By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 29 August 2026 at 11:37 am
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Tuning up for the season, the fledgling Albion/Medina OC Rivals varsity football team hosted Batavia, Clarence and Kenmore East in a four-way scrimmage this morning at Vets Park. Here Elijah Doxey picks up good yardage for the OC Rivals against Ken East.
Noah Harrison moves in to make a tackle on Clarence ball carrier for the OC Rivals. The OC Rivals are scheduled to open the season at Akron on Thursday evening. However, the site of the game, which was to be on Akron’s new turf field, is still undetermined as the new turf complex is not ready as the track has not been completed.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 29 August 2026 at 10:59 am
The Cobblestone Society and Museum and Oak Orchard Lighthouse Museum are joining forces in a first-time event involving the community.
On Sept. 19, the two museums are sponsoring a Museum Odyssey Scavenger Hunt from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The idea for this collaboration was one of Chris Manaseri’s. He is president of the Oak Orchard Lighthouse Museum board.
“He approached Doug (Farley) and me to propose we try to co-host an event to coincide with International Museum Day on May 18 or Smithsonian Day on Sept. 17,” said Sue Bonafini, vice president of the Cobblestone Museum Society and Museum. “Neither date fell on a Saturday, the best day of the week for both of our museums to attract visitors of all ages. “
They chose Sept. 19 for their joint venture, and keeping with the practice of other events, there will be no admission fee at either museum that day. However, donations of any amount will be gladly received.
Manaseri suggested the event include the name “Odyssey,” because of all the hype associated with the movie released this summer, and because of the definition of the word itself, Bonafini said.
Participants in the Scavenger Hunt tours will need to travel to the two museums to pick up their paperwork of scavenger hunt questions. They may begin at either location, and participation is by donation only.
After picking up their paperwork, participants will embark on a journey to learn the answers to questions, which must be correct to be eligible for a prize drawing at the end of the event. Four winners will receive prizes – two winners drawn from each museum. All participants will receive a free gift at the Cobblestone Museum, simply by choosing to take part in the special Scavenger Hunt Tour event.
Winners will be contacted by phone if they are not present when the drawings take place, Bonafini said.
All visitors who tour the Cobblestone Museum will receive a free coloring book with illustrations suitable for children or adults. Standard campus tours will be offered at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. as usual. Special tours of the National Historic Landmark cobblestone building will be offered each hour throughout the day.
A docent will be on duty at the Lighthouse Museum for tours throughout the event.
Anyone wishing more information may call (585) 589-9013 or visit the Cobblestone’s event page at CobblestoneMuseum.org.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 29 August 2026 at 8:51 am
Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Senior captains Jesus Reyes, Brody Hazel and Michael Alexander will lead the newly merged Lyndonville/Barker soccer squad.
For the past several years Lyndonville and Barker have merged for a girls varsity soccer team which competes in the Niagara-Orleans League.
Now this fall, Lyndonville and Barker will also be combining for a boys varsity soccer team which will compete in the Genesee Region League.
Anchoring the squad will be Lyndonville’s veteran group of seniors Jesus Reyes, Brody Hazel, Michael Alexander and Ethan Franks along with juniors Jacob Franks, Chanse Amsdill, Logan Fonda, Amir Zimmerman, Gavyn Draper; sophomores Maddox Smith, Barrett Alexander and Iziah Rodriguez.
The Tigers graduation losses included Colton Smith, Raul Morales, Greyson Romano and Austin Fonda.
Coach Casey Winiecki’s squad went 6-6 in G-R action last fall and 10-8 overall.
The fledgling Lyndonville/Barker squad will open with a non league game at Park on September 3 and then begin G-R competition at home on September 9 against defending champion Kendall.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 29 August 2026 at 8:47 am
Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Albion’s veteran groiup includes, in front, Aaliyah Jones. In the first row Madison Frasier, Yaritza Fernandez Perez, Lena Grillo and Alayna Flugel. In back are Isabella Truelson, Jane Nesbitt, Lux Froman, Ava Woolston, Brittany Lewis and Dulce Sanchez. Missing is Shayla Higgins.
Albion will open the girls soccer season by hosting a tournament on September 3 and 5.
The opening round on Thursday will have Attica vs. Oakfield-Alabama and Albion vs. Barker/Lyndonville. The Albion vs. Barker/Lyndonville contest, which will be at 6:45 p.m., will also count as an Niagara-Orleans League game.
Albion returns a good nucleus including seniors Ava Woolston, Shayla Higgins, Brittany Lewis, Yaritza Fernandez Perez, Dulce Sanchez and Isabella Truelson along with junior Alayna Flugel; sophomores Aaliyah Jones, Lena Grillo, Lux Froman, Jane Nesbitt and freshman Madison Frasier. Lewis was a second team N-O All-League honoree last fall and Wooston earned Honorable Mention.
“We have most of our team back and they are working hard so we should be improved,” said Coach Maggie Orbaker.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 29 August 2026 at 8:22 am
Provided photos: Melissa Snider is shown with her sister Amanda Snider, on right side of the photos. There will be a benefit today for Amanda from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Clarendon Rec Hall.
CLARENDON – There will be a benefit today at the Clarendon Rec Hall for a young woman battling stage 4 carcinoma sarcoma.
Amanda Snider, 38, of Holley also has Dandy Walker Syndrome which causes some mental disabilities.
Her sister Melissa and their family and friends will have the benefit from 2 to 6 p.m. at 16169 East Lee Rd.
Melissa said she loves her sister very much and the benefit will help pay for Amanda’s medical care and other bills.
Amanda has had surgery to remove a nodule from her lung. Doctors are considering the next steps in her treatment.
“She is recovering very well,” her sister said.
Tickets for the spaghetti dinner are $17 at the door and include meatballs by the Bella Pasta Restaurant in Rochester and sauce by Fazool’s Italian Bistro in Rochester. Dinners will be served from 3 to 5 p.m.
There will also be a basket raffle, 50/50, music and other door prizes.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 28 August 2026 at 7:21 pm
Darrel Gray played for Albion and coached Adirondack modified football team
Darrel Gray, the modified football coach at Adirondack Central School District, is shown with his daughter Nora. They were both killed in a car accident on Thursday in Oneida County.
A 1992 Albion High School graduate and his daughter were killed in Oneida County on Thursday.
Darrel Gray and his daughter were in a head-on collision at about 7 a.m. with a fully loaded tractor trailer.
The two were on their way to swim practice. They are from West Leyden in Lewis County. The accident occurred in the town of Ava.
Gray was driving an SUV and crossed into the opposite lane, colliding with the tractor-trailer, the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office reported.
He and his daughter were both pronounced dead at the scene.
The two have both been very active members of the Adirondack school district, where Gray was the modified football coach and Nora was on the swim team.
Gray stayed connected with many of his Albion classmates and former teammates.
He is survived by his wife Marion and their son Mitchell.
Geno Allport, a local football coach, graduated with Gray in 1992 and played with him on the football team. They would see each other each spring at high school coaching conferences.
Gray was a long-time Seattle Seahawks fan and reveled in their recent Super Bowl victory. But Gray brought his family to Orchard park to see the Bills last Nov. 2. Buffalo won, 28-21, against their nemesis, the Kansas City Chiefs.
Gray was a long-time coach at the Adirondack school.
“He was coaching football for the right reasons,” Allport said. “He loved the kids. He was teaching them life. It wasn’t about the wins and losses.”
Allport said the death of Gray and his daughter is devastating for his friends in Albion, and especially for the Adirondack school community.
“He’s always been a great guy with a great family,” Allport said. “It’s just horrible news.”
Geno Allport, in back, reconnected during a Nov. 2 Buffalo Bills game with Darrel Gray, his wife Marion and their children, Mitchell and Nora.
Photos courtesy of Geno Allport: Darrel Gray, no. 48, warms up with the Albion football team during the Sectional final in 1991 when the team was edged 27-26 by Williamsville South at the former Rich Stadium. Gray was a receiver on the team. Geno Allport bought Gray’s old jersey from the school and sent it to Gray who was thrilled to put it on again.
Gray’s wife asks Albion community to share memories of her husband, daughter
In the wake of the heartbreaking loss of her husband, Darrel, and daughter, Nora, Marion Gray is asking the Albion community and anyone whose life was touched by them to share those memories.
Mrs. Gray has created an email for herself and their son Mitchell: CoachandNora@gmail.com.
“With everything being so overwhelming, and the way social media feeds can make messages difficult to find later, Marion is asking anyone who knew Darrel or Nora to please send stories, memories, funny moments, or anything special you remember about them,” said family friend Geno Allport of Albion.
“Her hope is to print these messages and create a book for herself and Mitchell, something they can turn to on the dark days to read about Mitchell’s dad and sister, remember the lives they touched, and hopefully find moments to smile, laugh, or cry together.”
Marion may not be able to respond to the emails, but she asks that you please include who you are and how you knew Darrel or Nora, Allport said.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 28 August 2026 at 5:18 pm
For the second day in a row bogey problems proved costly as Medina’s Melanie Green has missed the cut at the LPGA Tour’s FM Championship Tournament being played near Boston.
Green, who opened with a 5 over par 77 on Thursday, had a similar 4 over par round of 76 today to finish at 9 over missing the cut which was at even par.
On the day, Green had three bogeys, two double bogeys and 3 birdies.
Contributed Story Posted 28 August 2026 at 4:48 pm
Contributed Photo – Aidan Papaj
Fresh from helping lead Medina High to the state baseball tournament finals in mid June, shortstop/pitcher Aidan Papaj kept sharping his diamond skills over the summer by competing in half a dozen major baseball tournaments in Florida, Alabama and Long Island.
Papaj, who will be starting his senior year at Medina High next month, tuned up for the busy summer on the road by playing locally with the East Coast Pipeline 17U Showcase in the Hilbert College Showcase Tournament. The team won the tournament going 4-0 on the weekend. Papaj played shortstop, pitched and hit 2 home runs in 3 games one of which was a grand slam.
All four weekends in July Papaj played in tournaments down south with the national team of USG/Elev Rawlings out of Texas. He was teammates with players from California, Texas, Florida, Puerto Rico and NY to name a few, including the PBR NY Top 2027 Players, Derek and Ryan Yormack, who are already committed to Vanderbilt.
The team got off to a fast start going 4-0 to win the 17U PG Freedom Classic at Fort Myers, Florida.
Next came the PG 17U National Elite Championship at Hoover, Alabama where the team went 2-1 in pool play, won 1st round of playoffs but lost in round of 16 game.
Returning to Fort Myers, the team competed in the PG 17U BCS National Championship which was an invitational tournament. The team went 4-0 in pool play, won 1st 2 rounds of playoffs only to lose in the quarterfinals 6-1 and finished in top 8 of 62 teams.
Next at Jupiter, FL. the team competed in the PG WWBA Florida Invitational. The team went 2-0 in pool play but lost in quarterfinals to the Puerto Rico Scout Team which went on to win the event but again finished in top 8 of 26 teams.
USG Elev8 Rawlings was 15-4 on the summer national circuit. Papaj played 2nd base, shortstop and third base throughout the month of July. His batting average was .258.
Then in mid August Papaj headed out to Long Island for a regional event. He played for USG NY 18U Showcase Team, in the LaSorda Legacy Park All-American Invitational. The team went 4-0 to win the championship as he played shortstop and pitched.
Overall, Papaj played on 3 different teams this summer: 1 local, 1 regional and 1 national. All three of those teams won a tournament that Aidan participated in. His overall team record for the summer was 22-4. He played middle infield at all levels as well.
Provided photos: Medina Mayor Debbie Padoleski and Logan Callara, owner of Logan’s Landscaping, try out two of the new benches at Butts Park that were donated by Logan’s Landscaping.
Press Release
MEDINA – Logan’s Landscaping has donated four new custom benches at the basketball courts at Butts Park.
The custom-made concrete give players, parents and visitors a new place to sit while enjoying the courts.
The benches feature a wood-grain finish and custom Logan’s Landscaping plaques. They were made to provide strong, long-lasting seating that can handle regular use and Western New York weather.
“Medina has supported my business from the beginning, so I wanted to give something back that people in the community could actually use,” said Logan Callara, owner of Logan’s Landscaping. “We’re really happy with how the benches turned out and proud to have them at the park.”
Logan’s Landscaping is a locally owned landscaping and property-maintenance company serving Medina and the surrounding communities.
Logan Callara assembles one of the new benches. He donated four at Butts Park.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 28 August 2026 at 9:56 am
Photo by Tom Rivers: Ken DeRoller speaks on April 15, 2025 during the Orleans County Bicentennial celebration in the County Courthouse. DeRoller was a member of the county’s Bicentennial Committee.
ALBION – The Orleans County Legislature this week recognized for County Legislator Ken DeRoller with a “Special Recognition Award” for his 12 ½ years of service on the GLOW Workforce Development Board.
DeRoller was on the board during his eight years as county legislator. He retired from that position on Dec. 31, 2021. He then continued to represent the county on the GLOW board for another 4 ½ years.
“You were instrumental in keeping Orleans County present and involved in all aspects of the GLOW region activities,” county legislators stated in the award presented on Tuesday. “You were vocal and passionate about the regional Work Force Development efforts, along with foresight into the future needs of our County. Even as a retired legislator, you understand the need to present ‘in the room.’”
DeRoller, a Kendall resident, helped the GLOW Workforce Development Board to establish a non-profit organization to seek out grants. That gives the organization another funding opportunity at a time when federal funds are dwindling for traditional workforce development programs.
Kelly Kiebala, the county’s job development director since 2015, saw DeRoller’s advocacy up close on the GLOW board. DeRoller pushed the board to stay as a collaborative four-county effort, Kiebala said.
She recalled his mantra: “There would not be a GLOW without Orleans as the ‘O’ in GLOW.”
“Right for the start it was clear to me how committed he was – and is – to Orleans and the folks who live and work in our communities,” Kiebala said.
File photo by Tom Rivers: Tom Bindeman, the director of the Nioga Library System for 21 years, is shown speaking at an Orleans County Legislature meeting in October 2021. Bindeman urged legislators to keep some funding in the county budget for libraries, which he said helped many residents during the Covid pandemic with internet access, including people using the WiFi in parking lots after hours.
LOCKPORT – Nioga Library System is pleased to announce the appointment of Frank Sykes as executive director, effective August 10. His appointment comes after the retirement of Tom Bindeman, who served as executive director for over 21 years.
Frank Sykes joins the Nioga Library System with over 18 years of public library experience, most recently serving as executive director of the Geneva Public Library. He holds a Master of Library Science Degree from University at Buffalo and Bachelor of Science in History from SUNY Brockport.
Sykes was awarded 2024 Youth Advocate of the Year by Geneva 2030 for his commitment to fostering community and advocacy work with families in the Finger Lakes area. As a leader, Sykes is passionate about collaboration and strengthening the roles libraries play in our communities.
“Public libraries are cherished places where people come together, learn something interesting, meet a new friend, and feel a sense of belonging,” Sykes said. “That is what makes this opportunity with the Nioga Library System so meaningful to me. I am honored to begin this new chapter alongside the dedicated people who make each Nioga member library such a vital part of Western New York.”
The Nioga Library System is a non-profit cooperative library system that serves the public libraries in Niagara, Orleans and Genesee counties. Chartered in 1959, Nioga seeks to extend and improve library services by assisting local libraries in meeting the information needs of their communities through leadership, education, inspiration, and enhanced resource sharing.
“I’m looking forward to hearing their stories, championing their hard work, and building meaningful connections across our region,” Sykes said. “Together, I believe we can strengthen our libraries and ensure they continue to be places where everyone has the opportunity to learn, connect, and thrive.”
Gretchen Schweigert also joined Nioga as the new Member Library Consultant on July 29 after the retirement of Lisa Erickson. Schweigert worked as a reference librarian at the Niagara Falls Public Library shortly after she graduated from UB with her Master of Library & Information Science.
Schweigert then went on to be the director of the Royalton Hartland Community Library in Middleport for 7 years before being hired as Director at the Newfane Public Library in 2024. That same year she was appointed to the Board of the Western New York Library Resources Council and currently serves as Board Secretary. Schweigert is also active in her community, most notably volunteering with the Niagara Celtic Heritage Festival since its inception.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 28 August 2026 at 8:55 am
Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Holley’s large veteran group includes, in front, Aidan Kelley, Jasmar Hernandez, Dylan Warner and Cameron Kelley. In back are Cooper Wolf, Chase Kempa, Gage Yockel, Isaac Bartlett, Tarek Garrett and Breyden Crawford. Missing is Hawkins Daly.
Anchored by a large contingent of nearly a dozen veterans, the Holley boys varsity soccer team will tune-up for the Genesee Region League season by hosting Albion in a non league opener at 7 p.m. Tuesday September 1.
The Hawks veteran group includes seniors Chase Kempa, Cooper Wolf, Breyden Crawford, Aidan Kelley, Jasmar Hernandez, Hawkins Daly and Gage Yockel along with juniors Dylan Warner, Tarek Garrett, Isaac Bartlett and sophomore Cameron Kelley.
Kempa earned G-R All-Star honors last fall while Wolf, Aidan Kelley and Warner were all Honorable Mention selections. Kempa had 5 goals and 8 assists and Wolf 6 goals and 3 assists while Warner made 61 saves and had a 0.67 goals against average in goal.
“We’ve got a good returning group,” said Coach Zach Ritz. “It is a pretty balanced team.”
The Hawks graduation losses included G-R All-Stars Cam Mosier and Hunter Pacha and Honorable Mention selection Blake Coleman.
Holley, which went 7-5 in the league and 10-8 overall last fall, will open the G-R campaign at home against Pembroke on September 9.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 28 August 2026 at 8:48 am
Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Anchoring the lineup for the fledgling Albion/Medina varsity football team will be this group of OC Rivals seniors. In front are Jayzon Wills, Hadrian Batista, TJ Champney and Jaxon Lynch. In back are Elijah Doxey, Preston Woodworth, Jayden Travis, Matthew Jacobs, Noah Harrison, Jackson Snook and Logan Kast. The OC Rivals will tune-up for the season opener by hosting Batavia, Clarence and Kenmore East in a scrimmage on Saturday morning at Vets Park. The OC Rivals will then open the season at Akron next Thursday, September 3, at 7 p.m.
Provided photos: Marlene Seielstad, a candidate for Orleans County Legislature against Don Allport, speaks during the Democratic Party picnic on Aug. 16 at the Orleans County Marine Park. Seielstad is shown here being greeted by Jeanne Crane, former Democratic Party chairwoman in Orleans County.
Press Release, Orleans County Democratic Committee
CARLTON – The Orleans County Democratic Committee welcomed a big turnout for its annual picnic on Sunday, August 16, at the Cobblestone Pavilion at Orleans County Marine Park.
With 85 tickets sold, the event brought together Democrats from across Orleans County for an afternoon of good food, conversation, and an opportunity to meet candidates seeking local, state and judicial offices.
The pavilion was filled with animated conversations as candidates circulated among the tables, talked individually with residents, answered questions, and later addressed the group.
About 85 people attended the picnic at the cobblestone pavilion at the Marine Park.
Among the candidates attending was Marlene Seielstad, candidate for Orleans County Legislator at Large. Because the position is countywide, every Orleans County voter will have the opportunity to vote in the race.
Seielstad spoke about her concerns regarding equitable distribution of sales tax revenue and the county’s management and disposition of real estate. She said she is seeking a seat at the table to bring residents’ concerns to the Legislature, ask difficult questions, and challenge the idea that something should continue simply because “it’s always been done this way.”
Fred Miller has been the lone Democrat on the seven-member County Legislature. He previously owned the Family Hardware store in downtown Albion.
Fred Miller, incumbent Orleans County District 3 Legislator representing Albion, Gaines and a portion of Murray, also attended. Miller, who is running unopposed, thanked those gathered for their continued support. He discussed county issues, including the relocation of the County Historian and related maintenance concerns, as well as questions surrounding the need for Flock camera technology.
Sarah Wolcott, candidate for the New York State Assembly’s 139th District, spoke about her working-class roots and her commitment to improving access to healthcare, food, and housing. Wolcott also discussed her involvement in opposition to the proposed data center in Genesee County and concerns about its potential effects on regional resources, including water resources affecting Orleans County.
(Left) Sarah Wolcott, a candidate for the State Assembly against Steve Hawley, is shown with a poster from 1984 for the Democratic ticket of Walter Mondale as president and Geraldine Ferraro as his vice-presidential running mate. Ferraro was the first woman nominated for vice president by a major U.S. political party. (Right) Anne Joynt, a Medina graduate, is running for State Supreme Court.
Three candidates for New York State Supreme Court in the 8th Judicial District attended the picnic: Anne Joynt, Michael Amodeo and Craig Bucki.
Joynt, a partner at Lipsitz, Ponterio & Comerford, highlighted her deep Orleans County roots. A Medina native and graduate of Medina High School, she spoke about her familiarity with the community and likewise emphasized the importance of being accessible to residents.
Michael Amodeo is seeking to be a State Supreme Court justice. He has been endorsed by both the Democratic and Republican parties.
Amodeo, principal law clerk in the New York State Appellate Division, was unable to remain for the formal candidate remarks but spent time meeting attendees and answering questions. In response to questions at his table, he discussed how the New York Supreme Court handles cases and the role of law clerks within the court system. Amodeo received both Democratic and Republican endorsements at their respective 8th Judicial District conventions and is a longtime member of the Hamburg Democratic Committee.
Craig Bucki is a candidate for State Supreme Court justice.
Bucki, a partner at Phillips Lytle, spoke about his legal career in Western New York and his familiarity with Orleans County, including work that has brought him into the county when legal representation was needed. He emphasized his intention to remain accessible to the people he would serve.
The Orleans County Democratic Committee is also supporting Democratic candidates who were unable to attend the picnic, including Alissa Ellman, candidate for New York’s 24th Congressional District; Tom Arida, candidate for New York State Senate District 62; Kathy Hochul and Adrienne Adams, candidates for Governor and Lieutenant Governor; and incumbent Thomas DiNapoli for New York State Comptroller.
Throughout the afternoon, candidates and community members had opportunities for informal, one-on-one conversations before and after the candidates addressed the larger gathering.
The record attendance reflected growing interest in local Democratic activities and gave Orleans County residents an opportunity to talk directly with candidates about issues affecting their communities.
About the Orleans County Democratic Committee
The Orleans County Democratic Committee works to engage voters, support Democratic candidates, encourage civic participation, and provide opportunities for residents to become involved in the political process throughout Orleans County.
