By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 18 June 2026 at 9:02 am
Barre, Elks/Rotary and Sandstone have all scored victories in Albion Midget League competition this week.
Barre d. Brockport 1 16-1
Jacob Knowlton had 3 hits, including a double and 3 RBIs for Barre as Hudson Armer, Parker Gardner and Aiden Spencer also each had 3 hits.
Knowlton also had 4 strikeouts in two and two-thirds innings of work on the mound.
Elks/Rotary d. Holley 15-1
Three pitchers – Greyson Roberts (6 strikeouts), Remi Ebba (4 strikeouts) and Kayden Donnelly (5 strikeouts) combined to hurl Elks/Rotary past Holley.
At the plate, Ryan Coots had 3 hits and 5 RBIs, Roberts 3 hits and 3 RBIs and Ebbs 2 hits and 2 RBIs.
Sandstone d. Brockport 2 15-0
Givanni LaMartina had 3 hits and 4 RBIs, Matt Colmenero 3 hits, Bryce Saxton 2 hits and 3 RBIs and Dom Westlund 2 hits including a triple and 3 RBIs to lead the way for Sandstone at th plate.
On the mound, Nikko Russo registered 9 strikeouts.
Sandstone d. Barre 3-0
LaMartina pitched a no hitter with 12 strikeouts for Sandstone while Armer notched 10 strikeouts for Barre in the pitchers dual.
At the plate for Sandstone, LaMartina had a triple, Saxton 2 doubles and an RBI, Colmenero a hit and an RBI and Cooper Traxler a hit and an RBI.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 18 June 2026 at 8:58 am
The Medina Mustangs 15U team dropped a 13-6 decision on the road to the MMB Bandits Wednesday evening.
The Bandits jumped out to a quick 5-0 lead in the first inning. Medina answered with 4 in the second to pull to within one but could get no closer as the Bandits used a 4 run fifth inning to lock up the win.
Viktor Snyder had 2 hits for Medina as Jacob Duffina, Jackson Daigler, Evan Collins and Kaiden Hockenberry each had 1.
Medina next hosts the NY Stingers at 6 p.m. Friday.
The Orleans County YMCA is set to launch a free Girls Youth Flag Football League – Girls Play Strong Program – this summer, providing local girls ages 5-13 with an opportunity to learn the game, build confidence, and stay active in a fun and supportive environment.
Led by YMCA staff, local coaches, alumni, and community volunteers, the league will meet on Mondays and Fridays from July 6 through August 28, with games and practices held at Vets Park in Medina, Medina Central School fields, and the Orleans County YMCA.
The league will feature weekly practices and games, along with family events and recognition awards. This program is made possible through funding from the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Legacy Funds administered by the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo.
“Girls flag football is one of the fastest-growing sports in the country, and we want every girl in Orleans County to have the opportunity to experience it,” said Andrew Houseman, Senior Program Director of the Orleans County YMCA. “By offering this league free of charge, we’re removing barriers and encouraging girls to simply give it a try. Whether they have experience in sports or are stepping onto the field for the first time, we hope they’ll discover a new passion, build confidence, stay active, and have fun alongside their teammates this summer.”
Registration for the Girls Youth Flag Football League is open now through July 6th and can be completed online through glowymca.org. Families may also register in person at the Orleans County YMCA or by calling (585) 798-2040 for assistance.
The program will offer several evening games under the lights on the local turf field. All practices and games will take place after typical work and school hours, with schedules varying by team.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 June 2026 at 8:44 am
Brandon Johnson brings back dance studio for 23rd year
Photos by Tom Rivers
MEDINA – Brandon Johnson, owner of the Dance Theater, is joined by Amazie Phillips in cutting the ribbon for Dance Theater Premier Performing Arts. It is located at 415 West Ave., Suite #4.
Johnson at age 19 opened Dance Theater and for 22 years the studio was on Main Street. He moved to Florida about a year ago and worked as a judge at dancing competitions. He is glad to be back in his home community working with local dance students.
Brandon Johnson welcomes people to the grand reopening celebration for Dance Theater. His staff of dance instructors includes Alaina Sproile, Makenzie McGrath, Lizzy Zacher and Carly Voelker.
McGrath was a student at Dance Theater for 13 years. She is currently studying music education at Nazareth University. She said the community will respond to having Dance Theater back. Dance Theater served about 120 students from ages 3 to 18.
“It’s good they have this opportunity back,” McGrath said. “Dance is good for the mind and body.”
She said Johnson is very organized, and is a skilled teacher who is very good a showmanship. Most of all, he creates a welcoming environment, McGrath said.
During an open house, kids were able to try an obstacle course on one side of Dance Theater.
The studio will be offering summer camps before the fall season kicks off. Johnson announced the recital theme for 2026-2027: “Gingham and Glitter, a Homecoming Country Celebration.”
Johnson has emailed and messaged many of the dance families that have been with Dance Theater. He is pleased so many have been enthusiastic about his return.
“Dance Theater has always been more than just a place to dance,” Johnson said. “It is a place where dreams are nurtured, confidence is built, last friendships are formed, and creativity and performance come to life.”
Johnson said Dance Theater will provide a positive, welcoming and inspiring environment for dancers of all ages and abilities.
The studio provides classes in ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, lyrical, modern, contemporary, acro and technique to dancers ages 3 to 18 years old.
Brandon Johnson meets with families during the grand opening celebration on Wednesday evening.
He said he enjoyed working as a judge at dance competitions for 18 weeks last year, but the experience confirmed his true calling in running his own studio and being a dance teacher.
“As a judge I offered critiques and corrections,” he said. “I loved it, but it reminded me my place is in a classroom where the kids can create dance.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 June 2026 at 9:58 pm
ALBION – Two people were sentenced in Orleans County Court today, and another person pleaded guilty to stealing more than $1,000 in merchandise from Wal-Mart.
Alexander Senko, 31, of Albion was sentenced to 10 years of probation and will be on the sex offender registry. Senko pleaded guilty on April 1 to third-degree rape. He admitted to having sexual intercourse with a 15-year-old girl in 2023 when he was 29.
The victim of the crime spoke in court and said Senko manipulated her and sexually abused her.
“I lost my friends, my confidence and myself,” she said. “He twisted to my mind to think I was special.”
Senko apologized in court to the victim and her family.
“My lack of good, sound decision-making will forever haunt me,” he told County Court Judge Sanford Church.
The judge issued an order of protection for the victim for the next 10 years. Senko also will need to pay $1,425 in court fees and fines.
In another sentencing, Wilfred Barnes, 66, of Carlton was given five years of probation plus four months of weekends in jail for felony driving while intoxicated. He was stopped on Nov. 26 on Ridge Road in Gaines and registered a BAC of 0.12 percent, which is above the legal limit of 0.08. Barnes has a previous DWI in 2020.
Judge Church also revoked Barnes’s driver’s license for a year and will require an inter-lock ignition device that measures his BAC when he drives in the future.
In another case, Nevada Nichols, 31, of Batavia pleaded guilty to one count of fourth-degree grand larceny, a class E felony.
She admitted to stealing $1,413 in merchandise from the Albion Wal-Mart, which is above the $1,000 threshold for fourth-degree grand larceny.
The charge could carry 1 1/3 to 4 years in state prison, but Nichols could receive time in the county jail or probation when she is sentenced on Sept. 23.
In another case, the judge said he is considering revoking the probation for an Albion man and having him spend a year in the county jail.
Allan Bieber, 22, was sentenced in December to 10 years of probation for third-degree rape for having sex with a 15-year-old girl at St. Joseph’s Park on South Clinton Street on April 25. Bieber is a first-time offender.
He has missed many of his appointments for probation, sex offender counseling and mental health counseling. Those appointments are terms of his probation.
Judge Church will have Bieber appear in court on June 24 to decide if the probation will be revoked.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 17 June 2026 at 7:37 pm
Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Albion’s Nate Gibson
Albion senior catcher/pitcher Nate Gibson has earned Honorable Mention on the All-Western New York baseball squad for large schools.
Gibson hit .639 in the league and .475 overall. He had 3 doubles, 3 triples, 4 home runs, 25 RBIs, 21 runs scored and 12 stolen bases.
“Nate had one of the best offensive seasons I have had a player have,” said Albion Coach Bruce Blanchard.
From his catcher’s position he picked off 5 runners and threw out 8 runners trying to steal.
Also the Purple Eagles No. 1 pitcher, he appeared in 11 games on the mound. He struck out 97 in 50.2 innings of work and had a 1.93 earned run average.
The large school All-WNY squad includes players from Class AAA, AA and A sized schools. Albion is one of the smallest Class A schools, third from the bottom of the list.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 17 June 2026 at 5:27 pm
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Medina junior Aidan Papaj, left, and Preston Woodworth have both earned first team All-WNY honors.
Fresh from playing in the state finals, the Medina High baseball team has a trio of players who have earned top All Western New York honors.
Junior pitcher/shortstop Aidan Papaj, junior pitcher/shortstop Preston Woodworth and senior centerfielder/pitcher Vinny Gray have all earned first team All-WNY small schools honors.
Mustangs senior Vinny Gray is a first team All-WNY honoree.
Papaj has also been named the All-WNY small schools Player of the Year.
Woodworth has also been honored as the All-WNY small schools Pitcher of the Year.
Papaj hit .507 on the season with 6 doubles, 2 triples, 30 RBIs and 41 stolen bases.
On the mound he registered 112 strikeouts in 59.2 innings of work . He had an earned run average of 0.821. and posted an 8-1 record.
Woodworth hit .400 with 16 doubles, 29 RBIs and 16 stolen bases.
He had a 0.606 earned run average on the mound . He notched 132 strikeout in 69.1 innings of work and compiled a 10-1 record.
Gray hit .299 with 4 doubles, 2 triples, 15 RBIs and 30 stolen bases.
He went 4-0 on the mound with 36 strikeouts in 27 innings of work with a 0.259 earned run average.
All three year varsity regulars, the trio helped lead the Mustangs to a 22-3 overall record, a third straight Niagara-Orleans League and Section VI Class B championships, a first victory in the state semifinals and a berth in the state title game.
In addition Medina mentor Chris Goyette was named All-WNY small schools Coach of the Year.
Photos courtesy of Lyndonville Lions Club: The “Welcome to Lyndonville” signs have been restored on Route 63 leading into the village.
Press Release, Lyndonville Lions Club
LYNDONVILLE – After several years of absence, the “Welcome to Lyndonville” signs have been fully restored.
Several years ago, a severe winter storm accompanied by high winds destroyed the long-standing wooden signs that greeted visitors entering our community. Over time, the damaged signs fell into disrepair and were eventually removed.
Recognizing the importance of these landmarks, the Lyndonville Lions Club adopted the restoration of the signs as a community service project. The club launched a campaign to bring back these iconic symbols that proudly welcome residents and visitors alike to the small hamlet of Lyndonville.
Through the dedication of Lions Club members, community support, and countless volunteer hours, the signs have been rebuilt and restored. Their return serves not only as a welcoming gateway to our community but also as a reminder of the pride, commitment, and spirit that make Lyndonville such a special place to call home.
The Lyndonville Lions Club extends its sincere gratitude to everyone who contributed to this project and helped make the restoration of the “Welcome to Lyndonville” signs a reality.
Sponsors of the Lyndonville Lions Club generously provided the funding necessary to complete the restoration project, with all donations earmarked exclusively for the reconstruction and installation of the signs. The restored signs proudly display the names of local civic organizations, religious institutions, and governing bodies that are an important part of the Village of Lyndonville community.
The Lyndonville Lions Club would like to extend a special thank you to Mayor John Belson, a
fellow Lions Club member, and the Village Department of Public Works for providing the hard work and dedication needed to erect the signs. Their willingness to contribute their time, expertise, and equipment was instrumental in bringing this project to completion.
The Lions would also like to express their sincere appreciation to The Print Shop in Medina for their outstanding service and expeditious work in producing the individual organizational signs in time for the Lyndonville Lions Club’s Annual July 4th Celebration.
This restoration project is a testament to what can be accomplished when local businesses, community organizations, volunteers, and residents work together for the betterment of Lyndonville.
The restored “Welcome to Lyndonville” signs once again stand as a source of community pride and a warm greeting to all who visit our village.
In other club news:
The Lyndonville Lions Club is pleased to announce that planning for its 52nd Annual July 4th Celebration is well underway and the event will be moving forward as scheduled. Residents and visitors can expect additional details regarding the day-long celebration in upcoming Lions Club press releases.
The club would also like to highlight its long-standing commitment to supporting local students through higher education scholarships. The Lyndonville Lions Club sponsors two of the oldest continuously awarded scholarships presented to graduating seniors of Lyndonville Central School.
Since 1970, the club has awarded two $1,000 scholarships annually in memory of two individuals who were pillars of the Lyndonville community.
The Donald Fraser Memorial Scholarship and the Dr. Julius “Doc” Layer Memorial Scholarship recognize graduating seniors who exemplify the enduring qualities these two respected men embodied throughout their lives. Scholarship recipients are selected based on a variety of criteria, including academic achievement, leadership, humanitarian service, community involvement, and participation in extracurricular activities.
The names of this year’s scholarship recipients will be announced during commencement ceremonies at Lyndonville High School. The Lyndonville Lions Club is proud to continue this tradition of recognizing and supporting young leaders who demonstrate excellence both in and out of the classroom.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 June 2026 at 3:50 pm
MEDINA – The opening concert in this season’s Blue Thursdays series at State Street park in Medina has been cancelled due to the rough weather conditions forecast for tomorrow.
“After consultation with the band, local meteorologists and other factors, Blue Thursdays regrets that we must cancel Opening Night with the Dave Viterna Group,” said Chris Busch, chairman of the Orleans Renaissance Group. “There are many moving parts to an outdoor event of this scale and after weighing all factors – wet conditions, high wind gusts, exposing instruments/equipment to the elements, lingering showers during set up and the gig, it was decided it would be best to cancel. We appreciate your understanding and support!”
The series will kick off next week with the Growlers Blues Band and continues with Thursday evening concerts beginning at 6 p.m. until Aug. 6.
The National Weather Service has issued a wind advisory from 2 a.m. tonight until 8 p.m. Thursday for Orleans County and most of Western New York.
There will be .south winds from 20 to 30 mph with occasional gusts of 45 to 55 mph expected late tonight through Thursday morning, becoming southwest during the day Thursday, the Weather Service said.
Climate Solutions Accelerator taking tiny home on 11-day tour of Rochester region to promote sustainability
Photos and information courtesy Climate Solutions Accelerator
ALBION – Hoag Library will be hosting the Tiny “PowerHouse” on Thursday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The tiny home is making a 11-day tour of the Rochester region.
Climate Solutions Accelerator is bringing the home to communities in the region, offering a free, hands-on opportunity to learn how energy works inside the home and explore practical ways to save energy, improve comfort, reduce waste, and prepare for cleaner energy choices.
The featured exhibit, the Tiny PowerHouse, is an interactive tiny home designed by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County to make energy education easy to see and understand.
Visitors can step inside and explore common sources of energy loss, practical efficiency upgrades, and clean energy solutions that can support more comfortable, efficient, and energy-smart homes.
Exhibit topics include air leaks, insulation, renewable heating and cooling, solar energy, lighting, windows, appliances, DIY projects, and indoor air quality.
The Tiny PowerHouse Tour in Roc is designed for renters, homeowners, families, students, community organizations, neighborhood groups, and anyone interested in learning more about home energy use. Visitors will walk away with a better understanding of how homes lose energy, what improvements can make a difference, and what steps may help create healthier, more comfortable living spaces.
The exhibit is free to visit and will be available at locations throughout the Genesee-Finger Lakes region from June 16–26.
Tour Schedule:
June 16: 12 to 3 p.m. at Rochester Museum and Science Center – 657 East Ave, Rochester, NY 14607
June 17: 2:30 to 6 p.m. at Sodus Farmers’ Market – 58 W Main St, Sodus, NY 14551
June 18: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Hoag Library – 134 S Main St, Albion, NY 14411
June 18: 5 to 7 p.m. at the Lyons Connections on the Canal – NY-14 & Empire State Trail, Lyons, NY 14489
June 19: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Park – 353 Court St, Rochester, NY 14607
June 20: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Geneva Farmers’ Market – 35 Lake Front Dr, Geneva, NY 14456
June 21: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Broccolo’s Emissions Control Event – 2755 Penfield Rd, Fairport, NY 14450
June 22: 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at MARC of Baden Senior Center – 86 Vienna St, Rochester, NY 14605
June 23: 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Rochester Museum and Science Center – 657 East Ave, Rochester, NY 14607
June 24: 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Rochester Museum and Science Center – 657 East Ave, Rochester, NY 14607
June 25: 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Lockdown on Violence Event – Lewis St YMCA – 53 Lewis St, Rochester, NY 14605
June 26: 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Rochester Museum and Science Center Open House – 657 East Ave, Rochester, NY 14607
Location moved from DPW to County EMO on West County House Road
Photo by Tom Rivers: Employees from Environmental Enterprises, Inc. of Cincinnati work at a household hazardous waste collection in Albion on Aug. 16, 2025. EEI employees are at the solvent station where oil, anti-freeze and solvents are collected. More than 500 Orleans County residents were able to get rid of leftover chemicals, batteries, tires, oil and solvents during the household hazardous waste collection day.
Press Release, Orleans County government
ALBION – The Orleans County Planning Office today announced that registration is now open for the county’s annual household hazardous waste (HHW) collection event, which will be held on Saturday, August 8. The event is open to all Orleans County residents but you must register in advance.
Please note the event location has changed to the Orleans County Office of Emergency Management Complex located at 14064 West County House Road West in Albion. The county will collect all acceptable items from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. The 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. slot is reserved for tire collection only.
Mandatory registration can be done by calling the county Planning Office at 585-589-3198 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
“This is Orleans County’s annual collection event that I know a lot of residents like to plan for to get rid of those leftover chemicals, batteries, tires and other items that are lying around in the garage, basement or shed,” said Corey Winters, director of the Planning Office. “And more than just getting rid of this clutter, people can be assured these items are being disposed of in a safe and environmentally-responsible way.”
Winters said acceptable items include pesticides, motor oiler & filters, adhesives, antifreeze, solvents, batteries, fluorescent bulbs, aerosols, old-based paints, empty propane tanks, and new for 2026 tires consisting of Passenger, Commercial, Heavy Duty, Agriculture, and Tracks) (limit 10 passenger and 10 of the other types.)
Items that cannot be accepted include explosives, pressurized tanks, ammunition, PCBs, radioactive waste, medical waste, and electronics. If you have questions regarding a specific item, please call the Planning Office.
“We have opened up registration early so we can properly plan and be ready to accommodate as many residents as possible who want to take part,” said Winters. “When you call to register, please be prepared to generally describe the type of chemicals and/or the number of tires you will be disposing.”
Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments
Provided photos: Orly the Ox, the Orleans County mascot, went kayaking last year on the Oak Orchard Creek by the Medina waterfalls. Cyclists are shown riding on the Oatka Trail in Genesee County.
The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health), in partnership with Orleans County Tourism and Genesee County Chamber of Commerce, are excited to announce the start of the Genesee and Orleans Counties (GO) Adventure Challenge. This new program encourages people to be more active while exploring places across both counties.
The GO Adventure Challenge invites people of all ages to stay active by completing activities and visiting locations in Genesee and Orleans Counties. The goal is to support healthier lifestyles, build stronger community connections, and highlight the many great places in our area.
“This challenge is a fun way for residents to focus on their health while discovering everything our communities have to offer,” said Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for GO Health. “We are excited to see participants enjoy local parks, trails, businesses, and public spaces in new ways.”
Participants can join at their own pace and track their progress using an activity log. The challenge includes different levels:
Level 1: Complete 135 hours of physical activity
Level 2: Complete 135 hours of physical activity and visit at least five locations in each county
At the end of the challenge, participants will submit an attestation form to confirm they completed their chosen level. They will also choose whether they would like a patch or sticker to recognize their accomplishment.
“Collaborating with our neighboring counties allows us to better showcase the outdoor experiences available to both visitors and residents,” said Dawn Borchert, Orleans County tourism director. “We’re excited for participants to explore, stay active and find new places to enjoy through the GO Adventure Challenge.”
“We are proud to partner on the GO Adventure Challenge to encourage people to get out and experience the great destinations, scenic views, and local spots throughout Genesee and Orleans Counties,” said Kelly Rapone, Genesee County tourism director.
The GO Adventure Challenge supports ongoing efforts to improve health, prevent illness, and build community connections in Genesee and Orleans Counties. It is also planned to be an annual program.
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) is criticizing the state’s enacted budget after updated financial documents revealed total spending is nearly $9 billion higher than the amount originally cited when the budget was approved. The increase pushes total state spending to $277 billion.
“Taxpayers shouldn’t accept this continued overspending of their hard-earned tax dollars,” said Hawley. “New York’s budget has nearly doubled in just 12 years and now exceeds the budgets of Texas and Florida, even though each of those states has a larger population than New York. The budget has also grown nearly $9 billion beyond what was originally presented to taxpayers, even after it was already passed as the largest in state history. Albany has to stop adding costs after the budget is set and start respecting what taxpayers can actually afford.”
Hawley believes these billion-dollar additions are just an example of how the budget process in New York needs serious repairs, especially at a time when residents are trying to save every dollar.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 17 June 2026 at 10:04 am
The Niagara-Orleans League vs. Genesee Region League Senior baseball game has been rescheduled and will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at Medina’s Vets Park.
The N-O lineup includes Nate Gibson, Elliott Trapiss, Kaiden Froman and Will Plummer from Albion; Colin Miller and Conlan Luck from Akron; JJ Prynn, Dom Cimato, Carson Marvin, Carson Schwab and Matt Maines from Barker; Vinny Gray and Jimmy Dieter from Medina; Tristan Smith, Noah Orens and Caeleb Rivera from Newfane and Gavin Heideman, Isaac Smith, Sean Mettler, Evan Poeller and Jackson Drees from Roy-Hart.
The G-R roster includes Jake Bailey, Leo Egloff, Nick Marzoff and Colton Smith from Alexander; Hunter Green and Ben Wild from Attica; Liam Boyle from Byron-Bergen; Mark Caparco, Fletcher Norton, Brenden Porey, Nicholas Scott and Bing Zuber from Elba; Nic Cole, Jonny Conte and Vinnie D’Agostino from Kendall; Austin Fonda and Colton Smith from Lyndonville; Eli Grice, Adyn Horzempa and Preston Viele from Notre Dame; Levi Kabel and Hunter Tobolski from Oakfield-Alabama; Anthony Abbatiello, Austin Humphrey and Brayden Lang from Pembroke and Miguel Gonzalez from Wheatland-Chili.
All-Star softball
Six Niagara-Orleans League players will be competing in the Gerry Gentner Senior All-Star softball game at Sweet Home High School at 7 this evening.
The N-O players include Abby Fox and Peyton May from Roy-Hart, Kimberly Schmitt and Gabrielle Ross from Newfane and Abbie Faery and Mackenzie Hardy from Wilson.
Through the dedication of Lions Club members, community support, and countless volunteer hours, the signs have been rebuilt and restored. Their return serves not only as a welcoming gateway to our community but also as a reminder of the pride, commitment, and spirit that make Lyndonville such a special place to call home.
