Scarecrow Fest returns to Fairgrounds on Saturday

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 8 October 2025 at 8:09 am

Medina Lions organizes event which featured 212 scarecrows last year

Photo by Tom Rivers: Shea Hill of Albion and her granddaughter Lily, 4, work on a scarecrow at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds during last year’s Scarecrow Festival.

MEDINA – The annual Scarecrow Festival sponsored by Medina Lions is scheduled for Saturday at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds.

The event will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., according to Jim Hancock, who chairs the Scarecrow Festival with Jason Cogovan.

The Scarecrow Festival, which has been a major fundraiser for Medina Lions for more than 15 years, involves a lot of people and a lot of planning. Prior to the event, Lions Club members visit the MAAC Thrift Shop and acquire a huge supply of clothing, including dresses, pants, shirts, blouses, neckties, hats and belts.

T-posts for scarecrow bodies were made and donated by Barden Homes, and Jen Scott’s art class at Medina High School painted 180 faces for cloth heads. Straw for the scarecrows’ bodies was donated by Ed Neal of Albion and Dunham Farms of Knowlesville. Last year, a record 212 youngsters made scarecrows to take home.

The day of the event, youngsters choose a post, face and clothing, and after stuffing their scarecrow, they take it to the “surgeons” who sew it together.

The cost to build a scarecrow is $12, and arrangements have been made this year by the Lions to accept credit cards.

Hancock said the event attracts not only children who build a scarecrow, but their parents, grandparents and friends, who love to watch the activity.

“Everybody loves it,” he said.

As an added attraction this year, the Master Gardeners are having a “Pumpkinpalooza” event, with pumpkin decorating and pumpkin-themed activities.

Also, the 4-H rabbit youth will have some rabbits at the Scarecrow Festival.

“Kids love to pet rabbits,” Hancock said.

Food will be available to purchase, including hot dogs, hamburgers, cheeseburgers, chips and soft drinks.

“The Scarecrow Festival is a lot of work, but it’s worth it when you see the joy on kids’ faces,” Hancock said. “All the money we raise goes back into the community. The Lions give $10,000 to $12,000 annually to charities, such as Seeing Eye Dogs and School for the Blind in Batavia.”

Wilson nips Medina to clinch a tie for the N-O boys soccer title; Albion edges Roy-Hart

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 7 October 2025 at 10:08 pm

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Wilson’s Aidan Neumann, who scored the game’s lone goal, advances the ball against Medina defender Ryan Pegelow.

Clinching at least tie for a third straight league title, Wilson nipped Medina 1-0 in a key Niagara-Orleans boys soccer game at Vets Park this evening.

Wilson’s lone goal came on a penalty kick by Aidan Neumann in the final minute of the first half.

Wilson improve to 8-0 and runner-up Medina slips to 6-2. Both teams have two league games remaining on the schedule.

Albion 2, Roy-Hart 1
Albion edged Roy-Hart 2-1 in the other N-O game as Justin Kania had a goal and an assist and Joey Bropst a goal.

Albion is now 2-5-1 and Roy-Hart 0-9.

N-O Standings: Wilson 8-0-0, Medina 6-2-0, Akron 4-3-0, Newfane 3-4-1, Albion 2-5-1, Roy-Hart 0-9-0.

Medina’s Colvin Poole and Wilson’s Trenton Kaminski race after the ball.

Lady Eagles win to go to 10-0 in G-R soccer

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 7 October 2025 at 9:49 pm

Locking up the division title, Kendall blanked Oakfield-Alabama 4-0 this evening to improve to 10-0 in Genesee Region League girls soccer competition (13-1 overall).

Addison Kludt scored two goals for the Lady Eagles as Stella Kwiatek and Ryleigh Denning both had one. Sophia Picardo added two assists and Kludt one.

Byron-Bergen 5, Holley 3
Byron-Bergen outlasted Holley 5-3 in another G-R contest.

Ava Mosier scored two goals for Holley and Hanna Ostrom one. Emma Burne, Jayna Burris and Ostrom each had an assist.

Holley is now 7-3-1 in G-R action.

N-O Roundup
Albion 1, Roy-Hart 1
Madi Frasier scored for Albion and Ruth Walker for Roy-Hart off an assist from Maria Trombley.

Akron 5, Barker/Lyndonville 1
Clara Bogdan scored two goals for Akron as Olivia Novak, Reese Adessa and Riley Irish-Baker each netted one.

Alexa Robinson scored the Barker/Lyndonville goal.

Wilson 15, Medina 0
A dozen players scored goals for Wilson led by two each from Addison Elia, Lucy Madan and Kairi Beck.

N-O Standings: Wilson 10-0, Roy-Hart 5-2-2, Akron 5-3-1, Barker/Lyndonville 4-3-3, Newfane 3-6-0, Albion 1-5-4, Medina 0-9-0.

Akron and Barker score N-O field hockey wins

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 7 October 2025 at 9:34 pm

Akron and Barker both scored wins today to remain 1-2 in the Niagara-Orleans League field hockey title race.

Akron defeated Wilson to go to 7-0 as Morgan Tomporowski scored three goals and Madigan Regan, Mackenzie Tomporowski and Brooke Milhollen one each.

Barker boosted its record to 8-1 by downing Kenmore 5-1 as Sophia Pavlock, Sara Meza Ray, Elise Monaco, Jordyn Kinne and Madelina Pavlock took turns scoring the goals.

In the other game, Newfane nipped Roy-Hart 4-3 in a shootout.

Adella Dukes, Alayna Kowalski and Bella Rhinehart each scored a goal for Roy-Hart.

N-O Standings: Akron 7-0, Barker 8-1, Medina 4-4, Kenmore 3-5, Roy-Hart 3-6, Wilson 3-6, Newfane 1-7.

Roy-Hart spikers win to improve to 7-0 in N-O

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 7 October 2025 at 9:24 pm

Defending champion Roy-Hart downed Wilson 25-16, 25-12, 24-26, 25-16 this evening to improve to 7-0 in Niagara-Orleans League volleyball competition.

Grace Pearl had 10 kills, Kylie McOmber 8 kills, Raegan Kern 7 kills, Lauren Snyder 6 kills and Ryleigh Capen 32 assists for the Lady Rams.

In the other N-O matches, Akron defeated Medina 25-15, 25-16, 25-22 and Newfane downed Albion 25-14, 25-17, 25-12.

Caliyah St. Louis and Maya Anderson both had 2 blocks, Maddy Watts 1 block and Natalie West and Anderson 1 kill each for Medina.

Jillian LeBaron had 4 kills, 1 block and 30 digs, Hanna Kumalac 10 assists and Madison Muckle 23 digs for Albion.

N-O Standings: Roy-Hart 7-0, Newfane 6-1, Wilson 4-3, Akron 3-4, Albion 1-6, Medina 0-7.

Barker wins two to go to 6-0 in N-O boys X-C

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 7 October 2025 at 9:17 pm

Barker scored a pair of wins today to close out the Niagara-Orleans League boys cross-country regular season with a 6-0 record.

Barker downed Newfane 17-46 and Roy-Hart 15-50.

In the other boys meets, Newfane edged Roy-Hart 27-29, Akron defeated Medina 23-32 and Wilson 19-39 and Medina downed Wilson 20-39.

The Newfane girls finished the regular season at 6-0 by downing Barker 15-50 and Roy-Hart 27-29.

The other meets had Roy-Hart downed Barker 15-50, Akron defeated Medina 20-43 and Wilson 15-50 and Medina bested Wilson 15-50.

The individual winners in the boys’ two tri-meets were Akron’s Quinn O’Malley and Barker’s Payton Wagner.

The girls individual winners were Medina’s Talia Rupp and Newfane’s Eden Hillman.

Boys’ Standings:Barker 6-0, Albion 5-1, Akron 4-2, Medina 3-3, Newfane 2-4, Roy-Hart 1-5, Wilson 0-6.
Girls’ Standings: Newfane 6-0, Roy-Hart 5-1, Akron 4-2, Albion 3-3, Medina 2-4, Wilson 1-5, Barker 0-6.

‘Pumpkinpalooza’ returns Saturday at fairgrounds during Scarecrow Fest

Posted 7 October 2025 at 7:36 pm

Photos courtesy of Master Gardeners of Orleans County: (Left) This owl was one of the entries for the Carved Pumpkin category. (Right) This entry incorporated beautiful fall blooms in their decorations.

By Katie Oakes, Orleans County CCE Master Gardener Coordinator

KNOWLESVILLE – Get ready to showcase your creativity at the Lions Club Scarecrow Fest and Pumpkinpalooza this Saturday.

Orleans CCE Master Gardeners are once again encouraging the public to enter their pumpkin creations at their annual Pumpkinpalooza event!

There will be prizes in three categories: Best Carved, Best Decorated and Best Painted. The competition is open to participants of all ages from the community!

One of the winners from 2024 were a half dozen painted donut pumpkins.

Pumpkins must be dropped off between 9 and 10 a.m. the day of the event. Judging will take place by Master Gardener volunteers with winners announced at noon. Winners need not be present to win.

The Pumpkinpalooza event happens at the same time and place as the ever-popular Medina Lions Club Scarecrow Fest. Master Gardeners will also have pumpkin painting available for children 12 and under from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (or while supplies last).

“Come join us and carve out some fun fall memories!” said Julie Granchelli, Master Gardener and member of the Pumpkinpalooza MG Subcommittee.

The Scarecrow Festival and Pumpkinpalooza events will be held on Saturday, October 11, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds, 12690 State Rt 31 in Albion. For questions about Pumpkinpalooza or other Master Gardener events, call 585-798-4265 ext. 125 or email klo54@cornell.edu.

3 from Orleans County in University at Buffalo Marching Band

Posted 7 October 2025 at 7:27 pm

Press release and photo courtesy of University at Buffalo

BUFFALO – The following local students were selected as a member of the UB Marching Band for the 2025 season:

Zackary Baron of Albion, a member of the drumline.
Jaxon Phillips of Medina, a member of the drumline.
Caiden Class of Medina, who plays the alto saxophone.

The Marching Band – nicknamed “Thunder of the East” – is the largest and most visible student musical experience at UB. For over 100 years, the group has entertained tens of thousands of UB fans each season with high-energy performances and True Blue spirit.

“I see membership in the UB Marching Band as a journey of tradition and purpose where students grow, inspire others and carry the university’s spirit in every performance,” said James Mauck, Marching Band director. “Membership in the UB Marching Band goes beyond music – it’s about friendships, inspiration and pride in representing the university.”

The Marching Band includes woodwinds, brass and drumline sections, along with members of the color guard, feature twirlers and UB Dazzlers (dance team).

In addition to performing at UB events, the Marching Band performed in front of 70,000 fans at the Buffalo Bills home game vs. the New Orleans Saints on Sept. 28.

Sandstone Trust accepting grant applications for local projects

Posted 7 October 2025 at 7:12 pm

Press Release, Medina Sandstone Society

MEDINA – The Sandstone Trust of Medina is accepting grant applications from not-for-profit organizations and/or programs in Orleans County, which benefit the residents of Medina, Ridgeway and Shelby.

The community endowment program will make several thousand dollars available in December; funding is intended for purposes that clearly benefit the community. Grants generally range from $500 to $1,000.

Grant application forms can be obtained: in person at Michael Zelazny CPA, 511 Main St.; by regular mail request sent to Sandstone Trust, P O Box 25, Medina, NY 14103; or electronically by clicking here.

Completed applications are due by Nov. 7. They should be mailed to Sandstone Trust, PO Box 25, Medina, NY 14103.

For more information, email sandstonesociety@gmail.org or call Michael Zelazny at 585-798-1006.

Wish and Wonder Tattoo opens in Albion

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 October 2025 at 1:07 pm

Andrew London brings bright and welcoming business to his hometown

Photos by Tom Rivers: Andrew London opened Wish and Wonder Tattoo in Albion about two weeks ago at 115 East Bank St. London has worked as a tattoo artist the past 11 years.

ALBION – A new tattoo business in Albion features a hometown tattoo artist who wants to help the downtown business district grow.

Andrew London, 33, has worked as a tattoo artist for 11 years. He started at High Voltage Tattoo in Batavia and worked the past seven years at Canalside Tattoo in Medina.

London has a devoted clientele and he wanted to work in his hometown of Albion.

“I wanted to bring something to Albion that would brighten up the downtown,” said London, whose father Dean is a former Albion mayor and police chief.

About two weeks ago Andrew opened Wish and Wonder Tattoo at 115 East Bank St. He is joined by his wife, Katie, who is an apprentice tattoo artist. Megan “Marge” Furness also runs a body piercing business at Wish and Wonder. Furness has worked as a piercer the past four years.

Wish and Wonder Tattoo includes, from left: Megan “Marge” Furness as a body piercer, Andrew London, the owner and a tattoo artist; and Katie London, an apprentice tattoo artist.

London has a bright atmosphere at Wish and Wonder. He picked a name for the business that he said “feels magical.”

He wanted a well lighted space for the tattoo artists and for the body piercer.

“It’s not dark and scary,” he said. “It’s light and airy.”

London said he has done tens of thousands of tattoos so far in his career.

Tattoos have become far more accepted in the past 10 to 20 years. Many people proudly post them on social media, and receive very positive feedback which encourages their friends to want them.

London said most people keep coming back after getting a tattoo. He does many memorial tattoos, and ones with birth stones and birth flowers that people want to represent their children.

“Tattoos are memories,” he said at Wish and Wonder this morning. “People get one, they like it and then they want more.”

He strives to make people feel comfortable during the process of getting a tattoo.

“They all have a fun time when they are in here,” he said. “That must be why they call it ink therapy.”

Andrew London recently created these tattoos of Frankenstein, Zelda and the American flag.

London and his wife Katie pushed to open Wish and Wonder once their youngest child entered kindergarten last month. That has freed them up to put more focus on their own business.

Katie also is an apprentice tattoo artist. She is starting with smaller tattoos and will be working her way up to larger artwork.

Her husband wanted to be an art teacher when he graduated from high school. He found being a tattoo artist fills his artistic passions. He also likes to connect with his customers, and bring them joy with tattoos that are often very meaningful and personal expressions.

London is a sponsored artist through Empire Inks, which provides inks for gray washes – black and gray tattoos.

Megan “Marge” Furness is a body piercer with a business, Piercings by Marge. She worked as a phlebotomist, collecting blood samples from patients, before getting into body piercing.

She did an apprenticeship at Canalside Tattoo to learn the craft. She does piercings for the ear, nose, eyebrow, lip, tongue and other body parts.

She uses a sterile, hollow needle instead of a piercing gun which she said reduces swelling and is easier for her clients. Furness said she talks through the process, especially with children.

“The best part is giving people a very good piercing experience,” she said.

For more information on Wish and Wonder, call (585) 283-4173 or check their Facebook page.

Rams Wall of Fame set to induct Coach Carl Husung and the 2004 state semi soccer team

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 7 October 2025 at 11:00 am

File Photos – Former long time Roy-Hart Coach Carl Husung, who is shown here with his 2000 Niagara-Orleans League championship team, will be inducted into the Rams Wall of Fame on October 16. In front are Eric Beyler, Aaron Boyle, Aaron Hall, Derek Boyle and John Salmeri. In the middle row are Jeremy Silsby, Steve Bochniarz, Brandon Wittcop, Joel Belliveau and Marc Morse. In back are Coach Husung, Matt Bishara, Cole Bronson, Isaac Bath and Billy Loeffler. Missing from the photo are Chris Barr and Billy Richards.

Former longtime boys varsity soccer Coach Carl Husung and the 2004 Section VI and Far West Regional champion boys soccer team will be inducted into the Roy-Hart Rams Wall of Fame in ceremonies on October 16 at 6 p.m. at Bruno Pacini Field prior to the Rams game against Pembroke.

Husung guided the Rams for 20 seasons from 1984 to 2003. His 2000 team earned the Rams first Niagara-Orleans League soccer title. After stepping own as varsity coach, Husung continued to work with the Rams soccer program as the JV coach for many years.

The 2004 team became Roy-Hart’s first state semifinal team by defeatng Holland 5-3 on penalty kicks for the Section VI Class B title and then blanking Bishop Kearney 2-0 in the Far West Regional. Coach Jeremiah Hicks’ Rams then dropped a narrow 1-0 decision to Westhill (Section III) in the state semifinals at Oneonta.

Roy-Hart’s 2004 Section VI and Far West Regional championship team coached by Jeremiah Hicks, shown here celebrating their Regional victory, will be inducted into the Rams Wall of Fame on October 16. The Rams team included Phil Stern, John Grabowski, Brett Tinder, Evan Silsby, Jon Willcox, Dale Budziszewski, Justin Phipps, Kyle Zunner, Brandon Guild, Steve Szklany, Nathan Hall, Arlee Logan, Jim Salmeri, Mark Hutchison, Derek Wagner, Matt Barr, Kevin Morse and Jason Phipps.

Rookie, Player of the Year trophies reflect Green’s very successful Epson debut season

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 7 October 2025 at 10:03 am

Epson contributed photo – Melanie Green

Well reflecting her very successful debut season on the Epson Tour, Medina’s Melanie Green here holds the Rookie of the Year and Player of the Year trophies she has won by being the tour’s season long points leader.

“I’m just super blessed. It has been awesome. It has been one of ups,” said Green of the season in an Epson interview following the conclusion of this past week’s season ending Epson championship tournament in which she finished tied for seventh.

And most significantly for the future, her season long consistency and her points total has also earned Green a coveted LPGA Tour Card for 2026.

“God has given me such a gift and I’m looking forward to the journey,” she added.

Highlighting Green’s Epson Tour season were a pair of tournament victories, at the Island Resort championship in Michigan and the Guardian championship in Alabama.

In all she had 10 top 10 finishes in 19 starts.

It has been a steady climb of success up the ladder to earning a spot on the LPGA Tour as Green was a two-time state champion during her scholastic days at Medina High and a multi year All American honoree during her record setting collegiate career at the University of South Florida.

Late-night fire levels Lyndonville home on Murdock Road

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 October 2025 at 9:54 am

Photos by Tom Rivers

YATES – A fire last night destroyed a home owned by Jim Dix at 1401 Murdock Rd.

Firefighters were dispatched to the scene at 1:22 a.m. When they arrived, the house was fully involved with fire.

No one was injured in the blaze. Lyndonville firefighters were assisted at the scene by Ridgeway, Shelby and Medina.

Mike Heideman, the Lyndonville fire chief, said the scene was cleared at 3:54 a.m.

Fire investigators were also called to the scene last night.