By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 22 December 2025 at 9:40 pm
Pulling away in the second quarter, Albion went on to defeat host Oakfield-Alabama 77-53 in a non league boys basketball game this evening.
Up 16-10 at the end of the opening period, Albion put together a big 27-13 scoring surge in the second quarter to open up commanding 20 point, 43-23, half-time advantage.
Nate Gibson scored 12, including a pair of threes, and Elijah Doxey 6 to lead that Purple Eagles uprising.
Keeping the momentum, the Purple Eagles went on to outscore the Hornets 20-13 in the third period to maintain a comfortable 27 point, 63-36, advantage heading into the final quarter.
Wesley Olles scored 7, Doxey 6 and Gibson 5 to lead that scoring burst.
Gibson finished with 21, Olles 17 and Doxey 14.
Improving to 3-2, Albion next hosts Warsaw in another non league contest on January 3.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 December 2025 at 8:58 pm
Carol Culhane paints ox in honor of county’s bicentennial
Photos by Tom Rivers
CARLTON – A statue of an ox is painted to pay homage to early settlers in Orleans County, which this year commemorated its 200th anniversary.
Carol Culhane, a member of the Orleans County Bicentennial Committee, is nearly done with the ox. She has been working on it, on and off, the past three months. It will go in a county building or perhaps be displayed outside. The exact spot is to be determined. Right now it’s in the rec room at her house in Carlton. She has the first coats of paint on two other oxen as well.
The ox body is painted black. Culhane painted the county seal on one side and the bicentennial logo on the other. The seal has a gold color that Culhane also used for the horns and hooves.
Culhane read about many of the early settlers in a book by Arad Thomas in 1871, “Pioneer History of Orleans County.” Thomas interviewed many of the settlers. That book provides first-hand accounts of the tenacity needed to survive in the early 1800s when the settlers often lacked food for themselves and their livestock. Many of the settlers, including their children, died from disease.
Culhane has painted a portrait of a settler from each of the 10 towns and four villages. She included women, whose contributions often weren’t recorded.
Thomas featured some women in his book. But Culhane said Dee Robinson, a retired Gaines historian, wrote about the contributions of many local women in her book, “Historical Amnesia.”
The settlers highlighted by Culhane include:
Nehemiah Ingersoll – Village of Albion
Roswell Burrows – Town of Albion
Lansing Bailey – Town of Barre
Bathshua Brown – Town of Carlton
Elizabeth Johnson – Village of Lyndonville
David Jones – Town of Kendall
Fanny Ferguson – Town of Murray
Phoebe Sprague – Village of Holley
Chauncey Robinson – Town of Clarendon
Elizabeth Gilbert – Town of Gaines
Peter Hoag – Village of Medina
Seymour Murdock – Town of Ridgeway
Matthew Gregory – Town of Shelby
Horace Goold – Town of Yates
Arad Thomas’s book included photos of 12 of the 14 settlers painted by Culhane. She used AI to get a sketch for pioneers, Bathshua Brown and Elizabeth Gilbert. Culhane provided some details about their lives to help create the depictions from AI.
Culhane who like to see a display with information about each of the 14 people featured in portraits.
She marvels at women like Elizabeth Gilbert of Gaines and Bathshua Brown of Carlton. Both became widows and had to forge a new life in Orleans County without a spouse.
They endured the loss of children and faced intense hardships in trying to build new lives in Orleans County.
Brown and her husband moved to Orleans County, traveling by boat in 1804. Elijah Brown did not survive the trip and he was buried in the Brown Cemetery at the Bridges in 1804, the first marked burial in Orleans County. Elijah and Bathshua had 17 children, with 12 living to adulthood.
The Brown family continues to live and farm in Carlton – 221 years after Bathshua and her children moved to the area.
Culhane said the settlers had hard lives, and she wanted to honor their efforts in the early days of the county.
“Look at what they went through,” Culhane said. “All of them had strength and grace and courage to carry on.”
County Historian Catherine Cooper, left, commended Culhane for her vision for the ox and the artwork. Cooper said the ox’s face was particularly striking. Cooper said she would like the ox to prominently displayed by the county.
Culhane has long used her artistic talents to support veterans, Hospice of Orleans County and other causes. She created a bicentennial poster for the county, showing the modern Courthouse Square and an earlier log cabin that existed on the spot before the courthouse was built in 1858.
Culhane painted three horses for Rochester’s Horses on Praade in 2001 and a giraffe for the Animal Scramble in 2003. Culhane sees home those community art projects were fun and encouraged people to explore Rochester and Monroe County.
She thinks the painted oxen can have a similar impact in Orleans County. She has painted the third one. Stacey Kirby Steward painted the first one in 2024 during the Orleans County 4-H Fair. It included an agricultural scene on one side and fair scenes on the other side. That ox is at the fairgrounds.
Melissa Ierlan used decoupage to cover an ox with photos from Clarendon. That ox is at the Clarendon Historical Society.
Culhane has two more to do. Next up will be one with vignettes from Point Breeze and Carlton. She is painting that one for the Oak Orchard Neighborhood Association and Friends of the Orleans County Marine Park.
Then she will paint another one with scenes from around the county, some historic and other of the modern day.
The Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council approved grants for the upcoming two oxen by Culhane, while the one celebrating the early settlers was funded from the Orleans County Bicentennial Committee.
The Town of Kendall and Town of Carlton also are working on oxen for their towns. Culhane would like to see more added each year to celebrate the community and build a tourism attraction for the county.
“I think it’s a great asset for the county,” she said about the painted oxen.
Culhane said it was an honor to paint the ox for the county, which she said she loves dearly.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 22 December 2025 at 8:36 pm
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Medina’s Jerrell Nealy puts up a shot during the Mustangs home court win over Eden this evening which saw him surpass the 1,000 point career scoring milestone.
Improving to 7-0, Medina posted a 77-55 victory over visiting Eden in a non league game this evening highlighted by senior Jerrell Nealy surpassing the 1,000 point career scoring milestone.
Nealy hit the 1,000 point milestone with a rebound basket late in the third quarter becoming just the Mustangs ninth 1,000 point scorer.
Medina Coach Justin Morgan presents Jerrell Nealy with a ball celebrating his topped the 1,000 point milestone.
Nealy finished with 25 upping his career total to 1,008 as Preston Woodworth 19 and Christian Moss 14 to lead the Medina offense. Jayzon Wills added 7, Avion Johnson 5, Hadrian Batista 3 and Vinny Gray and Bryan Santiago Bautista 2 each.
Kobe Genco took game high scoring honors with 26 for Eden.
Moving on top to stay, Medina jumped out to a 21-10 first quarter lead as Nealy scored 13.
The Mustangs upped the advantage to 19, 44-25, at the half as Woodworth scored 9, including a three and Moss 4 in the second quarter as Johnson and Batista also both hit threes.
Medina maintained a 14 point, 61-47, lead at the end of the third quarter which saw Moss score 5 and Woodworth and Wills 4 each.
Nealy then capped off his special evening with 8 in the final period. Click here to view the 100 point shot.
Medina next visits Eden in a rematch on January.
Medina’s 1,000 point career scorers:
1,383 – Jalin Cooper (2014-15 to 2017-18)
1,280 – Levi Pace (2006-07 to 2009-10)
1,220 – Eddie Woods (1991-92 to 1994-95)
1,159 – Kevin Eick (2001-02 to 2003-04)
1,107 – Mark Dennis (1968-69 to 1970-71)
1,038 – Jacob Rosenbeck (2001-02 to 2004-05)
1,030 – Jim Snyder (1986-87 to 1988-89)
1,016 – James Kingsley (1997-98 to 2000-01)
1,008 – Jerrell Nealy (2022-23 to 2025-26)
Avion Johnson pulls down a rebound for the Mustangs.
This past Friday evening and Saturday morning I had the opportunity to volunteer to ring the bell for the Salvation Army Red Kettle at our local Albion Tops.
This is a Thank You to all of you who donated your hard-earned money, whether it was a few dollars or change, towards those who are not as fortunate.
In this time of “affordability” your sharing goes to show the spirit of giving that is alive and well in our community.
A Thank You also goes out to Jami Allport of Genesee Orleans Ministry of Concern to promote this annual event. For those of you who would like to volunteer next year, just give Genesee Orleans Ministry of Concern a call and ask. You will find it heartwarming as well.
Photos and information courtesy of Medina Central School
MEDINA – For several years running, the Medina Teachers’ Association has embraced the spirit of “Movember” by growing mustaches, raising awareness, and generating essential funds for men’s health and mental wellness in Medina.
This November, despite a season filled with other school fundraisers (including the annual Helpful Harvest Food and Essentials Drive supporting MAAC), Medina’s dedicated staff came through once again. The men on staff grew out their mustaches throughout the month, while the entire team rallied with donations, encouragement, and momentum.
Joe Byrne, MTA president, presents a check to Nola Goodrich-Kresse, who accepted on behalf of the Orleans County Suicide Prevention Coalition.
The results were an incredible $1,200 raised for the Orleans County Suicide Prevention Coalition, marking the third consecutive year Medina has surpassed the $1,000 mark.
These generous donations will directly support next year’s Men’s Day Out event in Orleans County, an event that creates a welcoming space for men to come together and to support one another and learn life-saving tools while having fun.
MTA President and 8th-grade Social Studies teacher Joe Byrne shared his gratitude in a message to staff:
“Thank you to everyone who grew a mustache, donated, encouraged others, or helped spread the word. Your generosity and enthusiasm made this year’s campaign truly special. Because of all of you, we’re able to support the Orleans County Suicide Prevention Coalition and continue making a meaningful impact right here in our community. I’m deeply grateful for the kindness, humor, and heart our staff brings to Movember each year. This is a team effort, and once again, you’ve shown what can be accomplished when we come together.”
A special thank-you goes to Nola Goodrich-Kresse, who leads the coalition’s efforts, for her ongoing collaboration.
This annual tradition not only raises critical funds but also fosters camaraderie, humor, and a deeper sense of purpose among our staff, all while making a real difference in Orleans County.
Provided photo: From left include Makayla Davis, Hailey Burdick, Desiree Bieber, Anthony Roman, Violet Borck and Trent Baehr who is standing behind music teacher Mary Kuhn.
Press Release, Orleans/Niagara BOCES
Thanks to the generosity of Brenda and Mark Zimmerman, owners of the Gathering Place and Checkered Poppy Antiques and Gifts in Lockport, the Orleans/Niagara BOCES Bell Choir played to a standing room only audience.
The Bell Choir, composed of students from Godfrey Learning Center and the Orleans Learning Center, was conducted by music teacher Mary Kuhn at the Gathering Place on Dec. 18.
The program consisted of holiday classics with students lending their talents and voices to this fun and festive performance. Everyone loved this magical and heartfelt performance!
Contributed Story Posted 22 December 2025 at 10:01 am
The Roy-Hart/Barker/Medina Ice Hockey Knights visited the Northtown Center in Buffalo Sunday evening and lost 4-1 to St. Joseph’s of Buffalo.
The home team scored first in the opening period, but RBM was able to tie in the second on a goal by Aiden Cronkhite (Newfane) with Clayton Wagner (Medina) and Max Pilon (Medina) assisting.
In the final period, RBM penalties led to a power play goal by the hosts which proved to be the game winner.
RBM’s, which currently has a record of 1-4-1, will travel to Leisure Rink in West Seneca on Friday evening to play Bishop Timon at 6:15 p.m.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 December 2025 at 9:51 am
The minimum wage is on the rise again and will go to $16 an hour beginning on Jan. 1 in Orleans County. That is up 50 cents from the current $15.50 an hour.
It continues a trend where the minimum wage has increased from $11.80 in 2020 to $12.50 in 2021, $13.20 in 2022, $14.20 in 2023, $15 in 2024 and $15.50 in 2025.
This will be the last scheduled increase with a set amount. After 2026, any increases will be tied to inflation.
The rate will be $16 an hour for Orleans County and most of upstate. The minimum wage will be $17 per hour for New York City, Long Island and Westchester County.
This charming “Merry Christmas” postcard was mailed to Miss Hattie Ball in Lyndonville in 1903. (Ball-McCombs Card Collection)
By Catherine Cooper, Orleans County Historian
“Illuminating Orleans” – Volume 5, No. 43
Who could better provide a glimpse into life in days gone by other than a County Historian?
Joseph B. Achilles served in that position from 1944-1957. Here are some of his observations about life in Albion in the late 1890s.
Reminiscences of Main Street
“Shopping for the ladies in those days was a comparatively simple matter. You went to Upper Landauer’s, now a grill, where Moritz Landauer sold you Sattinetts, Cassimeres, Velveteens etc., or to Lower Landauer’s where Simon Landauer, his brother, showed you the same patterns in the recently streamlined store, now operated by his grandson. That dignified and friendly competition has no counterpart in the savage merchandising of today, and you did not require a metal name plate and a number to open a charge account, and you did not have to pay before the end of the month either.”
Joseph B. Achilles, Orleans County Historian, 1944-1957
“The residents of “Ruffled Shirt Hill”, as Upper Main Street was called, turned out on Sunday morning in fine equipages, some even ran to part time coachmen and the ladies sported those small black silk parasols to protect complexions that would drive Elizabeth Arden green with envy.
Sunday morning in those days meant church, not a hangover. You dined at the Albion House about 1:30 p.m. and the check was about $.75, not $7.50. Meals like those are definitely a matter of history.
Short drives in the afternoon and a light lunch in the evening closed Sunday for our grandfathers and if the surrey with the fringe on top didn’t get you here or there very quickly, at least the finance company was not interested in it, and you could cross the street in front of it without someone collecting your insurance.
People were born, lived and usually died in their own homes. The maternity ward and the pulmotor* squad and funeral home were still in the future, and a doctor was called when you needed him and not just when you wanted him, and home remedies took care of most of the troubles of those days.
And, if the toll of years or the lack of Sulfa* or Penicillin closed your earthly account, George Brown and the Black Team took you for a quiet ride in the plumed hearse out the Avenue to Mt. Albion for a long rest in the only surroundings that seem to have defied the changes that Time has made in the Albion of those other days.”
*surrey: a four-wheeled open horse-drawn carriage
*pulmotor: an early device for artificial respiration
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 December 2025 at 8:30 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
HOLLEY – Santa rides on a fire truck from Murray Joint Fire District on Sunday in annual pre-Christmas tradition from the Holley Volunteer Fire Department.
There were two trucks that gave Santa and Mrs. Claus a ride through the village, with kids having a chance to meet Saint Nick.
Santa was an enthusiastic greeter along the journey through the village.
Provided photos: Santa makes a stop and visits a family in Holley.
Santa and Mrs. Claus met with Kerri Neale to get his wish list.
‘The Governor has missed an opportunity to engage in thoughtful, collaborative reform that brings DOCCS and New York State forward’
Press Release, NYS Correctional Officers Police Benevolent Association
ALBANY – NYSCOPBA is deeply disappointed that the Governor has signed the Corrections Omnibus Bill into law.
The death of Robert Brooks was a profound tragedy and meaningful reforms to ensure that never happens again must be made. However, we cannot support legislation that responds to a single tragedy by imposing broad, punitive oversight on thousands of dedicated corrections professionals who had no role in it and who are already under constant surveillance and scrutiny.
The death of Robert Brooks should be a catalyst for smart, collaborative reform, not rushed measures that assume guilt on the part of all correctional staff. The individuals responsible were held accountable through the judicial system — as they should have been. It is unfair and counterproductive to use their misconduct as the basis for sweeping new burdens and disciplinary structures that will undermine morale, complicate operations, and worsen the ongoing staffing crisis.
If New York State is truly committed to improving the correctional system, it must start by listening to the voices of the men and women who serve inside these facilities every day. Our members know firsthand where outdated policies fail and where system improvements are urgently needed. Policies from the 1980s and 1990s are no longer effective for the realities of today’s environment.
By signing this bill, the Governor has missed an opportunity to engage in thoughtful, collaborative reform that brings DOCCS and New York State forward. NYSCOPBA will continue to fight for the rights, dignity, and due process of our members and pursue all available paths to ensure their voices are heard in shaping the future of corrections.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 21 December 2025 at 9:54 am
The upcoming Christmas holiday week will bring a light schedule of high school contests.
On Monday in non league boys basketball games Medina will host Eden at 6:30 p.m. and Albion will visit Oakfield-Alabama at 7 p.m.
In addition, Kendall will take on Northstar at 9:30 p.m. at the Rocket Arena in Cleveland following the Cavaliers game. This is the second year in a row that the Eagles have played in Cleveland.
On Tuesday in non league girls basketball Medina will visit Lyndonville at 6 p.m.
The Niagara-Orleans League will have a full slate of wrestling matches at 6 p.m. Tuesday with Roy-Hart/Barker at Albion, Medina at Wilson and Akron at Newfane.
Defending champion Newfane and Akron are both 2-0, Albion and Roy-Hart/Barker 1-1 and Medina and Wilson 0-2.
Albion will also be competing in the Spencerport Tournament on Saturday.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 21 December 2025 at 8:35 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – The Albion First Presbyterian Church Choir sings “Call to Christmas” on Saturday during the annual community Christmas concert hosted by the church.
The event is presented by the Albion Alumni Foundation and the Albion First Presbyterian Church.
Bella Davy, a 2021 Albion grad, holds her son Wyatt while singing “The Christmas Song.” Davy was among many Albion alumni to perform in the concert.
About 200 people attended the concert in the historic church. Here they are listening to Jason Pahura, a 2008 graduate.
Jason Pahura plays the guitar and sings, “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.”
Sarah Hill sings, “River.” She has performed as a soloist and in many of the productions by the Lakes Plains Players.
Other performers included Gary Simboli, Lonnie Froman and John Borello, Annalise Steier, Mike Thaine, Alec Sherman, Hannah Brewer, Mollie Radzinski, Ron Albertson, Jason Anstey, Keira Zambito, Susan Thaine, Denise Thomas, Leah Kania, Erin Moody and the community choir.
After the election of Donald Trump, a year ago, I wrote a letter that I titled “Hate Won.” A year ago, I could only write about his hateful campaign promises; now I can write how he has fulfilled those promises.
The Trump administration has used racial profiling to make very public, aggressive arrests using excessive force by masked officers, in full tactical gear, including the use of military helicopters, to apprehend and deport people (including U.S. citizens) without due process.
Dressing officers in full tactical gear, purposefully using excessive force to make violent public arrests are done to dehumanize people. Officers wear masks to prevent accountability for using cruel and excessive force in violation of our Constitution and the law.
The leader of the Republican Party has called entire communities garbage, an ugly and hateful expression. Not one Republican has objected. It is obvious they revel in harming, subjugating and dispossessing those they consider the wrong race, ethnicity, religion or sexual orientation.
Congresswoman Claudia Tenney and Congressman Nick Langworthy support the dehumanization of immigrants. Ms. Tenney, in fact wants to put an image of Mr. Trump on Mr. Rushmore for his policies of racism and hate.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 20 December 2025 at 7:17 pm
Staying perfect at 8-0, Wilson outlasted Niagara-Wheatfield 76-70 in overtime in non league boys basketball game this afternoon.
Aidan Neumann scored 30, Shamus George 17, Ryan Hough 12 and Brock Lepsch 10 for the Lakemen.
Wrestling Linda Knuutila Memorial Tourney
Four local wrestlers earned top four finishes at the Linda Knuutila Memorial Tournament which concluded this evening at SUNY Niagara.
Roy-Hart/Barker had RJ Townsend finish second at 285, Luke Fay fourth at 144 and Isabella Gatto fourth at 235 in the girls division.
Medina had Luke Duffina finish third at 132.
Williamsville South JV Tourney
Medina had Ryan Frentz (144) and Nate Surdel (285) both place third at the Williamsville South JV Tournament.
Who could better provide a glimpse into life in days gone by other than a County Historian?
