Mustangs prep for N-O title defense

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 5 April 2026 at 9:32 am

Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Defending Niagara-Orleans League champion Medina’s large veteran group includes, in front, Hadrian Batista, Aidan Papaj, Jimmy Dieter, Carlos Doval and Lathan McEwen Miller. In back are Ryan Pegelow, Kolton Fletcher, Cam Fike, Preston Woodworth and Vinny Gray.

Anchored by a large veteran group, defending champion Medina will prep for the April 13 Niagara-Orleans League home opener against Akron by hosting Batavia on Tuesday at 5 p.m. and JFK on Wednesday at 4:30 p.m.

The Mustangs went 12-0 in the league and 22-2 overall last spring capturing both the N-O League and Section VI Class B championships for the second year in a row.

Heading the Mustangs veteran contingent is a trio of first team N-O All-League honorees including senior outfielder/pitcher Vinny Gray, junior pitcher/ second baseman Preston Woodworth and junior shortstop/pitcher Aidan Papaj.

Woodworth went 10-0 on the mound last spring with 100 strikeouts and a 0.45 earned run average. He also hit .297 with 33 RBI. Papaj hit .394 with 21 RBI and Gray .309 with 9 RBI.

The Mustangs returnees also include seniors Ryan Pegelow (pitcher/outfield), Jimmy Dieter (outfield) and Kolton Fletcher (outfield) along with juniors Cam Fike (first base/pitcher), Carlos Doval (outfield), Hadrian Batista (catcher/outfield) and Lathan McEwen Miller (infield/outfield).

Medina’s graduation losses included the first team N-O All League trio of pitcher/infielder Brody Fry, third baseman/pitcher Carter Woodworth and outfielder Tyler Kroening along with second team honoree catcher Ryleigh Culver.

“Our pitching and defense are strong,” said Coach Chris Goyette. “The key for us will be to play good situational baseball.”

The Mustangs league opening week will also included trips to Akron on April 15 and Albion on April 17.

Lyndonville Lions hold eyeglass clinic, welcome Easter Bunny

Posted 4 April 2026 at 9:21 pm

Photos and information courtesy of Lyndonville Lions Club

LYNDONVILLE – The Lyndonville Lions held their 5th annual Free Eyeglass Clinic on March 21 at the White Birch Golf Resort. Participants received free eye examinations and fittings for eye glasses. Over 60 individuals were seen during the morning event.

The Lyndonville Lions Club extends its sincere gratitude to all who attended this event, and especially to the dedicated volunteers who contributed their time and effort to make it a success.

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We are deeply appreciative of our fellow Lions from surrounding clubs who, year after year, generously support this event. This year, we were fortunate to have assistance from Lions Clubs in Medina, Barker and Olcott.

A special thank you is extended to the Lions Clubs of Kenmore, Lewiston and Niagara Falls for their outstanding professional contributions. Their support, along with the expertise of optometrists and vision specialists, is essential in making this project possible and impactful.

In collaboration with the Lyndonville United Methodist Church the Lions participated in the annual community Easter Egg Hunt held at the Lyndonville Central School. The Club treated all attendees to grilled hot dogs and beverages following this event. There were over 150 children who participated in the hunt.

The Lyndonville Lions Club would like to remind the community of its upcoming Mother’s Day Rose Sale. One dozen red roses are available for purchase for $20, with orders being accepted now through May 1st.

All orders will be available for pickup at the White Birch Resort from May 6th through May 9th. Group purchases are welcome, and delivery arrangements can be made by the Lyndonville Lions Club for larger orders.

To place an order, interested individuals or groups may call 585-281-4646.

The Lions would like to wish all a joyous Easter season. We hope that God will continue to bless this great nation and watch over our men and women in our military during these most difficult times.

Lady Hawks aim for rebound softball season

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 4 April 2026 at 9:43 am

Photo by Cheryl Wertman – The Holley softball team’s veteran group includes, in front, Serenity-Ann Rath and Madison Bonacci. In back are Lily Newman, Skylar Gallagher, Alexis VanAmeron and Alexis Lujan. Missing is Desire McCormack.

A group of seven veterans anchors the lineup for the Holley softball team which is scheduled to open the Genesee Region League season at home on Tuesday against Pembroke at 5 p.m..

New Coach Holley graduate Madison Papaj’s Lady Hawks are led by the veteran grouo of seniors Alexis VanAmeron (shortstop), Lily Newman (outfield/pitcher) and Skylar Gallagher (outfield/oitcher) along with juniors Alexis Lujan, Desiree McCormack and Serenity-Ann Rath and sophomore Madison Bonacci (pitcher).

The Lady Hawks are looking to rebound from last spring’s 0-13 G-R, 1-17 overall campaign.

Second bald eagle egg hatches at Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 4 April 2026 at 8:32 am

This screenshot from the livestream shows the two eaglets in the nest today at 8:40 a.m.

BASOM – This image taken from an eagle cam shows two eaglets. The first eaglet was spotted on Thursday morning and a second eaglet hatched on Friday.

The Friends of the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge encourage people to check the livestream (click here) and see the eagles. There is another egg in the nest that could hatch anytime.

The first egg was laid at 5:06 p.m. February 20; the second at 5 p.m. February 23; and the third at 2:34 p.m. February 27.

Eagle eggs typically take 35 days or so of incubation before hatching.

This screenshot from the livestream shows the eagle in the nest tending the flock today at 8:32 a.m.

High temps to plummet with more rain in forecast

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 4 April 2026 at 8:14 am

Kimberly Stawicki sent in this photo she took this morning while enjoying the sunrise over Glenwood Lake in Medina.

Friday the high temperature reached over 70 degrees and today is forecast for a high of 66 with showers and thunderstorms possible after 2 p.m. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall, the National Weather Service in Buffalo said, with three quarters of an inch to one inch possible.

The temperatures will plunge to an overnight low of 42, and a high of 47 on Sunday, which is Easter with a chance for another tenth to quarter inch of rain.

The highs are then forecast for 42 on with showers, 33 on Tuesday with snow showers likely, and 50 on a sunny Wednesday.

‘Cross Walk’ tradition continues in Medina on Good Friday

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 April 2026 at 9:04 pm

Photos courtesy of Rev. Randy LeBaron and Matt Caldwell

MEDINA – Matt Caldwell and his wife Rebecca carry the cross in the Canal Basin as part of today’s “Cross Walk” on Good Friday. The Cross Walk has been an annual tradition in Medina and is organized by the Medina Area Association of Churches and the Medina Clergy Fellowship.

The Cross Walk began at City Hall and then about 60 people proceeded to several stops in the downtown area, Canal Basin and on West Avenue. At each stop, the group read a passage from the Bible and sang a hymn.

Mike Zaidel, a leader at Alabama Full Gospel Fellowship, carries the cross down the sidewalk on Main Street. They group was headed to Rotary Park.

Neil Samborski, a member at Glad Tidings Missionary Baptist Church, is dressed as a centurion, a Roman soldier.

The Medina area churches will have a sunrise service at 7 a.m. Sunday at Boxwood Cemetery with the Rev. Randy LeBaron from the New Hope Community Church leading the service.

Local 18-year-old charged with making terrorist threat against Palmyra-Macedon HS

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 April 2026 at 11:23 am

Douglas Adams

MURRAY – A local resident has been charged with making a terrorist threat against the Palmyra-Macedon High School in Wayne County.

Douglas Adams, 18, lives at Countyline Mobile Home Park in Murray. He allegedly posted a photograph of the school with a caption showing a gun pointed at a school with a threatening message.

The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office was contacted at 8 p.m. on Monday by the New York State Intelligence Center about a reported threat made toward Palmyra-Macedon High School on social media, Sheriff Chris Bourke said today.

The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office immediately coordinated with the Palmyra Police Department, NYSIC, and the National Threat Operations Center, he said.

Orleans County deputies responded to a residence on Jay Drive in the Town of Murray. The investigation determined that there is no known credible or ongoing threat to the public or to Palmyra-Macedon High School at this time, Sheriff Bourke said.

The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office turned over evidence to the Palmyra Police Department which led to the arrest of Adams on April 1 by the Palmyra Police.

Adams was charged with Making a Terroristic Threat (Class D Felony) and Aggravated Threat of Mass Harm (Class A Misdemeanor).

This incident was investigated by Lieutenant Adam Hazel, Deputy Jeff Cole and Investigator Brian Marsceill.

“The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office reminds the public that all threats of violence are taken seriously and investigated thoroughly, regardless of intent,” Bourke said. “Anyone who becomes aware of potential threats is encouraged to report them immediately to law enforcement.”

Fairhaven Inn hosting bridal show on Saturday with many vendors

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 April 2026 at 10:31 am

Photo by Tom Rivers: Sara Flansburg, owner of Blissett’s Bridal in Medina, is shown with wedding dresses last March during the debut Bridal Show at Fairhaven Inn. Fairhaven will host another bridal show on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Blissett’s will be offering a live runway show on Saturday.

GAINES – It was just over a year ago when Fairhaven Inn opened at the former Village Inn on Route 104 in Gaines. The venue debuted with a bridal show.

Fairhaven on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. will again be offering a bridal show with many local vendors at 14369 Ridge Rd W.

Provided photo: Jenna Bauer of BlueViola Creations paints on canvas and captures moments from the wedding. She will be among the vendors at the bridal show on Saturday.

“The Fairhaven Bridal Show is designed to give couples a true feel for what their wedding day could look like here while also connecting them with trusted local vendors who are offering exclusive, event-only promotions,” said Katie Stiegler, marketing director for Fairhaven and a wedding photographer. “It’s a really unique opportunity to plan, get inspired, and make meaningful progress all in one place.”

Couples will be able to make vendor connections, receive exclusive discounts, and realize a clearer vision for their wedding day along with the chance to secure their venue and key services early in the planning process, Stiegler said. Many of the vendors attending are offering a day of discounts. Admission is free. Click here for a link to RSVP.

“We wanted this to feel more like an experience than a traditional bridal show from the live runway to the giveaways and vendor interactions,” she said. “It’s about helping couples feel confident and excited about their next steps.”

Some of the vendors at the bridal show include:

Lumenopia Photography by Katie Stiegler
Blissett’s Bridal with Sara Flansburg
Jenna Bauer of BlueViola Creations (live painting)
Wild Flour Bakery (cakes and desserts)
Capture That Photo Camper – DJ & Trevor Pettigrew
Chase Entertainment (DJ services)
Underhill Graphic Design with Stephanie Underhill (designed wedding paper goods)
The Wed Shed with Julie Hess
Tavern on the Ridge with Chad and Julia Pike
Creekside Floral
Nin Bogue Art
Side Stage Events
Blazing Beauty Aesthetics (Permanent Bracelets)
The Creative Studio
KREWE Bridal by HLW

N-O trio on SUNY Niagara softball team

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 3 April 2026 at 9:20 am

Contributed Photos – This season’s SUNY Niagara softball team includes a trio of former Niagara-Orleans League student-athletes. They include, from left, Medina graduate Eva Lacy a freshman outfielder, Barker grad Mia Herman a sophomore outfielder and Wilson grad Sidney Ziemendorf a sophomore outfielder.

Debbie Patt of Clarendon releases first children’s book

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 April 2026 at 8:58 am

Aurora’s Sweet Dream shares message of working through obstacles

Photo by Tom Rivers

HOLLEY – Debbie Patt of Clarendon holds a copy of her first children’s book, Aurora’s Sweet Dream. The book is targeted to children ages 3 to 8 and shows three friends – Aurora, a dog; Greenie, a parakeet; and Frankie, a kitten. They work through challenges in the kitchen to finally make a batch of Super Duper Fudgy Brownies.

Patt had a book release for Aurora’s Sweet Dream last Saturday at the Community Free Library. Patt is a baker and operated Clarendon Cheesecakes for many years.

The book features her own pets. She staged them in photos and then used assisted AI for the illustrations in the 78-page book.

She brought her dog, Aurora, to Saturday’s book signing. Aurura is a miniature pincher-chihuahua mix.

In the book, Aurora wants to be a baker, but she has many mishaps in the kitchen. Her mixer breaks. She forgets the chocolate chips. But she perseveres.

“If you work hard, you will succeed,” Patt said about the message of the book.

Aurora’s Sweet Dream is available through Amazon and at the Lift Bridge Book Shop in Brockport. Patt expects to be at local festivals selling and promoting the book. A soft cover is $15 and the hard cover sells for $20.

Patt said she is working on other children’s books inspired by her pets.

Patt also is a finalist for “Entrepreneur of Impact” and could win $25,000 and be featured in Entrepreneur Magazine. Click here for more information.

Provided photo: Debbie Patt signs copies of her book during an event last Saturday at the Community Free Library in Holley.

Homers highlight Pembroke win over Barker

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 2 April 2026 at 6:49 pm

Three home runs highlighted a 17 hit attack sparking Pembroke to a 23-3 non league baseball win over host Barker this afternoon.

Breaking away from an early 2-2 deadlock, Pembroke regained the lead for good at 6-2 on a pair of two-run second inning home runs by Anthony Abbatiello and Jacob Johnson.

The Dragons then broke the contest wide open by exploding for 13 runs in thr third inning highlighted by a grand slam home run by Mason Wetherbee.

Barker tied the game at 2-2 in the first inning on a two-run double by Grayson Prynn.

The Bulldogs then stayed close at 6-3 on an RBI triple by JJ Prynn in the bottom of the second inning but could not cross home plate again.

Akron 17, Cheektowaga 0
Akron erupted for 7 runs in the third inning and 8 more in the fourth to key a 17-0 non league win over Cheektowaga this afternoon.

Collin Miller had a triple and a home run to highlight the Akron offense which also included 3 hits by Gavin Cottle and 2 each by Hunter Haist and winning pitcher Conlan Luck. Cottle and Haist both had doubles.

Luck allowed 1 hit and struck out 5 in five innings of work on the mound.

4 plead guilty in County Court and face incarceration or lengthy probation

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 April 2026 at 6:38 pm

ALBION – Four people pleaded guilty in Orleans County Court on Wednesday and will face incarceration or a lengthy probation when they are sentenced.

Stacey Moss, 36, of Albion pleaded guilty to criminal contempt in the first degree and attempted burglary in the third degree.

Moss admitted to going to the residence of a person he was supposed to not have contact with through an order of protection. He went to that residence on Nov. 14 and he acknowledged he tried to break down her door and threatened to kill her. He admitted to violating the order of protection.

Moss will be sentenced on June 17 as second-felony offender and faces 1 ½ to 3 years in state prison.

• Wilfred Barnes, 66, of Carlton pleaded guilty to felony driving while intoxicated. He was stopped on Nov. 26 on Ridge Road in Gaines and registered a BAC of 0.12 percent, which is above the legal limit of 0.08. Barnes has a previous DWI in 2020.

He could face up to four months of weekends in the county jail plus five years of probation when he is sentenced on June 17. He could also have his license revoked and be fined up to $5,000.

• Alexander Senko, 31, of Holley pleaded guilty to one count of third-degree rape. Senko admitted to having sexual intercourse with a 15-year-old girl in 2023 when he was 29.

As part of a plea agreement he won’t spend time in jail but faces 3 to 10 years of post-release supervision and could be on the sex offender registry. He will be sentenced on June 17.

• Seanna Corwin-Bradley, 42, of Barker pleaded guilty to felony DWI could face up to six months in jail plus five years of probation when she is sentenced on July 1.

Corwin-Bradley, the former mayor of Barker, was charged on July 22 with a BAC at .193, more than twice the legal limit. She was in a car accident on Ridge Road in Ridgeway, where she allegedly crossed the center line and sideswiped a camper that was being pulled by a truck. She has a previous DWI conviction in Erie County in September 2024.

She could also be fined $5,000 and have her driver’s license revoked for a year.

• In another case, Michael Savage, 37, of the town of Murray has declined a plea offer and his case will go to trial, beginning on June 22.

Savage was arraigned on Jan. 7 on charges of course of conduct against a child, two counts of sexual abuse in the first degree for contact in the vaginal area of a girl between the ages of 5 and 9, two counts of forcible touching and one count of endangering the welfare of a child. The crimes allegedly occurred between 2020 and March 2025, according to the District Attorney’s Office.

His attorney, Frederick Rarick, told the judge there could be potentially as many as 20 witnesses called to testify in the trial.

• In a case from last Friday, Jose Casiano, 69, of Gaines was sentenced to a year in state prison and one year of post-release supervision for criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fifth degree and driving while ability impaired.

Casiano was supposed to be sentenced last Wednesday but he was arrested twice after pleading guilty on Jan. 7. As part of the plea, he faced a split sentence with time in the county jail and probation.

But Casiano was charged on March 20 was charged with criminal possession of a controlled in the seventh degree and on March 24 was charged with operating a motor vehicle while impaired by drugs.

After those arrests, the plea deal was rejected by the judge who sentenced Casiano to state prison.

Our Letters Policy

Posted 2 April 2026 at 5:17 pm

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Supporting climate change policies aligns with conservation, conservative principles

Posted 2 April 2026 at 5:16 pm

Next week, I and other Republicans around the nation will have the privilege of participating in a virtual lobby session with Republican members of Congress. I will be meeting with members representing western NY and other parts of NYS. We will be asking Congress to support initiatives to address climate change with common sense solutions such as permitting reform and a carbon based tariff.

I have been a Republican all my life and living in a rural farming community has taught me that we all must live with and depend on the natural environment. We all have to be good stewards. It is not for one side of the aisle, it is for all the people.

It pains me to see politicians, across the spectrum, portray climate change as a partisan issue. Scientific knowledge transcends politics. There isn’t separate science for each side of the aisle. Advancing scientific knowledge is crucial to improving the human condition.

I also believe that respect for the environment does not conflict with free market capitalism. Subsidizing polluting unsustainable industrial practices (contrary to what some would have you believe) is not consistent with capitalist or libertarian principles. Reforming the permitting process would expand the economy by building out the electric grid. A carbon-based tariff would level the playing field for American business and hold our dirty trading partners to account.

I hope that Congresswoman Claudia Tenney will follow in the footsteps of Republican environmental giants of the 20th century like Teddy Roosevelt and Richard Nixon and support solutions that harness the forces of capitalism to address environmental problems. By expanding clean energy we can strengthen U.S. leadership and competitiveness.

We at Citizen’s Climate Lobby support real solutions that favor jobs, economic growth and enhance our global competitiveness.

As a lifelong Republican and a member of Citizen’s Climate Lobby, I know that Conservation is Conservative!

Robert Johnson

Medina