By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 7 February 2026 at 6:33 pm
Contributed Photo – Lyndonville’s wrestlers who have advanced to the Section V state qualifier tournament include, on front, Bryson Hazel, Dustin Holmes and Dom Hargrave. In back are Izaiah Rodriguez, Chanse Amsdill, Ben Doolan, Greyson Romano, Michael Alexander and Brody Hazel.
Nine Lyndonville wrestlers earned top six finishes at the Section V Class B3 Tournament held today at Perry to advance to next weekend’s Section V Division 2 state qualifier.
The Tigers had Bryson Hazel (103), Greyson Romano (165) and Ben Doolan (175) place second; Chanse Amsdill (132) and Brody Hazel (150) third; Izaiah Rodriguez (118) and Dom Hargrave (126) fourth and Justin Holmes (126) and Michael Alexander (144) fifth.
The state qualifier will be held next Friday and Saturday at Bath Haverling High School.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 7 February 2026 at 6:27 pm
Six Holley-Kendall wrestlers earned top six finishes at the Section V B1 Tournament held today at Wayland-Cohocton to advance to next weekend’s Section V Division 2 state qualifier.
Holley-Kendall had Jeremy Lutes (103), Brenden Eichas (138) and Immanuel Cornell (285) place second; Jayden Rivera (110) and Carson Cady (118) fourth and Parker Denning (144) fifth.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 7 February 2026 at 4:07 pm
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Barker’s Elise Monaco puts up a shot against Medina defenders Harmoni Wilson and Emberlyn Oakes during the host Lady Bulldogs narrow win over the Mustangs this afternoon.
Snapping a season long 10 league game losing streak, Barker nipped visiting Medina 56-54 in a foul filled Niagara-Orleans girls basketball make-up game this afternoon.
The two teams combined for a whopping 59 free throw attempts.
Barker claimed that elusive first N-O win as Elise Monaco made two pressure free throws with seven seconds remaining to snap a 54-54 deadlock.
Trailing 54-51, the Lady Bulldogs had rallied into the tie after a basket by Monaco and a free throw by Hailey Dodge with 35 seconds remaining.
Monaco finished with a game high 26 points, including 12 of 14 from the free throw line, and Cheyanne Rouse scored 17, including three threes to lead the Lady Bulldogs. Charlotte Haag added 5 and Dodge and Kaylee Stoll 4 each.
Tatianna Maxon scored 14 and Alexa Demmer 12, including 10 of 10 from the free throw line, to lead Medina as Caliyah St. Louis added 9, Emberlyn Oakes 7, Harmoni Wilson 6, Roswyn Oakes 4 and Autumn Cornelus 2.
Cheyanne Rouse puts up a shot for Medina as Madison Zeiner defends for Medina.
Barker grabbed a slender 15-14 lead at the end of the first period as Monaco scored seven and Rouse and Dodge both hit threes in the early going.
Medina rallied into a narrow 33-30 lead at the half as Maxon scored 6, Demmer 4 and St. Louis hit a three.
Rouse had a big quarter for Barker scoring 10 points including two threes and a three-point play.
The Mustangs maintained a 44-40 lead at the three quarter mark as Demmer and Maxon both scored four in the third period. Monaco had six for the Lady Bulldogs.
Medina’s Autumn Cornelius tries to knock the ball away from Barker’s Hailey Dodge.
Medina maintained a narrow 51-47 lead late in the decisive final period but Barker rallied back into a 51-51 tie with 1:40 remaining after baskets by Stoll and Rouse.
The Mustangs answered with one free throw by St. Louis and two by Wilson to regain the lead for what proved to be the last time at 54-51.
That set the stage for Barker’s decisive rally as a basket by Monaco and a free throw by Dodge knotted the score at 54-54 and Monaco followed up with the two game winning free throws.
In the other N-O make-up contest, Akron knocked defending champion Wilson from the ranks of the unbeaten 46-38.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 February 2026 at 3:29 pm
SHELBY – A person has died and another seriously injured after two stabbings in Shelby at 4643 South Gravel Rd.
Another man, who allegedly stabbed the other two individuals, is in custody, Sheriff Chris Bourke said.
Law enforcement was dispatched to scene at 11:55 a.m. for report of a disturbance in Shelby Center. The responding deputy encountered an aggressive individual who was covered in blood, Bourke said. The man came at the deputy, who used a taser to try to subdue the man, the sheriff said.
That man remained aggressive, but was able to be put in the back of the police car. He is being interviewed by law enforcement and is now being cooperative, Bourke said.
There were two people inside the house and one was dead from stabbing wounds. Another man suffered more than 20 stabbing wounds, and remains alive but with severe injuries, Bourke said.
The man was transported to Medina Memorial Hospital and then transferred to Erie County Medical Center by ambulance due to mercy Flight being unable to fly its helicopter due to the weather conditions.
Law enforcement remain on scene to process the evidence. Route 63 has been closed between Alabama Road and Oak Street.
The sheriff said a news release will be forthcoming with more details.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 7 February 2026 at 1:11 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers: More than 200 supporters of Lee-Whedon Memorial Library in Medina attended a fundraising gala on a bitterly cold Friday night. These supporters place there tickets in the hopes of winning some of the items in the basket auction. About 120 items were in that auction, plus about 50 others (mostly library book shelves, chairs and tables) available in a live auction.
Photos by Ginny Kropf: Sharon Kleinhans, left, library clerk, hands an auction brochure to Georgia Thomas as the start of the gala to support Lee-Whedon Memorial Library.
MEDINA – The first gala to support Lee-Whedon Memorial Library was a resounding success Friday night, according to library director Kristine Mostyn.
Mostyn said the gala was the idea of the Capital Committee in charge of fundraising. More than 200 people purchased tickets to the event, which featured hors d’oeuvres from Hans Bakery and Zambistro Restaurant, beverages, music by DSP Jazz, a silent and live auction and a basket raffle.
Cynthia Kiebala, president of the library board of directors, announced they had exceeded their $500,000 goal in community donations toward the library expansion, which is expected to be completed in June. She thanked the staff and all the supporters who donated art, crafts, books and gift certificates for their auction and basket raffle, as well as monetary donors.
Lee-Whedon celebrated a ground-breaking last Aug. 22 for a 4,785-square-foot addition on the back of the current library, which is 11,100 square feet. The project will cost $5.2 million.
The addition will create space for two meeting rooms, two tutoring rooms, a programming room with makerspace, Friends of the Library book sale room, a quiet research room, an art gallery, a teen room and 14 parking spots.
There will also be additional restrooms, a new circulation desk, a new entry portico with automatic sliding doors, about a 10 percent increase in the collection and upgraded technology.
The state is contributing nearly $1.7 million in New York State Public Library Construction Aid grants to the $5.2 million project. In December, Lee-Whedon also received $25,000 in funding from the Garmin Family Foundation administered by the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo.
With the more than $500,000 in community donations that leaves about $3 million to be financed for the project.
“I’m very impressed with the number of people that came out tonight for us,” library director Kristine Mostyn said. “There is a great level of support in the community for the library.”
One of the guests at the gala was Ruth Cleveland of Medina who is a member of Friends of the Library.
“I come here a couple of times a week,” she said. “I like to work on the jigsaw puzzles. This is a happy place.”
(Left) Lee-Whedon president Cynthia Kiebala welcomes the more than 200 guests who attended the fundraising gala Friday night. (Right) Wes Pickreign, a retired Medina school principal, solicits a bid from the audience during Lee-Whedon Memorial Library’s auction at their gala Friday night. The event raised about $18,000, topping the $15,000 goal. The funds will reduce what is needed from the local community in financing for the expansion project.
Medina Mayor Marguerite Sherman said she brought her kids to the library when they were little.
“Now I bring my grandchildren,” she said. “When I was working at the high school I used to tutor students here after school. They were always willing to share their space with us.”
Wes Pickreign stepped up as auctioneer for the evening’s live auction of library furniture and shelving. A highlight of the auction were two whimsical tables, one resembling a stack of books and the other a hamburger. After a lively bidding war, they were sold for $210 and $220, respectively.
Many of furnishings will be replaced as part of the capitol project. The book shelves that are about 7 feet tall will be removed for new ones about 5 feet tall to make the books easier to reach for patrons.
The library will close on March 23 and reopen on May 2 to complete the work on the inside.
Staff of Lee-Whedon Memorial Library posed for a picture prior to welcoming guests to the first ever gala Friday night at the library. From left are Kristine Mostyn, director; Jessica Kozlowski, library clerk; Lisa Pritchard, tech services; Sharon Kleinhans, library clerk; Marna Grimes, page; Darlene Schepis, library clerk; Samantha Covis, assistant director; Joy Cameron, Amanda Wolford and Kelsie Stahl, library clerks; and Tricia Mumau, children’s services.
Guests enjoy conversation and refreshments at Lee-Whedon Memorial Library’s first fundraising gala Friday night. From left are Brian Grimes, David Boice (shaking hands with Tom Zangerle) and Linda Pickreign, who is a board member of the library. At right is Wes Pickreign, who served as auctioneer for the evening.
Supporting Lee-Whedon Memorial Library at its gala Friday night are, from left, Theresa Pierson of Royalton, Shelly Budziszewski of Middleport, Liz Bednarz of Gasport and Joyce Chizick of Lyndonville. Pierson and Budziszewski visit the library often with their children, who love to read and take part in library programs. Bednarz loves crafting and visits the library to take part in their adult craft program. Chizick enjoys Finally Fridays at the library.
Photos by Tom Rivers: There were about 120 items in the basket raffle, including many treats, books, gift certificates and art work. The book in the center, Last Call, is by Renee Lama and chronicles 150 years of restaurants, hotels and taverns in the Medina area.
Elizabeth Cooper created a doll showing love for Lee-Whedon Memorial Library that was among the items in the auction. It was included with a book about one-room schoolhouses in Shelby, written by Alice Zacher.
Sharon Klienhans, right, greets the gala attendees and hands them their paddles for the auction.
Wes Pickreign served as auctioneer and drummed up support from bidders for many of the library’s furnishings that will be replaced, including the circulation desks, several tables, chairs, metal and wood shelves, cabinets and work stations.
Photos courtesy of Orleans/Niagara BOCES: Steven Miles (Royalton-Hartland) is shown with Steve Blask, a teacher from North Tonawanda High School.
Press Release, Orleans/Niagara BOCES
It was an awesome day on Thursday in Bill Rakonczay’s Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering program.
For their first time, students in the senior and junior classes took part in Dream It Do It Western New York TCAM (Teacher, Counselor, Administrator and Manufacturer) Camp. The camp was a fun and informative opportunity to provide content and context pertaining to exciting careers in manufacturing that are in our region. The students enjoyed networking with local manufacturers and educators.
Dream It Do It Western New York includes over 1,615 manufacturers, employing 70,000 people and generating $26.8 billion in manufacturing shipments per year. Students learned that manufacturing in the WNY region accounts for 12% of the total workforce which is well beyond the 8% national average.
Over the next 10 years, industry estimates indicate that due to retirements and growth there will be a substantial shortage of qualified employees to fill this gap. Dream It Do It Western New York Partners with local school districts in the area and BOCES to address the workforce needs of manufacturers through the coordinated efforts of stakeholders and resources.
At Thursday’s event, component school district counselors, teachers, college representatives and local manufacturers’ employees partnered with Mr. Rakonczay’ s students with some hands-on technology experiences and a tour of Edwards Vacuum in Wheatfield.
It was a great opportunity to see new technology and learn about products that were made locally and explore career opportunities.
“I was honored to host the first Dream It, Do It TCAM Camp,” says Mr. Rakonczay. “It was a great opportunity to show local educators and counselors what we can do.”
Tyler Rothwell, a student at Royalton-Hartland, is shown with Roy-Hart staff Eliza Feocco and Michele Parker at the “Dream It Do It Western New York TCAM Camp.”
In 1776 the Founders recited their grievances in the Declaration of Independence.
“…He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone…He has erected a Multitude of new Offices, and sent hither Swarms of Officers to harass our People, and eat out their Substance. He has kept among us, in Times of Peace, Standing Armies, without the consent of our Legislatures. He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil Power…”
Americans fought against such tyranny then, why do we tolerate it now?
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 6 February 2026 at 10:12 pm
Putting together a big fourth quarter scoring surge, Kendall rallied to down host Attica 59-50 in a Genesee Region League boys basketball game this evening.
Trailing 46-39 at the end of the third period, Kendall put together a big 20-4 fourth quarter scoring burst to claim the win.
Ryan Gaesser scored 15 on five threes and CJ D’Agostino and Vinnie D’Agostino both had 13 to lead the way for Kendall as Jonny Conte had 9 and Andrew D’Agostino 8.
For Attica, Owen Welch scored 15, Blake Kines 14 and Justin Stockweather 13.
Kendall led 34-27 at the half.
Byron-Bergen 66, Holley 52
Avante Walker scored 17, Josh Silpoch 16, Cam Mosier 9 and Cooper Wolf 7 for Holley in the 65-52 G-R loss to Byron-Bergen.
Elba 76, Lyndonville 37
Lane Woodworth and Colton Smith both scored 13, Atticus Mank 6, Devon Babcock 4, Leland Kabasta 3 and Lyric Raduns 1 for Lyndonvile in the 76-37 G-R loss to Elba.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 6 February 2026 at 9:54 pm
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – At left, Wesley Olles puts up a free throw to put Albion back on top to stay in the closing seconds of tonight’s tense win by the host Purple Eagles.. At the right Albion’s Tyler Cody goes up to block a last ditch three point shot attempt by Medina’s Preston Woodworth.
In a tense sea-saw battle down the stretch, Albion emerged with a narrow 59-56 Senior Night win over rival Medina in a Niagara-Orleans League boys basketball game this evening at Albion.
The lead changed hands no less than six times in the hectic final five minutes, twice in the final 32 seconds.
Trailing by seven, 43-36, early in the final period Medina ignited that wild finish by putting together a key 10-0 run to rally into s 46-43 lead with just under five minutes remaining.
Kendrick Russaw had a three-point play and a rebound basket, Kolton Fletcher a three and Preston Woodworth a rebound basket during that stretch.
Albion though answered back with a 7-0 run, including two baskets and a free throw by Tyler Cody and two free throws by Wesley Olles, to regain a 50-46 lead .
Albion’s Tyler Cody drives in for a layup between Medina defenders Preston Woodworth and Kolton Fletcher (4).
The sea-saw action continued as Medina went back on top 51-50 on baskets by Jerrell Nealy and Woodworth, Albion regained a 53-51 lead on a three-point play by Elijah Doxey with 2:20 remaining and then Medina went back into the lead for what proved to be the last time at 56-53 on a basket by Nealy followed by a three by Woodworth with 32 seconds remaining.
That set the stage for the Purple Eagles final game winning rally by scoring the game’s final five points in the last 24 seconds.
A basket by Doxey cut the deficit to one and Olles followed up with two big free throws to put the Purple Eagles back on top to stay at 57-56 with 21 seconds remaining. Olles then made two more free throws in the final 12 seconds to cap off the narrow 59-56 win.
Doxey finished with 17, Nate Gibson 15, Cody 14, Olles 10 and Adam Burgio 3.
Woodworth took game high honors for Medina with 21 as Fletcher and Nealy both had 9, Russaw 7, Christian Moss and Carlos Doval 3 each and Avion Johnson and Hadrian Batista 2 each.
Medina’s Kendrick Russaw puts up a shot against Albion defender Elijah Doxey.
Albion jumped out to a 17-10 first quarter lead as Gibson tallied 8 and Doxey 5 during that stretch as they each had a three.
The Purple Eagles went on to maintain narrow leads of 24-22 at the half and 38-34 at the end of the third quarter.
A basket by Cody and a three-point play by Gibson upped the Albion lead to seven, 43-36, at the outset of the decisive fourth quarter setting the stage for the hectic, sea-saw finish.
Albion is now 6-5 and Medina 6-4 in N-O action.
The Purple Eagles will next visiting league leading Wilson and Medina will host runner-up Akron on Tuesday.
Akron, Newfane post wins
In the other N-O contests, Akron jumped out to 32-12 half-time advantage in route to posting a 64-40 win over Roy-Hart and Newfane edged Barker 49-45.
Kasey Wheat had 18 and Mac Capen 14 to lead Newfane.
Anthony Taliaferro scored 19 and JJ Prynn 15 for Barker.
Press Release, Orleans County Sheriff Chris Bourke
Kirk Thomas Jr. and Nevada Nichols face multiple felony charges for allegedly stealing electronics from Walmart stores in Albion, Batavia and Brockport.
ALBION – The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office announces the arrests of two individuals following a multi-agency investigation into an organized retail theft scheme targeting department stores across Orleans, Genesee and Monroe counties.
Kirk Thomas Jr., 41, and Nevada Nichols, 33, both of Batavia, were charged in connection with multiple thefts from Walmart locations in the region on Jan. 12 as a result of a coordinated investigation by the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office, Genesee County Sheriff’s Office and Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.
The investigation began after the Albion Walmart reported a theft on Jan. 6 in which more than $1,400 in merchandise—primarily electronics—was stolen. Surveillance footage showed a male and female suspect leaving the store in a white BMW with no license plates.
Further investigation revealed the same suspects were involved in additional thefts at Walmart locations in Albion, Brockport, Batavia and surrounding areas, resulting in thousands of dollars in stolen merchandise.
Through coordinated investigative efforts, including surveillance review, intelligence sharing, vehicle identification, investigators identified Thomas and Nichols as suspects.
The vehicle used in the thefts was located and secured by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, and search warrants executed by Orleans and Monroe County investigators resulted in the recovery of stolen property.
On January 12, Thomas and Nichols were taken into custody with the assistance of New York State Parole.
In Orleans County, both defendants were charged with:
Two counts of Conspiracy in the Fifth Degree (A Misdemeanors)
Two counts of Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree (E Felonies)
Enterprise Corruption (B Felony), stemming from an alleged ongoing pattern of organized retail theft activity
Nevada M. Nichols was released on an appearance ticket in the Town of Albion Court. Nichols was also arrested and released by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office for
Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree in the Town of Batavia, and by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office for two counts of Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree in the Town of Sweden.
Kirk A. Thomas Jr. was held in custody by Orleans County pending a bail hearing. Thomas has an extensive criminal history in New York State, having been previously arrested 48 times for similar offenses and convicted of eight felony crimes.
Additional charges for both are anticipated from the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office as the investigation continues.
The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, New York State Parole, and Walmart Asset Protection for their cooperation and assistance in this investigation coordinated by Orleans County Sheriff’s Investigator Brian Marsceill.
This case highlights the effectiveness of interagency collaboration in addressing organized retail theft and protecting local businesses.
Press Release, State Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt
State Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt and some of his colleagues have sent a letter to Governor Hochul, urging her to direct NYSERDA to return billions in unused funds from their Climate Investment Account directly back to ratepayers who are struggling with skyrocketing utility bills.
The 2025 fiscal year budget and financial plan for NYSERDA indicates they have a surplus of more than $2 billion and projected in future years to even reach $3 billion. At last week’s Joint Budget hearing on Energy and Environmental Conservation, Senate Finance Ranker Tom O’Mara urged NYSERDA President Doreen Harris to return these funds to ratepayers as a bill credit. These bill credits would provide immediate relief to overburdened ratepayers who were required to contribute these surplus funds in their utility bills.
“Albany Democrats continue to dream up new ways to tax New Yorkers and billions of ratepayer dollars – taken to fund the Green New Scam – are sitting unused. It’s time NYSERDA parted with its slush fund, and returned that money to ratepayers to give real immediate relief to New Yorkers who desperately need a break,” said Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt.
The letter was also signed by Senator Mario Mattera, ranking member of the Energy and Telecommunications; Senator Tom O’Mara, ranking member of the Senate Committee on Finance; and Senator Mark Walczyk, member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Telecommunications.
“There is no rationale for not using these off-budget surplus funds to provide ratepayers with credit on their utility bill,” the letter reads. “It is particularly timely because of the increased supply costs that will result from the current bout of frigid weather. Returning these unspent funds would provide short-term assistance but does not resolve the long-term problem of increasing rates. It is, however, an important recognition of the problem and provides immediate cash relief.”
As a NYS Real Estate Salesperson, I would like to share a note as an opinion regarding commercial wind power plants and your duty, as a seller, to disclose. This is an opinion, only, and is not to be construed as legal advice. I always encourage sellers and buyers to seek legal advice from their attorney.
There are wind power plants and potential wind power plants scattered throughout NYS. Most homeowners looking to sell their home know that NYS Real Property Law §462 requires residential sellers to disclose (in writing) any known material or latent (hidden) defects about their home (i.e. mold, structural, or water issues, etc.) to a buyer.
However, some homeowners in potential or developing wind power plant areas may be wondering, “Do I have to disclose that there are (or may be) wind turbines being constructed here?”
A wind power plant (wind farm) is generally not considered to be a legally binding “hidden defect” as pertains to a residence itself. It is, however, according to the attorneys at the New York State Association of Realtors, a material fact that should be disclosed once the project is approved and construction has begun.
A seller might have reservations about disclosing such a fact, because they may believe that to do so will deter some potential buyers from looking at their home and from making an offer to purchase. However, it is imperative for the seller to safeguard against possible lawsuits that could happen due to being negligent in their duties to disclose such an important material fact.
To be fair, there will be a few potential buyers who have strong negative feelings about wind power plants and are less likely to purchase a home located in such an area. But there will also be a few potential buyers that would purchase that same home, nonetheless.
Be aware, though, that if they do purchase, without being told, and later see or hear construction happening in their new backyard, an outraged buyer could take a trip to an attorney and further into court with the seller in tow. Therefore, even though making this type of disclosure may seem like a daunting task for a seller, it cannot be stressed enough…it is prudent to disclose.
What should a seller do? Your skilled salesperson will know exactly how to help with such a situation and will make it easier to navigate. Remember, a commercial industry, such as a wind power plant, is not considered a “latent” defect on a home, itself, but it certainly could be considered a “midden material fact” if not disclosed.
Therefore, “Disclose, Disclose, Disclose…in writing.” Be honest and upfront. It could save you, as a residential home seller, a gigantic headache later, should a wind “farm” actually take “root”. And, remember, always consult your attorney for advice.
Sincerely,
Cindy Burnside
Office Administrative Manager with Peter Snell Realtors in Albion
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 February 2026 at 10:31 am
MEDINA – Mary Lewis, owner of Creekside Floral and Gift Shop in Medina, knows the winter months are difficult, especially this year with so many bitterly cold days and very limited sunshine.
She said winter days are especially hard for senior citizens in nursing homes and assisted care facilities.
She posted on the Creekside Floral Facebook page about “Plants with Purpose.” She wanted to give a blooming plant to senior citizens at Orchard Manor, the North Wing of Medina Memorial Hospital and The Willows. She asked for $10 sponsors for each plant, a Kalanchoe.
The community responded, sponsoring 198 plants to cover all of the residents at the three sites. They also went over the limit by 35 and counting. Lewis has added The Villages of Orleans in Albion for “Plants with Purpose.”
She will deliver them by mid-week next week, in time for Valentine’s Day.
“I just wanted to brighten their day,” she said. “The winter months are some of the dreariest. We need more kindness in the world.”
Lewis thanked the sponsors for their quick and generous response. If she runs out of the Kalanchoe plants for everyone at The Villages, she said she would find other valentine-themed gifts for them. For more information about being a sponsor, call 585-798-1200.
