Rams Wall of Fame set to induct Coach Carl Husung and the 2004 state semi soccer team
File Photos – Former long time Roy-Hart Coach Carl Husung, who is shown here with his 2000 Niagara-Orleans League championship team, will be inducted into the Rams Wall of Fame on October 16. In front are Eric Beyler, Aaron Boyle, Aaron Hall, Derek Boyle and John Salmeri. In the middle row are Jeremy Silsby, Steve Bochniarz, Brandon Wittcop, Joel Belliveau and Marc Morse. In back are Coach Husung, Matt Bishara, Cole Bronson, Isaac Bath and Billy Loeffler. Missing from the photo are Chris Barr and Billy Richards.
Former longtime boys varsity soccer Coach Carl Husung and the 2004 Section VI and Far West Regional champion boys soccer team will be inducted into the Roy-Hart Rams Wall of Fame in ceremonies on October 16 at 6 p.m. at Bruno Pacini Field prior to the Rams game against Pembroke.
Husung guided the Rams for 20 seasons from 1984 to 2003. His 2000 team earned the Rams first Niagara-Orleans League soccer title. After stepping own as varsity coach, Husung continued to work with the Rams soccer program as the JV coach for many years.
The 2004 team became Roy-Hart’s first state semifinal team by defeatng Holland 5-3 on penalty kicks for the Section VI Class B title and then blanking Bishop Kearney 2-0 in the Far West Regional. Coach Jeremiah Hicks’ Rams then dropped a narrow 1-0 decision to Westhill (Section III) in the state semifinals at Oneonta.
Roy-Hart’s 2004 Section VI and Far West Regional championship team coached by Jeremiah Hicks, shown here celebrating their Regional victory, will be inducted into the Rams Wall of Fame on October 16. The Rams team included Phil Stern, John Grabowski, Brett Tinder, Evan Silsby, Jon Willcox, Dale Budziszewski, Justin Phipps, Kyle Zunner, Brandon Guild, Steve Szklany, Nathan Hall, Arlee Logan, Jim Salmeri, Mark Hutchison, Derek Wagner, Matt Barr, Kevin Morse and Jason Phipps.
Rookie, Player of the Year trophies reflect Green’s very successful Epson debut season
Epson contributed photo – Melanie Green
Well reflecting her very successful debut season on the Epson Tour, Medina’s Melanie Green here holds the Rookie of the Year and Player of the Year trophies she has won by being the tour’s season long points leader.
“I’m just super blessed. It has been awesome. It has been one of ups,” said Green of the season in an Epson interview following the conclusion of this past week’s season ending Epson championship tournament in which she finished tied for seventh.
And most significantly for the future, her season long consistency and her points total has also earned Green a coveted LPGA Tour Card for 2026.
“God has given me such a gift and I’m looking forward to the journey,” she added.
Highlighting Green’s Epson Tour season were a pair of tournament victories, at the Island Resort championship in Michigan and the Guardian championship in Alabama.
In all she had 10 top 10 finishes in 19 starts.
It has been a steady climb of success up the ladder to earning a spot on the LPGA Tour as Green was a two-time state champion during her scholastic days at Medina High and a multi year All American honoree during her record setting collegiate career at the University of South Florida.
Late-night fire levels Lyndonville home on Murdock Road
Photos by Tom Rivers
YATES – A fire last night destroyed a home owned by Jim Dix at 1401 Murdock Rd.
Firefighters were dispatched to the scene at 1:22 a.m. When they arrived, the house was fully involved with fire.
No one was injured in the blaze. Lyndonville firefighters were assisted at the scene by Ridgeway, Shelby and Medina.
Mike Heideman, the Lyndonville fire chief, said the scene was cleared at 3:54 a.m.
Fire investigators were also called to the scene last night.
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Farmers out early this morning for harvest, trying to beat the rain
Photo courtesy of Jim Panek
ALBION – This combine from Panek Farms is out at sunrise to harvest soybeans on Route 98 between Route 31A and Barre Center.
The farm is trying to beat the rain this morning.
It’s been a tough year for the farmers due to the drought conditions in Orleans County. Jim Panek said the farm’s soybean yields are down to about 60 percent of normal.
Wild sky at sunset and then with Harvest Moon
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – It was a dramatic sky tonight with a Harvest Moon. The top photo was taken at 8:27 of the Dunkin’ Donuts in Albion.
The moon is shown at 8:47 p.m. high above the Pullman Memorial Universalist Church in Albion.
Bryan McDowell of Lyndonville sent in this photo he took up close of the moon.
It was also an amazing sunset this evening. Tim Archer sent in this photo looking west towards the sun.
Photos by Tom Rivers: This photo at 6:55 p.m. shows St. Joseph’s Catholic Church at left, then the First Baptist Church of Albion, and Christ Church (Episcopal) at right.
Social media has featured many photos of the this evening’s sunset. This one shows St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and the First Baptist Church of Albion.
After a couple of days in the 80s, the highs will be a little cooler the rest of the week with 72 on Tuesday, 60 on Wednesday, 57 on Thursday, 65 on Friday and 67 on Saturday.
Lyndonville downs Kendall in G-R volleyball
Lyndonville outlasted host Kendall in five sets 25-23, 24-26, 25-19, 23-25, 17-15 this evening in a Genesee Region League volleyball match.
Leah Kenyon had 3 kills, 1 ace and 1 block, Hannah Fox 2 kills, Bella Bresett 3 kills and 3 blocks, Sarah Corser 2 aces, Destinee Holmes 3 aces, Elena Barry 1 ace and 1 kill, Ainsley Vann 2 kills and 1 block and Emily Dill 4 kills, 3 aces and 3 blocks for Lyndonville.
For Kendall, Emma Minster had 5 aces and 2 kills, Rylan Clark 7 kills and 5 aces and Maya Tarter 5 aces and 3 kills.
Eagles top Bees to lock up G-R soccer title
Kendall put a lock on a second straight Genesee Region League boys soccer championship by downing Byron-Bergen 3-0 this evening at Kendall.
Brandon Barrett scored two goals in the second half and Vinnie D’Agostino one in the first half for Kendall as Pablo Rosario-Reyes earned the assist on all three goals.
The Eagles are now 11-0 in the league and 14-0 overall while the Bees are 7-2 and 9-4.
Albion downs Medina in N-O girls soccer
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Albion’s Kailee Anstey drives the ball ahead against Medina defenders Tessa Costich (11) and Sophia Greco (8) during the Purple Eagles home field win this evening.
Getting goal production from six players, Albion rolled to a 9-0 win over visiting rival Medina in a Niagara-Orleans League girls soccer game this evening.
Shayla Higgins, Madi Frasier and Mia Standish each scored two goals for the Purple Eagles as Julia Button, Kailee Anstey and Aubrey Gannon each netted one. Frasier also had two assists.
Ava Woolston earned the shutout in goal.
Albion is now 1-5-3 and Medina 0-8 in N-O action.
Albion’s Madi Frasier battles with Medina’s Lillian Maynard for control of the ball.
Mustangs set record in non league win
It was a record setting evening for Medina as the Mustangs downed Buffalo Seminary 4-0 in a non league field hockey game at Vets Park.
Penelope Schalck scored three goals to spark Medina and become the Mustangs career goal scoring leader with 81.
Emi Batista netted the other goal for the Mustangs which improve to 7-4 overall.
Medina next visits Wilson on Thursday in a Niagara-Orleans League game.
Holley booters post G-R win over Lyndonville
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Holley’s Logan Gillespie looks to stop a pass by Lyndonville’s Shannon Withey during the Hawks win over the host Tigers this afternoon.
Avenging an earlier season 1-0 home field loss, Holley downed host Lyndonville 2-0 in a Genesee Region League boys soccer game this afternoon.
Gage Yockel scored what proved to be the game winning goal for Holley midway through the first half off an assist from Chase Kemps.
Kempa later added a big insurance goal 11 minutes into the second half as Cameron Kelley earned the assist.
Dylan Warner earned the shutout in goal for the Hawks.
Holley is now 6-4 and Lyndonville 5-5 in G-R action.
Lyndonville’s Chanse Amsdill works to move the ball up field as Chase Kempa (1) and Avante Walker (17) move in to defend for Holley.
Holley’s Isaac Bartlett reaches around Lyndonville’s Maddox Smith to drive the ball ahead.
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GO Health announces final rabies vaccination clinics for 2025
Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds hosting clinic on Oct. 25
Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments
The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health) are urging residents to remain vigilant against rabies and to take advantage of upcoming clinics.
“Rabies is a deadly disease, but it is 100% preventable when proper precautions are taken,” said Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for GO Health. “We encourage residents to attend our upcoming clinics and protect their pets and community.”
Final Rabies Vaccination Clinics of 2025
GO Health will host its final free drive-thru rabies vaccination clinics in October. Funding is provided by the New York State Department of Health.
- Genesee County Rabies Vaccination Clinic – Thursday, October 9, from 4 to 6:30 p.m. at Genesee County Fairgrounds (5056 East Main Street, Batavia)
- Orleans County Rabies Vaccination Clinic – Saturday, October 25, from 9 to 11:30 a.m. at Orleans County Fairgrounds (12690 State Route 31, Albion)
Vaccinations are free for dogs, cats and ferrets. Animals must be at least 3 months old. Each animal must be leashed or crated and accompanied by an adult who can control the animal. Limit 4 pets per car maximum. Donations are accepted to offset costs to the health department.
NOTE: Proof of previous rabies vaccination must be provided at the clinic in order to receive a 3-year vaccination. Otherwise, only a 1-year vaccination can be provided. Originals, copies, and clear cell phone images may be accepted.
To help stop the spread of rabies, GO Health reminds residents to follow these important tips:
- Keep pets vaccinated. Make sure your dogs, cats, and ferrets are up to date on their rabies shots. Not only is it required by law, but it is also the responsible choice for your pet and helps keep your neighbors and community safe.
- Follow leash laws. Always keep pets on a leash and under direct supervision to prevent contact with wild or stray animals. If you or your pet is bitten, seek veterinary or medical care immediately and notify your local health department.
- Avoid wild, stray, and unknown animals. Never approach or try to pet animals that don’t belong to you, even if they seem friendly. Do not feed, touch, or handle wildlife (such as raccoons, skunks, bats, rabbits, and foxes) or stray dogs and cats. Teach children to never touch unknown animals.
- Never keep wild animals as pets. Do not attempt to adopt or bring wild animals into your home.
- Keep bats out of your home. If you find a bat indoors, do not release it! Safely capture it and contact your local health department, For instructions, watch this GO Health Video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHK6-hmpiss)
- Animal safety notice. If you see a stray animal or notice any animal showing possible signs of rabies, including aggression, excessive drooling, confusion, or trouble walking, contact your local animal control immediately.
For more information about GO Health Programs and Services, visit GOHealthNY.org or contact your local health department at:
- Orleans County: 585-589-3278
- Genesee County: 585-344-2580 ext. 5555
Geno Allport receives Dick Gallagher Lifetime Service Award from Project Play WNY
Contributed Photo – Geno Allport with former Buffalo Bill Stevie Johnson.
On this National Coaches Day, Project Play WNY has announced that Geno Allport, of Albion Youth Football and Cheerleading, will receive the Dick Gallagher Lifetime Service Award.
The award, which will be presented at an event later this month in conjunction with the Buffalo Bills, recognizes an individual who has used their platform as a youth sports coach or youth sports organization leader to support, recognize and advocate for youth athletes both on and off the field, for a decade or more.
The award honors the legacy of Dick Gallagher, a tireless youth sports advocate and Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame inductee, who also dedicated his professional life to helping young people struggling with addiction.
Allport, described as the “heart and soul” of Albion Youth Football, has been involved with the club for 25 years.
In addition to his role as president of Albion Youth Football and Cheerleading, he also serves as an executive board member for both the Niagara Orleans Football Association and the Western New York Amateur Football Alliance.
The three people who nominated Allport lauded his steadfast commitment to sportsmanship and fairness and described how he fosters an environment where each child feels valued.
One of his nominees, Robin Silvis, said in part, “Geno has built a legacy defined not just by wins and championships, but by the values that make youth sports meaningful: sportsmanship, fairness, honor, integrity, honesty, respect, determination, enthusiasm, sincerity, and caring.”
“From the beginning, Geno has insisted that the playing field is more than a place for competition, it is a classroom for life. His steadfast commitment to sportsmanship and fairness has shaped Albion Youth Football into an organization where players, coaches, and families know that respect for the game and one another comes first. He has fostered an environment where all children, regardless of ability, are given the chance to learn, grow, and feel valued,” she said.
“Geno Allport’s 25 years of service represent the very best of what youth sports can be. His leadership has left an indelible mark on Albion, NOFA, and the Western New York Amateur Football Alliance. But most importantly, his influence has shaped the lives of generations of young athletes who carry with them the lessons of respect, teamwork, and perseverance that Geno has championed throughout his remarkable career,” she added.
Project Play Western New York is driven and funded by the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation’s Youth Sports & Recreation focus area in partnership with the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo and the Aspen Institute Sports & Society Program. Project Play Western New York envisions a community in which all children have the opportunity to be active through sports. Every child—regardless of location, income or ability—should have access to fun and fulfilling physical activities that build confidence and set them on a path for lifelong success
Historical tour highlighted ‘murder and mayhem’ from Albion’s past
About 65 attend event which was fundraiser to restore chapel at Mount Albion Cemetery
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Matt Ballard, former Orleans County historian, led a tour on Saturday at Albion’s downtown and Courthouse Square, highlighting “Murder and Mayhem” in the community’s past.
The event was attended by about 65 people who paid $20 each for a fundraiser to restore the chapel at Mount Albion Cemetery.
Ballard is shown speaking from the steps of the County Clerks’ Building. He highlighted two famous murder trials in Albion.
George Wilson was convicted by a jury of killing his wife Alice Wilson by strangulation. George was executed in 1888 in a stockade near where the current county jail is located. That execution on June 22, 1888 was the last one in Orleans County.
Wilson was allegedly having an affair with a girl under age 18. He and his wife had five children.
Wilson protested his innocence. His neighbor provided damning testimony against Wilson. That neighbor was found guilty of committing a murder in Rochester. Ballard said some people have speculated that Wilson didn’t kill his wife. Instead, it was the neighbor.
In another high-profile case, William Lake was convicted of killing Emma Hunt who spurned his advances. She was brutally murdered on Oct. 18, 1894. Lake would be the seventh person put to death at Auburn prison by the electric chair.
There would be 55 people put to death by electric chair at Auburn prison from 1890 to 1916.
Susan Starkweather Miller, Village of Albion historian, welcomed the group for the tour which started at the Pullman Memorial Universalist Church. She is shown in front of the pulpit and church organ. Starkweather Miller has been leading the effort to restore the chapel and roof at Mount Albion Cemetery. She said the group has raised $200,000 towards at $225,000 goal.
Ballard, speaking from the lawn in front of the courthouse, shared about William Stafford, the district attorney during the Wilson murder trial. Stafford would later run for Orleans County judge and was defeated. He blamed the Baptist congregation, where he attended, for not giving him enough support.
When the Catholics were looking to build a church, Stafford sold them the property on West Park Street, with a stipulation the church building had to be so close to the street it would block the view of the Baptist Church.
Ballard stands in front of the Main Street lift bridge and tells about one of the worst tragedies in Albion’s history. On Sept. 28, 1559, there were 250 people on the bridge to watch a wirewalker over the canal. The bridge also had five horses with loaded wagons.
The bridge would tumble into the water, and 15 people would die, including several children.
Outside the Presbyterian Church, Ballard spoke about the murder of Pierpont Dyer on Christmas eve in 1859.
The wirewalker in the bridge collapse had his rope strung across the canal from the second floor of the Mansion House south towards the second floor of Dyer’s building about three months earlier.
Mr. Dyer owned a grocery store. On Christmas eve in 1859, someone entered the store and smashed Dyer in the head, killing him. One man went to trial and wasn’t convicted. The murder remains an unsolved mystery.
The Citizens National Bank used to be the First National Bank of Albion. Ballard told how Albert Warner stole about $40,000 from the bank and then fled to Canada. Warner took leadership of the bank after the previous president died from a lethal dose of arsenic.
Warner was well respected in Albion. Not only did he lead the bank, but he was the Board of Education president and leader of the fire department. But poison, betrayal and greed did in his reputation, and left many in Albion facing financial ruin.
Warner was rumored to have returned to Albion briefly, when he dressed as a woman to attend his father’s funeral at Mount Albion in 1887.
Ballard also spoke in front of the former Swan Library, which was the hoe of Roswell Burrows. Burrows amassed a fortune value at over $6 million when he died in 1879.
He established the First National Bank in Albion, a bank where the coffers were embezzled by Warner.
Ballard speaks on Main Street in front of the Five Star Bank. He highlighted a catastrophic fire on Jan. 13, 1882 that wiped out the corner. The fire started in a building for a milliner that was located behind Five Star, where its parking lot is located.
The fire of 1882 badly damaged the business district. When the fire was finally put out, Ballard said a cat emerged from the rubble.
Ballard shared other stories during the nearly two-hour presentation.
