By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 8 December 2025 at 1:49 pm
Contributed Photo – Cole Callard
Medina High graduate and SUNY Cortland freshman kicker Cole Callard has been named to the second team of the All Empire 8 Conference football squad.
Callard, who is a sport Management major, handled the extra point, field goal and kickoff duites for the Red Dragons.
On the season he was 51 of 51 in extra point kick attempts and 6 of 11 in field goal tries with the longest being 37 years. He also had 67 kickoffs.
During his scholastic days at Medina he earned All-Western New York and All State football honors. He holds the record for the Mustangs lonest field goal of 47 yards.
He was also a multi year starter on the Mustangs varsity soccer, basketball and lacrosse teams.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 December 2025 at 12:00 pm
Photo courtesy of Operation Honor
ALBION – Operation Honor director Jenn Thom, right, hands a $5,000 check to Jim Nudd, Veterans Service Officer for the Orleans County. The money goes to the veterans’ van service run by the Joint Veterans Council.
The proceeds come from a recent cornhole tournament that Operation Honor ran in the Knights of Columbus hall in Medina, as well as some of the revenue from a golf tournament this past summer run by the Knights of Columbus.
The van service provides transportation for honorably discharged veterans who reside in Orleans County to their scheduled VA medical appointments.
Operation Honor this Saturday at noon will be placing 360 wreaths on soldiers’ graves at Mount Albion Cemetery. This is the second year Operation Honor is part of Wreaths Across America.
Last year Operation Honor placed 200 wreaths on veterans’ graves at Mount Albion. Volunteers are welcome to be there at noon on Saturday to help set the wreaths.
This song, “Make Orleans County Dry,” was discovered in notebook from the pages of a birthday book for the W.C.T.U. in Gaines.
GAINES – A rousing song was found nestled in the pages of the Gaines W.C.T.U. (Woman’s Christian Temperance Union) Birthday Book, a modest notebook with handwritten entries of members’ birthdays for each month of the year and another of the quiet gems in the Orleans County Dept. of History’s local history collection.
This is what gladdens the heart of a local historian! A quintessential piece of local history. The power of a single sheet of paper to evoke another era and a totally different sensibility.
Come comrades to the rescue, help make Orleans County dry,
In this glorious cause of temperance help to lift the standard high
And this shall be our slogan until victory draweth nigh,
Make Orleans County dry.
This composition directly connects a larger, national movement with its interpretation at the local level. What could be more local than a listing of the ten towns of Orleans?
The issue that galvanized the anonymous poet was the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union, organized in Cleveland, Ohio in 1874 to combat the influence of alcohol on families and society.
Women of every rank and class could attest to the domestic abuse and impoverishment which resulted from the consumption of alcohol. Members pledged to abstain from all alcoholic beverages and opium and to encourage others to do likewise.
Earnest and committed women galvanized this movement. Locally, an early reference to a Temperance meeting appears in the February 4, 1874, issue of the Orleans Republican, when Rev. Mr. Hoyt spoke at the Free Will Baptist Church in East Gaines.
In June 1885, the temperance organizations in Orleans County were invited to a July 4th Temperance Basket Picnic at the grove property of Mr. C.J. Lewis. The Knowlesville Woman’s Christian Temperance Union furnished tea and coffee, ice cream and lemonade as well as confections, all at reasonable prices.
The semi-annual convention of the Orleans County Woman’s Christian Temperance Union was held in Albion in January 1890. The Millville Woman’s Temperance Union advertised their monthly meeting in 1895.
“Making Orleans County Dry” was a serious proposition. By 1908, the towns of Barre, Gaines and Yates had “voted dry” – well in advance of the 18th Amendment which introduced Prohibition in 1920. According to the Medina Daily Journal, nine towns were “dry” by June 1916, a statistic which helps date our song. We would venture to say that it was composed 1914-1916.
We cannot but smile at the anonymous poet’s rhymes, especially in the third verse.
Ten towns are in our county, six of which have closed their gates.
Barre, Carlton, Gaines and Kendall, Murray and the town of Yates,
Against the legalized saloon, which for the young awaits,
Make Orleans County dry.
His composition lends itself easily to the tune of Battle Hymn of the Republic. Appropriately enough, and continuing the tradition, the words of the Battle Hymn were set to the melody of John Brown’s Body, an abolitionist song.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 December 2025 at 10:17 am
HOLLEY – The Village of Holley held its annual tree lighting ceremony on Saturday. Diane Rietman sent in this photo she took from her apartment in the Holley Gardens, the former Holley High School.
This tree includes memory bulbs purchased in honor of Holley residents. Village officials wanted to separate this tree from the decorated trees in the Public Square. This year’s tree was donated by Cox Family Farm in Clarendon, which also donated last year’s tree.
Photos by Tom Rivers: Hartland Carriage offered rides through the Public Square and along the canal park trail.
Dale Jenks of Hartland Carriage in Gasport guides a pair of Percheron horses that pulled the carriage in Holley.
The rides were part of Christmas in Holley celebration that included other activities at the Murray-Holley Depot Museum, the Village Office and Community Free Library.
Hartland Carriage takes a group past Sam’s Diner in the Public Square.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 December 2025 at 8:30 am
Group selling items inside 128 North Main Street in effort to clear out site
Photo from Albion Betterment Committee: These bins of items are available for $10 each today from noon to 1 p.m.
ALBION – The Albion Betterment Committee, which recently purchased 128 North Main St., is offering a glimpse of the site today for the public, and also a chance to help clear out the site by purchasing plastic bins of items.
Those bins are $10 each. There are also old doors and some furniture that will be for sale. The Betterment Committee will be at the site today from noon to 1 p.m.
People won’t be able to look through the bins to see what is inside before buying a bin.
“We have no idea what are in some of these bins but you might find some gems!” the Betterment Committee posted on Facebook. “All the money we raise will go back into the building!”
The Betterment Committee purchased the building last month from the estate of Henri Pulley. The site is 6,600 square feet.
The Betterment Committee wants to turn the vacant two-story building on Main Street into a tourism center that celebrates Santa. The group wants to develop an interactive tourism center with displays about the Charles W. Howard Santa School and Christmas Park, which Howard ran for many years near his farmhouse on Phipps Road.
Howard ran a Santa School from 1937 until his death in 1966. It was the world’s first school for Santas. He was a well-known portrayer of Santa, appearing in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade from 1948 to 1965.
The Betterment Committee envisions the first floor as interactive exhibits and displays, as well as room for a bakery and food operator. The site could also offer services, including showers, for canal boaters, cyclists and other visitors.
The second floor is envisioned to offer space for artists – painters, potters, and others in need of studio space. The second floor has large windows that let in natural light that would be ideal for artists, said Natasha Wasuck, a member of the Betterment Committee.
The group is seeking grants to help with building upgrades. The Betterment Committee welcomes donations.
The group is a 501c3 organization that accepts tax deductible donations. Donations can be sent to Albion Betterment Committee, c/o Joe Gehl at 14487 Baker Rd. in Kent, NY 14477.
There is an online giving option. Click here for more information.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 7 December 2025 at 3:23 pm
OCCS expects to move to location to start next school year
Photos by Ginny Kropf: Krista Lawson, standing, teaches all subjects to first-, second- and third-graders, in addition to teaching Bible and acting as school nurse at Orleans County Christian School. Two of her students are Zavina Wright, 7, and Isabella DeVore, 6. Lawson is the wife of Kevin Lawson, pastor of The Vine Church on Maple Ridge Road.
This is the former Shelby Baptist Church on Allegany Road in Shelby Center. The church, an adjoining cafeteria and a brick building have been donated to the Orleans County Christian School, which plans to start the 2026 school year there.
MEDINA – The Orleans County Christian School is about to make a monumental move, which they hope will propel them far into a successful future.
Now located in Alabama Full Gospel Fellowship Church on South Gravel Road, the church is planning a move to the former Shelby Baptist Church, which has been donated to the school.
“God has opened a remarkable door for OCCS,” said Dawn Zaidel, principal and acting administrator, in a press release last week. “A new building has been donated, positioning us for growth, sustainability and increased community impact.”
“OCCS already has a strong foundation and a rich legacy of faith,” said Ayesha Kreutz, who was recently hired as administrator. “Now we get to be part of the next chapter of this story, strengthening what God began and building toward the future He is preparing.”
The church/school complex in Shelby Center, formerly the Shelby Baptist Church, was donated to the Pastors’ Aligned for Community Transformation (PACT), which donated it to the Christian school.
Orleans County Christian School had its beginnings in October 1993, when the Rev. Tim Lindsay organized a steering committee of individuals with a heart for Christian education. Present were the Rev. Lindsay, Rev. David Vetter, Rev. Randy Anson, Rev. Chris Johnson, Curt Strickland, Curt Follman, Mark Irwin, Vanche Hedley and Dr. William Bellavia.
From that meeting, they sent a county-wide survey to see how much community interest there was. The steering committee continued to meet for three years until, in 1996, the Orleans County Christian School opened its doors on Sept. 4. It began with 13 students, one full-time teacher and one part-time teacher. The school was initially located at Harvest Christian Fellowship in Albion.
After five years, the school moved to Calvary Tabernacle Assembly of God in Medina’s old high school, where they were given use of the northeast wing of the first floor, along with the cafeteria, auditorium and gymnasium. After 17 years there, they were forced to move again when the building was sold, and Alabama Full Gospel Fellowship on Route 63 north of Shelby Center became their new home.
“Pastor Russ Peters and his congregation have welcomed us with open arms, but we are excited about our move once again to a new home,” Zaidel said. “We are also excited about the possibilities for growth at our new location. Orleans County Christian School’s purpose was, and still is, to provide young people with the tools and environment they need to attain the highest level of academic achievement and Christian character.”
Students and teachers frequently gather in the Community Room at Orleans County Christian School. Here, from left, are Mary Hollenbeck, an all-around teacher, GED instructor or adviser on hybrid or distance learning; Dawn Zaidel, principal and English and history teacher; a 10th grade hybrid student; Ayesha Kreutz (standing), newly hired administrator; and students Levi, 13, and Jayden 11.
Zaidel said the school won’t be moving until next September. They have to convert the new church into a dual-purpose gymnasium and community center. The cafeteria is housed in the low wood building which connects the church and brick building on the north, which will house the classrooms.
“It is amazing when God pours out,” Zaidel said. “It’s never something small.”
Kreutz is excited about her new position and what she can bring to the school.
Her background is in classical Christian education, fundraising and organizational turnaround, which she is confident will help strengthen the school’s academics, expand student programs and build on the incredible foundation of this school’s history. As administrator, Kreutz will work as a consultant specializing in grant writing, program development and organizational strategy.
“I bring a blend of administrative leadership, curriculum development, community engagement, fundraising and long-range strategic planning,” Kreutz said. “We are on a mission to keep Christian education alive in Orleans County and investing in a legacy that will serve families for generations. I want to be part of raising up citizens with good character, who have a love of learning, family and community, and are prepared for life, wherever that might lead them. We need to invest in our youth so they will stay here and build this community, not just leave the first chance they get.”
Sophia Standish, standing, is working with Abigail Smith, a new student at the Orleans County Christian School.
The Orleans County Christian School is supported by Harvest Christian Fellowship, Albion; Calvary Tabernacle Assembly of God, Medina; Faith Alliance Church, Albion; First Baptist Church of Holley;
Oak Orchard Assembly of God and Alabama Full Gospel Fellowship, Medina; Light of Victory Church, Albion; and Faith Covenant Fellowship, Medina.
The parent of a former student shared this testimonial: “This is an awesome school that takes time for one- on-one learning and really cares about the kids. My daughter has gone there for almost 7 years.”
The Orleans County Christian School accepts children from pre-school through 12th grade. This is the first year for preschoolers and they are filled to their capacity of seven children.
Michael Zaidel, school nurse and member of the Christian school board, said most parents don’t realize they can get busing to and from our school if they live within 15 miles of the school. They currently have students registered from Royalton/Hartland, Albion, Holley, Oakfield, Lyndonville and Batavia. Several students are driven in by their parents, he said.
The school is also able to offer students participation in BOCES, and busing is provided, Dawn Zaidel said.
The school plans to use the brick building on the north for the classrooms. The church building is planned to become into a dual-purpose gymnasium and community center. The cafeteria will be housed in a low wood building which connects the church and brick building.
Kreutz said they are looking at additional opportunities for students at the school.
“The kids want to start a Club America,” Dawn said.
“It is student-run and encourages kids to develop different service projects in the community,” Kreutz said.
Dawn said when she was asked to fill in as administrator, the first thing she did was brainstorm on how they could get more students enrolled.
“We have gone from eight to 20 students,” she said. “Our capacity is 37. I am a firm believer if we can get a child from the beginning, he will stay. Our parents are overjoyed we are able to now accept preschoolers.”
The Orleans County Christian School depends heavily upon donations, and anyone wishing to donate to the school may make a one-time donation of any amount or pledge a monthly gift by logging on to www.orleanscountychristianschool.com; or mailing a check to OCCS, P.O. Box 349, Medina, 14103. Donations can also be made through Venmo:@occsschool.
Contributed Story Posted 7 December 2025 at 9:28 am
The Roy-Hart/Barker/Medina Club Hockey team traveled to Rochester to face the unbeaten home team and came away with an 8-5 loss on Saturday.
The game was closer than the final score would indicate, however.
After falling behind 1-0, RBM scored to tie the game on a goal by Clayton Wagner (Medina) assisted by John Peracciny (RH) and Sean Mettler (RH). Falling behind once again in the first period, Ryan Felicetti (Wilson) tied the score again with Viktor Snyder (Albion) assisting. The initial period ended with RBM trailing 3-2.
The second period belonged to the home team as they took a 5-2 lead into the third period. At the 11:20 mark, Gavin Ickowski (R-H) scored a shorthanded goal. Rochester quickly answered, however.
Trailing 6-3, RBM scored the next two goals to make it a 6-5 game. Scoring was Cameron Bryer (Wilson) assisted by Wagner and Felicetti assisted by Snyder.
Rochester finished the scoring with two goals.
Jonathan Esposito (Kendall) led the Team Rochester offense with three goals.
RBM next travels to unbeaten Hamburg on Wednesday evening for a 9 p.m. game.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 7 December 2025 at 8:58 am
The Niagara-Orleans League girls basketball season will tip off on Monday evening as Albion hosts Akron at 6:30 p.m.
The N-O boys basketball season will get underway on Thursday as Medina visits Barker at 6 p.m. and defending champion Akron hosts Albion at 6:30 p.m.
The N-O wrestling season beings on Wednesday with Akron at Medina, Albion at Wilson and defending champion Newfane at Roy-Hart/Barker at 6 p.m.
The week’s wrestling competition will be highlighted on Saturday with the annual Fred Large Memorial Tournament at Lyndonville.
The N-O swim season also gets underway on Thursday with Newfane at Medina and Roy-Hart/Barker at Albion at 5 p.m.
Weekly Schedule Monday Boys Basketball – Medina at Starpoint, Alden at Barker, Lyndonville at Oakfield-Alabama, 7 p.m. Girls Basketball – Akron at Albion, 6:30 p.m.; Wheatland-Chili at Holley, 7 p.m.
Tuesday Boys Basketball – Roy-Hart at Notre Dame, 7 p.m. Girls Basketball – Lyndonville at Oakfield-Alabama, Pembroke at Kendall, 7 p.m. Swimming – Medina at Notre Dame, Albion at Oakfield-Alabama, Roy-Hart/Barker at HAC, 5:30 p.m. Wrestling – Franklinville vs. Roy-Hart/Barker at Barker, 6 p.m.
Wednesday Boys Basketball – Holley at Wheatland-Chili, Pembroke at Kendall, 7 p.m. Girls Basketball – Barker at Kenmore West, 6:30 p.m.; Medina at Park, 7:30 p.m. Wrestling – Pavilion/York and St. Mary’s at Lyndonville, 5:30 p.m.; Akron at Medina, Albion at Wilson, Newfane at Roy-Hart/Barker, 6 p.m.
Thursday Boys Basketball – Medina at Barker, 6 p.m.; Albion at Akron, 6:30 p.m. Girls Basketball – Byron-Bergen at Roy-Hart, 6:30 p.m.; Alexander at Holley, Kendall at Wheatland-Chili, 7 p.m. Swimming – Newfane at Medina, Roy-Hart/Barker at Albion, 5 p.m.
Friday Boys Basketball – Alexander at Holley, Wheatland-Chili at Kendall, 7 p.m. Girls Basketball – Barker at Medina, 5 p.m.; Lyndonville at Pembroke, 7 p.m. Wrestling – Albion at JCC Tournament
Saturday Boys Basketball – Cleve Hill at Barker, 12:30 p.m.; Roy-Hart at Attica, 6:30 p.m. Girls Basketball – Roy-Hart at Maryvale, 12 p.m. Swimming – Roy-Hart/Barker at Akron, 10 a.m. Wrestling – Fred Large Tournament at Lyndonville, 9 a.m.; Albion at JCC Tournament
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 December 2025 at 8:37 am
Families, businesses and organizations decorate trees at Veterans Park
Photos by Tom Rivers
LYNDONVILLE – The Village of Lyndonville turned on the lights Saturday for 82 Christmas trees decorated at Veterans Park. Many of the trees are decorated in memory of loves, while businesses and organizations also puts lights and ornaments on the trees.
Lyndonville started the tradition in 2013 with 26 trees. It has continues to have a strong response from the community.
This tree with angel at top was decorated by the family of Derwood and Dorothy James.
One of the trees is decorated by the Bradley family for family members including Wes Bradley, who was a founding member of Christmas in Lyndonville Committee. For the first 12 years of the celebration, Bradley served as the emcee when Santa arrived by carriage and led the countdown to Santa flipping the switch to light up the trees.
Bradley, a beloved teacher and coach in Lyndonville, passed away on Sept. 27. He also was chairman of Lyndonville’s fireworks effort for many years.
Carla Woodworth, left of Santa, served as emcee on Saturday and helped guide Santa to the “North Pole” electric switch so he could turn on the power for all the trees.
The Hardner-Smith family decorated the tree in lower right in memory of Dr. Elizabeth Lucyszyn. It includes a chicken ornament on top.
This tree is decorated in honor of Mark Hughes, a Lyndonville teacher and coach who passed away on June 4. Hughes was known to many as “Mr. Lyndonville.” He was a very active part of the school district for 52 years.
The patriotic tree with flags was decorated by Lyndonville Lions Club.
Veterans Park is the site for Lyndonville’s display of trees. The trees stay lighted up until just after New Year’s Day.
Jennifer Trupo, a music teacher at Lyndonville, and her chorus students sang “Silent Night” and other Christmas songs outside the Yates Community Library before Santa arrived and the trees were lighted up.
There were nearly 20 activities throughout the day on Saturday for Christmas in Lyndonville beginning with a community breakfast/basket raffle from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Lyndonville Presbyterian Church. The day concluded with a Christmas LaLaPalooza at the Lyndonville Presbyterian Church.
Amelia McDonald, 3, of Lyndonville was among about 100 kids who were able to meet Santa inside the Village Hall.
The lighting of the trees brought many people to Veterans Park on Saturday evening.
The trees are all decorated in a different way by families, businesses and organizations.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 6 December 2025 at 6:58 pm
Contributed Photo – Albion’s trio of Stryker Sanders, Jaxon Lynch and Drake Schomske went undefeated at the Charger Duals wrestling tournament held today at Cheektowaga.
Albion went 3-1 a the Charger Duals Wrestling Tournament today at Cheektowaga.
The Purple Eagles defeated Cheektowaga 51-27, St. Mary’s. Lancaster 53-21 and Maryvale 54-28 but dropped a narrow 42-39 decision to Fredonia.
Albion was led by a trio of undefeated wrestlers inclding Jaxon Lynch, Drake Schomske and Stryker Sanders.
Medina competed at the Byron-Bergen Tournament as Luke Duffina (132) placed second and Jake Duffina (118) and Tyler Raduns (1165) both took sixth.
In the JV competition for Medina, Davi Mucoucah (138) placed first and Cole Herman (215) second.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 6 December 2025 at 6:32 pm
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Kendall’s Mia Price puts up a shot against Medina defender Roswyn Oakes during the Lady Eagles tournament championship game win this afternoon.
Kendall trimmed Medina 37-31 in the championship game of the host Lady Eagles Tip-Off Tournament this afternoon.
Mia Price scored 15, Teagan Shaw 10, Sophia Picado and Izzy D’Agostino 4 each and Stella Kwiatek and Brynn Hardenbrook 2 each for Kendall.
Caliyah St. Louis led Medina with 12 as Tatianna Maxon and Sam Heschke both had 7, Roswyn Oakes 3 and Emberlyn Oakes 2.
The contest was deadlocked at 19-19 at the end of the first half which saw four ties and four lead changes. Shaw had 7 and Price 6 for Kendall during that stretch while St. Louis and Maxon both netted 7 for Medina.
Kendall moved on top to stay at 33-27 by outscoring Medina 14-8 in the third period.
Breaking away from the game’s last tie at 27-27, the Lady Eagles closed the period with a 6-0 run on a layup off a steal and a free throw by Price and a three by Shaw. Price had a total of 7 in the period.
The Mustangs could get no closer than five in the low scoring final period which saw each team score only four points.
Medina’s Sam Heschke grabs a rebound as Izzy D’Agostino (12) and Teagan Shaw (10) move in for Kendall.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 6 December 2025 at 6:24 pm
Medina completed a sweep of a pair of season opening non league games at Kenmore East by downing the host Bulldogs 67-56 this afternoon as Jerrell Nealy and Preston Woodworth combined for 51 points.
Nealy scored 26 including 10 in the third period and 7 in the fourth. Woodworth netted 25 including 9 in the first quarter and 7 in both the second and third periods.
Kolton Fletcher added 9 and Avion Johnson 4 for the Mustangs which led 35-26 at the half.
The Mustang had defeated West Seneca East 51-44 at Ken East in the season opener on Friday.
Medina will next visit Starpoint in a non league contest at 7 p.m. Monday.
Perry 81, Holley 40
Cooper Wolf scored 16, Josh Silpoch 13 and Avante Walker 6 for Holley in a 81-40 non league game loss at Perry this afternoon.
Wilson 66, Cardinal O’Hara 59
Aidan Neumann scored 38 and Ryan Hough 15 to lead Wilson to a 66-59 non league win over Cardinal O’Hara.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 6 December 2025 at 6:19 pm
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Holley’s Hanna Ostrom drives against Albion’s Aaliyah Jones during the Lady Hawks Kendall Tournament win over the Purple Eagles this afternoon.
Moving on top to stay in the third quarter, Holley went on to down Albion 30-26 this afternoon in the consolation game of the Kendall girls basketball tournament.
Trailing 18-12, Holley closed the third period with an 11-0 run to take the lead for good at 23-18. Kyla Burne and Jayna Burris both had a pair of baskets and Mia Thom a three to key the Lady Hawks rally.
Albion closed to within one, 24-23, early in the final period on a basket by Jocelyn Friedl but could not pull even.
Burne answered with big back-to-back baskets upping the Holley lead to 28-23.
The closest Albion could get after that was at 28-26 on a three by Leah Pawlak as a steal and a layup at the buzzer by Burris capped off the Lady Hawks win.
Burne finished with 10, Brynn Thomas 8, Burris 6, Thom 5 and Hanna Ostrom 1 for the Lady Hawks.
Aaliyah Jones, Friedl and Melia Prince each scored 6, Pawlak 5 and Madison Markle 3 for the Purple Eagles.
Albion’s Melia Prince and Holley’s Alexis VanAmeron battle for the ball.
