By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 2 October 2025 at 9:12 pm
Kendall improved to 10-0 in the league and 13-0 overall with a 4-1 victory over host Pembroke in a Genesee Region boys soccer game this evening.
Pablo Rosario-Reyes scored three goals and Jonathan Esposito one for the Eagles.
Attica 2, Lyndonville 1
Maddox Smith scored Lyndonville’s goal off an assist from Jesus Reyes in a 2-1 G-R loss at Attica.
Holley 5, Wheatland-Chili 0
Chase Kempa, Cooper Wolf, Avanti Walker, Blake Coleman and Josh Silpoch took turns scoring goals as Holley downed Wheatland-Chili 5-0 to improve to 5-4 in G-R action.
Cam Mosier had two assists as Wolf, Coleman and Gage Yockel each had one.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 2 October 2025 at 8:06 pm
Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Roy-Hart’s Adella Dukes works to advance the ball against Barker’s Hailey Dodge during this afternoon’s field hockey game at Middleport which was won by Barker.
It went to a shootout as Barker earned a 1-0 win over host Roy-Hart in a Niagara-Orleans League field hockey game this afternoon.
Kaylee Stoll scored the winning goal for Barker which improves to 7-1 as Roy-Hart slips to 3-5.
Medina 7, Kenmore 1
Penelope Schalck scored five goals and Jennelle Stalker and Savannah Jo Thompson one each as Medina rolled to a 7-1 win over Kenmore at Vets Park.
Medina is now 4-4 and Kenmore 3-4 in N-O action.
Wilson 3, Newfane 1
Wilson (3-5) downed rival Newfane (0-7) 3-1 as Taylor Ernest scored two goals and Brynn Lepsch one.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 October 2025 at 8:02 pm
Gov. Kathy Hochul and the state Department of Environmental Conservation have issued a state-wide burn ban from today through Oct. 15 due to high fire danger from dry conditions.
The state usually has a burn ban from mid-March until mid-May. But the abnormally dry and drought conditions prompted the temporary burn ban. The ban will be in effect for 14 days and will be revaluated prior to expiration, Hochul said.
“The ongoing nice weather is great for watching fall foliage or gathering with friends, but it also presents a higher risk for fires that put homes, businesses and our brave first responders at risk,” Hochul said. “Many regions are already in a drought watch or warning due to the dry conditions, and with the fire risk rising in some parts of the state, it is important to keep everyone safe by implementing this temporary burn ban.”
The statewide burn ban now in effect prohibits the starting of outdoor fires for purposes of brush and debris disposal, as well as all uncontained fires, including campfires, and open fires used for cooking, the DEC said.
WHAT’S ALLOWED: Backyard fire pits and contained campfires less than three feet in height and four feet in length, width or diameter are allowed, as are small, contained cooking fires.
Burning garbage or leaves is already prohibited year-round in New York State and several municipalities have burn bans currently in effect.
Orleans County is considered to be in a “High” fire risk level. “All fine dead fuels ignite readily and fires start easily from most causes,” the DEC said about this level of fire risk. “Unattended brush and campfires are likely to escape. Fires spread rapidly and short-distance spotting is common. High-intensity burning may develop on slopes or in concentrations of fine fuels. Fires may become serious and their control difficult unless they are attacked successfully while small.”
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 2 October 2025 at 5:20 pm
Off to a strong start, Medina’s Melanie Green fired a 4 under par 68 today in the opening round of the Epson Tour’s Championship Tournament being played at Indian Wells, California.
Green registered five birdies on the day on 3, 4, 9, 10 and 13 and had just one bogey on 5.
When she finished her round Green was tied for 11th four shots back of the leader with a large portion of the field still on the course.
A two time winner on the season, Green entered the tourney as the Epson Tour’s season points leader.
The tourney continues on Friday and will conclude on Sunday.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 October 2025 at 2:35 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Orleans County Legislator Ed Morgan, right, presents a commendation to Charlie last week for his volunteer efforts in building new bathrooms at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds.
Robert Batt, the executive director of the Cornell Cooperative Extension in Orleans County, joins for the presentation.
The Legislature praised Ricci “for the extra effort put forth in the construction and completion of building new bathrooms at the Orleans County Cooperative Extension. Your effort is an excellent example of an everyday citizens getting involved.”
Ricci did most of the site work for the project.
This photo from July 16 shows the new bathrooms under construction just before the start of the fair in late July.
The new bathrooms also had four new showers. The new bathrooms and showers are handicapped accessible. There is more space for the users. The bathrooms and showers are now all in one building.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 October 2025 at 1:14 pm
This map from the U.S. Drought Monitor posted today shows the “severe drought” conditions in all of Orleans, and parts of Genesee, eastern Niagara, Monroe and Wayne counties.
The persistent lack of rain has pushed Orleans County into a “severe drought.”
The U.S. Drought Monitor today updated the drought conditions around the county. Orleans County since Aug. 14 had been in a “moderate drought.”
But the continued lack of rainfall has the county in severe drought condition.
When that happens, the following impacts generally occur:
Fish kills occur; wildlife move to farms for food
Golf courses conserve water
Producers begin feeding cattle; hay prices are high
Specialty crops are impacted in both yield and fruit size
Trees are brittle and susceptible to insects
Warnings are issued on outdoor burns; air quality is poor
Water quality is poor; groundwater is declining; irrigation ponds are dry; outdoor water restrictions are implemented
The map today from the Drought Monitor shows that 98.90 percent of the state is considered at least “abnormally dry.”
The map shows 41.76 percent of the land mass is considered at least “moderate drought” and 7.84 percent in “severe drought.”
Three months ago only 1.83 percent of state was “abnormally dry.”
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 2 October 2025 at 9:56 am
Contributed Photo – Kendall raised a banner this past week honoring the championship season the Eagles baseball team had this past spring. After capturing the Genesee Region League title with a 12-0 record, the Eagles went on to win the Section V Class C2 championship by downing Genesee Valley-Belfast 6-0. Keeping the momentum, the Eagles went on to win the Section V Class C state qualifier by edging Geneseo 5-4 before bowing to Gowanda 8-1 in the Far West Regional. Eagles players and coaches are shown here with the banner.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 October 2025 at 9:17 am
This map shows where Medina Memorial Hospital plans to put a new parking lot with 56 spaces at 517, 521 and 525 Eagle St. The hospital will demolish a house for a new parking lot.
MEDINA – The Medina Village Board has approved a change in the village zoning map, expanding the Medical Overlay District on Eagle Street.
Medina Memorial Hospital will be demolishing a house at 525 Eagle St. and putting in a new parking lot with 56 spaces, which is across from the main entrance of the hospital on Ohio Street. The parking lot also includes 517 and 521 Eagle St.
The project also will include sidewalk improvements to the hospital’s main entrance. The new lot would be on a parcel that is .81 acre. The new lot will ease parking pressure in the main lot next to the hospital that is often congested.
The new parking lot will be for hospital employees, with patients and visitors parking on the other side of the street closer to the hospital. The project is expected to be complete next year.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 October 2025 at 9:01 am
Photo by Tom Rivers: Lee-Whedon Memorial Library Director Kristine Mostyn last week updated Orleans County legislators on an expansion to the Medina library that will add meeting rooms and a “maker space” will be a separate room for some of the programs. County Legislator Bill Eick is in back.
ALBION – The libraries in Orleans Conty are seeking $1 per person in funding from the Conty Legislature. That has been the request in recent years, but the Legislature has kept libraries at $10,087 since 2011.
The four public libraries in Albion, Holley, Lyndonville and Medina are collectively seeking $40,343. The county’s population was 40,343 in the 2020 Census.
One of the library directors, Kristine Mostyn of Lee-Whedon Memorial Library in Medina, told legislators that libraries have changed to meet the needs of the community, offering more online service, meeting spaces and programs.
“We’re not just a warehouse for books,” she said.
Lee-Whedon has just started a $5 million construction project that will put a 4,785-square-foot addition on the back of the current library, which is 11,100 square feet.
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, a teen room and 14 parking spots.
There would 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.
Mostyn said the initial projections on the local tax impact have lessened after Lee-Whedon secured grants and raised $360,000 in donations from the community. Lee-Whedon has set a $500,000 fund-raising goal on the capital campaign.
Library leaders from the other libraries are expected to make a presentation next month to the Legislature, seeking for a funding boost.
The county was giving $29,914 to be shared among the four libraries as recently as 2002, but that dropped to $7,480 in 2003. Since then, the amount was raised to $12,587 in 2007, $13,617 in 2010, and then was cut to $10,087 in 2011. It hasn’t changed since then.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 1 October 2025 at 9:41 pm
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – In an overtime thriller, Kendall outlasted visiting Wheatland-Chili 1-0 in a Genesee Region League girls soccer game this evening. Ryleigh Denning (18) scored the game winner in the final minute of the second 10 minute overtime period for the Lady Eagles off an assist from Sophia Picardo. Moving in for W-C is Alexa Nicolosi (14).
Kendall’s Brynn Hardenbrook drives the ball up field against W-C’s Olivia Bates. The Lady Eagles improve to 8-0 in the league and 11-1 overall with the victory.
Kendall’s Hailey Ball works to keep the ball away from W-C’s Isabella Mekker.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 1 October 2025 at 9:28 pm
Holley romped to an 8-0 victory over Pembroke in a Genesee Region League girls soccer game this evening.
Seven players contributed goals to the Lady Hawks offense as Mia Thom scored two and Ava Mosier, Mya Brown, Hanna Ostrom, Carsyn Mogle, Payton Preston and Jayna Burris each netted one.
Thom also had a pair of assists as Burris, Brynn Thomas, Kyla Burne and Addison Bevins each had one.
Zoey Warner made three saves to earn the shutout in goal.
The Lady Hawks improve to 6-2-1 in G-R action.
Medina 2, CSAT 1 Double OT
Medina outlasted CSAT 2-1 in double overtime in a non league game this evening at Vets Park.
Lily Maynard scored a minute into the second overtime on a free kick to give Medina the win.
Maynard also scored the Mustangs first goal five minutes into the second half off an assist from Arabella White.
Sanaya Wilson made 12 saves in goal for Medina.
Akron 2, Albion 0
Akron downed Albion 2-0 in a Niagara-Orleans League girls soccer game on goals by Sahpur Guijalva and Reese Adessa.
Akron is now 3-3-1 and Albion 0-4-2 in N-O competition.
Initiative focused on hygiene insecurity among disadvantaged youth in Orleans County
Provided photos: (Left) This laundry unit was purchased courtesy of Health Foundation for Western and Central New York project budget. (Right) This photo shows personal care and laundry supplies for participating students.
Press Release, Community Action of Orleans and Genesee
ALBION – Team Nate is part of Cohort 11 of the Health Leadership Fellows program. As part of the program, each team must define and execute a health enhancing project.
Team Nate and Community Action of Orleans and Genesee are proud to announce the launch of the Fresh Start Center, a groundbreaking initiative designed to address hygiene insecurity among disadvantaged youth in Orleans County.
Located within the Main Street Corner Thrifts, Gifts, and More at 131 South Main St., the Fresh Start Center provides discreet, dignified access to laundry facilities, hygiene products, and life skills support for students in need.
The center is a direct response to alarming local data showing that up to 39% of students in Orleans County live in poverty, with many homes lacking basic plumbing. Teachers have reported that hygiene-related stigma contributes to chronic absenteeism and social isolation, particularly among high school students.
“This project is about more than clean clothes—it’s about restoring dignity, improving mental health, and helping students stay in school,” said Renee Hungerford, Executive Director/CEO of Community Action. “We’re proud to offer a safe, supportive space where teens can take care of their basic needs without shame or judgment.”
(Left) Cassie Healy is the Fresh Start program manager. (Right) This artwork was completed by SUNY Brockport students.
The Center is embedded in Community Action’s thrift store, a familiar and accessible location. The initial pilot will focus on needs within the Albion High School.
Key features of the Fresh Start Center include:
A private laundry area with a ventless washer-dryer unit.
Free laundry supplies, and personal hygiene products.
Life skills training and referrals to wraparound services such as housing, counseling, and employment support
Plans for future expansion include shower facilities, pending funding.
Members of the Team Nate Fresh Start project team include:
Larissa Bachman, MSW – Chief Operating Officer, Pinnacle Community Services
Brandi Haynes – Chief Programming Officer, Community Action of WNY
Renee Hungerford. MHI – CEO/CIO, Community Action of Orleans and Genesee
Karen Kinter – CEO, Oak Orchard Health
Michael C. Osborne – VP of Strategic Growth and Portfolio Development, Catholic Health
Sarahmona Przybyla, PhD, MPH – Assistant Dean, University at Buffalo School of Public Health and Health Professions
Senior Health leaders selected to participate in Cohort 11 of the Health Leadership Fellows program of the Health Foundation for Western and Central New York. From left to right they are: Renee Hungerford, MHI – CEO/CIO, Community Action of Orleans and Genesee; Karen Kinter – CEO, Oak Orchard Health; Larissa Bachman, MSW – Chief Operating Officer, Pinnacle Community Services; Sarahmona Przybyla, PhD, MPH – Assistant Dean, University at Buffalo School of Public Health and Health Professions; Tanya Staples – Principal Consultant at Perrin Associates – Team Coach; Brandi Haynes – Chief Programming Officer, Community Action of WNY; and Michael C. Osborne – VP of Strategic Growth and Portfolio Development, Catholic Health.
The project was made possible with funding from the Health Foundation for Western and Central New York and the dedication of volunteers. The team is grateful to the foundation for the funding and opportunity to make a difference in the lives of students.
We are also grateful to Mark Hungerford, and Dan and Cassie Healy for spending their weekends installing the necessary plumbing, electrical wiring, and setting up the space. A number of SUNY Brockport students volunteered their time to paint beautiful artwork in the center.
A special thanks also goes out to doctors Nancy Ciavarri and Thomas Verme for donated resources for future sustainability of the program after conclusion of the project. The team would also like to thank Suburban Electric and Albion Ace Hardware for affordable pricing of materials and the Albion High School for our valued partnership.
Community Action will continue to seek donations of hygiene and laundry items from the broader community to sustain the program.
For more information or to support the Fresh Start Center, please contact Community Action of Orleans and Genesee at info@caoginc.org.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 1 October 2025 at 8:57 pm
Contributed Photos – Roy-Hart followed up a 12-0 regular season with a first place finish at the All-League Tournament today to close out a Niagara-Orleans League championship golf season. The Rams lineup includes Coach Jake Haight, Jared Hy, Blake Stahl, Gavin Heideman, Isaac Smith, Evan Poeller, Judson Heck and Coach Jud Heck.
Roy-Hart capped off a perfect Niagara-Orleans League championship golf season by taking first place honors at the annual All-League Tournament held today at Willowbrook.
Roy-Hart finished with a total score of 457 as Albion placed second with a 479 and Medina third with a 490.
Wilson’s Ben Meyers took medalist honors with an 82 followed by Owen Spencer (Albion) 83, Gavin Heideman (Roy-Hart) 83, Caleb Rivera (Newfane) 84 and JJ Prynn (Barker) 84 to round out the top five.
The All-League team includes Brodie Hill (Akron), Heideman, Rivera, Poeller, Spencer, Meyers and Cam Fike (Medina).
Final N-O Standings: Roy-Hart 24-7-31 total points, Albion 20-6-26, Medina 12-5-17, Barker 13-3-16, Akron 4-4-8, Wilson 5-1-6, Newfane 0-2-2.
The All-League team includes Brodie Hill (Akron). Gavin Heideman (Roy-Hart), Caleb Rivera (Newfane), Evan Poeller (Roy-Hart), Owen Spencer (Albion), Ben Meyers (Wilson) and Cam Fike (Medina)
The top three individual finishers included Owen Spencer (Albion), Ben Meyers (Wilson) and Gavin Heideman (Roy-Hart).
