By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 December 2025 at 11:10 am
Provided photo: This photo shows Iroquois Job Corps students at their graduation in August.
SHELBY – The Iroquoius Job Corps has a message for the community: The center remains open and welcomes more students.
There may be confusion about the status of the center after the federal Department of Labor suspended the programs in May, with most of the students at 99 centers sent home. However, a federal judge in June ruled Job Corps Centers nationwide must remain open.
The local Job Corps at 11780 Tibbits Rd. is stepping up outreach to welcome students. The free residential program is open to students ages 16 to 24 years old.
The open house is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and is a chance to meet teachers and counselors.
“See the campus, meet some students, get energized about changing the direction of your future,” the Job Corps said in promoting the event.
The center can help students earn their high school diploma, and earn certificates in carpentry, brick masonry, electrical, CNA (certified nursing assistant) or CMA (certified medical assistant).
ALBION – Maison Albion is pleased to announce the appointment of Sarah Omicioli as its new Venue Manager. Omicioli joins the team with an impressive 10-year track record in event planning, most recently with Good Neighbor Events in Buffalo, where she honed her expertise in creating memorable experiences and managing complex event logistics.
In her new role, Omicioli will oversee all venue operations at Maison Albion, working closely with clients to bring their visions to life while ensuring seamless execution of events. Her extensive background in event planning positions her uniquely to understand both the creative and operational demands of hosting exceptional gatherings.
“We are thrilled to welcome Sarah to the Maison Albion family,” said Kerri Glover, owner of the site at 13800 W County House Rd. “Her wealth of experience and proven ability to deliver outstanding events make her the perfect fit for this role. We’re confident that her leadership will elevate the experience for every client who chooses Maison Albion for their special occasions.”
Throughout her tenure at Good Neighbor Events, Omicioli developed a reputation for meticulous attention to detail, creative problem-solving, and a client-first approach that consistently exceeded expectations. Her experience spans a diverse range of events, from intimate gatherings to large-scale celebrations.
“I’m excited to join Maison Albion and contribute to its legacy of hosting extraordinary events,” said Omicioli. “This venue offers such incredible possibilities, and I look forward to working with clients to create unforgettable moments.”
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 2 December 2025 at 9:58 am
Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Leading the Roy-Hart/Barker wrestling squad into Saturday’s season opening Dick Lang Duals will be this group of veterans. In front are Remington Marohn and Rowan Murray. In back are Luke Fay, RJ Townsend and Lincoln Murray.
Contributed Photo – Dick Lang
It will be a special season opener for the Roy-Hart/Barker wrestling team which will host the second annual Dick Lang Duals Tournament on Saturday.
The tournament honors the memory of Dick Lang who coached the Rams for 10 years (1978-88) compiling a 96-17-2 record including five Niagara-Orleans League championships.
Lang, who was inducted into both the WNY Wrestling Coaches Hall of Fame and the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, coached five Roy-Hart wrestlers to state championships including U.S. Olympian Lou Rosselli.
The tournament field will include Canisius, Lake Shore, Holley-Kendall, Williamsville North, Williamsville East, Williamsville South, Lafayette, Tonawanda and CSAT. The all day admission will be $5. The tourney is scheduled to begin at 8 a.m.
Roy-Hart/Barker will also face a challenging Niagara-Orleans League opener hosting defending champion Newfane on December 10.
Leading the team this season will be veterans Remington Marohn, Rowan Murray, Luke Fay, RJ Townsend and Lincoln Murray.
“We’ve got good numbers but we’re still young.” said Coach Matt McCauley.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 2 December 2025 at 9:32 am
Photo by Cheryl Wertman – The Holley-Kendall wrestling squad’s veteran group includes, in front, Carson Cady, Isaac Bartlett and Jayden Rivera. In back are Parker Denning, Immanuel Cornell and Brenden Eichas.
The accent is on youth for the underclassmen dominated Holley-Kendall wrestling squad which will open the season with tournaments at Roy-Hart on December 6 and at Lyndonville on Dec. 13.
Leading the squad will be the veteran group of juniors Brenden Eichas, Immanuel Cornell and Parker Denning, sophomore Isaac Bartlett, freshman Carson Cady and eighth grader Jayden Rivera.
“We have a young team and high numbers,” said Coach Jim Mapes. “We are poised to have a good season and make a push for the Genesee Region League title.”
The team’s graduation losses included William Kruger who went 37-10 and Hunter Jewell-Smith who was 31-10.
The G-R opener will be December 17 at home against defending champion Byron-Bergen/Elba.
Photos courtesy of Hospice of Orleans: (Left) This photo shows from left stylist Leslie Saj, Salon De Coiffeur owner and stylist Terah Jackson and stylist Jianna Saulsbury. (Right) Some of the items up for raffle included an autographed photo by Ray Davis of the Buffalo Bills.
Press Release, Hospice of Orleans County
MEDINA – Hospice of Orleans County is pleased to announce a generous contribution resulting from the dedication of a local business owner and the enthusiastic support of the community.
Terah Jackson, owner and stylist at Salon De Coiffeur, has successfully concluded her salon’s Annual Christmas Raffle, raising $2,305 for Hospice of Orleans County.
For the past two months, Ms. Jackson diligently sought donations and promoted the raffle, inspiring an outpouring of support from community members and local businesses. This massive effort resulted in over 55 generously donated baskets and raffle items.
“We are incredibly grateful for Ms. Jackson’s hard work and the overwhelming generosity of the entire community,” said Brittany Dix, Community Outreach Specialist. “When community members take it upon themselves to initiate such a substantial fundraising effort, it directly helps provide vital resources that allow us to continue offering compassionate care and support to our patients and their families in Orleans County. This sort of community dedication is especially meaningful.”
The raffle, which drew winners on Nov. 18, featured a diverse array of items, including handmade cutting boards, hair supplies, chocolates, wine, gift cards, and a highly-coveted Buffalo Bills autograph.
Hospice of Orleans County extends its deepest thanks to Terah Jackson, Salon De Coiffeur stylists Leslie Saj & Jianna Saulsbury, and everyone who contributed to the success of this meaningful event.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 December 2025 at 8:41 am
Photos courtesy of Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Company: Firefighters work on putting out a fire in a house on Niagara-Orleans Countyline Road on Monday evening.
RIDGEWAY – One resident was taken by ambulance from a house fire on Niagara-Orleans Countyline Road on Monday evening. The Red Cross was requested to assist that person with emergency housing.
Firefighters were dispatched to the scene at 7:43 p.m. Firefighters worked for hours to find hidden fire and stop it, the Ridgeway Fire Company stated on its Facebook page. The fire was declared under control at 10:04 p.m. with extensive overhaul operations. Firefighters cleared the scene just after midnight.
Ridgeway was assisted at the scene by Medina Fire Department, Lyndonville Joint Fire District, Shelby Fire Company, Albion Joint Fire District, Tri-Town Ambulance and a fill-in crew from Hartland Fire Company.
This was also the first call of Ridgeway’s new fire truck, Engine 12.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 1 December 2025 at 10:03 pm
Photos by Ginny Kropf: Kelly Shaw, left, director of the Senior Center in Medina, received a Christmas gift from Carol Bellack on behalf of the senior members during the annual Christmas dinner on Monday. At rear is Lynn Creasey, president of the board.
Medina senior Natalie Herbert sings a solo “Noel,” during the A’Capella Select Choir’s visit to Medina Senior Center.
MEDINA – The Medina Senior Center was packed to capacity today for their annual Christmas dinner and entertainment by Medina High School’s A’Capella Select Choir.
The event began with the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer by Senior Center board president Lynn Creasey, followed by presentation of a Christmas gift to director Kelly Shaw by Carol Bellack on behalf of the seniors. Bellack shared the seniors’ appreciation of Shaw for all she does for the Senior Center.
Next was an announcement by Mike Randall, retired feature reporter for WKBW Channel 7, about a benefit he is doing Dec. 19 at the Medina Theater. Theater owner Joe Cardone is donating the theater for Randall’s performance of “Charles Dickens” to benefit the food pantries in Medina. Tickets are $10 and can be ordered through the Medina Theater’s website.
Everyone who brings a non-perishable food item will be entered in a drawing for various prizes. The doors will open at 7 and the A’Capella Choir will sing prior to Randall’s performance.
Entertaining at the Senior Center each Christmas is one of the A’Capella Choir’s favorite things to do, said director Rachel Trillizio.
“They love coming here,” she said.
The choir of 15 select members opened their program by singing “O Come All Ye Faithful,” followed by “Silent Night.” Next was “Cuckoo’s Christmas Gift” and senior Natalie Herbert singing “Noel.” The program concluded with the audience being invited to join the choir in singing “Joy to the World.”
Trillizio reminded the audience of the choir’s annual Christmas concert Dec. 14 at St. Mary’s Church with the Oak Orchard School Glee Club, directed by Andrea Busch. Doors will open at 7 p.m.
Any senior citizen in the area is invited to join the Senior Center of Western Orleans. Dues are only $10 per year and are being accepted for 2026. Benefits of becoming a member include access to day-old food from Tops bakery daily, exercise classes on Wednesday mornings, crafts and euchre on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday afternoons. Other events throughout the year include monthly luncheons and entertainment with drawings for prizes.
Rachel Trillizio, director of Medina High School’s A’Capella Choir, greets guests and introduces the choir at the annual Medina Senior Center Christmas dinner. The choir has been entertaining there for decades.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 1 December 2025 at 8:53 pm
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Barker’s Anthony Taliaferro puts up a shot over Lyndonville’s Lyric Raduns.
Highlighted by a barrage of ten threes. Barker posted a 55-37 victory over visiting Lyndonville this evening in the Bulldogs non league season opener.
Anthony Taliaferro scored a game high 21 points to lead Barker. Jackson Prynn added 12, Donovan Hefferon 6, Carter DerSarkissian 5, Peyton Wagner 4, Carson Schwab 3 and Dominic Cimato and Caden Garcia 2 each.
Taliaferro and Prynn both hit four threes as DerSarkissian and Schwab each had one.
Lane Woodworth scored 15 and Colton Smith 11 to pace Lyndonville as Atticus Mank added 6 and Quincy McClinsey 5.
Barker led by 8, 23-15, at the half as Prynn had three threes, Taliaferro two and Schwab one over the first two periods.
The Bulldogs then broke the game open in the third period outscoring the Tigers 18-5 to pull away to a commanding 21 point, 41-20, lead. Taliaferro scored 8, including two threes to lead that surge.
Barker next visits Attica at 7 p.m. Wednesday for another non league contest.
Lyndonville, which is now 1-2, next host Houghton at 6 p.m. Friday in a non league game.
Lyndonville’s Quincy McClinsey tries for a layup as Carter DerSarkissian defends for Barker.
Barker’s Ashton Ark goes up to block a shot attempt by Lyndonville’s Atticus Mank.
Lyndonville’s Lane Woodworth goes in for a layup as Caden Garcia defends for Barker.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 1 December 2025 at 8:27 pm
POINT BREEZE – The Oak Orchard Neighborhood Association is sharing $7,000 in donations to local organizations.
The proceeds are from the OONA summer concert series. OONA donated to the following:
• $1,500 – Community Action of Orleans & Genesee
• $1,000 – Hospice of Orleans
• $1,000 – Orleans Koinonia Kitchen
• $1,000 – Genesee-Orleans Ministry of Concern
• $1,000 – Carlton Fire Department
• $600 – Oak Orchard Lighthouse
• $500 – Orleans County Veterans Agency
• $400 – 50 Winks (Bowie Foundation)
“The tremendous support and generosity of our community enabled us to donate a total of $7,000 to these very worthy organizations,” said Pat Furlong, OONA treasurer.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 1 December 2025 at 7:43 pm
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for Orleans County on Tuesday from 1 a.m. to 7 p.m. with 2 to 4 inches of snow expected.
The advisory also included Niagara, Monroe, Genesee and northern Erie counties.
“The snow will peak in intensity during the Tuesday morning commute,” the Weather Service said. “Plan on snow covered and slippery road conditions with reduced visibility.”
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 1 December 2025 at 11:22 am
Photo by Cheryl Wertman – The Albion wrestling squad’s veteran group includes, in front, Jaxon Lynch, Drake Schomske, Justin Mengs and Alakai Colmenero. In back are Jackson Snook, Stryker Sanders, Kaiser Allport and Corbin Piccirilli.
Under classmen dominate the lineup as the Albion wrestling squad begins tuning up for the Niagara-Orleans League season by hosting Byron-Bergen at 6 p.m. Thursday.
Freshman Stryker Sanders, who competed in the state championships last year going 34-6 overall including 2-2 at the states, heads the Purple Eagles veteran group.
That contingent also includes juniors Jaxson Lynch, Jackson Snook, Alakai Colmenero, Kaiser Allport along with sophomores Corbin Piccirilli, Drake Schomski and freshmen Justin Mengs. Lynch, Schomske and Mengs all had 20 plus win seasons.
“We’ve got good numbers and I think we’re a little stronger this year,” said Coach Mike Sanders. “We’re still building and we’re still young but weight class wise I think we’re pretty well spread out.”
The Purple Eagles will open the N-O season at Wilson on December 10.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 1 December 2025 at 11:17 am
Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Veteran members of the Medina wrestling team include, in front, Jacob Duffina, Luke Duffina, Ryan Frentz and Cole Herman. In back are Tyler Raduns, Nolan Stanton, Frankie Stephens, Nate Surdel and Britten Brady.
Nine veterans anchor the lineup for the Medina wrestling squad which will begin tuning up for the Niagara-Orleans League season by visiting Churchville-Chili at 6 p.m. Thursday.
Senior Luke Duffina, who captured the N-O 131 lb. title last year, heads the Mustangs veteran contingent which also includes senior Frankie Stephens, sophomores Ryan Frentz, Tyler Raduns, Cole Herman, Nolan Stanton, Nate Surdel and Britten Brady and freshman Jacob Duffina.
The Mustangs key graduation losses included N-O champions Reece Senske and Brody Fry, who are now both wrestling collegiately, along with Austin Seefeldt and Ethan Carson.
“We lost some key guys but we do have some experience back,” said Coach Eric Gross. “However, our numbers are still pretty low and having the state add a 14th weight class doesn’t help us in filling all the weight classes.”
The Mustangs will also compete in the Byron-Bergen Tournament this coming Saturday before hosting Akron in the N-O opener on December 10.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 1 December 2025 at 11:14 am
Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Leading Kendall into the upcoming Genesee Region League season will be this veteran quartet of CJ D’Agostino, Jonny Conte, Jonas Rhodes and Vinnie D’Agostino.
Seven returnees, including four regulars, anchor the lineup for Kendall which will open Genesee Region League competition at home on December 10 against Pembroke.
Leading the Eagles will be the quartet of seniors Jonny Conte, Jonas Rhodes, Vinnie D’Agostino and junior CJ D’Agostino. Also returning are senior Noah Morehouse, junior Caleb Opalecky and sophomore Sammy Conte.
CJ D’Agostino scored 190 points last year, Rhodes 188 and Vinnie D’Agostino 174.
The Eagles roster also includes seniors Brandon Barrett and Pablo Rosario-Reyes along with sophomore Ryan Gaeser.
“Our motto is ‘Better Together'” said Coach Kevin Rhodes. “They are all in on defense. They put all of their energy into defense and rebounding.”
The Eagles season will be highlighted by the Eagles annual tournament on December 29 and 30. The opening round matchups will have Northstar vs. Livonia and Roy-Hart vs. Kendall.
Kendall went 7-8 in G-R action and 9-12 overall last year.
