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Medina Tourism planning time capsule, patriotic concert for 250th anniversary of US

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 30 June 2026 at 10:17 am

Photo by Tom Rivers: Jim Hancock, chairman of the Medina Tourism Committee, speaks during last week’s Village Board meeting.

MEDINA – The Medina Tourism Committee is looking forward to special events to celebrate the country’s 250thanniversary.

The committee is organizing a patriotic birthday concert on Sept. 6 at State Street Park with a jazz band led by retired Medina band director Jim Steele, Jim Hancock, the Tourism Committee chairman, told the Village Board last week.

Retired broadcaster Mike Randall will be reading the Declaration of Independence. There will be 250 birthday cupcakes with red, white and blue frosting.

The Sons of the American Legion is contributing funds towards the event, Hancock said. The VFW will be playing Taps as well.

The Tourism Committee asked the Village Board for permission to have a time capsule buried at Rotary Park with the container to be opened in 2076. The board approved the request for the time capsule, which will be in a circular area in front of the Santa House.

Hancock and committee member Barb Gorham said they expect the time capsule will be buried by the end of October. They said they are discussing what to have in the capsule. They would like a little bit of Medina Sandstone and news coverage of notable events during 2026.

“We’re open to any suggestions about what people want to see put into it,” Hancock said.

The committee wants to reach out to the school district and ask kids what they think Medina will be like in 50 years.

Hancock said the Tourism Committee looks forward to welcoming about 600 cyclists when they visit and stay overnight in Medina on Sunday, July 12. It’s part of the annual Cycling the Erie Canal trip from Buffalo to Albany.

The committee also is working on its second annual Building Brick event at Sacred Heart Club on Sept. 19. Last year there were about 350 people – kids, parents and grandparents – making creations from LEGOs.

The Tourism Committee last week welcomed the Seneca Chief boat to the Canal Basin. This was the third year the replica of the famed canal boat visited Medina.

Hancock said the Tourism Committee also is working on plans for the Parade of Lights and the Christmas celebration on Nov. 28.

The Tourism Committee for the 17th year also is staffing a visitor center during the summer. This year a team of about 15 volunteers is managed by Barb Gorham.

“We see a great number of people coming into the village,” Hancock said. “We try to provide information to them.”

Jr. Wilson nips White Birch; Banes rolls in Medina Women’s Softball League action

Contributed Story Posted 30 June 2026 at 10:06 am

Jr. Wilson scored a narrow win and Banes had a 12 run victory in Medina Women’s Softball action Monday evening.

Jr. Wilson 15, White Birch 14
Jr. Wilson’s held off a comeback by White Birch winning 15-14 Monday evening in women’s A Division.

Jr Wilson’s scored 4 in in the first inning on a double from Sara Flansburg and triple by Stormi Beach and 3 more runs in the 3rd on a double from Jessica Rosenbeck, home run from Flansburg and a double by Alyssa Romarge.

White Birch scored 3 in the 1st, 3 in the 4th, and 7 in the bottom of the 7th, leaving the winning run stranded on second.

Mallory Albone had 4 hits, while Aubrey and Anna Lewis each finished with 3 hits for White Birch. Ella Lewis, Maddy Boyle, Kenzie Muck, and Bekah Hoffee each added 2 hits.

Rosenbeck, Flansburg, Beach, Romarge and Jaclyn Rodriguez all had 3 hits for Junior Wilson’s, while Jodi Zacher, Bri Guzdek, Butchie Stockwell and Chasity Chinn all chipped in with hits.

Junior Wilson’s is now 5-1 in the A League division

Banes 14 Parkitects 2
A big 7 run first inning on a single Connie Heschke, double by Jami Chatt, RBI single by Lindsay Chatt, RBI double by Morgan Alllis, RBI single by Sue Seefeldt along with singles by Amy Lavender and Rileigh McCabe and RBI singles by Teri Schrlau, Patti Page and  Connie Heschke sparked Banes to the 14-2 win over Parkitects.

Banes also had a 4 run fourth inning on a single by Morgan Allis, double Kathy Allen and  RBI singles by Sue Seefeldt and Amy Lavender, single by Teri Schrlau and RBI singles by Patti Page and Connie Heschke

Connie Heschke finished with 5 hits, Jami Chatt 3 hits including a double, Rileigh McCabe 3 hits and Patti Page 3 hits.

Banes is now 4-2.

Marine Park concert rescheduled due to hot weather

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 30 June 2026 at 9:44 am

CARLTON – The concert scheduled for this evening at the Orleans County Marine Park has been rescheduled due to the hot weather.

Something Else will instead perform on Aug. 11. The area is under a heat advisory today until 8 p.m. The heat index values could reach the upper 90s.

The events are organized by the Oak Orchard Neighborhood Association and Friends of the Orleans County Marine Park.

Champion Mustangs have four first team N-O All-League baseball honorees

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 30 June 2026 at 9:24 am

Photos by Cheryl Wertman -First team Medina N-O All-League honorees Preston Woodworth, left, and Aidan Papaj.

Undefeated (12-0) champion Medina has placed four players on the first team of the annual Niagara-Orleans All-League baseball squad.

The Mustangs quartet includes senior outfielder/pitcher Vinny Gray, junior shortstop/pitcher Aidan Papaj, junior pitcher/shortstop Preston Woodworth and junior first baseman Cam Fike.

Gray, Papaj and Woodworth are all repeat first team honorees.

Mustangs first team honorees Vinny Gray, left, and Cam Fike.

Papaj, who was named N-O Player of the Year hit .507 with 6 doubles, 2 triples, 30 RBIs and 30 stolen bases. On the mound, he posted an 8-1 overall record and had 112 strikeouts in 59.2 innings of work.

Woodworth went 10-1 overall on the mound and had 132 strikeouts in 69.1 innings of work. At the plate he hit .400 with 14 doubles, 29 RBIs and 16 stolen bases.

Gray hit .299 with 4 doubles, 2 triples, 15 RBIs and 30 stolen bases. On the mound he went 4-0 with 36 strikeouts.

Fike hit .317 with 6 doubles, 2 triples and 22 RBIs.

Medina also had a pair of second team honorees in junior catcher Hadrian Batista and junior second baseman Carlos Doval.

In addition, the Mustangs had senior third baseman Jimmy Dieter and senior outfielder Kolton Fletcher receive Honorable Mention.

The N-O title was the third in a row and the sixth in the last seven seasons for the Mustangs.

On 250th anniversary of US, many constitutional rights under assault by Trump

Posted 30 June 2026 at 8:59 am

Editor:

This year we celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary. The Declaration of Independence claims that “Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just Powers from the Consent of the Governed.”

While the Constitution starts off with “We the People of the United States,” it is clear that the Constitution and this government belong to the people. Today those principles, written in the Constitution, are under assault.

The President has actively explored suspending habeas corpus and denying due process.  Internal memos by Will Scharf, serving as the White House staff secretary, show that the administration was seriously considering suspending habeas corpus.

Habeas corpus protects everyone against arbitrary government decisions and ensures a measure of fairness in the legal system. Without it, the government could arrest anyone on any charges, and you have no right to defend yourself. You are guaranteed the right to habeas corpus by Article 1 section 9 of the Constitution. And you are guaranteed due process by both the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendment. These rights are guaranteed in the Constitution to everyone, citizen or undocumented.

This administration with compliant Republican Congress, are assaulting other constitutional rights. Actions taken by this administration against media companies, law firms, libraries, and federal agencies threaten your First Amendment rights. The administration rescinded funds already approved for PBS and NPR; they have sued the Wall Street Journal and The New York Times. They have gone after ABC, CNN and CBS for their reporting and editorial practices.

They have gone after university research funding to force only speech the administration considers appropriate on college campuses. Recently, this administration, with compliant Republicans, have gone after the First Amendment rights of citizens in Syracuse and Rochester, New York.

The President has declared national emergencies to issue Executive Orders that subvert the Constitution’s separation of powers. Aided by a pliant Republican Congress they have pulled back funds appropriated by Congress, who the Constitution gives control of the federal purse strings.

They have implemented sweeping tariffs on foreign goods, also abridging Congress authority. And they have demolished federal departments authorized by Congress. Republicans control Congress and could stop these assaults on the Constitution and our freedoms, but they fear the President more than they fear their constituents.

As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States, it is important to know that this is your country, your “republic, if you can keep it,” as Benjamin Franklin said.

Thomas Jefferson stated that “When the people fear the government that is tyranny, but when the government fears the people that is democracy.”

Our Democracy is under assault by this Republican administration. I urge you not to let Republicans take away our Constitutional rights.

William Fine

Brockport

Heat advisory today with heat values in upper 90s

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 30 June 2026 at 8:34 am

Extreme heat watch issued for Wednesday to Friday with heat index up to 105

Kimberly Stawicki sent in this photo of the Strawberry Moon from last night in Medina. This was the first full moon of the summer.

A heat advisory is in effect for Orleans County and most of New York State today.

The heat index values are expected to be in the upper 90s. From Wednesday afternoon through Friday evening, there is an extreme heat watch when heat index values could be as high as 105.

For today, the heat advisory is in effect from noon to 8 p.m. The high in Orleans County is forecast to reach 92. Then the highs are forecast for 94 on Wednesday, 95 on Thursday and 92 on Friday.

The National Weather Service advises people to drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors.

“Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside,” the Weather Service said. “When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.”

Robyn Ottaviano took this photo of the Strawberry Moon last night.

Gas prices fall 11 cents in past week in NYS, 8 cents in Orleans

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 29 June 2026 at 11:19 pm

The average price for regular unleaded gas dropped in the past week – down 6 cents nationally to $3.86 today. One year ago, the price was $3.19, according to AAA.

The New York State average is at $4.12, down 11 cents from a week ago. A year ago, the NYS average was $3.21.

In Orleans County, the average price is down 8.3 cents from a week ago – from $4.396 to $4.313.

“Drivers continue to see relief at the pump as summer travel ramps up, with prices trending lower in recent weeks,” AAA said in a news release. “While motorists are benefiting from these declines, prices remain higher than they were this time last year, and New York continues to sit above the national average and rank among the more expensive states for gasoline, currently ranking 8th for the highest prices in the country.”

This morning, crude oil prices are trading in the high $60s to low $70s per barrel range, down from $75-$79 last week, AAA said.

“Crude oil prices have remained relatively steady, with global supply dynamics and ongoing geopolitical developments influencing the market,” AAA said. “While volatility remains a factor, recent stability in oil prices has helped support the gradual easing in gas prices.”

Here are the average prices in counties around Western New York:

  • Orleans, $4.313
  • Genesee, $4.201
  • Monroe, $4.250
  • Niagara, $4.274
  • Erie, $4.263
  • Wyoming, $4.338
  • Livingston, $4.332
  • Chautauqua, $4.227
  • Cattaraugus, $4.197
  • Allegany, $4.267

The highest price is in Tompkins County at an average of $4.380 while Nassau has the lowest price at $3.919.

Shelby clerk urges town to keep position as elected by residents

Posted 29 June 2026 at 10:56 pm

Editor:

For anyone reading the Orleans Hub Letters to the Editor today, I have been a town clerk for 18 ½ years. I have gone above and beyond in my job including earning my Masters designation in Municipal Clerk, the only clerk in Orleans County to ever achieve this honor.

I spent many hours in my office when I was first elected staying until midnight and going in at 6 a.m. and working Saturdays. I have had a total of five years without a raise and when I turned 65, my medical was stopped.

I never abused time off. I used the handbook for my time off although I was told the handbook was not for elected people as they don’t get time off however they just take their own time off.

I will be retiring at the end of my term after 20 years on Dec. 31, 2027. The board  has brought up appointed versus elected town clerk and highway superintendent for the next term of town clerk and highway superintendent.

There is a public Hearing on Tuesday,  June 30, at 6 p.m. for the town clerk  and following will be highway superintendent.  I feel the position for town clerk should be elected! People need a choice.

Darlene Rich

Shelby

Holley U18 girls score 1-0 soccer win

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 29 June 2026 at 9:16 pm

Holley nipped host Cal-Mum 1-0 in a Rochester District Youth Soccer League girls U18 Division game this evening.

Ava Mosier scored the lone goal for Holley off an assist from Kyla Burne.

Zoey Warner made 6 saves to earn the shutout in goal as Burne, Aiyana Stevens, Riley Sweet and Brianna Tomasino anchored the defense.

Batavia 4, Albion 1
Batavia downed visiting Albion 4-1 in an U18 game Sunday evening.

Lena Grillo scored the Albion goal.

Albion 14U improves to 4-0 with road win

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 29 June 2026 at 9:07 pm

Improving to 4-0, the Albion 14U baseball team downed host Cal-Mum 5-2 in a GLOW League game this evening.

Albion scored a quick run in the first inning on a double by Lukas Snyder and an error.

Two runs in the fourth inning on a wild pitch and an RBI single by Jackson Frasier then put Albion on top to stay. A single by Brycen Potter and an error set up the opportunity.

Albion added insurance runs in the sixth inning on a groundout and in the seventh on a wild pitch.

Potter, Jace DiMatteo and Brady Furness combined for the win on the mound registering 8 strikeouts.

No hitter highlights Elks/Rotary win

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 29 June 2026 at 9:00 pm

Elks/Rotary closed out the Albion Midget League regular season with a 5-0 win over Elba 1 this evening as Remi Ebbs pitched a no hitter with 15 strikeouts.

Kayden Donnelly had 4 hits, including a pair of doubles, and Cody Snyder an RBI triple to lead the Elks/Rotary offense as Ryan Coots, Mason McDaniels and Josh Mengs each added a hit.

Elks/Rotary finishes the regular season at 10-4.

Wildlife stars help kick off summer reading challenge in Albion

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 29 June 2026 at 3:10 pm

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Kids keep a close eye on an armadillo that visited Hoag Library today with other creatures from the Wildlife Rockstars in Farmington.

There were about 100 people at the presentation at the library, which kicked off its summer reading program. Click here to see a schedule of events as part of the program which has a theme of “Unearth a Story.”

Steve, an ambassador with Wildlife Rockstars shows a ball python to kids and adults at the presentation.

Twin sisters Mileena and Adalyn were able to pet a chinchilla.

Rosie, an ambassador from Wildlife Rockstars, lets people get a close look at a hissing cockroach.

This tortoise seemed eager to meet the crowd at the library.

Artist adding chalk murals, dinosaur outlines at Hoag

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 29 June 2026 at 2:52 pm

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Becky Patterson, an artist from North Tonawanda, puts dinosaur-themed line art on the sidewalk in front of Hoag Library today.

Children will be encouraged to color the inside the lines with chalk throughout the summer as part of the summer reading program, which has a theme of “Unearth a Story.” Patterson used a water-based temper paint for the outline which should last throughout the summer.

Patterson also expected to work on chalk mural today, showing a three-dimensional T-Rex, and another dinosaur-themed chalk mural on Thursday.

Patriotic bunting goes up on Medina’s Main Street

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 29 June 2026 at 2:38 pm

Photos by Ginny Kropf

MEDINA – Patriotic banners are strung across Main Street this morning in observance of the Fourth of July and the country’s 250th celebration and the Fourth of July. This view is looking north from near the railroad tracks.

(Left) Village of Medina DPW employees string patriotic banners across Main Street in Medina. In the buckets are Brad Freeman and John Fike. (Right) Medina DPW employee Brad Freeman attaches the wire for a patriotic banner to an anchor on the Main Street buildings, which are the ones used for the holiday banners at Christmas.

There are eight banners, four on either side of Main Street. Jason Watts, the DPW superintendent, said it took about a half an hour to install each one, using the existing hardware on the buildings. The banners will remain up through Labor Day, he said.

The banners were requested by Medina Area Partnership and funded with a $3,000 grant from the New York State 250th Commemorative Commission. Orleans County was approved for $15,000 from the state to help commemorate the country’s 250th anniversary.

Other funding approved by the local 250th committee and the Orleans County Legislature includes: Albion Strawberry Festival, $1,500; Barre Betterment Committee, $750; Lyndonville Lions Club, $3,585; Medina Area Partnership, $3,000; Town of Albion, $1,000; Town of Kendall, $740; Town of Murray, $275; Town of Yates, $500; Village of Holley, $1,700. The remaining $1,950 is to be spent at the discretion of the NY250 Committee in Orleans County.