By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 29 October 2025 at 12:19 pm
Hanks family has led the bowling center to several upgrades past 20 years
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Randy Hanks, owner of Oak Orchard Bowl in Albion, received a citation from the Orleans County Legislature on Tuesday in honor of his 20 years of owning the bowling alley in Albion, which is also celebrating its 65th anniversary this year.
County Legislator Ed Morgan, right, presented the certificate to Hanks who was joined during the presentation by Corey Winters, the county’s planning director and also an avid bowler.
Legislators commended Hanks for several improvements to the bowling alley in the past 20 years and also a commitment to host events that raise money for PAWS Animal Shelter, a scholarship and other youth sports programs.
Randy Hanks said he enjoys being at the bowling alley with the bowlers and hosting the many special events including birthday parties. He is glad to support the community fundraisers, too.
The Hanks family owns the 18-lane bowling center on Route 98 at 3291 Oak Orchard Rd. The family has tackled numerous improvements to the bowling center during their two decades at the helm, including a new oil machine, synthetic lanes, flooring, carpeting and remodeled bathrooms.
Hanks was named “Proprietor of the Year” in New York state in 2014 by the United States Bowling Congress.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 29 October 2025 at 12:02 pm
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Holley’s Kyla Burne, left, and Kendall’s Izzy D’Agostino and their Lady Hawks and Lady Eagles teammates will be competing in Section V championship games on Friday.
Holley and Kendall will both be competing in Section V girls soccer tournament championship games on Friday.
No. 5 seed Holley will face No. 3 Canisteo-Greenwood in the Class C1 title game at 5:15 p.m. at Dansville.
Top seeded Kendall will take on Genesee Region League foe No. 2 Byron-Bergen in the Class C2 championship contest at 5:45 p.m. at Brockport.
The title game appearance will be the third in four years for Holley which brings a 12-6-1 record into the contest after the Lady Hawks upended top seeded Geneseo 1-0 in the semifinals on Tuesday. Holley defeated Williamson 2-1 in the 2023 final but lost to Gananda 3-1 in 2022.
Canisteo-Greenwood brings a 15-3 record into the finals after downing No. 2 Campbell-Savona/Hammondsport 3-0 in the semifinals on Tuesday.
The contest will be a rematch of a regular season non league game which saw Canisteo-Greenwood nip Holley 1-0 at Holley.
Offensively Holley, which has only two seniors on its 18 player squad, is led by Ava Mosier (15 goals, 5 assists), Hanna Ostrom (8 goals, 5 assists), Jayna Burris (6 goals and 9 assists) and Kyla Burne (5 goals and 4 assists).
Anchoring the Lady Hawks defense goalie Zoey Warner has made 55 saves and has a 1.28 goals against average.
For Canisteo-Greenwood Adrianna Beers has 14 goals and 2 assists and Kadyn Piliero 9 goals and 3 assists.
For Kendall the C2 final will be a rematch of last year’s title game which saw Byron-Bergen nip the Lady Eagles 1-0.
Kendall brings a 17-1 into the finals, which includes a 2-1 regular season G-R win over Byron-Bergen. The Lady Eagles downed No. 4 Keshequa 3-0 in the semifinals.
The Lady Bees are 16-2 on the season after blanking No. 3 Bloomfield 3-0 in the semifinals.
The Byron-Bergen offense is led by Mia Gray (42 goals and 23 assists) as Grace DiQuattro has 28 goals and 24 assists, Anastasia Kuszlyk (14 goals and 6 assists) and Elizabeth Starowitz (13 goals and 22 assists).
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 29 October 2025 at 11:41 am
ALBION – The case in Orleans County Court against a Medina man accused of arson is currently on hold.
Zachary Natale, 32, allegedly set an apartment on fire on Dec. 17, 2024 at 207 Bates Rd. The fire forced the evacuation of two other residents in a duplex.
Natale has been charged with second-degree arson, second-degree burglary and two counts of reckless endangerment in the first degree.
Natale was deemed incompetent to trial through one examination, and then was deemed fit in another exam.
But Natale’s attorney, assistant public defender Courtney Spiotta, at court this morning convinced Judge Sanford Church to seek a third competency evaluation.
Natale currently is being held in the Orleans County Jail.
In another case, a North Carolina man who was involved in a high-speed chase in Albion pleaded guilty criminal possession of stolen property in the fifth degree and reckless endangerment in the second degree, both Class A misdemeanors.
Ceu Uk, 22, needed to be extradited from his Charlotte North Carolina. He admitted in court today to driving a vehicle that wasn’t his and doing it without the owner’s consent on May 29, 2023. Uk also admitted to driving in excess of 100 miles per hour in a 30 mph zone, and passing other cars, creating a substantial risk for other people. The car was a 2021 Chrysler 300.
Uk and two of the occupants also fled the vehicle just south of Route 104 on Crandall Road. It then took several hours for police to locate and detain them.
Uk was a given a conditional discharge to obey all laws and seek lawful employment for the next year. If he has any violations, he could spend up to 364 days in the county jail for each charge and also be on probation for up to three years.
Uk is currently working as a Door Dash driver. He has to pay a $175 court surcharge, $50 DNA database fee, and $25 crime victims’ fee.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 29 October 2025 at 10:24 am
Postseason games are usually very challenging and Medina’s opening round task is no exception as the Mustangs will visit undefeated Southwestern at 7 p.m. Thursday in a Section VI Class C quarterfinal contest.
Southwestern is the C South Division’s No. 1 seed after capturing the title with a 7-0 record (8-0 overall).
Medina is the C North Division’s No. 4 seed having posted a 4-2 division, 6-2 overall record during the regular season.
The Trojans offense is sparked by quarterback Trent Lewis (681 yards passing and 11 touchdowns), running back Bradyn Fuller (1,227 yards rushing and 15 touchdowns) along with receivers Roger Markham (15 catches for 377 yards and 6 touchdowns) and Joe Sirianni (9 for 143 and 4 touchdowns).
The Mustangs attack is led by quarterback Preston Woodworth (1,295 yards passing and 16 touchdowns). However, the Mustangs will be without their leading rusher Christian Moss (1,138 yards rushing and 16 touchdowns) who is ineligible for the game after being ejected in the fourth quarter of last Friday’s win over Batavia.
The Southwestern – Medina winner will advance to the semifinals against the winner of Thursday’s Portville (4-3, 5-3) at Eden (5-1, 7-1)quarterfinal.
The other two Class C quarterfinals on Friday will have Salamanca (4-3, 5-3) at Barker/Roy-Hart (6-0, 7-1) and Akron (5-1, 6-2) at Chautauqua Lake/Westfield/Brocton (6-1, 7-1) both at 7 p.m.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 29 October 2025 at 9:23 am
‘This is a game-changer for us’ – SWAT commander Torry Tooley
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Orleans County’s Special Response Team did a demonstration on Tuesday evening at the Tavern on the Ridge, showcasing some of its tools and equipment including this drone.
The team includes nine members from the Sheriff’s Office and seven from the Albion Police Department. The team has several drones, including this one that is used to fly inside a house or other structure. The drone can be used to locate people and provide officers with a layout of the building.
The drone takes off inside the Tavern on the Ridge, looking for a suspect as part of the demonstration for the Orleans County Association of Municipalities, which includes officials from local village, town and the county governments.
Investigator Brian Marsceill of the Sheriff’s Office served as the pilot of the drone, guiding it through the hallway and around the restaurant to locate the suspect.
The Special Response Team moves in to locate the person. It was all part of a demonstration for local officials.
The Special Response Team is run through the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office. The team operates on a $300,000 budget which goes to training, equipment and overtime costs.
Investigator Kevin Colonna, left, and Sgt. Torry Tooley show the screen that law enforcement see from one of the drones. Colonna is a certified pilot for the drones. Tooley is the commander of the Special Response Team.
They noted how the drones helped locate someone who stole items and fled from Walmart last week, first on a bike and then by foot.
That person was detected lying down north of Walmart along Gaines Basin Road. Officers were able to quickly find him with the drones.
The team has drones that can spot people at night through the heat detection and spotlights on the drone. Officers can give commands through the drones to people on the ground or in a house, telling them to surrender, stay put or give other commands.
One of the team’s drones can travel as far as 6 miles, and go up to 50 miles an hour.
Officers can get a live feed from the drones through their phones or the computers in their patrol cars.
The drones are very useful in locating suspects, but Tooley said they also can be used for missing people, including vulnerable elderly people or people with autism and disabilities.
Lt. Adam Hazel of the Sheriff’s Office and Sgt. Torry Tooley show the local officials some of the tools for the Special Response Team including body armor, helmets with night lights, vision monoculars to see in the dark, a 40 mm gun that fires non-lethal bullets, door breaching tools (ram and Halogen tool), as well as several of the different drones.
Tooley said the new drones and night vision on the helmets are “a game-changer for us.”
The team is awaiting a Bearcat armored vehicle to be used on scene for some of the calls. That armored vehicle will be able to transport 10-12 people to high-risk situations requiring advanced tactics and coordination.
I am seeking re-election as Town Council member and humbly ask for your vote once again. My first term has been a great experience; I am blessed to serve on a Town Board that cares deeply about our town. The board does not always agree, but we are always respectful of each other’s ideas and opinions.
For those residents who may not know me, I am 47 and have lived in Clarendon for over 36 years of my life. I grew up here, got my first job in town, and my wife and I are currently raising our two children here.
I am currently employed as the Jail Superintendent for Orleans County Sheriff’s Office and at one time, served as Union President of the Orleans County Sheriff’s Employees Association.
In these positions I’ve been tasked to create, examine and implement policies. I train, counsel and manage employees, while also being charged with the care, custody and control of the incarcerated population.
I have taken part in contract negotiations, mutual agreements and grievances. These experiences have allowed me to develop the skills, knowledge and awareness to serve in the role of town councilman.
I will continue to be a dedicated servant, represent our town with pride and will be available to hear the concerns of Clarendon residents. I have an appreciation for this community and most importantly, I care.
I would be honored to earn your support when you fill out your ballot this election cycle. You can find me on the Republican line.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 28 October 2025 at 10:56 pm
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Kendall’s Jersie Drake scores her second goal of the first half sparking the Lady Eagles to a 3-0 win over Keshequa in the Section V Class C2 semifinals this evening at Caledonia-Mumford.
A goal in the first four minutes ignited top seeded Kendall to a 3-0 victory over No. 4 Keshequa in the semifinal round of the Section V Class C2 girls soccer tournament this evening at Caledonia-Mumford.
Jersie Drake scored the big first goal for Kendall at 36:07 of the first half off an assist from Ryleigh Denning.
Drake scored again 13 minutes later off an assist from Sophia Picardo to give the Lady Eagles a 2-0 lead at the half.
Denning later scored a big insurance goal with seven minutes remaining in the second half as Drake earned the assist.
Brooke Rodas earned the shutout in goal as Brynn Hardenbrook, Addison Kludt, Keara Reed, Stella Kwiatek, Izzy D’Agostino and Haley Ball anchored the defense.
Improving to 17-1, Kendall’s win sets up a rematch of last year’s Class C2 final against Genesee Region League foe Byron-Bergen on Friday at a time and site to be determined.
Seeded No. 2 Byron-Bergen downed No. 3 Bloomfield 3-0 in the second half of the doubleheader at Cal-Mum.
Byron-Bergen nipped Kendall 1-0 in last year’s C2 title contest. The Lady Eagles though bested the Lady Bees 2-1 this season in a G-R contest.
Ryleigh Denning, who scored Kendall’s final goal, drives against Keshequa defender Bree Benner.
Kendall’s Sophia Picardo drives the ball up field against Keshequa defender Carrie Krenzer.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 28 October 2025 at 10:40 pm
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Holley’s Jayna Burris lets loose with a shot to score the only goal the Lady Hawks needed in the win over top seeded Geneseo this evening at Avon.
No. 5 seed Holley upended top seeded Geneseo 1-0 in the semifinal round of the Section V Class C1 girls soccer tournament this evening at Avon.
Jayna Burris scored the game’s lone goal for the Lady Hawks with 21 minutes remaining in the second half off a corner kick by Mia Thom.
Zoey Warner, who made no less than a dozen saves, earned the shutout in goal for the Lady Hawks as Brynn Thomas, Hanna Ostrom, Riley Sweet, Aiyana Stevens and Brianna Tomasino anchored the defense.
“The girls played together as a unit, as a team. I couldn’t be more proud of all of them,” said Coach Renee Wolf. “It took every single player on our team to prepare for today’s game and make it happen.”
Improving to 12-6-1, Holley will next face No. 3 Canisteo-Greenwood in the C1 championship game on Friday at a time and site to be determined. Canisteo-Greenwood downed No. 2 Campbell-Savona/Hammondsport 3-0 in the other semifinal.
Holley’s Carsyn Mogle battles for control of the ball with Geneseo’s Gabriella Lee.
Holley’s Riley Sweet sends the ball up field as Alison Fowler defends for Geneseo.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 28 October 2025 at 10:05 pm
Albion and Medina both lost in straight sets this evening in the opening round of the Section VI volleyball tournament.
No. 8 seed Albion lost 25-16, 25-15, 28-26 to visiting No. 9 Alden in a Class B1 match.
Jillian LeBaron had 5 kills for Albion as Anna Grillo and Katelyn Viza both had 3.
No. 9 Medina dropped a 25-17, 25-19, 25-14 decision at No. 8 Salamanca in a Class B2 contest.
Maddy Watts had 4 aces and Caliyah St. Louis a block for Medina.
Boys Soccer Andover-Whitesville 1. Lyndonville 0
A goal on a penalty kick with just 2:30 remaining was the only score as No. 3 seed Andover-Whitesville nipped No. 2 Lyndonville 1-0 in the semifinal round of the Section V Class D2 boys soccer tournament this evening at Perry.
Section VI Class C Wilson 3, Portville 0
Top seeded Wilson blanked Portville 3-0 this evening in the semifinals of the Section VI Class C soccer tournament.
Aidan Neumann led the Lakemen with a pair of goals.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 28 October 2025 at 9:50 pm
Chart on monthly SNAP benefits from NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance
ALBION – Orleans County has 5,146 residents receiving SNAP benefits that are due to run out in a few days and won’t be refilled until the federal government shutdown is over.
That is a big concern for Holli Nenni, the county’s commissioner of the Department of Social Services.
“I’m scared people will go hungry,” she said. “We’re worried people literally won’t have food.”
In New York, there are 2.9 million SNAP recipients or 14 percent of the population. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program issues monthly electronic benefits through EBT cards that can be used to purchase food at authorized retail food stores.
The SNAP benefits are for children, elderly and disabled residents, with eligibility and benefit levels based on household size, income and other factors.
The program dates back to the Great Depression in the 1930s, and has never been disrupted due to a budget stalemate. In The past during a budget shutdown, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has used emergency funds to continue funding the program, but the USDA said it won’t do that this time.
That has promoted attorneys general and governors from 26 states, including New York, to sue the USDA for suspending SNAP benefits during the federal shutdown.
Attorney General Letitia James said USDA can tap into contingency funds to keep SNAP going during the shutdown.
“Millions of Americans are about to go hungry because the federal government has chosen to withhold food assistance it is legally obligated to provide,” James said in a news release today. “SNAP is one of our nation’s most effective tools to fight hunger, and the USDA has the money to keep it running. There is no excuse for this administration to abandon families who rely on SNAP, or food stamps, as a lifeline. The federal government must do its job to protect families.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 28 October 2025 at 3:33 pm
Provided image
ALBION – Mary Jo Whitman of Batavia has created a new welcome sign for Albion that village officials are aiming to have installed on the east side of Albion along Route 31.
The village would like to have the new sign up with a dedication celebration on Nov. 21.
The village received a grant through the Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council (GO Art!) to fund the project.
The sign includes a Santa to highlight Albion as a home for a Santa School that was run by the late Charles W. Howard from 1937 until his death in 1966. The Santa will be mounted on top in the middle of the sign.
Whitman created Albion scenes within the large letters of “ALBION.” Those scenes include a boat on the Erie Canal with a lift bridge, the Civil War memorial tower at Mount Albion Cemetery and the Orleans County Courthouse.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 28 October 2025 at 2:20 pm
Photo by Tom Rivers: This photo from Nov. 11, 2024, shows Sandy Shaw, retired director of the Community Free Library, and retired Holley Mayor John Kenney, who were both writing messages on Christmas cards to be given to veterans.
HOLLEY – The Community Free Library in Holley will again welcome residents on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, to create Christmas cards for veterans.
The library welcomes people to come in from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. to write notes, decorate cards and stuff envelopes. There will be light refreshments available for those who stop by.
All the cards will be delivered by volunteers and staff to local veterans the first week in December, said Amanda Anderson, Community Free Library director.
MIDDLEPORT – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today announced that the Royalton-Hartland Central School District has received a $235,991 federal grant over three years to strengthen school safety and security for more than 1,100 students and 230 staff across the district.
The funding will support upgrades to school safety infrastructure in partnership with the Middleport Police Department, which provides two full-time School Resource Officers for the district.
Over the course of the grant, the district will implement a new reunification program, upgrade mass communication systems, install panic buttons and remote lockdown capabilities, expand camera coverage throughout all school buildings, and integrate a new technology server and advanced security systems. Staff, administrators, and School Resource Officers will be trained on all new equipment, and a long-term sustainability and replacement plan will be established.
“These funds will help Royalton-Hartland enhance student safety, close coverage gaps, and strengthen coordination with local law enforcement,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “The safety of our students is a top priority, and I was honored to support this project. I look forward to seeing these improvements implemented to protect students, educators, and staff across the district.”
The district expects these improvements to reduce incidents of bullying, harassment, fighting, and theft; improve response times; increase student and parent confidence in school safety; improve adherence to ADA standards; and eliminate camera blind spots that currently cause concern among students.
“The district is excited about the prospect of this grant and what these upgrades will mean for us over the next three years,” said Superintendent Jill Heck. “Implementing a reunification system, new cameras and emergency alerts system will move us toward our Strategic Plan Goal #1 of improving upon the safety, security and learning spaces for everyone in our district. We are truly grateful for this opportunity.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 28 October 2025 at 12:33 pm
8 students and bus driver checked out by EMS after incident
ALBION – An elementary student released pepper spray on the morning school bus run, which resulted in eight students and the bus driver to be examined on scene by Mercy Flight EMS.
There wasn’t a fight on the bus that led to the student using the pepper spray, said Sgt. Robert Wagner of the Albion Police Department.
A young student had a key-chained pepper spray and sprayed it on the floor of the bus, he said.
“The vapor from the spray caused some students on the bus to be affected by it,” Wagner said.
The Albion School District sent an update to parents about the situation. The school said a student on bus U (274) deployed pepper spray. EMS personnel were immediately called to the scene, parents were contacted and another bus was sent.
“All eight students and the driver on board were examined by emergency personnel, some of which were experiencing eye irritation and coughing,” the school district said. “Parents were given the option to pick up their children from the scene, and the secondary school bus was able to transport the remaining students to school.”
The district said the incident is being investigated and the next steps will be determined in accordance with our Code of Conduct.
“We thank our transportation department, local law enforcement and EMS for their quick response,” the district stated.
