Medina posts volleyball win over Lyndonville

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 13 October 2026 at 9:25 pm

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Medina’s Maddy Watts and Maya Anderson go for a service return during the Mustangs non league win over visiting Lyndonville this evening.

Medina downed visiting Lyndonville 25-17, 25-18, 26-24 in a non league volleyball match this evening.

Sam Heschke had 7 aces and 3 kills, Maddy Watts 6 aces and Maya Anderson 4 kills and 3 aces to lead the way for the Mustangs.

Hannah Fox had 5 aces, 1 kill and 1 block, Leah Kenyon 2 kills and 1 ace, Isabella Bresett 5 aces and 1 kills, Sarah Corser 1 ace and Destinee Holmes 1 kill for the Lady Tigers.

Lyndonville’s Grace Kenyon with a spike as Medina’s Sam Heschke (8) and Payton Denniston  and (33) Jenna Cecchini defend.

Albion girls post soccer win at Depew

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 13 October 2026 at 9:17 pm

Albion bested host Depew 3-2 in a non league girls soccer game this evening.

Lena Grillo scored 2 goals and Izzy Truelson 1 to lead the way for Albion as Alana Flugel had 2 assists.

Wilson tops Medina in N-O field hockey

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 13 October 2026 at 9:14 pm

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Medina’s Olivia Bessel and Mia Kujawa try to put a shot on goal against Wilson goalie Hailey Hendricks. The action took place during this evening’s game at Vets Park.

Building up a 3-0 first half lead, Wilson went on to down Medina 4-1 in a Niagara-Orleans League field hockey game at Vets Park this evening.

Clara Ferdinand, Trinity Kaminski, Taylor Ernest and Katie Hardy took turns scoring the goals and Brynn Lepsch had 2 assists for Wilson which improves to 4-5.

Amelia Stalker scored the goal for Medina which is now 2-7.

Barker 4, Newfane 0
Sophia Pavlock scored 2 goals and Elise Monaco and Lexa Brazzell each had 1 to lead Barker to a 4-0 N-O win over Newfane.

Barker is now 9-1 and Newfane 2-6.

Wilson’s Taylor Ernest works to get between Medina defenders Isabella Perez (4) and Savannah Jo Thompson.

Intoxicated Holley man allegedly fired gun shots, taken into custody without incident

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 October 2026 at 8:51 pm

HOLLEY – A Holley man who was heavily intoxicated allegedly fired multiple gun shots this afternoon. The shots weren’t fired at a person, said Police Chief Robert Barton.

There was a large police presence at 68 Geddes St. after neighbors called 911 at 2:47 p.m. about a man with a gun.

When police arrived, the man was agitated but was responsive to verbal commands, Chief Barton said. The man was taken into custody without incident. He was taken by Mercy EMS ambulance to Unity Hospital for a psychological evaluation. A Holley police officer rode in the ambulance with the Mercy EMS crew.

Chief Barton said the incident remains under investigation. He expects criminal charges will be filed.

He didn’t release the man’s name this evening. He said the man is known to Holley Police based on prior interactions.

There was a search warrant of the home, a spacious former bed and breakfast. The Albion Police Department K9 and a K9 from the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department skilled in nitrate detection for gunpowder were part of the search. Chief Barton isn’t publicly disclosing anything from the search due to the ongoing investigation.

Holley Police were assisted at the scene by the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office, State Police, Albion PD and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.

Barton commended neighbors for their assistance and statements. One neighbor said three shots were fired by the man, while another neighbor said it was four shots.

Part of Geddes Street was shut down for several hours by the Murray Joint Fire District while police and the K9 units searched the scene.

Lyndonville/Barker bows; Kendall wins

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 13 October 2026 at 8:38 pm

Photos by Cheryl Werman – Drew LaGreca drives the ball up field for Lyndonville/Barker against Byron-Bergen/Elba defender Jayden Amesbury during this afternoon’s game at Lyndonville.

Jumping out to a 2-0 lead in the first half, Byron-Bergen/Elba went on to down Lyndonville/Barker 4-1 in a Genesee Region League boys soccer game this afternoon at Lyndonville.

Xavier Vargas and Brayden Gelsomino scored the first half goals for Byron-Bergen/Elba which improves to 13-0-2.

Maddox Smith scored for Lyndonville/Barker in the second half off an assist from Jesus Reyes Rosario.

Kendall 4, Wheatland-Chili 0
Brenden Eichas scored 2 goals and Sammy Conte and Andrew Cole each netted 1 to lead Kendall (7-6-2) to a 4-0 G-R win at Wheatland-Chili.

Lyndonville/Barker’s Maddox Smith works to keep the ball away from Xavier Vargas of Byron-Bergen/Elba.

Orleans Koinonia Kitchen has served and distributed nearly 20,000 meals this year

Posted 13 October 2026 at 5:58 pm

Photos courtesy of Orleans Community Connects: People enjoy food and conversation at the Orleans Koinonia Kitchen, which is based at Harvest Christian Fellowship, 560 East Ave. in Albion.

Press Release, Orleans Community Connects

ALBION – Thanks to an incredible outpouring of community support, dedicated volunteers, and funding assistance from Orleans Community Connects, local outreach efforts are making a significant impact on residents in need throughout Orleans County.

So far this year, Orleans Koinonia Kitchen has served and distributed approximately 20,000 meals, providing nourishment and hope to individuals and families across the county. With support from Orleans Community Connects, the organization has been able to supply food and cooking essentials for volunteer groups who generously prepare meals for weekly community dinners.

The outreach extends far beyond the kitchen. A team of eight volunteer drivers delivers meals throughout every town and village in Orleans County, ensuring homebound residents have access to nutritious food and regular check-ins from caring community members.

In addition, more than 1,300 homeless care bags have been distributed to individuals experiencing hardship. These bags provide essential items and connect recipients with additional community resources.

“When someone walks through our doors, they receive much more than a hot meal,” said Faith, director of Orleans Koinonia Kitchen. “They find friendship, compassion, and the love of Jesus. We want people to know they are valued and cared for.”

The organization offers a variety of services to community members, including:

  • Fresh and frozen meals to enjoy at home
  • Care bags with essential items
  • Access to a free community table
  • Information and referrals for food, shelter, and emergency assistance throughout Orleans County
  • Wellness checks and support through meal delivery volunteers

The kitchen welcomes anyone in need, regardless of age or circumstance, with no questions asked. Volunteers and staff work to ensure residents not only receive food but also feel connected, supported and safe.

“We love our community and are continually inspired by the generosity of our volunteers, donors, and local supporters,” Faith added. “We are truly grateful to Orleans Community Connects. Their partnership allows us to reach so many more people and provide critical support to those who need it most.”

As demand for services continues to grow, the organization remains committed to serving Orleans County residents with dignity, compassion, and hope. They are located at Harvest Christian Fellowship 560 East Ave in Albion.

“At Orleans Community Connects, we believe strong communities are built by neighbors helping neighbors,” said Nyla Gaylord, executive director of Orleans Community Connects. “This program is a powerful example of what happens when local organizations, volunteers, and supporters come together with a shared commitment to caring for others. We are proud to support an effort that provides not only meals, but also connection, compassion, and hope to thousands of Orleans County residents.”

SCOPE encourages public to know their candidates for elected offices

Posted 13 October 2026 at 5:32 pm

Editor:

In response to Kathy Harnischfeger’s letter posted on September 19, and regarding the election for Town of Clarendon Supervisor, SCOPE of Orleans County has invited both Kathy Harnischfeger and Fred Seeman to speak to our membership and the public on Tuesday, October 13, at 7 p.m. at the Hoag Library in Albion.

Both candidates will be allocated up to 25 minutes. Only one candidate will be in the room at a time. This is not a debate.

Both candidates have received a questionnaire. The questionnaire can be found by clicking here.

Candidates may appear in person and/or submit their answers in writing if they are unable to attend.

SCOPE of Orleans County will publish its findings at a later date.

The SCOPE mission statement can be found by clicking here.

If we want to protect and strengthen our Second Amendment rights, we must be active at the local level.

Local elected officials make decisions that directly affect our communities, including policies involving firearm ownership, self-defense, public safety, and Second Amendment rights. When we show up, build relationships, and make our voices heard, we have an opportunity to influence those decisions.

Attend local meetings. Know your elected officials. Speak with them. Engage with local law enforcement. Stay informed and get involved.

These actions matter.

Strong local advocacy does more than stop bad policies—it helps build lasting support for our constitutional freedoms. What we do today will help determine whether those rights remain strong for the next generation.

Mark D. Allen

Orleans County SCOPE Chairman

Orleans Community Health expanding PT, OT and speech therapy

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 13 October 2026 at 10:21 am

Provided photo: Cory Lewis is director of Rehabilitation Services at Medina Memorial Hospital and Albion Healthcare Center. Orleans Community Health has announced the expansion of rehabilitation services at Medina Memorial Hospital.

MEDINA – Orleans Community Health has announced the expansion of rehabilitation services at Medina Memorial Hospital and Albion Healthcare Center, providing patients with greater access to physical therapy,  occupational therapy and speech therapy in one convenient location.

Physical therapy services will continue to be available at both Medina Memorial Hospital and Albion Healthcare Center, ensuring patients throughout the community have convenient options for receiving care.

“This expansion is really about making rehabilitation services more accessible and convenient for our patients,” said Cory Lewis, director of Rehabilitation Services at Orleans Community Health. “By bringing occupational therapy to Medina, we’re creating a more centralized location where patients can access multiple rehabilitation services. At the same time, we’re maintaining physical therapy services in Albion to continue meeting the needs of that community.”

The move is part of reducing patient wait times, Lewis said. Wait times at local clinics have been long throughout this year, typically around three weeks, he added. A major goal of this expansion is to improve access and provide more timely therapy services for the community.

With staffing additions coming to PT in early November, OCH will be able to offer more appointments, later in the day. The Albion Healthcare Center will be treating patients until 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, which should provide more options for those who have difficulty attending during traditional work hours.

“For many of our patients, rehabilitation is just one part of their overall path to getting healthier and stronger,” Lewis said. “Having these services located within the hospital allows us to work more closely with other departments and providers.”

Rehabilitation services at Orleans Community Health are designed to help individuals recover from injuries, surgeries, illnesses and other conditions that affect mobility, independence and everyday activities.

Physical therapy will be offered in Medina and Albion; occupational therapy in Medina and speech therapy in Medina.

This expansion reflects Orleans Community Health’s ongoing commitment to providing accessible, high quality healthcare services close to home.

“Our goal is to help patients get back to doing the things they enjoy and living as independently as possible,” Lewis said. “Whether someone is recovering from surgery, working through an injury or managing a chronic condition, we want to make sure they have the support and resources they need right here in their community.”

To make an appointment in Medina for PT, OT or ST, call (585) 798-0266; or for PT at the Albion Healthcare Center, call (585) 589-2273.

New sidewalks go in along Maple Ridge in Medina

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 October 2026 at 8:32 am

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – New sidewalks are in along Maple Ridge Road in Medina. This photo from Monday shows the sidewalks looking east from Ricky Place.

About 2,000 feet of new sidewalks are going in along the north side of Maple Ridge as part of a project that is adding a pedestrian bridge over Oak Orchard Creek.

RJT Construction Services is the general contractor on the project after submitting the low bid of $837,448. Barton & Loguidice also provided engineering services for $166,300.

This section of Maple Ridge Road is looking west from Ricky Place. This section of Maple Ridge near the creek has become busier with a housing development, several new businesses and also the GCC campus center.

There are also about 200 available acres in the area being promoted for development by the EDA. (The sign for Mariachi de Oro Mexican restaurant can be seen in the distance.)

The new bridge and sidewalks have been several years in the waiting. The village in 2021 was awarded a $1,094,196 grant to construct the bridge and sidewalks as part of a multi-use path for pedestrians and bicycles. The funding was awarded by the state through a federal Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grant.

That is covering 80 percent of the project. The remaining 20 percent will be paid locally from the village ($55,000), Town of Shelby ($130,000) and Orleans County ($97,500) using their share of funds from a now closed revolving loan fund through the Orleans Economic Development Agency.