Medina board asked to allow art installations at 3 village parks

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 January 2026 at 8:50 am

Medina Triennial trying to finalize sites for big art initiative from June to September

Photos by Tom Rivers: Leaders of the Medina Triennial attended Monday’s Medina Village Board meeting to ask the board for its approval to place three art installations at village sites – State Street Park, Rotary Park and Gulf Street Park. Matt Hollenback is the Triennial’s head producer and Karin Laansoo is the co-artistic director.

MEDINA – The village will be hosting a major arts event from June to September that is expected to bring 50,000 visitors to the community.

The debut of the Medina Triennial will feature works from 35 different artists at 12 sites in the community.

Leaders of the Triennial want at least three of the installations to be at village parks. The Medina Village Board will decide at its Jan. 26 whether it approves having installations at State Street Park, Rotary Park and Gulf Street Park.

The Triennial will have insurance for the installations during the event from June 6 to Sept. 7. Some of the artists would be willing to have the installations stay permanently in Medina, said Karin Laansoo, co-artistic director for the Triennial.

Karin Laansoo, co-artistic for the Medina Triennial, said several renown artists have projects coming to Medina. Laansoo is working to firm up all the locations to house the art installations. She wants they all within a 15-minute walk of each other.

She and Matt Hollenback, the Triennial’s head producer, attended Monday’s Village Board meeting to ask for the board’s approval for having the installations on village-owned land. The board will decided on Jan. 26 and also take comments from the public.

At State Street Park, the Triennial wants to have barnacles resting on top of four slate boulders. Barnacles are strong indicators of water quality and the sculpture by Anne Duk Hee Jordan symbolizes the power of natural materials to filter and purify water. The sculpture will be created in Buffalo and transported into Medina.

Anne Duk Hee Jordan was born in Korea and is based in Germany. Jordan created a similar sculpture for a biennial in the United Kingdom, Laansoo said.

At Gulf Street Park, James Beckett wants to create a sculpture stacked with stone pillars. This work would be funded by the Netherlands arts council. Beckett is working with students from the University at Buffalo School of Architecture and Planning. They want to locate unused Medina sandstone, scan that in 3D and assemble the stone into precise sculptures through computational processes.

Mark Prawel, a Medina village trustee, said the sculpture will result in extra work for the DPW to mow around the objects.

Beckett is a South African native based in the Netherlands.

At Rotary Park, the Triennial wants to feature artists Richard Ibghy and Marilou Lemmens of Canada. They will have a shed-like sculpture filled with handmade objects for birds, including nesting materials and perches.

The shed is 7 feet tall and about 4 ½ feet wide. The sculpture will have a protective plexiglass screen attached to the front to protect the contents inside. Laansoo said this sculpture is whimsical and shows the artists’ sense of humor.

The Triennial is looking for a location for another sculpture. Lina Lapelyte is based in London and Lithuania. She wants to create a footprint walkway that will be a pathway with a message. While the walkway is constructed, there will be performers singing the popular Erie Canal song, “Low Bridge Every Down.”

The Triennial is an initiative of the New York Power Authority and the State Canal Corporation as part of an effort to revitalize the Erie Canal. This year will be the debut of the Medina Triennial, with a second triennial to follow in 2029.

Holley-Kendall captures G-R wrestling title

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 14 January 2026 at 10:27 pm

Contributed Photo – Holley-Kendall wrestlers and coaches celebrate capturing the Genesee Region League title this evening with a win over Alexander-Pembroke.

Holley-Kendall captured the Genesee Region League wrestling championship by edging Alexander-Pembroke on the 9th criteria at Kendall this evening.

The match finished deadlocked at 40-40 but Holley-Kendall claimed the victory and the league title on the 9th criteria which is described as “the team having the greater number (total match points) of first points scored shall be declared the winner.”

Jeremy Lutes (103), John Blosenhauer (110), Jack Brueilly (138), Brenden Eichas (144). Aiden McGrain (215) and Immanuel Cornell (285) all registered pins for Holley-Kendall and Matteo Caterisano (175) had a major decision win.

The G-R title is the first for Holley-Kendall since 2018.

Byron-Bergen 44, Lyndonville 35.
Byron-Bergen bested Lyndonville 44-35 in the other G-R match..

Justin Holmes, Dom Hargrave, Jake Gidley, Shannon Withey and Greyson Romano all registered pins for Lyndonville as Bryson Hazel had a technical fall win.

Kendall cagers down rival Holley

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 14 January 2026 at 9:56 pm

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Kendall’s Noah Morehouse puts up a shot against Holley defender Josh Silpoch during the Eagles win over the host Hawks this evening.

Building up a commanding 20 point half-time advantage, Kendall went on to defeat rival Holley 63-28 this evening in a Genesee Region League boys basketball game at Holley.

CJ D’Agostino and Vinnie D’Agostino each scored 12 and Noah Morehouse 9 to lead the way for Kendall in the opening half as the Eagles jumped out to a 38-18 lead. CJ D’Agostino, Sammy Conte, Vinnie D’Agostino and Morehouse all hit threes during that stretch.

The Eagles led 51-23 at the end of the third quarter.

CJ D’Agostino finished with a game high 19, Morehouse 13, Vinnie D’Agostino 12, Sammy Conte 7, Ryan Gaesser 5, Jonny Conte 4 and Caleb Opalecky 3.

Avante Walker led Holley with 11 as Tarek Garrett, Cam Mosier and Josh Silpoch each added 4, Logan Gillespie 3 and Cooper Wolf and Logan Stoick 1 each.

Elba 81, Lyndonville 47
Elba bested Lyndonville 81-47 in another G-R contest.

Lyric Raduns scored 16, Lane Woodworth 10 and Colton Smith and Quincey McClinsey 8 each to lead Lyndonville.

Holley’s Cam Mosier tries for a layup against Kendall defender Caleb Opalecky.

Kendall’s Caleb Opalecky drives to the basket as Avante Walker and Tarek Garrett defend for Holley.

Albion matmen pin rival Medina in N-O finale

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 14 January 2026 at 9:32 pm

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Albion’s Jaxon Lynch works toward a technical fall win over Medina’s Roaman Maksimchak during the Purple Eagles victory over the visiting Mustangs this evening.

Albion closed out the dual match portion of the Niagara-Orleans League wrestling season on a high note by downing visiting rival Medina 65-13 this evening.

Six pins highlighted the evening for the Purple Eagles including by Drake Schomske (126) in 2:35. Corbin Piccirilli (138) in 2:24. Alakai Colmenero (144) in 5:44. Antonio Ortiz (190) in 5:41, Jackson Snook (285) in :25 seconds and Elizabeth Colmenero (103) in 1:21.

Albion also got a technical fall victory by Jaxon Lynch (150) as well as four forfeit wins.

Luke Duffina (132) had the lone pin for Medina in :21 seconds. The Mustangs also got a major decision victory by Tyler Raduns (165) and a decision win by Cole Herman (215).

Albion finishes the regular season at 2-3 and Medina at 0-5.

The Purple Eagles will next host the N-O All League tournament on Saturday beginning at 10 a.m.

Medina’s Cole Herman in route to scoring a decision win over Albion’s Chase Preedom.

Albion’s Jackson Snook works toward a pin over Medina’s Nate Surdel.

Albion, Holley, Kendall, Lyndonville and Medina cancel school for Thursday

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 January 2026 at 8:21 pm

Albion, Holley, Kendall, Lyndonville and Medina have all announced that school and extracurricular activities are cancelled on Thursday.

With inclement weather in the forecast for Thursday, including 5 to 10 inches of snow and high temperatures of 19 degrees, the schools decided to close.

Albion school officials said more information will be forthcoming about when the circus will be performing. The circus was scheduled for a performance in Albion on Thursday evening.

K9 Odin locates missing vulnerable adult who wandered from home in Yates

Posted 14 January 2026 at 4:31 pm

File photo by Tom Rivers: K9 handler and Orleans County Sheriff’s Deputy Jeff Cole and Odin were able to find a missing vulnerable adult early on Tuesday morning.

Press Release, Orleans County Sheriff Chris Bourke

YATES – In the early morning hours of January 13, deputies from the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to a report of a missing vulnerable adult.

Deputies responded promptly, conducted a preliminary interview with the complainant, and performed an immediate search of the surrounding area and outbuildings.

As the search continued, additional resources were requested. K9 Odin from the Sheriff’s Office and the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office Drone Unit responded to assist. Thanks to the outstanding teamwork and specialized training, K9 Odin successfully located the missing individual approximately ½ mile from the residence.

Medical aid was immediately provided by the Medina Fire Department, and the individual was safely cared for.

As a result of this incident, our office worked with the family to enroll them in Project Lifesaver to help prevent future emergencies.

Project Lifesaver is a public safety program designed to protect individuals who may wander due to conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, autism, or other cognitive impairments. Participants wear a small, personalized tracking transmitter, allowing trained responders to quickly locate them if they go missing—often within minutes—significantly reducing risk and response time.

We are proud of the professionalism, dedication, and teamwork displayed by all involved. The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to using all available resources to protect and serve our community.

Outstanding job to our deputies, K9 Odin, and our partnering agencies.

Orleans now facing heavy snow through Thursday evening

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 January 2026 at 1:37 pm

Orleans County is now in a winter storm warning from 4 p.m. today through 7 p.m. on Thursday with 5 to 10 inches of snow expected.

“The greatest accumulation will be across northern Niagara and Orleans counties,” the Weather Service said.

The winter storm warning includes Orleans, Niagara, Genesee and northern Erie counties. The Weather Service said widespread accumulating snow will create dangerous travel conditions.

“The hazardous conditions will impact the Wednesday evening and Thursday morning commutes,” the Weather Service said.

Gillibrand urges USDA to expedite payments to farmers, increase funding to specialty crops

Posted 14 January 2026 at 1:08 pm

Press Release, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) joined Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) and nine of their Senate Democratic colleagues in pressing U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins to expedite and increase payouts, especially for specialty crop farmers, in disaster and economic assistance programs in the face of trade uncertainty, rising input costs, and natural disasters.

“Farmers across the country and in New York are facing soaring input costs, increasing uncertainty caused by this administration, and the growing impacts of natural disasters, and they cannot afford further delays in critical assistance,” said Senator Gillibrand. “New York’s farmers are the backbone of our Upstate economy, and I will continue pushing this administration to ensure farmers in New York and across the nation have the resources they need to thrive.”

“As farmers face continued trade uncertainty, rising input costs, and natural disasters, we encourage you to expedite economic and disaster assistance that will benefit all farmers, including specialty crop growers,” wrote the senators. “While significant assistance flowed quickly to farmers in the summer and fall, payments were limited to 35 percent of approved applications.”

“As a result, less than $6 billion out of the $16 billion available has been paid out to farmers more than a year after Congress provided the funds and nearly three years after some farmers faced losses,” the senators continued. “Farmers are talking to their lenders right now to make plans. Adjusting the factor and making additional top-up payments now will expedite assistance now when farmers need it most.”

The senators also highlighted that of “the Farmer Bridge Assistance program of $12 billion, just $1 billion of that total is for specialty crops, sugarbeets, and other crops.” The senators urged USDA to develop “a program that reflects the unique needs of specialty crop growers. We also encourage you to ensure this assistance truly meets the needs of all farmers.”

Along with Gillibrand, Klobuchar and Slotkin, the letter was signed by Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Tina Smith (D-MN), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Adam Schiff (D-CA), and Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD).

Catholic Charities launches 2026 appeal with $8 million goal

Posted 14 January 2026 at 12:25 pm

Press Release, Catholic Charities

BUFFALO – Officials and volunteers gathered today to launch Appeal 2026 in support of Catholic Charities of Buffalo and the Fund for the Faith, with a goal of raising $8 million by June 30.

“Through more than 100 years of economic hardship, social change, and personal struggle, Catholic Charities has remained committed to serve anyone in need – regardless of faith, race or circumstance – with compassion and dignity,” said Daniel Mecca, Appeal 2026 chair. “The demand for these crucial programs and services continues to grow as we witness poverty affecting families in every corner of Western New York.”

Catholic Charities assisted more than 135,000 individuals, families, and children across all faiths and throughout all eight counties of Western New York last year.

“The $8 million goal set for Appeal 2026 reflects the economic realities Western New Yorkers are dealing with, and the difficult environment not-for-profits are facing; however, the true need in our community is much greater,” said Chuck Hayes, chief communications and development officer, Catholic Charities of Buffalo. “While the number of donors to the annual Appeal has declined in recent years, the need remains and, in many cases, has increased. That’s why again this year for Catholic Charities to provide HOPE for all, we need help from all.”

The annual Appeal helps fund dozens of programs and services administered by Catholic Charities along with several ministries through the Fund for the Faith. As Western New York’s most comprehensive human services provider, Catholic Charities’ programs and services touch the lives of nearly one out of every ten people in Western New York, regardless of faith, race, gender, or any personal circumstance.

These services include counseling, mental health support, food pantries, domestic violence programs, housing assistance, family stabilization, and support for older adults. The Fund for the Faith provides needed funding for programs that support the faith experience across all parish communities, including hospital chaplaincy, and training for ordained and lay ministers, among others.

“Each year, this Appeal invites us to reflect not only on what we believe, but on how we live those beliefs—how we care for the poor, the vulnerable, and all who find themselves in need of hope and life’s basic necessities,” said Bishop Michael W. Fisher. “We are living in difficult and uncertain times, a reality that the poor and marginalized face especially. When public safety nets fray, the essential resources made possible by the Catholic Charities Appeal helps to fill the gaps, to accompany those who feel forgotten, and to let them know that they are not alone.”

This year’s Appeal patron is St. Peter. To donate to Appeal 2025, visit ccwny.org/donate or call 716-218-1400. In addition, donors can give by texting HOPE4WNY to 44321 or scanning the QR code found on Appeal materials.

If you or someone you know needs assistance, visit ccwny.org or call 716-218-1400 to find help through Catholic Charities.

Massive data center at STAMP will strain resources, destroy rural character of area

Posted 14 January 2026 at 12:20 pm

Editor:

WNY STAMP project is pushing forward with plans to build a 2.2 million square foot (think 40 football fields) data center adjacent to the Iroquois Wildlife Refuge and Tonawanda Seneca Nation Big Woods.

This monster will use 500 megawatts of our electric power, enough to supply every residence in Monroe, Genesee, Wyoming, Livingston and Orleans counties combined. It will essentially be operated by Apollo Global Management, one of the largest private equity corporations in the world.

More than $410 million in state subsidies (our tax dollars) have already been poured into this boondoggle, with not a single one of the promised 9,000 jobs having been created.

This massive data center will raise our electricity bills, strain power supplies, create constant noise and air pollution, imperil wildlife, and destroy the rural nature of the area.

It’s time to pull the plug on STAMP.

Sandy Chenelly

Waterport

Medina will start ‘Mini Mustang Band’ for grades 5, 6

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 January 2026 at 11:09 am

Group will make debut performance at Memorial Day Parade

MEDINA – The school district will be starting a the Medina Mini-Mustang Band in early March, with the group of fifth- and sixth-graders to make their debut performance during the Memorial Day Parade on May 25.

Medina typically has 80 to 100 students in the marching band in grade 7 to 12. The Mini-Mustang Band will give the elementary students a taste of the marching band, and hopefully encourage more of them to join the Mustang Band as they get older and enter seventh grade.

The Mini-Mustang Band will be led by Kyla Leno-Denise and Andrea Busch, who are both assistant band directors of the Mustang Band.

Leno-Denise is the junior high band director and a general music teacher. Busch teaches primary school music and also directs the Glee Club.

The Mini-Mustang Band will rehearse on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5 to 6 p.m. They will wear a uniform T-shirt for Memorial Day.

Leno-Denise and Busch said the band gives students two more hours a week on their instruments and will prepare them to join the band, which they said is a source of community pride for Medina.

The Board of Education on Tuesday approved the Mini-Mustang Band. Leno-Denise and Busch said they will be reaching out to students and families about being part of the new band.

Medina music teachers went over their very active music program at the district during Tuesday’s board meeting.

They also highlighted another new initiative, a jazz performance at Lyndonville on April 24. “A Night of Jazz” will feature performances by Lyndonville, Medina and likely other districts in the county. It is a concert put on by the Orleans County Music Educators Association. Some of the teachers also are expected to perform.

The jazz concert is expected to be hosted by other districts in the county in the future.

Orleans supports new property tax exemption for veterans, but waiting for guidance from state

Posted 14 January 2026 at 10:55 am

Press Release, Orleans County Legislature

ALBION – Orleans County Legislature Chairman Lynne Johnson said the county supports the new tax exemption for veterans signed into law by Governor Hochul this past December. The new law exempts qualifying veterans with a 100 percent service-connected disability from local property taxes.

“The Orleans County Legislature is fully supportive of legislation that provides benefits like this exemption to those who made tremendous sacrifices for our country,” said Johnson. “Like other counties across the state, we are waiting for guidance from the state over implementation, as things seem to be in flux. But I want to stress is that, to the extent we have any say over this, we will be fighting for our veterans.”

Nikolas Mroz, Director of the county’s Veteran Service Agency, said his team has been in regular contact with state officials and is trying to get clarification for the many veterans who have already called his office.

“We do know that the date for this exemption to be included in the tax roll is October 1 which means it would take effect for 2027 for those who qualify,” said Mroz. “There are around 120 vets in Orleans County who have a 100 percent disability rating and receive the current tax exemption, and based on the criteria in this new law, they may or may not qualify for the new exemption. But this situation is fluid and there could be changes.”

Mroz encouraged any veterans with questions to call his office at 585-589-5219.

Medina will welcome Roy-Hart students on unified bowling team

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 January 2026 at 10:06 am

MEDINA – The Medina unified bowling team, which has won several Section 6 titles since it started in 2018, is welcoming Roy-Hart students on the team.

The Medina Board of Education on Tuesday approved an intermunicipal cooperation agreement with Roy-Hart, allowing R-H students to be on Medina’s unified bowling team this school year.

The season is starting now and runs until mid-March. There will be 18-20 students from both school districts on the team, which includes special education and general ed students.

Roy-Hart will be responsible for transportation for its students and will also pay Medina school district $337 for each student-athlete on the team. This is the first time Roy-Hart students will be on Medina’s unified bowling team.

Winter weather advisory for Orleans with 3 to 6 inches of snow expected

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 January 2026 at 8:40 am

Photo by Marsha Rivers: The shore of Lake Ontario is shown on Tuesday morning at Lakeside State Park in Carlton.

The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory for Orleans County from 4 p.m. today until 1 p.m. on Thursday with 3 to 6 inches of snow expected.

The advisory also includes Niagara, northern Erie, Genesee and Allegany counties.

“Rain will change to snow by this evening,” the Weather Service said. “Periods of snow will result in snow-covered roads and limited visibilities. The hazardous conditions will impact the Wednesday evening and Thursday morning commutes.”

Today will reach a high of 42 with an overnight low of 12 degrees. On Thursday the high will be 18 degrees with 2 to 4 inches of snow possible and an overnight low of 11.

The highs then include 30 on Friday, 34 on Saturday and 24 on Sunday.

If Albion and Medina football merge, new name could be ‘OC Rivals’

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 January 2026 at 10:41 pm

Photos by Tom Rivers: Eric Valley, Medina’s athletic director and head football coach, shares his reasons for supporting a merger with Albion for football at the modified, junior varsity and varsity levels. Next to him, from right to left, are Board of Education members Donnell Holloway, Jennifer Buondonno, Kristin Grose and Annette Allis.

MEDINA – The head football coach and athletic director at Medina made his pitch to the Medina Board of Education for a partnership that once was thought unthinkable: joining the Medina and Albion football teams.

The two school have been bitter rivals at football going back to the 1890s. But the rivalry has faded in recent years as both schools have struggled with student participation to field teams.

Now the two schools are discussing a merger of their football programs at the varsity, junior varsity and modified levels.

“Yes, it’s our rival but it makes a lot of sense for us,” Eric Valley, the Medina coach and athletic director, said during this evening’s Medina Board of Education meeting. “The opportunity is great.”

Joining the programs would give them enough athletes for teams at varsity, junior varsity and modified levels, Valley said. They would have enough for scrimmages and majority of players wouldn’t have to play both offense and defense, nearly every play of the game. The players could be at their own grade levels and not be needed to move up. Playing at their own grade level, and not necessarily both offense and defense will be safer for the players, Valley said.

Medina has had partnerships with other districts before, with Lyndonville and Barker both having students on the Medina Mustang team. Albion and Medina are discussing creating a new program that would have a new mascot and colors.

Valley and Medina Superintendent Dr. Mark Kruzynski have met with their Albion counterparts – coach David Skrip, superintendent Mickey Edwards and athletic director Lauren Kinard.

They support a merged program but it will go to their boards of education for a vote with Albion to make a decision on Feb. 9 and Medina to follow on Feb. 10. If they approve it, Section 6 will also need to give its OK.

Courtesy of Eric Valley: A name and colors aren’t finalized, nor is the merger, but the uniforms could have maroon colors with two shovels on the helmets to represent the two communities that both grew after the digging of the Erie Canal.

The merged team would likely be in the Class B division. Right now Albion and Medina are both C schools.

The following schools currently compete in the B division: Pioneer, Lake Shore, West Seneca East, Lackawanna, East Aurora, Iroquois, Lew-Port, Williamsville South, Dunkirk, Ocean, Maryvale, McKinley, Amherst, Depew and Cheektowaga.

Teams need to have a minimum of 16 players. The projected participation for 2026 with a merged team includes 29 at varsity, 40 at junior varsity and 35 at modified.

Valley wants to building a new program while maintaining a connection to each community. That’s why he endorses calling the team the “O.C. Rivals.” Caledonia-Mumford and LeRoy merged their programs in 2024 and they call their team the Rivals. They had been bitter rivals since 1900.

The Medina and Albion high school football rivalry dates back to the 1890s, making it one of the oldest football traditions in the country.

Valley showed a look for the team’s uniforms and helmets. The logo includes two shovels that Valley said show a connection for both communities to the digging of the Erie Canal, which initially was completed in 1825.

Valley went over other highlights of the merged program:

Each school host two games at all levels
Each school host their own homecoming
Sectional playoff games will alternate from year to year between schools
Practices will be split as evenly as possible between the two districts (likely alternating each week)
Each district will be responsible for hiring coaches to represent their district per their collective bargaining agreements
Each level will have coaches from each district
Tentative plan is for 5-year commitment for the merger
Each district will be financially responsible for transportation, equipment, training services, coaching, supervision, police and ambulance coverage
Districts will split the cost of new uniforms, decals and helmets

Other issues to consider: cheerleading squads, booster involvement, fundraising, record books, traditions, and dual participation athletes.

A group from Albion and Medina discussing the merger like the name “O.C. Rivals” for a merged football program. They prefer to create a new look and name for the team, rather than trying to combine the purple and white for the Albion Purple Eagles, and the red and blue of the Medina Mustangs.

Medina board members who spoke at the meeting voiced support for the merger.

“The merger is a step in the right direction,” said Donnell Holloway.

He would like to see Medina’s youth program also be revived to help prepare kids to be part of the modified, JV and varsity programs.

He commended Valley and Dave Skrip, the Albion coach, “for putting whatever rivalry aside and doing what’s best for kids.”

Dr. Steven Blount, a board member, said he favors offering students a more competitive program, but he said he was a little leery about a five-year commitment to a merger.

Valley said the five years will help spread out the initial financial costs for new helmets and uniforms and provide some continuity while giving the new program a better chance to succeed.

He anticipates the students from the two schools will be great teammates and develop lifelong friendships.

Board member Annette Allis welcomes the chance for the two schools to field a combined team.

“The merger seems like a good idea,” she said. “We’re all the Orleans County community.”