common to encounter these animals. However, it is important to remember that wild animals should be left alone.

Baby animals, while cute and seemingly harmless, can carry diseases such as rabies. Rabies, a viral infection, is spread by direct contact with saliva through cuts on the skin or mucous membranes of the mouth, nose or eyes. Rabies is mostly seen in wildlife, including raccoons, bats, and skunks. It is essential to remember to keep a safe distance and admire wildlife and stray animals from afar.

In 2023, Genesee County investigated 191 animal bite and rabies incidents, and Orleans County investigated 137. Genesee County submitted 31 animal specimens, and 1 tested positive for rabies. Orleans County submitted 20 specimens, and 1 tested positive for rabies. Both positive tests were raccoons.

“If you come in contact with animals, including baby animals and strays, avoid touching them and call animal control. If you handle a wild or a stray animal, or are bitten by one, immediately call the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments,” stated Darren Brodie, Environmental Health Director for GO Health. “In the event that you are bitten by an animal, you should clean the wound with soap and water and get medical help right away.”

GO Health recommends the following guidance when encountering wildlife or stray animals:

Observe from a distance and avoid contact – Love your own, leave the rest alone. Observing wildlife from a distance decreases the risk of disease transmission. By avoiding physical contact, you are keeping yourself, your family, and your pets safe.
Report concerns – If you come in contact with a wild or stray animal, touch a wild or stray animal, or are bitten by a wild or stray animal, immediately seek medical attention and contact the Genesee or Orleans County Health Departments. If you encounter distressed wildlife, or wildlife is showing signs of rabies, immediately contact your local animal control agency. Signs of rabies in an animal may include aggression, excessive drool or saliva, confusion, hair loss, and loss of movement or function.

Residents are encouraged to take note of our upcoming drive-thru rabies vaccination clinics for dogs, cats, and ferrets in Genesee and Orleans Counties that are offered at no charge.

Orleans County Rabies Clinics at the Orleans County Fairgrounds (12690 State Route 31, Albion, NY 14411)

Wednesday, June 5, from 4 to 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 10, from 9 to 11:30 a.m.
Saturday, Oct. 19, from 9 to 11:30 a.m.

Genesee County Rabies Clinics at the Genesee County Fairgrounds (5056 East Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020)

Thursday, May 16, from 4 to 7 p.m.
Thursday, Aug. 8, from 4 to 7 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 10, from 4 to 6 p.m.

For more information on GO Health’s programs and services, visit GOHealthNY.org.

Holley Rotary brings back Jim Ferris 5K on June 1

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 1 May 2024 at 9:26 am

Provided photo: Jim Ferris is shown giving maximum effort in a race. Ferris was one of the top runners in the Rochester region in his 40s and early 50s.

HOLLEY – A 5-kilometer walk and run honoring the memory of one of the area’s top runners will be returning to Holley on June 1.

The Holley Rotary Club is organizing the Jim Ferris Memorial 5K. The race is coming back after an absence of several years, going back before the Covid pandemic.

“We’re excited to do it,” said Shannon Brett, the Holley Rotary president. “We want to turn it into a community event.”

The Rotary Club wanted to bring back a 5K and have it be part of Holley’s June Fest. The Rotary Club choose to continue to honor Ferris with the race.

Ferris was one of the top runners in the Rochester region in the late 1980s and early 1990s. He died at age 53 from a sudden heart attack on May 7, 1994.

Ferris was a dominant runner in the master’s division, over age 40, beating fast runners half his age.

Ferris graduated from Holley in 1959. He was a star baseball and basketball player, and scored 38 points in one basketball game, then a school record. He played on the basketball team at Niagara University.

Ferris was in the ROTC program and served with the Army in the Vietnam War. He stayed in the Reserve, retiring as colonel in 1993.

Ferris and his wife Linda lived in Clarendon. They raised two daughters, Carson Ferris-Zeolla and Jane Ferris.

Ferris did not start running competitively until age 43. At age 47, he ran his fastest 5K in 15:44. He averaged between 16 to 17 minutes in most of his races, which are blazing fast times.

For a 10K, 6.2 miles, Ferris ran 32:45 for his fastest at that distance.

Brett said the race will bring people together for an endurance challenge, and also raise money for Rotary to give out to causes in the community.

The course will start and end near the elementary school, and go through part of the village, and Telegraph and Hurd roads.

“It should be a fun race,” Brett said. “We wanted to bring it back.”

The race starts at 9 a.m. For information about registering to participate, click here.

To sponsor the race for $100, which gets your name on the back of the race shirt, send a check to Holley Rotary Club at P.O. Box 224, Holley, NY 14470.

NY launches 2-year college scholarships to boost healthcare workforce

Posted 1 May 2024 at 8:33 am

Orleans County designated as Medical Underserved Area

Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office

Governor Kathy Hochul on Tuesday announced the New York State Healthcare Workers for Our Future Scholarship.

This new scholarship program provides a two-year full cost of attendance scholarship to approximately 500 New York State students seeking to earn their associate or bachelor’s degree as a Registered Nurse, Respiratory Therapist, Clinical Laboratory Technologist, Radiologic Technologist, or Surgical Technologist. The scholarship supports and empowers future healthcare workers who are committed to providing critical healthcare services in under and unserved communities throughout New York State.

“The Healthcare Workers for Our Future scholarship is an investment in New York’s future and a bold step toward ensuring every community has access to high-quality health care,” Governor Hochul said. “By providing hundreds of students with scholarships to pursue a degree in essential health care fields, we are addressing staffing needs in communities where it’s needed most while also opening doors to higher education for aspiring students.”

Selected recipients will receive a scholarship for up to two years of full-time study at any SUNY, CUNY, or New York State accredited college in an approved associate or bachelor’s degree program, which includes the following:

Tuition: The cost of tuition, not to exceed the cost of in-state tuition at a SUNY college or the actual cost of tuition, whichever is less.
Non-tuition Costs: Room and board and allowances for books, supplies, and transportation up to the average cost at SUNY colleges.
Living Costs: Students living on campus will receive room and board up to the average cost at SUNY colleges. Commuter students will receive a commuter allowance.

The scholarships will be awarded to approximately 500 students randomly selected through a lottery drawing. To enter the Healthcare Workers for Our Future Scholarship drawing, participants can complete an online entry form. Recipients of the scholarship must agree to work in an underserved area in NYS as Registered Nurses, Respiratory Therapists, Clinical Laboratory Technologists, Radiologic Technologists, or Surgical Technologists for two years upon graduation.

Editor’s Note: Orleans County is a designated Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) for Mental Health and Primary Care, and is designated as a “Medical Underserved Area.”

For the scholarship application, complete program rules and FAQs, visit ny.gov/healthcareworkers. The deadline to apply is June 24. Applicants must currently live in New York State and agree to pursue an associate or bachelor’s degree in one of the approved fields of study.

Student awardees will be able to complete their programs with a flexible schedule, either part-time or full-time. Scholarships will cover tuition, room and board, and other fees at any New York State SUNY, CUNY, or NYS accredited college, equal to four full-time semesters and not to exceed the average cost of attendance equal to that of a state-operated SUNY college. Awards will be pro-rated for recipients attending less than full-time.

Patchy dense fog could affect visibility for drivers this morning

Photo by Tom Rivers: The Erie Canal is shown on Tuesday evening from the Allen's Bridge Road canal bridge looking west towards Presbyterian Road in Albion.

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 1 May 2024 at 7:45 am

The National Weather Service in Buffalo has issued a special weather statement this morning, saying patchy, dense fog will affect areas north of the Thruway to Lake Ontario.

That includes Orleans, Niagara, Monroe, northern Erie, Genesee, Wayne, Oswego and northern Cayuga counties. Those areas could see a reduction in visibility to a half a mile or less.

“Roadways that may be impacted by dense fog, but not limited to include Interstate 90, Interstate 190 and Route 104,” the Weather Service said. “Visibility can change quickly on roadways.”

The fog may persist until 10 a.m. The day will become mostly cloudy with a high near 70.

On Thursday, it will be mostly sunny with a high near 64, followed by a part sunny Friday with a high near 71, and then a cloudy Saturday with a high near 65.

Barker tops Pembroke in 8 innings

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 30 April 2024 at 10:10 pm

Barker bested Pembroke 11-8 in 8 innings in a non league baseball game this afternoon.

Owen Harris banged out a double and a single for Barker as winning pitcher Ireland Brady and Logan Flint both had a pair of hits and Noah Sandolfini scored 3 times.

In a Genesee Region League game Notre Dame downed Holley 31-0.

Medina scores first N-O softball win

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 30 April 2024 at 8:57 pm

Snapping a season long six league game losing streak, Medina downed host Newfane 15-4 in a Niagara-Orleans softball game this evening.

The Mustangs put a lock on the victory by exploding for 9 runs in the seventh inning highlighted by a three-run home run by Iyla Lilleby, a double and triple by winning pitcher Samantha Heschke and a triple and single by Lorelei Sanders.

Lilah Class also had a triple and Molly Cook a double on the day for the Mustangs.

Heschke registered 8 strikeouts in the circle.

Roy-Hart 3, Akron 2
Three unearned runs in the first inning proved to be just enough to earn Roy-Hart a narrow 3-2 N-O win over Akron.

Akron pulled to within 3-2 on an RBI double by Ashlee Henning in the seventh inning but the Lady Rams turned a double play triggered by right fielder Olivia Marsillo to lock up the win.

Roy-Hart is now 5-2 and Akron 2-6 in N-O action.

Lyndonville 20, Byron-Bergen 5
Lyndonville improved to 6-2 in Genesee Region League softball action with a 20-5 inning run rule victory at Byron-Bergen.

Winning pitcher Hannah Fox, Bella Groves and Brooke Robinson each had 3 hits and Olivia Belgiorno 2 to lead the Lyndonville offense.

Albion, Gaines boards revote to form fire district, but this time don’t name commissioners

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 30 April 2024 at 8:10 pm

ALBION – The Albion and Gaines town boards, and the Albion Village Board met this evening at the Albion Village Office to redo their votes from April 24 when the three municipalities voted to form the Albion Joint Fire District.

The boards again voted in favor of the joint fire district. However, the vote this evening doesn’t name five fire commissioners. They were to serve from July 1 until an election in December.

The three boards are expected to appoint the temporary commissioners in the near future. The Albion and Gaines boards will each get two representatives with one from the village to be named by the Albion Village Board.

The five commissioners named on April 24 include Al Cheverie and Gary Mumford to represent the Town of Gaines. The Village of Albion had one representative, former village trustee David Buczek. The Town of Albion had two representatives, Chuck Nesbitt and Jeremy Babcock. Cheverie and Babcock are current members of the Albion Fire Department.

Joyce Riley, deputy mayor for the village, said the names were suggested by fire department leaders. Some community members want the boards to pick the representatives, Riley said.

“The people spoke and we listened,” she said after a 6-minute meeting at the Village Office.

The boards are discussing the process of appointing people, whether there will be applications from community members or recommendations from the fire department, or other ways.

There was some criticism in the community since the April 24 meeting that the village was only to have one representative, but more than one of the five initial appointees were village residents.

Richard Remley, the Albion town supervisor, said he isn’t committed to having the town’s two representatives both live outside the village in the town. Part of the village is in the town of Albion, and another part is in the town of Gaines.

“The quality of the person is more important to me than the residence,” Remley said after this evening’s meeting.

He would like to have some of the initial commissioners be familiar with the workings of as fire department, fire equipment and apparatus.

The Albion and Gaines boards vote this evening to form the joint fire district starts the 30-day clock to force a permissive referendum for residents who want to bring the issue to a public vote. Some residents have been vocal about their concern with a much bigger budget for fire protection, something Albion Fire Department officials say is needed whether it’s through a fire district or the current model.

The community has been getting fire protection from the Albion Fire Department. The towns of Albion and Gaines pay the village a fire protection contract for the service outside the village.

The new joint district will be its own taxing entity, with its own elected fire commissioners. It will replace the current setup where the Albion Fire Department is part of the Albion village budget, with the Albion Village Board serving as a commissioners overseeing the department and determining its funding.

The new joint fire protection district would likely have an annual budget of about $750,000 to $850,000. That is more than double the current $350,000 for the fire department.

That amount is much too low and doesn’t include any money for reserve funds to help pay for fire trucks and equipment, John Papponetti, the deputy fire chief, said during a public hearing on April 24 at the LGI in the high school.

With an $850,000 budget the tax rates for fire protection would change from the current 93 cents per $1,000 in Albion and 80 cents in Gaines to about $2.00 for the two towns and village, according to the presentation from Papponetti.

If the joint district stands – with or without a referendum – it would take effect on Jan. 1. That’s when it would start with its own budget, and the joint district would own the fire trucks and equipment. The village is keeping the fire hall on Platt Street and will lease the space to the fire district.

The first five commissioners are expected to serve about six months. If the joint fire district goes forward, there will be an election for five fire commissioners in December. In that first election, the candidate with the most votes gets a five-year term, then the fourth most gets four years, down to the candidate with the fifth-most votes getting a one-year term.

After that first election, there will be an election for just one position for a five-year term in the following years.

The three municipal boards this evening also voted to empower the joint fire district to have the power to acquire real property or easements without permission of the Albion Village Board, the Albion Town Board or the Gaines Town Board.

Albion and Medina split in N-O track meet

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 30 April 2024 at 8:08 pm

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Albion’s Cencere Lowe sprints to a win in the 100 ahead of his teammate Finn McCue during the Purple Eagles win over host Medina this afternoon.

Rivals Medina and Albion split in a Niagara-Orleans League track meet this afternoon at Medina.

Defending champion Albion won the boys meet 108-33 to remain undefeated at 4-0.

Cencere Lowe was a triple winner in the 100, Long Jump and Triple Jump and Adrian Figueroa-Fuentes doubled in the 400 Hurdles and 1600 for the Purple Eagles which also got wins from Kyle Radder (110 Hurdles), Finn McCue (200), Rashard Johnson (400), Wesley Olles (800), Tristian Tilbe (3200) and Ben O’Connor (Pole Vault).

Roosevelt Mitchell won both the Shotput and Discus and Gordon Young the High Jump for Medina which is now 1-2.

Medina won the girls’ meet 91-49 as Penelope Schalck was a triple winner in the 400 Hurdles, Shotput and Pole Vault and Madelynn Rutledge in the Long Jump, High Jump and Triple Jump.

Aurora Owczaraczyk also doubled in the 100 and 200 and Madeline Mark took the 3000 and Emiliana Batista the 400 for the Mustangs.

Kayla Burgio was a double winner for Albion in the 800 and 1500 as Isabelle Truelson took the 100 Hurdles and Zoe Marat the Discus.

Medina’s Madelynn Rutledge, left, was a triple winner in the jumps and Aurora Owczaraczyk a double winner in the sprints in the Mustangs win over Albion.

Wilson sweeps Barker
Wilson swept Barker winning the boys’ meet 85-56 and the girls’ competition by a nearly identical margin of 84-57.

Jaydan Ruble was a triple winner for the Wilson boys in the 1600, 3200 and 400 Hurdles as Jack Mahar had a big day in the pole vault with an effort of 11-6.

The Wilson girls had Marissa Schultz double in the Triple Jump and Pole Vault and Bella Thrush in the Long Jump and 200.

Jordyn Kinne doubled for Barker in the 100 Hurdles and 400 Hurdles.

Roy-Hart and Newfane boys tie
Roy-Hart scored a win in the final event as the quartet of Nick Armenia, Josiah Rodriguez, Ronan Klug and Zach Schultz combined to win the 1600 Relay and earn the Rams a 70-70 tie with Newfane.

Brayden Rick was a double winner for the Rams in the 100 and 200 as he set a new school record time of :22.8 in the 200.

Ben Dickinson was a quadruple winner for Newfane in the Long Jump, High Jump, Triple Jump and 400.

Newfane is now 3-1-1 and Roy-Hart 2-0-1,

The Newfane girls stayed undefeated at 5-0 with 87-54 win over Roy-Hart.

Kylie Bowman was a triple winner in the 800, 1500 and 3000 for Newfane as Stephanie Chunco doubled in the 200 and 400, Sam Brooker in the Shotput and Discus and Breanna Michalak in the Pole Vault and Triple Jump.

Julia Miles was a triple winner for Roy-Hart in the 100 Hurdles, 400 Hurdles and High Jump.