By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 5 May 2026 at 7:45 pm
Scoring in every inning, Lyndonville defeated host Wheatland-Chili 13-2 in a Genesee Region League baseball game this afternoon.
Quincey McClinsey hurled a 1 hitter with 9 strikeouts for Lyndonville in the five inning run rule contest.
Colton Smith, Atticus Mank and Shawn Robertson each had 2 hits to lead the Tigers at the plate. Mank drove in a total of 4 runs and Smith 3.
Robertson had an RBI double in the first inning, Mank a two-run single in the second and Smith RBI singles in the second and third innings.
The Tigers scored 3 in the first inning, 5 in the second 2 in the third and fifth and 1 in the fourth.
Kendall vs. Oakfield-Alabama suspended
The Kendall at Oakfield-Alabama G-R League game was suspended due to the rainy weather in the fourth inning with the Hornets leading 2-0.
N-O game postponed
The Wilson at Albion Niagara-Orleans League baseball game was postponed.
Golf
In a G-R League tri-match Wheatland-Chili had a 192 total, Kendall 219 and Pembroke 220.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 5 May 2026 at 7:28 pm
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Albion’s Adam Burgio came from behind to edge out Medina’s Bryson Ford in the 110 Hurdles at this afternoon’s meet at Medina.
Albion scored a sweep over Medina in a rain soaked Niagara-Orleans League track meet this afternoon at Medina.
Defending champion Albion won the boys’ meet 97-29 to remain unbeaten at 5-0.
The Purple Eagles were led by a trio of individual event double winners as Adam Burgio took the 110 Hurdles and 400 Hurdles, Hunter Huscher the 100 and 200 and Austin Huscher the Long Jump and Triple Jump.
Albion also got individual event wins from Tristian Tilbe (1600), Myles Beach (400), Wesley Olles (800), Matthew Bloom (3200), Liam Leader (Shotput), Tyler Cody (High Jump) and Scott Allen (Discus).
Medina is now 2-2.
Albion’s Mia Standish in route to a win in the 100 Hurdles. At left Medina’s Nate Surdel competes in the Discus.
Albion won the girls’ meet 75.5-66.5.
Mia Standish was a double winner for Albion in the 100 Hurdles and 400 Hurdles and SeMya Tilford in the Shotput and Discus.
The Purple Eagles also got wins from Aubrey Bruning (1500), Sophia Bouchey (Long Jump), Isla DeBoard (Pole Vault) and Loralie Gailie (Triple Jump).
Aurora Owczarczak was a double winner for Medina in the 200 and 400.
The Mustangs also got individual event wins from Caliyah St. Louis (100), Payton Eggleston (800), Talia Rupp (3000) and Payton Denniston (High Jump).
Albion is now 3-2 and Medina 0-4.
Albion’s Wesley Olles and Medina’s Roman Maksimchuk in action in the 3200 Relay.
Albion’s Hunter Huscher, center, leads a trio of Purple Eagles to the finish line in the 100. At left is Yohanel Harris and at right is Austin Huscher.
Medina’s Caliyah St. Louis sprints to a win in the 100 ahead of the Albion duo of Cierra Johnson and Isabelle Truelson.
ALBION – On Wednesday from 9 a.m. to approximately 2 p.m., the State Police will be assisting with an oversized load escort which may disrupt traffic patterns beginning in Albion and ending in Byron.
The width of this load will obstruct oncoming traffic.
Route 98 will be closed for an undisclosed amount of time to all traffic from Old Orchard Road to Lockport Road.
The height of this load will necessitate the lifting of most overhead wires and traffic control devices. The load will move into oncoming traffic to avoid overhead obstructions.
The weight of the load will keep speeds to around 5 to 10 miles per hour with many stoppages.
The permitted route of travel will begin on Hamilton Street in Albion proceed east on Allen Road then south on Oak Orchard Rd (Route 98) to east on Lockport Road in Elba. Then the load will continue on North Byron Road to south on Searls Road to east on Tower Hill Road. The trip ends south on Byron Road in the town of Byron.
It is recommended that if you encounter this load, move to the shoulder of the roadway, into a driveway or parking lot or seek an alternate route of travel to your destination. Lower your window and follow directions from State Police or escort vehicles.
Expect delays on those roads during business hours.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 5 May 2026 at 1:37 pm
Photo by Tom Rivers: The Medina Canal Basin is shown last summer with a houseboat, the Erie Floatel LLC, at left. Another boat owner wants to rent out a yacht as a short-term rental this canal season.
MEDINA – The Medina Village Board has two requests from boat owners to lease space in the Canal Basin this upcoming canal season.
But village officials first want input from the State Canal Corp., where there has been a big increase in using houseboats for short-term rentals on the Erie Canal, said Jeff Wagner, the Medina village trustee.
He has been speaking the Canal Corp. officials about how to best handle the requests. The new canal season starts on May 15 and goes until Oct. 14.
Medina approved a lease in its basin last summer for the Erie Floatel, LLC. That boat was operated by Andrew Meier and Svein Lilleby and it stayed on the south side of the canal, using one of the village’s floating docks.
Medina charged a lease fee of $220, plus another $100 for electric and water consumption for the season.
Rollin Hellner owns a 34-foot-long yacht that he would like to rent out through Airbnb. His father Brian Hellner ran a tour boat business from the Canal Basin but won’t be doing that this year. Rollin would like to keep his boat in the same slip where his father docked the North Star. This is the same boat that Rollin would like to rent out for overnight stays.
“We intend to operate under the same rules, requirements, and fee structure that have already been established and approved for vessel-based Airbnb operations within the Village,” Hellner said in a letter to the Village Board on April 13. “This will be a continuation of an established and successful lodging option that supports tourism and brings additional visitors to Medina’s waterfront and local businesses.”
The Erie Floatel, LLC made its debut in Medina last summer. It is available as a short-term rental directly on the Erie Canal.
Andrew Meier, in an April 13 letter to the board, said Erie Floatel had a great first year last summer with universally positive feedback, earning a rare “5.0 Guest Favorite” status on Airbnb. The houseboat will be exclusively listed on Airbnb and VRBO this year, without direct bookings, Meier said in a letter to the board.
The Erie Floatel is moored and not drivable by guests. There is a two-person maximum occupancy.
Meier offered to pay $500 towards utilities for the boat, up from the $100 in the initial lease.
“The houseboat resulted in many unique visitors to Medina through the course of the summer, who patronized local retail shops and eateries,” Meier write. “It further generated direct revenue to the Village in the form of nightly occupancy taxes. From all accounts, the enterprise was a ‘win-win.’”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 5 May 2026 at 10:30 am
ALBION – The Albion school district’s proposed 2026-27 budget will again be holding the line on property taxes, the 18th time in the past 20 years without a tax increase.
Registered voters in the Albion school district will go to the polls on May 19 from noon to 8 p.m. at the Hoag Library, 134 South Main St. A district art show will also be on display at the library during the vote.
“We are proud to once again propose a tax levy with no increase, continuing our long-standing effort to either reduce or maintain the levy whenever possible,” said Linda Weller, the Board of Education president. “While rising operational costs and uncertainty in state and federal funding continue to present challenges, we remain committed to balancing fiscal responsibility with meaningful investment in our students and programs.”
The district is proposing a $45,615,036 budget, which is up 1.93 percent or $864,551 from the current budget.
The tax levy will stay at $8,449,039, which is $359,906 under the district’s tax cap.
“Our priorities include maintaining small class sizes, strengthening student support services, enhancing technology and ensuring our facilities remain safe, functional and well-maintained,” Weller said the district’s budget newsletter.
School officials will discuss the budget during a public hearing at 6 p.m. on May 12 at the LGI in the high school.
The vote on May 19 includes proposition one for the budget and proposition two to allow spending $1.5 million for buses. Proposition three allows the district to collect $687,760 for Hoag Library.
There are also three candidates for three seats on the Board of Education. The incumbents – Trellis Pore, Kurt Schmitt and David Sidari – all are not seeking re-election.
The two candidates with the most votes get five-year terms while the candidate with the third most votes gets a one-year term.
The candidates include:
• Kaitlyn Panek – A farm office manager, Panek is an Albion graduate. She said she brings organizational and financial expertise as well as a personal commitment to the district.
“My top priority is maintaining a high-quality, safe environment where every student has the resources to succeed,” she said. “I am invested in having transparency between the community and district to ensure budgets are clear and accountable.”
• Jaime Allport – A court clerk for the Town of Albion, Allport is a lifelong Albion resident who said she understands the community’s values, strengths and challenges. She has been a long-time volunteer, especially with the Albion youth football program.
“My perspective, combined with a proven record of service, will help guide thoughtful decisions that benefit both current students and future generations,” she said.
• Michelle Waters – The owner of the Tree House School of Play in Albion, Waters said strong schools are built through open communication, thoughtful decision-making and a willingness to listen.
“My goal is to help shape schools that keep students at the center, while supporting teachers and staff who show up for them every day,” Waters said.
Contributed Photo – Julian Tabor scores two for the Fury against Webster.
The Northshore Fury AAU basketball team, featuring players from Holley, Medina, Lyndonville, and Notre Dame, earned a second-place finish at the Hoopfest Challenge Showcase in Palmyra this past weekend.
Led by Trey Rhim (Notre Dame), Julian Tabor (Medina), and Gunner Knight (Holley), the Fury competed against top Western New York talent, facing teams from McQuaid, Brighton, Stony Creek, and Webster.
Leading scorers Rhim, Tabor, and Knight were supported by Dean Fischer (Medina), who anchored the defense with an average of three steals per game, and Tory Dames (Medina), who provided a spark from beyond the three-point line. Zia Dix (Medina) and Mason McGuire (Holley) led the team in assists.
Rounding out the team’s strong defensive effort—which included four down-to-the-wire contests—were Chris Andrews (Holley), Brayden Aydelotte (Lyndonville), Jackson Spencer (Holley), and Michael Zaragoza (Holley).
The Fury will return to action May 16th–17th at the Pink-Out Shootout in Rochester.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 5 May 2026 at 8:51 am
Albion public library will seek $687,760 in May 19 vote, up from $657,560 for 2025
Photo by Tom Rivers: Betty Sue Miller, director of Hoag Library in Albion, goes over the library’s budget during the annual meeting on Monday.
ALBION – Hoag Library has a new trustee following Monday’s election with Jessica George eking out a victory over Rachel Hicks with 26 votes to 25. Voters also re-elected Linda Weller with 32 votes and Mary Witkop with 29.
The trustees then met and again named Weller as board president and Witkop as the vice president. Dawn Squicciarini will serve as board secretary and George was picked to be the treasurer, a spot that was filled by Hicks.
There were 51 voters for Monday’s election. The trustees were elected to four-year terms.
The library also held its 126th annual meeting. Weller said the library has proven to be an important part of the community, offering far more than just loaning out books.
“The Hoag Library of Albion continues to stand as a vibrant cornerstone of the community,” she said. “Its success is not by chance – it is the result of dedication, care and collaboration of many people who believe deeply in its mission.”
Weller commended the staff for offering a variety of programs and making the library a welcoming place for everyone. She said the trustees have been committed to being good stewards of the budget and making the library “sustainable, forward-looking and responsive to the needs to today – and tomorrow.”
Hoag has a $721,550 overall budget for 2026 with $687,760 in the school district vote on May 19. That is up from the $657,560 through property taxes approved a year ago.
Other areas of the library funding include $2,790 from the county, $18,000 in contributions and donations, $9,000 in library services and fees (Fax, copier and book fines), and $4,000 in state library aid.
The library budget would be $75,000 higher if it still had a mortgage. But that was paid off in 2022 when Maurice “Mo” Hoag and his wife Courtenay gave a final $200,000 donation to the library. The couple has given $1 million to the library, including an initial $250,000 to help get it built in 2012. Their donations after the first $250,000 have allowed Hoag to pay off the mortgage well ahead of schedule, saving $75,000 a year. The mortgage was planned to go to 2035.
Betty Sue Miller, the library director, said the library continues to receive donations from the community. She noted Conrad Cropsey gave a large table and desk from his law office. He closed his office in downtown Albion and continues to work as a lawyer from his home in Barre. The table is up in the loft at the library and many people use it to play games or study. Cropsey’s desk is used in the local history room.
The Friends of the Library used its funds to buy a 3-D printer that is available to the public.
The circulation for 2025 includes: physical items – 29,775 books, 6,993 non-books, 62 HotSpots and 36 laptops. Digital items – Hoopla, 6,912 and Libby, 5,370. There were 1,777 new physical items.
Other highlights: 564 library programs and community outreach efforts; 827 notarized documents; 5,446 items borrowed through Nioga inter-loan; 4,253 items loaned out through inter-loan; 838-plus learning and support sessions at library for GED, ESL, tech advisor and other literacy programs; 1,480 public meeting room uses.
Miller said she is amazed how busy the three rooms are for meetings, concerts, events and smaller sessions.
“Imagine if this building had not been built with that space,” Miller said about the meeting rooms. “The people who built this were very forward-thinking.”
In the continuing dialogue between citizens and the proposed data center, another factor to throw in the mix: In Europe and especially Ireland, Finland and Sweden, Microsoft and Google are recycling waste heat from their data centers to warm homes and businesses.
What if the data-center company was able to provide free heat to Orleans and Genesee County homes. Could that be something to negotiate? It works in Europe, why not in New York State?
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 4 May 2026 at 9:01 pm
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Medina’s Aidan Papaj, left, earned the win on the mound for the Mustangs in tonight’s key game against Roy-Hart as Jared Hy started on the mound for the Rams.
Defending champion Medina doubled its Niagara-Orleans baseball league lead by posting a key 4-1 victory over Roy-Hart at Gasport this evening.
The Mustangs improve to 7-0 with the win as the Rams slip to 8-2.
The win completes a home-and-home series sweep as the Mustangs also downed the Rams 8-1 at Vets Park this past Friday night.
Aidan Papj had a big night both on the mound and at the plate to lead the way for Medina.
On the mound he scattered 3 hits and struck out 16.
At the plate he banged out three hits including a double and a two-run single which highlighted the Mustangs decisive 4 run fifth inning. An error and an RBI single by Cam Fike plated the other two runs as a double by Jimmy Dieter and a single by Carlos Doval set up the threat.
Roy-Hart’s run came on a passed ball in the fifth inning.
Medina’s Lathan McEwen-Miller connects at the plate on a play which ended up driving in the Mustangs first run on an outfield error.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 4 May 2026 at 8:38 pm
Improving to 6-1, Barker downed host Medina 4-1 in a Niagara-Orleans League tennis match this afternoon.
Daniel Goodwin won at first singles for Barker which also swept the three doubles matches with victories by the duos of Oscar Dergel – Lucas Nestoros, Aaden Munn – Luke Fay and Nick Heideman – Aurora Wass.
Medina’s Talia Rupp won at second singles.
Akron 3, Albion 2
Akron edged Albion 3-2 in another N-O match as the Tigers swept the three doubles matches.
Albion got singles wins from Landon Graybill and Jillian LeBaron.
Barker 4, Roy-Hart 1
Barker bested Roy-Hart 4-1 this past Friday as Goodwin won at first singles and the Bulldogs same three doubles teams also all notched victories.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 4 May 2026 at 8:12 pm
Two big scoring innings sparked Albion to a 12-2 win over Newfane in a Niagara-Orleans League baseball game this afternoon.
Albion moved on top to stay by scoring 4 runs in the fourth inning on RBI singles by Will Plummer and Nick Luft, a sacrifice fly by winning pitcher Gavin Boyce and a passed ball.
The Purple Eagles later put a lock on the win by erupting for 7 runs in the sixth inning highlighted by a three-run home run by Nate Gibson.
Kaiden Froman had 4 hits on the day for Albion and Gibson 2.
On the mound, Boyce scattered 5 hits and struck out 8.
Albion is now 4-3 and Newfane 1-7 in N-O action.
Akron 2, Barker 1 (8)
Akron pushed across the winning run in the bottom of the 8th inning on a bases loaded walk to nip Barker 2-1.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 4 May 2026 at 6:41 pm
Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Wilson’s Lucy Madan puts the tag on Medina’s Samantha Heschke at second base during this afternoon’s game at Vets Park.
Scoring at least 3 runs in each of the five innings of the run rule contest, Wilson downed Medina 19-3 in a Niagara-Orleans League softball game at Vets Park this afternoon.
Katie Hardy had 3 hits for Wilson as Lucy Madan and Mackenzie Hardy each had 2.
Wilson improves to 7-2 in N-O action and Medina slips to 1-6.
Barker 3, Akron 1
Barker scored a key 3-1 win over Akron which tightens up the N-O softball title race.
A two-run double by Kaylee Stoll in the fifth inning snapped a 1-1 tie and provided the margin of victory for Barker.
In the circle, Peyton Bradley and Madyson Flint combined for a 2 hitter with 7 strikeouts.
Barker improves to a league best 8-2 record just ahead of 7-2 Wilson as Akron slips to 4-2.
Roy-Hart 15, Albion 5
Roy-Hart improved to 4-2 in N-O action with a 15-5 win over Albion.
Grace Pearl had 3 hits including a double and 2 RBIs to lead the offense for Roy-Hart as Abby Fox and Brooke Corser both had singles.
Melia Prince and Aubrielle Barry both had a pair of hits for Albion.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 4 May 2026 at 6:31 pm
Perfect pitching and a big home run highlighted Lyndonville’s 12-0 five inning run rule victory over Byron-Bergen in a Genesee Region League softball game this afternoon.
Arnie Sturtevant was perfect in the circle over the five innings for the Lady Tigers as she hurled a no hitter with no walks and 6 strikeouts.
The big hit was a grand slam home run by Rylan Townsend which keyed a 5 run first inning.
The Lady Tigers also scored 5 times in the third inning as Sturtevant had a two-run double and Brooke Robinson and Isabella Groves RBI singles.
Lyndonville improves to 8-1 in the league and 9-1 overall.
Oakfield-Alabama 22, Kendall 2
Oakfield-Alabama exploded for 15 runs in the third inning to key 22-2 G-R win over Kendall.
ALBION – The Albion school district’s proposed 2026-27 budget will again be holding the line on property taxes, the 18th time in the past 20 years without a tax increase.
