By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 14 April 2026 at 5:55 pm
The newly merged Albion/Medina varsity football team will make its debut at Akron on Thursday September 3 according to the Section VI schedule that was released today.
The other road games for the Albion/Medina Rivals squad will be at Williamsville South on Friday Sept. 18, at Lew-Port on Friday Sept. 25 and at Maryvale on Thursday October 1.
The home games for Albion/Medina will be against Lake Shore on Friday Sept. 11, West Seneca East on Friday Oct. 9, Amherst on Friday Oct. 16 and McKinley on Friday Oct. 24.
Albion and Medina will each have two home games but which games will be at which school has not yet been determined.
All of the games are B1 Division contests except Akron.
Barker/Roy-Hart’s schedule
Home games for Barker/Roy-Hart will be against Newfane on Friday Sept. 4, Springville on Friday Sept. 25, JFK on Friday Oct. 2 and Cleveland Hill on Thursday Oct. 23.
Road games will be at Tonawanda on Friday Sept. 11, Eden on Friday Sept. 18, Akron on Friday Oct. 9 and Alden on Friday Oct. 16.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 April 2026 at 4:45 pm
Photo by Tom Rivers: Medina Village Board members meet in a conference room at the Shelby Town Hall for a workshop meeting followed by budget discussions on Monday evening. Pictured from left and going clockwise: Trustee Scott Bieliski, Trustee Mark Prawel, Mayor Debbie Padoleski, Clerk-Treasurer Jada Burgess, Trustee Jeff Wagner and Trustee Jess Marciano.
MEDINA – The Village Board faces a tall task of trying to pare down expenses and find more revenues before a final village budget is adopted on April 27.
The board held a public hearing on Monday evening on the tentative budget which shows a 22.5 percent tax increase.
Mayor Debbie Padoleski, who campaigned on a more affordable Medina, said the board has more meetings with department heads to try to bring down the tax increase. Padoleski was elected on March 18.
A year ago, the board was in similar predicament with a big tax increase in the tentative budget. Padoleski was a village trustee then and the board would eliminate four full-time firefighter positions, while not filling a vacancy in the DPW and cutting the K9 program.
Padoleski said there aren’t similar cost-savings to cut this time because those cuts were already made.’
The tentative $8,189,601 budget represents a $466,305 more in spending or a 6.0 percent increase from the $7,723,296 in the 2025-26 budget.
The tax levy, what property owners pay in taxes, would increase by $880,423 or 22.5 percent from $3,910,344 to $4,790,767. The tax rate would increase by $3.19 from $13.995 to $17.189.
“This is just the tentative budget,” Padoleski said Monday evening during a public hearing on the budget. “There is still quite a bit more of cutting to do.”
Part of the increase is an additional $139,225 for the first bond payment for a new ladder truck. The board is working to sell that truck, and it’s possible the sale could exceed what the village owes at $1.8 million. There could be some unanticipated revenue from that truck, Padoleski said.
The budget shows a $340,020 increase in salaries (from $3,210,661 to $3,550,681); $5,000 increase in equipment reserve (from $50,000 to $55,000); $17,700 more for capital projects (from $1,756,548 to $1,837,899).
Total revenues are down by $414,118 from $3,812,952 to $3,398,834.
Padoelski said she met last week with the leaders from the towns of Shelby, Ridgeway and yates to request more money from them than the current $35,000 each annually towards the ambulance services in Western Orleans County. She said she sensed resistance to a higher amount from Yates and Ridgeway, while Padoleski said Jim Heminway, Shelby town supervisor, is open “to a new way of doing things.”
Padoleski said the fire department with 17 career firefighters is operating at a deficit of about $1.6 million.
“We’re obligated to come up with a tax rate in the next two weeks,” Padoleski said about a final village budget for 2026-27. “Honestly, right now I don’t know what that looks like.”
Here are the village tax levies and tax rates in the past seven budgets:
2025-26 tax levy, $3,910,344; tax rate, $13.995
2024-25 tax levy, $3,903,200; tax rate, $13.97
2023-24 tax levy, $3,786,964; tax rate, $21.16
2022-23 tax levy, $3,296,140; tax rate, $18.95
2021-22 tax levy, $3,259,119; tax rate, $18.77
2020-21 tax levy, $3,197,059; tax rate, $18.46
2019-20 tax levy, $3,138,059; tax rate, $18.32
The mayor also said the village faces costly upgrades in the near future at the sewer plant and replacing very old waterlines. Those undertakings will likely result in higher sewer and water bills for village customers, although she said Medina would be pursuing grants to hep offset the costs.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 April 2026 at 10:00 am
Provided photo: This photo from December shows Medina’s new ladder truck. The quint truck has a 100-foot ladder and many other capabilities. Medina Fire Department officials visited the truck manufacturing site in Appleton, Wisconsin.
MEDINA – Village officials will soon be putting together a package for prospective buyers of Medina’s new ladder truck.
A new administration on the Village Board, led by new mayor Debbie Padoleski, wants the ladder truck sold soon.
The truck is currently in Tonawanda where is waiting for a part, the cover for a metal box for tools. The truck hasn’t been put into service and the letters haven’t been put on that says it is a Village of Medina Fire Department truck.
Photo by Tom Rivers: Mayor Debbie Padoleski said she wants the village to push to sell the new ladder truck. Trustee Mark Prawel is at right.
“I’m hoping we can move forward with a sale,” Padoleski told other Village Board members during Monday’s board workshop meeting. “I want to keep this ball moving.”
Before she was mayor, Padoleski was on the board as a village trustee. She led a majority that included Mark Prawel and Scott Bieliski to vote on Feb. 9 and declare the truck surplus and begin the process for selling it.
Padoleski campaigned that the truck is unaffordable for the village. Besides buying the truck at $1.7 million, Medina would likely need to put an addition on its fire hall to house the truck. The current fire hall only has 10-foot, 6-inch clearance. The new truck can’t fit in the fire hall.
The truck with the addition could put the village on the hook for up to $4 million, Padoleski has said.
She wants to sell the truck at a minimum bid to pay off the loan, which is close to $1.8 million. The first of 20 payments at $139,225 is due in the village’s 2026-27 budget. That budget needs to be approved by the end of the month.
The Village Board needs to determine a minimum bid for the truck because there could be other costs, including a broker’s fee. The board could settle at a $1.9 minimum, Padoleski said.
The truck is expected to be back in Medina today. The village will take photographs of the truck, and prepare precise specifications for interested buyers. The potential bidders will likely want to come see the truck in person.
The mayor, who took office last week, said the truck could be sold through a sealed bid or an RFP (Request for Proposals).
Trustee Scott Bieliski said many fire departments have shown interest in the truck, including nearby Brockport and departments in other states. The village could sell the truck for more than $2 million, making a profit on the sale. Similar new ladder trucks are now $2.4 million at the time of the order with a wait from the manufacturer that could be three to four years.
Bieliski said Medina could work out a deal with Brockport and avoid needing a broker. A broker would charge a 1 percent fee and likely make about $20,000.
Village attorney Matt brooks said the Village Board is obligated to try to maximize the sale price. That could mean utilizing the services of a broker.
Bieliski said he would work to put together a bid package and reach out to brokers to help with the potential sale. In the meantime, the truck is expected to be stored in the DPW facility when it’s back in Medina.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 14 April 2026 at 9:50 am
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Albion will begin defense of its Niagara-Orleans League boys track title at Akron on Thursday. The Purple Eagles went 6-0 last spring and have now won six straight N-O championships compiling a 36-0 record during that stretch. Anchoring the Purple Eagles lineup is this veteran group. In front are sophomores Garret Jones (Long Jump, Triple Jump), Nate Wehling (800) and Yohanel Harris (100, 200). In back are junior Noah Harrison (Long Jump, Triple Jump), junior Ezra Bloom (High Jump). senior Tyler Cody (High Jump), senior Tristian Tilbe (Distance) and senior Hunter Huscher (100, 200). Missing are juniors Adam Burgio (400) and Jon Money (Discus). Huscher placed second in the 200 at last year’s N-O All-League meet while Tilbe was second in the Steeplechase, Cody third in the High Jump and Burgio fourth in the 400.
Looking to improve on last year’s 2-3-1 record, the youthful Albion girls track team will also open the N-O season at Akron on Thursday. The Purple Eagles are led by this group of veterans. In front are freshmen LaDereon Griffin (Long Jump, High Jump, Hurdles), SeMya Tilford (Shotput, Discus) and Cierra Johnson (100, 200). In back are freshman Hannah Olles (Pole Vault, Long Jump), junior Loralei Gailie (Long Jump, Triple Jump, 400) and Aubrey Bruning (800). Missing are junior Izzy Truelson (100, 200) and senior Mia Standish (Hurdles). Standish won the 400 Hurdles at last year’s All-League meet.
Provided photo: Pictured form left include Zachery Freas (Lyndonville), welding teacher Verenice Bragg and Renzo Tomasi (Albion).
Press Release, Orleans/Niagara BOCES
MEDINA – Two Orleans Career and Technical Education Center (OCTEC) welding students brought how two of the top three medals from the 2026 AWS (American Welding Society) Weld Off competition.
Their teacher, Verenice Bragg, is proud to announce that seniors Zachery Freas (Lyndonville) took first place and Renzo Tomasi (Albion) placed third. Renzo also received a $1,000 scholarship that he will use when he attends Alfred State College this fall.
The competition was held on March 28th at the Northland Workforce Training Center in Buffalo. It was free to all participants and each BOCES and/or technology school is allowed to send two seniors and two juniors. First place winners receive a $200, second place $150 and third place is a $100 prize. They also receive a prize pack from the American Welding Society.
Zachery’s first place win and Renzo’s third place win qualify them to attend the Thruway Cup in Albany in May.
Photo courtesy of Gillibrand’s office: U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand speaks during a new conference in Washington on Monday.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) held a press conference with several of her Senate Democratic colleagues on Monday to announce a new wave of War Powers Resolutions that can be used to force a vote to stop President Trump’s reckless and unconstitutional war in Iran, which is endangering American troops, jeopardizing national security, and raising costs for New York families.
Specifically, Gillibrand’s resolution directs the president to remove the U.S. armed forces from hostilities with or against Iran unless military force is explicitly authorized by Congress.
War Powers Resolutions are privileged, meaning they can be brought to the Senate floor for a vote by any senator ten days after they are filed. Gillibrand joins Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), and Andy Kim (D-NJ) in putting forth these new resolutions, which come in addition to those filed over the past several weeks by Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL).
“President Trump chose to start a war knowing it was going to raise gas prices on Americans already struggling to get by,” said Senator Gillibrand. “The president, and his party, just don’t care about anyone other than themselves. They lie, cheat and steal to enrich themselves and leave regular folks with the bill. It is long past time for Republicans in Congress to stand up and do their job.”
Senator Gillibrand has long advocated for ending unauthorized forever wars and reasserting Congress’ responsibility over the use of military force. In 2019, Gillibrand introduced the War Powers Reform Resolution, which would require the president to provide Congress with a clear objective for military action, as well as evidence that the use of the United States’ armed forces is necessary, appropriate, and proportional to the mission; a finite list of adversaries; and the names of the countries where the U.S. military will deploy.
Since President Trump began his reckless war of choice in Iran in February, Senator Gillibrand has repeatedly called for an end to the war and highlighted the harm it has done to the American people.
“As the administration’s reckless war of choice spirals further out of control and Americans face even greater costs here at home, the need for the Senate to do its job and stop this war is intensifying,” said Senator Booker. “I am proud to stand with my Democratic colleagues in this effort to use every tool at our disposal to uphold our constitutional responsibility, check a power mad president who has plunged our nation and world into chaos, and stop this unconstitutional war.”
ALBANY – Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) recently sent a letter to Gov. Kathy Hochul once again calling for decisive action and a full investigation following a second troubling incident involving protesters at the New York State Capitol.
In a letter sent this week to Gov. Hochul and the New York State Police, Hawley detailed an encounter on April 1 in which he was aggressively confronted while trying to enter the Assembly Chamber on the third floor of the Capitol. The incident mirrors a similar situation that occurred just a week earlier on March 24, when he was prevented from entering the building by protestors.
According to Hawley, a large group of individuals were inside the Capitol under the pretense of an organized protest, only to become disruptive and confrontational. As he attempted to enter the Chamber, Hawley was surrounded and physically impeded by individuals attempting to force him to answer questions and engage on their terms.
“After just weeks ago experiencing a similar situation outside the capitol, I was once again prevented from freely entering the Assembly Chamber,” Hawley said. “The protestors also prevented an individual in a wheelchair from entering. This type of behavior is unacceptable. No elected official—nor any staff member or visitor—should feel intimidated or unsafe while conducting business in the Capitol.”
Hawley also raised concerns about security protocols and the handling of protest activity within the building. He noted that while peaceful protest is a fundamental right, the line was crossed when individuals disrupt operations or threaten the safety of others.
“I will always support the right to protest, but when that right is abused to harass, intimidate or obstruct, it becomes a serious security issue,” Hawley added. “The Capitol must remain a place where public servants and visitors alike feel safe.”
In his letter, Hawley urged state officials to conduct a thorough review of both incidents and to implement stronger safeguards to prevent future occurrences. He specifically called on the New York State Police and Capitol security to reassess procedures and ensure accountability.
“New Yorkers expect their government to function in a safe and orderly manner,” Hawley said. “It is imperative that immediate steps are taken to ensure this never happens again.”
Hawley has received comment from the New York State Troopers but has not received a response from the governor at this time. He has reaffirmed his commitment to protecting both the integrity of the legislative process and the safety of all who work in and visit the Capitol.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 13 April 2026 at 8:36 pm
Elba nipped Barker 3-2 in a non league softball game this afternoon.
Madilyn Marks, Brooklyn Jachimowicz and Kaelin Ball each had 2 hits for Elba while Brea Smith scattered 7 hits and struck out 8 in the circle.
Madelina Pavlock and Elise Monaco both had 2 hits for Barker.
Batavia 13, Albion 3
Lux Froman had 2 hits and 2 RBIs, Aaliyah Jones 2 hits and Aubrielle Barry registered 7 strikeouts for Albion in the 13-3 non league loss to Batavia.
Pembroke 13, Holley 5
Taylor Bischoff had 3 hits, including a double and a home run, and Jayden Hootman registered 16 strikeouts in the circle for Pembroke in the `13-5 Genesee Region League win over Holley.
Charli Gearing had 2 hits and Madison Bonacci 8 strikeouts for Holley.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 13 April 2026 at 7:52 pm
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Roy-Hart’s Gavin Heideman had 3 hits and 3 RBIs to help the host Rams score a come-from-behind win over visiting Albion this afternoon.
A late inning rally earned Roy-Hart a narrow 5-4 come-from-behind win over visiting Albion this afternoon in the Niagara-Orleans League baseball opener for both teams.
Trailing 4-1, Roy-Hart rallied for four runs in the bottom of the sixth inning on a two-run single by Gavin Heideman and a two-run double by Isaac Smith to claim the narrow win.
Heideman, who had a total of three hits on the day, also drove in the Rams only other run with an RBI single in the fourth inning.
Albion built up a 4-0 lead by scoring once in both the first and second innings on wild pitches and twice in the fourth on RBI singles by Nate Gibson and Kaiden Froman.
Gibson had three hits on the afternoon.
Albion next hosts Roy-Hart on Wednesday at 4:45 p.m.
Albion catcher Kaiden Froman puts the tag on Roy-Hart’s RJ Townsend at home plate. The tag out completed a double play started by a catch and on target throw by centerfielder Alakai Colmenero.
Roy-Hart shortstop Sean Mettler makes a throw to first base for an out as Isaac Smith backs up the play.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 13 April 2026 at 7:30 pm
Undefeated (6-0) Kendall rolled to a five inning run rule 12-1 Genesee Region League baseball win over Attica today.
CJ D’Agostino earned the win on the mound allowing only 2 hits and striking out 7 over the five innings.
Jonny Conte banged out 4 hits and drove in 4 runs and Jacob Abrams had three hits to lead the Eagles at the plate.
The Eagles scored in each of the five innings ignited by a three run uprising in the first on a groundout, an error and an RBI single by Abrams.
Kendall added four runs in the second on RBI singles by Conte and Andrew D’Agostino, a sacrifice fly by Nic Cole and an error; two in the third on a single by Conte and a wild pitch; two in the fourth on a two-run single by Conte and one in the fifth on a home run by Vinnie D’Agostino.
Kendall next faces Livonia in a non league contest on Wednesday.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 13 April 2026 at 7:13 pm
One big scoring inning proved to be just enough to earn Barker a 6-5 win over visiting Wilson in the Niagara-Orleans League baseball opener for both teams this afternoon.
The Bulldogs scored all six runs in the fourth inning on a two-run single by Grayson Prynn, RBI singles by Dominic Cimato and JJ Prynn and a pair of errors.
Wilson did make the finish exciting by rallying for two runs in the top of the seventh on a triple by Colten Nashwinter before Barker got the final out.
JJ Prynn pitched the first six and two-thirds innings for the Bulldogs allowing 4 hits and striking out 12.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 13 April 2026 at 6:59 pm
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Preston Woodworth hurled a no hitter to lead defending champion Medina to a 10-0 win over Akron in the Niagara-Orleans League opener at Vets Park this afternoon.
Highlighted by a dominating pitching performance by junior Preston Woodworth Medina opened defense of its Niagara-Orleans League baseball title by blanking Akron 10-0 at Vets Park this afternoon.
Woodworth hurled a no hitter with 16 strikeouts over the six innings of the run rule contest.
Woodworth also had a big day at the plate banging out three doubles and driving in a pair of runs. Hadrain Batista also had three hits including a double and two RBIs and Jimmy Dieter had a pair of hits and an RBI.
Medina moved on top to stay by scoring three quick runs in the first inning on back-to-back RBI doubles by Aidan Papaj and Woodworth followed by an RBI single by Batista. A leadoff double by Vinny Gray ignited that uprising.
The Mustangs added two runs in the third on RBI singles by Batista and Kolton Fletcher and two more in the fourth on a groundout and an RBI double by Woodwoth.
Ryan Pegelow belted a solo home run in the fifth inning for the Mustangs which closed out the win with a pair of runs in the sixth on a sacrifice fly by Cam Fike and an RBI single by Dieter. The frame was also aided by doubles by Woodworth and Batista.
The Mustangs are next scheduled to host Akron at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at Vets Park in a game that was originally slated to be played at Akron on Wednesday.
Medina’s Ryan Pegelow celebrates hitting a home run as he rounds second base.
BASOM – In response to today’s rally in Batavia led by those in opposition to the Stream Data Center project, we would like to offer you the following statement:
We have consistently prioritized transparency and community engagement, proactively hosting multiple informational sessions to ensure that residents and concerned stakeholders have direct access to our team and the facts of this project. Our goal is to demonstrate how this project represents our approach in the industry, blending innovative technology with a minimal environmental footprint and significant economic benefits.
We recognize that many concerns are based on legacy technologies or alternative approaches to this type of facility. We strongly believe this project represents a best-use, compatible development located within Genesee County’s designated area for such projects. For instance, we understand that water usage is a significant concern for the community. By utilizing a closed-loop cooling system, this new facility will consume less water than a standard warehouse or a large grocery store, requiring only a fraction of the capacity used by traditional manufacturing or agricultural processing companies.
Stream is proud of this project’s modern design, which ensures the campus will remain a quiet, clean, and high-value neighbor. We invite you to review the accompanying fact sheet to see firsthand the care and responsible planning invested in this initiative—one that secures substantial economic benefits for the residents and taxpayers of both the Town of Alabama and Genesee County. We look forward to being an active, difference-making member of this community for decades to come.
Bradley Wells
Senior Project Development Manager
Stream Data Centers
Editor’s Note: Stream says the project will have an economic benefit of more than $1.9 billion, including $285 million in direct local payments, $7 million in annual revenue to the Oakfield-Alabama school district, 125 permanent jobs with average salaries topping $100,000, and approximately 1,200 construction jobs at peak. For more on the project, click here.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 April 2026 at 4:26 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
CARLTON – Firefighters work to stop a fire and vent smoke from a house at 1544 Oak Orchard Rd. in Carlton. Jerry Bentley, the deputy fire coordinator, is on the aldder breaking a window to let out smoke.
Firefighters were dispatched to the scene at about 2:45 p.m. The house is located on Route 98 near the intersection with Park Avenue.
There was heavy smoke coming from the house and flames on the back side of the structure when firefighters arrived on scene, said Chris Standish, the Carlton fire chief.
“Firefighters could hear the crackle and popping coming from inside,” he said.
Standish said the fire is under investigation.
Carlton was assisted at the scene by firefighters from Albion, Kendall, Murray, Clarendon and Medina as well as the Orleans County Emergency Management Office.
Tonia James lives at the house with four cats and three dogs. Six of those pets perished in the fire. She is thankful her dog Sadie survived.
Sadie gets oxygen from the Mercy Flight medics who responded. Sadie suffered smoke inhalation and rebounded. She was up and walking with James.
Jayden Allport, an EMT with Mercy Flight, checks on Sadie. The dog was carried out of the house by firefighters and Mercy Flight gave her oxygen at the scene.
Press Release, Orleans County Sheriff Chris Bourke
ALBION – The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office reports the arrest of multiple individuals following a series of investigations conducted in conjunction with the Department of Social Services into alleged public assistance fraud.
As a result of these investigations, several subjects were charged with offenses including Welfare Fraud, Petit Larceny, Grand Larceny, Criminal use of a public benefit card and Offering a False Instrument for Filing.
The following were charged: Hunter Green, David Savage, Kayla Twiss, Suzanne Adams, Felicia Gaddis, Tammie Sanchez, Brenda Dukes, Lisa Mcdaniels, Stephanie DeRosa and Ashley Chambers.
It is alleged that the individuals collectively received $17,236.41 in public assistance benefits to which they were not entitled.
All subjects were issued appearance tickets and are scheduled to appear in the Town of Albion Court at a later date.
The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office will continue to work closely with the Department of Social Services to investigate and prosecute fraud-related offenses.
