Trump unilaterally chooses war with Iran without Congressional input
Editor:
In a democracy the government derives its just powers with the consent of the people, as stated in our Declaration of Independence. One of the ways our Founding Fathers codified this principle is by giving our elected representatives the authority to declare war in Article 1, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution.
President Trump violated U.S. law and the Constitution by starting a war with Iran without any consultation with Congress let alone a declaration of war.
Furthermore, Iran did not pose an immediate threat to the U.S. The U.S. intelligence officers assessed that there was no imminent threat from Iran. The International Atomic Energy Agency says there is no evidence Iran has an active plan for creating nuclear weapons and the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency assessed that if Iran tries to build an intercontinental ballistic missile it will take them at least ten years.
Clearly, there was time for negotiation and other measures, like economic sanctions, short of war. Mr. Trump unilaterally started this war with no clear justification, and no clear goals, stating it was to prevent them from obtaining a nuclear weapon and later that it was for regime change.
Mr. Trump did not consult our allies, and he is violating the United Nation’s Charter. These actions have alienated us from our friends, leaving us isolated. Finally, Mr. Trump is a profiteer. After U.S. forces risked their lives to extract Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, Mr. Trump announced he controls the oil and the money from that oil. There is no reason to doubt that Mr. Trump started this war for his personal benefit.
Representatives Claudia Tenney and Nick Langworthy lavishly praise Mr. Trump, a convicted felon and sexual predator, for starting this war. Mr. Trump’s reckless illegal actions and Republican’s willing embrace of his actions threaten American lives. I pray our service men and women are not harmed, but I fear for their safety.
William Fine
Brockport
Padoleski would bring deep institutional knowledge of village operations to Medina as mayor
Editor:
Deborah Padoleski’s tenure as clerk-treasurer demonstrates deep institutional knowledge of village operations. She has proven her fiscal responsibility and budget management through her experience in the clerk’s office.
Her understanding of municipal regulations, procedures, and legal requirements gives her a heads up for the mayoral position along with her track record of maintaining accurate records and ensuring transparency.
She has exhibited integrity and ethical standards in public service especially with her problem-solving abilities during challenging situations.
Debbie has exhibited a commitment to the community’s welfare through her collaborative approach to working with other officials and departments.
Debbie has the ability to make difficult decisions under pressure especially through her experience in balancing competing community needs.
Debbie has a vision for the village’s future and shown her accessibility and willingness to listen to constituents.
As I have stated previously, I worked with her for 31 years and her work ethic, dedication and leadership during our 31 years working together showed her skills as clerk-treasurer translate directly to mayoral responsibilities.
If you live in the Village of Medina be sure to vote on March 18 for Deborah Padoleski for Medina’s next mayor.
Dawn Meland
Medina
N-O boys squad romps past G-R seniors
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Medina’s Jerrel Nealy drives in for a basket for the Niagara-Orleans League during this evening’s Exceptional Senior game win at Albion. He goes in ahead of Genesee Region League defenders Owen Schultz (Pembroke) and Cole DiQuatro (Byron-Bergen).
Earning a split on the evening, the Niagara-Orleans League boys squad blitzed the Genesee Region League by an NBA style score of 133-76 in the second half of the Exceptional Senior doubleheader at Albion this evening.
All 15 players contributed to the N-O point production which included 21 threes.
Aidan Neumann (Wilson) scored 19, Blake Gerstung (Akron) 18, Ryan Hough (Wilson) 15, Tyler Cody (Albion) 12, Shamus George (Wilson) 12 and Jerrell Nealy (Medina) 11 to lead the N-O attack. Wesley Olles (Albion) added 9, Ben Gerstung (Akron) 9, Camlo Flowers (Newfane) 7, Brock Lepsch (Wilson) 6, Nate Gibson (Albion) 5, Carson Schwab (Barker) 3, JJ Prynn (Barker) 3, Donovan Hefferon (Barker) 2 and Vinny Fazzio (Roy-Hart) 2.
Kingston Woods (Alexander) scored 21 and Owen Schultz (Pembroke) 14 to lead the G-R as Mason Watterson (Oakfield-Alabama) added 9, Noah Morehouse (Kendall) 8, Vinnie D’Agostino (Kendall) 8, Gabe Smith (Oakfield-Alabama) 6, Cole DiQuatro (Byron-Bergen) 6, Mason Snyder (Alexander) 3 and Stetson Hall (Notre Dame) 1.
The N-O jumped out to an 18 point, 49-31, lead at the end of the 20 minute first half. Neumann scored 13 and Hough 8 to lead that surge.
Everyone then got into the scoring act in the second half as Blake Gerstung scored 12 on four threes, Cody 10 (two threes), Nealy 9, Hough and Flowers 7 and Neumann and Ben Gerstung 6 each to pace the N-O.
Woods scored 12 (two threes) and Schultz 9 on three threes for the G-R in the second half.
With the victory the N-O grabs a 13-12 lead in the series and snaps a four game G-R win streak.
Kendall’s Vinnie D’Agostino goes in for a layup for the G-R as Ben Gerstung defends for the N-O.
Albion Sip N’ Stroll features 16 stops, 6 musical acts
Photo by Tom Rivers: Kyler Preston steers the Batavia Pedal Party down Main Street in Albion for the Sip N’ Stroll on March 15, 2025. The pedal bar and a bus helped move people to the stops at the event. The Batavia Pedal party will be back for the Sip N’ Stroll on Saturday (March 7).
Provided photo: The souvenir glass features a barn quilt, which is popular in the local area, especially in Kendall.
ALBION – Saturday will be a big day in downtown Albion with several hundred people expected for the annual Sip N’ Stroll.
There will be 16 stops for people to sample wine, mead and beer. The Sip N’ Stroll starts at 4 p.m. at Dubby’s Tailgate. It is organized by the Albion Merchants Association and is the group’s biggest fundraiser of the year.
The AMA wants to build on last year’s event which sold 362 tickets.
“We’re hoping for 400,” said Natasha Wasuck, the AMA president.
There will be six musical performers at the event, and they are funded through a grant administered by GO Art!
Tickets at the door are $30, and are $28.52 online. Click here to purchase a ticket online.
Participants can travel by pedal bar or shuttle bus if they prefer not to walk. Wasuck noted the weather will be in the 60s.
Small G-R girls squad thumps N-O seniors
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Lyndonville’s Isabella Groves puts up a shot for the Genesee Region League against Niagara-Orleans League defenders Millie Owens (Roy-Hart) and Cara Swader (Akron) during the G-R’s Exception Senior game victory this evening at Albion.
Playing with only seven players, the Genesee Region League romped to a 79-40 win over the Niagara-Orleans League in the 25th Exceptional Senior girls basketball game this evening at Albion.
Lyndonville’s Isabella Groves poured in a game high 27 points and Pembroke’s Peyton Liss scored 23 to spearhead the attack for the G-R which has now won five in a row to take a 13-12 lead in the series. Ashanti Caton (Wheatland-Chili) added 9, Ava Yax (Alexander) 6 and Simone Scharvogel (Byron-Bergen) 1.
Olivia Novak (Akron) led the N-O with 14 as Kylie McOmber (Roy-Hart) added 9, Leah Pawlak (Albion) 6, Millie Owens (Roy-Hart) 6, Roswyn Oakes (Medina) 3 and Tatianna Maxon (Medina) 2.
Up by only three, 20-17, at the end of the first quarter, the G-R broke the game open by outscoring the N-O 22-2 in the second period to race away to a 42-19 half-time advantage. Groves and Caton both scored 7 and Liss 6 in the period.
Keeping the momentum, the G-R outscored the N-O 25-5 in the third period to extend the advantage to 43, 67-24, at the three-quarter mark. Groves scored 10, including two threes, Liss 9 and Yax 6 on two threes to lead that uprising.
Roy-Hart’s Kylie McOmber grabs a rebound for the N-O between G-R defenders Simone Scharvogel (Byron-Bergen) and Peyton Liss (Pembroke). Medina’s Roswyn Oakes moves in to support.
Sherman has proven to be hard-working and effective mayor for Medina
Editor:
I don’t typically like to engage in local political discussions. I never felt like I had a true need to. Growing up, I felt like the people leading our community had a concrete vision for Medina – and a vision that helped it grow for the better.
I’ve always heard that the secret to Medina’s “Renaissance” was the fact that everyone – all the stakeholders – were pulling in one direction. Working together was and still is the key to success.
Lately I’ve been disturbed with the absence of direction and transparency, creeping micromanagement, and unwillingness to work cooperatively by some members of the Board of Trustees.
I think everyone always looks at positions in politics and thinks “I could do a 10x better job– it would be so easy.” Maybe in a perfect world, that might be. But it’s not.
The reality is that governance requires long hours in an often thankless job. It requires leadership, perseverance, a willingness to listen to everyone no matter how small the issue, to be decisive, creative, forward thinking, all while maintaining a high level of integrity.
This is how I see Mayor Sherman. I believe Mayor Sherman has done about as good of a job as you can humanly ask for. I see her working hard for a sustainable, affordable Medina by seeking diverse funding sources to ease the tax burden – grants, private funding, foundations and the like. Where others see problems, she sees opportunities.
I see her passionately supporting public safety, and again working incredibly hard to identify new funding sources and ways forward so we can maintain the level of services residents have come to depend upon.
It’s been said that leaders “do the right thing,” while managers “do things right.” Mayor Sherman does both exceedingly well. She has a long-term view with an eye on the future, focusing on people and solutions. And she is an extremely competent executive, carrying out the day-to-day tasks of meeting with people, formulating plans, managing difficult circumstances and making sound decisions.
I’m disappointed by her opponents on the Board of Trustees who seem so unwilling to work cooperatively. To have disagreements is expected, but to disengage from finding cooperative solutions is another. We need – we deserve public servants who are committed to working cooperatively for everyone, in the best interests of all of Medina – even those with whom they disagree. Too much is at stake.
Rather than working with the mayor in a non-partisan fashion, some trustees think that digging their heels in and just saying “no” to everything the mayor suggests is a plan.
It’s not. Some also seem fixated on watching the mayor’s every move. Also, not a plan and not effective governance.
The board’s job is to set direction and policy, while executive is meant to carry out that policy and help execute it. That involves the day-to-day grind of meetings, management, and decision making. When trustees demand to be a part of everyday administrative duties, effective governance slows; daily operations become muddled; clear direction becomes foggy.
They may see it as “staying on top of things” but in fact, they are micromanaging and impairing the very thing they want to help. It’s simply not their role. Yes, there certainly are things that the executive/mayor should and must bring to the board – but that’s her job. It’s not their job to sit on her shoulder.
Let me say it one more time: the secret to Medina’s “Renaissance” was the fact that everyone – all the stakeholders – were pulling in one direction. Working together was and still is the key to success.
I think it’s quite clear that Mayor Sherman is trying to help and do what’s best for the people of Medina under very trying circumstances. My fiancé and I have chosen to live in Medina and make our home here. I believe in Mayor Sherman. I believe in her vision, and I believe in the future that she sees for our community.
I hope that you will join me in voting for a clear vision and what’s best for our future. On March 18, vote Sherman.
Sincerely,
Sam Busch
Medina
Local law enforcement assists Border Patrol with 2 arrests in Medina
Image from Sheriff’s Office drone: These 2 men fled on foot from law enforcement on Feb. 25 before being taken into custody.
Press Release, Sheriff Chris Bourke
MEDINA – On February 25, agents with U.S. Border Patrol conducted a targeted enforcement operation in the Village of Medina, resulting in the arrest of two male subjects.
During the operation, the two males fled on foot. U.S. Border Patrol requested assistance from the Medina Police Department and the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office. A coordinated perimeter was quickly established, and the Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigative Division deployed its unmanned aerial system (drone) to assist in locating the fleeing individuals.
Within minutes, the drone located the two males in a wooded area as they were being pursued at a distance by officers. Law enforcement personnel converged on the location and both individuals were taken into custody without incident.
The individuals have been identified and have prior convictions in the United States, including felony racketeering and making terroristic threats. One of the males has been identified as a member of the MS-13 gang and has previously served a federal prison sentence. He is being prosecuted by U.S. Border Patrol under Title 8 U.S.C. § 1326 (Reentry of Removed Aliens).
The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to assisting our fellow law enforcement agencies when requested, particularly in efforts to locate and apprehend convicted criminals. The Sheriff’s Office is dedicated to proactively creating safe and secure neighborhoods throughout Orleans County.
NY Theatre Ballet to perform ‘The Firebird’ in Elba on March 20
‘This performance brings world-class ballet directly to our rural community’
Photo by Richard Termine: New York Theatre Ballet will do two student matinee performances and a public event in Elba later this month.
Press Release, Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council
ELBA – The Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council will present New York Theatre Ballet performing the classic ballet The Firebird in a special regional engagement at the Elba Central Schools Auditorium on Friday, March 20.
The day will include two student matinee performances serving hundreds of students from across Western New York, followed by a public evening performance at 7:30 p.m., which will conclude with a talkback with the dancers and artistic team. The school auditorium is located at 57 South Main St. in Elba.
“This performance brings world-class ballet directly to our rural community,” said Gregory Hallock, Executive Director of GO Art! “Opportunities to see professional classical dance without traveling to a major city are rare in our region. We are thrilled to make this experience accessible to students, families, and community members.”
Founded in 1978, New York Theatre Ballet is widely recognized as New York City’s leading chamber ballet, presenting both classical masterworks and contemporary choreography to audiences nationwide. Their production of The Firebird, set to music by Igor Stravinsky and based on Russian folklore, tells the magical story of Prince Ivan, the mystical Firebird, and the defeat of the immortal sorcerer Kostchei. The ballet blends storytelling, music, costume, and movement to create a theatrical experience for audiences of all ages.
The engagement is part of GO Art!’s ongoing work to expand access to professional performing arts in rural Western New York, connecting nationally recognized artists with audiences and students across Genesee and Orleans Counties and the broader GLOW region.
Student Matinee Performances
Two school-day performances will introduce students to professional ballet through New York Theatre Ballet’s acclaimed “Once Upon a Ballet” educational series, designed to engage young audiences while maintaining the artistry of professional performance.
Students attending the matinees will also participate in a post-performance talkback, allowing them to ask questions and learn about careers in the arts directly from the dancers.
Public Evening Performance
The community is invited to attend the 7:30 p.m. evening performance, offering audiences a rare opportunity to experience a professional touring ballet company locally.
Tickets: $20 General Admission, and $10 Youth and Veterans. Tickets are available through GO Art! at: https://square.link/u/Xn4PSJn8.
Regional Leadership in Dance
The performance also reflects GO Art!’s growing leadership in dance across New York State.
Earlier this month, Gregory Hallock was selected through a competitive statewide search to become one of the newest members of NYS DanceForce, a consortium of dance advocates dedicated to increasing the quantity and quality of dance activity across New York State.
Each DanceForce member receives an annual allocation to design residency projects that bring professional dance artists to communities throughout upstate New York.
Hallock’s appointment will allow him to further expand opportunities for dance artists and audiences across rural regions, building on initiatives like the New York Theatre Ballet residency in Elba.
“The work we are doing locally is part of a larger effort to ensure that communities outside major cities have meaningful access to professional dance,” Hallock said. “Being part of NYS DanceForce will allow us to build even more opportunities for artists and audiences across Western New York.”
About GO Art!
GO Art! (Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting arts, culture, and creative opportunities throughout Genesee and Orleans counties. Through performances, festivals, cultural programs, and partnerships with schools and community organizations, GO Art! works to ensure that high-quality arts experiences are accessible to residents across rural and small-city communities.
Funding Support
This performance is funded in part by the Oliver G. & Sarah Sloan Bauman Fund for the Arts, administered by the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, and the New York State Council on the Arts, with support from the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.
Tenney assists constituents in returning from Middle East
Press Release, Congresswoman Claudia Tenney
WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today provided an update on recent casework efforts to assist constituents located in the Middle East and shared important resources available to Americans abroad who may need assistance or guidance from the U.S. government.
Rep. Tenney’s office has successfully helped dozens of constituents located overseas, including the United Arab Emirates, Oman and Kuwait, helping them navigate communications with the U.S. State Department and secure safe travel arrangements back home.
Her office regularly works with federal agencies to help constituents obtain timely information, connect with embassy officials, and access the resources available to U.S. citizens abroad.
“Helping constituents navigate urgent situations overseas is an important part of the work our office does every day,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “I am grateful our team was able to assist constituents in Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates and help ensure they were able to return home safely. For Americans currently abroad, the State Department offers several important resources that can provide guidance, updates, and support during emergencies.
“Our office will continue working closely with federal agencies to assist constituents and ensure that Americans traveling or living overseas have access to the information and help they need. We are grateful to the State Department, and our regional partners in the United Arab Emirates, Oman, and Kuwait for their help getting Americans home safely.”
Americans currently overseas who need assistance or guidance from the U.S. government are encouraged to utilize the following resources:
- State Department Crisis Intake Form – Used to notify the U.S. State Department and request assistance or information during emergencies abroad: https://mytravel.state.gov/s/crisis-intake.
- Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) – Allows U.S. citizens abroad to register with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate and receive important security alerts and updates: https://step.state.gov.
- Travel.State.gov – Americans traveling or living abroad should regularly monitor Travel.State.gov and communications from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for country-specific updates and safety guidance.
Shelby Republicans urged to sign petitions for candidates, committee members
Editor:
To Town of Shelby residents, it’s that time of year the Republicans are out getting signatures for our endorsed candidates.
This year Shelby Republican endorsed candidates are:
Republican Committee – District 1: Steve Seitz and Dale Root
District 2: Bill Bacon and C.J. Woodruff
District 3: Alana Koneski and Mike Moriarty
District 4: Tom Winans and John Pratt
Please note that for District 3 there will be the ability for all residents in Lakewood Village, west side of Gwinn Street, Batavia, Oak Orchard, North and South Avenue to come to Lakewood Village on Saturday, March 7th, between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. and sign petitions and enjoy a slice of pizza and a soda. And chat with Alana and Mike.
Also endorsed by our committee: Assembly – Steve Hawley; Senate – Rob Ortt; Congressional District 24 – Claudia Tenney; all current County Legislature members.
Please take a minute of your time and get involved in the process. We would enjoy meeting with you.
Dale Root
Town of Shelby Republican Committee Chairman
After icy morning, temps will get to 50s today, 70 on Saturday
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – The bronze statue of Santa at Waterman Park in downtown Albion is coated in ice this morning after a night of freezing rain.
It was very slippery walking around on driveways and sidewalks. But the temperature is forecast to climb to 54 today and then 70 on Saturday.
The highs then show 48 on Sunday, 60 on Monday, 50 on Tuesday and 48 on Wednesday.
There are many icicles on one of the benches by the Santa at Waterman Park.
The bottom of the clock on Main Street also has some icicles this morning.
These branches in an Albion backyard are lined with ice this morning.
Green makes the cut on her LPGA debut
File Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Melanie Green
Making her LPGA Tour debut, Medina’s Melanie Green has made the cut at the Blue Bay Tournament at Hainan Island, China.
It has been an uphill battle for Green who has successfully rebounded from a near disastrous quadruple bogey 8 on the first hole of her opening round.
Rebounding, Green registered birdies on four of her final eight holes to finish her opening round at 1 over par 73.
Green then posted a 2 over par 74 on her second round for a two day total of 147 to make the cut by 1 stroke.
She had three birdies on her second round to help off set five bogies. Interestingly, one of those birdies came on hole No. 1 where she had the quadruple bogey on day one.
The tournament continues today and will conclude on Saturday (our time).
County in 2025 hit new record high for bed tax at nearly $120K
Photos by Tom Rivers: Fireworks reflect in the Erie Canal on July 2 after a performance by the Albany Symphony in Medina as part of the celebration for the Erie Canal’s 200th anniversary. That concert attracted 1,000 people. There were many special events last year in the county for the bicentennial of both the canal and Orleans County.
ALBION – Orleans County set a new record high for bed tax in 2025, despite concerns that some Canadians might cut back on their traveling to the region.
Last year was a big year for celebrations in the county with the bicentennials of both the Erie Canal and Orleans County, as well as an active year for concerts, festivals and other events.
The Seneca Chief travels along the Erie Canal between Middleport and Medina on Sept. 25. The vessel is a replica of the maiden canal boat that carried Gov. DeWitt Clinton on the canal in 1825. There were celebrations along the canal system during the Seneca Chief’s 33-day journey last year from Buffalo to New York City.
The county imposes a 4 percent occupancy tax on lodging establishments, and that bed tax generated $119,501.51 in 2025, said County Treasurer Kim DeFrank.
This is the fourth straight year the tax has topped $100,000 for the county.
Here are the totals in recent years:
- $119,502 in 2025
- $116,712 in 2024
- $119,003 in 2023
- $111,548 in 2022
- $79,102 in 2021
- $58,438 in 2020
- $58,424 in 2019
- $51,002 in 2018
- $45,374 in 2017
There are about 200 rooms for rent in the county, including at hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, and short-term rentals.
Orleans County imposes a 4 percent bed tax on top of the 8 percent sales tax.
The county sets aside the bed tax to fund the tourism department and initiatives to bring in visitors. The increase in funds allowed the county to hire a sportsfishing coordinator in December 2022, filling a position that had been vacant for nearly five years. Ron Bierstine promotes the county’s top tourism draw of sportsfishing attending more of fishing shows, including in Pennsylvania and Ohio.
The county also has stepped up its digital advertising on Facebook to promote events in Orleans to attract more visitors to the area. The tourism department promotes local festivities, museums and other attractions.
Wilson girls win Class C semifinal
No.3 seed Wilson turned back a late comeback bid by No. 7 Cassadaga Valley to earn a 51-45 victory in the semifinal round of the Section VI Class C girls basketball playoffs this evening at Jamestown Community College.
Wilson built up leads of 17, 32-15, at the half and 21, 46-25, at the end of the third period but weathered a 20-5 Cassadaga Valley fourth quarter rally to claim the narrow win.
Lucy Madan scored 14, Rowan Simpson 12 and Bella Thrush 9 to lead the way for Wilson.
Cassadaga Valley was led by Breonna Hopkins with 17 and Madison Debo with 14. Hopkins hit three threes and Debo scored 8 in the final quarter to lead the Lady Cougars rally.
Wilson will now face top seeded Frewsburg in the Class C championship game at noon Saturday at Jamestown Community College. Frewsburg downed No. 5 Randolph 61-38 in the other semifinal.
