Lee-Whedon gala raises $18K during celebration to support library’s expansion

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 7 February 2026 at 1:11 pm

Photos by Tom Rivers: More than 200 supporters of Lee-Whedon Memorial Library in Medina attended a fundraising gala on a bitterly cold Friday night. These supporters place there tickets in the hopes of winning some of the items in the basket auction. About 120 items were in that auction, plus about 50 others (mostly library book shelves, chairs and tables) available in a live auction.

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Sharon Kleinhans, left, library clerk, hands an auction brochure to Georgia Thomas as the start of the gala to support Lee-Whedon Memorial Library.

MEDINA – The first gala to support Lee-Whedon Memorial Library was a resounding success Friday night, according to library director Kristine Mostyn.

Mostyn said the gala was the idea of the Capital Committee in charge of fundraising. More than 200 people purchased tickets to the event, which featured hors d’oeuvres from Hans Bakery and Zambistro Restaurant, beverages, music by DSP Jazz, a silent and live auction and a basket raffle.

Cynthia Kiebala, president of the library board of directors, announced they had exceeded their $500,000 goal in community donations toward the library expansion, which is expected to be completed in June. She thanked the staff and all the supporters who donated art, crafts, books and gift certificates for their auction and basket raffle, as well as monetary donors.

Lee-Whedon celebrated a ground-breaking last Aug. 22 for a 4,785-square-foot addition on the back of the current library, which is 11,100 square feet. The project will cost $5.2 million.

The addition will create space for two meeting rooms, two tutoring rooms, a programming room with makerspace, Friends of the Library book sale room, a quiet research room, an art gallery, a teen room and 14 parking spots.

There will also be additional restrooms, a new circulation desk, a new entry portico with automatic sliding doors, about a 10 percent increase in the collection and upgraded technology.

The state is contributing nearly $1.7 million in New York State Public Library Construction Aid grants to the $5.2 million project. In December, Lee-Whedon also received $25,000 in funding from the Garmin Family Foundation administered by the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo.

With the more than $500,000 in community donations that leaves about $3 million to be financed for the project.

“I’m very impressed with the number of people that came out tonight for us,” library director Kristine Mostyn said. “There is a great level of support in the community for the library.”

One of the guests at the gala was Ruth Cleveland of Medina who is a member of Friends of the Library.

“I come here a couple of times a week,” she said. “I like to work on the jigsaw puzzles. This is a happy place.”

(Left) Lee-Whedon president Cynthia Kiebala welcomes the more than 200 guests who attended the fundraising gala Friday night. (Right) Wes Pickreign, a retired Medina school principal, solicits a bid from the audience during Lee-Whedon Memorial Library’s auction at their gala Friday night. The event raised about $18,000, topping the $15,000 goal. The funds will reduce what is needed from the local community in financing for the expansion project.

Medina Mayor Marguerite Sherman said she brought her kids to the library when they were little.

“Now I bring my grandchildren,” she said. “When I was working at the high school I used to tutor students here after school. They were always willing to share their space with us.”

Wes Pickreign stepped up as auctioneer for the evening’s live auction of library furniture and shelving. A highlight of the auction were two whimsical tables, one resembling a stack of books and the other a hamburger. After a lively bidding war, they were sold for $210 and $220, respectively.

Many of furnishings will be replaced as part of the capitol project. The book shelves that are about 7 feet tall will be removed for new ones about 5 feet tall to make the books easier to reach for patrons.

The library will close on March 23 and reopen on May 2 to complete the work on the inside.

Staff of Lee-Whedon Memorial Library posed for a picture prior to welcoming guests to the first ever gala Friday night at the library. From left are Kristine Mostyn, director; Jessica Kozlowski, library clerk; Lisa Pritchard, tech services; Sharon Kleinhans, library clerk; Marna Grimes, page; Darlene Schepis, library clerk; Samantha Covis, assistant director; Joy Cameron, Amanda Wolford and Kelsie Stahl, library clerks; and Tricia Mumau, children’s services.

Guests enjoy conversation and refreshments at Lee-Whedon Memorial Library’s first fundraising gala Friday night. From left are Brian Grimes, David Boice (shaking hands with Tom Zangerle) and Linda Pickreign, who is a board member of the library. At right is Wes Pickreign, who served as auctioneer for the evening.

Supporting Lee-Whedon Memorial Library at its gala Friday night are, from left, Theresa Pierson of Royalton, Shelly Budziszewski of Middleport, Liz Bednarz of Gasport and Joyce Chizick of Lyndonville. Pierson and Budziszewski visit the library often with their children, who love to read and take part in library programs. Bednarz loves crafting and visits the library to take part in their adult craft program. Chizick enjoys Finally Fridays at the library.

Photos by Tom Rivers: There were about 120 items in the basket raffle, including many treats, books, gift certificates and art work. The book in the center, Last Call, is by Renee Lama and chronicles 150 years of restaurants, hotels and taverns in the Medina area.

Elizabeth Cooper created a doll showing love for Lee-Whedon Memorial Library that was among the items in the auction. It was included with a book about one-room schoolhouses in Shelby, written by Alice Zacher.

Sharon Klienhans, right, greets the gala attendees and hands them their paddles for the auction.

Wes Pickreign served as auctioneer and drummed up support from bidders for many of the library’s furnishings that will be replaced, including the circulation desks, several tables, chairs, metal and wood shelves, cabinets and work stations.

AME students at BOCES attend camp to see needs in WNY manufacturing workforce

Posted 7 February 2026 at 9:37 am

Photos courtesy of Orleans/Niagara BOCES: Steven Miles (Royalton-Hartland) is shown with Steve Blask, a teacher from North Tonawanda High School.

Press Release, Orleans/Niagara BOCES

It was an awesome day on Thursday in Bill Rakonczay’s Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering program.

For their first time, students in the senior and junior classes took part in Dream It Do It Western New York TCAM (Teacher, Counselor, Administrator and Manufacturer) Camp. The camp was a fun and informative opportunity to provide content and context pertaining to exciting careers in manufacturing that are in our region. The students enjoyed networking with local manufacturers and educators.

Dream It Do It Western New York includes over 1,615 manufacturers, employing 70,000 people and generating $26.8 billion in manufacturing shipments per year. Students learned that manufacturing in the WNY region accounts for 12% of the total workforce which is well beyond the 8% national average.

Over the next 10 years, industry estimates indicate that due to retirements and growth there will be a substantial shortage of qualified employees to fill this gap. Dream It Do It Western New York Partners with local school districts in the area and BOCES to address the workforce needs of manufacturers through the coordinated efforts of stakeholders and resources.

At Thursday’s event, component school district counselors, teachers, college representatives and local manufacturers’ employees partnered with Mr. Rakonczay’ s students with some hands-on technology experiences and a tour of Edwards Vacuum in Wheatfield.

It was a great opportunity to see new technology and learn about products that were made locally and explore career opportunities.

“I was honored to host the first Dream It, Do It TCAM Camp,” says Mr. Rakonczay. “It was a great opportunity to show local educators and counselors what we can do.”

Tyler Rothwell, a student at Royalton-Hartland, is shown with Roy-Hart staff Eliza Feocco and Michele Parker at the “Dream It Do It Western New York TCAM Camp.”

Americans shouldn’t accept tyranny in current government

Posted 7 February 2026 at 8:16 am

Editor:

In 1776 the Founders recited their grievances in the Declaration of Independence.

“…He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone…He has erected a Multitude of new Offices, and sent hither Swarms of Officers to harass our People, and eat out their Substance. He has kept among us, in Times of Peace, Standing Armies, without the consent of our Legislatures. He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil Power…”

Americans fought against such tyranny then, why do we tolerate it now?

Gerard M. Morrisey

Gaines

Kendall rallies late to down Attica

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 6 February 2026 at 10:12 pm

Putting together a big fourth quarter scoring surge, Kendall rallied to down host Attica 59-50 in a Genesee Region League boys basketball game this evening.

Trailing 46-39 at the end of the third period, Kendall put together a big 20-4 fourth quarter scoring burst to claim the win.

Ryan Gaesser scored 15 on five threes and CJ D’Agostino and Vinnie D’Agostino both had 13 to lead the way for Kendall as Jonny Conte had 9 and Andrew D’Agostino 8.

For Attica, Owen Welch scored 15, Blake Kines 14 and Justin Stockweather 13.

Kendall led 34-27 at the half.

Byron-Bergen 66, Holley 52
Avante Walker scored 17, Josh Silpoch 16, Cam Mosier 9 and Cooper Wolf 7 for Holley in the 65-52 G-R loss to Byron-Bergen.

Elba 76, Lyndonville 37
Lane Woodworth and Colton Smith both scored 13, Atticus Mank 6, Devon Babcock 4, Leland Kabasta 3 and Lyric Raduns 1 for Lyndonvile in the 76-37 G-R loss to Elba.

Purple Eagles edge past rival Mustangs

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 6 February 2026 at 9:54 pm

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – At left, Wesley Olles puts up a free throw to put Albion back on top to stay in the closing seconds of tonight’s tense win by the host Purple Eagles.. At the right Albion’s Tyler Cody goes up to block a last ditch three point shot attempt by Medina’s Preston Woodworth.

In a tense sea-saw battle down the stretch, Albion emerged with a narrow 59-56 Senior Night win over rival Medina in a Niagara-Orleans League boys basketball game this evening at Albion.

The lead changed hands no less than six times in the hectic final five minutes, twice in the final 32 seconds.

Trailing by seven, 43-36, early in the final period Medina ignited that wild finish by putting together a key 10-0 run to rally into s 46-43 lead with just under five minutes remaining.

Kendrick Russaw had a three-point play and a rebound basket, Kolton Fletcher a three and Preston Woodworth a rebound basket during that stretch.

Albion though answered back with a 7-0 run, including two baskets and a free throw by Tyler Cody and two free throws by Wesley Olles, to regain a 50-46 lead .

Albion’s Tyler Cody drives in for a layup between Medina defenders Preston Woodworth and Kolton Fletcher (4).

The sea-saw action continued as Medina went back on top 51-50 on baskets by Jerrell Nealy and Woodworth, Albion regained a 53-51 lead on a three-point play by Elijah Doxey with 2:20 remaining and then Medina went back into the lead for what proved to be the last time at 56-53 on a basket by Nealy followed by a three by Woodworth with 32 seconds remaining.

That set the stage for the Purple Eagles final game winning rally by scoring the game’s final five points in the last 24 seconds.

A basket by Doxey cut the deficit to one and Olles followed up with two big free throws to put the Purple Eagles back on top to stay at 57-56 with 21 seconds remaining. Olles then made two more free throws in the final 12 seconds to cap off the narrow 59-56 win.

Doxey finished with 17, Nate Gibson 15, Cody 14, Olles 10 and Adam Burgio 3.

Woodworth took game high honors for Medina with 21 as Fletcher and Nealy both had 9, Russaw 7, Christian Moss and Carlos Doval 3 each and Avion Johnson and Hadrian Batista 2 each.

Medina’s Kendrick Russaw puts up a shot against Albion defender Elijah Doxey.

Albion jumped out to a 17-10 first quarter lead as Gibson tallied 8 and Doxey 5 during that stretch as they each had a three.

The Purple Eagles went on to maintain narrow leads of 24-22 at the half and 38-34 at the end of the third quarter.

A basket by Cody and a three-point play by Gibson upped the Albion lead to seven, 43-36, at the outset of the decisive fourth quarter setting the stage for the hectic, sea-saw finish.

Albion is now 6-5 and Medina 6-4 in N-O action.

The Purple Eagles will next visiting league leading Wilson and Medina will host runner-up Akron on Tuesday.

Akron, Newfane post wins
In the other N-O contests, Akron jumped out to 32-12 half-time advantage in route to posting a 64-40 win over Roy-Hart and Newfane edged Barker 49-45.

Kasey Wheat had 18 and Mac Capen 14 to lead Newfane.

Anthony Taliaferro scored 19 and JJ Prynn 15 for Barker.

N-O Standings: Wilson 10-0, Akron 8-2, Medina 6-4, Albion 6-5, Newfane 4-6, Roy-Hart 1-9, Barker 1-10.

Medina’s Christian Moss drives to the basket as Nate Gibson defends for Albion.

2 face felony charges for alleged thefts from Walmarts in region, including Albion

Posted 6 February 2026 at 1:48 pm

Press Release, Orleans County Sheriff Chris Bourke

Kirk Thomas Jr. and Nevada Nichols face multiple felony charges for allegedly stealing electronics from Walmart stores in Albion, Batavia and Brockport.

ALBION – The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office announces the arrests of two individuals following a multi-agency investigation into an organized retail theft scheme targeting department stores across Orleans, Genesee and Monroe counties.

Kirk Thomas Jr., 41, and Nevada Nichols, 33, both of Batavia, were charged in connection with multiple thefts from Walmart locations in the region on Jan. 12 as a result of a coordinated investigation by the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office, Genesee County Sheriff’s Office and Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.

The investigation began after the Albion Walmart reported a theft on Jan. 6 in which more than $1,400 in merchandise—primarily electronics—was stolen. Surveillance footage showed a male and female suspect leaving the store in a white BMW with no license plates.

Further investigation revealed the same suspects were involved in additional thefts at Walmart locations in Albion, Brockport, Batavia and surrounding areas, resulting in thousands of dollars in stolen merchandise.

Through coordinated investigative efforts, including surveillance review, intelligence sharing, vehicle identification, investigators identified Thomas and Nichols as suspects.

The vehicle used in the thefts was located and secured by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, and search warrants executed by Orleans and Monroe County investigators resulted in the recovery of stolen property.

On January 12, Thomas and Nichols were taken into custody with the assistance of New York State Parole.

In Orleans County, both defendants were charged with:

Two counts of Conspiracy in the Fifth Degree (A Misdemeanors)
Two counts of Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree (E Felonies)
Enterprise Corruption (B Felony), stemming from an alleged ongoing pattern of organized retail theft activity

Nevada M. Nichols was released on an appearance ticket in the Town of Albion Court. Nichols was also arrested and released by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office for

Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree in the Town of Batavia, and by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office for two counts of Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree in the Town of Sweden.

Kirk A. Thomas Jr. was held in custody by Orleans County pending a bail hearing. Thomas has an extensive criminal history in New York State, having been previously arrested 48 times for similar offenses and convicted of eight felony crimes.

Additional charges for both are anticipated from the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office as the investigation continues.

The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, New York State Parole, and Walmart Asset Protection for their cooperation and assistance in this investigation coordinated by Orleans County Sheriff’s Investigator Brian Marsceill.

This case highlights the effectiveness of interagency collaboration in addressing organized retail theft and protecting local businesses.

Ortt urges governor to return billions in unspent NYSERDA funds to lower utility costs

Posted 6 February 2026 at 12:14 pm

Press Release, State Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt

State Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt and some of his colleagues have sent a letter to Governor Hochul, urging her to direct NYSERDA to return billions in unused funds from their Climate Investment Account directly back to ratepayers who are struggling with skyrocketing utility bills.

The 2025 fiscal year budget and financial plan for NYSERDA indicates they have a surplus of more than $2 billion and projected in future years to even reach $3 billion. At last week’s Joint Budget hearing on Energy and Environmental Conservation, Senate Finance Ranker Tom O’Mara urged NYSERDA President Doreen Harris to return these funds to ratepayers as a bill credit. These bill credits would provide immediate relief to overburdened ratepayers who were required to contribute these surplus funds in their utility bills.

“Albany Democrats continue to dream up new ways to tax New Yorkers and billions of ratepayer dollars – taken to fund the Green New Scam – are sitting unused. It’s time NYSERDA parted with its slush fund, and returned that money to ratepayers to give real immediate relief to New Yorkers who desperately need a break,” said Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt.

The letter was also signed by Senator Mario Mattera, ranking member of the Energy and Telecommunications; Senator Tom O’Mara, ranking member of the Senate Committee on Finance; and Senator Mark Walczyk, member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Telecommunications.

“There is no rationale for not using these off-budget surplus funds to provide ratepayers with credit on their utility bill,” the letter reads. “It is particularly timely because of the increased supply costs that will result from the current bout of frigid weather. Returning these unspent funds would provide short-term assistance but does not resolve the long-term problem of increasing rates. It is, however, an important recognition of the problem and provides immediate cash relief.”

Sellers of real estate should disclose to buyers if potential wind farms may be constructed in area

Posted 6 February 2026 at 11:41 am

Editor:

As a NYS Real Estate Salesperson, I would like to share a note as an opinion regarding commercial wind power plants and your duty, as a seller, to disclose. This is an opinion, only, and is not to be construed as legal advice. I always encourage sellers and buyers to seek legal advice from their attorney.

There are wind power plants and potential wind power plants scattered throughout NYS. Most homeowners looking to sell their home know that NYS Real Property Law §462 requires residential sellers to disclose (in writing) any known material or latent (hidden) defects about their home (i.e. mold, structural, or water issues, etc.) to a buyer.

However, some homeowners in potential or developing wind power plant areas may be wondering, “Do I have to disclose that there are (or may be) wind turbines being constructed here?”

A wind power plant (wind farm) is generally not considered to be a legally binding “hidden defect” as pertains to a residence itself. It is, however, according to the attorneys at the New York State Association of Realtors, a material fact that should be disclosed once the project is approved and construction has begun.

A seller might have reservations about disclosing such a fact, because they may believe that to do so will deter some potential buyers from looking at their home and from making an offer to purchase. However, it is imperative for the seller to safeguard against possible lawsuits that could happen due to being negligent in their duties to disclose such an important material fact.

To be fair, there will be a few potential buyers who have strong negative feelings about wind power plants and are less likely to purchase a home located in such an area. But there will also be a few potential buyers that would purchase that same home, nonetheless.

Be aware, though, that if they do purchase, without being told, and later see or hear construction happening in their new backyard, an outraged buyer could take a trip to an attorney and further into court with the seller in tow. Therefore, even though making this type of disclosure may seem like a daunting task for a seller, it cannot be stressed enough…it is prudent to disclose.

What should a seller do? Your skilled salesperson will know exactly how to help with such a situation and will make it easier to navigate. Remember, a commercial industry, such as a wind power plant, is not considered a “latent” defect on a home, itself, but it certainly could be considered a “midden material fact” if not disclosed.

Therefore, “Disclose, Disclose, Disclose…in writing.” Be honest and upfront. It could save you, as a residential home seller, a gigantic headache later, should a wind “farm” actually take “root”. And, remember, always consult your attorney for advice.

Sincerely,

Cindy Burnside

Office Administrative Manager with Peter Snell Realtors in Albion

Creekside Floral delivering 200-plus ‘Plants with Purpose’ to nursing home residents

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 February 2026 at 10:31 am

MEDINA – Mary Lewis, owner of Creekside Floral and Gift Shop in Medina, knows the winter months are difficult, especially this year with so many bitterly cold days and very limited sunshine.

She said winter days are especially hard for senior citizens in nursing homes and assisted care facilities.

She posted on the Creekside Floral Facebook page about “Plants with Purpose.” She wanted to give a blooming plant to senior citizens at Orchard Manor, the North Wing of Medina Memorial Hospital and The Willows. She asked for $10 sponsors for each plant, a Kalanchoe.

The community responded, sponsoring 198 plants to cover all of the residents at the three sites. They also went over the limit by 35 and counting. Lewis has added The Villages of Orleans in Albion for “Plants with Purpose.”

She will deliver them by mid-week next week, in time for Valentine’s Day.

“I just wanted to brighten their day,” she said. “The winter months are some of the dreariest. We need more kindness in the world.”

Lewis thanked the sponsors for their quick and generous response. If she runs out of the Kalanchoe plants for everyone at The Villages, she said she would find other valentine-themed gifts for them. For more information about being a sponsor, call 585-798-1200.

Hawley giving pizzas to 11 law enforcement agencies today in 139th Assembly District

Posted 6 February 2026 at 8:51 am

Press Release, Assemblyman Steve Hawley

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) today will be holding his 5th Annual National Pizza Day Police Appreciation Program.

Hawley will be providing pizza to law enforcement officers across the 139th Assembly District. This gesture complements his ongoing efforts in Albany to advocate for policies that support and equip our law enforcement officers.

Pizza will be delivered to the following 11 departments:

Albion Police Department
Batavia Police Department
Brockport Police Department
Genesee County Sheriff’s Office
Holley Police Department
Le Roy Police Department
Medina Police Department
Monroe County Sheriff’s Office – Zone B Substation
New York State Police – Troop A, Albion Barracks
New York State Police – Troop A Headquarters (Batavia)
Orleans County Sheriff’s Office

Hawley will personally deliver pizza to the Batavia Police Department, New York State Police – Troop A Headquarters in Batavia, and Genesee County Sheriff’s Office in Batavia.

Orleans expected to get 3 to 6 inches of snow today through Saturday

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 February 2026 at 8:30 am

Extreme cold advisory also in effect tonight through Sunday morning

Photo by Marsha Rivers: A motorist drives on Ashwood Road in Carlton last week during frigid temperatures.

The National Weather Service has issued an extreme cold advisory and also a winter weather advisory for Orleans County.

The winter weather advisory started at 7 a.m. today and continues until 7 p.m. on Saturday. Orleans County is expected to get 3 to 6 inches of snow during that time period.

The advisory also includes Niagara, Erie, Genesee, Wyoming, Chautauqua and Cattaraugus counties.

Winds gusting as high as 40 mph will create areas of blowing and drifting snow, the National Weather Service said.

A cold weather advisory is in effect from 1 a.m. tonight until 10 a.m. on Sunday with bitterly cold wind chills between 15 and 24 below zero expected.

“This is a potentially hazardous situation to be outdoors,” the Weather Service said. “If you must be outside, be sure to cover all exposed skin. Frostbite can occur in 30 minutes or less with apparent temperatures of 15 below zero or colder.”

The high temperature today in Orleans County is forecast to reach 27 but will drop to around 0 overnight.

Saturday is forecast for a high of 6 degrees and overnight low around 0, with Sunday’s high at 11.

Roy-Hart girls edge past visiting Akron

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 5 February 2026 at 9:18 pm

Roy-Hart nipped visiting Akron 51-49 this evening to regain the .500 mark at 5-5 in Niagara-Orleans League girl basketball competition.

Baskets by Brooke Corser and Millie Owens put Roy-Hart ahead for good at 49-48. Two clutch free throws by Peyton May then provided the margin of victory for the Lady Rams.

Owens and Adella Dukes both finished with 17 points, as May and Kylie McOmber both had 6 and Corser 5.

Abby Gerstung took game high honors for Akron with 19.

Newfane 44, Barker 33
Elise Monaco scored 11 and Hailey Dodge 9 for Barker in the 44-33 N-O loss to Newfane.

N-O Standings: Wilson 9-0, Akron 7-2, Albion 7-4, Roy-hart 5-5, Medina 4-5, Newfane 2-8, Barker 0-10.

Elba 69, Lyndonville 43

Ava Buczek scored 13, Brea Smith 12 and Lydia Ross 11 to lead Elba to a 69-43 win over Lyndonville in a Genesee Region League game.

Alexa Robinson and Isabella Groves both scored 12 for Lyndonville.

Byron-Bergen 34, Holley 28
Brynn Thomas had 8 points and 7 rebounds, Hanna Ostrom 7 points and 7 rebounds and Ali VanAmeron 6 points and 7 rebounds for Holley in the 34-28 G-R loss to Byron-Bergen.

Attica 50, Kendall 48
Attica nipped Kendall 50-48 in a G-R contest on a last second basket by Alyssa Elmore.

Elmore and Alannah Gibbs both finished with 11 for Attica as Meg Gertz and Corrin Orlowski both had 10.

Teagan Shaw and Izzy D’Agostino both scored 13 and Mia Price 12 for Kendall.

U.S. faces mounting deficits and debt, a challenge for the Fed and its chairman

Posted 5 February 2026 at 9:02 pm

Editor:

Rather wade into the battles about who is ignorant about what, today I write about the math of our current economic problems and the upcoming Fed Chairman. Gold was soaring but fell dramatically as soon as Trump announced next the Fed Chair, Kevin Warsh, whose term starts in May.

Meanwhile we all know that other countries are entering into trade deals to circumvent doing business with the United States. They want to avoid the drag on their exports tariffs cause and the inherent instability tariffs introduce to their economies.

Households can balance their budgets at zero income versus bills. Governments deal with layoffs, firings, firings, building, emergencies, currency fluctuations, sales fluctuations, internal debt, external debt, borrowing, interest rates, exports, imports, trade balance and resultant adjustments. A fundamental accounting identity is that the sum of the Current Account, the Capital Account, and the Financial Account must be equal similarly be zero.

When the United States runs a Current Account Deficit (importing more than we export) in order to balance our accounts globally at zero (the Capital Account is negligible) the excess dollars we spend abroad must come back in the form of investment.

Other countries have been buying our debt which lets us afford our deficits. The raw numbers are that our federal budget deficit of $1.8 trillion is mechanically financed by a current account deficit of $1.1 trillion. Our trade deficit provides the foreign savings to bridge our deficit gap.

When other countries trade elsewhere we face a serious issue! Will they continue to finance our debt and keep our balance close to zero or will we, the country which is losing their trade, spin off into a crash. And if we are forced to raise interest rates to attract foreign investment to avoid that crash how many jobs will it cost if the job market is down and in need of lower rates?

Keep in mind that to the extent Congress does not fund job growth or pay government debt the rates the Fed sets fulfill three functions. It always pays our debt, can lower them to create a stimulus for job growth, and can raise them to put a damper on inflation.

If debt service means high rates to attract investors the Fed’s flexibility on the latter two suffer. Right now rates are being kept up as we are in an era which has a glut of national debt and the speed at which dollar inflows will drop due to reconfiguration of international trade is uncertain.

Importantly as trade shifts other counties still have to balance their accounts. As unlikely as it seems if rates are not high enough to service our debts the result would be temporary insolvency and mayhem to cover it.

(The alternatives are we could have a tax raise on the top 5% to let government invest in job production, sales of goods and services abroad to keep things in balance – supply side tax cuts have always made our account balance worse – or the raise in interest rates.)

Now for the strange part! Two Fed Governors just voted to lower rates and follow the Presidents urgings. One is the new nominee, Kevin Warsh.

On the one hand Trump thinks, and Warsh voted for, lower rates and a weaker dollar on the premise that sufficient inflows will continue as long as the dollar is used for trade. But on the other hand in 2008 Warsh (who holds to Chicago School theories of money) voted to increase rates and bail banks out to the detriment of consumers with TARP which he helped design. He believes in printing less money, keeping the dollar high, by letting interest rates rise. Looking at his history investors immediately dropped Gold thinking he will raise rates.

The thinking before his appointment was that gold was a solid way to protect each investor’s saving inasmuch as this government will not reverse its huge tax cuts and wildly increased deficits. The gold spurt was a hedge on a recession, depression, or even temporary insolvency as foreign support fled.

So Trump thinks the new Chairman will do what he wants. But investors think the new Chairman will follow the math and adhere to immutable relationships of what it takes to balance our accounts.

(Perhaps Trump and Walsh are thinking there is time to slip in a temporary rate cut for a pick up around the midterms. But already even enemies like China are shifting out of Treasuries. That risks a larger recession.)

What I can say with some certainty is that if our pocket books do not feel a lot better soon, in a year or so they will feel much worse no matter which way rates go. Our debts and deficit need to be financed. Now even our enemies, like China, are shifting out of Treasuries. Warsh was a strange pick in stranger times.

Conrad F. Cropsey

Barre

Medina girls rally late to edge rival Albion

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 5 February 2026 at 8:28 pm

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Medina’s Samantha Heschke fires up the game winning three point shot in the final seconds of the Mustangs come-from-behind 51-50 home court win over rival Albion this evening. Melia Prince defends for Albion.

Coming from behind with a big fourth quarter scoring surge, Medina rallied to nip rival Albion 51-50 in a Niagara-Orleans League girls basketball game this evening at Medina.

Trailing by seven, 40-33. Medina rallied for the narrow win by out scoring Albion 18-10 in the decisive final stanza.

The Mustangs opened the period with a key 13-2 run on two threes by Harmoni Wilson, a three and a two by Caliyah St. Louis and a basket by Roswyn Oakes to rally into the lead at 46-42.

The Purple Eagles though answered right back with a clutch 8-0 run on a three by Leah Pawlak, two baskets by Aaliyah Jones and a free throw by Melia Prince to regain the lead for what proved to be the last time at 50-46 with less than a minute to go.

That set the stage for the Mustangs big finish as St. Louis hit a basket with 22 seconds remaining to cut the deficit to 50-48 and Samantha Heschke followed up with a huge three for what proved to be the game winning basket with 14 seconds to go for a 51-50 victory.

Albion’s Jocelyn Friedl (4) and Melia Prince (23) and Medina’s Roswyn Oakes battle for a rebound.

St. Louis finished with a game high 25 points as Wilson had 9, Heschke and Alexa Demmer 5 each, Roswyn Oakes 4, Emberlyn Oakes 2 and Tatianna Maxon 1.

Jones finished with 20, Prince 16, Pawlak 10, Jocelyn Friedl and Madison Muckle 2 each for the Purple Eagles.

Medina held a narrow 9-8 lead at the end of the opening period as St. Louis had all 9 points and Jones had 6 for Albion.

Albion surged to as much as a 10 point, 24-14, lead late in the second quarter as Prince scored 10, including a pair of three-point plays, and Jones 6, including a three.

Medina though rallied to cut the deficit to 24-20 at the half capped off by a three by Wilson.

Albion’s Aaliyah Jones puts up a shot as Alexa Demmer (22) and Madison Zeiner defend for Medina.

Baskets by Heschke and St. Louis pulled the Mustangs to within two, 26-24, early in the third period but the Purple Eagles answered with a 12-3 run to open up an 11 point, 38-27, advantage. Pawlak spearheaded that uprising with 7 points, including a three.

The Mustangs did cut the deficit a bit to seven, 40-33, at the end of the third period on a late three by St. Louis.

That set the stage for the Mustangs big fourth quarter 18-10 rally highlighted by two threes by Wilson and one each by St. Louis and the game winner by Heschke.

The first meeting between the two teams this season was equally close as Albion emerged with a narrow 55-53 home court win.

Albion is now 7-4 and Medina 4-5 in N-O competition.

Medina’s Caliyah St. Louis puts up a shot as Albion’s Leah Pawlak looks for a possible rebound.