Retired Veterans Service Agency director killed in motorcycle accident in Albion

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 30 October 2025 at 3:55 pm

Paul Fulcomer

ALBION – Paul Fulcomer, who was retired as Orleans County’s Veterans Service Agency director, was killed in a motorcycle accident on Wednesday afternoon.

Fulcomer was riding a motorcycle west on East County House Road when he entered the intersection at Route 98, failing to stop at the stop sign and then colliding with a northbound vehicle, according to a news release from Sheriff Chris Bourke.

Fulcomer, 78, was ejected from his motorcycle. Emergency life-saving measures were administered at the scene by Mercy Ambulance, Mercy Flight, and the Albion Fire Department, Bourke said. Fulcomer was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Orleans County Coroner’s Office.

The resulting collision caused both vehicles to leave the roadway, coming to rest on the lawn of a residence located on the northwest corner of the intersection.

The investigation is ongoing by the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office with assistance from the New York State Police Crash Reconstruction Unit.

Fulcomer served as director of the Veterans Service Agency in Orleans County for 13 years, retiring in November 2015. He helped veterans and their families receive benefits through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.

In his retirement, he continued to be active in veterans’ causes.

Tenney, NY Republican delegation fault Democrats for government shutdown

Posted 30 October 2025 at 2:37 pm

Press Release, Congresswoman Claudia Tenney

WASHINGTON, DC — Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today joined House Leadership and members of the New York Republican delegation at a press conference marking Day 30 of the Democrat Shutdown, calling on Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries to stop appeasing the far left and reopen the government.

Tenney highlighted the devastating consequences of the shutdown for American families, small businesses, and essential workers across the country, emphasizing that the crisis was entirely avoidable.

Tenney criticized Schumer and Jeffries as weak leaders who have surrendered to Marxist and anti-Israel activists driving the Democratic Party’s agenda. She pointed to figures such as Zohran Mamdani, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Bernie Sanders as the new faces of a far-left coalition that has overtaken New York’s Democratic leadership and brought the country to a standstill.

“We are here to fight for the men and women who build, farm, serve, and raise families. They are the backbone of this nation and they deserve a government that works for them, not for the political insiders who created this mess,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “So my message to Schumer and Jeffries is simple: stop playing games, stop bowing to the mob, and reopen the government. Pay our troops, fund essential services, and start putting American families and New York families first.”

Tenney urged New Yorkers to speak out and reject the radicalism that has taken over their state.

Schumer, Gillibrand call on Trump Administration to release SNAP funds

Posted 30 October 2025 at 1:32 pm

Press Release, U.S. Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) held a virtual press conference to demand the Trump administration stop cruelly withholding available funds for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).

While Republicans continue to deny this vital assistance, despite having the ability to keep food assistance flowing, the senators announced they are pushing new legislation — the Keep SNAP and WIC Funded Act of 2025 — to continue these vital food programs for working families during the GOP shutdown.

“For the first time in history, a president, Donald Trump, is refusing to fund SNAP during a shutdown despite the fact that he has the available funds to keep it going,” said Sen. Schumer.

SNAP is the largest anti-hunger program in the United States, providing an average of $187 per month in food aid to over 42 million people nationwide—including nearly 3 million New Yorkers.

Despite having billions of dollars ready and available to pay for SNAP in a contingency fund, the Trump administration is refusing to tap into this fund. Leader Schumer and Senator Gillibrand called on the administration to immediately make this money available to help keep SNAP benefits flowing until the government reopens.

“Trump is weaponizing hunger,” Schumer said. “He is using kids who rely on school meals, seniors on fixed incomes, veterans & families trying to get groceries as political pawns. If this administration can cough up $40 billion for Argentina, they can fund SNAP from existing funds to stop American families from going hungry.”

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) had a plan to release SNAP contingency funds, but Trump forced the USDA to abandon their shutdown contingency plan, making this Saturday the first time in American history SNAP benefits will lapse for hungry children, veterans, seniors and other Americans.

“In refusing to fund SNAP during the government shutdown, the Trump administration is playing politics with my constituents’ lives,” Gillibrand said. “But for families that are already stretched thin, this decision is more than political—it’s a matter of survival.”

Schumer and Gillibrand are demanding Republican leadership allow the Keep SNAP and WIC Funded Act of 2025 to come for a full vote, which would ensure that SNAP and WIC benefits continue uninterrupted during this Republican shutdown.

The legislation additionally requires the federal government to reimburse states for covering SNAP and WIC benefits for the duration of the shutdown. The senators also joined 44 other Democrats in a letter to the Trump administration demanding that they immediately release the billions of dollars at their disposal to fund SNAP.

Since the beginning of his term, Trump has targeted food assistance for hungry Americans. Earlier this year, Trump already gutted nearly $200 billion from SNAP in the Republican “Big, Beautiful Bill,” and canceled $1 billion in food assistance for schools and food banks.

Barker/Roy-Hart will host Salamanca on Friday in a Class C sectional quarterfinal

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 30 October 2025 at 11:19 am

Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Carter DerSarkissian shown here picking up yardage behind the block of Anthony Adinolfe and their Barker/Roy-Hart teammates will host Salamanca at 7 p.m. Friday at Barker in the quarterfinal round of the Section VI Class C playoffs.

Looking to keep the momentum from a 6-0 C North Division championship campaign, top seeded Barker/Roy-Hart will host Salamanca in the quarterfinals of the Section VI Class C football playoffs at 7 p.m. Friday at Barker.

Barker/Roy-Hart posted a 7-1 overall record during the regular season while Salamanca went 4-3 in the C South Division and 5-3 overall. The Warriors are the C South Division’s No. 4 seed.

Barker/Roy-Hart’s balanced rushing attack is led by the quintet of Joey Reiter (867 yards, 11 TDs), Carter DerSarkissian (458 yards, 5 TD), Tysen McCaa (342 yards, 3 TD), Anthony Adinolfe (326 yards, 3 TD) and Vince Fazzio (312 yards, 6 TD).

McCaa has also passed for 642 yards and 8 touchdowns.

Fazzio has 13 receptions for 256 yards and 5 touchdowns and Ashton Ark 10 for 180 yards and 2 TD.

On defense for the Bulls, Fazzio has 53 tackles, Adinolfe 36 tackles and 3 fumble recoveries, DerSarkissian 35 tackles and 2 interceptions and Carson Schwab 31 tackles and 2 interceptions.

The Salamanca offense has been led by quarterback Payton Bradley who has passed for 985 yards and 9 touchdowns and rushed for 412 yards and 8 TDs.

Conner Seeley has also rushed for 412 yards for the Warriors and scored 3 TDs.

The Warriors leading receivers have been Camron Bowser (21 receptions for 316 yards and 4 TD) and Waylon Dowdy (16 for 284 yards and 3 TD).

The sectional appearance is the first for Barker/Roy-Hart since 2011.

The victor will advance to the semifinals against the winner of Friday’s Akron vs. Chautauqua Lake/Westfield/Brocton quarterfinal.

Class C Quarterfinal Matchups
Tonight
Medina (4-2, 6-2) at Southwestern (7-0, 8-0), 7 p.m.
Portville (4-3, 5-3) at Eden (5-1, 7-1), 7 p.m.
Friday
Salamanca (4-3, 5-3) at Barker/Roy-Hart (6-0, 7-1), 7 p.m.
Akron (5-1, 6-2) at Chautauqua Lake/Westfield/Brocton (6-1, 7-1), 7 p.m.

Medina holds first alumni field hockey game

Contributed Story Posted 30 October 2025 at 10:11 am

Contributed Photo – The first annual Medina Alumni Field Hockey game held this past weekend at Vets Park matched alumni from Medina and Newfane. Proceeds from the game are going to the American Diabetes Association. The Medina alumni included Amy Fuller, Tanya Callard (Boyd), Cori Matuszak, Audrey Tuohey (Gunther), Justine Kratz (Parada), Katie Crossett, Jessica Demmer (Matuszak), Anna Foster, Katie Misiti (Hartway), Lindsey Frawley (Basford), Sarah Bateman (Hallifax), Nicole Guild (Cree), Jessica Breed (Boyd), Ryin Moriarity), Kaley Santoro, Chasity Chinn, Taylor Chinn, Kelsey Tran (Evoy), Courtney Joy (Albone), Alaina Boyce, Alissa Blount, Sarah Cochrane, Guinevere Dilloff (Schalck), Abigail Blount, Hannah Kenward, Arianna Bloom and Adeline Castricone. The Newfane alumni included Kristi Young (Liddell), Audrey Schalck (Gunio), Katie Hockenberry (Jordan), Kelly Sidell (Jordan), Rachel Maziarz (Mellott), Morgan Bedford, Leah Burdick (Good), Nicole Leverentz, Linzie Michel and Madison Lawton.

VFW in Medina holds Stop 22 Walk for awareness of veterans’ suicide

Posted 30 October 2025 at 7:38 am

Provided photos: The group is shown at the American Legion Butts-Clark Post 204 at 305 North Main St.

Information courtesy of Deborah Berry, VFW Auxiliary Treasurer

MEDINA – The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post and Auxiliary members from the VFW Lincoln Post 1483 in Medina as well as members from the community held a Stop 22 Walk to increase the public awareness of veteran suicide.

The members walked 22 minutes along Medina Business District in the village of Medina. An average of 22 veterans die by suicide every day.

A veteran in any type of need or service is encouraged to reach out to our VFW Post 1483 at 216 East Center Street in Medina. Help is also available at the National Veteran Crisis Hotline 1-800-273-8255.

Participants in the walk include VFW 1483 Post members Patrick Little, Louis Chraston, Steve Earle, and Gregg Smith. VFW Aux members Dave and Debbie Berry, Donna Little, Tammy Pogel, Evon Parker, Becky Persons, and Joe Meyer. Community members Jenn Arnold, Kevin Dennis and Joe Fearby.

The walkers are pictured in front of the VFW Post 1483 at 216 East Center St.

Mother and daughter donate bags of food to Community Action pantry

Posted 30 October 2025 at 7:15 am

Press Release, Community Action of Orleans and Genesee

Sherrie Carter and Louise Mana donated several bags of food to a pantry at Community Action.

ALBION – The Emergency Services Pantry at Community Action of Orleans and Genesee recently received a generous donation from Sherrie Carter and her mother Louise Mana.

The donation included a variety of non-perishable food items that will greatly assist the agency in its ongoing mission to combat food insecurity throughout the community.

As the organization works diligently to ensure pantry shelves remain stocked, this contribution comes at a critical time. With a potential reduction in food stamp benefits anticipated on Nov. 1, the need for community support has never been greater.

Community Action of Orleans and Genesee, Inc. extends heartfelt thanks to Sherri Carter and Louise Mana for their generosity and community spirit.

The agency encourages additional donations to help meet the growing needs of local families facing food insecurity. Every contribution—large or small—makes a difference.

For more information or to make a donation, please contact: Community Action of Orleans and Genesee at 585-589-5605 x101 or email kettinger@caoginc.org.

To donate online visit: caoginc.org/donations.

Community Action says agency short on resources to meet rising needs

Posted 29 October 2025 at 9:41 pm

Press Release, Community Action of Orleans and Genesee

ALBION – In the interest of concern and transparency, Community Action of Orleans and Genesee is making the community aware that due to ongoing funding uncertainty and the recent government shutdown, the agency is experiencing difficulty providing assistance at a level that matches the increased needs of our community.

Food insecurity in the region is skyrocketing, and the agency is exploring all avenues to ensure that food distributions and pantry services remain available to those who need it most.

However, upcoming challenges such as the loss of SNAP, HEAP heating assistance, rising healthcare costs, and unmanageable housing rental expenses are creating a crisis for families. Resources to assist with rent and utilities are running dry. Some funding streams have been suspended while others have been terminated altogether.

“Despite these setbacks, our team is doing everything possible to distribute the scarce resources we have,” said Renee Hungerford, Executive Director/CEO of Community Action of Orleans and Genesee. “We are deeply concerned about the impact this will have on our neighbors as winter approaches.”

Community Action of Orleans and Genesee is a Medicaid 1115 participant. Medicaid recipients are encouraged to contact the agency for an 1115 screening, which may open alternative avenues of assistance for critical needs such as rent, utility assistance, and other health-related social supports.

How You Can Help

Donations of any size and volunteers are needed. Support at any level can make a real difference during this critical time. The number of families assisted at food distributions is growing at an unprecedented rate, volunteers for these and special holiday distributions are sincerely appreciated.

In addition to donations and volunteering, you can make a powerful impact by reaching out to your elected officials. Urge them to take immediate action to support reopening our government as well as support funding for programs like the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG), Weatherization Assistance, and Head Start. These programs are lifelines for families in need, and your voice can help ensure they remain funded and accessible.

To donate online visit: caoginc.org/donations

To volunteer, email: info@caoginc.org

To donate to our food pantries, contact Kristina Ettinger at:

Phone: 585-589-5605 x101

Email: kettinger@caoginc.org

Website: caoginc.org

The Community Action Promise:

Community Action changes people’s lives, embodies the spirit of hope, improves communities, and makes America a better place to live. We care about the entire community, and we are dedicated to helping people help themselves and each other.

Top seeded Eagles win Class C2 semifinal

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 29 October 2025 at 9:29 pm

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Kendall’s Pablo Rosario-Reyes heads the ball away from Gananda’s Idan Fridman during the Eagles sectional semifinal win this evening at Brockport.

Pulling away in the second half, top seeded Kendall downed No. 4 Gananda 6-1 in the semifinals of the Section V Class C2 boys soccer tournament this evening at Brockport.

Defending champion Kendall held a slender 1-0 lead at the half on a goal by Jonathan Esposito on a rebound off a scramble in front of the Gananda net with 13 minutes to go in the opening half.

The Eagles then broke the game open with five goals in the second half including three by Brandon Barrett and two by Pablo Rosario-Reyes.

Esposito also had two assists as Rosario-Reyes, Tyler McCue and Mikey Colucci each had one.

Jonny Conte made 8 saves in goal for the Eagles as Jonas Rhodes had a strong game defensively.

Improving to 18-0, Kendall will now face No. 2 Naples in the Class C2 championship game at 1 p.m. Saturday at Honeoye Falls- Lima. Naples blanked No. 3 Geneseo 4-0 in the other semifinal.

Kendall’s Brandon Barrett drives between Gananda defenders Malakai Thomas and Walter Sawyer.

Kendall’s Jonathan Esposito sends a crossing pass toward the goal as Brody Oleksyn moves in for Gananda.

Big fourth quarter earns Medina field hockey sectional quarterfinal win; Barker wins 1-0

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 29 October 2025 at 9:13 pm

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Medina’s Savannah Jo Thompson celebrates scoring what proved to be the winning goal in the Mustangs sectional victory over Wilson at Vets Park this evening.

Putting together a big fourth quarter scoring burst, No. 3 seed Medina rallied to defeat No. 6 Wilson 4-2 in the quarterfinal round of the Section VI Class C field hockey playoffs this evening at Vets Park.

Trailing 2-1, Medina tied the game on a goal by Penelope Schalck with 8 minutes to go in the decisive final quarter.

The Mustangs then took the lead for good at 3-2 on a goal by Savannah Jo Thompson with 2:34 remaining.

Emi Batista then capped off the big quarter for the Mustangs by scoring an insurance goal with only 21 seconds remaining.

Breaking away from a scoreless halftime deadlock, Wilson took the lead twice in the third quarter first at 1-0 on a goal by Ruby Narhood and then at 2-1 on a tally by Brynn Lepsch.

In between Medina briefly tied the game at 1-1 on a goal by Schalck.

Medina next visits No. 2 seed Barker in the semifinals on Monday.

Barker nipped No. 7 Newfane 1-0 on a goal by Sophia Pavlovk with two minutes remaining.

In the other quarterfinal, Eden blanked Roy-Hart 3-0 in the first game of the doubleheader at Vets Park.

Eden will visit top seeded Akron in the other semifinal on Monday.

Medina’s Tatianna Maxon battles for control of the ball with Wilson’s Mackenzie Hardy.

Lady Tigers win volleyball sectional opener

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 29 October 2025 at 8:55 pm

No. 7 seed Lyndonville outlasted No. 10 Andover-Whitesville in five sets 25-18, 15-25, 25-17, 15-25, 15-8 this evening in the opening round of the Section V Class D2 volleyball tournament at Pavilion.

Lyndonville will next face No. 2 Fillmore in the quarterfinals on Friday.

Hannah Fox had 9 aces and 3 kills, Leah Kenyon 2 kills and 1 block, Bella Bresett 1 ace and 1 kill, Sarah Corser 3 aces, Elena Barry 3 aces and 3 kills, Ainsley Vann 4 aces, 1 kill and 1 block and Emily Dill 4 kills and 1 block for the Lady Tigers.

Chick-fil-A celebrates grand opening in Brockport

Posted 29 October 2025 at 5:42 pm

Photos and information courtesy of Christopher Martin

BROCKPORT – As the sun rose over the Chick-fil-A in Brockport on Tuesday morning, the newly hired staff made final preparations for the ribbon cutting ceremony at 9 a.m.

Owner-Operator Aaron Reynolds busily greeted his family, friends and local officials as Brockport firefighters readied the large American flag for posting.

Aaron Reynolds, left, greets the crowd for the ribbon cutting ceremony. Brockport firefighters raised the American flag at the ceremony. A lone trumpet played while firefighters raised the new flag for the first time.

Folks from Chick-fil-A joined the event to thank the Brockport community for welcoming them here. Sweden Supervisor Patricia Hayles took the microphone to thank Reynolds and his family for returning to the area to bring us this new, beautiful structure to this corner.

She also mentioned the 135 jobs he has brought to the community and the increased sales tax revenue that will come back to the town.

The owners and team leaders provided behind the scenes tours of the entire facility. It was a long-awaited event, but the day has come. The store opened today, and the staff has been anxious to greet you and share their chicken specialties with us all.

Oak Orchard Bowl recognized for 65th anniversary by County Legislature

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 29 October 2025 at 12:19 pm

Hanks family has led the bowling center to several upgrades past 20 years

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Randy Hanks, owner of Oak Orchard Bowl in Albion, received a citation from the Orleans County Legislature on Tuesday in honor of his 20 years of owning the bowling alley in Albion, which is also celebrating its 65^th anniversary this year.

County Legislator Ed Morgan, right, presented the certificate to Hanks who was joined during the presentation by Corey Winters, the county’s planning director and also an avid bowler.

Legislators commended Hanks for several improvements to the bowling alley in the past 20 years and also a commitment to host events that raise money for PAWS Animal Shelter, a scholarship and other youth sports programs.

Randy Hanks said he enjoys being at the bowling alley with the bowlers and hosting the many special events including birthday parties. He is glad to support the community fundraisers, too.

The Hanks family owns the 18-lane bowling center on Route 98 at 3291 Oak Orchard Rd. The family has tackled numerous improvements to the bowling center during their two decades at the helm, including a new oil machine, synthetic lanes, flooring, carpeting and remodeled bathrooms.

Hanks was named “Proprietor of the Year” in New York state in 2014 by the United States Bowling Congress.

Section V soccer championship games are next for Holley and Kendall girls on Friday

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 29 October 2025 at 12:02 pm

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Holley’s Kyla Burne, left, and Kendall’s Izzy D’Agostino and their Lady Hawks and Lady Eagles teammates will be competing in Section V championship games on Friday.

Holley and Kendall will both be competing in Section V girls soccer tournament championship games on Friday.

No. 5 seed Holley will face No. 3 Canisteo-Greenwood in the Class C1 title game at 5:15 p.m. at Dansville.

Top seeded Kendall will take on Genesee Region League foe No. 2 Byron-Bergen in the Class C2 championship contest at 5:45 p.m. at Brockport.

The title game appearance will be the third in four years for Holley which brings a 12-6-1 record into the contest after the Lady Hawks upended top seeded Geneseo 1-0 in the semifinals on Tuesday. Holley defeated Williamson 2-1 in the 2023 final but lost to Gananda 3-1 in 2022.

Canisteo-Greenwood brings a 15-3 record into the finals after downing No. 2 Campbell-Savona/Hammondsport 3-0 in the semifinals on Tuesday.

The contest will be a rematch of a regular season non league game which saw Canisteo-Greenwood nip Holley 1-0 at Holley.

Offensively Holley, which has only two seniors on its 18 player squad, is led by Ava Mosier (15 goals, 5 assists), Hanna Ostrom (8 goals, 5 assists), Jayna Burris (6 goals and 9 assists) and Kyla Burne (5 goals and 4 assists).

Anchoring the Lady Hawks defense goalie Zoey Warner has made 55 saves and has a 1.28 goals against average.

For Canisteo-Greenwood Adrianna Beers has 14 goals and 2 assists and Kadyn Piliero 9 goals and 3 assists.

For Kendall the C2 final will be a rematch of last year’s title game which saw Byron-Bergen nip the Lady Eagles 1-0.

Kendall brings a 17-1 into the finals, which includes a 2-1 regular season G-R win over Byron-Bergen. The Lady Eagles downed No. 4 Keshequa 3-0 in the semifinals.

The Lady Bees are 16-2 on the season after blanking No. 3 Bloomfield 3-0 in the semifinals.

The Byron-Bergen offense is led by Mia Gray (42 goals and 23 assists) as Grace DiQuattro has 28 goals and 24 assists, Anastasia Kuszlyk (14 goals and 6 assists) and Elizabeth Starowitz (13 goals and 22 assists).

Kendall’s attack is sparked by Ryleigh Denning (28 goals, 5 assists), Sophia Picardo (16 goals, 23 assists), Jersie Drake (10 goals, 8 assists). Alea Barrett (6 goals, 6 assists) and Stella Kwiatek (6 goals, 8 assists).

The Lady Eagles defense is anchored by goalie Brooke Rodas who has made 94 saves and has a goals against average of 0.33.

The Class C1 and Class C2 winners on Friday will then face each other early next week in the Section V Class C state qualifier contest.