By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 4 September 2026 at 4:59 pm
Roy-Hart/Medina downed the host school 3-1 today in the opening round of the season opening Tonawanda girls soccer tournament.
Ruth Walker, Alexa Demmer and Maria Trombley each scored a goal for Roy-Hart/Medina which will now face a very familiar foe – Niagara-Orleans League rival Wilson – in the championship game at 3 p.m. Saturday.
Wilson downed Dunkirk 8-0 in the other semifinal. Zoey Beck, Lilly Gurski and Colbie Elia each had 2 goals for Wilson.
Albion Tournament
The host Purple Eagles will face Attica in the championship game of the Albion girls soccer tournament at 6:45 p.m. Saturday.
Barker/Lyndonville will take on Oakfield-Alabama in the consolation game at 4:45 p.m.
Albion downed Barker/Lyndonville 2-1 and Attica bested Oakfield-Alabama 5-2 in the semifinals on Thursday.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 4 September 2026 at 4:17 pm
Resident says many people can’t afford roof projects, other costly repairs
Photo by Tom Rivers: Tim Zeiner Sr. speaks during a recent Village Board meeting when the board said it was concerned about lingering property maintenance issues in the village. From left include Trustee Jeff Wagner, Trustee Jess Marciano, Village Clerk/Treasurer Jada Burgess and Mayor Debbie Padoleski.
MEDINA – A village trustee said he wants to see more progress in the village with property owners fixing leaking roofs, painting buildings and tending to other property maintenance.
Jeff Wagner, a Village Board member, says some roofs have been covered with tarps for years. It is unsightly and unfair to neighbors and other residents to have that blighting effect, he said.
“We have to figure out how we can take this village from a B to an A,” Wagner said during last week’s board meeting.
Tim Zeiner, a Park Avenue resident, said aggressive enforcement may not be the answer because many residents are cash-strapped and can’t afford a new roof that he said can top $30,000.
“I understand the cost is prohibitive,” Wagner replied.
Code enforcement officer Dan Gardner said he issues many citations a month and tries to be reasonable in working with people to address the issues.
“Many people are long-term residents on fixed incomes,” Gardner said.
He issues tickets and many go to court, and the cases can drag on for months, even years without resolution.
Some of the residents said Gardner could use more help with code enforcement. The village used to have three part-time staff that assisted the codes officer.
Mayor Debbie Padoleski said new Police Chief Corey Black can be part of looking at the codes and seeing if police officers can help with enforcement.
“We get a lot of complaints,” Padoleski said about some of the problem properties.
Wagner would like to see more improvements among the home and building owners.
“I’m not talking about throwing people in jail,” he said. “It’s about holding people accountable and doing what they should be doing.”
Press Release, Orleans County Emergency Management Office
The Orleans Aware App provides alerts on emergencies, and also other health and safety information.
ALBION – The storms that ripped through Orleans County this week, including the tornado in the Town of Shelby, point out the need for residents to be able to receive real time emergency alerts, according to Scott Buffin, Deputy Director of Orleans County Emergency Management.
Orleans County Emergency Management joined the National Weather Service (NWS) yesterday to complete a damage survey from the tornado. NWS reported the tornado had a rating of EF1 with an estimated peak wind of 105 mph, a path length of 1.20 miles and a width of 200 yards. Orleans County volunteer fire departments answered nearly 200 storm-related calls during the weather events.
“First, we are very thankful that such serious storms, including the tornado, did not lead to any serious injuries or deaths,” said Buffin. “We also want to recognize the great work of the county’s first responders and emergency personnel, including those in the Orleans County 9-1-1- Communications Center who fielded a tremendous number of calls and did a great job directing resources. This was a team effort that continues as we deal with the aftermath of the storms.”
Buffin said the county’s Emergency Management Director Justin Niederhofer has made direct communication with residents a priority of his office, recognizing the importance of sharing information quickly in emergency situations. That is what led to the development of the Orleans Aware app to their smartphones.
The app provides alerts and other real-time information during emergency situations while also serving as a resource for other health and safety information. The app is available by clicking here.
Buffin also encouraged residents to follow Emergency Management on Facebook (click here).
“These are free communication vehicles that allow us and other agencies to quickly push out notifications as situations develop and change,” said Buffin. “Do yourself and your family a favor and download the app and follow us on Facebook so you are prepared for the next emergency situation.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 4 September 2026 at 1:39 pm
The Orleans County Chamber of Commerce is seeking nominations for its 28th annual business awards.
Nominations are due by Sept. 14 and can entered on a Google Form (click here).
The categories include:
Business of the Year – This award is presented to a business that has experienced significant overall achievements/success throughout the year. (Last year’s winner: Velocitii in Medina.)
Lifetime Achievement – This award is presented to an individual with a long-term record of outstanding business achievements. (Rita Zambito received the award in 2025.)
Phoenix Award – This award is presented to an organization or business that has successfully adapted or re-used an existing facility. (Newell Lounge/Shirt Factory in Medina won the award last year.)
New Business of the Year – This award is presented to a business or organization that has opened in the past year. (Homestead Pest Control in Albion won last year.)
Community Service Award – This award is presented to a business, organization or individual that has provided meaningful contributions to the community in either professional or non-professional spheres. (Genesee-Orleans Ministry of Concern won in 2025.)
Agricultural Business of the Year – This award is presented to an agricultural business that has experienced significant overall achievements/success throughout the year. (RLW Cattle in Lyndonville won the award in 2025.)
Small Business of the Year – This award is presented to a small business that has experienced significant achievements/success throughout the year. (Bentley Brothers in Albion won last year.)
Hidden Gem –This award is presented to a business that has made a positive contribution to tourism in Orleans County. (Hurd Orchards in Holley won the honor in 2025.)
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 4 September 2026 at 11:15 am
ALBION – Two people were arraigned in Orleans County Court on Wednesday for felony drug possession and weapons charges.
Daniel Busch, 34, and Kayli Burrows, 28, both of Albion, were arraigned on two different indictments.
They both face charges of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fifth degree and criminally using drug paraphernalia in the second degree after being charged on April 30 for allegedly having 690 milligrams of cocaine as well as scales and baggies.
In a separate indictment, they face criminal possession of a weapon in the third and fourth degrees, as well as criminal possession of a controlled in the third degree allegedly for having on Sept. 14, 2025 a loaded handgun and 14-round large capacity magazine. Busch faces an additional charge of criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree due to a prior conviction.
Both have been released on their own recognizance with conditions that they attend UConnectCare appointments and not break the law.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 4 September 2026 at 9:34 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
MEDINA – Construction has started on a new pedestrian bridge in Medina that will cross the Oak Orchard Creek.
RJT Construction Services in Rochester is the contractor for the project on Maple Ridge Road (Route 31A) in Medina. This area also will get about 2,000 feet of new sidewalks on the north side of the road.
The Medina Village Board on March 23 approved the $837,448 bid by RJT Construction Services to install the bridge and sidewalks. RJT was the lowest of four bidders when the bids were opened on Feb. 18.
The section of Maple Ridge Road by 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. (In this photo, the Mariachi de Oro Mexican restaurant is shown in the background.)
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).
In addition to the construction bid, the village has approved paying Barton & Loguidice $166,300 for construction services and inspections.
Crosby’s is the first business west side of the creek on the north side, near the approach to the new bridge.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 4 September 2026 at 8:13 am
The National Weather Service has confirmed that an EF-1 tornado, with estimated winds of 105 miles per hour, hit East Shelby on Wednesday evening, the National Weather Service reported on Thursday.
Tornados from the powerful Wednesday evening storms also hit in Olcott, Niagara County, and in Alexander, Genesee County.
The East Shelby tornado started at 6:45 and ended at 6:47 p.m. The tornado had a path length of 1.2 miles and a path width of 200 yards.
This supercell thunderstorm snapped multiple trees with significant damage to trees across several residences, but only minor structural damage, the Weather Service said.
The agency said a severe supercell thunderstorm moved into western Orleans County, circulation tightened and a tornado touched down in a field east of Bigford Road and south of Martin Road.
“Several trees were toppled on the edges of this field before the tornado crossed over East Shelby Road causing significant tree damage across several residences on the east side of the road, along with minor structural damage to a home,” the Weather Service said. “The tornado then continued eastward through a forested area with numerous trees uprooted and few snapped. The tornado then lifted over an open field west of Townline Road.”
• Olcott tornado – The National Weather Service confirmed tornados in the hamlet of Olcott from 6:07 to 6:08 p.m., with a path length of 0.67 mile, with a maximum path width of 70 wards. The estimated wind speed was 105 miles per hour.
“A supercell thunderstorm, that previously produced a waterspout moved onshore producing damage from the shoreline inland.”
• Alexander tornado – The east Alexander tornado last six minutes, from 7:29 to 7:35 p.m. It had a path length of 3.78 miles and a width of 150 yards with maximum wind speeds of 110 miles per hour. It flattened a corn field and snapped multiple trees.
There were also confirmed tornados in Waterloo and Fayette in Seneca County in the Finger Lakes.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 3 September 2026 at 9:34 pm
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Elijah Doxey scores the Albion/Medina OC Rivals historic first touchdown during this evening’s debut victory at Akron.
Making a sparkling debut, Albion/Medina romped to a 32-0 lightning shortened victory over host Akron this evening kicking off the OC Rivals inaugural football season.
Lightning stopped the game with 7 minutes to go in the third quarter after Albion/Medina had built up a commanding 32-0 half-time advantage.
Albion/Medina took an 8-0 lead in the first quarter as Elijah Doxey scored the OC Rivals historic first touchdown on a 7 yard run. Quarterback Preston Woodworth hooked up with Noah Harrison for the two-point conversion pass.
The OC Rivals then broke the contest wide open by exploding for three touchdowns in the second quarter on runs of 5 yards by Jayzon Wills, 15 yards by Doxey and a 55 yard pass interception return by Jaxon Lynch. Harrison had a pair of two-point conversion runs and Wills one during that stretch.
Runs of 18 and 10 yards by Woodworth and 10 by Doxey highlighted the first TD drive and a big 45 yard run by Wills keyed the second.
Much of the quarter was played in a torrential downpour.
The defense also came up big in the opening half as Wills, Ryan Frentz and Matthew Jacobs all had sacks and Wills a tackle for loss.
“We’re very pleased with the way things went,” said Head Coach Eric Valley. “The field conditions slowed the game down for sure but our kids played great defense and we were able to move the ball using multiple backs.”
Albion/Medina next faces Lake Shore next Friday night at 7 at Medina’s Vets Park.
Jaxon Lynch heads to the endzone on a 55 yard pass interception return for the OC Rivals.
Jayzon Wills picks up yardage for the OC Rivals behind a block by Noah Harrison.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 3 September 2026 at 9:24 pm
The host Purple Eagles edged Barker/Lyndonville 2-1 this evening in the opening round of the Albion girls soccer tournament.
Ava Woolston and Madison Frasier each scored a goal for Albion.
Alexa Robinson netted the Barker/Lyndonville goal.
The tournament will conclude on Saturday evening.
Boys Soccer Pembroke 5, Albion 1
Pembroke downed visiting Albion 5-1 in a non league game.
Garret Jones scored the Albion goal off an assist from Anakin Bowman.
Volleyball Holley d. Wheatland-Chili
Holley downed Wheatland-Chili in three sets as Averie Johnson had 8 aces and 2 kills and Brianna Pellegrino 7 aces.
Oakfield-Alabama d. Roy-Hart
Oakfield-Alabama downed Roy-Hart in four sets 25-21, 21-25, 25-22, 25-17
Lauren Snyder had 8 kills, Tessa Degenhardt 5 kills and Zoe Healey 4 kills for Roy-Hart.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 September 2026 at 8:07 pm
‘The president should stop the political games, get back to the negotiation table, and make a deal that lowers costs for New York families.’
File photo by Tom Rivers: Kayakers were out on Lake Ontario during a sunset on Aug. 4, 2018 in Barker.
Another bill will soon be introduced in Congress about the official name for Lake Ontario, as recognized by the federal government.
U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-NY, announced she will be presenting legislation to nullify President Donald Trump’s executive order from a week ago that called for Lake Ontario to now be known as “Lake America.”
Trump’s executive order gave the Interior Department 30 days to update the federal Geographic Names Information System. It also directs federal agencies to use the new name on maps, contracts, documents and other communications.
“President Trump’s inane executive order is a weak attempt to distract from the fact that the Trump administration has raised costs on hardworking families, caused gas prices to skyrocket, and cut the programs that Americans rely on to get healthcare and put food on the table,” Gillibrand said in a news release. “Instead of renaming Great Lakes for no good reason, the president should stop the political games, get back to the negotiation table, and make a deal that lowers costs for New York families. I am proud to announce this legislation to restore Lake Ontario’s original name, and I look forward to getting it passed.”
Congressman Joe Morelle, a Democrat from Rochester, introduced legislation in the House of Representatives on Monday to ban the name change to Lake America.
A Florida congressman also introduced legislation in the House to change Lake Ontario’s name to “Lake America.” Jimmy Patronis Jr., a Republican, represents Florida’s 1st congressional district in the Western Panhandle.
“President Trump put America back on the map. Now we’re putting America on Lake Ontario,” Congressman Patronis stated in a press release. “Canada can call it whatever they want, but here in America, I say we call it Lake America.”
Morelle, in a statement today, said the naming controversy has created uncertainty for businesses.
“Communities like ours are asking Washington to focus on the challenges that actually affect people’s lives,” Morelle said. “Here in Rochester, we’ll keep calling it Lake Ontario. And in Congress, I’m working with my colleagues to make sure it stays that way.”
Gillibrand said she will introduce a bill in the next Senate working period that would prevent the executive branch from renaming any of the five Great Lakes. It would also nullify and prohibit the implementation and use of funds for the executive order that renamed Lake Ontario to Lake America.
Gillibrand also announced legislation to repeal all tariffs levied under Section 338 of the Tariff Act and refund Americans for all duties paid under this authority. This includes President Trump’s most recent 50% tariffs on Canada, which Gillibrand said will raise prices for New York families and hurt the local economy.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 September 2026 at 6:41 pm
145 remaining without electricity; Yates has most without power
Photos by Tom Rivers
SHELBY – Crews work to restore power to a home on Oak Street in Shelby at about 6 p.m. The crew had the power back on and was headed to its next assignment.
During the peak of Wednesday’s power outages, there were 2,150 National Grid customers in Orleans County without electricity.
As of 6:29 p.m. today, there were 155 waiting for electricity to be restored. National Grid reports those remaining outages by municipality include: 38 in Barre, 4 in Clarendon, 1 in village of Medina, 24 in Ridgeway, 24 in Shelby, and 54 in Yates.
There were two different crews working in Shelby near the intersection of Chestnut Street and Oak Street. The Town of Shelby Highway Department also was busy in this neighborhood today cleaning up fallen branches.
