Orleans County voter, do you want an end to “business as usual” on the Orleans County Legislature?
Jeremy Ross is a Town of Murray resident with a job, a wife and two young children—as well as a sound mind—who would be up to the challenge of serving as county legislator for District 4 (Carlton, Kendall and Murray). He and his family have a home just east of the Village of Holley.
A George Bower/Rich Bennett-type candidate doesn’t come around that often. Want a legislator who thinks for himself and bucks the party line when conscience dictates?
Perhaps it’s time for an infusion of fresh ideas on our Legislature. We believe giving Jeremy Ross serious consideration for District 4 county legislator when you vote in November would be a good idea.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 21 October 2025 at 8:52 pm
Completing a perfect 12-0 Niagara-Orleans League field hockey championship season, Akron rolled to a 9-0 win over visiting Kenmore this afternoon.
Madison Gates, Morgan Tomporowski and Brooke Milhollen each scored two goals for Akron as Mackenzie Tomporowski, Anieka Forrestel and Ava Lombard each had one.
The N-O title is the sixth straight for Akron which has compiled a 71-1 league record during that stretch. The Lady Tigers lone loss was to Barker in 2020 when the two teams shared the N-O title.
In the other N-O game, Roy-Hart downed visiting Wilson 3-0.
Brooke Zglinicki, Adella Dukes and Alayna Kowalski took turns scoring the goals for the Lady Rams.
Roy-Hart finishes the N-O season at 5-7 and Wilson at 4-8.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 21 October 2025 at 8:19 pm
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Holley’s Ava Mosier takes a shot to score her second goal of the opening half during the Lady Hawks sectional win over visiting Alexander this evening.
Facing a familiar opponent, No. 5 Holley downed Genesee Region League foe No. 12 Alexander 6-1 in the opening round of the Section V Class C1 girls soccer tournament this evening at Holley.
Ava Mosier scored two goals for Holley as Hanna Ostrom, Carsyn Mogle, Addison Bevins and Jayna Burris each netted one.
Mosier, Burris, Emma Burne and Brynn Thomas all had assists.
The Lady Hawks, which led 2-1 at the half, improve to 10-6-1.
Holley will next visit No. 4 Red Creek on Friday in the quarterfinals. Red Creek downed No. 13 Pembroke 7-1.
Section VI Class A
No. 6 Williamsville South downed visiting No. 11 Albion 4-0 in the opening round of the Section VI Class A tournament this afternoon.
Holley’s Lily Newman looks to pass the ball as Autumn Crane defends for Alexander.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 21 October 2025 at 7:59 pm
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Medina’s Aidan Papaj breaks in to score the Mustangs first goal during this afternoon’s sectional win over Olmsted at Vets Park.
A quick three goal scoring burst in the first nine minutes keyed No. 4 seeded Medina to a 5-1 victory over No. 13 Olmsted in the opening round of the Section VI Class B boys soccer tournament this afternoon at Vets Park.
Aidan Papaj got Medina off to a lighting quick start when he scored on a breakaway just 57 seconds into the game.
In rapid succession Caden Kingsbury and Jimmy Dieter followed up with goals to make it 3-0 with 31 minutes still remaining in the opening half.
Up 3-1 at the half, Medina put a lock on the victory on goals by Kingsbury and Vinny Gray in the first 15 minutes of the second half.
Izzy Anderson and Aleks Seefeldt both had two assists and Luke Duffina one on the afternoon for the Mustangs.
Improving to 15-2, Medina will next host No. 5 Fredonia in the Class B quarterfinals at 3:30 p.m. Friday at Vets Park. Fredonia ousted No. 12 Southwestern 2-0.
In another Class B opener Eden edged Akron 2-1.
Medina’s Owen Sargent goes after the ball ahead of Olmsted’s Joshua Wa Salche.
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) today criticized Gov. Kathy Hochul’s decision to veto bipartisan legislation that would have required the state to develop emergency response training for first responders dealing with electric vehicle (EV) fires and related incidents.
The bill, which passed both houses of the Legislature with broad support, aimed to ensure firefighters and emergency personnel have the tools and knowledge necessary to respond safely to EV crashes and battery fires, hazards that are rapidly increasing as the state pushes for more electric vehicles on the road.
“This was a commonsense, bipartisan measure that put safety first,” Hawley said. “Our firefighters and first responders are already putting their lives on the line every day. Denying them the training and resources they need to handle new dangers from electric vehicles is unacceptable.”
Hochul’s veto message cited concerns about unbudgeted costs, stating the program should be addressed through the state’s budget process. The justification shows little awareness of the urgent realities confronting rural and suburban fire departments.
“The governor is spending billions on green energy mandates but can’t find the resources to protect the men and women responding to EV fires?” Hawley said. “The government’s priorities are completely upside down. If the state insists on accelerating EV adoption, it has a responsibility to make sure our emergency responders are fully prepared.”
Hawley, a life member of the Stafford Volunteer Fire Company and strong advocate for first responders, vowed to keep pushing for this measure.
“I’ll keep fighting to make sure this legislation gets across the finish line,” Hawley added. “This isn’t about politics — it’s about protecting lives.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 21 October 2025 at 11:32 am
One trustee says board not consistent in weighing in on resolutions that could be deemed ‘political’
MEDINA – The Medina Village Board approved a resolution in support of the “Energy Choice Act,” which would prohibit New York and other governments from banning natural gas in new construction.
Congressman Nick Langworthy has proposed the bill in Congress. The Orleans County Legislature on Sept. 23 voted in support of the Langworthy bill. The County Legislature is asking other local governments to back the proposal.
The Medina Village Board agreed, in a 4-1 vote, on Monday evening. Trustee Jess Marciano cast the lone opposing vote.
She referred to a meeting in June when the Village Board declined to vote on a resolution in support of keeping Job Corps centers open. Some board members said then they didn’t want to weigh in on resolutions of support on an issue, saying it could be construed as political.
Marciano said she was surprised the board wouldn’t take up a resolution in support of Job Corps but instead would rally behind the legislation proposed by Langworthy, a Republican from Erie County and former chairman of the Republican Party in New York State.
New York’s law against natural gas for new construction is set to start in 2026 and be phased in by 2028. Gov. Kathy Hochul and the majority of the State Legislature say limiting natural gas will help reduce carbon emissions.
Village Trustee Scott Bielski was one of the votes in support of the Langworthy legislation.
“It would be detrimental to the Village of Medina,” Bielski said about prohibiting natural gas on new construction. “It would hurt housing growth in Medina.”
Langworthy said the state’s stance against natural gas limits energy choices and will increase costs for consumers.
Provided photo: from left include Carol Williams, Sharon Pollock, Marv Christ, John Spinks, Melvin Artis, Joan Christ, April Flesch and Lynda Standish.
Press Release, Albion Elks Lodge
BATAVIA – The Albion Elks Lodge on Sept. 30 hosted a chicken barbecue picnic for the long-term residents of the Veterans Medical Center in Batavia.
Veterans were able to invite a guest to join them which may have included a family member, friend or staff member. Music was provided by Elk members, Ken and Bonnie Draper with Moonshine productions, and each veteran also received a coupon book for free haircuts for a year.
Elks members had the pleasure to help the residents to their tables outside, and serve them chicken barbecue smothered in sauce, buttery salt potatoes, cowboy beans loaded with bacon and hamburger, fruit salad, corn bread and desserts.
“It was fun watching the veterans singing along to their favorite songs from yesteryear, but having the opportunity to sit and visit with our veterans was a highlight for our Elks members,” said Veterans Committee Chair Sharon Pollock.
The weather was beautiful and all participants enjoyed being outside in the mid-70 degree weather.
This opportunity was made possible by a grant obtained by the Elks National Foundation.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 21 October 2025 at 8:12 am
ALBION – Matthew Howell, a lift bridge operator in Knowlesville, sent in this photo of the sunrise. He took it on the Presbyterian Road bridge this morning.
The canal lift bridges and locks are currently operating from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. The canal system will close to boaters at 6 p.m. on Nov. 3.
This year is the Erie Canal’s 200th anniversary. It’s also the 201st navigation season. The Canal Corp. anticipates opening the canal for its 202nd season in May.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 20 October 2025 at 10:29 pm
This photo posted by the Firematic Supply Company shows a new ladder truck being built for the Medina Fire Department. The photos, which were posted Oct. 17, offered a weekly progress report on the truck. Firematic, a dealer for Pierce Manufacturing, reported that the torque box was merged on the chassis followed by body installation at the start of initial apparatus assembly. The next report may show completed initial assembly and the beginning of the final assembly.
MEDINA – A new concern has emerged with the village’s quest to acquire a new ladder truck: Will the federal government be functioning to approve the loan to pay for the truck?
Medina is getting close to receiving a new ladder truck from Pierce Manufacturing in Wisconsin. The truck was scheduled to be delivered to the Medina in December, but it looks more likely for January, said Fire Chief Steve Cooley. Village officials were aiming to have a new addition on the fire hall to accommodate the new truck, which won’t fit in the existing building. The truck is taller and will need more clearance.
Medina is now looking at keeping it in the DPW building in the short-term while the board mulls how to handle housing the truck long-term.
The payment for the truck is a new worry for the Village Board. The federal government shutdown, now in its third week, could hold up financing for the new truck. Medina in June 2023 agreed to pay Pierce Manufacturing $1.7 million for the ladder truck.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture approved financing at a 4 percent interest rate for a loan for the truck. The USDA payment would be made when the truck is delivered.
However, the village would need a functioning federal government to access and get approval for the money to be paid to Pierce.
“We’re depending on the federal government to be open because that is who our loan is through,” Mayor Marguerite Sherman said during this evening’s Village Board meeting.
Village Clerk-Treasurer Jada Burgess told the Village Board that the Medina’s financial consultant advised the village to begin the process of seeking a loan from a private bank for the truck. The village could put the financing out to bid to see what lenders would be willing to charge Medina with an annual interest rate. Right now, that rate is unknown, Burgess said.
Switching to a private lender could be a $15,000 to $20,000 charge by hiring a bond counsel, and that doesn’t include interest rates that are expected to be higher than the 4 percent from USDA, she said.
Medina could initially use a loan from a bank and then pay off that loan with the one from the USDA if the federal loan can’t be accessed on time. But the village would still incur some expenses for bond counsel and the initial elevated payment(s) if the loan is at a higher rate than what is offered by USDA.
The slight delay on the truck’s delivery gives the Village Board more time to consider the matter, especially if the federal government shutdown continues. Burgess said it could be a six-week process to access the loan once the government reopens.
Board members said there is still more time for the shutdown to end and the government to have the funding in place before Medina would have to pursue alternative financing.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 20 October 2025 at 9:22 pm
Tuning up for the upcoming sectionals, undefeated (10-0) Niagara-Orleans League champion Roy-Hart downed host Starpoint 25-19, 22-25, 28-26, 25-10 in a non league volleyball match this evening.
Grace Pearl had 11 spiking kills, Lauren Snyder 9 kills and Raegan Kern and Kylie McOmber 7 kills each for the Lady Rams.
In the season’s final N-O match, Wilson outlasted rival Newfane in five sets 25-19, 24-26, 25-22, 22-25, 15-8.
Final N-O Standings: Roy-Hart 10-0, Newfane 7-3, Wilson 7-3, Akron 4-6, Albion 2-8, Medina 0-10.
Holley 16-25-25-26, Attica 25-16-17-24
Holley downed Attica in four sets 16-25, 25-16, 25-17, 26-24 in a Genesee Region League volleyball match this evening.
Ali VanAmeron had 14 kills, 4 aces and 2 blocks; Madison Bonacci 6 kills and 4 aces and Kylie Allport 7 aces and 3 kills for Holley.
Vanessa Schlay had 7 kills, Meghan Gersitz 6 kills and 4 blocks and Eden Domes 4 kills and 10 assists for Attica.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 20 October 2025 at 9:05 pm
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Lyndonville’s Hannah Fox goes up for a block of a spike by Elba’s Jada Fite during the host Lady Tigers four set 25-20, 25-14, 23-25, 25-15 loss to the Lady Lancers.
Lyndonville’s Ainsley Vann spikes over Elba’s Madilyn Marks and Dalirys Soto Burgos. Vann had 3 kills, 3 blocks and 2 aces on the evening for the Lady Tigers as Hannah Fox had 2 kills and 1 ace, Bella Bresett 1 ace, 1 kill and 1 block, Sarah Corser 1 ace and 1 block, Emily Dill 4 aces and 1 kill and Destinee Holmes and Elena Barry 1 kill each.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 20 October 2025 at 8:50 pm
Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Medina’s Savannah Jo Thompson drives the to the circle during the Mustangs win over Nardin at Vets Park this evening.
Jumping out to a 4-0 first quarter lead, Medina went on to shutout Nardin 10-0 in a non league field hockey game at Vets Park this evening.
Getting goal production from seven players, the Mustangs held a 5-0 lead at the half and improve to 9-6 overall.
Jenelle Stalker sored 4 goals to lead the Mustangs attack as Emi Batista, Tatianna Maxon, Adelynn Lacy, Penelope Schalck, Lilah Class and Elaina Bruce each netted 1.
Medina will close out the regular season by hosting Newfane in a Niagara-Orleans League game at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Vets Park.
Medina’s Ava Blount sends the ball toward the goal.
Photos and information courtesy of Lyndonville Lions Club
LYNDONVILLE – The Lyndonville Lions Club held its second annual Oktoberfest on Saturday at the White Birch Golf Resort in Lyndonville.
The Die Wiesen (festival goers) enjoyed lively, traditional German music performed by The Frankfurters German Band. Their performance featured authentic Bavarian bell music and several pieces played on the Alpine horns—both instruments deeply rooted in the Bavarian Alps region of southern Germany.
Guests were treated to a hearty German buffet featuring bratwurst, sweet and sour cabbage, and pork schnitzel, followed by apple streusel for dessert. Of course, Oktoberfest beer also made an appearance and was enjoyed by all the attendees.
This year, the Lions added a new highlight to the program – the crowning of Oktoberfest Royalty. This fun tradition pays homage to the origins of Oktoberfest, which dates back to the early 1800s. The very first Oktoberfest was held in southern Bavaria to celebrate the marriage of King Ludwig I and Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen. Guests from Munich traveled to the royal festivities, which featured horse races, music, and plenty of Bavarian beer.
Since then, Oktoberfest has become an annual celebration held in late September and early October, drawing millions of visitors to Munich each year — and it’s estimated that over one million gallons of beer are enjoyed during the festival.
The Lions also introduced the Traditional “Shot Ski”, a lively addition that has become a staple at modern Oktoberfest celebrations. The tradition traces its roots to Alpine skiers in the Bavarian Alps, who began sharing shots together from a single ski to celebrate camaraderie and good cheer.
The Lyndonville Lions Club would like to thank everyone who supported this year’s Oktoberfest fundraiser and helped make it such a success. We hope all who attended had a wonderful time celebrating with us!
Looking ahead, the Lions are excited to host several upcoming community events, including the annual Village Christmas Tree Lighting in late November and the second annual Snowflake Bowling Tournament on Saturday, February 28th. Additional details on these events will be shared soon.
As we move through the beautiful fall season, the Lions extend warm wishes to all and ask that God continue to bless our community and this great nation we call home.
The Die Wiesen (festival goers) enjoyed lively, traditional German music performed by The Frankfurters German Band. Their performance featured authentic Bavarian bell music and several pieces played on the Alpine horns—both instruments deeply rooted in the Bavarian Alps region of southern Germany.
