Provided photos: Brittany Dix, Community Outreach Specialist for Hospice of Orleans, presents awards to Ike Burr, left, and Linda Chrzan.
Press Release, Hospice of Orleans County
LYNDONVILLE – Annually, Hospice of Orleans honors volunteers during National Volunteer Week by hosting a luncheon. This year’s event was held at White Birch in Lyndonville.
Volunteers were acknowledged for their time spent with the organization, with Linda Chrzan being acknowledged for a 30-year history of service. Linda’s work on hospice’s golf tournament over the years has been invaluable to the organization and she continues to offer unique insight to improve the event.
Another golf committee member and volunteer, Ike Burr, was honored prior to the event with an “Above Par” Award as he was unable to attend. Ike has stepped down from tournament planning after many years and wished continued success to the organization’s event.
Brittany Dix presents “Volunteer of the Year” awards to Jim Pratt, left, and Kathy Babbitt, right.
This year’s Volunteer of the Year was presented by Brittany Dix, Community Outreach Specialist, to a “dynamic duo” – Jim Pratt and Kathy Babbitt.
“Whether at a table in the community or in conversation with potential donors, the advocacy for our organization in these interactions and conversations is enthusiastic and heartfelt,” Dix said.
While Jim could not attend the luncheon and was awarded ahead of time, unbeknownst to Kathy, both recipients echoed that there must have been other, more deserving, candidates for the award. The humility of this sentiment is a truly valuable characteristic in anyone, but especially a volunteer.
“Jim and Kathy are simply happy to help,” Dix said. “If challenges at any time arise, they engage in dialogue and are happy to seek solutions. Each of them is fantastic people to have working with us, together they complement each other in the best way.”
Hospice of Orleans extends thanks to all of our incredible volunteers and is currently welcoming new volunteers in all areas of service, but is especially seeking direct-care volunteers as the number of patients served continues to grow.
“Our mission is so tenderly carried out at times that are most often wrought with stress and isolation,” Dix said. “That anyone would choose to step into those moments is profound.”
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 25 April 2026 at 3:15 pm
Honorees include Dr. Warren Blount, Michael Royal, Nelda Toussaint and Mary Woodruff
Photos by Ginny Kropf: Michael Royal, assistant superintendent of Mooresville, N.C. School District and a 1997 graduate of Medina High School, accepts his Distinguished Alumni Award in ceremonies Thursday. Looking on at right is school principal Michael Cavanagh.
MEDINA – Four extraordinary individuals were honored at ceremonies Thursday afternoon at Medina High School with induction to the Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame.
Honorees were Dr. Warren Blount, a 1963 graduate of Medina High School; Michael Royal, a 1997 graduate; Nelda Toussaint (posthumously), 1947 graduate; and Mary Woodruff, 1965 graduate.
The program began with a welcome from Michael Cavanagh, High School principal, followed by introduction of honorees by the school’s Student Government officers.
“Today we honor four individuals who will be recognized for their outstanding contributions to their community and/or chosen career,” Cavanagh said. “Listen to their stories and I am sure you will agree they are quite inspirational.”
Next, Lilah Class led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the A’Cappella Select Ensemble under the direction of Rachel Trillizio singing “Sawubona.”
The audience at Medina High School’s Distinguished Awards Ceremony Thursday afternoon was entertained by the A’Capella Select Ensemble, under the direction of Rachel Trillizio.
This was followed by an overview of the awards presentation by Christopher Mulcahy Jr., who explained the Distinguished Alumni Award is given annually to honor alumni, promote school spirit, foster pride in the school and community and to serve as an incentive for the current student body.
“The people we honor today are proof we are all capable of achieving greatness and truly making a difference in society,” Mulcahy said.
The Distinguished Alumni awards were established in 2003. To earn this honor, a person nominated must be a current or former member of the school community who has graduated at least 10 years ago and who has achieved one of more of the following: achieved excellence in their chosen career, made outstanding contributions to their community or profession, or made an outstanding contribution to humanity as determined by the Distinguished Alumni Committee.
“What we find quite interesting is the diversity among our honorees,” Mulcahy said. “They have definitely left their mark in society, whether it is right here in our hometown or in places throughout the world.”
Each honoree was presented with a plaque, and a second plaque will be displayed in the hallway leading from the cafeteria toward the agriculture room.
The late Dr. Warren Blount’s nephew accepted his Distinguished Alumni Award at ceremonies Thursday afternoon at Medina High School.
Madelyn Elliott introduced the first honoree, Dr. Warren Blount, whose award was given posthumously and accepted by his nephew Travis Evans.
Dr. Blount embodied the virtues of character, patriotism and grit throughout a lifetime of extraordinary service, which began as a member of the United States Marines, third Forces Reconnaissance Battalion. Serving three tours of duty during the Vietnam War, Blount displayed immense bravery during the Battle of Khe Sanh and the Tet Offensive. His gallantry in the face of conflict earned him numerous prestigious honors, including the Purple Heart, the Naval Commendation Medal, Bronze Star and the Vietnam Cross.
After his military service, Blount became a highly skilled surgeon’s assistant in cardiac vascular surgery. His career in Michigan saw him assist in more than 6,000 open-heart surgeries and transplants. He furthered his education at the Michigan University College of Human Medicine, completing a residency in emergency medicine to expand his capacity to care for those in crisis.
He concluded his career in Tallahassee, Fla., where he served 17 years as a practicing emergency physician at the Capital Region Medical Center. Known for his unwavering compassion and dedication, he treated every patient with the same steadfast resolve he showed as a Marine. He remains a shining example of the heights a Medina alumnus can reach through hard work and a heart for service.
Evans also described the suffering Blount endured because of Agent Orange – first having his right leg amputated and finally succumbing from Agent Orange at the age of 78. He is buried in Arlington Cemetery.
“He was a fantastic individual and a compassionate surgeon,” Evans said.
The next honoree, Michael Royal, was introduced by Ava Blount, who said Royal has built a distinguished career defined by academic excellence and leadership.
“A member of the National Honor Society and a record-setting athlete in the 4×400 relay, Royal carried his Medina work ethic to the Mooresville Graded School District in North Carolina,” Blount said.
Since 2001, Royal ascended from an award-winning mathematics teacher and principal of Mooresville High School to chief operations officer, where he oversaw more than $100 million in construction projects, and currently serves as assistant superintendent of the school. His visionary leadership in digital learning and student growth earned him the 2016-2017 Administrator of the Year Award and led to his appointment as interim superintendent in 2022.
In addition to his administrative success, Royal is a legendary figure in North Carolina athletics. One of only five coaches inducted into the Mooresville High School Athletic Hall of Fame, he led his teams to a staggering 39 team titles and six state championships. Most notably, his 2007-08 boys’ teams achieved the historic “Triple Crown,” winning state championships in cross country, indoor track and outdoor tract, a feat unmatched by any other boys’ program in state history.
Beyond the scoreboard, Royal’s contribution to humanity is seen in his devotion to his brother, Corey. By running marathons for Team Spina Bifida, Royal turned personal loss into a mission of hope, raising vital funds and awareness in Corey’s memory.
In spite of his deep roots in Mooresville, where he has been honored by Rotary as a Paul Harris Fellow and an active community volunteer, Royal remains a “Mustang” at heart. Inspired by the civic example of his father Craig Royal, Michael frequently returns to Western New York to support the Buffalo Bills and participate in local races. Whether he is mentoring students, guiding a district of 6,000 pupils or honoring his brother’s legacy, Michael Royal exemplifies the character and grit of a Distinguished Alumnus. He resides in Mooresville with his wife Mary and two daughters, continuing a life of service that makes his hometown proud.
Royal said he was humbled to be standing before the audience as a member of the Class of 1997. He also paid tribute to his grandmother Sheila Royal who had passed away last year.
“Twenty-nine years ago on this stage I graduated and received my diploma,” Royal said. “There were five teachers who made an impact on me, my coach, Jack Kiebala, Maria Biano, Steve O’Dea, Ed Weider and Cynthia Kiebala. I see them as the architect of my character, and I am honored they are all here today.”
Royal added, “The race is not always to the swift. It is to those who keep running.”
In conclusion, he added, “As we approach National Teacher Appreciation Week, please know you are appreciated.”
Jeff Toussaint, left, and Jennifer Cardone accepted their mother Nelda Toussaint’s Distinguished Alumni award posthumously from Medina High School principal Michael Cavanagh.
Nelda Toussaint was introduced by Izabella Garcia, who called her “a woman of remarkable intellect and determination.”
Toussaint graduated at the age of 16, then went on to earn a degree in fine arts from Syracuse University. Returning to her hometown, she applied her meticulous organizational skills to the management of her family’s farm and multiple local law offices. For more than seven decades, she remained a pillar of the Medina community, balancing her professional acumen with a deep-seated commitment to civic duty. Whether managing complex finances or serving as an active member of the First Presbyterian Church, she moved through life with a grace and precision that earned her the enduring respect of her peers.
Toussaint’s most profound legacy lies in her unwavering advocacy for local education. For more than 20 years, she served as a vital member and president of the Medina School Board, steering the district through decades of growth and change. Her passion for the schools did not end with her formal tenure; she continued to serve on the budget committee and attend meetings well into her nineties. Beyond the boardroom, her leadership extended to the Medina Memorial Hospital’s Association of Twigs and the Woods Creek Pony Club, reflecting a lifetime mission to enrich the social and educational fabric of the village she loved.
To all who knew her, Toussaint was a portrait of vitality and spirit. An adventurer at heart, she traveled the world, notably riding a camel across the Sahara at the age of 89. Yet, her greatest pride was found closer to home in the achievements of her grandchildren, for whom she never missed a performance, game or graduation.
Nelda Toussaint’s life was a master class in active citizenship and family devotion. Through her decades of leadership on the school board and her tireless volunteerism, she exemplified the very best of the Medina spirit, leaving behind a community that is stronger and more vibrant because of her dedicated service.
Her children, Jennifer Cardone and Jeffrey Toussaint, accepted her award posthumously.
“Mom would be so honored,” Jeffrey said. “She volunteered her time to many organizations, but serving on the School Board was something she was very proud of.” She followed her father Laverne Beeton, who served 16 years on the School Board.
“Education was her great interest and the Medina School Board was her passion,” Jeffrey said. “She went until she couldn’t go any more. She would be humbled by this award. Service was a labor of love for her.”
Jennifer said her mom was born during the Depression and never did things for the accolades. She fought fiercely for agriculture and music, which were usually the first things cut in tight budgets.
File photo: Mary Woodruff, coordinator of the Hometown Heroes effort in Medina, is pictured in May 2019 with banners of showing the late Vincent Cardone and Mitchell Mason, a member of the Navy.
The final Lifetime Achievement Award recipient was Mary Brennan Woodruff, who was introduced by her grandson Brennan Woodruff.
His grandmother has dedicated her life to enriching her community and empowering others, Brennan said. Her distinguished 35-year career in education at the Royalton-Hartland School District was marked by a versatile mastery of teaching, ranging from elementary classrooms to specialized middle school mathematics.
Beyond the classroom, Woodruff served nine terms as union president and chairing the district’s Professional Council. Her commitment to her peers and her students established a standard of excellence that remains a benchmark for educators in the region today.
Woodruff’s impact on the local landscape is perhaps most visible through her visionary leadership of the Medina Hometown Heroes project. Inspired by a family tribute to her father-in-law in his hometown, she launched the program in 2019 to honor the military men and women of Medina. With meticulous attention to detail and profound empathy for grieving families, Woodruff has coordinated the placement of more than 410 banners throughout the village. Her tireless work has transformed the streets of Medina into a living gallery of gratitude, ensuring the sacrifices of local veterans are never forgotten.
In 2012, Woodruff made history by becoming the first woman elected to the Ridgeway Town Board in its 200-year history. Now serving her third term, she remains a steadfast advocate for her constituents and a vital member of the Decorate Medina Committee. Recognized by the Orleans Hub as an Outstanding Citizen, Woodruff embodies the spirit of a Distinguished Alumna. Her journey from a Medina student to a barrier-breaking leader and community guardian serves as an enduring inspiration to the entire Medina area.
Mary Woodruff, a 1965 graduate of Medina High School, shares her appreciation at being chosen recipient of a Distinguished Alumni award.
Woodruff was touched by her grandson’s introduction, and honored to be nominated as a Distinguished Alumna.
“I am humbled,” she said “It was a wonderful surprise.”
She acknowledged her family and friends in attendance, saying “I am so truly thankful for the presence of my family members, close friends and all of you who are connected to me.”
Her class was the largest class to graduate from MHS, she said.
She praised Medina’s mayor, village clerk and DPW workers who supported the Hometown Heroes program and helped with displays and removal of banners.
“All of you were influential in who I am today,” Woodruff said.
She addressed the youth who are “adults of the future,” saying they will accomplish great goals and build stunning careers, just as she did.
She shared her journey beginning with education, teaching at Royalton-Hartland, as a representative of her town board and director of the Hometown Heroes Banner project.
Her secret, she shared, is “Fill your path to success with people who will be there for you, so others can gain from your actions. Consideration of others is a mighty goal.”
Woodruff also addressed students in the auditorium, a percentage of whom will pursue success by joining the armed services.
“You are the future ‘freedom fighters,’” she said.
She shared the story of Glen Stewart, who at the age of 15, changed his birthday so he could enlist during World War II. His daughter was in the audience Thursday.
She spoke of other heroes, such as those who fought in Vietnam, which inspired her to take on the Hometown Heroes program.
“Our village has displayed more than 600 banners since 2019,” Woodruff said. “Those banners revealed information that was sad to read, MIA, KIA. The banners teach us empathy.”
She added the Hometown Heroes banners has been one of the most supported projects the village and towns have experienced. People come from other states to visit in the summer so they can see a family member’s banner, which claims this family member is a hero.
One of those heroes and the reason she started the Hometown Heros Program is Sgt. Willis Burr Woodruff, a World War II serviceman and her father-in-law. His courageous action provided food for starving villagers.
“Sports figures and pop stars get labeled ‘heroes,’ but servicemen and servicewomen are the true heroes,” Woodruff said.
Nominations are welcome for future honorees to the Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame. Click here to see an online form. Nominations are due to Michael Cavanagh by July 31.
Members of the Distinguished Alumni Committee are Michael Cavanagh, chair; Allissa Dunham, Lawrence Fox, Susan Holland, Karen Jones and Mollie Mark.
Shared Decision Making Committee members are Teagan Balaban, Joseph Byrne, Michael Cavanagh, Sara Cinquino, Alissa Dunham, Sara Flansburg, Amy Fuller, Theresa Gobeli, Connie Heschke, Nicole Homme, Karen Jones, Mollie Mark and Debra Tompkins.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 25 April 2026 at 2:53 pm
File Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Melanie Green
Highlighted by an Eagle, Medina’s Melanie Green fired her second straight 1 under par round this afternoon at the LPGA Tour’s first major tournament of the season – The Chevron Championship – being played at Houston.
Green registered the Eagle on the third hole to go 2 under.
She then pared the next 14 holes before bogeying the final hole to finish at 1 under.
Green will now take a 1 under par 215 total score into Sunday’s final round.
She opened the tourney with a 1 over par 73 on Thursday and then had a 1 under par 71 on Friday to get to even for the tourney.
Green qualified to compete in the major by finishing in the top 10 at last week’s LA Championship Tournament
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 April 2026 at 9:44 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
LYNDONVILLE – These saxophone players from Albion – left to right include Isla DeBoard, Kailee Anstey, Carter Krull and Phoebe Allen – perform during Friday’s night Jazz Coffee House in the Lyndonville gym.
Lyndonville for many years hosted its own jazz event with coffee and desserts in a smaller gym at the district. This year the event was expanded for the first time to include all five districts in the county. About 700 people attended the event which was organized by the Orleans County Music Educators Association.
The music boosters groups from the five districts arranged for the refreshments. There were 20 tables on the floor of the gym and the bleachers were mostly full.
There was no admission charge. Donations were accepted to support the OCMEA Scholarship Fund for seniors pursuing a career in music.
The Medina Junior High Jazz Band plays “Thriller.” The group is directed by Kyla Leno, a Medina graduate.
The Holley Junior/Senior High Jazz Band performed two songs at the concert. Director Zach Busch is in back on the trumpet.
The Kendall High School Jazz Band is led by Lindsey Chalmers.
Kelly Follman (center), Lyndonville music teacher, directed an All Star Jazz Band of juniors and seniors from the five districts. Follman presented the idea of all five school districts performing in a jazz showcase that could rotate to other districts in the future.
Follman is retiring at the end of this year. She also performed with the other teachers to close out the concert. She said playing with all of her teacher friends was a big motivator in wanting to bring all five districts together for an evening of jazz.
The instrumental music teachers in the county played “It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing).”
Lily Botsford has a solo in Lyndonville’s fifth and sixth grade jazz group, which is directed by her mother, Becky Botsford. The group played “Don’t Stop Believin’.”
Becky Botsford, Lyndonville elementary music teacher, speaks on the microphone and welcomes the crowd to the first Orleans County Music Educators Association Jazz Coffee House. The Lyndonville band led off the concert.
These saxophonists play in Medina’s Junior High Jazz Band.
The Medina Senior High Jazz Band performs, including a soloist on saxophone.
Contributed Photos – The 1972 KofC team included, in front Jake Hobbs, Shawn O’Leary, Ed Caleb, Bruce Foley, Danny Weingarten, Jim Baldwin and Bill Mirand. In back are Mike Crowley, Jim Kingsley, JC Hobbs, Bill Kingsley, Greg Lewis and Ken Snyder.
By Ken Snyder
In 1971 Slo-Pitch softball in Albion and Medina was just starting to develop.
There were some good teams like the Fireside Inn, Medina Bells and Albion St. Mary’s, but there were not any tournament teams.
Late in 1971, Louie Foreman and Doc Cotter threw together a team to play in a tournament at Packard Court in Niagara Falls. Jake and JC Hobbs, Eddie Caleb, Bruce Foley, Jim and Bill Kingsley from Medina, Bruce Good and Ken Snyder from Albion and Mike Callahan and Dennis Buckley from Batavia went undefeated in four games to win that tournament.
In 1972 that group, without Callahan and Buckley, but with the addition of Pete Villa, Danny Weingarten and Shawn O’Leary from Brockport and Mike Crowley, Greg Lewis and Bill Mirand from Medina formed the Medina KofC, which became one of the best travel teams in Western New York. This group stayed together from 1972 – 1975.
Local players Keith Holman, Jim Baldwin, Hector Colon, Al Sherman, Chico Mannella, Lynn Evans and Ron Whittleton played on a parttime basis.
In this time period the KofC won many tournaments including four in 1974.
They played in Arcade, Lancaster, Niagara Falls, Rochester, Buffalo, Batavia and Brockport. Intense rivalries against Honeys Pizza, Plant 6, Arcade Hotel, Howies Roadrunners, Chuck’s Sporting Goods, Lancaster Moose and Harbor Lights/Rocky’s Cafe were formed.
They played two national champions: Snyder’s from Detroit and Pace Electronics from Rochester.
The team broke up after 1975 when Jake and Eddie moved to Oregon.
The 1973 KofC team included, in front, Bill Mirand, Bruce Foley, JC Hobbs, Louie Foreman, Danny Weingarten, Hector Colon and Doc Cotter. In back are Ken Snyder, Jake Hobbs, Jim Kingsley, Eddie Caleb, Greg Lewis and Mike Crowley.
But in 1978 Greg Lewis and Bill Mirand found a sponsor, Square Richards from Holley, and brought back Crowley, Kingsley, Villa, Snyder and Good from the original KofC plus local players Bobby Allen, Pete Madafferi, Ron Mannella, Mark Keeler and Pat Botsford.
Local realtor Peter Snell often traveled to tournaments to watch them play. The next year he took over as sponsor and a long successful run by the Peter Snell Realtors Softball Club began.
Local players Russ Cree, Joe Rosenbeck, Dave Cotter, Steve Flipowicz and Ted Mager filled in when available.
The KofC team helped promote the surge in softball as more teams, tournament teams, women’s team and more leagues were available.
Over the next three decades there were 4 team tournaments on some Friday nights, a large tournament at Vets Park and all the school fields every year. A local team won one of those tourneys beating powerful Blair Siding from Rochester in the finals.
Albion had 4 leagues with 32 teams and there were huge leagues in Medina on Tuesdays and Wednesdays plus more women’s teams.
John Grillo in Albion and Sid Lovell in Medina deserve the most credit for the participation increase.
Diamonds were added at Sacred Heart Club, Jr. Wilson’s and Albion AFD.
What’s happened to softball now? No leagues! Is golf the reason?
The members of the 1972-1975 KofC team who are no longer with us are JC Hobbs, Mike Crowley, Jim Kingsley, Ed Caleb, Jim Baldwin, Hector Colon, Louie Forman, Doc Cotter and Bruce Good. From the early Peter Snell team Pat Botsford and Bobby Allen have passed.
Members of the original KofC 1972-1975 teams shown here at a recent get together included, in front, Bill Mirand, Danny Weingarten, Ken Snyder and Pete Villa. In back are Shawn O’Leary and Bruce Foley. Unable to attend were Jake Hobbs and Greg Lewis.
I have not written waiting as the inevitable revealed itself.
Today I was in Canada. I felt embarrassed – dirty. The best thing I can say is that they’re pivoting to ensure that economically, socially and geopolitically they don’t get sucked down the same sewer.
They voted for talent. We voted for a gangster and a braggart.
The coming question is what to do about those leaders who intentionally participated in this frightful absurdity for their own benefit or were so feckless they could not spot a forked tongue sales pitch.
Clearly one choice is to follow the road to autocracy and impoverishment of the majority.
The other lies with the free world which promotes modern capitalism so all can share based on their will to excel and skill.
The inevitable is to either keep sinking or put petty, old divisive ideas behind us and join the modern world.
That time is now. Throw the bums out. Start the rebuild. New and better.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 24 April 2026 at 8:02 pm
A nifty triple play highlighted the action as Lyndonville romped to a 21-0 victory over Wheatland-Chili in a Genesee Region League softball game this afternoon.
The triple play came in the second inning as second baseman Braelynn Dillenbeck caught a fly ball for the first out. She threw to Isabella Groves at first base for the second out who in turn threw to Natalie Rath at third base for the third out.
Offensively for the Lady Tigers, Arnie Sturtevant had 4 hits including a home run and a double as Brooke Robinson, Hannah Fox, Rylan Townsend and Groves each had 3 and Morgan Woodworth 2. Robinson’s hits included a triple as Fox, Townsend and Woodworth each had doubles.
Fox earned the win in the circle allowing just 1 hit and striking out 3.
Kendall 10, Byron-Bergen 4
Kendall improved to 4-1 in the G-R and 6-2 overall by downing Byron-Bergen 10-4.
Teagan Shaw had 3 hits including double, triple and 5 RBIs for the Lady Eagles as Izzy D’Agostino had 3 triples and Brooke Rodas a two-run homer.
Kourtney Marion earned the win in the circle scattering 4 hits and striking out 6.
Pembroke 14, Holley 0
Pembroke downed Holley 14-0 in another G-R game as Jayden Hootman registered 6 strikeouts.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 24 April 2026 at 7:43 pm
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Barker’s Aine Davis bangs out one of her 4 hits during the Lady Bulldogs win over host Roy-Hart this afternoon.
A three run fifth inning scoring burst, which snapped a 4-4 tie, keyed Barker to an 8-5 win over Roy-Hart in a Niagara-Orleans League softball game this afternoon.
An RBI double by Kaylee Stoll and an RBI single by Peyton Bradley highlighted the decisive frame for Barker which also included a single by Aine Davis.
Roy-Hart had tied the game at 4-4 by scoring three times in the fourth inning highlighted by a two-run triple by Peyton May.
Davis finished with 4 hits for the Lady Bulldogs as Stoll and Lexi Brazzell both had 2.
May finished with 3 hits for the Lady Rams.
The contest was a matchup of defending N-O co-champions.
Newfane 5, Medina 0
Newfane earned its first N-O win of the season by blanking Medina 5-0 as Emma Schaughnessy hurled a 1 hitter with 13 strikeouts.
Roy-Hart’s Millie Owens slides safely into home plate as Barker pitcher Madyson Flint comes in to cover home. Roy-Hart’s Peyton May is in the background.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 24 April 2026 at 7:19 pm
Breaking away from a 2-2 deadlock, Albion erupted for 7 runs in the fourth inning to key an 11-3 win over visiting Barker in a Niagara-Orleans League baseball game this afternoon.
A three-run triple by Nate Gibson highlighted the Purple Eagles decisive uprising which also included an RBI double by Mason Snook, an RBI single by Kaiden Froman and a run producing sacrifice bunt by Nick Luft.
Gibson had a total of 4 hits on the day, including a pair of triples, as Snook and Luft both had 2 hits.
Logan Flint and Billy Jacques both had doubles for Barker.
Gavin Boyce went the distance on the mound for Albion scattering 3 hits and striking out 9.
Roy-Hart 27, Newfane 2
A marathon 16 run second inning scoring barrage highlighted undefeated (6-0) Roy-Hart’s 27-2 win over Newfane in an N-O game this afternoon.
Sean Mettler had a pair of RBI singles, John Brigham a two-run double, Jared Hy a two-run single and Evan Poeller and Blake Shahl RBI singles during the marathon frame.
Mettler had a total of 3 hits as Hy, Stahl and Isaac Smith each had 2.
Mettler and Stahl shared in hurling a 3 hitter with 9 strikeouts.
Akron 10, Wilson 0
Gavin Miller hurled a no hitter with 8 strikeouts to lead Akron past Wilson 10-0 in another N-O contest.
Akron moved on top to stay by scoring twice in the first inning on a two-run single by Jackson Nice.
A five run fourth inning highlighted by a two-run double by Collin Miller and a two-run single by Gavin Cottle put a lock on the win.
Brockport 12, Kendall 5
Kendall’s season long 10 game winning streak came to an end as Brockport downed the Eagles 12-5 in a non league game this afternoon.
A five run fifth inning put a lock on the win for the Blue Devils who were out hit by the Eagles 13-10.
Sammy Conte and Andrew Cole both had 3 hits for the Eagles as Jonny Conte and Vinnie D’Agostino each had 2.
Courtesy of Pixcams, Inc. – The eaglet who is the focus of the Iroquois refuge’s nest camera has been growing by leaps and bounds. The chick hatched on April 3.
Press Release, Friends of the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge
BASOM – The baby eaglet that’s in focus at Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge is now over two weeks old, is getting a lot bigger and is entertaining nest cam watchers with its antics.
The eaglet is in a nest that belongs to one of several nesting pairs of bald eagles at Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge, on the border of Genesee and Orleans counties. The nest camera was put in place and maintained by Friends of Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge, with the help of Pixcams, Inc., Treeman Tom and others.
The chick is standing upright more often and using its wings to move itself around and balance. It is much more aware of its surroundings and now reliably tracks the parents’ movements, approaches them for food and grabs it from them directly instead of waiting for them to place food in its mouth.
It is taking much bigger bites of food – most often fish, including a lot of carp ─ and eating larger, less frequent meals (separated by hours-long food comas!). You can usually see its visibly full crop.
The eaglet’s first wispy white down is being replaced by a more insulated grey thermal down so it can thermoregulate better and no longer needs to be incubated as intensively. You can sometimes see the father eagle, especially, since he’s the smaller parent, struggling to stuff the chick under him to brood. The chick is also doing some practice preening as its new feathers come in.
On these warmer days the parents have been leaving the chick alone in the nest for longer periods of time. When they aren’t on the nest at least one of them is usually on guard nearby. If viewers are seeing the parents gone for longer now, this is normal. The chick is much more independent and the adults are still out there guarding against predators and intruders.
The chick’s antics have included a “Lady and the Tramp” moment when the mother eagle had one end of a string of duck intestine and the chick had the other. To see moments like these, tune in the nest cam streaming through the link at FINWR.org.
A quick recap, for those who may not have been following along: Our eagle parents laid three eggs at the end of February and they hatched the first week of April. Unfortunately, two of the chicks died due to accidents in the nest. But that has left the middle chick, the one that survived, as the sole focus of mother and father and ─ without any competition ─ the recipient of an enormous amount of fish bits.
The chick’s flight feathers are beginning to emerge. In the next few weeks, it will develop more substantial feather growth on its head and back and will take on more of an “awkward teenager” look, and the parents will spend even less time brooding.
Around 5 to 6 weeks, the chick will start to stand more steadily and will begin wing flapping in earnest. At 6 to 8 weeks, the eaglet will get very large, almost adult sized. At 8 to 10 weeks – the end of May and beginning of June ─ it should be feathered enough to look like a dark juvenile bald eagle, and its first few unsteady flights might begin by mid-June. The typical fledgling window is 10-12 weeks after hatching. Even 4 to 6 weeks after fledging, roughly mid-July, the eaglet will still be dependent on its parents for food and flight training.
If all goes well, by late summer or early fall the chick will be a full juvenile and out on its own, but it won’t develop its white head and tail feathers until it’s 4 to 5 years old.
This article was a collaboration of Friends of Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge members Richard Moss, Emma DeLeon, Amy Merritt and Garner Light. If you have a bald eagle question for the team, send it to Richard Moss at heron@finwr.org and we may answer it in a future release.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 24 April 2026 at 5:55 pm
File Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Melanie Green
Putting together a strong bogey free run over her final nine holes this afternoon, Medina’s Melanie Green has made the cut at the LPGA Tour’s first major of the year – The Chevron Championship – which is being played at Houston.
Green finished with a 1 under par round of 71 today for a two day total of even par 144 to advance to the weekend as the cut line was at 1 over.
Starting on the back nine today Green had a birdie on 15 but bogeys on 12 and 17 to go to 2 over par for the tourney.
Rebounding on the front nine, she registered clutch birdies on 1 and 3 and avoided making any bogeys to wrap up the round at 1 under.
Green posted a 1 over par round of 73 on Thursday to open the tourney.
The tournament continues on Saturday and will conclude on Sunday.
Green qualified to compete in the major by finishing in the top 10 at last week’s LA Championship Tournament.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 April 2026 at 4:39 pm
Route 31A in Sweden also will be closed to traffic from County Line Road and West Sweden Road
YATES – The state Department of Transportation will be closing a section of Route 18 in the town of Yates beginning on Monday for a culvert replacement. The road is expected to reopen to traffic in late May.
Route 18 (also known as Roosevelt Highway) will be closed to all traffic between Hall Road and Breeze Road. Motorists should follow posted detours using Route 63, Route 104 and Route 98, the DOT said.
The state DOT also is closing a section of Route 31A just outside Orleans County in the town of Sweden for a culvert replacement. Route 31A (also known as Fourth Section Road) will be closed to traffic beginning at 6 a.m. on Monday between County Line Road and West Sweden Road. Motorists should follow posted detours using Route 31 and Route 98, the DOT said.
“Motorists should anticipate travel delays during this time and are advised to seek alternate routes if necessary,” the DOT advised. “Construction activities are weather dependent and subject to change based on conditions.”
Motorists are urged to slow down and drive responsibly in work zones, the DOT said. Fines are doubled for speeding in a work zone.
