By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 29 September 2026 at 9:48 pm
Albion outlasted Roy-Hart in 5 sets in a Niagara-Orleans League volleyball match this evening 25-15, 23-25, 25-22, 20-25, 15-5.
For Albion, Charlotte Pike had 5 aces, 3 kills, 9 digs and 16 assists, Jillian LeBaron 8 kills and 22 digs, Melia Prince 2 kills and 9 digs and Anna Grillo 8 aces, 7 kills and 17 digs.
For Roy-Hart, Lauren Snyder had 11 kills, Tessa Degenhardt 8 kills, Nora Balcerzak 7 kills and Ava Flynn 34 assists.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 29 September 2026 at 7:26 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers: This pack of runners out front early in the boys race includes from left: Quinn O’Malley of Akron, and then an Albion trio of Stryker Sanders, Rowe Bouchey and Justin Mengs.
The Albion boys and Akron girls both scored a twin bill sweep in a Niagara-Orleans League cross-country tri-meet this afternoon at Albion.
The Albion boys defeated Akron 23-33 and Newfane 19-40 to finish the dual meet portion of the N-O season at 5-1. Akron downed Newfane 23-36 in the other portion of the meet.
Albion was led by the 2-3-5 finish of Stryker Sanders, Rowe Bouchey and Justin Mengs.
Akron’s Quinn O’Malley won the race.
Eden Hillman of Newfane got out to an early lead in the girls race and stayed in first. She is followed by Akron’s Abby Bower and Kylee Rebmann. The Akron girls won the dual meet.
The Akron girls moved into first place at 4-0 by defeating defending champion Newfane 25-30 and Albion 18-37. Newfane, which is now 3-1, also downed Albion 19-36.
Akron was sparked by the 2-3 finish of Abby Bower and Kylee Rebmann.
Newfane’s Eden Hillman was the race winner.
Some of the Albion runners include, from left: Grace Nesbitt, Loralei Gailie, Sutton Sanders and Aubrey Bruning.
Medina split with visiting Roy-Hart. The Mustangs won the boys meet 15-50 and the Lady Rams took the girls race 14-22.
Medina’s Jonathan Dix won the boys race and Roy-Hart’s Marissa Bryant took the girls race.
In the other meet, Barker swept Wilson winning the boys’ race 15-50 and the girls’ 14-22.
Grayson Prynn led a quintet of Barker boys runners across the finish line which also included Peyton Wagner, Logan Wagner, Chase Atwater and Anthony Taliaferrro.
Wilson’s Hayden Barlow won the girls’ race.
Barker was led by the 2-3-4 finish of Hannah Monaco, Mirabelle Strong and Aine Davis.
Quinn O’Malley of Akron pulled away from everyone else and had a commanding lead through the soybean field on the Albion course.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 29 September 2026 at 6:53 pm
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Barker’s Elise Monaco and Medina’s Jenelle Stalker go after the ball during this afternoon’s game at Barker which was won by the host Bulldogs.
A lightning quick goal in the first 65 seconds ignited Barker to a 4-0 win over visiting Medina in a Niagara-Orleans League field hockey game this afternoon.
Sophia Pavlock, Elise Monaco and Milayna May each had a goal and an assist and Brooke Weber a goal for Barker which led 3-0 at the half.
Barker improves to 6-1 while Medina slips to 0-4.
Kenmore 4, Wilson 2
In the other N-O game, Kenmore (3-2) downed Wilson (2-4) 4-2.
Brynn Lepsch and Taylor Ernest scored the Wilson goals.
Medina’s Savannah Jo Thompson works to get by Barker’s Lauren Zglinicki as Milayna May backs up the play.
Press Release, Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corp.
BATAVIA – The Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corporation board of directors has indicated its intent to move forward with a recommended plan to consolidate its branch operations from eight locations to two, following a multi-year review of the branch network and its long-term financial sustainability. The board is expected to take formal action on the proposed plan.
Under the proposed Plan, WROTBC would retain its Wehrle location in Williamsville and Marway location in Gates. The Auburn, Clinton (Cheektowaga), Empire (Penfield), Jamestown, Lyell (Rochester) and River (North Tonawanda) branches are proposed to cease operations on or about Oct. 31.
The recommended plan comes after several years of reviewing the financial performance and changing needs of WROTBC’s branch network, culminating in an extensive analysis conducted in 2026. That review considered operating performance, wagering activity, property ownership and value, geographic coverage, customer accessibility, alternative wagering options and the long-term viability of the branch locations.
While Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel has continued to grow, WROTBC’s traditional branch operations have faced ongoing financial challenges as technology and online wagering options continue to change how customers choose to wager. The six branches currently proposed for closure lost approximately $730,000 in 2025 and have already lost more than $700,000 through August 2026. Those losses are projected to reach nearly $1 million for the full year.
The proposed consolidation continues WROTBC’s efforts to address the changing financial and operational needs of its traditional branch network. From 2020 through 2023, the Corporation closed nine branch locations—six in 2020, two in 2022 and one in 2023.
“This recommended Plan was not a decision that was made quickly or easily,” said Byron Brown, president and CEO of WROTBC. “These branches have been part of their communities for many years, and we are grateful to the employees who have represented Western and served our customers every day. At the same time, we have a responsibility to make decisions that protect the long-term financial health of the Corporation and allow us to continue growing distributions and investing in our member municipalities.”
Under the plan, the consolidation is expected to improve the corporation’s financial performance and increase distributions to its participating municipalities, based on 2026 projections, while maintaining WROTBC’s physical presence in both the Buffalo and Rochester markets.
WROTBC recognizes that the most difficult aspect of this proposed transition will be the impact on employees. Thirteen employees would be affected by the proposed closures. Management is committed to working closely with the union throughout the process. It has invited the union to the bargaining table to negotiate in good faith over the impact of the plan on affected employees.
“We greatly appreciate the years of service and dedication these employees have given to Western and to our customers,” said Board Chair, Crystal Rodriguez-Dabney. “Our goal is to handle this transition with respect and to provide as many options as we reasonably can for the employees who are affected.”
Following any closures, the corporation expects to begin independent assessments of its owned branch properties. WROTBC anticipates marketing the affected properties for sale following those assessments, with estimated net proceeds of more than $2 million. The Corporation expects to use those proceeds to support future growth and capital needs.
“Western has changed considerably over the years, and how our customers choose to wager has changed with it,” Brown said. “This proposed plan would allow us to respond to those changes while putting the Corporation in a stronger position for the future.”
Editor’s Note: Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corporation is a public benefit corporation owned collectively by 15 Western and Central New York counties and the cities of Buffalo and Rochester. Orleans County is among the member counties. There was an OTB branch in Albion that was shut down back in February 2016. That site at 317 West Ave. is now owned by Oak Orchard Health.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 29 September 2026 at 4:12 pm
MEDINA – October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Orleans Community Health is promoting early detection and education to help combat this disease. In support of this effort, Medina Memorial Hospital is offering free 3D mammography screenings during October and November.
3D mammography is a highly effective screening tool that improves the accuracy of breast cancer detection, according to information from Scott Robinson, Orleans Community Health’s director of marketing.
Unlike traditional mammograms, this advanced technology captures multiple images of the breast, giving radiologists a detailed, layer-by-layer view. This results in better detection rates, especially for women with dense breast tissue.
With the added attention around breast cancer awareness in October, the Imaging Department at Orleans Community Health is now scheduling appointments on extended days, which includes Saturdays. This will allow for an additional 50-plus screenings to occur during the month.
To qualify for a free screening, an appointment to have a mammogram must be scheduled during October or November, Robinson said.
“Whether you already have an appointment or need to book one, this offer applies only during these months,” he said. “We strongly encourage all women, especially those aged 40 and older, to schedule their appointments now.”
For women who require additional testing, onsite ultrasounds are also available. The hospital’s dedicated team provides compassionate care in a supportive and comfortable environment, Robinson added.
To book a mammogram, call (585) 798-8055. Remember, screenings can be scheduled for any month of the year and do not need to wait for October. Anyone with questions is urged not to hesitate, but to call and ask for more information.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 29 September 2026 at 11:05 am
Photos by Ginny Kropf: Four friends enjoyed camaraderie and sampled ale at The Vintage Cigar on Medina’s Main Street during Ale in Autumn on Saturday. From left are Marie Bell of Akron, Jeannette and Don Geberling of Cheektowaga, and at rear is Marie’s husband Bob Arnold.
MEDINA – Saturday’s Ale in Autumn was about the most perfect day organizers could have hoped for. The day brought beautiful fall weather and a nearly sold-out event, according to Ann Fisher-Bale, coordinator for Medina Area Partnership, sponsor and organizer of the event that brought nearly 600 to the downtown to sample beer.
Tickets were sold for three different start times to participants who checked in at the Medina Senior Center. There, they were first ID’d by Pattrick Weissend and then had their tickets checked by Wendy Wilson and Bale, before getting a wristband from Sarah Fisher or Anne Joynt.
Pat Weissend (in blue Bills shirt) IDs for ticket holders checking in at the Medina Senior Center for Ale in Autumn on Saturday.
After picking up their souvenir glass and a goodie bag filled with snacks, pen, coupons and other items, participants proceeded to the back of the room to buy tickets on baskets which were available at each participating business. Ticket holders were also eligible to win a grand prize basket valued at $500.
John and Melissa Gorham have attended every Ale in Autumn, they said.
“It’s a chance to try different beers, and the snacks are usually very good,” John said.
Wendy Wilson checks tickets for Melissa Bunbrock of Gasport at the Senior Center on Saturday. Behind Wilson is Anne Joynt, Medina native who is running for New York State Supreme Court and volunteered to help. At Wilson’s left is Ann Fisher-Bale, event coordinator for Medina Area Partnership, which sponsors the event.
For Barb Gorham, it is a way to get out and about before the snow comes.
“And you always run into friends you haven’t seen for a while,” she said.
Melissa Bunbrock of Gasport said she has attended the event every year.
“It’s a great way to get together with friends and support local businesses,” she said.
A new business, Katie’s Dipped Delights, was being promoted by Katie’s husband Brian Wiesinger in front of the English Rose Tea Shoppe. Seated at left is Brian’s mom Carole. Katie makes four kinds of gourmet apples, using Honeycrisp they buy from Roberts’, Brian said.
At The Vintage Cigar, Joe Meyer and owner Jim Robinson poured ale for a steady stream of participants.
Robinson, whose wife Cindy runs the English Rose Tea Shoppe, said they participate in Ale and Autumn every year, at one store or the other.
“The weather is always good and people come in who didn’t know there was a cigar store in town,” Robinson said.
One group of friends sipping their ale in the store was Bob Arnold and his wife Marie Bell of Akron with Don and Jeannette Heberling of Cheektowaga.
“We’ve been coming to this event for years,” Don said. “We’ve come to every one.”
Jeannette said it was a great community building event.
“The shops change and it’s good to see the different shops and what they sell,” Don said.
Entertaining near Main Street TV and Appliances on Saturday were Kathy Vandemoreal of Point Breeze and Laurence Sugarman of Pittsford. Vandemoreal plays fiddle, while Sugarman plays banjo.
Gabriella Albanese of Albion has also attended Ale in Autumn every year.
“I’m not a beer drinker, but my sister and a friend love the opportunity to go together and visit all the stores,” Albanese said.
Local musician Rob Robinson for the last several years has arranged to have buskers on the street entertaining during Ale in Autumn. It is an age-old tradition for musicians to perform on a street corner for money. Saturday’s buskers included “The Last Call” singer (named Skinny) and his band who performed in front of Main Street TV and Appliance.
“We have been nearly every year,” said Skinny, who was born in Medina.
“I love coming here,” he said. “I love Medina.”
Just down the street Kathy Vandemoreal of Point Breeze and Laurence Sugarman of Pittsford were entertaining – she on fiddle and he on banjo. Vandemoreal has taken part in Ale in Autumn for three years, but this is Sugarman’s first appearance.
Winner of the Grand Prize worth $500 was Melissa Streiff.
Saturday’s buskers included “The Last Call” singer (named Skinny) and his band that performed in front of Main Street TV and Appliance. Standing in the center is Rob Robinson of Medina, also a musician, whose idea it was to have buskers.
Photos by Tom Rivers: This group poses for a fun photo at Alexandra Peracciny Photography, 426 Main St., which was also one of the pouring stations for the Ale in Autumn.
Dave Sevenski, right, pours a sample of an IPA from the Hamburg Brewery for Christopher Hare of Medina. They are at the Downtown Browsery. Hare was happy to be out and seeing so many people.
“It’s better than sitting home and watching college football,” he said.
Lezly Rosario, bartender for Mile 303 Cantina, serves Bells amber ale. The Mile 303 Cantina is run by Gali Rosario and Leonel Rosario Jr.
Daniel Sprague played his electric guitar near Rotary Park as one of the musicians in the downtown.
Rick Zucco of Niagara Falls also performed as a busker.
