Medina, Albion and Barker boys win N-O League Cross-Country season openers
Photos by Tom Rivers: Taylor Alvord of Roy-Hart won the girls cross country race in Albion today. She is shown in the corn fields behind the school near the 2-mile mark of the 3.1-mile race.
Tristian Tilbe of Albion got off to a fast start in finishing first in today’s cross country race in Albion.
The Medina, Albion and Barker boys cross-country teams all scored home course victories this afternoon to open the Niagara-Orleans League season.
Medina defeated Newfane 22-39 as Cole Hughes finished second and Jonathan Dix third to lead the Mustangs. Newfane’s Sean Milezorski won the race.
Albion downed Roy-Hart 15-45 and Wilson 16-45 as the quartet of Tristian Tilbe, Matt Bloom, Stryker Sanders and Justin Mengs led the way for the Purple Eagles. Roy-Hart bested Wilson 26-29 in the other portion of the meet.
Barker defeated Akron 20-39 as Luke Fay won the race for the Bulldogs.
In the girls races Newfane defeated Medina 15-50 as Eden Hillman won the race for the Lady Panthers.
Roy-Hart bested Albion 18-39 and Wilson 15-50 and Albion downed Wilson 15-50. Roy-Hart’s Taylor Alvord was the race winner.
Akron downed Barker 15-50. Barker’s Mirabelle Strong won the race.
Shelby appoints Jim Heminway as acting town supervisor
Heminway won primary for town supervisor but term doesn’t start until Jan. 1
Jim Heminway
SHELBY – Jim Heminway is getting a head start as the Shelby town supervisor.
Heminway won a Republican primary in June for town supervisor and appears to be a lock to win the general election as an unopposed candidate.
His one-year term will start on Jan. 1. However, this evening he was appointed as acting town supervisor until Dec. 31 by three members of the Town Board: John Misiti, Linda Limina and Ed Zelazny.
The Town Board needs either an acting town supervisor or town supervisor in order to file the town budget by Nov. 20.
The board has been without a town supervisor for about two months since Scott Wengewicz resigned in mid-July. Heminway beat Wengewicz in the Republican primary on June 24, 283 to 118.
Board members Jeff Schiffer and Stephen Seitz Sr. also resigned in mid-July. Seitz also was the deputy town supervisor.
The board was left with only two out of five members and couldn’t meet or conduct town business because it didn’t have a quorum until last week. That’s when Misiti joined the board following an appointment by Gov. Kathy Hochul.
Misiti, Limina and Zelazny were unanimous in appointing Heminway as the acting town supervisor. He starts in the midst of the Town Board and department heads working to put together Shelby’s budget for 2026.
Misiti, during this evening’s meeting, said none of the three existing board members could be appointed acting town supervisor without resigning their seat. None wanted to do that and Misiti said the appointment could appear biased if they appointed one of the current members.
Heminway brings more than 40 years of experience in working in local industry with 20 years at Sigma (now Baxter) in Medina and then 21 years at Monroe Electronics (now Digital Alert Systems) in Lyndonville.
Public welcome for prayer, conversation at Medina Theater during Charlie Kirk funeral
MEDINA – The Medina Theater will be open from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday during the funeral of Charlie Kirk, a 31-year-old conservative political leader who was slain on Sept. 10 while speaking at a college event in Utah.
The Medina Theater will show the funeral live on its big screen and also on smaller televisions. The Rev. Vince Iorio will share a prayer and others are welcome to come together and share in their grief and mourning for Kirk, who was an influential leader especially among younger adults.
President Donald Trump said he will attend the funeral at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz.
“Anyone who would like to come is invited,” said Dawn Meland, who is helping with the event at the theater, 603 Main St. in Medina. “We welcome all to join us in prayer. They can watch the funeral and have a conversation.”
The event, Meland said, has been put together by “a group of citizens that want to honor the memory of Charlie Kirk. It’s not partisan.”
Hands 4 Hope collecting winter clothing at Red Jacket rallies
Photos courtesy of Hands 4 Hope: The Hands 4 Hope ministry is shown last winte at Lyndun Drive in Albion.
Press Release, Hands 4 Hope
Last year the community was generous giving winter clothing to Hands 4 Hope. This is shown inside the Arnold Gregory Office Complex where Hands 4 Hope is based.
ALBION – Once again the months of Brrr are upon us, Septembrrr, Octobrrr and Novembrrr!
And so is Hands 4 Hopes winter coat events, the “Red Jacket Rally.”
This Thursday marks their first of three consecutive monthly events, the community is welcome to donate or receive winter jackets, hats, gloves and boots during the event.
This Thursday find them at Ace Hardware on E. Center Street in Medina from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Last year this event helped get over 600 winter coats out into the community to those in need.
Donating is easy: just drop winter items off during the events on the third Thursday each month.
Starting in Medina, then off to Holley on Oct. 16 and wrapping up in Albion the Hoag Library on Nov. 13.
For more information, on supporting this cause or Hands 4 Hope in general please visit the website at www.hands4hopeorleans.org.
We appreciate your support as we offer Hope to our local community.
Orleans/Niagara BOCES cosmetology students welcome public for clinic
Provided photos from Orleans/Niagara BOCES: Missy Outten and Sophia Gerhardt of Barker get ready for the cosmetology clinic at Orleans/Niagara BOCES in Medina.
Press Release, Orleans/Niagara BOCES
Kyra Monnier of Albion is one of the cosmetology students at the Orleans/Niagara BOCES.
MEDINA – The cosmetology students at the Orleans Career and Technical Education Center are excited about starting their clinic Oct. 2.
The clinic is open to the public at 4232 Shelby Basin Rd. in Medina on Thursdays and Fridays (8:30 to 10:30 a.m.) when school is in session. Customers will be walking away with new looks or just a smile after having some pampering with our talented students.
What a great way for our students to get their hours towards their cosmetology license and helping community members feel and look great!
Teachers Sue Lindke (slindke@onboces.org) and Anne Carnahan (acarnahan@onboces.org) can be contacted to set up appointments or get more information.
Price list is located on the Orleans/Niagara Career and Technical Education Centers page on Facebook.
Pop-up food pantries will continue through at least end of year
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Volunteers and employees for Community Action of Orleans & Genesee get food ready to be dispersed on Monday morning during a food distribution in the Albion municipal parking lot at 165 Platt St.
Community Action has been leading these food distributions in Albion since April 2020.
The distributions through Foodlink will continue to at least through the end of this year in the Rochester region.
“As long as we can keep doing it, we will do it,” said Ryan Lasal, director of Community & Family Program Innovation for Community Action. “Right now Foodlink has no plans to stop.”
Tonya Ferris, an M&T Bank employee, helps with Monday’s distribution. Two other M&T staff assisted with the distribution. Ferris, a Kendall resident, has been part of the distributions for over a year.
The schedule in Orleans County for the remainder of the year includes:
Albion at 165 South Platt Street – managed by Community Action
- Monday, Oct. 27 at 9 a.m.
- Monday, Nov. 10 at 9 a.m.
- Monday, Dec. 8 at 9 a.m.
Lyndonville Presbyterian Church at 107 North Main St., Lyndonville
- Friday, Oct. 3 at 9:30 a.m.
- Friday, Oct. 17 at 9:30 a.m.
- Friday, Nov. 7 at 9:30 a.m.
- Friday, Dec. 5 at 9:30 a.m.
Orleans Cornell Cooperative Extension, 12690 State Route 31, Albion
- Monday, Oct. 6 at 10 a.m.
- Monday, Nov. 3 at 10 a.m.
- Monday, Dec. 1 at 10 a.m.
Pre-registration strongly suggested. Those who pre-register will be assigned timeslots for pickup (12-12:30, 12:30-1, 1-1:30. 1:30-2). Pre-register at 585-798-4265. Walk-ins may start at 2 p.m.
Nick Luft and four other Albion High School students in the Interact Club assisted with the distribution for Community Action. Adam Burgio, another high schooler, is in back ready to hand off a big bag of produce.
Lyndonville will use smoke test on sanitary sewer system next week
Press Release, Village of Lyndonville
LYNDONVILLE – Beginning on Sept. 23, the Village of Lyndonville will be conducting leakage testing on the sanitary sewer system located within the village.
It is anticipated that this testing will take three days and end on Sept. 25. This test is being conducted as part of a study to locate and identify areas of ground and surface water entering the sanitary sewer system.
It is important to find and identify these sources because they may seriously affect the efficiency of our Wastewater Treatment Facility and increase operating expenses.
During the test, a non-toxic smoke will be blown into the sanitary sewer system to reveal leaks where storm water and surface waters may be entering the sewer. The smoke that is utilized for this testing is manufactured specifically for this purpose, and it leaves no residual odor or stains, and has no adverse effect on plants or animals.
It does have a distinctive, but not unpleasant, temporary odor. The visible smoke and odor only last a few minutes, where ventilation is adequate.
To conduct the test, smoke will be introduced at specific sanitary sewer manholes located on the streets. During the test, personnel will conduct a visual observation along streets and around individual homes, for smoke exiting storm sewers, roof gutters, and other areas which may be connected to the sanitary sewer system.
Smoke should not enter your home unless the plumbing is defective or if your home contains drains which are infrequently used. Several days prior to Sept. 23, please pour or run water down all drains in your home or building to assure that drain traps are filled and in working order.
Please feel free to contact the Superintendent of Public Works Devan Freeman at 585-765-9312 if you have any questions regarding this notification.
Hoag teams with GO Art! to offer free art library
Photos from Hoag Library
ALBION – A new free art library was been set up outside Hoag Library in a project spearheaded by the Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council (GO Art!).
Local residents are encouraged to take an art book or art kit, or leave an art book or art kit and spread creativity.
The art library was architecturally designed by Jeff Pasnik, built and designed by Carpenters Local Union 276, and painted by Jaylah Sherman.
This kit includes yard and other supplies to create a fairy wand.
GO Art! established the art library to make art supplies and resources more accessible to the community, fostering creativity and engagement in the arts. The library includes art kits, coloring books and art books that are freely available for anyone to take and enjoy.
Organizers thankful for support at benefit for suicide prevention awareness
Photos by Ginny Kropf: Seated from left, Chris Crane and Tammy Fearby chat with Joey Molisani while waiting for the start of the Fuller 155 benefit by the Watts/Fuller families to support suicide prevention causes. For a donation of any amount, people could write their loved ones name on a heart, which will be placed on a banner and carried in the Out of the Darkness walk on Saturday in Buffalo.
SHELBY – The Fuller 155 Suicide Prevention Basket Raffle/Walk Committee is extending a heartfelt thanks to the community for tremendous support of their annual fundraiser Sunday at Shelby Fire Hall.
Committee chair Ike Watts was overwhelmed with the generosity with which people throughout the area supported their efforts.
“Your support plays a meaningful role in helping us raise awareness, offer hope and provide essential resources to those affected by suicide and mental health struggles,” Watts said. “I am particularly grateful for my work family at Medina Central School. I received tremendous support from my co-workers.”
“Your kindness and generosity help us build a stronger, more compassionate community,” Watts said.
Walkers start out on the walk held for the first time this year during the annual suicide prevention fundraiser at Shelby Fire Hall.
A walk added for the first time this year brought 47 adult walkers and a crowd of children.
Jennifer Bansbach of Lyndonville signed up to walk in memory of three very dear people who succumbed to suicide, she said.
“This is to support them, and besides it’s a beautiful day for a walk.”
The basket raffle had the most donations in the three years of the benefit – 242.
Early birds check out the more than 200 baskets donated for the Fuller 155 basket raffle/walk to benefit suicide prevention Saturday at Shelby Fire Hall.
An added attraction was a trolley which Doug Bracey brought and gave rides to those unable to walk the route or pick up anyone who couldn’t finish.
“Everyone I spoke to said what a wonderful event this was and how happy they were to have come,” Watts said. “It was for a very meaningful cause.”
Another feature was a table where, for any donation, Chris Crane and Tammy Fearby sold hearts on which a loved one’s name or a message could be written. The circles were then glued on a banner which the Watts will carry in the Out of the Darkness Walk on Saturday in Buffalo.
Chris and Anita Hughes, right, register Jennifer Bansbach of Lyndonville for the first walk held in conjunction with a suicide prevention benefit Sunday at Shelby Fire Hall.
Lady Eagles nip rival Lady Hawks in 2 OT
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Kendall’s Keara Reed battles for control of the ball with Holley’s Addison Bevins during the host Lady Eagles double overtime win over the rival Lady Hawks this evening.
Kendall nipped rival Holley 1-0 in double overtime in a Genesee Region League girls soccer game this evening at Kendall.
Sophia Picardo scored the game’s lone goal for Kendall midway through the second 10 minute overtime period on a direct kick from outside the box..
Kendall goalie Brooke Rodas came up with three big saves in the first overtime period to keep the game scoreless.
Holley goalie Zoey Warner had 13 saves on the evening and Rodas 6.
Kendall is now 3-0 in the league and 5-1 overall while Holley is 2-2 and 2-3.
Holley’s Hannah Ostrom heads the ball up field as Mia Thom moves in to support.
Kendall’s Stella Kwiatak controls the ball against Holley’s Brynn Thomas.
Holley’s Kyla Burne works to keep the ball away from Kendall’s Sophia Picardo who scored the game’s lone goal.
Alexander spikers post win over Albion
Alexander downed Albion 25-20, 25-14, 25-20 in a non league volleyball match this evening.
Taylor Duncan had 6 spiking kills and 3 service aces for Alexander as Bridget Ripstein had 5 aces and 30 digs and Ava Yax 35 digs.
Jillian LeBaron had 4 kills, 2 aces and 30 digs for Albion as Katelyn Viza had 5 kills and Anna Grillo 25 digs.
Albion golfers down Medina; Roy-Hart wins
Albion downed Medina 242-256 in a Niagara-Orleans League golf match this afternoon.
Owen Spencer took medalist honors with a 43 for Albion as Drew Pritchard added a 46, Viktor Snyder 48 and Gavin Boyce 49.
Cam Fike had 44 and Tyler Draper 45 for Medina.
Albion is now 6-2 and Medina 4-3.
Roy-Hart remained undefeated at 6-0 with a 232-247 win over Newfane.
Roy-Hart’s Evan Poeller and Gavin Heideman and Newfane’s Caleb Rivera all shared medalist honors with rounds of 43.
Wilson earned its first win of the season this past Friday by downing rival Newfane 262-271.
Ben Meyers took medalist honors for Wilson with a 39 and Rivera led Newfane with a 45.
Northern lights were out in their glory last night
Photos by Peggy Barringer
CARLTON – These photos of the northern lights were taken Sunday night by Peggy Barringer at Lakeside State Park between 9:15 and 10:30 p.m.
Barringer of Albion said the display was “truly jaw-dropping!”
Courtney DePaula sent in this photo of the northern lights in Kent last night.
Holley gets ready for alumni games, Athletic Hall of Fame induction
Press Release, Holley Central School
HOLLEY – Holley Central School District will host a series of events commemorating our alumni during the weekend of Sept. 26-27.
The Alumni Soccer Game will be held on Friday, Sept. 26, at 7 p.m. at Sander Soccer Field at The Woodlands, featuring 35 alumni who graduated in 1965-2021.
The Alumni Flag Football Game will be held on Saturday, Sept. 27, at 4 p.m. at Hawk Stadium, featuring 19 graduates from 1998-2019.
There will be an Athletic Hall of Fame Induction in between the 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Varsity games will be at the Woodlands honoring 2025 inductees.
A voluntary $3 donation will be collected at the entrance from spectators for all alumni games. Alumni game proceeds will benefit Interact Club, the 8th Grade Washington D.C. Trip Scholarship Fund and Holley Sports Boosters. Cash-only concessions will be available.
Western battalion firefighters will do boot drive on Sunday for Make-A-Wish
Medina family went to Disney World in January through Make-A-Wish
Photos courtesy of Meakin family: Koleson Meakin, now age 4, went to Disney World in January for a week with his family. Koleson is diagnosed with TPK1 Thiamine Deficient Leigh syndrome, a rare genetic metabolic disease. His parents, Brady and Dominique Meakin, navigate his complex needs, which require a special ketogenic diet and frequent medical care.
MEDINA – Firefighters from the western battalion in Orleans County will be out this Sunday filling the boot for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Firefighters have been doing this for several years. This tike has special significance because a local boy and his family were able to go to Disney World through Make-A-Wish.
Koleson is shown at Disney World in January with his parents, Brady and Dominique, and younger sister, Jovie.
Koleson Meakin turned 4 on Aug. 31. He has a rare condition, TPK1 Thiamine Deficient Leigh syndrome. It is a gene-linked brain malformation characterized by the absence of normal folds in the cerebral cortex and an abnormally small head.
His parents, Brady and Dominique Meakin, navigate his complex needs, which require a special ketogenic diet and frequent medical care. Koleson has been hospitalized four times since May.
His mother said the family is grateful for the community’s support through fundraisers and prayers.
“We’re making him comfortable and trying to make as many memories as possible,” she said by phone this morning.
Koleson has a strong and committed care team.
Make-A-Wish gave him an expedited wish about a year ago. He loves lights and music, and Make-A-Wish suggested Disney World. His parents drove Koleson and his little sister Jovie down last January and they were able to stay for a week in a village on site for Make-A-Wish families..
“Our family was treated like royalty at Disney village,” Mrs. Meakin said. “That was the best week of our lives. It is a core memory we will never forget.”
The boot drive will be from 9 a.m. to noon on Sunday at on Route 63 with Shelby and East Shelby firefighters, Maple Ridge Road and the downtown intersection with Medina firefighters, and South Lyndonville Road and Route 104 with Lyndonville and Ridgeway firefighters. The local drive usually raises about $8,000.
