By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 January 2026 at 8:07 am
Equipment can be used to carefully lift vehicles if someone trapped
Photos by Tom Rivers
BARRE – The Barre Fire Company on Tuesday evening unveiled new air bags in memory of Joe Grabowski, who passed away on April 12 at age 84. Grabowski, a retired Barre highway superintendent, was a 48-year member of the Barre Volunteer Fire Company. He also worked for Keeler Construction.
Josh Jurs, the Barre fire chief, said the new air bags will replace ones from 1991. They were initially purchased from donations by Grabowski. When he was highway superinent, a loader tipped over on Mix Road and Grabowski was trapped.
Barre firefighters didn’t have air bags at the time, and the Albion Fire Department came to the scene with the equipment.
Fire Chief Josh Jurs and Lt. Marty Zwifka show the new air bags that cost $6,000. They replace ones that were 34 years old. The air bags are made of a very thick rubber that can be inflated up to about eight inches. As they are inflated, firefighters can put in cribbing to stabilize vehicles, tractors or structures that have been slightly lifted. The four air bags can be set on top of each other to allow for a lift of about 32 inches altogether.
After Grabowski passed away, 37 donors gave in his memory to the Barre Volunteer Fire Company, which used those donations to buy the new air bags, an air cylinder and controllers. The Barre Fire District also chipped in some money to replace the equipment from 1991.
A plaque listing the donors will be placed inside the fire hall.
Grabowski’s family attended a presentation at the fire hall on Tuesday when the new equipment was dedicated in memory of Grabowski. From left include Grabowski’s daughter, Julie Kornow; daughter, Christine Maas; sister, Diane Riley; granddaughter, Miranda Merton; wife, Janice Grabowski; and brother, Don Grabowski.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 31 December 2025 at 6:35 pm
Construction will start soon on wind turbines, large solar project
Photo by Tom Rivers: The Barre Town Board held a year-end meeting on Tuesday that closed out the tenures for three of the five board members including Town Supervisor Sean Pogue and councilmen Dave Waters and George McKenna. Pictured from left include Dave Waters, Councilwoman Margaret Swan, Sean Pogue and George McKenna. Kirk Mathes, not shown, also is on the Town Board.
BARRE – The Barre Town Board closed out 2025 with a year-end meeting on Tuesday which was the last meeting for three of the five board members.
Town Supervisor Sean Pogue and councilmen George McKenna and Dave Waters all attended the final meetings of their terms. They will be replaced on the board on Jan. 1 by Steve Coville as town supervisor and David Allen and Wes Miller as councilmen.
McKenna and Waters were elected four years ago partly over their concerns about the siting of wind turbines in Barre.
That project is moving forward after being approved by a state agency – Office of Renewable Energy Siting and Electric Transmission. ORES needs to review all renewable energy projects more than 25 megawatts.
Pogue noted the Heritage Wind project by Apex Clean Energy should see the start of construction in early 2026 with 28 wind turbines with a capacity to generate 126 megawatts of electricity.
A second large-scale renewable energy project also will begin construction early in 2026. Hemlock Ridge Solar/AES is constructing a $400 million solar project that will be 82 percent in Barre and 18 percent in Shelby. That project will have a capacity to generate 200 megawatts of power.
The wind turbine project has divided many in the community. McKenna during his last meeting on Tuesday urged the Town Board to send a letter to ORES, asking for Apex to use a turbine model that would generate 6.0 megawatts per turbine, rather than 4.5 megawatts. McKenna said that would increase the power significantly for the project and result in more money for the town.
McKenna reiterated his concerns about the turbines’ placements and their impact on nearby residents with shadow flicker, sound, visibility and impacts on property values.
But the board was deadlocked 2-2 to send the letter to ORES. Mckenna and Waters voted to send along the letter and Pogue and councilwoman Margaret Swan opposed it. Kirk Mathes, the other board member, abstained because he is a landowner receiving money from Apex. A resolution needs at least three votes to advance.
Pogue said the issue with the size and siting of the turbines has be decided by ORES. Asking for a change to the project at the last moment could incur more expense for the town if the attorney needed to get involved. Pogue said the issues are settled and funds to town and other municipalities were agreed to as part of a host community agreement.
Pogue said the two projects will significantly cut the town taxes for property owners but that likely won’t happen for another two years when the projects are expected to be operational.
Pogue has been the town supervisor for eight years. He saw the construction of one water district, and the struggle to get another one built – Water District No. 10. Barre didn’t receive a grant in the latest effort for Water District No. 10 but was approved for funding for a new water tower in the Pine Hill area.
Barre has completed upgrades to its town hall and town park, and the town celebrated its bicentennial in 2018. Pogue said that bicentennial spurned community pride, and helped launch the Barre Betterment Committee which has continued community events, with a square dance in June, a lighted tractor parade in December and other activities.
“It’s been a roller-coaster,” Pogue said about the eight years as town supervisor. “I wouldn’t trade it at all. Yeah, there’s been sleepless nights. I lived the good, the bad and the ugly.”
He commended the board members he worked with over the years, including George McKenna and former councilwoman Kerri Richardson, who often questioned Pogue’s positions on the issues. Pogue also highlighted the efforts by board members Kirk Mathes, Dave Waters and Margaret Swan, and former members Richard Bennett, Tom McCabe and Lynn Hill.
“There are a lot of projects on the table that will improve things immensely for the town,” Pogue said. “Hopefully things will settle down and things will move along a lot smoother.”
McKenna, in his remarks at the meeting, said he felt compelled to serve on the board to be a voice for residents, especially with such large-scale renewable energy projects.
McKenna urged more community members to serve on town committees, the Zonings Board of Appeals, Planning Board, Board of Assessment Review and the Town Board.
“People need to be more involved,” McKenna said.
Waters thanked the town employees and board members for their service to the community.
He welcomed the three new members to the board and wished them well.
“I’m sure the new board members will keep us moving forward,” he said.
Bridget O’Toole, the town attorney, spoke during the meeting and said all of the board members have a love for Barre and have tried to do right for the town.
“You may have disagreed but I never questioned your focus on the residents,” O’Toole said. “I’ve seen that all of you deeply care about and love the Town of Barre.”
Because Coville and Allen are both starting on the Town Board on Jan. 1, they both are resigning from their positions on the Zoning Board and Board of Assessment Review. Those resignations were accepted by the Town Board during Tuesday’s year-end meeting.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 31 December 2025 at 10:41 am
Photo by Tom Rivers
BARRE – During the Barre Town Board’s year-end meeting on Tuesday, Tom Bentley submitted a retirement letter that was accepted by the Town Board.
Bentley will be ending his career on March 20 after 30 years as a motor equipment operator.
He was praised by Dale Brooks, the highway superintendent, and Sean Pogue, the town supervisor, who both said Bentley will be very difficult to replace in the highway department.
After his letter was accepted, Bentley dashed out of the town hall to go plow snow.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 29 December 2025 at 6:45 pm
OK Kitchen cancels Thursday dinner due to frigid forecast
The Barre Town Board has rescheduled the year-end board meeting from 6 p.m. today until noon on Tuesday due the rough weather, including a travel advisory. The meeting will be at the Town Hall on West Barre Road.
The Orleans Koinonia Kitchen’s board of directors also has canceled the meal scheduled for Thursday on New Year’s Day due to the forecast of very cold weather.
“We want everyone to stay home and stay safe and warm,” said Faith Smith, the kitchen’s director. “It will be very cold and there will be ice everywhere. Our only concern is for everyone’s safety. We will be back open Thursday, January 7.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 19 December 2025 at 5:25 pm
File photo by Tom Rivers: Barre will be able to build a new water tank in the Pine Hill area after being approved for a $2,097,940 grant from the state today. This photo shows the current 150,000-gallon water tank behind the firehall on Route 98. The new tank will be 250,000 gallons and will boost water pressure and allow for possible expansion of the water system on the western side, linking with Shelby.
Three towns in Orleans County have been approved for grants from the state for water infrastructure.
Gov. Kathy Hochul announced nearly $8 million in grants for three towns – Barre, Clarendon and Kendall.
The grants are among $453 million approved for water infrastructure projects across New York State through the Water Infrastructure Improvement and Intermunicipal Water Infrastructure Grant programs.
“New York families should not be burdened by rising water bills and outdated systems,” Governor Hochul said. “With this funding, the State is helping communities take on essential projects without passing unsustainable costs to residents and businesses. These investments will protect public health, support local economies, and help ensure reliable, safe water for years to come.”
The grants for Orleans County municipalities include:
• Town of Barre – $2,097,940 for water storage tank and pump station improvements.
Town Supervisor Sean Pogue said the grant will go towards a second water tank in town, with the new one in the Pine Hill area. The project also includes pump station upgrades.
Pogue said the exact location of the new water tower is to be determined. It will be a 250,000-gallon tank, which is bigger than the 150,000-gallon behind the fire hall on Route 98.
Barre also is waiting word on whether it will be approved for a grant for Water District. No. 10 through the Community Development Block Grant program.
• Town of Clarendon awarded $928,000 towards Water District No. 14 , which includes a section of Route 237, Boots Road, Merrill Road and McAllister Road. The project will link some water districts and close some dead-end lines while expanding public water access.
• Town of Kendall – $5 million for Water District No. 11, which covers 76,700 linear feet (nearly 15 miles) on Roosevelt Highway and Lakeshore, Petersmith, Norway and Center roads.
Town Supervisor Tony Cammarata said the project loops districts improving water flow and bringing more public water to residents.
“There are streets where half are with water half are without,” he said. “We’re trying to complete the puzzle. This will be the second largest water district in the town.”
The town and residents had wells tested, completed income surveys and took other steps to secure the grant.
“They deserve it,” Cammarata said about the need for the new water district. “We’re very thankful and very appreciative.”
Kendall also putting in a new sewer district that is currently under construction.
“We’re moving in the right direction to give our residents more reasons to work here and stay here and be part of our community,” he said.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 December 2025 at 5:16 pm
Photos courtesy of Barre Volunteer Fire Company
BARRE – The Barre Volunteer Fire Company provided an escort for Santa and Mrs. Claus on Sunday for the 12th annual Santa Express.
Santa and the firefighters made 35 stops and delivered presents to about 150 children. The kids were all able to spend some 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.
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.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 December 2025 at 8:40 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
BARRE – The Barre Betterment Committee held its annual tractor parade on Saturday in Barre. The top photo shows some of the participants getting ready for the parade at the Van Lieshout farm on East Barre Road.
The parade started at the farm and headed north on Route 98 to the Barre Town Park.
More than dozen tractors and other farm and construction equipment were part of the procession on a 22-degree evening.
Tractors and farm equipment used the Van Lie Shout farm as a staging area before the Barre Tractor Parade on Dec. 13, 2025. The Barre water tower is in the background.
Kurt Dudley rides his tractor in the parade.
Mike Van Lieshout has his tractor decorated with lots of lights.
Lee Markle drives this tractor pulling a float for the West Barre Church. Orly the Ox, the Orleans County bicentennial mascot, hitched a ride on the float.
Keeler Construction wished the community a Merry Christmas.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 12 December 2025 at 9:49 am
Photos by Tom Rivers: Sue Jones stands outside Black Walnut Home Care at 13713 Allis Rd. She opened the business last week with Nancy Donahue. The property has some impressive black walnut trees.
BARRE – A new option for assisted care is now available in Orleans County. Sue Jones and Nancy Donahue have opened their home for three senior citizens to stay.
Black Walnut Home Care LLC is available for up to three residents. Jones and Donahue want to provide a safe place for older residents in a family setting.
The two provided home care for developmentally disabled adults for over 10 years when they lived in New Hampshire. They moved to Barre on Allis Road three years ago to be closer to Donahue’s family.
The assisted care site is certified by the state, but not for medical care. They provide lodging, meals, medication oversight, laundry, outings, transportation to appointments and other social activities.
“We both like working with people,” Jones said at Black Walnut, which is located at 13713 Allis Rd.
Black Walnut Home Care includes a two-bedroom room and a single room. The cost is $2,500 a month for the single room and $2,300 to stay in the double room. That includes lodging, meals, transportation and care (not medical).
Both Jones and Donahue have long careers caring for other people. Since moving to Barre, Jones has worked for the State of New York providing direct care support in several of the state group homes in the Batavia area. Donahue has worked with seniors as an activities aide, playing Bingo, supervising outings, and doing crafts with the seniors of the Villages of Orleans in Albion.
Jones said many local seniors live on their own and struggle to keep up with day-to-day tasks. Their children often live far away.
She and Donahue wanted to offer an option that would be more affordable than most assisted care sites. They charge $2,500 a month for the single room, and $2,300 a month to be in the double room. That includes the lodging, meals, transportation and activities.
Jones and Donahue welcome people to visit the site for a tour to see if it’s a good fit for their needs. The residents will need to like animals. There are dogs and cats inside, and their also horses, goats and chickens.
Black Walnut also has a swimming pool and hot tub.
For more information, call Black Walnut at (585) 283-4281.
Sue Jones pets a cat in the living room at Black Walnut Home Care. There are several cats and dogs, as well as farm animals at the site.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 December 2025 at 2:06 pm
Photos courtesy of Tim Archer
ALBION – Albion eighth-graders Sutton Sanders, left, and Luci Borello are pictured with two of four new roadside markers that show local connections to the Revolutionary War.
The markers, valued at $2,050 each, were funded through the Pomeroy Foundation. The markers will be installed next spring at area cemeteries, including both the Annis Cemetery on Riches Corners Road and Tanner Cemetery in Albion on Route 31, across from Mount Albion.
This photo shows a headstone for Revolutionary War veteran Lott Swift, who is buried at the East Barre Cemetery. It will replace his broken headstone there. The Albion students applied for the new stone through the Veterans Administration in Washington, D.C. In the picture are Patrice Birner (Orleans Chapter DAR), Luci Borello, Sutton Sanders, Barre Highway Superintendent Dale Brooks (who will install the headstone), Kirk Mathes (the cemetery was originally part of the Mathes farm and named the Roy Mathes cemetery), and Barre Town Supervisor-elect Steve Coville (the town helped with the application).
Patrice Birner and the DAR donated 14 new bronze flag markers for the Revolutionary War burial sites in the county that did not have one.
Luci Borello and Sutton Sanders place a new flag marker at the site of Revolutionary War veteran Anthony Tripp at Mt. Albion Cemetery.
The two students did research and work this past summer on gathering information on Revolutionary War veterans buried in the county as part of our country’s upcoming 250th anniversary, said Tim Archer, an Albion teacher helping to coordinate this effort.
The information will be shared with the local DAR and the county historian. More than 60 Revolutionary War soldiers can be confirmed, with another 45 unconfirmed.
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.
