By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 September 2025 at 6:48 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
BARRE – Staff of AES Clean Energy gather for a group photo this afternoon in Barre in front of the Baird Solar Project.
AES celebrated the completion of that project as well as the Laubacher Solar Project in Albion at 3858 Gaines Basin Rd.
The Baird project is on land owned by Josh Baird. The solar panels have a capacity to generate 4.5 megawatts of electricity. The project covers 27 acres at 4320 Oak Orchard Rd. The site allows AES to tap directly into a 13.2-kilovolt distribution line. The project doesn’t include battery storage.
There are 14,118 solar panels and they are surrounded with a 7-foot-high perimeter chain link fence as part of Baird Solar, which is on Route 98 in the northern part of Barre.
The company’s landscape plan includes 191 deciduous and evergreen trees along with 92 shrubs and pollinators.
Donna Laubacher, left, speaks during a reception today celebrating the completion of the two AES solar projects.
Laubacher said she hopes the project will make electricity more accessible for people in the community.
The Laubacher project is on 15.6 acres of land south of Allen Road in Albion. The 2.5 megawatt solar system uses about 8,100 solar panels.
The landscaping plan includes 470 deciduous and evergreen trees with 183 Northern White Cedars, along with shrubs and pollinators.
AES is working on two much larger solar projects with construction expected to start next year and be complete in late 2027.
AES is the developer of Hemlock Ridge Solar, a 200 megawatt solar project in Barre and Shelby that will be along Crane, Townline and Burns roads near the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge. Hemlock Ridge is about 5 miles southeast of Medina.
AES also is working to develop Somerset Solar, a 125 megawatt project in the Town of Somerset in Niagara County. Some of the facility will on the site of a former coal plant, Somerset Station.
BARRE – Heritage Wind is pleased to announce the latest awards from the project’s Community Grant Program. These biannual grant awards recognize and support organizations for their outstanding work throughout Orleans County.
The recipients for the latest round of awards include:
Orleans County Deputy Sheriff’s Association – $5,000
Arc GLOW – $3,000
Lee-Whedon Memorial Library – $3,000
The Cobblestone Museum – $3,000
Albion Youth Football and Cheer – $5,000
The Orleans County Deputy Sheriff’s Association will allocate funding from this grant cycle to assist in the purchase of K9 safety inserts for patrol cars. The association thanked Heritage Wind for the funding.
“The Orleans County Deputy Sheriff’s Association would like to extend our sincere gratitude to Apex Clean Energy and Heritage Wind for awarding us funding that will directly support the purchase of a new K9 cage insert for the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office K9 Unit, specifically for K9 Odin,” the association said in a statement. “Our K9 program plays a vital role in public safety and community engagement. Whether assisting in search and rescue missions, aiding in suspect apprehension, conducting drug interdiction operations, or participating in educational demonstrations for local youth, K9 Odin is a valuable asset to the community. Ensuring his safety during transport not only protects him but also enhances the overall effectiveness of the unit, ultimately making our community safer.”
The Arc GLOW will be using their funding to upgrade their conference rooms at Orleans Enterprises to help individuals improve their readiness and confidence as they transition into community-based employment or volunteer roles.
Lee-Whedon Memorial Library has planned to take grant funds to assist with the building of an upcoming library expansion. The expansion will include various study and conference rooms that will be available for community members to utilize for various events, meetings, and workspaces.
“The Board of the Lee-Whedon Memorial Library is happy to receive a $3,000 grant from Apex that will be used for the expansion of the library. This expansion allows the library to better meet the needs of our community,” said Kristine Mostyn, Library representative.
The Cobblestone Museum welcomes over 5,000 visitors each year. The organization plans to use funding from the community grant to upgrade the technology in the Welcome Center to show highlights from various cultural areas around Orleans County.
“Thank you for the Heritage Wind Community Grant,” said museum director Doug Farley. “We are looking forward to breaking ground this fall on a new accessible tourism facility at our Visitors Center and new technology will help us provide support materials for the many sites in the county that welcome tourism.”
Grant funding to Albion Youth Football and Cheer will be used for the new concession and press box to be placed at Bullard Park sports fields.
“On behalf of Albion Youth Football and Cheerleading, I would like to extend our heartfelt thanks for your generous grant toward the construction of our new press box and concessions stand,” said coach Geno Allport. “This contribution represents far more than just a building; it’s an investment in the future of our youth and community. The new facility will enhance the experience for players, cheerleaders, families, and fans alike. It will serve as a central hub for game day excitement, community gatherings, and a safe, supportive environment where our young athletes can thrive. For not only football, also soccer, coach pitch, T-ball, music events, sledding and much more!”
With these latest awards, Heritage Wind has provided over $180,000 to support community causes, events, and non-profit organizations. These grants are part of a larger community grant program by Apex Clean Energy that has awarded over $6 million in funds to local communities nationwide since 2020.
Heritage Wind is committed to being a strong community partner for residents and local organizations. We are proud to support the continued commitment to making your community better in every way that it can. As the project approaches construction, Heritage Wind will continue its commitment to being a strong community partner to local governments, area businesses, and non-profits working to improve people’s lives across the region.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 July 2025 at 3:12 pm
BARRE – The state Department of Transportation has closed a section of Route 98 between Gillette Road in Barre and Ridge Road in Elba for an emergency culvert replacement.
The closure is expected to last several weeks, the Orleans County Emergency Management Office said.
DOT staff were out just before 3 p.m. to put up signs and barriers, shutting down a section of Route 98. The DOT has suggested a detour on Route 31A, Rt. 237 or to Rt. 262.
Here is a press release issued by the state DOT this afternoon:
The New York State Department of Transportation is advising motorists that a portion of State Route 98 between Gillette Road in the Town of Barre, Orleans County, and Ridge Road in the Town of Elba, Genesee County, has been closed to traffic after a recent inspection revealed deficiencies in a culvert beneath the roadway.
NYSDOT is working to address the matter and will keep the public apprised of further developments.
Motorists should follow the posted detour utilizing State Route 262, State Route 237 and State Route 31A. Variable message signboards have been positioned to alert motorists ahead of the closure. NYSDOT will keep the public apprised regarding the reopening of the road.
Motorists should anticipate travel delays during this time and are advised to seek alternate routes as necessary. Construction activities are weather dependent and subject to change based on conditions.
Motorists are urged to slow down and drive responsibly in work zones. Fines are doubled for speeding in a work zone. Convictions of two or more speeding violations in a work zone could result in the suspension of an individual’s driver license.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 June 2025 at 8:57 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
BARRE – Jacob Rowland and his sister Hannah, center, dance the Virginia Reel on Saturday evening during square dance at the Barre Town Park.
The Barre Betterment Committee and Go Art! teamed to offer the event, which also included food and a basket raffle.
The Orleans County String Band has performed at the square dance in Barre since 2018. They performed Appalachian string band music.
The members include Margaret Mathews as caller and teacher, Kathy Vandemortel of Point Breeze on the fiddle, Laurence Sugarman on the claw hammer banjo, and Laurie Hunt on bass.
Orly the Ox joined the dancers in the Virginia Reel. Orly is the Orleans County bicentennial mascot during this year of celebrating the county’s 200th anniversary.
Betsy and Wes Miller, center, joined in dancing the Virginia Reel.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 June 2025 at 8:56 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
BARRE – Karl Driesel, past president of the Barre Volunteer Fire Company and a former scoutmaster in Barre, puts part of a flag in a fire on Tuesday evening behind the Barre fire hall.
The fire company led a flag retirement ceremony. Boy Scout Troop 175 used to do the flag retirement ceremony each year in Barre near Flag Day, but the troop disbanded not long after the Covid pandemic in 2020, facing dwindling numbers.
The Barre Volunteer Fire Company decided to lead the effort on Tuesday. Flags that were worn out, tattered and faded were dropped off at the Barre Town Hall, fire hall or given to firefighters.
About 20 flags were given a dignified retirement on Tuesday.
Bert Mathes cuts a flag, separating the stripes from each other. The 13 alternating red and white stripes represent the 13 original colonies. The stripes were set in the fire individually, and so was the corner with the 50 stars.
A small fire was used to retire the flags. From left include Karl Driesel, Barre Fire Chief Josh Jurs, Bert Mathes, Mark Farone, and Farone’s grandson, Aiden Narburgh.
Barre firefighters urged the community to leave worn out flags at the fire hall, town hall, Ace Hardware in Albion or the American Legion Post in Albion.
The group observes a moment of silence before the flag is retired at the beginning of the ceremony on Tuesday.
Dylan Parker, the fourth lieutenant for Barre, sets part of a flag in the fire.
BARRE – The Heritage Wind Community Grant Program is now accepting applications for its Spring 2025 grant cycle.
Since its inception in 2020, the grant program has awarded nearly $140,000 to Orleans County community causes and non-profit organizations working to build healthy communities, increase environmental sustainability, foster economic development, and promote education.
The Fall/Winter Grant Cycle included awards to the following community organizations:
Town of Barre Fire Department
Village of Albion Summer Youth Park Program
The United Way of Orleans County
Local organizations working in the Town of Barre and the broader Orleans County community are encouraged to apply. Grants are typically awarded in the $1,000 to $5,000 range, with priority given to proposals that demonstrate meaningful impacts to the greatest number of area residents.
The four focus areas for the Community Grant Program are:
Building Healthy Communities – Programs that support public health or enhance the quality of life in the community.
Economic Development – Programs that support the economic wellbeing of the community.
Environmental Sustainability – Programs that support environmental revitalization, sustainability, or empower residents to be stewards of the environment.
Promoting Education – Programs that support educational institutions, especially the advancement of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). This may include curriculum development, vocational training, or literacy support.
If you have any questions about the program, please contact Anna Mathes at (585) 563-5137 or anna.mathes@apexcleanenergy.com.
Photos by Tom Rivers: Sean Pogue, the Barre town supervisor, is pictured outside the Barre Town Hall. Pogue isn’t seeking another two-year term as the town supervisor.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 28 March 2025 at 10:21 am
BARRE – Sean Pogue won’t be seeking another two-year term as the Barre town supervisor. Pogue has been the town’s top elected official during a time when two large-scale renewable energy projects have been approved, and the town tackled other projects.
Pogue knew going into the position it would be demanding and often controversial. Apex Clean Energy was already pursuing a project in Barre when he started in the position on Jan. 1, 2016.
Apex expects to soon start site work for the 126 megawatt project. It has been downsized from 184.8 megawatts, and from 33 to 27 turbines. Apex removed the turbines near the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge.
“There was a lot of turmoil with the wind turbine project,” Pogue said.
Many long-time neighbors and friends were on opposite sides of the project, with some believing the project brought a large industry in rural neighborhoods, infringing on the quality of life. Others see it as a major financial windfall for the community, lowering taxes for everyone in Barre and providing a financial lifeline for some landowners.
AES also has approval for a 200 megawatt solar project that is about 80 percent in barre and 20 percent in Shelby.
Those two projects will bring hundreds of thousands each year to Barre, changing the Barre’s status from the highest town taxes in Orleans County to likely the lowest.
“The two projects will cut taxes for the community significantly,” Pogue said.
Barre Town Supervisor Sean Pogue gives the welcome message on June 30, 2018 during the town’s bicentennial celebration at the Barre Town Park. The event at the park followed a parade down Route 98.
Pogue said the Town Board and employees have pushed forward other projects as well, including new electricity and playground equipment at the Barre Town Park, LED lights for the street lights and at the town hall and town park.
The town completed Water District No. 9 and is trying to get District No. 10 done. The construction costs are up so much more that the town is seeking a bigger grant and financial assistance for the project to keep the costs affordable for residents, Pogue said.
“We wanted to finish off the water but right now it’s cost prohibitive,” Pogue said.
Pogue said the high-profile projects have been stressful, but he said his tenure was a great time to be the town supervisor, especially in 2018 when the town celebrated it’s bicentennial with a series of events. Pogue grew up his beard that year for the town’s 200th anniversary.
The Bicentennial Committee enjoyed the events so much that the group formed the Barre Betterment Committee which has organized a square dance, lighted tractor parade, trunk or treat at the town park and other celebrations for the community.
“We’re trying to get people to come out and participate,” Pogue said.
Pogue came into the position after a long career in education. He has a doctorate in educational leadership. He worked 37 years for the Rochester City School District, after three years as a high school science teacher for the Red Jacket school district.
He narrowly was re-elected in 2023, winning by 5 votes over Scott Burnside, 297 to 292.
Pogue said he may serve on the town planning or zoning board after he retires as town supervisor. He is looking forward to traveling and having more time for fishing.
“I’ve bought 20 new fishing lures I’m looking forward to trying,” he said.
The Barre Republican Committee has endorsed Steve Coville for supervisor. Coville will soon be retiring from security with the VA.
Barre town officials and community members celebrated a new playground at the town park on Route 98 on Aug. 12, 2024. Sean Pogue is at right in front with Councilman Dave Waters at left. The upgrades include six new playground pieces. The town also was able to keep three pieces of playground equipment – swings, a caterpillar climbing apparatus and a slide – and move them to the new spot in the park.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 March 2025 at 8:31 pm
Construction of $400 million project expected to start 2026, be complete 2027
Photo by Tom Rivers: Jack Donelan, development manager for AES Corporation, speaks to the board of the Orleans Economic Development Agency this morning. Neil Habig, director for AES Corporation, is seated next to Donelan. Board members Craig Tuohey, by EDA sign, and Jeff Martin (back to camera) listen to Donelan’s comments.
ALBION – The Orleans Economic Development Agency today approved incentives for Hemlock Ridge Solar and the AES Corporation for its $400 million solar project covering 1,200 acres in barre and Shelby.
The Orleans EDA approved a sales tax abatement of $4,930,000 and an estimated mortgage tax abatement of $1,300,000. It also will be exempted from $63,583 in the local property tax.
Instead, the company will begin paying local governments nearly $40 million in a host community agreement over the next 30 years. The agreement starts with $900,000 the first year, which is $4,500 per megawatt in a 200 MW project. The amounts then increase 2 percent annually over 30 years.
The EDA also negotiated a host community agreement with the taxing jurisdictions with the project that is different than the usual payment in lieu of taxes plans that give companies a reduction in taxes.
Each taxing jurisdiction approved a host agreement that sets the following payments over 30 years to these taxing jurisdictions:
• The Town of Barre will receive $14,007,929 over 30 years for an annual average of $466,931, ranging from $295,200 in year 1 to $646,077 in year 30.
• The Town of Shelby will be paid $3,074,911 over 30 years for an annual average of $102,497, ranging from $64,800 in year 1 to $141,822 in year 30.
• Orleans County will be paid $7,923,242 over 30 years for an annual average of $264,108, ranging from $64,800 in year 1 to $141,822 in year 30.
• Albion Central School will be paid $10,407,330 over 30 years for an annual average of $346,911, ranging from $256,540 in year 1 to $455,575 in year 30.
• Oakfield-Alabama Central School will be paid $1,213,558 over 30 years for an annual average of $40,452, ranging from $29,914 in year 1 to $$53,123 in year 30.
• Medina Central School will be paid $2,363,633 over 30 years for an annual average of $78,754, ranging from $58,239 in year 1 to $103,423 in year 30.
AES also will pay $100,000 a year for 10 years to National Grid to help lower local electricity bills. That will be for $1 million total over 10 years.
The Orleans EDA also will be paid a 1.25 percent administration fee on a $400 million project or $4,519,804 with $750,000 upon execution of the project assistance agreement (within 30 days of the EDA board’s approval of the project) and then another $3,769,804 at the close of financing.
AES officials attended the meeting said they expect construction won’t start until 2026 to line up all the equipment, materials and contractors. The 200 megawatt facility is expected to operational in 2027.
AES detailed the expenses in a filing with the Orleans EDA. The total project costs are estimated at $400,150,000.
That includes building and land purchase, $150,000; site preparation, $10 million; new construction, $160 million; utilities & infrastructure, $30 million; and transportation access, $5 million.
The machinery and equipment is estimated at $190 million and includes solar modules at $98 million; solar racking/piles, $41 million; inverter, $11 million; wiring, $30 million; and HV equipment, $10 million.
Jack Donelan, development manager for AES Corporation, told the EDA board there will be a 7-foot-high agricultural style fence on the 1,200 acre perimeter. There will be a 7-foot-high chain-link fence around the electric substation, with a foot-high of barb wire.
AES estimates 264 workers will be needed for the construction. Once it’s done, 0.5 full-time-equivalent may only be needed at the site.
Donelan said AES will connect into the grid through the transmission lines that run along the southern part of Orleans County.
Photos by Tom Rivers: Patti Bushover speaks during a public hearing in the Town of Shelby on Tuesday about Hemlock Ridge Solar. Bushover lives on East Shelby Road and doesn’t want the solar panels so close to her home. Bushover said too much valuable farmland is being affected by solar projects locally. The public hearing was on the tax incentives for the project. The state has already approved the project and held its own hearing on the site plan and environmental impacts.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 20 March 2025 at 1:47 pm
BARRE/SHELBY – The Orleans Economic Development Agency held public hearings in Shelby on Tuesday and Barre on Wednesday for the tax incentives being offered Hemlock Ridge Solar/AES for its $400 million solar project that would be 82 percent in Barre and 18 percent in Shelby.
The company is slated to receive $6,230,000 in tax abatements in year one. AES won’t have to pay $4,930,000 in sales tax or $1.3 million in the mortgage tax. It also will be exempted from $63,583 in the local property tax.
Instead, the company will begin paying local governments nearly $40 million in a host community agreement over the next 30 years. The agreement starts with $900,000 the first year, which is $4,500 per megawatt in a 200 MW project. The amounts then increase 2 percent annually over 30 years.
Map from AES: The 200 megawatt solar project in Barre and Shelby would be along Crane, Townline and Burns roads near the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge.
The Orleans EDA also will be paid a 1.25 percent administration fee on a $400 million project or $4,519,804 with $750,000 upon execution of the project assistance agreement (within 30 days of the EDA board’s approval of the project) and then another $3,769,804 at the close of financing.
The agreement includes the following payments over 30 years to these taxing jurisdictions:
The Town of Barre will receive $14,007,929 over 30 years for an annual average of $466,931, ranging from $295,200 in year 1 to $646,077 in year 30.
The Town of Shelby will be paid $3,074,911 over 30 years for an annual average of $102,497, ranging from $64,800 in year 1 to $141,822 in year 30.
Orleans County will be paid $7,923,242 over 30 years for an annual average of $264,108, ranging from $64,800 in year 1 to $141,822 in year 30.
Albion Central School will be paid $10,407,330 over 30 years for an annual average of $346,911, ranging from $256,540 in year 1 to $455,575 in year 30.
Oakfield-Alabama Central School will be paid $1,213,558 over 30 years for an annual average of $40,452, ranging from $29,914 in year 1 to $$53,123 in year 30.
Medina Central School will be paid $2,363,633 over 30 years for an annual average of $78,754, ranging from $58,239 in year 1 to $103,423 in year 30.
AES also will pay $100,000 a year for 10 years to National Grid to help lower local electricity bills. That will be for $1 million total over 10 years.
As a percentage of the funds for the taxing jurisdictions, Barre will receive 35.9 percent, Shelby at 7.9 percent, Orleans County at 20.3 percent, Albion Central School at 26.7 percent, Medina Central School at 6.1 percent, and Oakfield-Alabama Central School at 3.1 percent.
The total community payments include $39,989,603 over 30 years with $38,989,603 to taxing jurisdictions and $1 million to National Grid.
The EDA board of directors is scheduled to vote at 8 a.m. on Monday on the tax incentive plan.
Kirk Mathes, a member of the Barre Town Board, speaks at Wednesday’s hearing in Barre, which was only attended by a few people. Steve Harling of the Planning Board is at left. Mathes said the Orleans Economic Development Agency should have better advertised the hearing. The EDA said the notices were on the EDA website and the agency met its legal requirements by posting in the official town newspaper, The Daily News of Batavia. The Orleans Hub and The Lake Country Pennysaver don’t meet the requirement because they aren’t printed periodicals with paid subscriptions.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 January 2025 at 8:32 am
BARRE – The Town of Barre and Orleans County have reached an agreement for Barre to pay $29,906 to the county for assessing services in 2025.
The county is creating a new full-time assessor position in the Real Property Tax Services Office in Albion.
Barre’s previous assessor left the job for a full-time position at the Oakfield-Alabama school district. For 30 years, Barry Flansburg served in the role until retiring Sept. 30, 2022.
Town Supervisor Sean Pogue said working with the county ensures Barre will have an assessor. If the person assigned to Barre is unavailable, Barre can draw on other staff at the Real Property office.
Barre is the third town to contract with the county for the service. Albion and Gaines have paid the county for the service since 2007.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 27 December 2024 at 10:39 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
BARRE – Firefighters respond this morning to a fire in Barre barn owned by Richard Miller at 13481 Miller Rd.
Firefighters and Miller said the fire started from a skid steer. The fire spread to some hay in the barn.
Firefighters moved the scorched hay from inside, and hosed down the skid steer.
Miller said a neighbor called him to say there was smoke coming from the barn at about 9 a.m.
Two cows were inside as well as many sheep, and they were safely moved to an outdoor pasture. Miller is retired from farming. His two granddaughters show the cows in the Orleans County 4-H Fair.
The barn didn’t appear to suffer any damage from the fire.
Firefighters from Barre, Albion and Medina responded to the scene, as well as the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office and Orleans County Emergency Management Office.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 December 2024 at 12:17 pm
Apex will pay $1.1 million annually to Barre, Albion Central School, Orleans County; EDA to be paid $4.5 million in 3 payments
BARRE – Heritage Wind expects to start site work in February, clearing trees as part of a large-scale wind energy project that has been in development for about a decade.
Apex Clean Energy, owner of Heritage Wind, will start the tree clearing in February and then have full civil mobilization of its construction crew in July 2025, said Carmen O’Keefe, director of development for Apex.
The project is scheduled to be operational the end of 2026, with a capacity of 126 megawatts. Apex has scaled back the project from an initial plan of 33 turbines generating 184.8 megawatts. The project will now be 27 turbines at 126 megawatts. Apex removed some of the turbines that were planned to be near the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge.
The construction costs have escalated in recent years, pushing the total cost from $304 million to $373 million.
“It costs more though there are fewer turbines because the cost of materials, turbines and labor has increased fairly significantly since the original resolution was passed in 2021,” O’Keefe said.
Heritage Wind has been permitted to construct Vestas V150 4.5 MW (640 foot high) and Vestas V162 6.0 MW (656 foot high) turbines. O’Keefe said Apex will likely use the 640-foot-high turbines in Barre.
The company will pay $9,000 per megawatt to local municipalities or $1,134,000 in the first year, with a 2 percent increase after that over 25 years.
Barre gets 75 percent of the money as part of a Host Community Agreement. The $6,750 per megawatt totals $850,000.
The remaining 25 percent or $2,250 per megawatt is evenly split by the school district and county. That is $140,175 each.
In addition, Heritage Wind will be paying an administrative fee to the Orleans Economic Development Agency for administering the PILOT with the school district and county.
The EDA will receive $775,000 this month, and then will receive two $1.8 million payments – one by Dec. 1, 2025 or the date of the closing of the PILOT/lease-leaseback transaction and then another $1.8 million a year after the closing.
The combined $4.575 million will be a big boost to the EDA and its economic development efforts, said EDA executive director Michael Dobell. He expects some of the funds will be used to advance development of the Medina Business Park.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 December 2024 at 9:44 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
BARRE – Santa and Mrs. Claus stopped at a home on Oak Orchard Road this afternoon and delivered presents to children. Barre firefighter James Neal is in back.
The Barre Volunteer Fire Company escorted Santa around town today for the 11th annual Santa Express. They made 35 stops, delivering presents to 160 kids and allowing them to spend time with Santa.
The fire company sends out a letter in November, welcoming people to drop off gift-wrapped presents at the firehall and those gifts are then delivered by firefighters and Santa. People are encouraged to make a donation to the fire company if they get a visit from Santa and the firefighters.
Santa and Mrs. Claus pose with Layla Kania, twin brothers Wyatt and Elisa Webb, and Hudson Deuil.
Hudson Deuil was a little shy meeting Santa but gave him a hug before he boarded the fire truck to visit the next group of kids on the Santa Express.
Santa makes a delivery to Cara Dix of Lyndonville, who met Santa at her aunt’s house on Route 98. Her older siblings have been meeting Santa in Barre for about nine years.
“I love this tradition,” said their mother, Krystle Dix. “The kids love seeing Santa. They get one-on-one time with him without being in a big line.”
Barre firefighters split into two different groups in transporting Santa and Mrs. Claus around town. They made their deliveries from 9:30 a.m. to about 4 p.m. They were done in time to see the Bills game start at 4:25 p.m.
The Barre Volunteer Fire Company and Santa schedule the Santa Express in Barre on a Sunday when the Buffalo Bills have an away game and the game time is preferable after 1 p.m. Santa said he is rooting for the Bills in their pursuit of a Super Bowl title.
