By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 17 June 2026 at 5:27 pm
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Medina junior Aidan Papaj, left, and Preston Woodworth have both earned first team All-WNY honors.
Fresh from playing in the state finals, the Medina High baseball team has a trio of players who have earned top All Western New York honors.
Junior pitcher/shortstop Aidan Papaj, junior pitcher/shortstop Preston Woodworth and senior centerfielder/pitcher Vinny Gray have all earned first team All-WNY small schools honors.
Mustangs senior Vinny Gray is a first team All-WNY honoree.
Papaj has also been named the All-WNY small schools Player of the Year.
Woodworth has also been honored as the All-WNY small schools Pitcher of the Year.
Papaj hit .507 on the season with 6 doubles, 2 triples, 30 RBIs and 41 stolen bases.
On the mound he registered 112 strikeouts in 59.2 innings of work . He had an earned run average of 0.821. and posted an 8-1 record.
Woodworth hit .400 with 16 doubles, 29 RBIs and 16 stolen bases.
He had a 0.606 earned run average on the mound . He notched 132 strikeout in 69.1 innings of work and compiled a 10-1 record.
Gray hit .299 with 4 doubles, 2 triples, 15 RBIs and 30 stolen bases.
He went 4-0 on the mound with 36 strikeouts in 27 innings of work with a 0.259 earned run average.
All three year varsity regulars, the trio helped lead the Mustangs to a 22-3 overall record, a third straight Niagara-Orleans League and Section VI Class B championships, a first victory in the state semifinals and a berth in the state title game.
In addition Medina mentor Chris Goyette was named All-WNY small schools Coach of the Year.
Photos courtesy of Lyndonville Lions Club: The “Welcome to Lyndonville” signs have been restored on Route 63 leading into the village.
Press Release, Lyndonville Lions Club
LYNDONVILLE – After several years of absence, the “Welcome to Lyndonville” signs have been fully restored.
Several years ago, a severe winter storm accompanied by high winds destroyed the long-standing wooden signs that greeted visitors entering our community. Over time, the damaged signs fell into disrepair and were eventually removed.
Recognizing the importance of these landmarks, the Lyndonville Lions Club adopted the restoration of the signs as a community service project. The club launched a campaign to bring back these iconic symbols that proudly welcome residents and visitors alike to the small hamlet of Lyndonville.
Through the dedication of Lions Club members, community support, and countless volunteer hours, the signs have been rebuilt and restored. Their return serves not only as a welcoming gateway to our community but also as a reminder of the pride, commitment, and spirit that make Lyndonville such a special place to call home.
The Lyndonville Lions Club extends its sincere gratitude to everyone who contributed to this project and helped make the restoration of the “Welcome to Lyndonville” signs a reality.
Sponsors of the Lyndonville Lions Club generously provided the funding necessary to complete the restoration project, with all donations earmarked exclusively for the reconstruction and installation of the signs. The restored signs proudly display the names of local civic organizations, religious institutions, and governing bodies that are an important part of the Village of Lyndonville community.
The Lyndonville Lions Club would like to extend a special thank you to Mayor John Belson, a
fellow Lions Club member, and the Village Department of Public Works for providing the hard work and dedication needed to erect the signs. Their willingness to contribute their time, expertise, and equipment was instrumental in bringing this project to completion.
The Lions would also like to express their sincere appreciation to The Print Shop in Medina for their outstanding service and expeditious work in producing the individual organizational signs in time for the Lyndonville Lions Club’s Annual July 4th Celebration.
This restoration project is a testament to what can be accomplished when local businesses, community organizations, volunteers, and residents work together for the betterment of Lyndonville.
The restored “Welcome to Lyndonville” signs once again stand as a source of community pride and a warm greeting to all who visit our village.
In other club news:
The Lyndonville Lions Club is pleased to announce that planning for its 52nd Annual July 4th Celebration is well underway and the event will be moving forward as scheduled. Residents and visitors can expect additional details regarding the day-long celebration in upcoming Lions Club press releases.
The club would also like to highlight its long-standing commitment to supporting local students through higher education scholarships. The Lyndonville Lions Club sponsors two of the oldest continuously awarded scholarships presented to graduating seniors of Lyndonville Central School.
Since 1970, the club has awarded two $1,000 scholarships annually in memory of two individuals who were pillars of the Lyndonville community.
The Donald Fraser Memorial Scholarship and the Dr. Julius “Doc” Layer Memorial Scholarship recognize graduating seniors who exemplify the enduring qualities these two respected men embodied throughout their lives. Scholarship recipients are selected based on a variety of criteria, including academic achievement, leadership, humanitarian service, community involvement, and participation in extracurricular activities.
The names of this year’s scholarship recipients will be announced during commencement ceremonies at Lyndonville High School. The Lyndonville Lions Club is proud to continue this tradition of recognizing and supporting young leaders who demonstrate excellence both in and out of the classroom.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 June 2026 at 3:50 pm
MEDINA – The opening concert in this season’s Blue Thursdays series at State Street park in Medina has been cancelled due to the rough weather conditions forecast for tomorrow.
“After consultation with the band, local meteorologists and other factors, Blue Thursdays regrets that we must cancel Opening Night with the Dave Viterna Group,” said Chris Busch, chairman of the Orleans Renaissance Group. “There are many moving parts to an outdoor event of this scale and after weighing all factors – wet conditions, high wind gusts, exposing instruments/equipment to the elements, lingering showers during set up and the gig, it was decided it would be best to cancel. We appreciate your understanding and support!”
The series will kick off next week with the Growlers Blues Band and continues with Thursday evening concerts beginning at 6 p.m. until Aug. 6.
The National Weather Service has issued a wind advisory from 2 a.m. tonight until 8 p.m. Thursday for Orleans County and most of Western New York.
There will be .south winds from 20 to 30 mph with occasional gusts of 45 to 55 mph expected late tonight through Thursday morning, becoming southwest during the day Thursday, the Weather Service said.
Climate Solutions Accelerator taking tiny home on 11-day tour of Rochester region to promote sustainability
Photos and information courtesy Climate Solutions Accelerator
ALBION – Hoag Library will be hosting the Tiny “PowerHouse” on Thursday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The tiny home is making a 11-day tour of the Rochester region.
Climate Solutions Accelerator is bringing the home to communities in the region, offering a free, hands-on opportunity to learn how energy works inside the home and explore practical ways to save energy, improve comfort, reduce waste, and prepare for cleaner energy choices.
The featured exhibit, the Tiny PowerHouse, is an interactive tiny home designed by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County to make energy education easy to see and understand.
Visitors can step inside and explore common sources of energy loss, practical efficiency upgrades, and clean energy solutions that can support more comfortable, efficient, and energy-smart homes.
Exhibit topics include air leaks, insulation, renewable heating and cooling, solar energy, lighting, windows, appliances, DIY projects, and indoor air quality.
The Tiny PowerHouse Tour in Roc is designed for renters, homeowners, families, students, community organizations, neighborhood groups, and anyone interested in learning more about home energy use. Visitors will walk away with a better understanding of how homes lose energy, what improvements can make a difference, and what steps may help create healthier, more comfortable living spaces.
The exhibit is free to visit and will be available at locations throughout the Genesee-Finger Lakes region from June 16–26.
Tour Schedule:
June 16: 12 to 3 p.m. at Rochester Museum and Science Center – 657 East Ave, Rochester, NY 14607
June 17: 2:30 to 6 p.m. at Sodus Farmers’ Market – 58 W Main St, Sodus, NY 14551
June 18: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Hoag Library – 134 S Main St, Albion, NY 14411
June 18: 5 to 7 p.m. at the Lyons Connections on the Canal – NY-14 & Empire State Trail, Lyons, NY 14489
June 19: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Park – 353 Court St, Rochester, NY 14607
June 20: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Geneva Farmers’ Market – 35 Lake Front Dr, Geneva, NY 14456
June 21: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Broccolo’s Emissions Control Event – 2755 Penfield Rd, Fairport, NY 14450
June 22: 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at MARC of Baden Senior Center – 86 Vienna St, Rochester, NY 14605
June 23: 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Rochester Museum and Science Center – 657 East Ave, Rochester, NY 14607
June 24: 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Rochester Museum and Science Center – 657 East Ave, Rochester, NY 14607
June 25: 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Lockdown on Violence Event – Lewis St YMCA – 53 Lewis St, Rochester, NY 14605
June 26: 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Rochester Museum and Science Center Open House – 657 East Ave, Rochester, NY 14607
Location moved from DPW to County EMO on West County House Road
Photo by Tom Rivers: Employees from Environmental Enterprises, Inc. of Cincinnati work at a household hazardous waste collection in Albion on Aug. 16, 2025. EEI employees are at the solvent station where oil, anti-freeze and solvents are collected. More than 500 Orleans County residents were able to get rid of leftover chemicals, batteries, tires, oil and solvents during the household hazardous waste collection day.
Press Release, Orleans County government
ALBION – The Orleans County Planning Office today announced that registration is now open for the county’s annual household hazardous waste (HHW) collection event, which will be held on Saturday, August 8. The event is open to all Orleans County residents but you must register in advance.
Please note the event location has changed to the Orleans County Office of Emergency Management Complex located at 14064 West County House Road West in Albion. The county will collect all acceptable items from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. The 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. slot is reserved for tire collection only.
Mandatory registration can be done by calling the county Planning Office at 585-589-3198 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
“This is Orleans County’s annual collection event that I know a lot of residents like to plan for to get rid of those leftover chemicals, batteries, tires and other items that are lying around in the garage, basement or shed,” said Corey Winters, director of the Planning Office. “And more than just getting rid of this clutter, people can be assured these items are being disposed of in a safe and environmentally-responsible way.”
Winters said acceptable items include pesticides, motor oiler & filters, adhesives, antifreeze, solvents, batteries, fluorescent bulbs, aerosols, old-based paints, empty propane tanks, and new for 2026 tires consisting of Passenger, Commercial, Heavy Duty, Agriculture, and Tracks) (limit 10 passenger and 10 of the other types.)
Items that cannot be accepted include explosives, pressurized tanks, ammunition, PCBs, radioactive waste, medical waste, and electronics. If you have questions regarding a specific item, please call the Planning Office.
“We have opened up registration early so we can properly plan and be ready to accommodate as many residents as possible who want to take part,” said Winters. “When you call to register, please be prepared to generally describe the type of chemicals and/or the number of tires you will be disposing.”
Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments
Provided photos: Orly the Ox, the Orleans County mascot, went kayaking last year on the Oak Orchard Creek by the Medina waterfalls. Cyclists are shown riding on the Oatka Trail in Genesee County.
The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health), in partnership with Orleans County Tourism and Genesee County Chamber of Commerce, are excited to announce the start of the Genesee and Orleans Counties (GO) Adventure Challenge. This new program encourages people to be more active while exploring places across both counties.
The GO Adventure Challenge invites people of all ages to stay active by completing activities and visiting locations in Genesee and Orleans Counties. The goal is to support healthier lifestyles, build stronger community connections, and highlight the many great places in our area.
“This challenge is a fun way for residents to focus on their health while discovering everything our communities have to offer,” said Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for GO Health. “We are excited to see participants enjoy local parks, trails, businesses, and public spaces in new ways.”
Participants can join at their own pace and track their progress using an activity log. The challenge includes different levels:
Level 1: Complete 135 hours of physical activity
Level 2: Complete 135 hours of physical activity and visit at least five locations in each county
At the end of the challenge, participants will submit an attestation form to confirm they completed their chosen level. They will also choose whether they would like a patch or sticker to recognize their accomplishment.
“Collaborating with our neighboring counties allows us to better showcase the outdoor experiences available to both visitors and residents,” said Dawn Borchert, Orleans County tourism director. “We’re excited for participants to explore, stay active and find new places to enjoy through the GO Adventure Challenge.”
“We are proud to partner on the GO Adventure Challenge to encourage people to get out and experience the great destinations, scenic views, and local spots throughout Genesee and Orleans Counties,” said Kelly Rapone, Genesee County tourism director.
The GO Adventure Challenge supports ongoing efforts to improve health, prevent illness, and build community connections in Genesee and Orleans Counties. It is also planned to be an annual program.
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) is criticizing the state’s enacted budget after updated financial documents revealed total spending is nearly $9 billion higher than the amount originally cited when the budget was approved. The increase pushes total state spending to $277 billion.
“Taxpayers shouldn’t accept this continued overspending of their hard-earned tax dollars,” said Hawley. “New York’s budget has nearly doubled in just 12 years and now exceeds the budgets of Texas and Florida, even though each of those states has a larger population than New York. The budget has also grown nearly $9 billion beyond what was originally presented to taxpayers, even after it was already passed as the largest in state history. Albany has to stop adding costs after the budget is set and start respecting what taxpayers can actually afford.”
Hawley believes these billion-dollar additions are just an example of how the budget process in New York needs serious repairs, especially at a time when residents are trying to save every dollar.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 17 June 2026 at 10:04 am
The Niagara-Orleans League vs. Genesee Region League Senior baseball game has been rescheduled and will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at Medina’s Vets Park.
The N-O lineup includes Nate Gibson, Elliott Trapiss, Kaiden Froman and Will Plummer from Albion; Colin Miller and Conlan Luck from Akron; JJ Prynn, Dom Cimato, Carson Marvin, Carson Schwab and Matt Maines from Barker; Vinny Gray and Jimmy Dieter from Medina; Tristan Smith, Noah Orens and Caeleb Rivera from Newfane and Gavin Heideman, Isaac Smith, Sean Mettler, Evan Poeller and Jackson Drees from Roy-Hart.
The G-R roster includes Jake Bailey, Leo Egloff, Nick Marzoff and Colton Smith from Alexander; Hunter Green and Ben Wild from Attica; Liam Boyle from Byron-Bergen; Mark Caparco, Fletcher Norton, Brenden Porey, Nicholas Scott and Bing Zuber from Elba; Nic Cole, Jonny Conte and Vinnie D’Agostino from Kendall; Austin Fonda and Colton Smith from Lyndonville; Eli Grice, Adyn Horzempa and Preston Viele from Notre Dame; Levi Kabel and Hunter Tobolski from Oakfield-Alabama; Anthony Abbatiello, Austin Humphrey and Brayden Lang from Pembroke and Miguel Gonzalez from Wheatland-Chili.
All-Star softball
Six Niagara-Orleans League players will be competing in the Gerry Gentner Senior All-Star softball game at Sweet Home High School at 7 this evening.
The N-O players include Abby Fox and Peyton May from Roy-Hart, Kimberly Schmitt and Gabrielle Ross from Newfane and Abbie Faery and Mackenzie Hardy from Wilson.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 17 June 2026 at 9:51 am
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Lyndonville G-R All-Stars Arnie Sturtevant, left, and Isabella Groves.
Four Lyndonville players have earned spots on the Genesee Region League All-Star softball team.
The Lady Tigers quartet includes sophomore pitcher Arnie Sturtevant, senior first baseman Isabella Groves, junior third baseman Hannah Fox and senior shortstop Brooke Robinson.
Lady Tigers G-R All-Stars Brooke Robinson, left, and Hannah Fox.
Sturtevant, who was named the G-R League’s Player of the Year, registered 124 strikeouts in 104.2 innings of work in the circle and had a 1.228 earned run average. At the plate she hit .506 with 13 doubles, 5 triples, 4 home runs and 35 RBIs.
Groves hit .392 with 5 doubles, 1 triple and 22 RBIs.
Robinson hit .429 with 4 doubles, 4 triples and 20 RBIs.
Fox hit .400 with 4 doubles, 1 triple and 15 RBIs.
Lyndonville also had sophomore catcher Alexa Robinson earn Honorable Mention. She hit .324 and had 12 RBIS.
In addition, Lyndonville mentor Joe Moore was named G-R Coach of the Year.
Lyndonville finished in a tie for the G-R Division 2 title with Oakfield-Alabama at 14-1. Overall the Lady Tigers compiled an 18-2 record.
Oakfield-Alabama, which went on to win the state Class D title, also had four G-R All-Stars including Allison Harkness, Savannnah Durham, Raine Denny and Chloe Lamb.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 June 2026 at 9:05 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
MEDINA – Author’s Note, a bookstore on Main Street in Medina, hosted a book talk from two graphic novel authors and illustrators on Tuesday evening.
Graphic novels are the fastest growing segment in market share and popularity among youth literature, said Julie Berry, owner of the bookstore.
Niki Smith is the creator of the book, “Midsummer Sisters.” She flew in from Munich, Germany to attend the book discussion. Smith also said she was visiting friends in Rochester.
Smith presents a stunning story set during a summer of change. Filled with gorgeous and expressive illustrations, Midsummer Sisters is a celebration of the beauty of wild horses, as powerful as the unbreakable bond between sisters, Berry said.
Smith also is the author and artist of The Deep & Dark Blue and The Golden Hour.
Katie Risor of Syracuse is author and illustrator of “Welcome to the Forest: The Lake Trip.” The book is the sequel to Welcome to the Forest: The Harvest Party.
Risor, a Texas native, said her illustrations are inspired from her growing up years in Texas and also her more recent experiences in Syracuse and Upstate New York, especially the lakes, trees and state parks.
The Welcome to the Forest series includes endearing forest friends. Risor’s stories are a heartfelt invitation to slow down and savor the small wonders of the world.
Julie Berry, owner of Author’s Note, welcomes the two authors and illustrators to the bookstore at 519 Main St. in Medina.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 16 June 2026 at 11:05 pm
HOLLEY – Village of Holley residents elected Brenden Bedard and Rochelle Moroz to four-year terms as village trustees today.
Bedard received the most votes at 137, followed by Moroz at 102. Ron Vendetti was a close third at 93 votes.
Bedard works as assistant director for the Genesee & Orleans County Health Departments. His father, Kevin Bedard, has previously served as a Holley village trustee.
Moroz was re-elected to another term. She has been on the board for nearly a decade.
She was the only candidate who waited outside the village office for the votes to be tallied. The results were announced at about 10 p.m., an hour after the polls closed.
“I like to represent the village,” Moroz said.
She takes frequent walks around the community, and enjoys hearing from residents.
She was pleased to see a good turnout today.
Rainey Losee, the Holley village clerk, also said it was a good showing from the village voters.
“I’m proud of our village residents coming out and having their voices be heard,” she said after the results were announced.
Bedard will replace Jim DeFilipps on the board. DeFillipps didn’t seek re-election after 10 years on the board.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 16 June 2026 at 10:54 pm
Voters rejected spending plan 327 to 292; District needs to make $266,495 in reductions
Photo by Tom Rivers: yard signs were out around Lyndonville urging voters to reject the proposed budget, which was the same as the one defeated on May 19.
LYNDONVILLE – In a narrow vote today, Lyndonville school district residents again rejected the proposed budget for 2026-27.
Voters defeated the $19,194,000 budget by 327 no to 292 yes. Lyndonville will now have to adopt a contingency budget that doesn’t increase taxes and needs to reduce spending by $266,495.
The voter turnout was more than double from May 19, when the budget was first rejected with 172 opposed and 129 in favor.
Dr. Heather Lyon, the district superintendent, said she doesn’t anticipate any staff will be laid off as part of the contingency. The district has about 120 total employees serving a student population of 620 in grades prekindergarten to 12.
How the Board of Education and the district leadership will make cuts is to be determined.
Lyon said the district will be limited to spending on only essential items. Lyndonville may have to reduce extracurricular activities and clubs, athletics purchases, student travel, use of school facilities by outside groups, equipment purchases and field trips, she said.
“District leaders will work thoughtfully through this process to minimize the impact on students and provide the best possible educational experience within the constraints of a contingency budget,” she wrote tonight in a message to the community. “Additional information about the contingency budget and any resulting changes will be shared with families, staff and community members as it becomes available.”
Lyon said the district’s administrators and Board of Education worked hard to present a budget with a 2.5 percent tax increase, which was below the district’s allowable tax cap of 4.0 percent.
But some in the community wanted the district to lower the taxes even further. Bill Jurinich, a former board member, told the board during a meeting last week the district should have made some cuts and not presented the same budget as the one that was defeated on May 19.
Photos courtesy of Medina Central School: A group photo of students and staff are shown on the steps of the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C.
Press Release, Medina Central School
MEDINA – From June 3-5, a group of Medina 8th grade students explored Washington, D.C. and its rich history. The trip marks the culmination of a two-year study of United States history, government, and the individuals and events that have shaped our nation.
Throughout the trip, students were able to make meaningful connections to their classroom learning in history, literature, and science while experiencing these topics firsthand. As Kaisen McEwen Miller shared after seeing the Washington Monument,
“Photographs don’t do it justice,” a sentiment echoed by many during the trip.
On Wednesday evening, students embarked on a guided night tour of the monuments and memorials, narrated by 8th grade social studies teacher Joe Byrne. Students also contributed to the experience by sharing research they had completed in their English classes with Mrs. Rosenbeck, adding depth and perspective to each stop. Evalyn Ryan was especially impressed by the Lincoln Memorial, noting, “Seeing it in person is better than pictures and videos.”
Thursday morning began with a powerful visit to the 9/11 Pentagon Memorial. Students observed a moment of silence at 9:37 a.m., the exact time of the plane’s impact, as the flowing water beneath each of the 184 memorial benches temporarily stopped. This moving tribute left a lasting impression on the group.
Students listen to the story of Holocaust survivor Rose-Helene Spreiregen.
Later that morning, students visited the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, where they had the rare opportunity to hear from Holocaust survivor Rose-Helene Spreiregen. Students were able to listen to her story and ask questions, making for a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience. Avery Twitchell reflected, “It’s an experience I think everyone should go see and learn about—it’s a big part of history,” adding that her classmates “took their time to take it all in.”
Keegan Farnham noted that his favorite part was the exhibit on Daniel’s Story, which connected directly to a play the class had read earlier in the year.
In the afternoon, students explored several Smithsonian museums, including the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the National Museum of American History, and the National Museum of Natural History. Despite the 92-degree heat, spirits remained high as students enjoyed some downtime with souvenir shopping, ice cream, and snow cones while taking in the atmosphere of the nation’s capital.
Lily Hungerford shared, “I really liked walking around D.C. and getting to see the city
and people.”
Thursday evening provided a chance for students to relax and celebrate their experiences with a DJ dinner cruise along the Potomac River. Lauren Allis said she “had a lot of fun dancing with friends” and capturing photos on the deck at sunset, calling it “a great way to end the day after going to four museums.”
The trip continued Friday with a visit to Arlington National Cemetery, where students witnessed the solemn and awe-inspiring Changing of the Guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. In addition, from a distance, they observed a traditional military burial complete with a caisson and riderless horse, offering a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by members of the armed forces.
Before departing for home, students visited the National Zoo, where they were able to see the giant pandas, Bao Li and Qing Bao. Tyler Draper especially enjoyed this stop, noting that “it was great to see all the cool animals that you may not see in zoos near home.”
Overall, the trip provided an invaluable educational experience while creating lasting memories for students and staff alike. The opportunity to connect classroom learning with real-world experiences made this journey both meaningful and memorable for all involved.
The trip was made possible through the continued support of Medina parents, teachers, school board, and administrators in conjunction with First Choice Educational Tours in Batavia.
A group photo of students has fun at the Albert Einstein Memorial, a bronze statue in Washington D.C.
Through the dedication of Lions Club members, community support, and countless volunteer hours, the signs have been rebuilt and restored. Their return serves not only as a welcoming gateway to our community but also as a reminder of the pride, commitment, and spirit that make Lyndonville such a special place to call home.
