By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 1 July 2025 at 5:46 pm
Task Force to receive ‘2025 Achievement Award’ from National Association of Counties
Photo by Tom Rivers: District Attorney Susan Howard speaks during last week’s County Legislature meeting about a National Association of Counties award for the Orleans County Major Felony Crime Task Force. Legislator Skip Draper is at right.
ALBION – The Orleans County Major Felony Crime Task Force will receive a national award for its collaborative efforts with local and regional law enforcement agencies.
The Task Force has made over 1,250 arrests and participated in 2,800 investigations since 2007, and has a near 100 percent conviction rate, said District Attorney Susan Howard. The Task Force operates under supervision of the District Attorney in Orleans County.
“The specialized unit is especially adept in the application and execution of search warrants, and is poised to assist other local law enforcement agencies in the effort to ensure successful prosecutions at all levels,” she said.
The National Association of Counties will present Orleans County with a “2025 Achievement Award” during its national meeting July 11-14 in Philadelphia, Pa.
Howard praised the task force, led by supervising investigator Joe Sacco, for its work with local state and federal law enforcement agencies, as well as the State Police, Drug Enforcement Agency, Immigration and Custom Enforcement, the Office of Special Investigations, the Attorney General’s Office and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
“They kind of work in the dark but they need to be recognized,” Howard said. “They work so hard behind the scenes keeping on community safe.”
The Task Force also includes investigators Corey Black and Brett Sobieraski. Black has just retired from the Task Force after several years.
“Members are experienced investigators that have worked in law enforcement an average of 20 to 30 years prior to joining, thus bringing with them a high level of experience,” Howard said. “The Task Force focuses on the war against drugs, but also handles homicides, assaults and any other type of criminal investigation.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 1 July 2025 at 1:33 pm
ALBION – Orleans County Legislature Chairman Lynne Johnson is thanking county employees and law enforcement for a peaceful resolution to a bomb threat on Monday at the Orleans County Mental Health Building.
Daniel T. Morehead, 30, of Holley has been charged with making a terrorist threat, placing a false bomb in the 1stdegree, menacing 2nd degree, attempted assault on a police officer and harassment 2nd degree.
Johnson issued the following statement:
“Yesterday’s bomb threat and subduing of the suspect at the Orleans County Department of Mental Health thankfully ended without incident and I want to thank our Sheriff’s Office and all the other agencies that aided, including the New York State Police, the Albion Police, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, NYS D.E.C Police and our Emergency Management and Probation departments, for their tremendous efforts.
“Sheriff Bourke and his leadership team were extraordinary in controlling the situation and their use of technology, especially the drone, was amazing.
“This event shows we live at a time when incidents can seemingly happen at any time and any place. We are fortunate that our public safety professionals have the training, skills and determination to protect the health and well-being of our community.
“I also want to acknowledge our County Administrator Jack Welch and the Department of Mental Health for being prepared for such a situation and implementing proper protocols to ensure employee safety. Our Mental Health staff have a very difficult job and these types of threats are always a concern. Know we appreciate all that you do.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 30 June 2025 at 2:41 pm
County Office Building, Mental Health closed to public while law enforcement investigates ‘credible threat’
Photos by Tom Rivers: Public access is currently closed to the Orleans County mental Health Building on Route 31 after someone made a bomb threat today at about noon.
ALBION – A person has been arrested after making a bomb threat today at the Orleans County Mental Health Building.
That building has been evacuated and the employees are on lockdown and sheltering in place next door at the County Office Building.
Law enforcement is on the scene investigating “a credible bomb threat.”
Access up the driveway off Route 31 to the county buildings is closed to the public.
No other information is available.
Yellow caution tape is on the side of the County Office Building facing the Mental Health Building.
Orleans County is blocking access up the driveway leading to the County Office Building and the Mental Health Building. These photos were taken at about 2:25 p.m.
Sgt. Torry Tooley is commander of the Special Response Team at the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office. The SRT includes members from the Sheriff’s Office and Albion Police Department.
ALBION – Sheriff Christopher M. Bourke is proud to announce the appointment of Sergeant Torry Tooley as Commander of the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office Special Response Team (SRT).
The SRT is a specialized unit comprised of members from both the Sheriff’s Office and the Albion Police Department, trained to respond to high-risk situations requiring advanced tactics and coordination.
Sergeant Tooley brings 16 years of law enforcement experience to this leadership role. He is a certified NYS DCJS General Topics Instructor, Firearms Instructor, Advanced Firearms Instructor, Patrol Rifle Instructor, Defensive Tactics Instructor, and is also certified as a SWAT Operator and Tactical Team Leader through DCJS. He holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from SUNY Brockport.
Over the years, Sergeant Tooley has served as an SRT Team Leader, earning the respect of his peers and a reputation as a knowledgeable, skilled and dependable leader. His extensive training, practical experience, and dedication to excellence make him well-suited for this critical position.
As SRT Commander, Sergeant Tooley will oversee all aspects of team training, support grant management and equipment procurement efforts, and lead the planning and execution of tactical operations. Given that SRT deployments typically occur during high-risk, high-pressure situations, strong and capable leadership is essential. Sergeant Tooley embodies the professionalism and expertise necessary to ensure the safety of both team members and the community.
Sheriff Bourke expresses his confidence in Sergeant Tooley and appreciates his commitment to the Sheriff’s Office and the people of Orleans County. Sheriff Bourke remains dedicated to protecting those who live in, work in, and travel through Orleans County by maintaining highly trained, well-led specialized units such as the SRT.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 27 June 2025 at 8:52 am
Orleans County Legislature passes resolution in support of program
Provided photos: Students at the Iroquois Job Corps Center learn in programs for brick masonry, carpentry, electrical, commercial painting, clinical medical assistant and certified nursing assistant.
June 30 won’t be the day that Job Corps centers shut down. A federal judge on Wednesday said the centers don’t have to close while a lawsuit is in federal court.
Department of Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer announced on May 29 that 99 privately run centers would go on “pause” due to what she said were low graduation rates and high incidents of violence. She said Job Corps is not cost-effective. She set June 30 as the date for the centers to close, with students to be sent home earlier on June 6.
But U.S. District Judge Andrew Carter said the Department of Labor can’t dismantle a program that Congress established and set aside funding to run. A preliminary injunction nationally will allow the centers to stay open while litigation continues.
The Job Corps program was founded in 1964 to help teenagers and young adults who struggled to finish traditional high school and find jobs. The program provides tuition-free housing at residential centers, training, meals and health care.
“Once Congress has passed legislation stating that a program like the Job Corps must exist, and set aside funding for that program, the DOL is not free to do as it pleases; it is required to enforce the law as intended by Congress,” Carter wrote in the ruling, according to the Associated Press.
Carter directed the DOL to stop removing Job Corps students from housing, terminating jobs or otherwise suspending the nationwide program without congressional approval, the AP reported.
The DOL said it was pausing the Job Corps, not shutting it down. But the judge disputed that.
“The way that the DOL is shuttering operations and the context in which the shuttering is taking place make it clear that the DOL is actually attempting to close the centers,” Carter wrote.
The judge said closing the centers harms students. They lose the progress they’ve made towards their education and certifications, with some plunged into homelessness. That is a big contrast from the “minor upheaval” described by government lawyers, he said.
County Legislature calls Job Corps ‘a vital resource’
The Orleans County Legislature on Tuesday unanimously passed a resolution in support of keeping the Job Corps program open and at full capacity. The center has room for 225 students. The center assists students in earning their high school diplomas and learn skills in various fields – certified nursing assistant, clinical medical assistant, electrical, carpentry, bricklaying and painting.
County legislators said the Job Corps program for more than 60 years “has been a staple in assisting young adults obtain life skills, earn high school diplomas, receive on the job training in healthcare, construction and other in-demand fields.”
The Iroquois Job Corps has a $17 million impact annual economic impact locally, legislators said. Students also have completed many projects in the community at municipal buildings and parks in Orleans, Niagara, and Genesee counties, “thus saving the cost burden having been put upon the local property taxes.”
“Orleans County Legislators view the Iroquois Job Corps Center as a vital resource to the county by means of assisting up to 225 young adults at a time, employing 100 local residents, and providing an estimated $17 million annual economic impact on our local economy,” the resolution states. “The Orleans County Legislature does hereby oppose a ‘phased pause’ and closure of the Iroquois Job Corps Center in our County.”
Lynne Johnson, the Legislature chairwoman, has been a member of the community council at the Job Corps.
She said many of the students come from difficult circumstances and Job Corps helps them to learn skills and get jobs.
“They are contributing members of our society,” Johnson said.
The Medina Village Board also considered a resolution in support of Job Corps on Monday, but it failed to get three votes to pass. Mayor Marguerite Sherman and Trustee Jess Marciano wanted to state Medina’s support of the program.
“I think there is a lot of value to that program,” Marciano said.
Trustee Scott Bielski said he had to abstain because his company works with the Job Corps and he didn’t think it was proper for him to vote on an issue where he has financial gain.
“I support the Job Corps 100 percent,” he said.
Trustee Deb Padoleski said she was uncomfortable with the village weighing in on the issue.
“It feels like political activism to me,” she said.
Trustee Mark Prawel wasn’t at the meeting.
Mayor Sherman said Job Corps students were planning to do projects at City Hall and the Village Office this year to gain work experience. Students in recent years built the pavilion at State Street Park and made several Buddy Benches at Medina parks.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 June 2025 at 8:46 pm
Provided photo: Kendall’s 57 graduates and one honorary foreign exchange student in the Class of 2024 celebrated commencement on June 28, 2024 in the school auditorium.
Orleans County’s school districts will be giving high school seniors a big send off with commencement ceremonies on Friday and Saturday.
About 400 graduates will receive their diplomas.
The commencement ceremonies include:
• Albion is graduating 139 students this year. The ceremony speakers are Linda Weller (Acting Board of Education President), Mickey Edwards (Superintendent), Kenadie Patten (Class of 2025 President), Zackary Baron (Salutatorian) and Tye Talbot (Valedictorian).
The ceremony is planned to be outside on football field beginning at 7 p.m. with the high school gym the back-up in case of rain.
• Holley has 67 students graduating on Saturday during commencement at 10 a.m. in the school auditorium.
Penny Cole was picked by seniors to be their commencement speaker. Cole retired in 2023/24 as secretary for the MS/HS counseling office and as the cheer coach. Cole graduated from Holley High School in 1975.
The Salutatory address will be given by Natalie Amelia Foose and the Valedictory address will be delivered by Allison Renee Merle.
• Kendall has 53 seniors graduating at 7 p.m. Friday with a ceremony in the school auditorium. Carolyn Sweeting, who retired as a Spanish teacher in 2023, has been picked by the class to be the commencement speaker.
The top two students academically also will give speeches, including Valedictorian Colby Hughes and Salutatorian Isabella Goodrich.
• Lyndonville has 30 students graduating on Friday during a 7 p.m. ceremony in the auditorium. Valedictorian Addison Dillenbeck and Salutatorian Madison Davis will each give an address.
• Medina has just under 100 graduates receiving diplomas at 7 p.m. on Friday at Vets Park. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, the ceremony will be inside in the auditorium.
The speakers will be Dan Owen DeVera, the valedictorian, and Cameron Kenward, the salutatorian.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 June 2025 at 10:15 am
ALBION – It was a small turnout with nine days of early voting in Orleans County. Only 78 people cast ballots ahead of the June 24 primary in the towns of Barre, Shelby and Yates. That is less than 1 percent of the eligible registered voters, said mike Election, Republican election commissioner.
The county by state mandate needs to provide nine days of early voting. This time it was from June 14 to June 22. The polling location is in Albion at the Board of Elections at the County Office Building.
There were 33 voters for the primary in Barre, 40 for Shelby and five for Yates.
For the primary on Tuesday, polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the town hall in each of the three towns: Barre Town Hall at 14317 W Barre Rd.; Shelby Town Hall at 4062 Salt Works Rd.; and Yates Town Hall at 8 S Main St.
The primaries include:
Barre: Two candidates for the town supervisor position – Scott Burnside and Stephen Coville II. Four candidates for two positions as town council member: George McKenna Jr., Wesley Miller, David Allen and Iva McKenna.
Shelby: Two candidates for town supervisor: James Heminway and Scott Wengewicz. Four candidates for two spots as town council member: Vassilios Bitsas, Lawrence Waters Sr., Edward Zelazny and Michael Moriarty.
Yates: Three candidates for two Town Board seats: Harold Suhr, William Jurinich and Terry Chaffee Jr.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 22 June 2025 at 2:31 pm
Photos by Ginny Kropf: Ricky and Katrina Standish stand near the banks of Lake Alice on family-owned property, of which they have become managers. Katrina recently graduated from the Spring 2025 Microenterprise Assistance Program, which she took to help them run a business.
ALBION – The Spring 2025 Microenterprise Assistance Program class recently graduated 11 aspiring business entrepreneurs, whose prospective new businesses are very diverse, according to MAP director Matt Holland.
“We had an excellent group of businesses this year, from a wide variety of backgrounds and stages of business,” Holland said.
This included agriculture, retail, food service, property rental and maintenance – some of which are concept, startup or have been open for more than two years.
“I believe this diversity benefitted group discussions and collaboration,” Holland said. “All of them were enthusiastic and worked hard drafting their business plans. I look forward to seeing what the future holds for their businesses.”
Holland took over leadership of MAP when Diane Blanchard retired in 2023. He said MAP is education and he has always enjoyed education.
“Most importantly, because small businesses are the backbone of a small town area,” he said.
Jeremy Bow of Kent signed up for the Microenterprise Assistance Program to take advantage of the resources they offer. He has started a new business, JB’s Stump Grinding.
They didn’t restart the MAP program until 2024, Holland said.
“We took a step back to see if any changes had to be made and what we could do to get small business centers involved – with the EDA,” he said. “Small business centers bring great programming to the class.”
The Microenterprise Assistance Program has graduated 569 individuals to date. Two graduations are held a year, always with a similar curriculum, Holland said. They teach the basics a business person should know, including legal, marketing, financials, bookkeeping and pricing.
“We always have an entrepreneur come in and tell the class what it’s like to be in business,” Holland said.
One such businessman was Kyle Brent, who just built a new modern building for his business, KJ Motorsports in Middleport. The class was very impressed with his story, starting his business in his home, right out of high school.
“Sometimes a person takes the class and realizes they don’t want to be in business,” Holland said.
The newest graduates and their businesses are Ellen Blanc, Paws Only Grooming; Jeremy Bow, JB;s Stump Grinding; McKenna Christ, The Grove 1848; Megan Davenport, GH Grooming and Spa; Duane DeRoller, Liberty Meadows; Emma Drisdom – Emma’s Nail Room; Shawn Malark, North Star Ammo and Defense; Deborah Mannix – Seasonal Retail; Katie and Christopher Oakes – LynOaken Upick LLC; Alicia Sargent, Medicare Advocacy Center; and Ricky and Katrina Standish, RKScapes (rental property, landscaping and property management).
Two of the recent graduates shared their stories of becoming entrepreneurs.
Graduate Katrina Standish and her husband Ricky both have full-time jobs at Community Action of Orleans and Genesee, but recently took over management of property her father owns, mostly on the banks of Lake Alice. Katrina registered for the class, but Ricky came along also.
“The class helped us understand a business plan,” Katrina said.
“They also hook you up with an attorney, who connected us with the Small Business Legal Clinic at the WNY Law Center,” Ricky said.
The couple plan to expand their rental holdings to include Amish shed cabins, accessible to the water for fishermen, as well as a fire pit, canoe and kayak rentals and golf cart rentals. This is something Katrina has always dreamed of, she said.
“I think MAP was a great opportunity for us,” Katrina added.
Jeremy Bow is also employed full-time, but decided to start a side business after discovering how expensive it would be to hire someone to grind up a bunch of stumps in his yard.
“I picked up a stump grinder to do my yard, and then started helping my friends,” Bow said. “At first I thought I’d take care of my stumps, then go help my friends and sell the grinder. But, last fall I decided to get an LLC form and insurance.”
He enrolled in the MAP class, something he said he wishes he had done sooner.
“MAP showed us a lot of resources out there I didn’t know existed,” Bow said. “I also met a lot of class members in all phase of business. Some don’t have a business yet, just a business concept. We shared ideas with some who are fully established and some whose business is still in the works.”
He was impressed with how much they learned – about the paperwork involved, how to motivate employees and the importance of taking good care of your employees.
“Some questions brought up were things I’d never thought of,” Bow said. “There are so many things you don’t know. They don’t make it easy to start a business, but MAP covered a lot of the bases and showed us where help is available. It’s a very good program.”
Bow said he hopes by being affordable and doing a good job, his new business will be successful. His goal is to buy a dump trailer and mini skid-steer so he can clean up after a job.
He wants no dissatisfied customers, he said.
Applications for the next MAP class will be accepted beginning July 15. The fall class will begin the first Thursday in September.
Major Felony Crime Task Force and Tourism Department both cited by National Association of Counties
Press Release, Orleans County government
ALBION – Orleans County Legislature Chairman Lynne Johnson today announced that two Orleans County programs, the Orleans County Tourism Advertising campaign and the District Attorney’s Major Felony Crime Task Force, have been recognized with a 2025 Achievement Award from the National Association of Counties (NACo). The awards honor innovative, effective county government programs that strengthen services for residents.
“As I have always said, Orleans County has very talented people doing amazing work on behalf of our residents and national awards like this show others outside our area recognize that as well,” said Johnson. “Our Tourism Department and District Attorney’s Office are clearly second to none.”
Each year, NACo’s Achievement Awards recognize outstanding programming in 18 categories aligned with the vast, comprehensive services counties provide. The categories include children and youth, criminal justice and public safety, libraries, management, information technology, health, civic engagement and more.
Launched in 1970, the program is designed to celebrate innovation in county government. Each nominated program is judged on its own merits and not against other applications.
“The Achievement Awards shine a spotlight on the hard work and innovation happening in county governments across the nation,” said NACo President James Gore. “This year’s winners highlight the dedication and creativity of county leaders and our teams to building thriving communities and providing the best possible services to our residents.”
The Tourism Department was recognized for its 2024 advertising campaign that used significant in-house resources to develop marketing campaign across multiple platforms.
“Our Tourism Department, led by Dawn Borchert, may be small with two-full and two part-time employees, but we still produced creative and effective marketing campaigns that competed with large tourism organizations that have budgets to hire outside ad agencies,” said Johnson. “Tourism is a major driver for our local economy and these marketing efforts are showing a demonstrable impact.”
The District Attorney’s Office was recognized for its Major Felony Crime Task Force, whose purpose is to combat the increasingly complex and destructive issues of drug abuse, trafficking, related violence and major felony crimes. The coordination of various law enforcement agencies within the county and outside of it, form a united front against this growing problem.
“We applaud District Attorney Susan Howard and all those involved in the Major Felony Crime Task Force for maximizing law enforcement resources to fight serious crime and keep our communities safe,” said Johnson. “Not only has this been an effective tool in fighting drug crimes and related behaviors, it also is a great example of how coordination across multiple entities at the local level can produce significant results.”
The Tourism Department and District Attorney’s Office will be recognized for their NACo awards at this coming Tuesday’s meeting of the Orleans County Legislature.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 8 June 2025 at 4:28 pm
Photo by Ginny Kropf: County Legislator John Fitzak, left, and United Way director Nyla Gaylord accept a check for $30,000 from Loren Kelly with Spectrum, prior to Friday’s golf tournament at Shelridge Country Club. The check is a grant to support the county’s Digital Literacy Initiative, in which United Way has been deeply involved.
MEDINA – In spite of a wet, dreary start, the annual golf tournament at Shelridge Country Club on Friday morning to benefit United Way of Orleans County went off without a hitch. The event is a major fundraiser for United Way and helps the agency’s efforts to support nearly a dozen and a half non-profit agencies in Orleans County.
In all the years of the tournament’s history, it has never been canceled due to rain, said Dean Bellack, who has chaired the event for the past six years.
Club manager Brett Decker pointed out a row of new golf carts and told golfers the course is ready and the rain is gone. He said 116 golfers were signed up to golf.
A highlight of the welcoming ceremonies was presentation of a check from Spectrum for Orleans County’s Digital Literacy Initiative, in which United Way has been deeply involved. The check, presented by Loren Kelly, director of government affairs for Spectrum, was one of the largest awarded by the company. It was accepted by Gaylord and Orleans County Legislator John Fitzak.
“We are grateful to Spectrum for this donation,” Fitzak announced on behalf of the county legislators.
The digital literacy efforts include free tech help and computer classes where participants can develop new and refresh on old skills. There is help available for using a computer, cell phone, tablet, smart watch, and how to use the internet safely. Click here for more information.
Bellack added a massive thank-you to everyone who participated, donated raffle baskets and sponsored the event.
“The annual golf tournament was another huge success, thanks to the incredible support from our community,” Bellack said. “It’s always a great feeling knowing we’re raising money for such worthwhile charities in Orleans County.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 June 2025 at 7:05 pm
Funds support arts and cultural programs in Genesee, Orleans
Photos courtesy of GO Art! – (Left) Idris Salih accepts a grant for a photography project. (Center) Kae Wilbert leads a quintet, E-YAH-Pah-Hah, that performs Native American music. (Right) Randy Reese of Medina accepts a grant for Canalside Radio to upgrade its equipment.
BATAVIA – The Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council today announced a second round of grants is available for arts and cultural projects in the two counties.
GO Art! on April 25 distributed about $269,905 in grants to 46 different organizations and artists in the two counties. With the second round, $115,000 more will be available.
Applications for the funds are due June 20. The money is available through the Statewide Community Regrant Program (SCR), a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts. It was developed in 1977 to ensure that the state’s cultural funding would reach every part of the New York State.
The cornerstone of SCR is its focus on local decision making through a transparent and competitive peer review panel process.
Gregory Hallock, executive director for GO Art!, and Jodi Fisher, program director & Statewide Community Regrant Co-Coordinator, announce the grants April 25 during a celebration at Wise Intermediate School in Medina. Another round of funding is now available.
Altogether, GO ART! will be regranting $385,000 through SCR to artists and nonprofit organizations for projects and programming taking place in 2025.
The Peer Review Panel recommended 46 applications for funding from the first round. Applicants were eligible to apply for up to a total of $5,000 in the categories of Community Arts (Reach) and Arts Education (Spark), and $3,000 for Individual Artist Commissions (Ripple).
The categories and recipients are as follows:
REACH: The GO ART! Community Arts Grants provide seed grants to individual artists, collectives and arts organizations for projects and activities that enable Genesee and Orleans County communities to experience and engage with the performing, literary, media and visual arts. Each year the program supports arts projects, including concerts, performances, public art, exhibitions, screenings, festivals, workshops, readings and more.
RIPPLE: The GO ART! Individual Artist Commission supports local, artist-initiated activity, and highlights the role of artists as important members of the community. The Commission is for artistic projects with outstanding artistic merit that work within a community setting.
SPARK: The Arts Education Program supports arts education projects for youth and/or senior learners. Emphasis is placed on the depth and quality of the creative process through which participants learn through or about the arts. Projects must focus on the exploration of art and the artistic process.
Artists, nonprofits, and municipalities seeking funding for arts related projects, programming, and events in Genesee and Orleans counties are encouraged to apply to the second round of SCR funding through GO ART!
For more information on applying for the Statewide Community Regrant Program visit: goart.org/grants or contact Jodi Fisher at jfisher@goart.org.
These grants are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.
Orleans County recipients:
Lee-Whedon Memorial Library – Finally Fridays! 2025
Yates Community Library – More Than Just Books
Brandi Zavitz – For the Love of Dogs Mural
Lyndonville Lions Club – I Hear the Music
Kim Martillotta-Muscarella – Mosaic Compass Rose
Village of Holley – Village of Holley Canal Series
Town of Carlton – Orleans County Ox art for bicentennial
Carol Culhane – Orleans Bicentennial Ox Community Public Art Project
Village of Albion (Fiscal Sponsor for Mary Jo Whitman) – The Village of Albion in Pictures
Oak Orchard Lighthouse Museum – The Art of the Aurora at the Oak Orchard Lighthouse
Greater Albion Community Recreation and Events – Albion Summer Festival featuring Rock the Park
Village of Albion – Village of Albion Summer Concert Series
Friends of Boxwood Cemetery – Boxwood at Night – See the Cemetery In a New Light
Orleans County Historical Association (Fiscal Sponsor for C.W. Lattin and Neil Johnson) –Historic Markers Erected During The 20th Century in Orleans County, New York
Albion – July 3rd, Independence Day Celebration
Tegan Leach – Sharing the wonder of fiber arts
Hoag Library of the Swan Library Association – 2025 Hoag Music Series
Friends of Orleans County Marine Park – 2025 OONA Summer Concert Series
E-YAH-Pah-Hah Wind Quintet – Classical Music Series in Albion
Orleans County Chamber of Commerce, Barre Betterment Committee – 2025 Barre Betterment Committee Public Events
The Canalside Radio – Bringing The Canalside Radio to the Airwaves: Essential Equipment for Community Broadcast Expansion
Idris Salih – American: Intimate portraits of who we are as a society.
Judd Sunshine – Erie Canal Songwriting Project
Janet Klossner – Steps for fiber processing, from raw fleece to yarn. A series of 3 classes.
(Left) Robby Klino, president of Friends of Boxwood Cemetery, appreciated the funds for the “Boxwood at Night” event. (Right) Chris Manaseri, president of the Oak Orchard Lighthouse Museum, accepts a grant for the museum’s “The Art of the Aurora at the Oak Orchard Lighthouse.”
Genesee County recipients:
Batavia Concert Band – 2025 Batavia Concert Band Summer Concert Series
Warrior House of WNY – Community Acoustic Music Nights
Alexander Volunteer Fire Department Band – Alexander Volunteer Fire Department Band Season 2025
Haxton Memorial Public Library – Talented Thursdays
Batavia Business Improvement District – Jackson Square Concert Series
St. Mark’s Episcopal Church – Music at St. Mark’s
Richmond Memorial Library (Fiscal Sponsor of Laura Jacket) – Arts at the Libraries
Batavia Business Improvement District (Fiscal Sponsor for Jennifer Gray) – Summer Grooves of Jackson Square
Batavia Business Improvement District (Fiscal Sponsor for Sara Tenney) – Summer Sounds of Jackson Square
Woodward Memorial Library in LeRoy – Workshops at Woodward
Hollwedel Memorial Library in Pavilion – Shake on the Lake Presents William Shakespeare’s ‘The Tempest’
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 28 May 2025 at 4:19 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers: Orleans County Legislator Ed Morgan, right, presents a proclamation on behalf of the Legislature on Tuesday to Patrice Birner, left, and her sister Penny Nice, who are both active members of the Orleans County chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Birner served a state regent for DAR in 2019-2020, leading the organization in New York. She is currently vice president general for the National DAR. Nice is the state chaplain.
ALBION – A patriotic organization is celebrating its 100th anniversary in Orleans County.
The Daughters of the American Revolution continues to meet monthly and maintain the chapter house on North Main Street in Albion. The building at 249 North Main St. is on the National Register of Historic Places.
It was built around 1845. The pre-Civil War site is considered one of the finest examples of Greek Revival architecture in the region.
The DAR chapter maintains a local history museum at the site and a library of historical documents. The chapter has about 70 members.
The proclamation from the County Legislature on Tuesday notes the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) was founded on October 11, 1890, by a group of women who felt the desire to express their patriotic feelings during a time that was marked by a revival in patriotism to perpetuate the memory of ancestors who fought to make this country free and independent.
“Over the past 130 years the DAR objective has been to be an organization committed to historic preservation, education and patriotism,” legislators stated.
Locally, the chapter formed on June 8, 1925 when 25 women met for a luncheon in the Town of Albion. An organizational meeting then followed to create the 156th Chapter in New York State.
“The Orleans County Legislature celebrates the Centennial of the Orleans Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, 100 years of serving God, Home and County; and Proclaims June 7, 2025 as DAR day in Orleans County,” the proclamation states.
The DAR building was dedicated as the DAR chapter home on Sept. 17, 1929 and remains the DAR chapter headquarters and a historical museum.
Penny Nice, president of a Patriot House where the DAR chapter meets in Albion, is shown inside the building at 249 North Main St. Nice has been an active member of the local DAR for 20 years. Nice is shown during a tour of the Patriot House last September.
The Orleans County Chapter of the DAR submitted this history of the local and national organization:
Over the past 130 years of active service to the nation, the DAR objectives have remained the same. These objectives are Historical – to perpetuate the memory and spirit of the men and women who achieved American Independence; Educational – to carry out the injunction of Washington in his farewell address to the American people, “to promote as an object of primary importance institutions for the general diffusion of knowledge, thus developing an enlightened public opinion…”; and Patriotic – to cherish, maintain, and extend the institutions of American freedom, and to foster true patriotism and love of country, and to aid in securing for all mankind all the blessings of liberty.
Since its founding in 1890, DAR has admitted more than 1,000,000 members.
The organizing of the Orleans Chapter, NSDAR on June 8, 1925…
In 1925, Florence Beach Church, wife of Judge Sanford T. Church, put a notice in an Albion newspaper expressing the desire to form a DAR Chapter in Orleans County. On June 8, 1925 twenty-five women met for a luncheon at the Lone Star Inn in the Town of Albion. Mrs. Charles White Nash, New York State Regent, was guest of honor at the luncheon.
An organizational meeting followed at the Swan Library in Albion, and Mrs. Nash presented a talk on the work of the DAR. The Orleans Chapter was the 156th Chapter in New York State in 1925, and there were 2,082 chapters nationally.
Organizing Members: Gertrude Reed Andrews, Augusta Mosher Bennett, Florence Beach Church, Marjora Cole Coan, Georgia Kelsey Croach, Myra Posson Doolittle, Belle Simpson Fowler, Mary Pells Gray, Lulu Van Scoy Harris, Adelaine Perry Hazard, Ruth Webster Howard
Lois McAllister Larwood, Anna Andrews Newell, Mabel Young Perry, Verna Cornelia Posson, Carrie Pettingill Pratt, Harriet Fitts Ryan, Carrie Rowley Seward, Lois Patterson Small, Laura Cotton Tanner, Katherine Belle Rowley, Daisy Young Tills, Sarah Bloomfield Wilson, Cora Perry Woodford and Helen Banker Yahnke.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 28 May 2025 at 8:37 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Orleans County Legislature Chairman Lynne Johnson speaks during the dedication of the Medal of Honor Wall in the second floor of the County Office Builing, outside the legislative chambers.
The wall was dedicated on Tuesday before the Legislature’s monthly meeting.
The county first introduced the wall on March 23, 2022 when a portrait was unveiled of David Bellavia, a Lyndonville native, being presented the Medal of Honor from president Donald Trump on June 26, 2019 at the White House.
The wall now includes all five recipients from Orleans County who received the nation’s highest military honor: Bellavia, Forrest Vosler of Lyndonville, John E. Butts of Medina, Thomas Wilbur Kates of Shelby and Charles D. Harris of Albion.
Takeform in Medina made the plaques and displays on the wall, including the Mystical wallcovering of a bald eagle and American flag. Hilary Misiti served as the project manager for Takeform. Nick Mroz, the Veterans Service Agency director, and Lisa Stenshorn, the clerk of Legislature, also spearheaded the project from the county’s end.
Charlie Nesbitt speaks during the Medal of Honor Wall dedication. Nesbitt is a retired state assemblyman. He also received the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism as a helicopter pilot in the Vietnam War, for rescuing an American soldier in a hostile enemy zone in the jungles of Laos, across the border from Vietnam. Nesbitt served in Vietnam from May 1968 to May 1969. He flew helicopters that teamed with special forces soldiers.
Nesbitt said the Medal of Honor Wall serves as inspiration to the community, and makes a statement that Orleans County values the commitment of those who serve in the military and the sacrifices of their families.
It is the small towns in places like Orleans County where many often serve on the front lines, making the difference for the country in battle, Nesbitt said.
The display includes an updated headshot of Bellavia (second from left) and portraits of Forrest Vosler of Lyndonville (second from right) and John Butts of Medina (center). Photos aren’t available of the other recipients Thomas Wilbur Kates and Charles D. Harris.
The five Medal of Honor recipients include:
• David Bellavia is the first living veteran from the Iraq War to receive the nation’s highest military medal. He was honored for his acts of valor on Nov. 10, 2004 in Fallujah, Iraq. Bellavia led an infantry squad clearing houses of insurgents, saving the lives of the members of his unit.
“That night, Bellavia single-handedly saved an entire squad, risking his own life to allow his fellow Soldiers to break contact and reorganize when trapped by overwhelming insurgent fire,” the U.S. Army states in Bellavia’s Medal of Honor recognition. “He then voluntarily entered and cleared an insurgent strong point, killing four and seriously wounding another. His actions stand as a testament to those who put everything on the line as they do the grim work required to keep each other safe and alive on the battlefield.”
• Forrest Vosler of Lyndonville was assigned as a radio operator and aerial gunner aboard a B-17 Flying Fortress during World War II with the 358th Bombardment Squadron, 303rd Bombardment Group stationed out of England. On Dec. 20, 1943, Vosler’s fourth combat mission. The plane was under fire and had two engines knocked out with the aircraft windmilling out of control.
When a fellow aviator was knocked unconscious, Vosler maneuvered himself into the tailgun. Another 20-mm shell hit the aircraft, sending shrapnel into Vosler’s chest, face, and eyes. He continued to deliver defensive fire upon German aircraft until the attacks subsided. Nearly out of fuel and losing altitude quickly, the crew jettisoned every piece of equipment to lighten the plane.
Vosler, severely wounded and floating in and out of consciousness, begged the crew to throw him out of the plane to reduce weight. As the aircraft plunged into the frigid waters of the North Sea, Vosler crawled out of the aircraft onto a wing. A passing Norwegian trawler quickly picked up the crew and transferred them to a British rescue vessel. One of Vosler’s eyes had one of his to be removed, and the other required extensive surgery.
• John E. Butts of Medina is the only one of the five Medal of Honor recipients from Orleans County who received the honor posthumously. Butts was awarded the Medal of Honor for acts of valor in the Normandy invasion in June 1944.
Butts was in command of four squads in Easy Company of the 60th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Battalion, 9th Infantry Division charged with driving towards St. Colombe, France. On June 12, 1944, 2nd Battalion progressed so quickly towards their objective that the remainder of 9th Division thought the 60th Infantry was lost. In fact, 2nd Battalion had pushed forward through heavy German resistance and established a bridgehead at the Douve River. Butts was wounded twice, first near Orglandes on June 14th and then at the Douve River just two days later; he refused medical treatment on both occasions in order to remain with his men.
On June 23, 1944, the 60th Infantry led the 9th Division’s advance from the Cotentin Peninsula as part of the breakout from St. Lo. While moving towards Flottemanville-Hague, Butts and his men encountered a German stronghold atop a hill, well defended with tanks, machine guns, and mortars. Butts was struck in the stomach by machine gun fire while progressing towards the objective. Pulling himself into the shelter of a nearby hedgerow, he planned a flanking maneuver with his Sergeants.
One squad was to progress up the left flank, another up the right flank, and the third was to remain in reserve. Holding one hand over his midsection and the other grasping his carbine, Butts charged the hill alone. The might of the entire German stronghold fell upon him directly, Butts falling approximately 10 yards from his objective. The distraction allowed the two flanking squads to outmaneuver the Germans while the third squad hit the hill head-on.
Awarded on July 19, 1945 by President Harry Truman, John Butts’ Medal of Honor citation references the two painful wounds he received in the days leading up to the deadly assault on June 23, 1944. His citation concluded by stating, “By his superb courage, unflinching valor and inspiring actions, 2d Lt. Butts enabled his platoon to take a formidable strong point and contributed greatly to the success of his battalion’s mission,” President Harry Truman said in the citation for the medal, which was awarded on July 19, 1945.
• Thomas Wilbur Kates, born in Shelby on May 7, 1865, received the Medal of Honor for his actions in 1900 during the Boxer Rebellion, a nearly two-year uprising led by the Yihetuan (or Boxers) against foreign imperialists in China.
Kates accepted enlistment with the U.S. Marine Corps at New York City on July 21, 1899. Pvt. Kates and other Marines were dispatched to China on June 18, 1900, where they remained through October 10, 1900. According to his citation, Kates was awarded the Medal of Honor “…for extraordinary heroism while serving with the 1st Regiment (Marines), in action in the presence of the enemy during the advance on Tientsin, China, 21 June 1900. Private Kates distinguished himself by meritorious conduct.”
Maj. Waller wrote in a letter dated July 6, 1900, that “…of the men I wish to say, while all in the engagements we participated in, behaved in such a manner as to bring forth the highest praise from the foreign officers…Cpl. Thomas W. Kates.”
He continued, “…the specifically distinguished of these being Corporal Kates and Privates Campbell and Francis, with the Colt gun.” According to the Report of the Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps dated September 29, 1900, these three men remained with Lt. Powell, holding a position with an M1895 Colt-Browning Machine Gun until all but Campbell and Powell were gunned down. They destroyed the gun to prevent it from entering enemy hands before they commenced their retreat.
• Charles D. Harris, who fought in the Civil War, was awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroism in the Apache Wars in 1869. The specifics of the engagement and the actions that warranted the awarding of the medal remain shrouded in mystery. After the war, Harris returned to Albion and lived a quiet life until his passing on September 6, 1895. He is buried at Mount Albion Cemetery.
(Editor’s Note: Former Orleans County Historian Matthew Ballard researched the four other Medal of Honor recipients from Orleans County. He shared the details in previous columns and presentations when he was historian.)
James Nudd, assistant director of the Veterans Service Agency in Orleans County, speaks during the wall dedication.
“This Medal of Honor memorial is not just a decoration; it is a symbol of all the courage, sacrifice and strength these heroes embodied in those moments, and throughout their service,” Nudd said. “But it is also a reminder of the many others who served alongside them, many of whom never made it home, and many of whom will never have their stories told.”
Nudd said the wall should inspire those who see it, sending a message that bravery is not the absence of fear, but the willingness to act despite of it.
“Let it remind us that the true measure of a person is not found in what they seek for themselves, but it what they are willing to give for others,” he said. “And let it remind us that freedom, peace and security are never guaranteed, but are earned every day by men and women like these, who chose to put the needs of others ahead of their own, without ever asking for recognition.”
ALBION – Orleans County Clerk Nadine Hanlon said that the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will begin summer hours the Tuesday after Memorial Day, May 27. Summer hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and are in effect until Labor Day.
Residents are asked to be in line by 3:15 p.m. to be served. Those taking CDL exams must be in the DMV by 1:30 p.m. so there is enough time allowed to complete the exam.
“The DMV has been especially busy of late and we are doing our best to get people through the line as quickly as possible,” Hanlon said. “One way to expedite the process is to understand what documents you need to process the transaction and have your paperwork in order.”
Hanlon said many questions about DMV transactions can be answered at www.dmv.ny.gov. In addition, the DMV Document Guide at https://dmv.ny.gov/more-info/dmv-document-guide will provide a detailed list of what you need to bring to the office to make your visit a success.
Hanlon also reminded residents that you need a Real ID/Enhanced License to fly domestically. If you currently have a star or a flag on your license, you are compliant. Also keep in mind that if you have a passport, this will work as well. If you have more REAL ID questions please visit https://www.tsa.gov/real-id/real-id-faqs.
Last, residents can always visit the Orleans County Clerk’s page (click here) for up-to-date information on hours and valuable information for the Orleans County Clerk’s Office and the Orleans County Department of Motor Vehicles.
ALBION – The recently-enacted New York State budget gives Governor Kathy Hochul authorization to close three prisons in the state and Orleans County Legislature Chairman Lynne Johnson wants to make sure that the Orleans Correctional Facility and Albion Correctional Facility are not on that list.
Although the budget did not state which facilities could be closed, Johnson sent a letter to the Governor’s Fingers Lakes representative underscoring the importance of the two facilities to the community.
In the letter Johnson wrote, “According to the latest numbers released by the United State Census Bureau, Orleans County was fortunate to be one of a few upstate counties to actually see a population increase from 2023 to 2024. This modest gain could be wiped out with closing of our correctional facilities and a closure of either or both of these facilities would have very negative consequences for our community.”
Johnson continued, “These facilities employ many people who live in our community, who are raising families here, who coach our youth sports teams and serve on local boards. So, even as the Governor has stated no correctional employee will lose their job, their transfer to another facility out of our community will shrink our tax base and have a negative economic ripple felt by businesses across Orleans County.”
Johnson also stressed that the two correctional facilities represent one of the few state allocation of significant resources in Orleans County.
“There is also an issue of fairness when it comes to the state’s allocation of what I will call ‘institutional’ dollars,” she said. “Orleans County does not have a SUNY university, any state office buildings, or been the recipient of large-scale, state-supported economic development initiatives. The two correctional facilities are what drives state dollars into our county.”
The Governor has not released a timetable for any decisions.
Here is the letter dated May 15 to Mr. JW Cook, Fingers Lakes Regional Representative for the Office of the Governor:
Dear Mr. Cook:
As Chairman of the Orleans County Legislature, I write to you today regarding language included in the New York State budget to close three prisons. While there has been no public announcement on which prison will be closed, I am concerned that the two facilities in Orleans County – the Orleans Correctional Facility and the Albion Correctional Facility – could be at risk.
According to the latest numbers released by the United State Census Bureau, Orleans County was fortunate to be one of a few upstate counties to actually see a population increase from 2023 to 2024. This modest gain could be wiped out with closing of our correctional facilities and a closure of either or both of these facilities would have very negative consequences for our community.
These facilities employ many people who live in our community, who are raising families here, who coach our youth sports teams and serve on local boards. So, even as the Governor has stated no correctional employee will lose their job, their transfer to another facility out of our community will shrink our tax base and have a negative economic ripple felt by businesses across Orleans County.
It would also undoubtedly place further strain on our social services. Considering that the entire tax levy of Orleans County does not cover state mandated programs, we can ill afford any decline.
There is also an issue of fairness when it comes to the state’s allocation of what I will call “institutional” dollars. Orleans County does not have a SUNY university, any state office buildings, or been the recipient of large-scale, state-supported economic development initiatives. The two correctional facilities are what drives state dollars into our county.
Last, I question whether it is prudent to be closing any prisons given the most recent labor issues. We know corrections officers are overworked in very trying conditions in state prisons. So increasing the number of inmates at the remaining prisons, even if the number of corrections officers increases, would seem to be only making matters worse.
Orleans County has always been a welcoming community to corrections officers and their families. Orleans Correctional Facility and Albion Correctional Facility have long been part of our community. I hope this will matter as decisions are made about the futures of corrections facilities in the state. Thank you for your consideration.
