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By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 6 September 2024 at 11:32 pm
Medina improved to 2-1 in Niagara-Orleans League golf competition with a 256-282 win over Barker today.
Cam Fike took medalist honors with a 45 and Ryleigh Culver had a 48 to lead Medina.
Nate Popovich led Barker with a 48
N-O Field Hockey
Wilson downed rival Newfane 4-2 in a season opening N-O field hockey game this afternoon as Katie Hardy, Brynn Lepsch and Reese Kepner took turns scoring goals.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 6 September 2024 at 11:16 pm
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Medina’s Christian Moss breaks through the line during the Mustangs win over Roy-Hart/Barker this evening in the first game on Barker’s new artificial turf field.
Breaking away from a 7-7 deadlock, Medina erupted with a quick three touchdown scoring burst over the last six minutes of the second quarter to key a rain soaked 56-7 C North Division season opening victory over Roy-Hart/Barker this evening in the debut game on Barker’s new artificial turf field.
In rapid succession during that key stretch the Mustangs saw Carter Woodworth score on a 15 yard pass reception from quarterback Preston Woodworth, Kolton Fletcher on a 13 yard run and Christian Moss on an 11 yard run to race out to a 28-7 halftime advantage.
Roy-Hart/Barker receiver Braden Ricker hauls in a pass for the Bulls touchdown.
A long 64 yard run by Moss set up the first TD, a fumble recovery by Frankie Stephens set up the second and a sack by Brody Fry set the stage for a short Bulls punt which set up the third.
The Mustangs advantage ballooned to 42-7 after third quarter touchdown runs of 6 yards by Moss and 13 yards by Jayzon Wills.
Medina tacked on two more scores in the final period on a 15 yard Preston Woodworth to Moss pass completion and a 2 yard run by Jerrell Nealy. A fumble recovery by Fletcher at the Bulls 2 yard line set up the final tally.
The Mustangs also scored first on an 11 yard TD run by Moss with 34 seconds to go in the opening quarter as Cole Callard tacked on the first of his 8 straight extra point kicks. A 25 yard run by Moss and a 20 yard pass completion from Preston Woodworth to Xavier Moyer set up the tally.
Roy-Hart/Barker though answered right back to knot the contest at 7-7 on a 68 yard touchdown pass reception by Braden Ricker who also tacked on the extra point kick.
However, the Bulls were not able to find the endzone as a rash of turnovers proved costly.
Medina next hosts Newfane and Roy-Hart/Barker visits Akron in C North Division action next Friday at 7 p.m.
Kolton Fletcher stretches to get to the endzone for a Medina touchdown.
Roy-Hart/Barker back Wyatt Sherman looks for running room.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 6 September 2024 at 10:43 pm
Holley nipped rival Kendall 1-0 in the championship game of the Kendall boys soccer tournament this afternoon.
Will Kruger scored the goal for the Hawks in the second half on a free kick as Dylan Warner earned the shutout in goal.
Albion blanked Rochester Prep 9-0 in the consolation game.
Tye Talbot scored 2 goals for the Purple Eagles as David Rosario, Logan Poupore, Leo Bolton, Matt Kania, Justin Kania, Donovan Braley and Adrian Figueroa-Fuentes each netted 1.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 6 September 2024 at 10:38 pm
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Lyndonville’s Colton Smith (7) and Juan Alberdi (14) work to keep the ball away from Newfane’s Alex Tate during the Tigers home field win this afternoon.
For the Lyndonville High boys varsity soccer team his afternoon’s 1-0 victory over visiting Newfane was a very special one.
Not only was it Lyndonville’s first varsity win after not fielding a team last year but it was also the milestone 200th career win for Tigers Coach Wes Bradley.
“It was definitely a solid performance by the entire team,” said Bradley who came out of retirement this season to guide the restart of the Tigers varsity program.
The stint at the Tigers helm is the second for Bradley who organized the Lyndonville boys soccer program in 1976 and guided the Tigers for 22 years before retiring in 2002 with 199 wins.
Colton Smith scored the only goal the Tigers needed with nine minutes to go in the first half off a corner kick by Michael Alexander.
Brody Hazel earned the shutout in goal as the quartet of Alexander, Jesus Rosario, Shannon Withey and Austin Fonda anchored the Tigers defense,
Lyndonville goalie Brody Hazel goes to make a save against a shot attempt by Newfane’s Kasey Wheat.
Medina 6, Pembroke 0
All of the scoring came in the first half as Medina shutout host Pembroke 6-0 in the Mustangs non league season opener.
Alek Seefeldt scored 3 goals, Cole Callard 2 and Vinny Gray 1 for the Mustangs.
Seefeldt, Callard, Gray, Tyler Kroening and Trenton Morley all had assists.
Girls Soccer
Lyndonville 9, CSAT 0
Building up a 6-0 halftime advantage, Lyndonville went on to blank host CSAT 9-0 in a non league season opener.
Alexa Robinson scored 3 goals as Braelynn Dillenbeck, Arnie Sturtevant and Natalie Rath each had 2.
Photos by Tom Rivers: The Rev. Sue Thaine, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Albion, stands outside the church at the corner of Main and East State streets. The church will be celebrating its bicentennial with events this weekend.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 September 2024 at 5:38 pm
ALBION – The First Presbyterian Church of Albion is celebrating its first 200 years this weekend, with excitement about the future.
The congregation was formed by 16 people in 1824. Initially the church met in homes. Those 16 people were part of the Congregational Church in Barre and withdrew to start the new church in Albion.
The Presbyterians built a church on Main Street in 1830, a building they quickly outgrew. Christ Episcopal Church has used that structure for more than 150 years.
The Presbyterians built a brick church on East State, and then an even bigger building made of Medina Sandstone that opened in 1874. That church, with a 175-foot-high spire, is the tallest building in Orleans County.
The Rev. Sue Thaine sits inside the sanctuary of the historic church. Thaine, an Albion native, has served as pastor since 2018 in her hometown.
The congregation will celebrate its history, and a commitment to ministry in the community during this weekend’s events.
“This church started with 16 people, and those 16 people formed a church that is still here today,” said the Rev. Susan Thaine, the church’s pastor since 2018.
The 200 years of the First Presbyterian Church are a year older than the formation of Orleans County and the completion of the original Erie Canal – both from 1825, Thaine noted.
Those 200 years are a long time, but she notes many of the churches and buildings in Europe are far older.
“We’re babies compared to Europe,” she said. “We’re celebrating our first 200 years with a focus on the next 200 years.”
If the weather cooperates on Saturday, there will be a dinner for 100 on a closed-off section of East State Street. 39 Problems, a Main Street restaurant, will cater the meal. After the dinner, there will be two hours of music from the Batavia Swing Band, with dancing in the street.
If it’s too rainy, the meal and music will be inside. The dancing is open to the community.
On Sunday at 11 a.m. there will be a celebration worship service with an ice cream social and basket raffle to follow. Thaine said at least five people will be welcomed as new members into the church on Sunday.
Thaine is the ninth-longest tenured pastor in the church’s history. One of the church’s longest-serving pastors, the Rev. Gary Saunders, will attend Sunday’s service with his wife, Mary Jane, who also was a pastor at the church. Mr. Saunders served as pastor in Albion for 24 years while his wife was a pastor for nine years. Mrs. Saunders also led a church in Bergen while in Albion.
Thaine said she is grateful for the chance to serve in ministry in her hometown. Prior to Albion, she led a Presbyterian Church in Penfield for seven years.
She and First Presbyterian are active members of the Albion Ministerium, including an advent lunch, service of remembrance and Hope/Blue Christmas, baccalaureate service for high school seniors, Lenten lunches and Holy Week worship services.
The church also runs English as Second Language classes in the spring through fall for local farmworkers, and offers an after-school “play and pray” program for students in pre-k through junior high. Earlier this year, First Presbyterian leased space to the Genesee-Orleans Ministry of Concern.
The church also runs “Ben’s Backpacks” which provide school supplies and educational support for a school in Oaxca, Mexico.
Thaine also is pleased to see a growing church choir, and other faith development and outreach programs.
Photos by Tom Rivers: Firefighters lined up for the Sept. 11, 2001 memorial observance last year at the Courthouse Square.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 September 2024 at 3:53 pm
ALBION/BROCKPORT – Albion and Brockport will both be hosting 9-11 memorial services on Wednesday
On September 11, 2001, terrorists killed nearly 3,000 people and injured more than 6,000 others when four airplanes were hijacked and crashed – with two into the World Trade Center towers in new York City, one into the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. and the other into a field in rural Shanksville, Pa.
In New York City, 343 firefighters were killed responding to assist people in the World Trade Center. There were 60 police officers killed in New York City on Sept. 11, 2001.
A 23rd annual memorial service will be in Albion at 6 p.m. on the courthouse lawn near the Sept. 11 memorial. The service is expected to last about a half hour and will include many local firefighters and law enforcement personnel.
Scott Schmidt will again serve as the keynote speaker at the observance. Schmidt spent three weeks with a federal team – U.S. Disaster Mortuary Operational Response Team (DMORT) – and assisted in collecting and identifying remains, and interviewing family members searching for loved ones. He left for New York City on Sept. 11, 2001. He was there for 20 days, including a week at Ground Zero.
The Brockport Firefighters’ Memorial Monument is shown on Wednesday evening at 237 South Main St.
The location will be the setting for a day of reflection and remembrance on Sept. 11, the 23rd anniversary of the terrorist attacks that killed nearly 3,000 people.
The schedule in Brockport incudes an opening ceremony at 8:30 a.m., ringing of the bell at 8:47 a.m., a “Ring of Gold” observance at 6 p.m. and a closing ceremony at 6:30 p.m.
New ‘Underwater Park’ at eastern end of lake protects over 1,700 square miles of Great Lakes maritime history
Courtesy of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration: This map of eastern Lake Ontario shows Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary’s boundaries, which encompasses 1,722 square miles.
Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office
OSWEGO – Governor Kathy Hochul today celebrated the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) historic designation of the Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary. The Lake Ontario Sanctuary will become only the 16th site in the National Marine Sanctuary System and the first to be designated off New York State’s coast.
“This Sanctuary places our upstate communities on a national stage, recognizing the region’s unique and significant maritime resources, its indelible mark in Indigenous and American history, and its world-class recreational opportunities,” Governor Hochul said. “This landmark achievement underscores our commitment to preserving Lake Ontario’s rich maritime heritage while fostering opportunities for research, recreation, and sustainable use. As we protect over 1,700 square miles and numerous historical sites, we also ensure that our Great Lakes communities continue to thrive and connect with their vibrant past, present, and future.”
NOAA Administrator Richard Spinrad, Ph.D said, “Lake Ontario is an important gateway between the Great Lakes and the ocean. From commerce to biodiversity to recreation, the maritime landscape of this area represents past, present and future connections and will have incredible benefits for the communities that passionately sought its creation.”
Often referred to as underwater parks, the National Marine Sanctuary System includes areas with natural or cultural resources that are important to the nation’s history and the marine environment. The new Lake Ontario Sanctuary will enhance the existing state and federal protections for cultural and historic sites without limiting uses like fishing, boating and shipping. The Sanctuary designation also brings new opportunities for research, recreation, educational programming and community engagement.
Marine sanctuaries are important to the public in many ways, including:
Protecting natural and cultural features: Sanctuaries protect the scenic beauty, biodiversity and historical connections of the ocean and Great Lakes. They provide a safe habitat for species that are close to extinction and protect shipwrecks and artifacts.
Supporting sustainable use: Sanctuaries allow people to enjoy the ocean and Great Lakes in a sustainable way. They are popular recreational spots for diving and sport fishing, and support commercial industries like tourism, kelp harvesting and fishing. They also support coastal communities by helping drive local economies and providing jobs.
Providing educational opportunities: Sanctuaries are natural classrooms and laboratories for researchers, teachers and students. They can help people understand and care for the ocean and Great Lakes.
Conserving maritime heritage: Sanctuary staff use education, archaeology, marine science and regulations to preserve maritime heritage.
The Lake Ontario Sanctuary will cover over 1,700 square miles of state waters in eastern Lake Ontario and protect approximately 43 known shipwrecks and one submerged aircraft, spanning centuries of history. This new Sanctuary is another indication of the ongoing transformation of New York’s Great Lakes communities.
The robust public process to designate Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary began on January 17, 2017, when leaders of four New York counties (Oswego, Jefferson, Cayuga, and Wayne) and the city of Oswego, with support from the governor of New York, submitted a nomination to NOAA through the sanctuary nomination process. NOAA published a notice of intent to initiate the designation process on April 19, 2019 and established a Sanctuary Advisory Council in 2020 to help inform the designation process and focus stakeholder participation, where DOS and Parks represented NYS as ex officio members.
NOAA published a draft environmental impact statement and draft management plan on July 7, 2021, and a notice of proposed rulemaking on January 19, 2023. The final environmental impact statement was published on April 19, 2024. Today on September 6, 2024, New York Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley and Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation Commissioner Pro Tem Randy Simons signed a Memorandum of Agreement with NOAA to serve as co-managers of the newly designated Sanctuary to protect, study and celebrate these important heritage resources.
New York State Secretary of State Walter Mosley said, “This designation marks an historic achievement for New York State as we recognize eastern Lake Ontario as a world-class center of our nation’s maritime history, heritage and culture. This Sanctuary is something to be proud of – it has personality and is as unique as the special place it is designed to protect. The Department of State looks forward to co-managing the Sanctuary with NOAA, and in partnership with First Nations and our dedicated community leaders and coastal communities.”
As co-manager, New York State is poised to leverage the Department of State’s coastal planning and economic development programs, including the Local Waterfront Revitalization Program, Coastal Lakeshore Economy and Resiliency (CLEAR) Initiative, Downtown Revitalization Initiative and NY Forward, to strengthen Lake Ontario waterfront communities and further protect and promote the Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary. The Sanctuary is seen as another opportunity to spur investment focusing on the region’s strong coastal and maritime cultural heritage.
Photo by Tom Rivers: The north side of Albion Main Street lift bridge is shown this morning. The bridge has been closed to traffic since Nov. 14, 2022.
Posted 6 September 2024 at 12:08 pm
Press Release, Village of Albion
ALBION – Village of Albion officials were informed on Thursday that a double-shift crew will be in operations on the Main Street lift bridge next week. Nighttime work is scheduled to begin on Monday and go from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.
The anticipated completion date of the night-time work is next Friday, but it may be done sooner.
Light plants will be used to illuminate the work area on the north side of the bridge. This double-shift operation is for the setting of the lifting post. A crane will also be employed in these operations.
OSWEGO – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) on Thursday released her comprehensive Border Security and Law Enforcement plans, reinforcing her commitment to securing the borders, upholding the rule of law, and supporting law enforcement officers.
Tenney’s Border Security Plan was shaped by her recent visits to both the Southern and Northern borders, where she met with Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents to discuss effective measures to secure our borders and protect our communities. In response to the increasing violent crimes committed by illegal immigrants, Tenney cosponsored the Laken Riley Act, which ensures that illegal aliens charged with crimes remain in custody until their cases are adjudicated.
Her Law Enforcement Plan underscores her steadfast support for police officers, focusing on providing them with the resources and tools they need to safely and effectively carry out their duties. Recently, Tenney cosponsored H.Res. 285, a resolution to establish a Law Enforcement Bill of Rights. This resolution asserts that police officers have the right to defend themselves, to due process, and to protection under the Fifth Amendment.
“Since the start of the Biden-Harris administration, over 10 million illegal immigrants have entered our country, abusing our taxpayer-funded resources and wreaking havoc in our communities,” Tenney said. “Our law enforcement officers are also facing unprecedented challenges as violent crime surges and the Left seeks to undermine their ability to do their jobs safely and effectively. My plans offer a commonsense approach to securing our borders, stopping the influx of illegal immigrants, and supporting the brave men and women in law enforcement. I am committed to holding criminals accountable and ensuring our nation’s laws are upheld.”
To see Tenney’s full Border Security Plan, click here.
To see Tenney’s full Law Enforcement Plan, click here.
In a previous letter to the editor on Aug. 27, I outlined Harris’s ongoing efforts to keep home illegal immigrants by creating jobs in Honduras, Guatemala, among others.
The second part of the Biden-Harris program has focused on the US-Mexico border and has reduced illegal crossings by 80%.
Harris adviser Blas Nunez-Neto has worked out an arrangement with Mexico. The deal allows the US to return large numbers of non-Mexican migrants back to their home countries.
In short, the two-part Harris plan of creating jobs to keep people home, and smart tough restrictions at the US-Mexico border is ongoing and working.
Ref: Washington Post, Sept. 1, 2024, page 1, “Little-known adviser helmed Biden’s bid to tighten border.”
