By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 3 July 2026 at 10:16 am
Scoring in five ddifferent innings, Albion downed Alden/Attica 7-1 in a GLOW League 18U Division baseball game Thursday evening.
Gavin Boyce picked up the win on the mound allowing 2 hits and striking out 10 in five and two-thirds innings of work. Nate Gibson pitched the final inning and one-third giving up no hits and striking out 2.
Albion picked up a quick run in the first inning on a single by Boyce and a passed ball. RBI singles by Nick Luft and Potter then plated a pair of runs in the secod.
Gibson doubled and came in on a steal of home in the third inning. He also had an RBI sacrifice fly in the fifth as a double by Kaiden Froman plated a second run. A walk and a double by Elliott Trapiss set up that opportunity.
Albion’s final run came in the sixth inning on an error.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 3 July 2026 at 10:14 am
A big late inning scoring burst keyed the Medina Mustangs 14U baseball team to a 7-3 victory over the visiting Spartans Thursday evening.
Trailing 3-2, Medina rallied for 5 runs in the sixth inning to claim the win on two passed balls, a wild pitch, an error and an RBI single by Brayden LaMartina.
Earlier, Medina scored once in the first inning on an error and three walks and once in the second on a home run by Shawn Robertson.
Mason Berry, Evan Collins and Mason Mikulec combined to hurl a 4 hitter with 7 strikeouts as Medina improves to 5-5.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 July 2026 at 10:11 am
Orleans County could see $400K increase in administering SNAP in 2027
Photos by Tom Rivers: U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer speaks at the Eastern Orleans Community Center on Thursday, when he highlighted the impact on cost shifts in the SNAP program. The federal government will shift administration to some states, such as New York and its 62 counties, while other “red states” don’t face the same costly scenario, Schumer said. Pictured from left include Whitley Hasty, benefits navigation manager for Foodlink; Charles Schumer, the U.S. Senate minority leader; Lynne Johnson, Orleans County Legislature chairwoman; and Renee Hungerford, executive director of Community Action of Orleans & Genesee.
HOLLEY – U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer is deeply concerned about changes in the SNAP program proposed by the Trump Administration, which he said will result in less food for people in need and higher administration costs for “blue states” such as New York, driving up costs for the state and the 62 counties.
Schumer was in Holley on Thursday at the eastern Orleans Community Center, to highlight the change that is scheduled to take effect in September. Orleans County officials say the county will face an additional $100,000 in administration costs for the program for the final quarter of 2026 and about $400,000 more in 2027. (Schumer’s office puts the fiscal hit to the county at about $250,000.
Schumer said he will push to stop the cost shift and potential reductions in SNAP as part of the new Farm Bill. He also said a new Democrat-controlled House of Representatives and U.S. Senate through the mid-term elections would oppose the cost shifts.
“We all know that families are struggling right now,” Schumer said the Holley center, which serves more than 6,000 meals a year.
This chart, released by U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer, details SNAP benefits costs and recipients, and cost shifts to counties in the Rochester region.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides food assistance to 135,000 families, kids, and seniors across the Rochester-Finger Lakes region, Schumer said. Schumer said SNAP is the largest anti-hunger program in the United States and a lifeline for nearly 3 million people in New York State.
Last year, President Trump and Congressional Republicans approved a nearly $200 billion cut to SNAP, Schumer said.
The action also shifted administration costs to some states and counties – about $5.6 million in new annual costs on county budgets in the Rochester-Finger Lakes region, forcing counties to choose between raising local taxes or cutting food assistance for New Yorkers in need, Schumer said.
“These cuts are going to be devastating for Orleans County and all of Upstate New York,” Schumer said. “We’ve always fed the hungry. It’s part of our Judeo-Christian view. Jesus said to feed the hungry.”
Schumer urged the local community to ask Republican Congresswoman Claudia Tenney to back a Farm Bill that doesn’t push SNAP costs on the states and counties – or least gives them more time to prepare for the added expense.
“I’m here today to announce that I will not support a Farm Bill that does not at least provide more time for states and counties to prepare to shoulder the cost of SNAP,” Schumer said. “A Republican Farm Bill that abandons hungry families is not a serious proposal.”
U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer greets Rose Sargent, a part-time employee at the eastern Orleans Community Center. In back from left are Holley Mayor Mark Bower, and Ryan Lasal, director of Community & Family Program Innovation / Chief Innovation Officer for Community Action.
The Holley center run by Community Action serves over 6,000 prepared meals each year, said Renee Hungerford, executive director of Community Action of Orleans & Genesee.
“As the cost of basic goods continues to rise, the need for food assistance in our community only grows,” she said.
She noted that SNAP also is an important program for farmers and other small businesses in the community.
“Programs like SNAP, shaped through the Farm Bill, don’t just help families put food on the table, they also support our local farmers, grocery stores, and rural economy,” Hungerford said. “And when federal proposals shift more of those program costs onto states, it puts real pressure on counties like Orleans, where local resources are already stretched, increasing the strain on food pantries, community programs, and the families who rely on them every day.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 July 2026 at 8:42 am
Provided photos: Holley has new banners to celebrate the country’s 250th anniversary. The banners were designed by Lake Country Media. The banners were funded by the Daughters of the American Revolution.
HOLLEY – The Village of Holley will kick off its Friday summer concert series today with a patriotic concert by The Joey Stempien Big Band. This group includes 17 musicians from the Eastman School of Music and the University of Rochester.
The free concert goes from 6 to 8 p.m. by the gazebo along the canal. People are encouraged to park at the lot by the former Save-A-Lot grocery store.
Holley is using a grant from the NY-250 Committee to pay for the orchestra’s performance.
The Holley Canal Concert Series Schedule includes:
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) will host a series of town hall meetings on Saturday, July 25, 2026, giving residents of Elba, Byron and Bergen an opportunity to hear updates on state and local issues, ask questions and share their concerns.
The meetings are open to all members of the community, and no registration is required.
The schedule is as follows:
Town & Village of Elba from 10 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. at the Elba Town Hall, 7133 Oak Orchard Rd., Elba
Town of Byron from 11 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. at Byron Town Hall, 7028 Byron Holley Rd., Byron
Town & Village of Bergen from 12 p.m. – 12:45 p.m. at Byron-Bergen Public Library, 13 S. Lake Ave., Bergen
“Meeting with residents in our communities is one of the most important parts of serving in the Assembly,” said Hawley. “These town halls are an opportunity to discuss what’s happening in Albany, answer questions, hear concerns firsthand and learn more about the issues that matter most to local families. I encourage everyone to stop by and join the conversation.”
Residents from throughout the community are welcome to attend any of the meetings. Hawley looks forward to hearing directly from constituents and providing updates on issues affecting Genesee County and New York State.
Assemblyman Steve Hawley represents the 139th Assembly District, which includes parts of Erie, Genesee, Monroe and Orleans counties.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 July 2026 at 8:15 am
County not in “extreme heat warning” today
It will be another hot day in Orleans County today, but not quite as hot as Wednesday and Thursday when there was an “extreme heat warning” for the county.
The National Weather Service in Buffalo has issued a heat advisory for Orleans until 8 p.m. The high temperature is forecast to be 92 degrees with the heat index values in the 98 to 103 degree range from late morning through the afternoon.
People are urged to drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors.
It will be a little more comfortable on the Fourth of July with the high temperature forecast to be 85.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 July 2026 at 5:03 pm
Ellman topped Kastenbaum by 5 votes in Orleans in NY-24th District
ALBION – The Orleans County Board of Elections on Wednesday certified the results of the primary from June 23, allowing a week for any absentee ballots to be counted that were postmarked by June 23.
There were 12 absentees that arrived after June 23 for the Democratic Party primaries, but no additional absentees for the Republican races, the Board of Elections said.
• In Clarendon, Fred Seeman is the certified winner for town supervisor, receiving 170 votes to 155 for Marc Major.
• In Shelby, there were three candidates for two positions from District 1 of Shelby as representatives on the Orleans County Republican Committee. John Parada, 66 votes, and Steve Seitz, 62 votes, were both elected to the committee positions. Dale Root received 55 votes.
• The 24th congressional district includes 14 counties. Diana Kastenbaum of Batavia has conceded to Alissa Ellman of Lockport in the Democratic primary for the 24th Congressional District.
In Orleans County, Ellman received 219 votes to 214 for Kastenbaum.
• Tom DiNapoli, the state comptroller, was the only state-wide candidate facing a primary challenge. He won the primary handily.
In Orleans County, DiNapoli received 295 votes, compared to 81 for Drew Warshaw and 44 for Raj Goyle.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 2 July 2026 at 10:29 am
Keynote address will discuss Liberty Poles and origin of the one at museum
Photo by Tom Rivers: Doug Farley, director of the Cobblestone Museum, speaks on July 6, 2025 during the annual patriotic service held near the Fourth of July in the Cobblestone Church.
CHILDS – A special America 250 celebration is scheduled at 11 a.m. Sunday at the National Historic Landmark Cobblestone Church on Route 104.
A festive program of patriotic songs, readings, and much more, themed to highlight the nation’s semi-quincentennial, has been planned, according to Cobblestone Museum Director Doug Farley.
Bill Lattin, former Cobblestone Museum director and county historian, will provide a keynote address explaining the historic significance of Liberty Poles, and how the Museum’s Liberty Pole was dedicated on the museum campus.
Assistant director Sue Bonafini and summer intern Casey Starkweather will provide information about the four signers of the Declaration of Independence from New York state. They will answer questions, such as “How and why did they decide to sign the document? What led them to that decision? What were the ramifications of their actions?”
For answers to these questions, and more, Farley urges everyone to join them on Sunday.
In addition, summer intern Collin Capurso will be offering selected readings from Thomas Payne and other patriots. Of course, guests will be asked to join in singing several historic melodies that will add to the occasion.
Following the patriotic program, a picnic lunch is planned on the side lawn. Guests are encouraged to bring a potluck dish to pass. Hotdogs and beverages will be provided.
This is a free, public program, however, donations are gladly accepted.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 2 July 2026 at 10:02 am
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Albion’s first team N-O honorees Gavin Boyce, left, and Nate Gibson.
Finishing in third place at 8-4, Albion has placed three players on the first team of the annual Niagara-Orleans All League baseball squad.
The Purple Eagles trio of honorees includes senior catcher/pitcher Nate Gibson, senior outfielder Kaiden Froman and junior infielder/pitcher Gavin Boyce.
Albion first team honoree Kaiden Froman, left, and Akron first team selection Colin Miller.
Gibson hit .475 with 3 doubles, 3 triples, 4 home runs and 25 RBIs. On the mound he registered 97 strikeouts.
Boyce hit .383 with 13 RBIs. He notched 41 strikeouts on the mound.
Froman hit .350 with 15 RBIs.
Albion also had senior infielder Elliott Trapiss and freshman outfielder Viktor Snyder earn second team All League honors.
In addition, junior infielder Mason Snook earned Honorable Mention.
Akron Honorees
Rounding out the All-League first team is Akron outfielder/pitcher Colin Miller who hit .333 and had 14 RBIs.
The Tigers also had senior Conlan Luck and sophomores Gavin Miller and Hunter Haist earn Honorable Mention.
Barker Honorees
Barker senior outfielder/pitcher JJ Prynn and junior infielder Logan Flint both earned second team All-League honors.
The Bulldogs also had sophomore Drew LaGreca receive Honorable Mention.
Wilson Honorees
Wilson had a trio of second team All-League honorees including senior outfielder Brady Seeley, sophomore infielder Logan Held and freshman infielder Wyatt Sherman.
Newfane Honorees
Newfane junior infielder Matt Kline earned second team All-League honors.
The Panthers also had senior Tristan Smith receive Honorable Mention.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 July 2026 at 9:46 am
Photo by Tom Rivers: A fireworks show returned to Bullard Park last year on July 3rd.
ALBION – The Albion community is planning a July 3rd bash to celebrate Independence Day – a day early.
The event starts at 4 p.m. and will include live music, children’s activities, food vendors, artisans, a chicken barbecue, carriage rides, a car cruise-in and fireworks at 10 p.m. to cap the day.
The event will be held by Bullard Park and is organized by the Village of Albion Recreation Committee and the Greater Albion Community Recreation & Events, Inc. (G-ACRE).
The bands performing at the amphitheater include:
4 p.m. – Ryan & Company
6 p.m. – Feedback/Side Doors/Tax Road Less Traveled
8 p.m. Who Dats
The chicken barbecue will be from 4 to 6 p.m. and is hosted by G-ACRE.
Last year was the first time there was a fireworks show at Bullard in many years. John Grillo, the village’s recreation director, wants to make it an annual event on July 3. He thanked the many sponsors for contributing to the event on Friday.
Press Release, Genesee/Finger Lakes Regional Planning Council
John Fitzak
ROCHESTER – The Genesee/Finger Lakes Regional Planning Council (G/FLRPC) has approved its Executive Committee leadership for the upcoming term, reaffirming its commitment to supporting their membership, which includes the 9 counties and 188 municipalities across the Genesee-Finger Lakes region.
John Fitzak of Orleans County has been reappointed as chairman. Fitzak, a carlton resident, is an Orleans County legislator.
Fred Wille of East Bloomfield in Ontario County will serve as vice chairman, and Nathan Rudgers of Covington in Wyoming County has been reappointed as treasurer.
G/FLRPC works in partnership with local governments to provide technical assistance, planning support, and access to regional resources. The organization’s leadership helps guide these efforts to ensure municipalities have the technical assistance, tools, and information needed to address local priorities and opportunities.
“I’m excited to be reappointed as Chair of G/FLRPC,” said Fitzak. “Our region’s strength comes from collaboration at the local level. I encourage municipalities to reach out to G/FLRPC (info@gflrpc.org) to better understand the full range of services our staff provide and how we can support your community’s goals.”
Municipal leaders are encouraged to connect with G/FLRPC staff to learn more about available services, including planning assistance, grant support, data analysis, and regional coordination initiatives.
G/FLRPC remains committed to working closely with local governments to strengthen communities and advance shared regional priorities.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 July 2026 at 9:18 am
Photos by Tom Rivers: A rainbow emerges over the Community of Hope – Albion Free Methodist Church on Wednesday evening. The church is next to the Orleans County Courthouse.
It will be another scorcher today in Orleans County with the high temperature forecast to hit 95 and the heat index between 105 and 109.
The National Weather Service in Buffalo issued an Extreme Heat Warning until 8 p.m. today in Orleans. This is the second day of an Extreme Heat Watch. There is also one for Friday.
The high temperatures the next few days include 95 today, 94 on Friday, 88 on Saturday and 85 on Sunday.
The rainbow came out after a brief rain on a very hot Wednesday.
