By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 March 2026 at 5:22 pm
MEDINA – The Village Board approved a formal resolution calling on the governor and State Legislature to increase funding to municipalities.
The New York Conference of Mayors, a organization representing cities and villages throughout the state, asked Median to support the resolution. Medina also will send a letter of support from Mayor Marguerite Sherman.
The state’s current Aid and Incentives to Municipalities distributes $715 million statewide to towns, villages and cities outside of New York City. With AIM, the cities get $647.1 million or 90.5 percent of the total, while towns statewide receive $47.9 million, and villages share $19.7 million.
Gov. Kathy Hochul has proposed a $150 million increase in Temporary Municipal Assistance with the lion’s share again going to cities of all sizes in the state.
Medina approved the resolution of support on Monday, but Trustee Scott Bieliski noted Medina doesn’t get much in the program, despite offering many municipal services.
“With the state budget, our residents could be paying more than they are receiving,” he said.
The Village of Medina with a population of population 6,047 currently gets $45,523 in AIM, and would get another $9,555 in Temporary Municipal Assistance, or $55,078 total. That breaks out to $9.11 per person.
That is a far cry from what smaller cities receive. The City of Batavia in Genesee County, population 15,174 gets $1,750,975 in AIM, and would receive another $609,978 in TMA for $2,360,953 total. That would be $155.59 per person.
Sherman, the village mayor, noted villages like Medina don’t get much in AIM and Temporary Municipal Assistance.
“We don’t get a huge share of this,” she said. “Hopefully we can get some more. Every bit helps.”
The resolution from the Medina Village Board states the increase in funding from the state will help municipalities “address fiscal challenges and maintain essential services for residents.”
The cities, villages, and towns are essential in delivering services, infrastructure, public safety, and quality of life that residents expect and deserve, the resolution states.
“Local governments across New York continue to face mounting fiscal pressures driven by inflation, increased service demands, infrastructure needs, and rising operational costs, while striving to provide relief to taxpayers amid a rising cost of living,” according to the resolution.
Several years back, I got voluntarily involved in Medina government as a member of Mayor Sidari’s Visionary Committee with some wonderful people I still consider friends, even though we didn’t always agree.
Our charge was to think about Medina’s future — what it could become — we were not asked to consider anything specific. One of the weaknesses we identified was the state of the village sidewalks, and I had several disagreements with one of the trustees at the time over what Medina should do about fixing them.
Marguerite Sherman is the first village official I am aware of to really take the concerns we expressed then seriously — spurred on by the very helpful donations and efforts of Bob Sanderson and his group. Aside from making Medina a more walkable community — a laudable goal in itself — this is a basic safety problem that is in dire need of a solution.
If you walk around the village as I do, you will soon see the issue — because current code puts the onus on the homeowner to finance new sidewalks, the result is a patchwork of good and bad sections like a mouth missing numerous teeth.
There are students walking to school and people without cars who are forced to navigate huge heaves of concrete created by the roots of trees planted by the village. Moreover, there are a number of people in the village who have to travel by wheelchair or scooter who are forced to ride in the street because the sidewalks are so uneven.
As a member of the village Planning Board, I look forward to taking up Mayor Sherman’s proposal to find a more effective code for sidewalk maintenance if and when it comes before us.
And I wholeheartedly support her re-election as mayor. Sherman has the experience and integrity necessary for the village to survive its current challenges and create a bright future for all of its residents.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 March 2026 at 3:05 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
MEDINA – It’s a radical different look inside Lee-Whedon Memorial Library these days. There aren’t too many tables or chairs left, and the big book shelves are mostly gone.
The books are on temporary shelves with wheels. Those shelves will be rolled into storage pods for interior work on the library as part of a $5.2 million capital project.
The library will close next Saturday on March 21 and reopen about six weeks later on May 4.
The books are on shelves from Lincoln Moving & Storage of Buffalo.
While Lee-Whedon is closed, library users can access digital materials through hoopla, Libby, Mango and Freegalmusic.
Lee-Whedon members also can use their card at other Nioga libraries. The closest ones are Yates Community Library, Hoag Library in Albion, and Royalton-Hartland Library in Middleport.
Lee-Whedon broke ground last Aug. 22 for 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, an art gallery, a teen room and 14 parking spots.
There will 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.
The state is contributing nearly $1.7 million in New York State Public Library Construction Aid grants to the $5.2 million project. The community also has donated more than $500,000 to the expansion.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 March 2026 at 2:21 pm
GameTime design: The proposal for Medina from GameTime includes playground equipment would be accessible to children with disabilities and mobility issues.
MEDINA – The Village of Medina has $110,000 secured towards a new inclusive playground that would serve kids of all abilities, including those with mobility issues.
But the village will need a sizable state grant to make the playground a reality. The village could pursue three state grant programs for the playground, which would have cost $541,252 in 2024. That price has likely gone up in the two years since then, perhaps by $100,000, said Haylee Ferington, who is helping to lead the effort for the new playground as a member of Friends of Medina Parks.
Photo by Tom Rivers: Haylee Ferington, a member of the Medina Parks Committee, updates the Village Board on Monday about upcoming grant opportunities for an inclusive playground at State Street Park.
The Friends applied for state grants last year but didn’t get picked for funding. Ferington advised the Village Board the grant applications would be stronger I fthe Village of Medina was the applicant.
The board will consider that, and needs to decide before the next round of grant applications in May, Ferington said.
The state funding opportunities come with a 50-50 match through the state Canal Corp., 70-30 match through the Environmental Protection Fund, and a 90-10 match through the State Historic Preservation Office, she said.
Gov. Hochul on Jan. 6 also has announced a new “NY Plays” funding opportunity for $67.5 million towards playgrounds. The grants range from $100,000 to $2.5 million, and require a 20 percent local share.
Ferington said the new playground has secured funding commitments of $50,000 from the Community Foundation of Buffalo, $50,000 from the Community Foundation of Rochester, and $10,000 from Brookfield Power which runs a hydroelectric plant in Medina.
“We’re hoping 2026 will bring about more fruitful funding opportunities through the state,” she told the Village Board.
The Friends of Medina Parks will meet at 6:30 this evening to make a recommendation to the Village Board on which state grants to pursue. The board will have to decide by May which ones to go after and if it will apply as the village.
I am writing to ask for the support of Village of Medina residents as I run to be their mayor. This is a community I care deeply about and a position I believe I am well equipped to continue in.
My education background is in Education from SUNY Geneseo. Following my Bachelor’s Degree, I received a Master’s in Education from Buffalo State University. Like many of you, I started my professional career at Darien Lake, where I worked as an admissions manager. Any role in guest relations gives a unique look at organization, problem solving, and customer service, which quickly allowed for my desire to help others take off.
For over three decades, I have had the privilege of teaching in the Medina Central School District, serving 31 years as an educator and as Department Chair of the Special Education Department. During that time, I helped guide students, families, and fellow educators, navigate a learning environment where every child could thrive. It is truly heart-warming to see former students working and living in our community, knowing that I may have had a hand in assisting them in their personal success.
Beyond the classroom, I have been deeply involved in our community. I served as past President of the Mustang Sports Boosters, and have been a committed member of Holy Trinity Parish, teaching religious education and serving as a reader and eucharistic minister.
The Village of Medina means the world to me. When the opportunity came to serve on the Village Planning Board and subsequently run for a Village Trustee, I took it on. Then two years ago, I ran for mayor, a position I do not take lightly. These roles allowed me to work directly on issues that matter most to our residents, from responsible planning and spending, to ensuring a high quality of life for all.
As a parent of four children who were raised in the Medina Central School District, I understand firsthand the importance of supporting our schools, families, and youth programs. My husband and I have actively supported the arts, music, boy scouts, and sports programs in Medina. We continue to support our local businesses and events.
My lifelong commitment to Medina—through education, service, and active participation—drives my desire to continue working for the benefit of our community.
Progress and change rarely happen as quickly as we would like. I believe we can address affordability, without cutting essential services. To do that, we must continue working with town, county, and state officials to find ways to deliver services to taxpayers more efficiently and cost-effectively. We should continue to aggressively pursue grants and other funding streams that help to further remove the burden from taxpayers. While the Village Board may not agree on every issue, we must remain committed to working together to move our community forward.
I respectfully ask for your support as we work together to ensure that Medina remains a vibrant, welcoming, and thriving place to live, learn, and grow.
Photo courtesy of Kendall Fire Department: The Kendall Fire Department gave these kids a ride on fire trucks on Monday morning. They were picked up and taken to school, where they were enthusiastically greeted outside by their classmates.
Press Release, Kendall Fire Department
KENDALL – Community spirit was on full display on Monday morning as the Kendall Fire District escorted several local students to school aboard a fire truck after they participated in the department’s Snow Day Hydrant Challenge.
During the recent snow day on Jan. 26, students from the Kendall community stepped up to help their neighbors by shoveling out fire hydrants throughout the district. Keeping hydrants clear of snow is critical during winter months, ensuring firefighters can quickly access water in the event of an emergency.
To recognize their efforts, the Kendall Fire District entered the participating students’ names into a drawing. Several winners were selected to receive a special ride to school on a fire truck.
The students arrived at Kendall Central School in style, greeted by an enthusiastic crowd of classmates, teachers, and staff members who gathered outside to welcome them. The moment highlighted the pride the community takes in supporting one another and recognizing acts of service no matter how young the volunteers may be.
“This is what community is all about,” said Captain James Fox of the Kendall Fire District. “Seeing students take the initiative to help keep their community safe and then seeing the entire school come together to celebrate them was truly special.”
Captain Fox expressed his appreciation to District Chief Randy Davis, Deputy Chief Mike Cole, the Kendall Fire District, and the Kendall Central School District for helping make the event possible. Their leadership and partnership helped bring the recognition together and ensured a memorable experience for the students involved.
For us at the Firehouse, the event was more than just a fun ride to school it was a reminder of the importance of community involvement and the positive impact young residents can have on public safety, said Fox.
As the fire truck pulled away and the students began their school day, the smiles on the faces of the children and staff alike served as a powerful reminder that even small acts of service can bring a community together.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 March 2026 at 9:29 am
Village Board thankful for short-term “SOS: Save Our Sidewalks” assistance, aims for long-term plan
MEDINA – Bob Sanderson enjoys taking walks around the village of Medina, but he said he has to pay close attention to crumbling sidewalks so he doesn’t trip.
Sanderson decided to help the village and homeowners get some of the sidewalks in better shape. He has pledged some of his own money and lined up other donors at $200,000 so far towards new sidewalks.
The Village Board on Monday unanimously voted for Sanderson to move forward with a “SOS: Save Our Sidewalks” plan that would go 50/50 for property owners willing to put in new sidewalks. Sanderson advised Mayor Marguerite Sherman he would have a committee review the proposals for the new sidewalks and that committee would distribute the funds, which would be outside the village budget.
Medina had a similar local grant program more than a decade ago when a donor offered to help people paint their houses. That money and program was handled outside the village budget.
Board members expressed their appreciation to Sanderson during Monday’s meeting. Sherman said Sanderson and the committee want to have a simple process for residents to put in new sidewalks. They likely will have to submit an estimate to the committee before work gets started. Sherman said more information will be forthcoming on the process.
The board has tried to encourage better sidewalks in the community. In 2021, it removed a sidewalk application fee to replace the walkways. The village Department of Public Works also removes the old sidewalks so new ones can be put in.
Sherman also announced an effort for a longer-term plan – “Medina Safe Steps Initiative.” The board voted to have the Planning Board look at updating the sidewalk ordinance for ongoing maintenance. The village also will be looking at grant sources to help replace the sidewalks. Sherman said there are state funding sources for sidewalks through the Department of Transportation.
Sherman said she hears from many residents, including the mail carriers at the U.S. Postal Service, about the rough conditions of the sidewalks in the village.
She said she is grateful that there will soon be assistance from the Sanderson-led group, and the village will have a long-range plan.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 March 2026 at 8:35 am
Photo by Tom Rivers: The price for regular unleaded in Albion was at $3.49 on Monday night at the Kwik Fill in Albion.
Gas prices continued to jump on Monday, with the average price in Orleans County up another 7 cents from yesterday – from $3.306 on Monday to $3.376 today, according to AAA.
Gas prices went up an average of 39 cents per gallon of unleaded to $3.40 in New York State from March 2 to March 9, while the national price increased by 48 cents to $3.48.
The national price is up another 6 cents since yesterday to $3.539 today, while the state average increased by about 7 cents to $3.469.
The war in Iran is the main culprit behind the surge in prices. Refineries also are beginning the process of producing summer-blend gasoline which contains pricier additives to help reduce evaporation during warmer months, AAA said.
Here are the average prices with counties in Western New York:
Photo courtesy of Medina Band Boosters: The JV winterguard from Medina competed on Saturday in Greece and came in second place.
Press Release, Medina Winterguard
GREECE – The Medina Mustang Varsity and JV guards competed on March 7th in Greece, their 6th competition this season. A total of 19 guards participated in this competition.
Medina JV are in the cadet class and they came in 2nd place with a score of 64.62.
Medina Varsity are in the A1 class and they came in 3rd place out of 3 with a score of 71.65.
You can see these guards in action at our home show on Sat. March 14th at the high school gym when the doors open at 3 p.m. and the show starts at 4 p.m.
The Medina Band Boosters are also hosting a Basket Raffle on Friday, March 13th at the high school gym at 6 p.m. and the drawing starts at 7:30.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 9 March 2026 at 5:13 pm
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Spring practice got underway this afternoon for area high school baseball, softball, tennis, track and lacrosse teams. Here members of the Medina lacrosse squad work out at Vets Park as the Mustangs begin preparation for the March 24 season home opener against Tonawanda.
Medina varsity lacrosse Caoch Ben Austin, center, directs a ball control drill.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 9 March 2026 at 3:14 pm
Left – Provided photo: Nicole Tuohey holds one of the heart cookies like her mother used to make and sell at Case-Nic Cookies to benefit the Arc and developmental disabilities. This is the eighth year of selling “Have a Heart” cookies, during which time they have raised more than $13,000. (Right – Photo by Ginny Kropf) Hans Rosentreter stands in front of Hans Bakery, holding a plate of “Have a Heart” cookies to promote the fundraiser started by former owner of the store, Mary Lou Tuohey and her daughter Nicole. Rosentreter is continuing the tradition Mary Lou and Nicole sponsored for years in support of Arc GLOW during Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. The basket raffle in the store window will also support the ARC and run through March 30.
MEDINA – A fundraiser started by Mary Lou Tuohey with her daughter Nicole while owner of Case-Nic Cookies is now being continued by the store’s new owner, Hans Rosentreter at his Han’s Bakery.
Rosentreter purchased the store just over a year ago.
“I knew Mary Lou would want to continue to do her fundraiser, and I was happy to go along with it,” Rosentreter said.
Nicole was born 35 years ago with a developmental disability called Triple X Syndrome. Doctors told her parents at her three-week checkup that she may never walk, talk, read, write, do math or ride a bike.
At 3 months of age, Nicole was enrolled in the Arc’s Rainbow Preschool, which was her stepping stone to a full life, Mary Lou said. Nicole is now 35 years old and attends the Day Hab Program through Arc GLOW. She not only does everything doctors said she wouldn’t do, but more.
“The early intervention and her current involvement with Arc GLOW have helped make her the woman she is today,” Mary Lou said. “That is why Nicole will be having a cookie sale and window basket raffle again, with all the money raised going to programs that serve individuals at Arc GLOW.
Rosentreter said his family has dealt with developmental disabilities and that is why he is happy to participate in the Tuohey’s fundraiser.
He is baking the frosted heart cutout cookies, using Mary Lou’s recipe. They are being sold in his bakery for $1 each. He also has allowed use of his store window for a basket raffle to support Arc GLOW, the same as Mary Lou did when she owned the store.
A plastic bucket has been placed in the entryway full of envelopes which contain a listing of each basket. Customers may take an envelope home, include the amount of money for a sheet of tickets and then indicate next to each item how many tickets they want placed in the drawing for that item. Then they return the envelope and bring it in the store during open hours or drop it in the mail slot during closed hours.
Extra cookies may be ordered by calling the bakery at (585) 798-1676.
The cookie sale and basket raffle will continue until March 30.
Photo and information courtesy of Troop 35 in Medina
MEDINA – Scouts and friends of Troop 35 in Medina removed two dump trailer loads of wreaths that were placed in December as part of Wreaths Across America.
The group removed the wreaths from Boxwood, St Mary’s, and Sacred Heart cemeteries on Sunday in preparation for spring cleanups. Picture below if some of the volunteers that helped.
Picture left top right: Lani Dieter, Maddox Smith, Jimmy Dieter and Cole Herman.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 9 March 2026 at 10:05 am
Nathan Fuller named ‘Firefighter of the Year’
Photos by Ginny Kropf: (Left) Mike Fuller, president of East Shelby Volunteer Fire Company, presented the EMS Award to Nathan Fuller at the installation banquet Saturday night. Fuller was also named “Firefighter of the Year.” (Right) Sue Green, left, and her aunt Debbie Green received certificates for 40 and 45 years of membership, respectively, in the East Shelby Ladies Auxiliary.
EAST SHELBY – The East Shelby Volunteer Fire Company held its annual installation of officers’ banquet Saturday night at the firemen’s recreation hall. Steve Cooley, chief of the Medina Fire Department, served as master of ceremonies.
This was the first banquet since 1974 in which David Green did not serve as master of ceremonies, due to health problems. Green, a 65-year member of the fire company, was also recognized for serving 41-1/2 years as steward of the fire company.
The steward’s duties include arranging for food for meetings, signing up people for use of the hall, making sure the hall is ready for events and many other little things that may come along, Green said.
“The fire company has been a big part of my whole life,” Green said.
(Left) Bronwyn Green, center, poses with Doris Antinore, left, and Gerry Zinkievich, both of whom were recognized for 55 years of membership in the East Shelby Ladies Auxiliary. (Right) Dave Green, who was served East Shelby Volunteer Fire Company as steward for 41-1/2 years, chose the Ladies’ Auxiliary as recipient of the Steward’s Award. Accepting the award are Auxiliary president Bronwyn Green and vice president Leona Weese.
Dave Green joined the fire company on his 18th birthday, making this his 65th year as a member. He said he knew from an early age he would be joining the fire company, as his father Milton was a charter member.
“It was tough sledding in the beginning,” Green said. “In the early days we had to take up a collection from members just to pay the bills. Now we’re in good shape.”
Green has been involved with all the fundraisers through the years, and wishes more young people today would take an interest in volunteering.
“Young people would enjoy becoming a member,” Green said. “Our goal is to work hard with all the other members and see the fire company succeed. Once you join, you’ve got to think it’s the best.”
Officers of the East Shelby Volunteer Fire Company were inducted Saturday night by Steve Cooley, chief of the Medina Fire Department.
Mike Fuller, president of the fire company, and Bronwyn Green, president of the ladies’ auxiliary, welcomed guests and shared their memberships were healthy with 61 and 40, respectively. A moment of silence was observed for one auxiliary member who was lost last year – Judy Allen, who had more than 50 years as a member.
Senator Robert Ortt, who had to leave early for another fire department banquet, thanked the members for all they do for the community. He told them they had a terrific advocacy organization working for them in Albany.
“You take care of this community,” Ortt said. “Volunteer firefighters are the norm in New York state. They save taxpayers $4 billion with their volunteer hours.”
In stepping up to emcee the evening’s program for Green, Cooley said he had big shoes to fill.
“I won’t be half as funny as you were,” he told Green.
Fuller announced the fire company had five new members last year.
Members of the ladies auxiliary were installed by Robyn Watts, secretary of the Shelby Ladies Auxiliary. They are Bronwyn Green, president; Leona Weese, vice president; Sawyer Green, secretary; Mindy Kenward, treasurer; Shirley Printup, Pat Vader and Elaine Newton, trustees; and Rose Allen, chaplain.
Members of the fire company installed by Cooley were Mike Fuller, president; Kirk Zinkievich, vice president; Karen Bracey, secretary; Allen Turner, treasurer; and Dennis MacDonald, Norm Behrend and Alan Lonnen, trustees.
Firematic officers were Deb Taylor, chief; Devin Taylor, 1st assistant chief; Andy Beach, 2nd assistant chief; Jeff Taylor, 3rd assistant chief, Jared Zinkievich, captain; Josh Fuller, lieutenant; Steve Wolters, fire police chief; and Sue Behrend and Mike Fuller, EMS officers.
(Left) Susan Green received the President’s Award from Bronwyn Green, leader of the Ladies Auxiliary. (Right) Karen Bracey was recipient of the President’s Award, given by Mike Fuller, president of East Shelby Volunteer Fire Company.
Next on the program was presentation of awards and recognition of long-time members.
The first presentation was the President’s Award, given by Mike Fuller to Karen Bracey.
“Karen is somebody who helps me on the back end and spends numerous hours organizing tickets for our fundraisers,” Fuller said.
Mike also presented the EMS Award to Nathan Fuller, who put in a lot of time last year studying to advance his position. He became a Firefighter I and spent more than 200 hours studying for his EMS status.
Deb Taylor gave the Chief’s Award to Dylan Taylor, who she described as dependable and ready to step in when needed. He shows up consecutively when needed and serves with heart, she said.
Dave Green chose to give the Steward’s Award to the Ladies Auxiliary, which he described as the “Best ladies auxiliary in Western New York.”
They number 40 members and regularly have 20 to 30 who attend meetings.
“This award is given to the Ladies Auxiliary in appreciation for your contributions to the East Shelby Fire Company,” Green said.
Later in the program, the auxiliary presented Mike Fuller with a $15,000 check for the fire company. Fuller said that will be a big help in buying equipment.
East Shelby Fire Chief Deb Taylor, left, and president Mike Fuller accept $15,000 from the East Shelby Ladies Auxiliary president Bronwyn Green.
Outgoing auxiliary secretary Sue Green and treasurer Sharlene Pratt were recognized for their years of service.
Bronwyn Green announced the Service Awards for years of membership, with several receiving special recognition. They were David Green, 65 years; Charlie Ralph, 55 years; Mike Zelazny, 50 years; Alan Turner and Ken McPherson, 40 years; Ron Martin Jr., 35 years; Bob Scharlau, 30 years; Amy Fuller and Laura Fields, 25 years; Matt Grimes, 20 years; Devon Taylor and Sharon Grimes, 15 years; Josh Green, 10 years; and Eli Howard, 5 years.
The East Shelby Ladies’ Auxiliary officers were installed Saturday night by Robyn Watts, secretary of the Shelby Ladies’ Auxiliary.
A special recognition was given to Zelazny with a gift of a firemen’s axe mounted on a plaque. He received proclamations from Senator Robert Ortt, Assemblyman Steve Hawley, Orleans County legislator Bill Eick and FASNY trustee Michael Lipinski, who shared FASNY has one of only two retirement homes for firefighters in the country.
Zelazny joined the fire company Aug. 8, 1975, and has served as president and vice president. He also worked on the bingo team and fundraisers, as well as responding to all emergencies.
Fields and Amy Fuller received proclamations from Ort, Hawley and Eick.
The evening also included a meal catered by Donna Eick and music by DJ JT Thomas of Medina.
Photo courtesy of Alana Koneski: Mike Zelazny, left, was recognized for 50 years of service to the East Shelby Volunteer Fire Company. He was presented a special award by Medina Fire Chief Steve Cooley (master of ceremonies), East Shelby Fire Chief Deb Taylor and East Shelby President Mike Fuller.
