Wilson, Akron advance in girls soccer playoffs

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 24 October 2026 at 3:06 pm

Two Niagara-Orleans League teams – Wilson and Akron – scored wins today in the quarterfinal round of the Section VI girls soccer playoffs.

In Class C, top seeded Wilson blanked No. 8 Barker/Lyndonville 9-0 to advance to Tuesday’s semifinal round against No. 5 Portville.

Lilly Gurski, Lucy Madan and Macaela Boyer each scored 2 goals for Wilson as Addison Elia, Colbie Elia and Kairi Beck each netted 1.

In Class B, No. 2 Akron downed No. 7 Silver Creek/Forestville 8-1 as Reese Adessa scored 3 goals, Hannah Liss and Clara Bogdan 2 each and Abby Gerstung 1.

Akron will next face No. 6 Fredonia in the semifinals on Wednesday.

In Class A, No. 10 Roy-Hart/Medina dropped a 4-0 decision at No. 2 Starpoint as Grace Crissman scored 2 goals to lead the Lady Spartans.

 

SCOPE of Orleans County backs Fred Seeman for Clarendon town supervisor

Posted 24 October 2026 at 12:40 pm

Editor:

This letter serves as a follow-up to our previous correspondence regarding the Town of Clarendon Supervisor candidates.

Shortly after the publication of write-in candidate Kathy Harnischfeger’s letter, we contacted both candidates to provide them with a questionnaire and information about our public meeting.

Candidate Kathy Harnischfeger did not return a completed questionnaire or attend our meeting. However, I did have an opportunity to speak with her on her porch and discuss Second Amendment issues.

Candidate Fred Seeman completed the questionnaire and attended our meeting. His responses were reviewed, and additional questions were asked and answered during the discussion, allowing our membership to gain a clearer understanding of his positions.

I also attended the Oct. 16 question-and-answer session at the Clarendon Town Hall.

When a candidate states, “I am a moderate Democrat who believes in the Second Amendment,” that position should be supported by a clear record, specific answers, and a willingness to defend the constitutional rights of law-abiding citizens.

The U.S. Supreme Court’s decisions in District of Columbia v. Heller (2008) and New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen (2022) established important constitutional principles governing the Second Amendment. In Heller, the Court affirmed an individual right to possess firearms for lawful purposes, including self-defense. In Bruen, the Court established that firearm regulations must be consistent with the nation’s historical tradition of firearm regulation.

The protection of arms in common use for lawful purposes is a fundamental part of the Court’s Second Amendment jurisprudence. Government restrictions cannot simply be justified by asserting that they promote public safety; they must withstand the applicable constitutional analysis. The precise legal outcome depends on the regulation and the relevant precedents.

Supporting bans and infringements on firearms protected by the Second Amendment is not consistent with an uncompromising commitment to that constitutional right. Candidates who claim to support the Second Amendment should be prepared to explain how their positions on firearm restrictions align with these Supreme Court decisions.

Public officials swear an oath to support the U.S. Constitution. That oath carries a responsibility to respect constitutional limits on government authority, including those established by the Second Amendment.

Accordingly, the candidates’ stated positions and willingness to uphold their constitutional obligations were given significant weight in our membership’s assessment.

Following a review of the available information, the candidates’ questionnaire responses, participation in our meeting, and extensive membership deliberations, S.C.O.P.E. of Orleans County assigned the following ratings:

Fred Seeman: B

Kathy Harnischfeger: F−

These ratings reflect our membership’s assessment of the candidates based on the information and engagement available to us. The difference in participation was a factor in our ability to evaluate their respective positions.

These ratings do not constitute an endorsement of either candidate. They represent S.C.O.P.E. of Orleans County’s assessment of the candidates’ demonstrated positions and engagement on Second Amendment issues only.

S.C.O.P.E. represents a diverse community of members and gun owners throughout Orleans County, including individuals, families, sportsmen’s clubs, and businesses that supply the equipment and materials necessary for lawful firearm ownership and the exercise of our constitutional rights.

S.C.O.P.E. of Orleans County remains committed to maintaining an ongoing dialogue with elected officials, candidates, and other public servants throughout Orleans County. We believe that open discussion, accountability, and a clear understanding of constitutional principles are essential to protecting the rights of our citizens.

We invite the public to attend our monthly meetings, held on the second Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at Hoag Library, 134 South Main St., Albion, New York.

Please note that regular monthly meetings are not held in December or January. Our meetings are open to the public, and we welcome constructive discussion with anyone interested in the Second Amendment and the constitutional rights of New Yorkers.

With respect and commitment to our constitutional principles,

Mark Allen

Chairman, Orleans County S.C.O.P.E.

Pairings set for Field Hockey sectionals

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 24 October 2026 at 11:08 am

The pairings for Monday’s quarterfinal round of the Section VI Class C field hockey playoffs were announced this morning.

Those matchups will have No. 8 Newfane (2-10, 3-11-1) at No. 1 Iroquois (7-0, 12-2-2)  No. 5 Eden (2-5, 2-12) at No. 4 Wilson (6-6, 10-6); No. 7 Roy-Hart (3-9, 4-9) at No. 2 Akron (12-0, 13-1-1) and No. 6 Medina (4-8, 8-8) at No. 3 Barker (10-2, 13-3).

All of the games are scheduled for 5 p.m. except the Medina at Barker contest which is set for 6 p.m.

The winners will advance to Friday’s semifinals.

Medina 6, Buffalo Science 0
In a regular season ending non league game Friday Medina defeated host Buffalo Science 6-0 as Jenelle Stalker and Savannah Jo Thompson both had 2 goals and Adelynne Lacy and Amelia Stalker 1 each.

 

Forecast shows sunshine with highs in 50s, 60s

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 October 2026 at 10:40 am

Kimberly Stawicki took these photos this morning of the mist at a bend in the Erie Canal between Medina and Middleport.

The forecast shows lots of sunshine with highs in the 50s and 60s in Orleans County for the next several days.

Today will be sunny with a high of 62 with an overnight low of 38, according to the National Weather Service in Buffalo.

Sunday will be sunny with a high of 66 and overnight low of 47, followed by a high of 62 on Monday with an overnight low of 36.

The forecast for Tuesday is mostly sunny with a high of 50 and overnight low of 33, followed by a partly sunny Wednesday with a high of 59 and overnight low of 46.

Thursday should be mostly sunny with a high of 67 and an overnight low of 47, followed by a high of 62 on Friday, according the National Weather Service.

Bogeys slow Green at tourney in Korea

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 24 October 2026 at 9:42 am

Bogey problems proved costly for Medina’s Melanie Green who shot a 3 over par 75 Saturday (Korea time) on the third round of the LPGA Tour’s BMW Championship being played in Korea.

Green had a double bogey on 9 and bogeys on 2, 4 and 17 which more than offset two birdies on 1 and 13.

Green, who opened the tourney with rounds of 68 and 72, now has a 1 under par three round total of 215 heading into Sunday’s (Korea time) final round.

GO Health urges residents in older homes to test for lead to keep kids safe

Posted 24 October 2026 at 8:19 am

Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments

National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week will be October 25-31. This year’s theme, “Keep Kids Safe from Lead,” encourages families to get the facts, get their child tested, and get their home tested.

Lead can harm a child’s growth, behavior and ability to learn. Even low levels of lead can make it harder for children to learn, pay attention, and do well in school. Children under 6 are at greatest risk because their bodies and brains are still growing, and they are more likely to put their hands and objects in their mouths.

“Lead exposure can be hard to detect because many children who have lead in their blood do not look or feel sick,” said Gabrielle Lanich, lead program coordinator for the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health). “A blood lead test is the best way to know if a child has been exposed to lead.”

According to the census, 72.6% of occupied homes in Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming counties were built before 1978, when lead paint was banned for residential use.

“Childhood lead exposure is a significant issue due to the number of older homes that may contain lead-based paint,” said Paul Pettit, public health director of GO Health.

GO Health encourages parents and community members to learn more about preventing lead exposure by exploring the three key themes of National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week:

Get the Facts

Lead can be found in and around the home. Common sources include deteriorating lead-based paint and dust, contaminated soil, and some consumer products. Older homes may have water pipes that contain lead.

Children may be exposed when they swallow or breathe in lead dust, put dusty hands or objects in their mouths, eat paint chips or contaminated soil, or drink water containing lead. When old paint chips, peels, cracks, or rubs together, it can create lead dust. Lead dust can settle on windowsills, floors, toys, and other surfaces where young children play. Lead dust can also be created during renovation, repair, or painting projects that disturb lead-based paint.

Get Your Child Tested

There is no safe blood lead level for lead. In New York State, all children should have a blood lead test at age 1 and again at age 2. Parents and caregivers can talk to their child’s healthcare provider about lead testing, especially if their child spends time in an older home or building. Pregnant women who have been around lead should also be tested.

Get Your Home Tested

If your home was built before 1978, you should get it tested for lead paint. If you rent, ask your landlord to have your home or apartment tested. Contact GO Health for more information on getting your home tested.

Families can reduce lead dust by wet-wiping windowsills and other dusty surfaces, wet-mopping floors, and regularly washing children’s hands and toys. Peeling or chipping paint should not be sanded or scraped without using lead-safe practices. Click here for more information.

Childhood lead poisoning is preventable. Knowing where lead may be found, reducing potential exposure in the home, and making sure children receive recommended blood lead testing can help protect their health.

For more information about childhood lead poisoning prevention, home lead inspections and help addressing lead-based paint hazards, or other programs and services, visit GOHealthNY.org or contact Genesee County at 585-344-2580, ext. 5555, or Orleans County at 585-589-3278.

9 days of early voting starts today at Orleans County Board of Elections

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 October 2026 at 8:00 am

ALBION – Today is the first of nine days of early voting in Orleans County with many positions on the ballot, including a race for governor, Congress and many other offices at the state, county and town levels.

There is one polling location open in the county for early voting. It is at the Orleans County Board of Elections Office, 14016 Route 31 in Albion.

During the general election on Nov. 3, there will be polling locations at each of the 10 towns in Orleans County.

The early voting schedule includes:

  • Saturday, October 24 – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Sunday, October 25 – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Monday, October 26 – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Tuesday, October 27 – 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Wednesday, October 28 – 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Thursday, October 29 – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Friday, October 30 – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Saturday, October 31 – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Sunday, November 1 – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Mike Mele and Janice Grabowski are the election commissioners in Orleans County.  They issued this statement: “All indications are that turnout for this year’s election will be high, so early voting is just another way for people to cast their ballots. We do want to remind people that whether you choose to vote early or on Election Day, you must be in line before polls close in order to cast your ballot.”

The last day to register to vote for the Nov. 3 election is today. Those with questions about voter registration, early voting, absentee ballots or any other questions can call the Board of Elections at (585) 589-3274 or visit the BOE website (click here).

Lady Hawks nip Geneseo in Class C1 contest

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 23 October 2026 at 11:17 pm

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Holley goalie Zoey Warner makes a save on a shot attempt by Geneseo’s Emma Swanson during the Lady Hawks home field sectional win this evening.

No. 3 seed Holley nipped visiting No. 6 Geneseo 1-0 in the quarterfinal round of the Section V Class C1 girls soccer playoffs this evening.

Carsyn Mogle scored the lone goal for the Lady Hawks as Ava Mosier and Emma Burne earned assists.

Zoey Warner made 5 saves to earn the shutout in goal.

Improving to 12-5 1. Holley will next visit No. 2 Red Creek in the semifinals on Tuesday. Red Creek edged No. 7 Williamson 1-0.

Holley’s Carsyn Mogle, who scored the lone goal, drives the ball up field against Geneseo defender Madilyn Ladelpha.

Lady Eagles top Naples in Class C2 playoffs

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 23 October 2026 at 11:13 pm

Top seeded Kendall blanked visiting No. 8 Naples 3-0 this evening in the quarterfinal round of the Section V Class C2 girls soccer playoffs.

Sophia Picardo, Ryleigh Denning and Jersie Drake each scored a goal for the Lady Eagles. Drake and Adriana D’Agostino also both had assists.

Teagan Shaw made 5 saves to earn the shutout in goal.

Improving to 16-1, Kendall will next face No. 5 Genesee Valley-Belfast on Tuesday in the semifinals. Genesee Valley-Belfast nipped No. 4 Campbell-Savona 4-3 in overtime.

Albion/Medina rallies for last second touchdown to nip McKinley in key B1 game

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 23 October 2026 at 10:55 pm

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Quarterback Preston Woodworth threw the game winning pass to Rocco Sidari with only 9 seconds remaining earning Albion/Medina a key win over McKinley this evening at Albion.

Showing plenty of flair for the dramatic, Albion/Medina rallied for a touchdown with only nine seconds remaining to nip McKinley 23-20 in a key regular season ending B1 Division game this evening at Albion.

Scrambling and rolling to his right, quarterback Preston Woodworth hooked up with Rocco Sidari for the dramatic game winning 6 yard touchdown pass as Boe Preston tacked on the extra point kick for the 23-20 final.

The victory earns Albion/Medina a share of the B1 title at 6-1 with West Seneca East and a home game for the opening round of the up coming sectional playoffs as the division’s No. 2 seed.

Jaxon Lynch returns an interception on a tip play for the Rivals as Rocco Sidari backs up the play.

Albion/Medina also got on the scoreboard first taking a 7-0 lead on the first play of the second quarter as Woodworth connected with Elijah Doxey for a 23 yard touchdown pass and Preston tacked on the extra point.

A very unusual McKinley decision to punt on second down from deep in their own territory gave Albion/Medina the ball at the Macks 27 to set up the scoring opportunity.

However, McKinley answered back with a pair of touchdowns to grab a 12-7 lead first on a 90 yard pass from quarterback Kylon Minter to Marcis Daniels and then on a 1 yard run by Nicholas Williams.

The Rivals though battled back to regain a 14-12 lead at the half as Doxey threw a 14 yard pass to Noah Harrison and Preston added the extra point kick with only 47 seconds to go in the second quarter.

Neither team could score in the third quarter but McKinley regained a 20-14 lead with 4:34 remaining in the final period on a short run and two-point conversion carry capping a lengthy 8 minute drive.

The Macks then got the ball right back on a fumble recovery at the McKinley 27 with two minutes to go.

Albion/Medina though got a huge break as McKinley lost 17 yards back to the 10 yard line after a fumble which the Macks recovered.

Facing a fourth and forever situation the Macks gave up a safely with 42 seconds remaining pulling the Rivals to within four at 20-16.

McKinley’s ensuing kickoff from the 20 went only some 15 yards and the Rivals took over at the Macks 35.

Woodworth quickly hooked up with Doxey twice for pass completions of 15 and 14 yards advancing the ball to the McKinley 6 yard line.

That set the stage for the dramatic game winning Woodworth to Sidari touchdown pass capping an impressive debut B1 Division co-championship campaign for the Rivals.

The contest was penalty filled with over 30 yellow flags being thrown by the officials.

Albion/Medina, which will take a 7-1 overall record into the sectionals, will find out their first round opponent at the seeding meeting on Sunday.

Albion/Medina’s Parker Roberts makes a tackle on McKinley’s Tayon Mullen.