Oak Orchard Health names new CEO, Marco Altieri

Posted 28 April 2026 at 1:31 pm

Press Release, Oak Orchard Health

Marco Altieri

BROCKPORT – Oak Orchard Health, a leading healthcare provider in rural upstate New York, has introduced Marco Altieri as its Chief Executive Officer.

On Wednesday night, the Oak Orchard Health Board of Directors voted unanimously to remove the interim status from Altieri’s title. This vote followed a rigorous interview session conducted by the board on Monday, April 20th, and due deliberation thereafter.

Altieri comes to Oak Orchard with over 20 years of experience in healthcare, 16 of which was spent as a CEO. In his role as interim CEO, he spearheaded efforts to inspire and motivate Oak Orchard’s providers and staff through open and transparent communication, equipping them with the tools to improve patient care across our communities.

Altieri has set ambitious goals as CEO: stabilize operations; develop a 3–5-year strategic plan; improve overall organizational efficiency; reduce the potential for risks and liabilities; continue efforts at strengthening organizational culture; focus on Oak Orchard’s financial well-being and provide for controlled growth. The Board of Directors believe these goals align with their priorities as well as the overall needs for the organization.

“We are pleased to announce that Marco Altieri has accepted the position of Chief Executive Officer at Oak Orchard Health,” said John Slenker, chairman of the Board of Directors. “He brings a wealth of experience, proven leadership, and a dynamic vision for the future of our organization.”

In his new role, Altieri will be responsible for directing all operational activities while balancing present-day stability with a clear vision for the organization’s future.

Acclaimed guitarist latest to perform at Hoag Library for concert series

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 28 April 2026 at 11:16 am

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Nicholas Goluses performs on Saturday in the Hoag Library concert series. Goluses, a professor of guitar at the Eastman School of Music, opened the concert on Saturday with “Fantasis our guitare seul, Op. 58” by Fernando Sor.

Goluses followed that “The Five Preludes” by Heitor Villa-lobos.

Goluses performed for about 50 people in Saturday’s concert. He has played around the world as a soloist, with an orchestra and as a chamber musician. He has a new album, “Across the Horizon,” which was released in the fall by Parna/Albany Records.

Goluses praised the acoustics at Hoag Library during Saturday’s concert.

“I love the sound in this room,” he said. “It’s very nice. Sometimes you play in places and it’s as dead as a doornail. Here, it’s very alive.”

He performed as part of the third concert series at Hoag. The concerts are at noon on Saturdays. The series started on March 28 with Medusa Quartet.

The remainder of the schedule includes:

Striking Strings Ensemble – May 23 at 12 p.m.
The White Hots Jazz Trio – May 30 at 12 p.m.
Matthew Ardizzone – June 27 at 12 p.m.
Lynn McGrath – July 25 at 12 p.m.
Adrianna Noone – August 22 at 12 p.m.
Muriel Anderson & Kinloch Nelson – Sept. 12 at 12 p.m.
Evie Ladin & Keith Terry –October 10 at 12 p.m.
O’s Pipa & Fiddle Witch Duet – Nov. 7 at 12 p.m.
Rochester Ukulele Orchestra – Dec. 5 at 12 p.m.

All performances are free and open to the public. The Hoag Music Series is aimed at bringing unique music experiences to Albion from artists who do not frequently perform in Orleans County.

The events are possible with funding from the New York State Council on the Arts that is administered by GO Art!

Hawley warns of energy crisis, but doesn’t mention impact of 500-megawatt data center

Posted 28 April 2026 at 8:02 am

Editor:

Despite profound public resistance reaching all of the way to Governor Hochul, the massive STREAM Data Center Project in the Town of Alabama continues to inch forward.

While on the state level, both the senate and legislature have introduced a bill that would enact a three-year moratorium on data center permitting (Senate Bill S-9144, Assembly Bill A-10141), state reps continue to take a “not my circus, not my monkeys” approach when asked by so many of their constituents for help. Some take even less of a stance in that they take no stance at all – refusing to publicly promote or condemn the project.

The latest example of this is State Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R), representing Assembly District 139 which includes all of Orleans and Genesee counties, and portions of Monroe and Erie counties. Just last week Mr. Hawley mailed out postcards warning of impending energy crises, rising utility bills, an unstable utility grid, and his great plan to save us all. And yet, no mention of the STREAM Data Center project.

What could be more dangerous to an already unstable grid than adding a massive Data Center that requires 500 megawatts to operate? What could cause already rising utility costs to increase even further? (cough, a 500 megawatt data center).

One way or another, we deserve to know where he stands. If he really means all that he claims on this latest postcard it would only make sense that he would also be against this project.

We’re waiting.

Sincerely,

Elizabeth Thompson

Batavia

Medina adopts village budget with 1.3% tax increase

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 28 April 2026 at 7:41 am

Budget includes $300K profit from sale of ladder truck

Photo by Tom Rivers: The Medina Village Board approved the village’s new budget on Monday for 2026-27. From left includes trustees Jeff Wagner and Jess Marciano, clerk/treasurer Jada Burgess, mayor Debbie Padoleski, and trustees Mark Prawel and Scott Bieliski.

MEDINA – The Medina Village Board on Monday approved the village’s budget for 2026-27 that shrunk a tax increase from 22 percent in the tentative budget on April 13 to a final figure of 1.3 percent.

The budget is boosted by $300,000 in profit from the sale of a new ladder truck. Medina also will be spared about $130,000 from making the first bond payment for the truck.

To net a $300,000 profit, the village would need to sell the truck for $2.1 million. The village already has received offers for $2 million for the truck without any advertisement, said trustee Scott Bieliski. The board said on Monday it will reaching out to three different brokers to try to maximize the price for the new truck. The broker would get 1 percent of the sale, or about $20,000 and that fee may be paid by the buyer, Bieliski said.

Medina is looking to sell the truck, which will spare it from the $130,000 annual payments over 20 years and also save the village from taking on the expense of an addition to the fire hall to house the truck. The truck is too big for the existing fire hall.

The village budget was adopted unanimously by the board on Monday. It preserves all existing village positions. The budget a year ago eliminated four firefighter positions and also didn’t fill a vacancy in the DPW. The board also cut the K9 program and withdrew from having the Medina PD as the school resource officer.

The budget for 2026-27 increases spending in the general fund by 2.0 percent from $7,723,296 to $7,877,764. The tax levy is up by 1.29 percent or $50,418 from $3,910,344 to $3,960,762.

The tax rate will increase by 21.5 cents from $13.995 to $14.21 per $1,000 of assessed property.

The village’s tax base decreased by $690,258 from $279,406,911 to $278,716,653. New townwide reassessments won’t take effect in the village until the 2027-28 budget.

The new budget was the first one for Steve Cooley as fire chief and Christian Navas as the police chief. They both thanked the board and Jada Burgess, the clerk/treasurer, for their assistance with the budget.

Mayor Debbie Padoleski said the department heads all attended extra meetings and worked hard with the board to reach the final spending plan.

The board also approved the water fund budget, which is up 1.1 percent or by $23,395 – from $2,210,778 to $2,234,173.

Medina also adopted the sewer fund budget, which increased by 8.7 percent or by $118,133 – from $1,360,558 to $1,478,691.

The village’s new fiscal year starts on June 1.

Orleans, Niagara reps advocate for dredging of recreational harbors on Lake Ontario

Posted 27 April 2026 at 9:45 pm

Provided photo and press release, Orleans County Legislature

BUFFALO – Orleans County Legislature Chairman Lynne Johnson and Niagara County Legislator Dave Godfrey took part last week in the Great Lakes Shallow Harbor Draft Stakeholders meeting led by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

The legislators continue to advocate for dredging of our recreational harbors along the shore of Lake Ontario to ensure they remain open to boaters. These recreational harbors are a significant economic driver for the communities along the lake.

Editor’s Note: The Oak Orchard Harbor was dredged in 2025, 2021 and 2014.

A total of approximately 15,000 cubic yards of material from Oak Orchard was dredged last year.

Dredging of the harbors ensures accessible depths for vessels traveling the Great Lakes and enables recreational boating which supports business revenue and labor income to the transportation sector combined.

Oak Orchard Harbor is a shallow-draft harbor. Recreational boating facilitated by the harbor supports $6.8 million in business revenue, 94 direct, indirect, and induced jobs, and $6 million in labor income to the nation, the Army Corps of Engineers stated in a press release last year.

Mustangs post shutout win over Lakemen

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 27 April 2026 at 8:39 pm

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Medina’s Carlos Doval waits to take the throw as Wilson’s Cam Bryer slides into second base. The action took place during the Mustangs shutout win over the Lakemen at Vets Park this evening,

Four run scoring bursts in each of the first two innings sparked Medina to a 10-0 victory over Wilson in a Niagara-Orleans League baseball game at Vets Park this evening.

Aidan Papaj had an RBI double and Hadrian Batista an RBI single in the first inning to get the Mustangs rolling.

Papaj also had an RBI double in the second frame as Cam Fike banged out a two-run double.

Preston Woodworth picked up the win on the mound allowing only 3 hits and striking out 11 over the five innings of the run rule contest.

Medina is now 4-0 and Wilson 1-6 in N-O action.

Medina’s Jimmy Dieter hits a sacrifice fly. Cam Bryer is the Wilson catcher.

Sheriff’s Office announces 8 more arrests for public assistance fraud

Posted 27 April 2026 at 8:14 pm

Press Release, Orleans County Sheriff Chris Bourke

ALBION – The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office reports the arrest of multiple individuals following a series of investigations conducted in conjunction with the Department of Social Services into alleged public assistance fraud.

As a result of these investigations, several subjects were charged with offenses including Welfare Fraud, Petit Larceny, Grand Larceny, Forgery and Offering a False Instrument for Filing.

It is alleged that the individuals collectively received $27,255 in public assistance benefits to which they were not entitled.

The following were charged: Olivia Schultz, Stacey Wright, Salina Sunday, Sara Ward, Kelly Gibson, Amber Walls, Greggory Steinmetz and Larneice Hall.

All eight were issued appearance tickets and are scheduled to appear in the Town of Albion Court at a later date.

The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office will continue to work closely with the Department of Social Services to investigate and prosecute fraud-related offenses.

Kendall golfers win G-R tri-match

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 27 April 2026 at 7:48 pm

Kendall improved to 2-3 in Genesee Region League golf competition by winning a tri-match this afternoon.

Kendall posted a score of 221 as Notre Dame had a 237 and Elba/Oakfield-Alabama a 263.

Kendall’s Jonathan Esposito was medalist with a 48.

Lady Tigers score win over Lady Rams

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 27 April 2026 at 7:41 pm

Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Lyndonville first baseman Isabella Groves stretches to get the ball and the out on Roy-Hart’s Peyton May during the Lady Tigers win over the visiting Lady Rams this afternoon.

Leading by a narrow 2-1 margin, Lyndonville erupted for 6 runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to lock up an 8-1 win over visiting Roy-Hart in a non league softball game this afternoon.

A two-run double by Brooke Robinson capped off the decisive uprising which also included an RBI single by winning pitcher Arnie Sturtevant. An error, a single by Hannah Fox and a walk loaded the bases to set up the threat.

The Lady Tigers other two runs came in the first inning on an RBI double by Sturtevant and an RBI single by Isabella Groves. A double by Alexa Robinson set up the opportunity.

In the circle, Sturtevant scattered 3 hits and struck out 7.

Barker 4, Medina 2
Two runs in the top of the seventh inning on a passed ball and groundout provided the margin of victory for Barker in the Niagara-Orleans League softball win over Medina at Vets Park. A double by Peyton Bradley helped set up the threat.

Madyson Flint hurled a sparkling 2 hitter with 16 strikeouts in the circle for Barker.

Samantha Heschke pitched a 4 hitter with 7 strikeouts for Medina which also got an RBI double by Savannah Jo Thompson.

Barker is now 5-0 and Medina 0-4 in N-O action.

Perry 4, Holley 3
Perry edged Holley 4-3 in a non league game. Madison Bonacci had a two-run double for the Lady Hawks.

Fast start powers Kendall past W-C

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 27 April 2026 at 7:26 pm

Erupting for 8 quick runs in the first inning, Kendall went on to blank Wheatland-Chili 14-0 in a Genesee Region League baseball game this afternoon.

A two-run double by winning pitcher Andrew D’Agostino, a triple by CJ D’Agostino and a single and double by Jonny Conte highlighted the big uprising which also included hits by Nic Cole, Sammy Conte and Andrew Cole.

Jonny Conte finished with 3 hits as Vinnie D’Agostino and Nic Cole both had 2.

On the mound, Andrew D’Agostino hurled a 1 hitter with 13 strikeouts.

Kendall improves to 11-1 overall.

Alexander 7, Lyndonville 2
A five run first inning on two errors, a fielders choice play, a single and a groundout sparked Alexander to a 7-3 G-R win over Lyndonville.

Lyndonville scored twice in the third on a single by Austin Fonda and an error.

Rams lock up win with big late inning

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 27 April 2026 at 7:18 pm

A huge late inning scoring burst put a lock on the win as undefeated (7-0) front-running Roy-Hart downed Akron 12-0 in a Niagara-Orleans League baseball game this afternoon.

Leading by a narrow 2-0 margin, the Rams wrapped up the win by scoring 10 runs in the fifth inning highlighted by a three-run double and an RBI triple by Isaac Smith who had a total of 4 hits and 6 RBIs on the day. Hank Snyder. John Brigham and RJ Townsend also all had doubles in the big frame.

Jared Hy picked up the win on the mound allowing 3 hits and striking out 9.

The loss drops Akron to 2-3.

Barker 6, Newfane 3
A trio of two run innings earned Barker a 6-3 N-O win over Newfane.

Barker scored twice in the first inning on an error and a wild pitch, twice in the second on a wild pitch and a single by Grayson Prynn and twice in the fourth on singles by Drew LaGreca and Logan Flint.

Newfane’s three runs came in the first inning on a single by Blake Palumbo and an error.

JJ Prynn earned the win on the mound allowing 3 hits and striking out 12 in six and one-third innings of work.

Albion bests Medina in N-O tennis match

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 27 April 2026 at 6:44 pm

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Albion’s Landon Graybill, right, downed Medina’s River Jones at first singles during the Purple Eagles victory over the host Mustangs this afternoon.

Albion posted a 5-0 victory over rival Medina in a Niagara-Orleans League tennis match this afternoon at Medina.

Landon Graybill and Jillian LeBaron scored singles wins to lead the way for Albion.

The Purple Eagles also got wins from the doubles teams of Bradyn Whittier – Hanna Kumalac, Kailee Anstey – Juan Gomez-Roblero and Carter Krull – Colson Braley.

Barker 4, Newfane 1
Barker improved to 3-1 with a 4-1 victory over Newfane as singles wins by Daniel Goodwin and Matthew Jordan led the way.

The Bulldogs also got wins from the doubles teams of Nick Heideman – Aurora Wass and Aaden Munn – Luke Fay.

Albion’s Jillian LeBaron, right, defeated Medina’s Talia Rupp at second singles.

Medina businesses hosting murder mystery event on May 2

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 27 April 2026 at 1:40 pm

MEDINA – Murder and mystery will return to Medina on May 2, when the Medina Area Partnership sponsors Murder and Mocktails at the Mayflower.

This is the fourth annual murder/mystery event MAP has held in downtown Medina.

“Each year we change the era and theme,” said Ann Fisher-Bale, who chairs the event for MAP.

This year’s event also has the added feature of mocktails.

Murder and Mocktails embraces the rock ‘n roll era and jiving to the sounds of the 1950s, Bale said. It’s class reunion time and class adviser May O’Ryll Powers has decided she is the only one capable of organizing the big event. She schedules a meeting at the Mayflower Diner to get started. She only invited her favorite classmates to help her out. However, one of them holds a grudge from school days. This is revealed when the waitress comes screaming from the bathroom announcing May no longer has powers.

It is up to ticket holders to decide who did the dastardly deed.

Fisher-Bale explained the fictional 1950s-themed murder mystery gives a historic nod to the Mayflower Restaurant which once occupied a storefront on Main Street where Avanti’s is now located. Old classmates have gathered together there to help plan their long-awaited reunion, but not everyone is there to reminisce.

Attendees will visit 10 characters stationed withing participating businesses to obtain clues to solve the mystery. Sleuths (attendees) will have to determine who they can trust and who has the most to hide. Those who solve the mystery will be entered in a drawing to win a prize pack valued at more than $200.

New this year, attendees will have the opportunity to sample a variety of mocktails at participating businesses.

Dressing up isn’t required, but it is encouraged.

“So grease your hair, grab your pearls and don your favorite poodle skirt for a fun fifties afternoon,” Fisher-Bale said. “Be sure to don your dapper duds for our themed photo-ops.”

Tickets are available for $20 each. Click here for more information ad to get a ticket.

The event runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and check-in will be from 10 a.m. to noon at the Senior Center, 615 West Ave., where participants will receive their investigator’s booklet to compile notes/clues and a goodie bag, which will include store coupons.

“This year’s mystery is a perfect mix of nostalgia, suspense and fun,” Fisher-Bale said. “We invite you to dress up, visit our local shops and help us catch a killer.”

As an added perk, “dapper day” specials and activities will be offered at local businesses.

The event also happens to be the same day as the Kentucky Derby, so MAP is encouraging participating businesses to offer specials relating to derby day. For bars and restaurants, that could be 1950s or Derby-themed drinks or foods. For other businesses, MAP suggests they offer murder/mystery books or games, hats, gift items, etc.

MAP anticipates the event will bring up to 250 people to downtown Medina to enjoy a spring day and visit local businesses.

UB to host Section VI football championships

Contributed Story Posted 27 April 2026 at 12:48 pm

Section VI Athletics has announced a new partnership with UB Athletics that will bring the
Section VI Football Championships to the University at Buffalo’s Broadview Stadium November 12 and
13, 2026.

This collaboration will provide student-athletes with the opportunity to compete in a premier collegiate
venue. The University at Buffalo’s state-of-the-art stadium will serve as the official host site for all
Section VI football championship games.

“We are thrilled to partner with UB Athletics to provide a memorable championship experience for our
student-athletes and coaches in a Division I stadium,” said Mark DiFilippo, Section VI Executive Director.

“When the opportunity presented itself to host the Section VI Football Championships, we immediately
wanted to secure these games here at Broadview Stadium,” said UB Vice President & Director of
Athletics Mark Alnutt. “It is a win/win as the football student-athletes get to compete at a Division I
venue and it opens our campus to prospective students and their families to be able to experience
what UB has to offer. I’m thrilled about this partnership and look forward to it being anchored here for
years to come.”

Additional details regarding game schedules, ticketing, and event logistics will be announced in the
coming months.

The sectionals had previously been held at the now closed Highmark Stadium.

Gas prices continue climb – up 4 cents in Orleans, 8 cents in NYS

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 27 April 2026 at 10:17 am

Gas prices for regular unleaded continued to creep up in the past week with a 4-cent increase in Orleans County, 6 cents nationally and 8 cents in New York State.

The national average price for a gallon of gasoline is at $4.11 today, up $4.05 a week ago, AAA reported today. A year ago, the price was $3.15.

The New York State average is $4.19, up 8 cents from last Monday. A year ago, the NYS average was $3.10.

“After a brief decline, gas prices are on the rise once again as tensions persist in the Middle East,” AAA said in news release. “Oil prices dropped sharply after the announcement of a ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran, but continued instability along the Strait of Hormuz has prices pushing upward. This morning, oil prices range from $97 to $108 per barrel, compared to $88 to $94 per barrel one week ago. Oil is the main ingredient in gasoline, so oil prices have a direct impact on pump prices.”

Diesel prices are down slightly this week with the national average at $5.45, down 8 cents from last week, and up from $3.55 a year ago. The New York average for diesel fuel is $5.91, down 1 cent from last week, and up from $3.90 last year, AAA said.

In Orleans County, the average for regular unleaded went from $4.176 a week ago to $4.216.

Here are the average prices at counties in Western New York:

Orleans, $4.216
Genesee, $4.169
Monroe, $4.188
Niagara, $4.116
Erie, $4.175
Wyoming, $4.184
Livingston, $4.219
Chautauqua, $4.131
Cattaraugus, $4.015
Allegany, $4.092

The highest price in the state is in Manhattan at $4.614 in Manhattan. In upstate, Essex County is the highest at $4.417.