Photo by Tom Rivers: The Orleans County Courthouse, the county’s iconic landmark in Albion, is shown on Jan. 10.

The latest population estimates from the Census Bureau show a gain for Orleans County of nearly 300 residents from July 1, 2023 to July 1, 2024.

That gain of 296 residents, from 39,390 to 39,686, represents a 0.75 percent increase, the fourth highest among the 62 counties in the state, according to the Census Bureau.

It helps counter some of the population losses from 2020 to 2023, when Orleans County’s population went 1,233 people from the April 2020 census to the July 1, 2023 estimate. That decline of 3.06 percent was among the steepest losses of 62 counties.

Going back to the  2010 census, when Orleans had 42,883 people, the county is down by 3,197 residents or 7.5 percent.

Lynne Johnson, the Orleans County Legislature chairwoman, is pleased to see the gain of nearly 300 people in the latest census estimate.

“While the growth is modest, many counties, especially across Upstate, actually lost population so any growth is good news,” she said. “It’s important we continue to tout all our county has to offer, from affordable housing to great schools to tremendous recreation and much more. People who move here quickly recognize what a great place this is to live and raise a family.”

The county’s with the largest percentage increases from the 2023 to 2024 population estimates include Franklin at a 1.75 percent increase, Schenectady at 1.17 percent, Orange at 0.82 percent, Orleans at 0.75 percent and Seneca at 0.72 percent.

The five counties with the biggest percentage declines include St. Lawrence at -0.50 percent, Chautauqua at -0.51 percent, Columbia at -0.52 percent, Delaware at -0.73 percent and Schuyler at -1.86 percent.

New York state’s population went up, according to the estimates, from 19,737,367 in 2023 to 19,867,248 in 2024.

Officials seek support for several issues in Orleans

Press Release, Orleans County Legislature

Provided photo: Pictured from left include County Legislators Skip Draper, Lynne Johnson and John Fitzak outside the U.S. Capitol during a break at the National Association of Counties annual conference.

ALBION – Orleans County legislative leaders returned home today after spending several days in Albany and Washington DC at two major government conferences.

The New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC) Legislative conference was held in Albany from Feb. 23-26. The National Association of Counties (NACO) conference was held in Washington DC from Feb. 28 to March 4.

Both annual conferences bring together elected officials from across New York State and the nation. While there, Orleans County Officials met with state and federal officials to lobby for funding for key county projects.

“I have said this before but there really is no better way to advocate for our residents then to sit down at the table with our federal and state representatives personally,” said Johnson, the County Legislature chairwoman. “It’s important that leaders of all levels of government representing Orleans County have our priorities aligned so we speak with one voice when seeking dollars and pursuing legislation.”

Joining Chairman Johnson at the NACO Washington DC conference were Legislators Merle “Skip” Draper and Legislator John Fitzak. Legislator Ed Morgan and County Administrator Jack Welch attended the NYSAC Conference in Albany. Topics of interest at the conferences included homeland security, the Great Lakes, workforce development, economic development and emergency management.

Orleans County officials spent time on Capitol Hill meeting with key staff from Senator Schumer’s and Senator Gillibrand’s offices. In addition, they met with staff from Congresswoman Tenney’s office.

Orleans specific needs and more funding for the Public Safety Building; dredging; relocation and remodeling to the Genesee Community College Satellite building; the Marine Park Docks repair and continued expansion of broadband were major topics of discussion.

“Time was tight, especially in Washington, when we were doing meetings the day of the State of the Union address, but I very much appreciated our federal delegation taking the time to meet with us,” Johnson said. “I want to thank my legislative colleagues for attending these conferences and advocating on behalf Orleans County residents.”

The New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC) represents New York’s 62 counties, including the City of New York, before Federal, State and Local officials. NYSAC staff educate, train and provide research on public policy to Federal, State and Local officials and to the membership on issues important to counties.  The National Association of Counties (NACO) serves nearly 40,000 county officials. Founded in 1935, NACO unites County leaders from across the United States to educate lawmakers and advocate for county priorities.

Equipment and materials have risen dramatically, while state aid proposed to stay flat

Photos by Tom Rivers: Tracy Chalker, Clarendon highway superintendent and president of the Orleans County Highway Superintendents’ Association, speaks during a news conference on Friday afternoon at the Orleans County DPW garage.

ALBION – Local highway department leaders say a boost in CHIPS funding from the state would help the municipalities keep up with road and bridge maintenance.

A pothole has emerged on Butts Road in Albion near the railroad overpass. The highway departments in the county will be out when it warms up to fill some of the potholes. The harsh winter takes a toll on the local roads.

The costs for materials and equipment are up dramatically in the past three to four years. Gov. Kathy Hochul’s budget proposes keeping CHIPS at $598 million for the municipalities. Assemblyman Steve Hawley said the governor put an $800 million increase in the budget for the state Department of Transportation for its projects, citing the rising costs as the need for mor state funding.

Hawley said the vast majority of roads and bridges in the state are owned by towns, villages, cities and counties. They should see an increase in the state funding, too, Hawley said during a news conference in Albion at the Orleans County DPW garage. He would like to see a $250 million increase in CHIPS – Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program.

“Flat funding is a decrease,” Hawley said, noting the rising inflation.

Tracy Chalker, the Clarendon highway superintendent and president of the Orleans County Highway Superintendents Association, said an increase in CHIPS is needed to help the towns, villages and county keep the roads in safe condition for the traveling public.

“We cannot afford to stay flat or see a decrease in these programs,” Chalker said during the news conference.

Chalker said Orleans County municipalities are short-changed in part of the CHIPS formula that includes tourism. The county should be getting more state road funding for tourism because of the lakefront, canal towns, farm markets and other attractions, Chalker said.

About 25 highway leaders from Hawley’s district in Genesee, Orleans and western Monroe attended the conference.

Assemblyman Steve Hawley wants a $250 million increase from the state for CHIPS funding, from $598 million to $848 million. Hawley said the increase will help the municipalities keep up with rising costs for equipment and materials.

Chalker and many of the local superintendents will be in Albany next Wednesday for lobby day to press for more state aid. About 600 highway leaders are expected in the State Capitol.

“Do what is right for our infrastructure and keep it safe,” Chalker said.

Craig Lane, the Orleans County DPW commissioner, said the county paved 14 miles of roads last year. But with the rising costs for materials, “this year we’ll be lucky if we can do 10,” he said.

County Legislator Ed Morgan said the county budget is constrained by several state mandates that hinder the ability to spend on other local needs.

“So much of our county taxes go to the state mandates,” Morgan said.

Ed Morgan, a county legislator and retired Murray highway superintendent, said the state needs to “up and the ante” with road and bridge funding.

Well-maintained roads are critical for “trucks and tractors that are the lifeblood of our community,” said Morgan, who is retired from working 30 years as the Murray town highway superintendent.

“It’s imperative the state up and the ante and keep us competitive in Western New York,” Morgan said.

Local roads account for 87 percent of all roads in the state and carry 48 percent of all the vehicle miles traveled. However, they receive less than 12 percent of taxes and fees paid to the state for maintaining local roads, Hawley said.

A 2023 study of local highway and bridge needs commissioned by the New York State Association of Town Superintendents of Highways found that municipalities would need $32 billion over 15 years to restore locally owned roads through repaving and improvements or $2.1 billion annually. That study was updated this year and the amount is up about 25 percent – $2.69 billion a year or $40.35 billion over 15 years because of the spike in construction materials costs.

Craig Lane, Orleans County’s DPW commissioner, said costs are way up for projects and equipment. The county opened bids for two bridge projects and the low bids were about $250,000 more than engineers estimated when the projects were in the design phase about three to four years ago. The county also received a new 10-wheel dump truck on Thursday which cost $257,000, up from $168,000 in 2022.

3 sites in Orleans listed on proposed Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway

The proposed Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway includes 22 of the 62 counties in New York State. The Underground Railroad Consortium of New York State is working to have the byway in place in 2026, a year before the 200th anniversary of the state abolishing slavery.

National Park Service photo: Harriet Tubman is the most famous conductor of the Underground Railroad.

Orleans County municipalities along Route 31 are being asked to adopt resolutions in support of establishing a 550-mile byway highlighting historical sites with connections to the Underground Railroad.

The Albion Village Board on Wednesday voted in support of the proposed Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway. It would stretch from New York City to Niagara Falls. The byway would be the longest in the state and would include 22 of the state’s 62 counties.

The Underground Railroad Consortium of New York State is working to create the byway, with a goal to have it in place by 2026, which is the year before the 200^th anniversary of when the state abolished slavery.

The byway recognizes Harriet Tubman, who was born enslaved in Dorchester County, Maryland in 1822. She seized her freedom at age 27. In the next 10 years she led about 70 people to freedom, making 13 trips from Maryland to Philadelphia; St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada; and Auburn, New York. She was the most famous conductor on the Underground Railroad.

She settled in Auburn in central New York and stayed there until her death in 1913. Her home in 2017 became a National Historical Park under the National Park Service.

The byway will recognize many historical sites that were part of the Underground Railroad and the Freedom Seekers, who were African Americans who left enslavement. At the time they often were deemed “fugitives,” “runaways” or “escapees.”

The consortium is seeking resolutions of support from municipalities along the proposed route. The group will be asking the State Legislature to designate the byway.

This stretch of the proposed byway goes from Rochester to Lockport. The byway goes along Route 31 in Orleans County.

Dawn Borchert, Orleans County tourism director, said the byway would be a boost to the county, bringing in some visitors and highlighting the county’s role in Underground Railroad, which was a secret network of trails and homes. Many of the houses and sites that were part of the Underground Railroad are unknown.

But there is documentation about one house in Holley that helped Freedom Seekers on their journey.

File photo

A historical marker was erected in October 2020 at 35 South Main St. to highlight the home of Chauncey Robinson as a  “Safe House.” Robinson was an Orleans County pioneer and an abolitionist. He sheltered an escaped slave at this site as part of the Underground Railroad.

Local historians have long suspected there were houses in Orleans County on the Underground Railroad. But there wasn’t documentation to back it up, until Clarendon Historian Melissa Ierlan found a letter from Robinson’s grandson.

In the lengthy letter, the grandson details visiting his grandfather, who took him up to the second floor of the back side of the house. The grandfather pulled back a curtain, and there was an escaped slave on a bed. More research showed that Robinson was in fact an outspoken abolitionist.

File photo

The consortium also lists the cemetery where Robinson is buried as a historical site in Orleans County on the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad New York Proposed Byway.

Robinson Cemetery is on Route 237 in Clarendon at the intersection of Glidden Road. The cemetery sign notes Chauncey Robinson was a veteran of the War of 1812 and a prominent abolitionist in the community.

The consortium also highlights a historical marker on Main Street in Medina. The Orleans Renaissance Group in April 2015 unveiled the marker in recognition of two speeches delivered in the community by Frederick Douglass, a leading abolitionist.

Borchert, the tourism director, said she is grateful for the efforts by Melissa Ierlan to highlight Robinson’s life and contributions to abolition, and also the ORG led by Chris Busch to have the marker erected in honor of Frederick Douglass.

“Kudos to the people who did those markers for us,” Borchert said. “Because that’s what put us on the trail.”

The Medina Village Board discussed the byway during its meeting on Monday. The board wanted some clarification about signage restrictions. The consortium said it would restrict new billboards or off-premises signs as part of the byway but existing ones could remain.

The byway does allow new signs that are directional and official signs, notices, sale or lease signs, and on-property signs, Borchert said, quoting information from the Department of Transportation.

Municipalities are being asked to send in their resolutions of support by April 1.

There are three sites listed in Orleans County as historical sites with ties to the Underground Railroad and Freedom Seekers.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – The dome of the Orleans County Courthouse is illumined in blue tonight in a show of support for corrections officers.

The dome will stay lighted up in the evening and at night for the next week to show concern and appreciation for corrections officers across the county and state, said Lynne Johnson, the County Legislature chairwoman.

Orleans County is home to two state prisons as well as the county jail.

“These are very troubling times in our state’s prisons and we are very concerned about the safety of our corrections officers,” Johnson said in a press release today. “It feels like almost everyone in Orleans County knows a person who works at one of these facilities. These corrections officers are our family members, friends and neighbors and we want them to know how much we appreciate them.”

Press Release, Orleans County government

ALBION – Orleans County Legislature Chairman Lynne Johnson today said the dome on the Orleans County Courthouse will be lit blue for the next week to show concern and appreciation for corrections officers across the county and state.

Orleans County is home to two state prisons – Orleans Correctional Facility and Albion Correctional Facility as well as the county-run jail.

“These are very troubling times in our state’s prisons and we are very concerned about the safety of our corrections officers,” said Johnson. “It feels like almost everyone in Orleans County knows a person who works at one of these facilities. These corrections officers are our family members, friends and neighbors and we want them to know how much we appreciate them.”

Corrections officers have been expressing concerns over staffing levels and state legislation like the HALT Act that limits inmate discipline that they have said makes performing their difficult job even harder. The New York State Department of Corrections has just begun mediation with the corrections officers’ union to address these concerns.  Orleans County correction officers at the county jail also operate under the same rules as state prisons.

“Corrections officers at both the state and county are an integral part of our criminal justice system, keeping our community safe by maintaining order inside the walls of our correctional facilities and preparing inmates for future release back into society,” said Johnson. “This is no easy task but they do a great job under difficult circumstances. By lighting the courthouse dome blue, we want to send a message to them that they are in our thoughts and prayers.”

Photo by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Carol Culhane has created a painting for the Orleans County bicentennial that she says honors the pioneers who tamed the land and lived modestly in log cabins.

In her painting, she shows Main Street in Albion in the 1800s, and has images of a log cabin with livestock, and paintings of the County Courthouse and the Clerks’ Building.

The painting will be featured in a program on April 15 for the county’s 200^th anniversary. Orleans was officially recognized on April 15, 1825 by the State Legislature after separating from Genesee County.

Decades before the courthouse (built in 1858) and Clerks’ Building (constructed in 1882) were erected on the Courthouse Square, there was a log cabin there. A historical marker at the courthouse lawn notes the first settlers in Albion in 1811 built a log cabin where the Clerks’ Building stands. The late Al Capurso had that marker installed in 2013 to honor those pioneers – William McAllister and his wife.

Capurso, the former president of Orleans County Historical Association, in 2017 shared his idea with Culhane to have the courthouse and Clerks’ Building in the same painting with a log cabin to honor the pioneers.

Culhane, a member of the Bicentennial Committee, has been thinking about Capurso’s idea and wanted to make it a reality.

She presented the finished painting to the Bicentennial Committee today. She will have it made into prints. Culhane will have 500 of the prints made at 18 inches by 24 inches. They will be available for $10 each with proceeds to go towards celebrating the county’s bicentennial this year.

“I love Orleans County,” said Culhane, a former Gaines town supervisor. “It’s a privilege and an honor to do this.”

She wanted to include the Courthouse Square, a pioneer tribute and include Albion’s historic Main Street.

“One of the things I’ve always admired about Albion is the beauty of the streetscape,” Culhane said.

The bicentennial posters will be numbered from 1 to 500 and Culhane will sign them. She expects the posters to be available in about 10 days. For more information about acquiring one, contact her at (585) 738-3016 or by email, cecjcculhane@gmail.com.

Photos by Marsha Rivers

Orly the Ox, the Orleans County bicentennial mascot, tries a maneuver on a sculpture by the Erie Canal in Medina.

These 23 precast concrete modules were dedicated on Nov. 17, 2023 at the Lions Park just east of the lift bridge on Route 63.

UB architecture students created the memorial to honor Sydney Gross, who is remembered for a vibrant personality. Gross was a student in the program who left a strong impression on her professors and the other students. She was a very social person who was friends with everyone. She was killed in a car accident in July 2009.

Orly the Ox is highlighting people, places and things in Orleans County in 2025 as part of the county’s bicentennial celebration. Orly encourages others to explore the sculpture. It can be a place to reflect, meet with friends and also try some daring climbing maneuvers.

(Left) Orly took a bite out of an apple while standing by The Big Apple in Medina. This 11-foot-high sculpture was created by artist Richard Bannister of Barre in 2000. It stands next to the Glenwood Avenue bridge. Bannister created the giant apple as a tribute to Western New York fruit growers. Orleans County is one of the top apple-growing counties in the state.

(Right – Photo by Isabella Zasa) Orly visited the Shoe Tree on Foss Road in Lyndonville, an attraction covered in hundreds of shoes. Local legend says that tying your shoelaces together, making a wish, and successfully tossing them onto a branch will make your wish come true.

Over the years, the Shoe Tree has gained widespread recognition, appearing on multiple websites and in the 2008 book “New York Curiosities.”

Orly has some ambitious fitness goals for 2025. He stopped by the YMCA in Medina and cooled down in the Silver Sneakers class with some stretches and movements. He also worked out on several exercise machines, including the stair climber and a rowing machine. He then lifted some dumbbells and a kettlebell.

Orly tried billiards and some of the other games at Dubby’s Tailgate in Albion, even making a behind-the-back shot playing pool.

Orly is on TikTok, and his adventures can be followed on the Orleans County Tourism’s Facebook and Instagram pages.

Photo by Tom Rivers

ALBION – The Orleans County Legislature has declared March as “Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.” County Legislator Fred Miller on Thursday presented a proclamation to Arc GLOW members.

From left include board members Marlene Hill and Joe Barchet, Legislator Miller, and Lisa Bors, vice president of public relations and development for Arc GLOW.

The former Arc of Genesee Orleans and Arc of Livingston-Wyoming merged in 2021 to form the new Arc GLOW. This is the first four-county chapter of The Arc New York. This follows the merger in 2016 of the former Arc of Orleans and Genesee Arc.

In Orleans County, Arc GLOW has three homes for individuals with disabilities, operates Orleans Enterprises Work Center in Albion, day habilitation programs, Meals on Wheels/Nutrifare in Albion and Camp Rainbow in Ridgeway. Several programs and departments also share space with the finance department on Caroline Street in Albion, Arc GLOW officials said.

The original ARC of Orleans County formed about 60 years ago.

“March is designated as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month to highlight the abilities and achievements of people with developmental disabilities, while raising awareness of the challenges they face,” according to the proclamation form the County Legislature. “People with developmental disabilities are an essential part of our community, bringing unique talents, perspectives, and strength to Orleans County.”

Wendel to be paid up to $427K; new roof and supports could top $1 million

File photo by Tom Rivers: The Orleans County Public Safety Building, which opened in 1998 at a former furniture store building, needs roof repairs and other upgrades.

ALBION – The Orleans County Legislature is pushing to fix the roof and make other upgrades to the Public Safety Building on Route 31.

The building has a sizable flat roof. The roof on the western side of the building needs to be replaced and that part of the building needs more structural support for HVAC.

The county last summer moved the Probation Department out of the building to the former GCC campus in Albion due to concerns with part of the Public Safety Building.

The Legislature on Thursday voted to pay Wendel Companies in Williamsville up to $427,000 for design, bidding services and construction management for replacing and strengthening the roof. The construction project could top $1 million, county officials said.

The county bought the building, a former furniture store, in 1998. It is used by the Sheriff’s Office, 911 Dispatch Center, the Major Felony Crime Task Force and District Attorney’s Office. Probation is expected to stay at the former GCC site with the Sheriff’s Office getting the Probation Department’s space once the project is complete.

The Legislature on Oct. 24, 2023 approved spending $975,000 to buy the former GCC building at 456 West Ave. The county paid Herring Enterprises of Holley for the building, which hadn’t been used for classes for several years.

Engineering services approved on other bridge projects

ALBION – The Orleans County Legislature approved several resolutions today for bridge projects in the county.

The Legislature accepted the low bid of $1,188,874 from CATCO in Alden to replace the bridge on Route 279 in Carlton over Beardsley Creek. The project is 95 percent reimbursable by the state through the Bridge NY program with the local share at 5 percent.

The Legislature also approved an agreement with Bergmann Architectural Associates in Buffalo to be paid $189,692 for construction inspection and support for the Beardsley Creek bridge project. That is also 95 percent funded by Bridge NY.

Other resolutions by the Legislature for bridge projects include:

• The County hired Ravi Engineering in Rochester to design, handle the bidding and administer all phases of replacing a culvert on Eagle Harbor-Knowlesville Road over old Oak Orchard Creek. The county has been awarded $1,035,000 towards the culvert replacement by the Bridge NY program.

• Approved a $278,700 contract with C&S Engineers Inc. for preliminary engineering, design and Right-of-Way incidentals work for replacing the Groth Road bridge over the east branch of Sandy Creek in Murray. The project is 95 percent covered by Bridge NY.

• Approved paying LaBella Associates $161,000 for engineering services for a bridge on Lakeshore Road over an unnamed creek. The county is paying the $161,000 for a project that could receive federal and/or state reimbursement.

• Amended a resolution for a contract with Labella Associates to be paid $221,700 for construction inspection and support for the bridge on Angling Road in Yates. The project is 80 percent paid for by federal government, with 15 percent from state and 5 percent from county.

Artists urged to be part of the show that opens July 18

File photo by Tom Rivers: Kim Martillotta Muscarella, owner of the Marti’s on Main art gallery in Albion, poses in April 2022 with two of her paintings, of an acorn woodpecker and red-headed woodpecker, both acrylics on Masonite.

ALBION – Kim Martillotta Muscarella is working on the schedule of art shows for 2025 at the Marti’s on Main art gallery.

She wants one of the shows to highlight Orleans County and the Erie Canal, which are both celebrating their 200^th anniversaries this year.

Muscarella welcomes artists to display paintings, photographs, sculptures, quilts and other art forms for the bicentennial show. The opening reception will be from 6 to 9 p.m. on July 18.

Artists can submit photos of complete art or their ideas for new art for the show by April 4. For more information, contact Muscarella at (585) 590-9211.

Muscarella will display up to two works from artists in the juried show which is not limited to people who live in Orleans County. She is excited to see the art and the different ways artists express themselves in highlighting Orleans County and the Erie Canal.

Muscarella also is planning an environmental show after the bicentennial display. The environmental show will open on Aug. 15. Artists can submit photos of their work or ideas for the show by May 1 by texting Muscarella.

Marti’s is located at 20 South Main St., a prominent historic building that used to be the offices for the Cornell Cooperative Extension.

ALBION – Applications are now being accepted for a new class offering 10 weeks of instruction for small business owners or people looking to start a new business in Orleans County.

The Orleans Microenterprise Assistance Program can accommodate 15 students each class. A new class will run on Thursday evenings from April 3 to June 5 at the Cornell Cooperative Extension on Route 31 in Knowlesville.

The most recent class from the fall 2024 included 14 graduates, which brings the total to 558 people who have completed MAP since it started in 2002. More than 200 have started a variety of businesses in the county.

The 10-week program covers topics such as legal requirements for starting a business, forms of ownership, business plan development, taxation for sole proprietors, marketing and advertising strategies, bookkeeping and record keeping, banking essentials, pricing goods and services, and cost analysis.

To see the application to be in the program, click here. The deadline to apply is 4 p.m. on March 14.

Prospective entrepreneurs aged 18 and older, who maintain a permanent residence or business physically located in Orleans County, are encouraged to apply.

The course fee is $300. However, financial aid is available for qualifying applicants based on financial need. Interested individuals can complete the application online in under 10 minutes or contact OEDA with further program questions at (585) 589-7060 ext. 1 or MHolland@orleansdevelopment.org.

ALBION – The Orleans County offices will be closed on Tuesday due to the anticipated hazardous travel conditions.

“While we strive not to reduce the availability of county services, we felt it was imperative in this situation for the safety of the public and employees,” said Justin Niederhofer, the county’s emergency management director. “Essential employees still need to report to work at their scheduled times.”

The lake effect snow warning issued by the National Weather Service remains in effect until 1 p.m. Wednesday.

Orleans County Sheriff Chris Bourke also has issued a travel advisory until 1 p.m. Wednesday. He recommends against non-essential travel.

“Motorists are urged to use extreme caution, as reduced visibility or zero visibility at times and snow-covered roads pose significant travel risks,” Niederhofer said. “Road and weather conditions will be monitored, and the travel advisory will be updated accordingly.”

The County Legislature meeting for Tuesday at 4:30 p.m. has been pushed back two days to Thursday at 4:30 p.m.

Modern Disposal is planning to do trash pickup on Tuesday. If there is a change, it will be announced, Niederhofer said.

“Emergency services and essential personnel will remain operational during this time,” he said. “Residents are encouraged to stay informed through official county social media pages, county website and local media updates.”