Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments
Genesee and Orleans counties are excited to share CredibleMind, a new online tool to help residents take care of their mental health and overall well-being.
This platform is offered through a partnership between Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health) and the Genesee and Orleans County Mental Health Departments.
CredibleMind offers easy-to-use, confidential, and trusted resources for anyone, whether they are dealing with stress, anxiety, depression or just want to support their mental wellness.
Residents can explore articles, videos, podcasts and self-check tools on more than 100 topics, including stress, relationships, sleep, mindfulness and grief. The platform works like a personal digital guide, using short assessments to suggest resources that fit each person’s needs and goals. It also helps residents connect with local mental health services.
“Taking care of mental health is an important part of overall health,” said Paul Pettit, Public Health Director of GO Health. “CredibleMind gives people a safe and easy way to get help anytime they need it.”
“We want to make it easier for people to get mental health care,” said Lynda Battaglia, Director of Genesee County Mental Health Department. “CredibleMind lets residents get help in a way that works for them. It can make asking for help less scary and more effective.”
“We want every resident to be able to take care of their mental wellness,” said Danielle Figura, Director of Orleans County Mental Health Department. “This partnership helps our community connect with mental health support, especially for people who may not know where to start.”
Residents can visit CredibleMind at Genesee-OrleansNY.CredibleMind.com to look at trusted resources, take self-checks, and find tools to support their mental health and well-being.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 12 January 2026 at 10:31 am
Photos courtesy of Tim Archer, Albion teacher
ALBION – The Sons of the American Revolution visited seventh-graders in Albion Middle School last week and discussed solider life and gear, important events, uniforms, weaponry and other topics.
The SAR promotes patriotic, historical and educational themes, while perpetuating the memory of Revolutionary War patriots. Promoting fellowship among their descendants, they seek to inspire the community with a reverence for principles of government foundered by our forefathers.
This year is the 250th anniversary of when the United States of America declared its independence.
Luci Borello and Sutton Sanders, Albion eighth-graders, are shown with members of the Sons of the American Revolution.
The two students are working on a burials’ list of Revolutionary War soldiers in Orleans County.
Tim Archer, service-learning teacher at Albion, also said students will be unveiling four roadside historical markers this year in the county that highlight local connections to the Revolutionary War.
The markers were funded through the Pomeroy Foundation.
Bruce Pritchett, a social studies teacher, and his students look over a rifle brought in by the Sons of the American Revolution.
I suggest it is time for the Orleans County Democratic Party to become more active. Summer picnics are nice, but it should use other county Democratic parties as examples and hit the streets.
The Dems should hold rallies in all Orleans towns to make their views known, conduct marches to publicize its agenda and go door to door explaining the party platform.
In essence the Democrats have been doing the same thing election after election and expecting different results. And the results have been a disaster. Could it be time for new leadership with new ideas?
Jack Capurso
Ashburn, Va.
Mr. Capurso is an Albion High School graduate, Class of 1960.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 12 January 2026 at 8:36 am
Photos by Ginny Kropf: Andy Benz presided at the installation of officers of the Shelby Volunteer Fire Company.
Orleans County Clerk Nadine Hanlon installed officers of the Shelby Volunteer Fire Company’s Ladies Auxiliary Saturday night.
Hunter Sturtevant, left, and Zach Petry presented David Moden with a chief’s hard hat for his years of service.
MEDINA – Shelby Volunteer Fire Company and Auxiliary welcomed members and guests to their 57th annual installation of officers banquet Saturday night.
Jason Watts served as master of ceremonies, while his father Howard Watts and Auxiliary president Elaine Watts welcomed guests. The evening began with invocation and memorial service by chaplain Karl Haist Jr. Haist reported they had lost six members during 2025 – Tom Fuller, Jim Watts, Fred Filipowicz, Charles “Huck” Fuller, Edward Pray and Elroy Fuller.
The fire company also reported seven new members were added during 2025.
Andy Benz was the installing officer for the fire department. He said he considered the job as an honor.
“A few of the names stick out tonight,” Benz said. “In the past I had given out five chief’s awards and all five of them are still here tonight, and still dedicated.”
Fire company officers installed are president, Kirk Myhill; vice president, Howard Watts; treasurer, Tyler Root; assistant treasurer, Michael Saladeen; secretary, Kali Sturtevant; sergeant-at-arms, Dale Watts; chaplain, Karl Haist Jr.; assistant chaplain, Phil Keppler; and steward, Gary Watts.
Also, trustees – Nick DiCureia, for three years; Ron Smith, two years; and Bill Luckman, one year.
Firematic officers are chief, Zachary Petry; deputy chief, Hunter Sturtevant; assistant chief, Joe Kyle; firematic captain, Marcus Watts; firematic lieutenant, Alex Benz; EMS captain, Jake Quackenbush; and EMS lieutenant, Donnell Bennett.
County Clerk Nadine Hanlon installed Ladies Auxiliary members: president, Elaine Watts; vice president, Brianna Wheeler; secretary, Robyn Watts; treasurer, Lori Myhill; chaplain, Marian Fry; and trustees for one year, Sherry Wheatley; and two years, Mary Herbert.
Elaine Watts, left, president of the Shelby Ladies’ Auxiliary, presented flowers to dedicated members Lori Myhill, Robyn Watts and Marian Fry.
The presentation of special awards began with Howard Watts recognizing David Moden for 34 years of active duty. Moden was also presented with a chief’s hard hat by Hunter Sturtevant and Zach Petry.
Andrea Benz received the President’s Award for stepping up to work on the bylaws and chairing the Christmas party, while completing her teaching degree and planning a fall wedding.
“I can see her being a future president,” Howard said.
The Chief’s Award was presented to Mark Reigle, for consistently leading with his willingness to step up and serve.
Elaine Watts, president of the Ladies Auxiliary, said it was hard to single out one recipient for an award. Instead, she presented flowers to Lori Myhill, Robyn Watts and Marian Fry and announced she would take all the ladies out to eat.
(Left) Howard Watts, left, presents a certificate to Kirk Myhill for 50 years of membership to the Shelby Volunteer Fire Company. (Right) Jason Watts, left, and his father Howard Watts are ready to greet guests at Shelby Volunteer Fire Company’s 57th annual installation of officers banquet Saturday night. Jason served as master of ceremonies, while Howard welcomed guests.
Moden recapped the fire company’s activity in 2025, announcing their 240 calls was fewer than in recent years. Fifty-one percent of the calls were EMS and 16 percent were mutual aid.
Moden also recognized the top 10 responders for 2025. They are Zach Petry, 75% or 181 calls; Moden, 75%; Howard Watts, 67%; Chris Stacewich, 63%; Jake Quackenbush, 52%; Hunter Sturtevant, 47%; Ed Quackenbush, 44%; John Rotoli, 43%; Alex Benz, 41% and Donnell Bennett, 36%.
For his efforts, Petry will receive an embroidered jacket.
“This level of commitment doesn’t happen by accident,” Moden said.
Moden also reported the fire company had received a $95,000 AFG grant last year which will be used to install vehicle exhaust stations. This year they plan to apply for a $300,000 grant to purchase new turnout gear.
Rounding out the evening was dinner catered by The Hilltop in Lockport and music by Beamin’ Sounds.
Members of the Shelby Volunteer Fire Company’s Ladies Auxiliary take the oath of office that was administered by County Clerk Nadine Hanlon.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 12 January 2026 at 7:15 am
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Medina’s Christian Moss, left, and Barker/Roy-Hart’s Vinny Fazzio have earned All State football honors.
Two local players, Medina senior running back/defensive end Christian Moss and Barker/Roy-Hart senior linebacker/running back Vinny Fazzio have been named to the second team of the Class C All State football squad.
Moss rushed for 1,138 yards and 16 touchdowns and caught 13 passes for 185 yards and 2 touchdowns. On defense he had 50 tackles, 1 sack and 1 fumble recovery.
Fazzio led the Barker/Roy-Hart defense with 72 tackles, including 51 solo, 8 fumble recoveries and 1 interception. On offense he rushed for 384 yards and 7 touchdowns and caught 13 passes for 256 yards and 5 touchdowns.
The Class C squad also had Akron seniors Blake Gerstung and Colin Miller earn Honorable Mention.
The All State Class D squad includes a total of 13 Newfane and Wilson players.
Earning first team offensive unit honors are Newfane senior quarterback Mac Capen and Wilson senior wide receiver Ryan Hough.
The first team defensive unit includes Wilson senior linebacker Brock Lepsch and Newfane senior defensive linemen Colin Doxey.
Earning second team offensive unit honors are Newfane senior end Isiah Gerstung and Wilson senior running back Michael Ruble.
The second team defensive unit includes senior lineman Koa Leapai and Wilson junior lineman Nasir Spencer.
Five players also earned Honorable Mention including Newfane defensive lineman Tristian Smith, junior linebacker Jake Morelli and defensive back Camro Flowers along with the Wilson duo of senior defensive back Josiah Lawrence and junior place kicker Connor Woodworth.
U.S. Army National Guard photos by Stephanie Butler: Army National Guard Major General Ray Shields, left, the adjutant general of New York, presents the guidon of the New York Air National Guard to Air National Guard Major General Gary Charlton II, during promotion and change of command ceremonies held on January 9 at New York National Guard headquarters in Latham. Charlton is now the commander of the 5,800 men and women of the New York Air National Guard, the largest Air Guard component in the nation.
LATHAM, NY – An Air Guard officer who started as an enlisted Airman and served in the Persian Gulf War, Iraq and Afghanistan, assumed command of the New York Air National Guard during a ceremony on Friday at New York National Guard headquarters in Latham.
Major General Gary Charlton II, who has also commanded the New York Air Guard’s 107th Attack Wing in Niagara Falls, and the 105th Airlift Wing in Newburgh, now heads the largest Air National Guard in the United States.
Charlton, who lives in the Albany suburb of Loudonville, replaced Major General Michael Bank, who is retiring after 37 years of service.
He has been serving as assistant adjutant general, Air for the New York National Guard and will now serve simultaneously in both assignments.
Charlton was promoted from one-star brigadier general to two-star major general before assuming command of the New York Air Guard.
Major General Ray Shields, the adjutant general of New York, and the presiding officer for the ceremony, said Charlton was the “right leader” to command New York’s Airmen.
“You have the opportunity to continue to build the New York Air National Guard and to take the organization to new levels of professionalism,” Shields told Charlton.
In his remarks, Charlton thanked his wife, Susan and his daughters, Megan and Ginger, as well as his extended family, for their support over the years.
“You have carried this career as much as I have,” he said.
Charlton said his years as an enlisted Airmen shaped his command style as an officer.
“Before I ever wore a commission, I wore stripes,” Charlton said.
“I learned that the best ideas often come from the flightline, the shop floor and the Airmen who make the mission happen,” he said.
“Leader is not about a position, it’s about people, it’s about listening before speaking, serving before leading, and earning trust every single day,” Charlton told his audience.
The members of the New York Air Guard are the “embodiment of versatility and excellence,” he said.
Air National Guard Major General Gary Charlton II has new two-star general stars pinned on by his daughters during promotion and change of command ceremonies held on Jan. 9.
Charlton, who is a command pilot with more than 3,400 hours in a variety of aircraft, started his Air National Guard career by enlisting in the 174th Fighter Wing at Hancock Field Air National Guard Base, in 1990 as a fuel system technician. He deployed with the wing’s F-16s to the Middle East in 1990/ 91 as part of Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm.
In 2000, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant and became an F-16 pilot. Charlton served in the 138th Fighter Squadron and made the transition from the F-16 to the remotely piloted MQ-9, when the 174th converted to an attack wing from 2010 to 2012.
Charlton served as the commander of the 138th Attack Squadron before being reassigned to the 107th Attack Wing at Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station. He served as the command of the wing’s operations group and then wing vice commander before commanding the 107th from 2018 to 2022.
From 2022 to 2024, Charlton served as commander of the 105th Airlift Wing, the C-17 Globemaster III unit based at Stewart Air National Guard Base in Newburgh. He was promoted to brigadier general in June of 2022, while leading the 105th Airlift Wing.
He left command of the 105th in 2024 and served briefly as the director of operations for the Air National Guard Bureau’s operations section, before returning to New York to assume his current position.
Charlton holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Columbia College and is a graduate of the Air Command and Staff College and the Air War College. He is a graduate of the National Security Studies Program at Syracuse University and the General and Flag Officer Seminar conducted by Harvard University.
Charlton’s military awards include the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal the Air Medal. The Aerial Achievement Medal and campaign medals for his military deployments.
The New York Air National Guard, with over 5,800 Airmen serving in five air wings and the Eastern Air Defense Sector is the largest Air National Guard in the country.
The New York Air Guard also includes the 109th Airlift Wing at Stratton Air National Guard Base in Scotia, and the 106th Rescue Wing at Francis S. Gabreski Air National Guard base in Westhampton Beach.
The Eastern Air Defense Sector is responsible for the air defense of the United States east of the Mississippi as part of the North American Aerospace Defense Command.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 January 2026 at 7:52 pm
Provided photos: Th winning teams in the Medina Rotary Cornhole Tournament on Saturday at Dubby’s Tailgate in Albion included, from left: A bracket – Jimmy Youmans and Colin Hodet; B bracket – James Findlay and Shawn Murray; C bracket – Jeff Koch and David Leake.
ALBION – The Medina Rotary Cornhole Tournament again drew a big response from top cornhole players in the region and beyond on Saturday with 89 teams vying for $5,000 in prize winnings.
Saturday was the third time Medina Rotary has put on the event at Dubby’s Tailgate. The teams were divided into three brackets.
The payouts included A bracket (top players) – $1,300 for first, $750 for second, and $500 for third.
B bracket – $750 for first, $500 for second, and $250 for third.
C bracket – $500 for first, $300 for second, and $150 for third.
The tournament was expected to raise about $5,000 for Medina Rotary. Each team paid $90 to compete in the tournament. Sponsorships and a 50/50 raffle at $1,200 also boosted the amount for Rotary, which gives the money back to causes in the community.
Medina Rotary President Randy Reese said the tournament has proven to be a fun activity for the cornhole players and a good fundraiser for the Rotary Club.
Photos by Tom Rivers: Some of the cornhole take warmup tosses before a game on Saturday. Each team played four rounds before going into a double-elimination playoff. There were some pro players from Canada and also the American Cornhole League among the participants in the tourney.
Tyler McClary, who is part of a team with Mike Beach of Albion, competes in the tournament on Saturday.
Dubby’s hosts a winter cornhole league on Wednesday evenings that started last week. Click here for more information on the league.
Contributed Story Posted 11 January 2026 at 6:03 pm
Contributed Photos – Holley-Kendall wrestlers had, from left, Jeremy Lutes and Don Heirigs place second and Jayden Rivera third at the Pavilion Tournament Saturday.
Holley-Kendall had five top four place finishers at the Pavilion Wrestling Tournament on Saturday.
Jeremy Lutes (103) and Don Heirigs (126) both placed second, Jayden Rivera (110) third and Joey Prevenza (126) and Immanuel Cornell (285) both finished fourth.
Holley-Kendall, which finished sixth out of 16 teams, next faces Alexander-Pembroke in a Genesee Region League match at Kendall at 6 p.m. Wednesday.
Contributed Story Posted 11 January 2026 at 5:45 pm
Contributed Photos – Some of the Purple Eagles Academy wrestlers who earned top tourney honors this weekend included, from left, Romen Allport, Colton Moreland, Liam McElwain, Lucas Ruggles and Mathias Ellis III.
The Purple Eagles Wrestling Academy had wrestlers attend three different tournaments this weekend.
“While their place finishes are remarkable, what is even better is that they have athletes that represent different communities in the area: Albion, Medina, Lyndonville, and Holley. They also had athletes from Cal-Mum and Brockport representing the program this weekend,” said Academy organizer Mike Sanders.
Here are the results:
Pal-Mac Youth Tournament (Saturday)
Colton Moreland (1st), Romen Allport (1st), Liam McElwain (1st), and Lucas Ruggles (1st).
Lew-Port Youth Tournament (today)
Liam McElwain (1st), Dom Pangrazio (1st), Luke Joy (1st), Harrison Joy (1st), Matthew Colmenero (2nd), Harrison Froman (2nd), Grayson Buffin (3rd).
Youth Eastern States (today)
Mathias Ellis III (1st Place)
Contributed Story Posted 11 January 2026 at 5:36 pm
The Roy-Hart/Barker/Medina Knights Club Hockey team could not hold their lead against St. Joseph’s this morning in a home game losing 6-5.
Ryan Felicetti (Wilson) opened the scoring for RBM halfway through the first period from Max Pilon (Medina).
One minute later. St. Joe’s tied the score on a powerplay.
However, RBM earned a two goal lead by the end of the period on goals by Felicetti unassisted and John Peracciny (R-H) with assists from Felicetti and Sean Mettler (R-H).
The Knights increased their lead to 4-1 in the second on a goal by Tyler Rohring (Newfane) from Nate Downey (RH) and Cameron Bryer (Wilson).
St. Joe’s went on a five goal surge carrying a 6-4 lead until the last minute of the game when Peracciny scored his second goal, again from Felicetti and Mettler.
RBM was outshot in the game 37-20.
The next outing for RBM is at undefeated Olean on Saturday, January 17 at 7 p.m.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 January 2026 at 11:04 am
Finger Lakes Community College, Jacksonville State University, SUNY Canton and Southern New Hampshire University note academic achievers from Orleans
Four colleges have recently notified the Orleans Hub of students from Orleans County who made either the Dean’s List or President’s List for the fall semester.
• At Finger Lakes Community College in Canandaigua, there are 973 students on the Dean’s List, maintaining at least a 3.5 grade point average for the semester.
Those students include Rachael Howard of Albion, Bryan Hardenbrook of Kendall, and Addison Paul and Julian Woodworth of Medina.
• Seagan Christine Majchrzak of Medina has been named to Dean’s List at Jacksonville State University in Alabama.
To be named to the Dean’s List, students must earn a 3.5-3.99 GPA for the semester while completing at least 12 GPA hours of course credit.
• Two students from Orleans County were named to the President’s List at SUNY Canton with GPAs of 3.75 or higher.
Lakshia Johnson of Albion and Lorelei Sanders are both Legal Studies majors.
• Two from Orleans also were named to the President’s List at Southern New Hampshire University in Manchester, NH.
Andrea Sanchez Vargas of Holley and Nordia Campbell of Albion both had GPAs of 3.70 or higher.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 11 January 2026 at 10:38 am
Nearing the midpoint of the league season, Albion faces a pair of key contests this coming week as the Purple Eagles look to stay in the Niagara-Orleans boys basketball title race.
Currently at 2-2, Albion will visit rival Medina (2-1) on Tuesday and then host league leading Wilson (4-0) on Friday, both at 6:30 p.m. Medina also faces another key contest at Akron (2-1) on Friday at 6:30 p.m.
The Albion girls likewise face a pair of contests this week as they seek to stay in the N-O title chase. Now at 3-1, Albion will host Medina (1-2) on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. and then visit front-running defending champion Wilson (4-0) on Friday at 6 p.m.
The N-O wrestling season will conclude on Saturday with the All League Tournament at Albion beginning at 10 a.m. Defending champion Newfane leads the way as the Panthers have gone 4-0 to date during the dual match portion of the season.
Weekly Schedule Monday Boys Basketball – CG Finney at Kendall, 7 p.m.
Tuesday Boys Basketball – Newfane at Barker, 6 p.m.; Albion at Medina, Akron at Roy-Hart, 6:30 p.m. Girls Basketball – Medina at Albion, 5 p.m.; Barker at Newfane, Roy-Hart at Akron, 6:30 p.m.; Lyndonville at Elba, Kendall at Holley, 7 p.m. Swimming – Medina at Newfane, Albion at Roy-Hart/Barker, 5 p.m.
Wednesday Boys Basketball – Lyndonville at Elba, Kendall at Holley, 7 p.m. Wrestling – Medina at Albion, Roy-Hart/Barker at Akron, Wilson at Newfane, Lyndonville at Byron-Bergen, Alexander/Pembroke vs. Holley-Kendall at Kendall, 6 p.m.
Thursday Girls Basketball – Lyndonville at Holley, 7 p.m. Swimming – Newfane at Albion, Akron at Roy-Hart/Barker, 5 p.m. Wrestling – Lyndonville at Wilson, 6 p.m.
Friday Boys Basketball – Medina at Akron, Wilson at Albion, Roy-Hart at Newfane, 6:30 p.m.; Holley at Lyndonville, 7 p.m. Girls Basketball – Akron at Medina, 5 p.m.; School of the Arts at Kendall, 5:30 p.m.; Albion at Wilson, 6 p.m.; Newfane at Roy-Hart, 6:30 p.m.
Saturday Girls Basketball – Lyndonville at Alexander, 11:30 a.m.; Barker at Cleveland Hill, 12:30 p.m.; Elba at Holley, 1 p.m. Wrestling – N-O All-League Tournament at Albion, 10 a.m.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 11 January 2026 at 10:17 am
Akron swept to doubleheader victory over Roy-Hart/Barker in a Niagara-Orleans League swim meet Saturday.
Akron won the boys’ meet 64-57 and the girls’ competition 84-73.
Quinn O’Malley was a double winner in the 50 Free and 100 Free for the Akron boys. The TigerSharks also got wins from Aron Gehl (200 Individual Medley) and Logan Meyers (100 Butterfly).
Jackson Braun was a double winner in the 500 Free and 100 Breaststroke for Roy-Hart/Barker which also had Noah Corraine take the 200 Free and Hendrick Trombley the 100 Backstroke.
The TigerSharks are now 2-2 and the Channel Cats 0-4.
The Akron girls had a trio of double winners including Brooke Milhollen (200 Free and Backstroke), Charlotte Carlson (IM an Butterfly) and Aurora VanDusen (100 Free and Breaststroke) as Avery Haak took the 500 Free.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 10 January 2026 at 7:01 pm
Going 4-1, Lyndonville placed second at the Caledonia-Mumford Duals Wrestling Tournament today.
Rebounding from an opening round loss to Cal-Mum, Lyndonville rattled off four straight wins downing East 61-18, Avon-Geneseo 68-6, Red Jacket 54-29 and Lyons 54-30.
Shannon Withey went 5-0 (5 pins) and Ben Doolan 5-0 (3 pins) to lead the Tigers as Bryson Hazel, Brody Hazel, Dom Hargrave and Bub Benedict all went 4-1.
Falconer Tournament
Medina’s Luke Duffina placed fourth at 132 lbs. at the Falconer Tournament today.
