By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 26 October 2025 at 8:55 am
No. 4 seeded Medina will face top seeded Lafayette at 6 p.m. Monday at All High Stadium in Buffalo in the semifinals of the Section VI Class B boys soccer tournament.
Medina, which brings a 16-2 record into the semis, nipped No. 5 Fredonia 1-0 in the quarterfinals while Lafayette, which is 15-2-1, blanked No. 8 Tonawanda 3-0.
On Tuesday, top seeded Wilson will host No. 5 Portville at 6:30 p.m. in a Section VI Class C semifinal.
Section VI Girls Soccer playoffs on Wednesday
Top seeded Wilson will host No. 5 Portville at a time to be determined.
Section V Girls Soccer Playoffs on Tuesday
Top seeded Kendall will face No. 4 Keshequa in a Section V Class C2 semifinal at Cal-Mum at 5:30 p.m.
No. 5 seeded Holley will take on No. 1 Geneseo in a Class C1 semi at 7 p.m. at Avon.
Section V Boys Soccer Playoffs
On Tuesday, No. 2 seed Lyndonville will take on No. 3 Andover-Whitesville in a Section V Class D2 semifinal at Perry at 7 p.m.
On Wednesday, top seeded Kendall will face No. 4 Gananda in a Class C2 semifinal at Wayne at 5:30 p.m.
Section VI Volleyball
Section VI Class B1 volleyball playoff action gets underway on Tuesday as No. 8 Albion hosts No. 9 Alden at 4:30 p.m.
In a Class B2 opener on Tuesday No. 9 Medina visits No. 8 Salamanca at 6 p.m.
No. 3 seed Roy-Hart will host No. 6 Southwestern in a Class B2 quarterfinal match at 6 p.m. Thursday.
Section VI Field Hockey
Wednesday – Class C quarterfinals: No. 5 Eden vs. No. 4 Roy-Hart, 5 p.m. at Medina; No. 6 Wilson vs. No. 3 Medina, 7 p.m. at Medina; No. 7 Newfane vs. No. 2 Barker, 7 p.m. at Barker.
The cover of the book highlights the efforts of Orleans County Historian Catherine Cooper in compiling an updated list of historic markers in the county.
Press Release, Orleans County Historical Association
ALBION – The community is invited to join us on Wednesday, October 29, at 7 p.m. in the Gaines Basin Cobblestone Schoolhouse at 3286 Gaines Basin Rd.
This special event will spotlight the launch of our updated NYS Historic Markers of Orleans County, NY book. Catherine Cooper, Orleans County Historian, will lead the presentation.
Living our busy, destination focused lives, we speed by those distinctive yellow and blue roadside historic markers too quickly to read the content. In some instances, we could hazard a guess as to the reason for a particular sign based on its location, the Cobblestone Schoolhouse on Gaines Basin Road, for example.
A newly revised guidebook “Historic Markers of Orleans County New York” provides the text and location of the signs. Compiled by Catherine Cooper, Orleans County Historian, in honor of the Bicentennial of Orleans County, 2025, it is an updated version of the book “Historic Markers Erected During the 20th Century in Orleans County New York” produced in 2001 by Bill Lattin, Orleans County Historian and Neil Johnson, Village of Albion Historian.
Copies of the book will be available for sale at the event – cost $15.
In addition to the book, local artist Carol Culhane will have Bicentennial posters on display (Cost $10.) All proceeds will go to the Orleans County Historical Association.
If you can’t attend the presentation but would like to purchase a book, they will be sold at:
Hoag Library in Albion on Thursday, October 30, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Lee-Whedon Library in Medina during regular business hours
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 25 October 2025 at 9:29 pm
Top seeded Kendall opened defense of its Section V Class C2 boys soccer title with a 7-1 quarterfinal win over visiting No. 8 Cuba-Rushford/Hinsdale this evening.
Pablo Rosario-Reyes had 4 goals, Jonathan Esposito 2 and Brandon Barrett 1 for Kendall which improves to 17-0. Rosario-Reyes had two goals on headers and Barrett one.
Rosario-Reyes. Vinny D’Agostino and Brendan Eichas each had a pair of assists and Tyler McCue one.
Jonny Conte had a huge night in goal for the Eagles making a dozen stops including a pair of 3-4 shot saves on barrages by Cuba-Rushford/Hinsdale..
Kendall will next face No. 4 Gananda in the semifinals on Wednesday at a site and time to be determined.
In a Class C1 quarterfinal, No. 7 Holley dropped a narrow 1-0 decision at No. 2 Sodus.
Photo by Tom Rivers: Orleans County Legislator Don Allport, right, presents a proclamation in observance of National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week. Accepting the proclamation are Paul Pettit, Public Health Director; and Nicole Pierce, Epidemiologist/Program Manager.
Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments
ALBION – October 19-25, 2025 is National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, a time to raise awareness about the dangers of lead poisoning and how to keep children safe.
To highlight the importance of preventing lead poisoning in our communities, Orleans County accepted a NLPPW proclamation on September 23, followed by Genesee County on October 22.
Lead is a naturally occurring metal found in dust, air, water and soil. Children can be exposed to lead by swallowing or breathing in lead dust from paint that is cracked or chipped, eating paint chips, or chewing on things that have lead paint.
Exposure in children can cause learning, behavior, growth, hearing and speech problems that may last into adulthood. “Children under six are most at risk because their bodies are rapidly developing,” stated Gabrielle Lanich, Lead Program Coordinator for the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health).
According to the census, 72.6% of occupied homes in Genesee, Livingston, Orleans, and Wyoming counties were built before 1978, when lead paint was banned for residential use.
“Childhood lead exposure is a significant issue due to the number of older homes that may contain lead-based paint,” stated Paul Pettit, Public Health Director of GO Health. Fortunately, lead poisoning is preventable. “Contact your healthcare provider and make it a priority to get your child tested for lead,” stated Pettit.
GO Health encourages parents and community members to learn more about preventing lead exposure by exploring the three key themes of National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week:
Get the Facts!
Any exposure to lead hazards can be serious, especially for children. The only safe blood lead level is zero!
The most common source of lead exposure in children is through eating dust particles or paint chips so small that they may not be visible to the naked eye.
The most common sources of lead in drinking water are lead pipes, faucets, and fixtures.
Other sources of lead could include metal toys, wooden toys or furniture painted with lead-based paint, metal jewelry, lead-glazed pottery or porcelain, some candies, spices, and even make-up.
Get your Home Tested!
Many homes built before 1978 have lead-based paint. If your home was built before 1978, you should get it tested for lead paint.
If you rent, ask your landlord to have your home or apartment tested.
Contact GO Health for more information on getting your home tested.
Get your Child Tested!
Children’s blood lead levels start to rise between 6 and 12 months old and are highest between 18 and 24 months old.
The only way to know if your child has lead poisoning is through a simple blood test.
Most children with detectable levels of lead in their blood have no obvious symptoms.
Pregnant women who have been around lead should also be tested.
The Genesee County Health Department has a Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes Grant, funded by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), to help address lead-based paint hazards and other health concerns in homes and apartments in the GLOW region.
For eligibility and program details, contact the Genesee County Health Department at 585-344-2580 ext.5555 or Health.GOlead@geneseeny.gov. To learn more about local lead data and trends, visit the Lead Poisoning Surveillance Dashboard on the GO Health website.
To learn more about GO Health programs and services, or to get assistance through our lead programs, visit GOHealthNY.org or contact your local health department at:
In today’s world, local government is the most important. While the Federal Government is “shut down,” locally, our government is producing!
We at the County level manage not only NY State-mandated services and programs that are typically unfunded, resulting in higher taxes to our residents, but we also balance quality-of-life desires that are funded through our sales tax revenues, various grants, and other creative funding streams.
To suggest that Orleans County is a “business as usual” organization is misleading. While I have been a County Legislator, primarily representing the residents of the 4th District of Carlton, Kendall, Murray, the Village of Holley, as well as the rest of the County, I have entrenched myself into being a quite vocal voice to see my home county prosper.
As a retired Correction Officer, while simultaneously operating a successful business and developing a new tourist destination on the banks of the Erie Canal, I believe in leading by example. I believe that community growth starts with economic growth. That is why I not only sit on the Orleans County EDA Board of Directors as the Treasurer, I am also the current Vice-Chairman of the Genesee/Finger Lakes Regional Planning Council, so that I can bring back to this County, ideas and insights that may help us prosper.
In the past four years, I have also represented my district by regularly attending monthly board meetings, providing input to County activities, and also receiving feedback to help with more local concerns.
I’ve participated in the Lake Ontario State Parkway Study, the Kendall, Yates, Carlton Local Waterfront Revitalization Plan (LWRP), the Orleans County Erie Canal LWRP, and am currently on the Carlton Master Plan Steering Committee.
In order to maintain meaningful dialogue with the other leaders of the county, I am also the Co-Chairman of the Orleans County Association of Municipalities. As the current Chairman of the Administration and Finance Committee for the Legislature, which not only details internal department operations, we are also responsible for developing the County Budget.
Again, due to the unfunded state mandates that are placed upon us, our ability to generate the necessary revenue through property taxes, which are capped at 2% annually without penalty, and sales taxes that are not a set figure, we have transformed from an organization that “was used to doing things because that’s the way it’s always been done” to one that does things because it’s in the best interest of the community.
While I’m sure that there are things that may not appear that way, I, along with the other six Legislators, have always been approachable to explain our decisions. Thank you to the voters of my District and to the rest of the County residents for the faith you have placed in me, and I hope to continue to earn your vote this election cycle.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 25 October 2025 at 7:51 pm
Photo by Cheryl Wertman – No. 5 seeded Allegany-Limestone downed No. 4 Roy-Hart 3-0 at Gasport this afternoon in a Section VI Class B quarterfinal round girls soccer playoff contest. Here Roy-Hart’s Ruth Walker sends the ball up field as Kendall Lemon defends for Allegany-Limestone. In a Class C quarterfinal matchup of Niagara-Orleans League teams top seeded Wilson downed No. 8 Barker/Lyndonville 2-0.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 25 October 2025 at 7:40 pm
Photos by Ginny Kropf: (Left) Mike Snyder, left, vice president of Sacred Heart Club, stands with president John “JT” Thomas next to the new plaque on the wall, where the names of members with 50 or more years of membership will be added. (Right) John Thomas looks at a list of the founding members of Sacred Heart Club, which celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2024.
MEDINA – John “JT” Thomas, president of Sacred Heart Club, has unveiled a new way the club has started to honor long-standing members.
In the future, members who reach 50 years of membership will have their name on a plaque on the wall. The names have already been added of 45 members who reached that milestone. Topping the list is the late Stanley Stack, who was a member for more than 60 years.
“I wanted to acknowledge and recognize those members who do good things,” Thomas said. “It’s about thanking those guys. We couldn’t do it without you.”
The plaque has already been hung on the wall and 45 names are on it, and others will be added as they reach the 50-year membership level.
“We’ve never had anything like this here,” Thomas said.
Thomas shared the history of Sacred Heart Club, the church and school.
Polish settlers started arriving in Medina in the late 1870s. There was no Polish parish, so most of them attended St. Mary’s with a few going to the Polish parish in Albion. As Medina’s Polish community grew, Henry Piatek began to lay the groundwork for a parish. A delegation approached the Albion priest and on June 20,1909, he held the first Polish Mass in the home of Vincenty Wysocki on Commercial Street.
John “JT” Thomas, president of Sacred Heart Club, left, talks to a handful of members about a new feature he has started to honor longtime members. He has a plaque on the wall on which is placed the names of those with 50 years or more of membership. At right front is Jack Davis, 89, a member with 47 years at Sacred Heart.
Parish members began building a church on Ann Street in 1909 and it was completed Feb. 1, 1910. Founding members were Franciszek Waclowski, Andrew Kujawa, Wojciech Dorski, Leon Fracszak, Stanislaw Levandowski, Thomas Gottovi, Michael Balcerzak and Josef Maryjanowski.
As the church was being built, a group of 24 leading Polish men from the Sacred Heart purchased a plot of land on North Gravel Road to be used as a parish cemetery. The first interment in Sacred Heart Cemetery was Sept. 4, 1910.
Sacred Heart members next purchased a clubhouse on North Gravel Road, and it became the Sacred Heart Club. It was officially incorporated as the Sacred Heart Society on May 24, 1924
In 1925, the Sisters of St. Joseph were petitioned to come to Medina and establish a school. A school was built and on Jan 2, 1926, it officially opened, admitting 61 students. Hundreds of students were educated there until its closing in 1969.
The church suffered a tragic fire in 1981, when an arsonist set it ablaze. The interior was badly damaged and took two years to remodel.
“The church may have survived the fire, but it couldn’t hold up to the economic decline of the region,” Thomas said. “In 2008 the Sacred Heart of Jesus joined with St. Mary’s in Medina and St. Stephen’s in Middleport to create the Holy Trinity Parish, resulting in the closing of Sacred Heart Church.”
The mission previous members passed down to Sacred Heart Club is dedication to support local worthwhile charities financially and otherwise, including youth, seniors and a veterans’ group. They continue to support St. Peter’s Food Pantry, the yearly Veterans’ trip to Washington, D.C., Wreaths Across America and other multiple veterans’ causes, the Orleans County 4-H Fair, YMCA, Lee-Whedon Memorial Library, police and fire departments and a $500 yearly scholarship at Medina High School.
In closing, Thomas said they honor, not only members who have passed, but they honor and thank members who have served Sacred Heart Society for 50 consecutive years or more.
“Without the pillars you created, this Society would not be in existence,” Thomas said of the long-term members. “Your legacy of service inspires us all, and we are eager to continue building on the foundation you have helped create for the future of this Society. Thank you for being a vital part of our past, present and future. We are incredibly proud to celebrate your service and accomplishments and to share our deepest appreciation for all you’ve done for the Society.”
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 25 October 2025 at 7:35 pm
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Barker/Roy-Hart’s Vinnie Fazzio hauls in a touchdown pass from quarterback Tysen McCaa during the Bulls key C North Division victory at Maritime/Tapestry this afternoon.
Barker/Roy-Hart capped off a perfect 6-0 C North Division championship campaign by scoring a 50-34 victory at Maritime/Tapestry this afternoon.
“It was a great turnaround this season by the kids,” said Barker/Roy-Hart Coach Bill Bruning. “They worked extra hard in the off season. They really worked hard to get to this point. They are all great kids and they really play for each other.”
Quarterback Tysen McCaa led the Barker/Roy-Hart attack by completing three touchdown passes two to Vinnie Fazzio and one to Ashton Ark. Joey Reiter added two touchdown runs for the Bulls as Fazzio and Carter DerSarkissian each had one.
Barker/Roy-Hart jumped out to a 19-0 lead at the outset as Reiter had a 25 yard TD run, McCaa a 34 yard scoring pass to Fazzio and DerSarkissian a 10 yard TD carry.
A fumble recovery by Fazzio on the ensuing kickoff after the Bulls second TD set up the third score, a drive highlighted by a big 40 yard run by Reiter.
However, Maritime battled back to cut the deficit to 19-12 at the half on a pair of touchdowns by quarterback Jaylin Coleman.
The Seahawks then grabbed the lead twice in a sea-saw third quarter first at 20-19 and then at 28-27 again both on touchdowns by Coleman.
However, Barker-Roy-Hart answered right back both times with touchdowns to regain the lead.
First, the Bulls went back on top 27-20 after a 25 yard McCaa to Fazzio TD pass and a two-point conversion carry by McCaa.
Then the Bulls regained the lead for good at 35-28 on a 25 yard TD run and a two-point conversion carry both by Reiter in the final two minutes of the wild quarter.
“That was huge,” said Bruning of the Bulls rebound after falling behind. “The kids really responded.”
Barker/Roy-Hart then broke the game open with a pair of fourth quarter touchdown drives to extend the lead to 50-28.
First, Fazzio broke loose up the middle for a 56 yard touchdown run and McCaa added the extra point kick to make it 42-28.
McCaa then capped off the Bulls scoring parade with a 5 yard TD pass to Ark as Fazzio tacked on the two-point conversion run skyrocketing the led to 50-28. Another fumble recovery by Fazzio set up that scoring opportunity.
Improving to 7-1 overall, Barker/Roy-Hart, which is the C North Division’s No. 1 seed, will next host Salamanca next Friday evening in the quarterfinal round of the Section VI Class C tournament. Salamanca is the C South Division’s No. 4 seed.
Final C North Standings: Barker/Roy-Hart 6-0, 7-1; Eden 5-1, 7-1; Akron 5-1, 5-2; Medina 4-2, 6-2; JFK 2-4, 3-5; Alden 1-5, 2-6; Cleve Hill 1-5, 1-7; Tonawanda 0-6, 0-7.
Bulls win gets Medina in sectionals
The Barker/Roy-Hart victory has also earned Medina the C North Division’s No. 4 seed for the sectionals. The Mustangs will open at Southwestern the C South No. 1 seed.
Barker/Roy-Hart’s Joey Reiter breaks loose up the middle for a good gain. Pursing for Maritime is Davion Blackwell and Logan Flint for the Bulls.
Barker/Roy-Hart’s Anthony Adinolfe and RJ Townsend team up to tackle Maritime’s Jayvon Funderbunk.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 October 2025 at 7:05 pm
Provided photo
ALBION – The Albion Lions Club recognized two of its members, June Persia and Ben Lennox, with an award named in honor of the late John Keding, a very dedicated member.
The “Pride of the Pride” award was presented to Persia and Lennox for their outstanding service to the club, and active participation at many of the clubs fundraisers and community service projects.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 October 2025 at 8:55 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION/MEDINA – The downtown business districts in Albion and Medina held their annual Beggar’s Nite celebrations on Friday evening and passed out candy to hundreds of kids in costume. They were able to fill their bags and baskets with treats – a week before Halloween.
The top photo shows a kid dressed as SpongeBob SquarePants. SpongeBob is on the hunt for candy along Main Street in front of KeyBank.
Provided photo: Rylie, Sydney and Shelby Ierlan are shown with their mother, Mykailah Roberts, in Albion. They had a Cat in the Hat theme.
Anita Finley, lower right, was among the merchants passing out candy in downtown Albion.
A friendly Freddy Krueger from A Nightmare on Elm Street made an appearance in Albion.
The Downtown Browsery welcomed kids into the building where there were several stops for candy and prizes.
This group did a witches’ dance on Main Street in Albion.
The Print Shop upped its efforts during Beggar’s Night in medina, creating this banner as a photo back drop. A long line waited outside at the Print Shop’s parking lot.
These kids in the photo include a brother and sister. Alyvia Chmylak, 6, of Holley is the Corpse Bride and her brother Kayden, age 9, is a Horror Rabbit.
Jana Howard, back left, and Tina Oosterling, co-owner of A Kut Above, gave out lots of candy. They look forward to Beggar’s Nite every year.
“We live to see the kids,” Howard said. “We see a lot of people we know. The kids are growing up fast.”
Randy Heslor, production supervisor for The Print Shop, dressed as the IT character and served as a crossing guard during the busy event.
Riki Lake, dressed as pumpkin, passed out candy next to her son, Lakato who was a character from Squid Games. They are outside the new office for CHPC.
Micheal Fuller, co-owner of The Print Shop, hands out boxes of candy and stickers. Print Shop went through 800 in the first hour and had 1,000 ready to give away. Nicole Keith is the butterfly and her daughter Aurora is Miraculous Ladybug.
Marci Fullwell, a vendor at the Downtown Browsery, disperses candy while in a character in the window portrays Jason from the Friday the 13th movies.
The Fringe not only passed out candy but they dressed out as characters from Hocus Pocus.
In front, Khloe Mank, 9, is Emily Binx. In back from left are Leah Printup as Thackery Binx (the iconic cat), Jennifer Printup as Winifred Sanderson, Amanda Mank as Mary Sanderson, and Vanessa Lhommedieu as Sarah Sanderson.
Lhommedieu is owner of The Fringe. Last year the group dressed up as characters from Beetlejuice.
“I love the magic of Halloween for kids,” she said. “It’s fun when your co-workers join in the shenanigans with you.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 October 2025 at 8:36 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – This scary character is at the beginning of the Haunted Hallway at The Villages of Orleans, a nursing home on Route 31 in Albion.
For the second year, the activities staff at The Villages has created a “Haunted Hallway” where the community can get a scare, and at the end receive candy and treats from residents of The Villages.
Orly the Ox, the county’s bicentennial mascot, ventured through the creepy hallway. Orly dressed as a nurse. He wanted to support the effort, and meet some of the residents who were passing out candy at the end of the hallway.
The dimly lit indoor hallway has several scary spots. Some Albion students are volunteering during the event which continues today from 6 to 8 p.m. (Watch out for the Silly String from these students.)
The activities department dressed up as characters for the event. From left includes Rhiannon Farrell, Meghan Clark, Orly the Ox and Nancy Donahue.
There is no charge to go through the Haunted Hallway but donations are accepted for the activities department.
Some of the residents passing out candy said they hope to see more kids today going through the hallway.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 24 October 2025 at 10:46 pm
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Medina’s Kolton Fletcher dives in for the winning touchdown in the final two minutes of tonight’s game against Batavia at Vets Park.
A touchdown in the final two minutes earned Medina a narrow 27-26 win over Batavia in a penalty filled regular season ending non league football game at Vets Park this evening.
Trailing 26-21, Medina rallied for the win as Kolton Fletcher scored on a 4 yard touchdown run with 2:01 remaining. Fletcher also caught a 24 yard pass from quarterback Preston Woodworth to highlight the drive.
The Mustangs defensive unit then preserved the win when Avion Johnson recovered a Batavia fumble at the Blue Devils 39 yard line.
Batavia took the lead for the last time at 26-21 on a two yard touchdown run by quarterback William Stevens with 9:17 remaining.
Medina had taken a 21-20 lead late in the third quarter on a 10 yard TD pass from Woodworth to Hadrian Batista.
The Blue Devils grabbed a 20-15 lead at the half on a 22 yard TD run by Devre Sanders and a two-point conversion carry by Maggio Bucholz with just 38 seconds remaining in the second quarter..
Medina’s first half scoring came on touchdown runs of 5 and 4 yards by Christian Moss, a two-point conversion pass from Woodworth to Jayzon Wills and an extra point kick by Davi Mucoucah. A fumble recovery by Fletcher set up the opportunity for the second TD.
Medina finishes the regular season at 6-2 and Batavia at 4-4.
It marked the first time Medina and Batavia have met on the football field since 1967.
Other Scores
Maryvale 49, Albion 6 (Kaiden Froman scored the Albion touchdown)
Canisteo-Greenwood 46, Holley 0
Medina’s Kendrick Russaw tries to get around Batavia defender William Stevens.
