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9 entrepreneurs complete Microenterprise Assistance Program in Orleans County

Posted 5 January 2026 at 9:29 am

Provided photo: A new class has completed the Microenterprise Assistance Program through the Orleans EDA. A new class will start in the spring. Pictured from left include Michael Hughson, Peter Poodry and Kim Poodry, Carolyn Odalovic, Dawn Hungerford,  Maggie Olles, Becky Harris, Stacy Buckland, Kimberly Haight and Timothy Seibert.

Press Release, Orleans Economic Development Agency

ALBION – The Orleans County Local Development Corporation celebrated the graduation of nine entrepreneurs from its Fall 2025 Microenterprise Assistance Program on Oct. 30, marking another successful cohort in the program’s 26-year history of fostering small business growth in rural Western New York.

The graduating class represents a diverse cross-section of Orleans County’s entrepreneurial landscape, spanning industries including landscaping, property maintenance, welding and fabrication arts, professional dog training, hospitality and tourism, massage therapy, specialty food production, and 3D design services.

The Fall 2025 MAP graduates include:

  • Michael Hughson, Certified Dog Trainer
  • Peter Poodry and Kim Poodry, Riverview Campground
  • Carolyn Odalovic, 3-D Inspirational Designs
  • Dawn Hungerford, Dust and Rust Fabrication
  • Maggie Olles, Long Bridge Greenery
  • Becky Harris, Confection Connection
  • Stacy Buckland, Massage Therapist
  • Kimberly Haight and Timothy Seibert, Orleans Heating-Cooling and Property Maintenance

“This was an excellent mix of different types of businesses at varying levels of experience, which always makes for interesting course discussions and learning experiences,” said MAP Program Manager Matt Holland. “I am excited to watch these businesses develop into their next phases.”

The comprehensive 10-week program provides participants with essential business education, covering accounting fundamentals, banking relationships, business plan development, marketing strategies, legal requirements, taxation, pricing strategies, and financial management. Expert instruction is delivered by seasoned professionals from the Small Business Development Centers in Niagara and Brockport, along with local business mentors.

By program completion, each participant develops a comprehensive business plan that serves as a roadmap for growth and a critical document for accessing capital. Graduating from MAP is a prerequisite for applying to the OCLDC Microenterprise Grant Program, which awards between $10,000 and $35,000 to qualifying Orleans County-based entrepreneurs.

Program Impact

Since its establishment in 1999, the Orleans County MAP has graduated over 570 individuals, with more than 200 successfully launching businesses throughout the county. The program is funded through a combination of New York State Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds and OCLDC resources, reflecting a commitment to building sustainable economic opportunities in rural communities.

The initiative addresses a critical need for entrepreneurial support in communities under 50,000 population, providing access to business education, technical assistance, and capital resources that are often unavailable in rural areas. The program specifically supports microenterprises – businesses with five or fewer employees – which form the backbone of the local economy.

Spring 2026 Program

The next MAP cohort will begin in April 2026, with applications opening in mid February. The course fee is $300, with financial aid available for qualifying applicants based on demonstrated need. Prospective entrepreneurs aged 18 and older who maintain a permanent residence or business in Orleans County are encouraged to apply. Applications will be available in early 2026.

For more information about the Microenterprise Assistance Program, grant eligibility requirements, or to schedule an informational interview, contact Matt Holland at mholland@orleansdevelopment.org or call (585) 589-7060 ext. 1.

Massive data center doesn’t belong near wildlife refuge, Seneca Nation’s ‘Big Woods’

Posted 5 January 2026 at 9:16 am

Editor:

The idea of placing a 2.2-million-square-foot, 500 megawatt data center in the middle of several wildlife management areas and the Tonawanda Seneca Nation’s “Big Woods” is the worst idea ever!

First of all, the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge is one of many important birding areas in Western New York. A refuge for many birds to rest, nest, feed and raise their young. I learned that over 30% of the endangered short-eared owl population have been lost since the WNY STAMP project began.

The owl depends on hearing to hunt its prey. How is the owl going to be able to hear if a data center is roaring as loud as a rock concert 24 hours a day, 7 days a week?

The other species of special concern in this area is the Eastern Massassauga snake, the Northern Harrier Hawk, Bobolinks, Long Nose Bat and the Cerulean Warbler are all at risk here.

What about the demand on our power grid and water resources? The STAMP project was intended for advanced manufacturing not a power-sucking data center! The GCEDC doesn’t care about the environment and how can they be the lead agency for the SEQR? It’s like putting the wolf in charge of the sheep.

Of course they are going to push it through they will receive millions for destroying our wetlands. For very little jobs offered.

Stop WNY STAMP. No data centers next to the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge.

Evelyn Wackett

Certified wildlife rehabber

Buffalo

Tenney could offer to serve U.S. Mission to Venezuela to solve country’s severe poverty

Posted 5 January 2026 at 9:11 am

Editor:

Congresswoman Tenney congratulated Trump for his capture of Maduro in Venezuela.  She stated that his capture “sent a clear message against tyranny and corruption.”  It appears Tenney has strong feelings on this matter.  I wonder how strong.

I suggest she volunteer to be the new Chief of the US Mission to Venezuela. Perhaps she would welcome the opportunity to govern 30 million hostile people and solve its severe poverty problems.

Jack Capurso

Albion High School 1960

Ashburn, Va.

USDA sets payment rates per acre for $12 billion ‘Farmer Bridge Assistance Program’

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 5 January 2026 at 8:34 am

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced the per-acre payment rates in the $12 billion Farmer Bridge Assistance Program.

The money comes at a time for a reeling agricultural sector that is seeing higher costs from tariffs and inflation, and shrinking markets for their crops, especially from a trade war with China.

“These one-time payments give farmers the bridge to continue to feed and clothe America and the world while the Trump Administration continues opening new markets and strengthening the farm safety net,” U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins said on Dec. 31. “USDA is making this process as simple and seamless as possible so producers can focus on what they do best – feeding and fueling our nation.”

The funding includes $11 billion in one-time payments.

These are payment rates per acre for the FBA eligible commodities:

  • Barley: $20.51
  • Canola: $23.57
  • Chickpeas (Large): $26.46
  • Chickpeas (Small): $33.36
  • Corn: $44.36
  • Cotton: $117.35
  • Flax: $8.05
  • Lentils: $23.98
  • Mustard: $23.21
  • Oats: $81.75
  • Peanuts: $55.65
  • Peas: $19.60
  • Rice: $132.89
  • Safflower: $24.86
  • Sesame: $13.68
  • Sorghum: $48.11
  • Soybeans: $30.88
  • Sunflower: $17.32
  • Wheat: $39.35

The remaining $1 billion of the $12 billion in assistance is reserved for specialty crops and sugar. Timelines for payments to producers of these crops are still under development and require additional understanding of market impacts and economic needs, the USDA said.

In Orleans County, the top crops in acres include 39,354 in corn for grain, 24,739 in soybeans for beans, 14,208 for vegetables, 11,590 in forage (hay/haylage), and 6,953 acres of apples, according to the county’s 20122 census of agriculture.

That census reported there are 444 farms in Orleans County that generated a market value of $223.6 in farm products in 2022. The $233.6 million in Orleans ranked 15th highest out of the 62 counties in the state.

Purple Eagles Academy wrestlers have a busy and successful tournament schedule

Contributed Story Posted 4 January 2026 at 5:44 pm

Contributed Photo – Purple Eagles Wrestling Academy wrestlers earned third place honors as a team at this weekend’s George Perry Invitstional Tournament. They include Romen Allport, Ayden Porter, Cam Eckerd, Nate Lutes, Kyle Lutes, Matthew Colmenero, Zaya Ellis, Trey Ellis and Harrison Froman.

The Purple Eagles Wrestling Academy has been busy over the last month and into the holiday season competing in five tournaments since the beginning of the season.

This weekend they competed at the George West Perry Invitational where they had 10 wrestlers place, five reached the top of the podium, and that helped the team reach a third place finish.

Here are the results for all PEWA team members:

George West Perry Invitational (Jan.4)
Harrison Froman (1st), Matthew Colmenero (1st), Kyle Lutes (1st), Nathan Lutes (1st), Romen Allport (1st), Trey Ellis (2nd), Ayden Porter (2nd), Zaya Ellis (3rd), Cam Eckerd (3rd), Major Dixon (4th).

Lou Lombardo Greece Tournament (Dec. 28)
Ayden Porter (1st), Cam Eckerd (1st), Lucas Ruggles (2nd), Grayson Buffin (3rd).

Battle of the Thrones Coronation Day (Dec. 28)
Trey Ellis (1st), Colton Moreland, (1st), Harrison Froman (2nd), Romen Allport (3rd), Royce Rotthoff (3rd), Elizabeth Colmenero (3rd), Mason Rotthoff (4th), Lucas Rotthoff (5th), Matthew Colmenero (5th), Major Dixon (5th).

Corning Youth Tournament (Dec. 21)
Colt Tumia (1st)

Battle in the Ville (Dec. 13)
Harrison Froman (1st), Romen Allport (1st), Mason Rotthoff (1st), Colton Moreland (1st), Harrison Joy (1st), Luke Joy (1st), Owen Whiting (1st), Matthew Colmenero (2nd), Cam Eckerd (2nd), Lucas Rotthoff (2nd), Kyle Schomske (2nd), Major Dixon (2nd), Jai’heem Drisdom (2nd), Lucas Ruggles (2nd), Trey Ellis (2nd), Jai’kiah Drisdom (3rd), Jaxon Francis (3rd), Zaya Ellis (3rd), Colt Tumia (3rd), Xavier Weis (4th), Kairo Bennett (4th), Ryan Coots 4th, Gunner Jackson (4th), Grayson Buffin (4th), Royce Rotthoff (5th).

Recalling some memorable Albion and Medina sectional title games at the stadium

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 4 January 2026 at 11:26 am

Today’s final regular season Buffalo Bills game at Highmark Stadium also brings an end to an era of area high school football as the Section VI playoffs have been held at the stadium since 1979 (except for the Covid season).

The Albion and Medina football teams have played a good number of sectional championship games at the stadium. In fact, the two teams took turns playing in each of the first five games at what was then called Rich Stadium, all of which were victories for the Purple Eagles and Mustangs.

This scribe has enjoyed covering all of the local title games from the sideline at the stadium. The following are a few photos from some of those memorable contests. As a sidenote, this scribe also enjoyed being at the Bills inaugural game at the stadium in 1973, a preseason contest against the Washington Redskins.

File Photos – Albion in fact had the distinction of playing  in the inaugural sectional title game in 1979 as the Purple Eagles nipped Springville 13-12. Dan Monacelli, shown here picking up yardage during the game, scored all of Albion’s points. The Purple Eagles also scored title game victories over Frewsburg (49-14) in 1981, Silver Creek (35-6) in 1983 and Salamanca (15-8) in 1987.

Medina also made a very successful stadium debut in 1980 defeating Silver Creek 20-14 led by running back Eddie Bloom who is shown here in action during the game. The Mustangs also posted a title win over Cassadaga Valley (26-7) in 1982 led by running back Dave Fluellen.

The Medina – Albion rivalry was also showcased on Western New York’s biggest stage at the stadium in 1988 as the Mustangs edged the  Purple Eagles 14-7. The Mustangs were led by running back Jim Snyder, shown here, who scored both touchdowns.

Most recently Medina scored a very snowy victory over Fredonia (58-6) in the 2021 stadium title contest. Here quarterback Xander Payne hands off to Noah Skinner early in the game when the snow came down the hardest.

Weekly high school sports schedule

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 4 January 2026 at 9:52 am

Weekly Schedule
Monday
Boys Basketball – Medina at Eden, 6:30 p.m.
Girls Basketball – Medina at Sweet Home, 5 p.m.; Albion at Newfane, 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday
Boys Basketball – Albion at Barker, 6 p.m.; Wilson at Roy-Hart, Akron at Newfane, 6:30 p.m.; Lyndonville at Attica, Holley at Elba, Kendall at Byron-Bergen, 7 p.m.
Girls Basketball – Roy-Hart at Wilson, 6 p.m.; Barker at Albion, Newfane at Akron, 6:30 p.m.; Alexander at Holley, 7 p.m.
Swimming – Albion at Medina, Akron at Newfane, 5 p.m.

Wednesday
Boys Basketball – Tonawanda at Medina, 6:30 p.m.
Girls Basketball – Attica at Lyndonville, Elba at Holley, Kendall at Byron-Bergen, 7 p.m.
Wrestling – Medina at Roy-Hart/Barker, Newfane at Albion, Wilson at Akron, Holley-Kendall at Lyndonville, 6 p.m.

Thursday
Boys Basketball – Lyndonville at Byron-Bergen, Elba at Kendall, 7 p.m.
Swimming – Medina at Akron, Newfane at Roy-Hart/Barker, 5 p.m.
Wrestling – Holley-Kendall at Medina, 6 p.m.

Friday
Boys Basketball – Medina at Wilson, 6 p.m.; Roy-Hart at Albion, Barker at Akron, 6:30 p.m.
Girls Basketball – Wilson at Medina, 5 p.m.; Albion at Roy-Hart, Akron at Barker, 6:30 p.m.; Byron-Bergen at Lyndonville

Saturday
Boys Basketball – Lima Christian at Lyndonville, 1 p.m.; Dansville at Holley, 3:30 p.m.
Swimming– Roy-Hart/Barker at Akron, 10 a.m.
Wrestling – Albion at Eastern States; Lyndonville at Cal-Mum Duals; Holley-Kendall at Pavilion Tourney

N-O Standings
Boys Basketball: Wilson 2-0, Medina 2-0, Akron 1-0, Albion 1-1, Roy-Hart 0-1, Barker 0-2, Newfane 0-2
Girls Basketball: Wilson 2-0, Albion 1-0, Roy-Hart 1-0, Medina 1-1, Akron 0-1, Newfane 0-1, Barker 0-2
Boys Swimming: Newfane 2-0, Akron 1-0, Medina 1-1, Albion 1-2, Roy-Hart/Barker 0-2
Girls Swimming: Roy-Hart/Barker 2-0, Newfane 2-0, Akron 1-0, Medina 0-2, Albion 0-3
Wrestling: Newfane 2-0, Akron 2-0, Roy-Hart/Barker 2-1, Albion 1-2, Wilson 1-2, Medina 0-3

Long-time Bills fan feeling emotional about final home game at Highmark

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 4 January 2026 at 9:34 am

Geno Allport’s family have been season ticket holders since 1974, a year after stadium opened

Photos courtesy of Allport family: Geno Allport holds daughter Hensley at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park.

ALBION – It’s not just a football stadium to Geno Allport. The Buffalo Bills are in his family’s DNA, he proudly says, and today’s final regular season home game at Highmark Stadium will be an emotional farewell.

Geno’s family have been season ticket holders since 1974, a year after the opening of what was Rich Stadium. The home of the Buffalo Bills has been called Ralph Wilson Stadium “The Ralph”, New Era Field and Highmark.

The Bills will move to a new $2.1 billion stadium next season. The current facility will be demolished.

Geno, 51, said going to the games has been a strong bonding experience for him with his father and grandfather, and also his son and other family and friends.

“I was born and raised there,” he said on Saturday before today’s finale. “I have all the memories with my mom, dad and grampa there. Hopefully I can create new memories with my kids in the new stadium.”

The Allports will continue to be season ticket holders at the new stadium, but Allport said people who have been in the seats close to them will have spots elsewhere in the stadium. Other long-time fans close to them opted against buying season tickets at the new stadium.

Geno was hoping the current stadium would stay. It has been significantly upgraded over the years. It is the fifth oldest stadium in the NFL.

Geno has been to every home game since 1981, including in Covid when fans weren’t allowed. Allport was able to get a job in security to be at the games in 2020.

When Geno was a kid, the family parked near the players’ lot. Geno would get their autographs and his mother would get photos of him with the Bills players. Now, they aren’t nearly as accessible.

The only game he missed was in October 2006. A freak snowstorm on Oct. 12-13, moved back the playoff game for Albion’s youth football team coached by Allport. He coached that championship game for the Albion team on a Sunday. (He tried to push the game back but the league set it for the same time as the Bills game.)

Tre Allport, 31, has been a regular with his father at the Bills games. In bottom right photo he is shown with retired quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, a Buffalo Bills legend.

Allport said the Bills have provided many incredible victories over the wins. He counts the 51-3 win over the Raiders on Jan. 20, 1991. That demolition of the Raider sent the Bills to their first Super Bowl. The Bills used their no-huddle offense led by Jim Kelly to torch the Raiders that day, running up 41 points by halftime.

“They could do no wrong,” Allport said. “Everything went right.”

He remembers another game from a dark time in the Bills era. They were 0-11 when the mighty Dallas Cowboys came to town on Nov. 18, 1984. The Bills beat them 14-3 with running back Greg Bell gaining 206 yards, including an 85-yard touchdown on the first play. The Bills finished 2-14 that season, and also in 1985.

The team became a powerhouse in the late 1980s and first half of the 1990s with Jim Kelly, Bruce Smith, Thurman Thomas and Andre Reed among the star players. They remain the only team to ever make it to four straight super bowls.

The fans would endure a 17-year playoff drought from 2000 until the 2017 season. Led by Josh Allen, the team has now made the playoffs seven straight years.

Allport loves the team, but he loves the people next to him in the stands even more.

The past 25 years, the Allports have had six seats at section 135, row 12, seats 1 through 6.

Before his family heads to today’s game, Allport will go to the Bates Road Cemetery in Medina to stop by gravesites for his parents, Gene “Lou” Allport and Pam Allport.

Geno considered ending his season tickets after this season. But his daughter Hensley, age 7, loves the team, too.

“We will keep going next year,” he said. “I don’t want my youngest one to miss out.”

He is grateful for the many friendships he’s made in the stands. They have watched his son, Tre, grow from a boy to a man. Tre is 31 and endured the 17-year drought before experiencing a team that has made the playoffs eight of the past nine years.

“I wish it wasn’t happening,” Allport said about the finale at the stadium. “I was born and raised there. It will be a sad day. I’ve been dreading it since they announced it.”

Allport said the new stadium won’t be the same mainly because many of the long-time fans who are his friends won’t be right next to him.

“You get used to the people around you,” he said. “We are all yelling to support the team. Next year we’ll be making new friends.”

File photo by Tom Rivers: Geno Allport proudly displays his love for the Buffalo Bills at his Albion home. He was the Buffalo Bills Fan of the Year in 2021. The Allports have been season ticket holders since 1974, and Geno was also recognized for his leadership with Albion youth football.

Ridgeway firefighters responded to 378 calls in 2025, a record high

Posted 4 January 2026 at 8:36 am

Press Release, Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Company

RIDGEWAY – Ridgeway firefighters & EMTs responded to 378 emergency incidents in 2025, making this a record high year for us!

Broken down:

  • 214 EMS
  • 9 Structure Fires, including a chicken coop fire, 3 barn fires, and multiple house fires
  • 5 Vehicle Fires, including a lawn mower, a farm sprayer and a combine
  • 8 Brush Fires
  • 1 Misc. Fire – a power substation
  • 23 Motor Vehicle Accidents, including 1 requiring extrication
  • 10 Automatic Alarms
  • 59 Hazardous Conditions
  • 2 Fire Police Requests
  • 8 Good Intent Calls
  • 1 Water Rescue – multiple stranded kayakers on Oak Orchard Creek
  • 19 Mutual Aid including 1 ice water rescue in Medina, 12 fill-ins to other agencies, and 9 working structure fires.

We averaged 8 personnel in attendance at each incident.

Outside of calls, volunteers hosted our normal fundraisers including 2 sportsman raffles, Fathers’ Day Chicken BBQ, 2 vendor shows, money raffle, toy show and our new trailer raffle!

Volunteers have worked multiple birthday parties, retirement parties, weddings, funerals and other rentals.

Crews attended multiple parades in Lyndonville, Albion, Medina, Middleport and Wildwood KOA!

Members even started some new traditions to work in our community even more. Firefighters & EMTs met with a Home School group to have a Fire Safety day!

Firefighters attended multiple classes. In 2025 Ridgeway gained: 7 Exterior Certified FFs, 2 went onto Interior Certified FFs, and 4 EMTs.

We are excited to see what the year 2026 brings with new members, trainings and ways we can engage our community! We’re always looking for more membership. Firefighters, EMTs, Drivers, Fire Police or even social membership are needed to help with events! We’re at our Ridge Road Fire House every Tuesday Evening at 7 p.m.

We thank all of you for your continued support to our Fire Company! Without you, there would not be an us.

The 2026 Ridgeway Fire Operational Line Officers are as follows:

  • Fire Chief – Tyler Luckman
  • Deputy Fire Chief – Kristin McAdoo
  • Assistant Fire Chief – Gerald Lewis
  • Fire Captain – Jason Bessel
  • Fire Lieutenant – Austin Mosher
  • Fire Lieutenant – Buford McAdoo
  • Safety Officer – Donald Marchner
  • Fire Police Captain – Paul Wengrzycki
  • Fire Police Lieutenant – (Not yet announced)
  • EMS Captain – Morgan Austin
  • EMS Lieutenant – Page Smith

The 2026 Ridgeway Fire Executive Line Officers are as follows:

  • President – Greg Gilbert
  • Vice President – Madison Austin
  • Secretary – Marisa Gilbert
  • Treasurer – Jenn Thom
  • Sergeant at Arms – Buford McAdoo
  • 3 Year Director – Morgan Austin
  • 2 Year Director – James Ryan
  • 1 Year Director – Austin Mosher

Unauthorized military action in Venezuela just latest egregious act by Trump and complicit Congress

Posted 4 January 2026 at 8:08 am

Editor:

Yesterday, we saw another egregious act by our President. The sole purpose of this offense can be directly tied to the multitude of offenses by this Administration and its tag-along Congress.

Regime change is prevalent in our DNA, but it has never boded well for us or other countries. In fact, it is often destabilizing for a country and can cause irreparable harm in terms of the consequences and sometimes lead to civil wars.

The fact that Congress was not informed, and the President and his Administration lied in briefings to them by saying this was not going to lead to regime change. Senator Ruben Gallego repeatedly asked that question to Secretary Rubio and was told it was not.

We have removed President Maduro and his wife, flown them to New York where they will be held in a New York Detention Center in Brooklyn. I would say that is definitely regime change! Nobody should be a fan of Maduro and his corrupt government, but this brazen act was taken by President Trump and his administration.

We have a Congress, and under our Constitution, they have the sole power to declare war on a country. Why is that not respected and upheld, but instead mowed down by the ego and hubris of this President?

We have also witnessed the expected complicity by this Congress, including NY24 Rep. Claudia Tenney. Her statement praised the action of our government saying it “sends a clear message that the United States will stand firmly against tyranny and corruption that threaten US security in our hemisphere.” She also said that the Venezuelan people “now have the opportunity to pursue freedom and prosperity.”

This has absolutely nothing to do with the Venezuelans pursuit of freedom and prosperity, nor a stand against tyranny and corruption. Talk about the pot calling the kettle black! It does, however, have everything to do with the grift of this President and his administration.

Once President Trump got off script in his press conference, he was not shy about revealing the reasons he did it either. He repeatedly said “we are running Venezuela now.” And when asked why, he made no bones about how “we’ll be selling large amounts of oil to other countries.”

He is on the take for himself and his cronies. We have no money to pay for healthcare in this country, or rising cost of groceries, but he and his oligarchs are lining their pockets with Venezuelan oil money.

So, I ask you, is this what we are asking our brave military to do now? Be the muscle behind the grift and corruption? It is shameful, that this President, would send our young men and women to wage a war for the benefit of the 1%. That is the reality of today’s actions. It is most disgraceful that those in Congress, such as our Rep. Claudia Tenney, play a shell game with the truth. She does not deserve to represent us.

Time for a change!

Diana Kastenbaum

Batavia

Kastenbaum is a candidate for the 24th Congressional District of New York.

Congressional reps react to U.S. military action in Venezuela

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 January 2026 at 7:50 pm

Congressional representatives for Orleans County are reacting to the U.S. military action in Venezuela, where President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were taken from Caracas, the capital, and brought to New York City to face indictments charging them with narco-terrorism and conspiracy to import cocaine.

‘The idea that Trump plans to now run Venezuela should strike fear in the hearts of all Americans.’ – Chuck Schumer

Chuck Schumer, the Senate Democratic Leader, released a statement after the military action against Venezuela was launched without congressional authorization and Trump’s announcement that the U.S. would “run” Venezuela.

“Let me be clear: Nicolás  Maduro is an illegitimate dictator. But launching military action without congressional authorization and without a credible plan for what comes next is reckless.

“The administration has assured me three separate times that it was not pursuing regime change or taking military action in Venezuela. Clearly, they are not being straight with Americans.

“The idea that Trump plans to now run Venezuela should strike fear in the hearts of all Americans. The American people have seen this before and paid the devastating price.

“The administration must brief Congress immediately on its objectives, and its plan to prevent a humanitarian and geopolitical disaster that plunges us into another endless war or one that trades one corrupt dictator for another.

“To district from skyrocketing costs Americans face and the historic cover up of the Epstein files, Donald Trump is attempting to throw Americans into more international chaos and uncertainty.”

‘This operation sends a clear message that the United States will stand firmly against tyranny and corruption that threaten US security in our hemisphere.’ – Claudia Tenney

U.S. Rep. Claudia Tenney, NY-24, praised President Trump for leading the action against “tyranny.”

“Last night, under the leadership of President Trump, Secretary Marco Rubio and Secretary Pete Hegseth, the U.S. conducted a decisive and successful action against Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro and his illegitimate regime,” Tenney said. “This operation sends a clear message that the United States will stand firmly against tyranny and corruption that threaten US security in our hemisphere.

“I also want to recognize the brave men and women of the United States Military for carrying out a flawless operation with professionalism, precision, and strength. Their service continues to protect freedom and uphold American leadership on the world stage.

“Nicolás Maduro was not only a brutal dictator, but an indicted drug trafficker. The people in Venezuela now have the opportunity to pursue freedom and prosperity.”

‘The Constitution and international law are not optional.’ – Kirsten Gillibrand

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, issued the following statement”

“Nicolás Maduro was a thuggish dictator who abused his power, his people, and refused to accept the results of elections. No one disputes that he should be held accountable for his crimes.

“But the Constitution and international law are not optional. The administration must justify these actions to my fellow members on the Senate Armed Services Committee and explain to the American people how this was a justified act of war against a foreign country.

“After repeatedly telling me and my colleagues that it was not seeking to do so, the administration must also explain why they would carry out this military operation to perform regime change without authorization by Congress and how the United States is going to ‘run’ Venezuela indefinitely without putting our service members in harm’s way.

“Beyond this flagrant breach of trust, I remain concerned that the administration’s actions are not the end of something, but the beginning of chaos and instability in the region that threatens our service members, our allies, and American security.

“The administration must lay out a concrete plan to ensure peace and stability in Venezuela and the Western Hemisphere, with transparency and in consultation with Congress.”

Holley-Kendall and Lyndonville wrestlers compete at the Perry Tournament

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 3 January 2026 at 7:08 pm

Holley-Kendall and Lyndonville both had five top five place finishers at the Perry Tournament today.

Holley-Kendall had Jeremy Lutes (103) and Immanuel Cornell (285) both place second, Brenden Eichas (138) fourth and Owen Cornell (144) and Tyler Davenport (190) fifth.

Lyndonville had Greyson Romano (175) place second, Brody Hazel (150) third, and Bryson Hazel (103), Michael Alexander (144) and Shannon Withey (157) fourth.

Albion competes at Section VI Duals
Albion lost to Gowanda 41-35 and to Newfane 40-33 at the Section VI Division II Duals Tournament today.

Against Gowanda, Stryker Sanders, Drake Schomske and Jackson Snook all registered pins for Albion as Justin Mengs had a technical fall win.

Against Newfane, Mengs, Sanders, Snook and Alakai Colmenero all had pins and Jaxson Lynch a decision win for the Purple Eagles..

Barker cagers post win over Byron-Bergen

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 3 January 2026 at 6:30 pm

Barker posted a 61-44 victory at Byron-Bergen in a non league boys basketball game this afternoon.

Anthony Taliaferro scored 15, Carter DerSarkissian 14 and Donovan Hefferon 11 to lead the Barker offense as JJ Prynn led the way on the boards with 17 rebounds.

Girls Basketball
Kendall 77, Barker 29
Izzy D’Agostino scored 16, Teagan Shaw 15 and Stella Kwiatek and Mia Price 10 each to lead Kendall to a 77-29 non league win at Berker.

Elise Monaco led Barker with 16.

Cold shooting Kendall bows in tourney final; Roy-Hart earns third place honors

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 3 January 2026 at 6:23 pm

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Kendall’s Vinnie D’Agostino drives to the basket during the Eagles 47-40 loss to visiting Northstar in the championship game of the Kendall Tournament this afternoon.

Ice cold shooting in the second half proved costly as Kendall dropped a 47-40 decision to Northstar in the championship game of the Eagles Holiday Basketball Tournament this afternoon.

Kendall bult up a 15 point, 34-19, advantage at the outset of the third quarter on a three by Noah Morehouse and baskets by Jonas Rhodes and Vinnie D’Agostino.

However, the Eagles managed only two more points the rest of the quarter and then went the first six and a half minutes of the final period without scoring a point.

Northstar took advantage of that drought to close the third period with a 15-2 run and rally back to within two at 36-34.

Keeping the momentum, Northstar then outscored Kendall 13-4 in the decisive final period to claim the tourney title.

Vinnie D’Agostino finished with 12 and CJ D’Agostino 10 to lead Kendall as Morehouse added 8, Ryan Gaesser 6 and Rhodes 4.

Roy-Hart 51, Livonia 49
Roy-Hart edged Livonia 51-49 in the consolation game as Matt Aquilina scored 20, Tysen McCaa 12 and Vinny Fazzio 11.

Aquilina scored 10 in the third period to help Roy-Hart extend a narrow 30-29 half-time lead into a 41-32 advantage heading into the final period.

Kendall’s Jonny Conte looks to drive to the basket.

Albion romps to victory over Warsaw

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 3 January 2026 at 6:08 pm

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Albion’s Elijah Doxey puts up an off balanced shot against Warsaw defender Cooper Shute during the Purple Eagles win over the visiting Tigers this afternoon.

A huge 44-16 scoring surge over the middle two quarters keyed Albion to a 71-42 romp over visiting Warsaw in a non league boys basketball game this afternoon.

Leading 18-13 at the end of the first period, Albion outscored Warsaw 20-7 in the second quarter to extend the advantage to 38-20 at the half.

Nate Gibson scored 9 and Wesley Olles and Tyler Cody both had 4 to lead that Purple Eagles uprising. Cody also sparked the Purple Eagles in the opening period by tallying 10 points.

Keeping the momentum, Albion outpointed Warsaw 24-9 in the third period to open up a huge 33 point, 62-29 advantage. Elijah Doxey scored 7, Cody 6 and Gibson 4 to lead that uprising.

Cody finished with a game high 20, including a pair of slam dunks, Gibson 15 and Olles 11. Dozey added 9, Hunter Huscher 5. Elloit Trapiss 4, Adam Burgio 3 and Ezra Bloom and Malik Lamar 2 each.

Blake Chambers scored 13 and Jaiden Fries 10 to lead the Tigers.

Albion is now 4-2 overall.

Ezra Bloom puts up a baseline shot against Warsaw defender Blake Chambers.