By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 24 January 2026 at 5:27 pm
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Albion’s Tyler Cody puts up a three point shot during the Purple Eagles home court loss to Spencerport this afternoon.
Moving on top to stay with a big second quarter scoring surge, Spencerport went on to defeat host Albion 59-40 in a non league boys basketball game this afternoon.
Albion jumped out to a 14-9 first quarter lead as Tyler Cody had three baskets and a three and Elijah Doxey a two and a three.
However, Spencerport answered with a big 21-8 second quarter surge rallying the Rangers into a 30-22 half-time advantage. Jah’Mere Pritchett scored 8 and Kamariel Labord 6 to lead that uprisng.
The Rangers maintained an 18 point, 47-29, advantage at the end of the third quarter.
Pritchett finished with a game high 18 and Labord 15.
Cody had 17 and Doxey 16 on the afternoon for the Purple Eagles.
Nate Gibson puts up a shot for Albion as Eric Schuyler defends for Spencerport.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 24 January 2026 at 5:22 pm
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Lyndonville’s Alexa Robinson scoops in a shot past Albion defenders Madison Muckle and Jocelyn Friedl during the Lady Tigers win over the visiting Purple Eagles this afternoon.
Regaining the .500 mark at 5-5, Lyndonville downed visiting Albion 42-25 in a non league girls basketball game this afternoon.
Isabella Groves scored a game high 15 points to lead Lyndonville as Alexa Robinson added 9, Braelynn Dillenbeck 7, Leah Costello 5, Leah Kenyon 4 and Hannah Fox 2.
Leah Pawlak tallied 14 to pace Albion as Aaliyah Jones and Melia Prince both had 3, Madison Muckle and Brianna Lewis 2 each and Joceyln Friedl 1.
The Lady Tigers led 11-6 after the first period, 21-11 at the half and 33-21 at the three-quarter mark. Robinson and Groves both scored a pair of baskets and Dillenbeck hit a three in the opening period to get Lyndonville rolling.
Notre Dame 66, Kendall 33
Note Dame topped Kendall 66-33 in a Genesee Region League game this afternoon.
Teagan Shaw scored 9, Izzy D’Agostino 8, Sophia Picardo 7, Mia Price 5 and Stella Kwiatek and Brynn Hardenbrook 2 each for Kendall.
Albion’s Brianna Lewis grabs a rebound from Lyndonville’s Leah Costello.
ALBION – The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office has issued a travel advisory for Orleans County, effective 10 a.m. Sunday, until further notice.
Winter Storm “Fern” is expected to impact Orleans County and Western New York from Sunday through Monday evening with 8 to 14 inches of snow possible.
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for our area. The N.W.S. predicts “very difficult travel and hazardous conditions during this storm event.”
Based on information from the N.W.S. and other sources, the sheriff recommends essential travel only during this storm. Heavy snow and frigid temperatures will make travel extremely difficult, and the safety of our citizens is our number one priority.
The Sheriff’s Office will be adding road patrol deputies along with extra dispatchers in the Sheriff’s 911 Center.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 24 January 2026 at 3:27 pm
Albion earned a split with host Akron in a Niagara-Orleans League make-up swim meet this morning.
Albion won the boys’ meet 73-63 as Justin Kania won both the 50 Free and 100 Free, Nathan Wehling the 100 Backstroke and Logan Kast the 100 Breaststroke.
Evan Iverson doubled in the 200 Free and 500 Free for Akron as Aron Gehl took the 100 Individual Medley and Logan Meyers the 100 Butterfly.
Albion finishes the regular season at 3-5 while Akron is 3-4 with one meet remaining.
Akron won the girls’ competition 89-59 as Aurora VanDusen won both the 500 Free and Breaststroke, Brooke Milhollen the 200 Free, Avery Haak the Butterfly and Morgan Tomporowski the Backstroke.
Keira Sidari was a double winner in the IM and 100 Free for Albion as Anna Grillo took the 50 Free.
Akron improves to 5-1-1 while Albion finishes at 0-8.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 24 January 2026 at 11:56 am
Medina and Roy-Hart/Barker split in a Niagara-Orleans League make-up swim meet this morning at Medina.
Medina won the boys’ meet 79-59 and Roy-Hart/Barker took the girls’ competition 80-71.
Bryson Ford was a double winner in the 50 Free and 100 Butterfly and Bradley Goyette took the 500 Free to lead the Medina boys.
Jackson Braun doubled in the 200 Free and 100 Breaststroke and Hendrick Trombley in the 200 Individual Medley and 100 Backstroke for Roy-Hart/Barker as Noah Corraine had a win in the 100 Free.
Medina is now 5-2 and Roy-Hart/Barker 0-7.
Samantha Fox doubled in the 50 Free and Backstroke and Mirabelle Strong in the IM and Butterfly for the Roy-Hart/Barker girls as Madelina Pavlock took the Breaststroke.
Madeline Mark doubled in the 200 Free and 100 Free and Savannah Thompson took the 500 Free for Medina.
Press Release, U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer
WASHINGTON, D.C. —U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) are calling on the Trump administration to immediately reverse its decision to withhold billions of dollars in federal child care and social services funding from five states, including more than $3.4 billion from New York.
The Trump administration has announced plans to withhold funding intended to support low-income children and families, targeting New York and other Democrat-led states. These subsidies help working parents across New York access affordable, high-quality child care.
In a letter to Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Senators Gillibrand and Schumer called on the administration to immediately reverse course and restore critical funding that New York families rely on.
“The Trump administration is pulling the rug out from under working families, threatening the affordable child care that parents in New York and across the country depend on,” said Senator Gillibrand. “This reckless move could force local child care centers to close their doors, leaving parents without the support they need to go to work and keep food on the table. Our children deserve better than to be used as political pawns. With everyday costs already skyrocketing for families, I will continue to fight relentlessly to secure this vital funding and stop these harmful political ploys that are putting our children and their futures in jeopardy.”
“Hundreds of thousands of New York households rely on the cash assistance and social services supported by CCDF, TANF, and SSBG, and any delay in funding will be catastrophic for families, children, workers, and communities across New York. Simply withholding funds will not fix fraud. Instead, it will destabilize an already fragile child care and social safety net system,” the senators wrote.
The senators demanded that the Trump administration detail any instances of the “extensive and systemic fraud” it cited, without evidence, to justify the funding freeze; identify which agency is conducting any such investigation and when it began; and provide a written justification for withholding federal child care and social services funding without first following established oversight procedures.
In New York alone, this funding freeze threatens more than 219,000 children who rely on child care services, as well as thousands of child care providers statewide, many of them small businesses that cannot withstand funding delays and may be forced to close.
Anyone who thinks that ICE is the reason for the unrest in Minnesota is out of their mind.
As ICE is there to arrest criminal illegal aliens and protect Minnesota residents and the rest of the U.S. They are attacked by “peaceful protestors.” They burn police cars, throw rocks at police officers performing their duties, call them names, tip off the criminals of their impending arrest and taunt them. These are the actions of criminals, not peaceful protestors.
If there are more people without criminal histories being arrested, that’s because they hang with criminals.
The billions in Minnesota fraud can be attributed to the illegal alien population from Somalia, a totally lawless country whose residents after “escaping” from that country, refuse to assimilate to our customs and want to make America into the same s-hole they came from.
Minnesota State Sen. Omar Fateh wants to open a no-go zone where no white people can go. Somalian immigrants are not an asset to our country. They have already cost us billions in fraud.
Ever since President Trump beat them like a drum in the election, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and the rest of the Democrats have lost their minds and are totally responsible for the violence and unrest. This is certainly insurrection and they should be removed from office and held in federal prison.
A few days ago, a lawless mob of “peaceful protestors” raided a church during Sunday services as one of the men told the congregation about their white privilege. The leader of this attack was a former member of BLM.
The state of Minnesota is waging war not just on ICE but on the entire country.
MEDINA – The Medina Police Department charged two people with felony drug possession and intent to sell on Friday.
Police officers conducted a traffic stop in the area of Pearl Street and Main Street at about 12:45 a.m.
Police officers determined that both the driver and passenger had suspended driver’s licenses. That required the vehicle to be towed due to the lack of a valid licensed operator.
While conducting an inventory search of the vehicle prior to towing, officers located suspected narcotics. Evidence was seized and both occupants were taken into custody.
Milton Hinckley IV, age 31, was charged with criminal possession of a narcotic drug with the intention to sell in the third degree, a Class B felony; criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, a Class B felony; aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, a misdemeanor; operating a vehicle without inspection, a violation; and obstructed plate, a violation.
Leah Gerety, 26, was charged with criminal possession of a narcotic drug with the intention to sell in the third degree, a Class B felony; and criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, a Class B felony.
Both were processed and released on appearance tickets. They are scheduled to appear in town court at a later date.
The investigation was conducted by officer Brown, Officer Wendling and Officer Clouser of the Medina Police Deputy with assistance from Deputy Stornelli of the Sheriff’s Office.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 23 January 2026 at 8:45 pm
Defending champion Wilson improved to 6-0 by downing rival Newfane 65-24 in a Niagara-Orleans League girls basketball game this evening at Newfane.
Bella Thrush scored 18, Kylie Elia 15 and Rowan Simpson 12 to lead the way for Wilson.
The loss drops Newfane to 1-6.
Akron 62, Albion 36
In the other N-O contest, Akron bested visiting Albion 62-36.
Akron, which is now 5-1 in N-O action, led 32-15 at the half.
Albion is now 4-3.
JFK 58, Roy-Hart 32
In a non league game, JFK defeated Roy-Hart 58-32.
Courtney Aquilina scored 8, Kylie McOmber 7 and Brooke Corser and Millie Owens 6 each for Roy-Hart.
Breaking away from a 19-19 half-time tie, JFK moved out to a 34-26 lead at the end of the third quarter.
Oakfield-Alabama 66, Holley 31
Building up a 33-19 half-time advantage, Oakfield-Alabama went on to down Holley 66-31 in a Genesee Region League game.
Brynn Thomas had 9 points, Kyla Burne had 6 points, Hanna Ostrom had 6 points and 6 rebounds, Ali VanAmeron had 4 points, Jayna Burris, Ella Turpyn, and Mia Thom 2 points each and Lexi Lujan 4 rebounds for Holley.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 23 January 2026 at 8:16 pm
Jumping out to a 19 point lead in the first five minutes, Akron went on to down Albion 79-43 in a Niagara-Orleans League boys basketball game this evening at Albion.
Ace Abrams hit three threes, Blake Gerstung two threes and Derren Brooks made three baskets to spark Akron out to the commanding 21-2 lead.
The Tigers went on to lead by margins of 23-5 at the end of the first quarter, 31-17 at the half and 51-28 late in the third period.
Brooks finished with 21, Blake Gerstung 19, Ben Gerstung 16 and Abrams 13.
Tyler Cody sored 13 and Nate Gibson 12 to lead Albion.
Akron improves to 5-2 in N-O action and Albion slips to 2-5.
Wilson 49, Newfane 27
Front-running Wilson maintained a two game lead atop the N-O standings at 7-0 by rolling past visiting rival Newfane 49-27.
Aidan Neumann scored 15, Brock Lepsch 13 and Ryan Hough 12 to lead the way for Wilson.
Camryn Stover led Newfane with 8.
Leading 10-7 at the end of the first period, Wilson pulled away by outpointing Newfane 18-4 in the second period.
Neumann scored 10, including a pair of threes, and Hough and Chase Martin also both hit threes during that key stretch as the Lakemen opened up a 28-11 half-time advantage.
Wilson maintained a 22 point, 43-21, advantage at the end of the third period.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 January 2026 at 7:59 pm
Union for firefighters says board inaction puts public safety at risk
Photo by Tom Rivers: The Medina ladder truck from 1996 is shown in March 2023 when the fire department had an open house showing the tight quarters at the fire hall, especially for the ladder truck which only had 2 inches of clearance in pulling in and out of the fire hall. This truck has been out of service since June due to mechanical problems. Medina has new fire truck but it doesn’t fit in the existing fire hall. The board has discussed a one-bay addition to the fire hall but hasn’t moved forward with that project.
MEDINA – The Village Board is moving Monday’s meeting site from the Shelby Town Hall to the Medina High School auditorium due to a large crowd expected.
The union representing Medina’s career firefighters has been urging the public to attend the meeting and share their concerns about public safety as some of the board members favor not putting a new ladder truck into service and selling it.
Trustees Deb Padoleski and Mark Prawel said during the Jan. 12 meeting they favor selling the truck.
They think the cost of the truck, plus for an addition to house it, is too much for village taxpayers.
Trustee Scott Bieliski also said he wants to hold off on putting the new truck into service to maximize its value in case it’s sold. He wants to reach out to a broker to see what another municipality would pay for the truck, and if a smaller used ladder truck is available that would fit in the existing fire hall.
The new ladder truck doesn’t fit in the current fire hall. The board has discussed a one-bay addition that is expected to be in the $1.1 to $1.4 million range. Bieliski said that price seems too high for only a one-bay addition.
Mayor Marguerite Sherman and Trustee Jess Marciano both said they support buying the new ladder truck for $1.7 million and moving forward with the addition (while pursuing grants to help offset the costs for the addition).
Medina Fire Chief Steve Cooley is expected to present the results of a report from 2020 looking at the ISO ratings for the community and how they would be impacted without a ladder truck – and the potential for higher insurance rates in the village.
“Important decisions affecting public safety in our community are being discussed,” the firefighters union stated on their Facebook page. “This is your opportunity to ask questions, share concerns, and make your voices heard. We will be there before and after the meeting to talk with you and answer your questions. Come get facts and data, not rumor and rhetoric.”
Photo by Aidin Bharti/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul: In Latham this morning Governor Kathy Hochul updates New Yorkers on extreme weather.
Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office
Governor Kathy Hochul today issued a State of Emergency ahead of extreme cold and a massive winter storm set to impact areas statewide this weekend.
Extreme cold moves in Friday night, with statewide feels-like temperatures in the negatives Friday and Saturday night. Sunday morning, a large winter storm will begin to impact the state and continue until Monday, with New York City, Long Island, the Hudson Valley, the Capital Region, Southern Tier, Mohawk Valley, lower North Country and parts of Central New York seeing the potential for 12 to 18 inches of snow. Western New York and the upper North Country will see snowfall totals of six to 12 inches.
Editor’s note: The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for Orleans County from 7 a.m. Sunday until 7 p.m. Monday with 10 to 15 inches of snow expected.
“Winter in New York is nothing we can’t handle, but it is important to take the risks that come with extreme cold seriously,” Governor Hochul said. “New Yorkers should avoid travel during the snow, especially with the danger that comes with being stranded in these cold temperatures. If you must travel, be sure to leave yourself extra travel time and pack your car with supplies like blankets, water, and snacks. Safety is always the top priority, so make sure you are ready to face this storm.”
In addition to preparing for snow and wind, New Yorkers should also prepare to protect against the dangers that can result from colder weather and winter activities. Under state regulation, a Code Blue is automatically in effect whenever the temperature and wind chill equal less than 32 degrees.
Local social services districts are legally required to take necessary steps to ensure those experiencing homelessness have access to shelter and that shelter hours are extended. New Yorkers also should check out these cold weather tips from the Department of Health; additional tips for preventing frostbite and hypothermia; information on Carbon Monoxide poisoning; information on the proper use of generators; and safe winter driving tips.
Department of Transportation
The State Department of Transportation is monitoring weather conditions and prepared to respond with 3,692 supervisors and operators. Regional crews are currently engaged in snow and ice response and preparation activities. All residency locations will remain staffed for 24/7 operations throughout the duration of the event and priority cleanup operations.
All available snow and ice equipment is ready to deploy. Fleet mechanics in affected areas will be staffing all main residency locations 24/7 to perform repairs and keep trucks on the road. Statewide equipment numbers are as follows:
1,624 large plow trucks
148 medium duty plows
52 tow plows
337 large loaders
37 snow blowers
Thruway Authority
The Thruway Authority is ready to respond with 685 operators and supervisors available. Statewide equipment numbers and resources are listed below:
345 large and medium duty plow trucks
10 tow plows
65 loaders
114,000+ tons of salt on hand
Drivers are reminded that Thruway snowplows travel at about 35 miles per hour — which in many cases is slower than the posted speed limit — in order to ensure that salt being dispersed stays in the driving lanes and does not scatter off the roadways. The safest place for motorists is well behind the snowplows where the roadway is clear and treated.
Press Release, NYS Correctional Officers & Police Benevolent Association
ALBANY – Newly released data from the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) shows continued reductions in inmate violence and staff use-of-force incidents statewide, reinforcing what NYSCOPBA has long warned: unsafe policies drive violence, and commonsense corrections practices reduce it.
According to DOCCS’ January 22, 2026 update, incidents of inmate-on-staff assaults, inmate-on-inmate assaults, and overall use-of-force declined during 2025. A significant factor in those reductions was the suspension of HALT-mandated programming in many facilities for part of the year due to chronic understaffing, which limited inmate movement and reduced opportunities for violent encounters.
NYSCOPBA has consistently maintained that overcrowded programming, uncontrolled inmate interaction, and the lack of meaningful discipline under HALT created a volatile and dangerous environment inside state prisons. The suspension of HALT programming, combined with other negotiated policy changes, such as the implementation of legal mail scanning, directly contributed to the decrease in assaults reflected in the DOCCS data.
“For years, our members have been forced to work in unsafe conditions created by misguided policies that ignored staffing realities and common sense,” said NYSCOPBA President Chris Summers. “The DOCCS data released today confirms what we have said all along — when HALT programming was suspended and inmate movement was reduced, assaults went down. When contraband was addressed by implementing the aforementioned programs, the numbers went down. These results were entirely predictable.”
NYSCOPBA cautioned that while the reductions are encouraging, they are fragile and reversible if failed policies are reinstated without regard for staffing and safety.
“This should be a wake-up call to the lawmakers who pushed HALT through despite repeated warnings from correctional professionals,” Summers added. “If the goal is safer facilities for staff and inmates alike, then policies must be based on reality, not ideology. We remain committed to working with DOCCS on solutions that actually work and finally put safety first. A starting point would be to take the recommendations of the HALT Committee that was jointly formed between NYSCOPBA, DOCCS and other state Labor Unions.”
