Photo by Tom Rivers: The County Legislature has approved bids from contractors to make structural repairs for part of the roof on the west side of the Public Safety Building as well as other upgrades to the site.

ALBION – The Orleans County Legislature has accepted about $800,000 bids from contractors to make repairs and upgrades to the Public Safety Building.

Part of the western side of the Public Safety Building, in the area that used to include Probation, needs work. The structural supports on the western side are undersized to support HVAC.

The Legislature on Tuesday approved the following bids for “Public Safety Building emergency structural repairs” that total $815,700:

• $649,000 for general construction from Javen Construction Company of Penfield
• $61,200 for HVAC from Crosby Brownlie in Rochester
• $55,500 for electrical from Crosby Brownlie in Rochester
• Up to $50,000 for plumbing from McGrain Mechanical in Rochester

The Legislature in February approved spending up to $427,000 for Wendel Companies in Williamsville for design, bidding services and construction management for replacing and strengthening the roof.

The county bought the building, a former furniture store, in 1998. The building houses the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office, District Attorney’s Office, 911 Dispatch Center and Major Felony Crime Task Force.

It used to include Probation until that department moved last summer to the former GCC campus in Albion due to concerns with part of the Public Safety Building. Probation will stay at the former GCC site once the Public Safety Building work is done. The Sheriff’s Office will be able to use the space that was Probation’s.

Photos by Tom Rivers

KNOWLESVILLE – Nick Fitzak raising the American flag while other veterans join at opening ceremonies of the Orleans County 4-H Fair on Monday evening.

Veterans for many years have led a flag-raising ceremony for the start of the fair.

Next to Fitzak are Dave Kuzmierszak, at left, and Tom Snyder.

State Assemblyman Steve Hawley said fairs help celebrate agriculture’s critical importance to the local and state-wide economy.

The 2022 Ag Census put the farm revenue in Orleans County at $233.6 million, the 15th most of 62 counties in the state. Cayuga is the top-ranked county at $461.9 million.

State-wide, the ag revenues totaled $8.04 billion in 2022.

Hawley also invited veterans to consider going on the next Patriot Trip to Washington, DC from Sept. 19-22.

These veterans provided a dignified presence at opening ceremonies for the fair.

JW Cook, the Finger Lakes region representative for Gov. Kathy Hochul, touted NY’s investments in rural New York, including $11 million to broadband Internet expansion in Orleans County.

Caton Conde, president of the board for the Cornell Cooperative Extension, praised a team of staff and volunteers that have worked on the fair all year. Conde was an active 4-H member when she was a kid. She said the fair is a showcase for 4-Hers and their projects.

Fair manager Marty Zwifka said the fairgrounds have new bathrooms/showers, and a full slate of entertainment.

This week’s fair also changes the admission, from per car to a $10 admission fee per person that is good all week. The parking lot off Wood Road also is being used for vendors with the public lot shifted to the side by Taylor Hill Road, the second entrance off Route 31.

Lynne Johnson, Orleans County Legislature chairwoman, said the fair is a chance for local youth to make memories that will last a lifetime.

A parade through the grounds included Orly the Ox in the Gator, 4-H members and their dogs, and a Ridgeway fire truck.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Peggy Barringer is shown with some of her photographs of a great blue heron at sunset along the Erie Canal in Albion, not far from her backyard.

Barringer is one of 11 featured artists in a bicentennial show at the Marti’s on Main gallery in Albion, highlighting the 200^th anniversary of both the Erie Canal and Orleans County.

Barringer also has black-and-white photo of the Erie Canal in the show, including this shed that she said no longer exists. She started walking the canal in her 50s and became more serious about photography then after being downsized by Chase Bank.

“I started to walk the canal regularly and I started to see things with a fresh set of eyes,” she said.

Two of her photos have been winners in the annual state-wide Erie Canal photo contest. Barringer is often on local expeditions trying to get photos of snowy owls, bald eagles and other scenes.

“There’s a lot of here with nature and wildlife,” she said about Orleans County. “The sunsets are gorgeous. I chase the eagles and snowy owls.”

Other artists in the show include Chris Manaseri, Kim Martillotta Muscarella, Elizabeth Cooper, Amber Smarpat, Bradeen Walders, Jeff Watkins, Tony Barry, Connie Mosher and Christy Valsente.

Christy Valsente of Holley creates art work in glass. This piece is entitled, “Corn.”

Kim Martillotta Muscarella did this acrylic painting of a sunset.

Muscarella said the county has a vibrant diversity in the landscape that appeals to artists, especially with the Erie Canal and agriculture scenes.

“People who come to visit here say it’s so beautiful with the apple trees and the great blue herons,” Muscarella said.

Tony Barry, a retired art teacher at Holley, stands near one of his Erie Canal paintings of a scene in Holley.

“I like the simplicity of it with the birds and the variety of trees,” he said about the painting.

Barry enjoys painting scenes of the canal and the Holley Waterfalls.

‘I like the environment around here and the people that live here,” he said. “I like the beauty of the canal, even in the winter. I appreciate the starkness of it.”

Jeffrey J. Watkins did these oil paintings of “Evening, Alabama Swamps” at left and “Evening on the Canal.”

Bradeen Erakare, 31, has three paintings in the show. The one on the left is her friend since childhood, Gregg Albertson, and the other is another lifelong friend, Jackie Madejski. Albertson was Erakare’s neighbor growing up in Albion. He now lives in Nashville and is a musician. Madejski is an actress currently with the lead role in Hamlet during a summer production in Cooperstown. The other painting is a landscape along Wood Road in Albion.

Erakare said part of celebrating the county’s bicentennial should include recognizing friends and people in the community.

‘The people make up the town,” she said. “As an artist the people inspire me.”

4-H Fair by Amber Smarpat

Chris Manaseri painting this pic of the tugboat Lockport tied up at canal side.

Elizabeth Cooper of Medina created these dolls of pioneers with an ox.

Rosie Patronski painted the tower at Mount Albion Cemetery.

Photos by Tom Rivers

KNOWLESVILLE – Amelia Paratore, 15, of Corfu moves part of a stall for the goat barn on Wednesday evening during a work bee at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds.

Many volunteers and 4-H’ers were at the fairgrounds getting the site ready for next week’s fair which runs from July 21-26. Amelia will be showing goats, poultry and beef cattle at the fair.

The exhibitors for the fair include 204 showing animals, and another 50 are expected to have entries at the Trolley Building.

One of the biggest improvements for the public will be new bathrooms with showers. Jay Silversmith is shown helping spread some stone by the building. Charlie Ricci is doing most of the site work for the project.

Bert Mathes shows the inside of the new building including one of the four new showers. The new bathrooms and showers are handicapped accessible. There will be more space for the users and the bathrooms and showers will be in one building.

There is still some work to get the bathrooms and showers done, with siding, fixtures, sinks and handicapped accessible features all to be added.

“We’ll get it done,” Mathes said. “It’s only Wednesday.”

Camden Price, 12, of Lyndonville checks on a robot that will be on display in the Trolley Building. Camden is part of the Robotics program through the 4-H program. Erik Seielstad, in back, is the mentor for the program that is looking for more members, especially at the high school level.

Orleans contingent writes resolution that gets backing of NACo

Provided photos:  Orleans County Legislators John Fitzak, Lynne Johnson and Skip Draper are shown at the NACo conference in Philadelphia.

Press Release, Orleans County Legislature

PHILADELPHIA, PA. – Orleans County Legislators Lynne Johnson, Skip Draper and John Fitzak today announced that the National Association of Counties (NACo) has passed a resolution, authored by the three lawmakers, opposing closure of Job Corps centers across the country.  The vote took place yesterday at the NACo annual conference in Philadelphia.

Orleans County Legislature Chairman Lynne Johnson, joined by Legislator Skip Draper, presents the resolution opposing Job Corps closure at the NACo conference.

“It’s no secret that we consider the Iroquois Job Corps center in Medina hugely important to creating pathways to employment for many young men and women,” Johnson said. “It was extremely gratifying to see other counties across the country feel the same way about Job Corps centers in their regions and joined our effort to save them.”

Legislator Skip Draper said, “The Iroquois Job Corps trains hundreds of students each year for jobs in the building trades, and Job Corps centers around the country train over 50,000 students annually. If the federal government’s desire is to reduce people’s reliance on social services programs, and instead move them into meaningful work, then cutting Job Corps does not make any sense.”

With yesterday’s vote on the Orleans County resolution, support to maintain Job Corps now becomes a priority for NACo’s lobbying efforts in Congress.

“As the old saying goes, there is strength in numbers,” said Legislator John Fitzak.  “With the full weight of NACo and its member counties behind efforts to save Job Corps, we stand a much better chance of building a coalition of federal representatives to preserve this important program.”

Photo by Tom Rivers: Jay Lazarony, retiring director for the GLOW Workforce Development Board, receives a “Special Recognition Award” from County Legislator Fred Miller during a recent Legislature meeting.

ALBION – The leader of the GLOW Workforce Development Board has pushed to be bring in training funds to help residents develop skills for in-demand local careers.

Jay Lazarony led the GLOW organization the past eight years, and worked 20 years before that as a youth counselor for the Genesee County Job Development Bureau. He has retired, and has been praised for his efforts to connect GLOW residents to job training.

He also was one of the driving forces in the GLOW With Your Hands career exploration events that showcased careers in the trades and local manufacturing, and also in healthcare.

The Orleans County Legislature recently presented Lazarony with a “Special Recognition Award” for his career in workforce development.

Lazarony, in an interview today, said it has been a rewarding career “to provide people with a restart, an initial start or just a change in their work status.”

The GLOW WDB works with BOCES to connect residents to training. That training can make a huge difference for people in getting a new career or a step up at the jobs. GLOW has secured about $500,000 a year each of the past five years for job training in the four local rural counties.

“A small training could be the difference in them getting a new career with a family-sustaining income,” Lazarony said.

When he worked for the Genesee County Job Development Bureau, Lazarony said the office would ring a bell every time someone landed a job through the bureau’s help. That signified a new start, a chance at a family-sustaining career.

Lazarony said those jobs are available in the GLOW region, but more residents need training to be hired at these positions.

“I think there are great careers locally but there is a skill gap,” he said. “We have to get them trained first. We’re fighting for funding for training. It’s not that nobody wants to work. It’s just that they’re not up to speed yet.”

Lazarony praised the work of the job development agencies in each of the four counties. In Orleans, Kelly Kiebala is director of the Job Development Agency.

The overall GLOW Workforce Development Board has a new leader in Tracy VanVleck, the executive director who is based in Batavia.

Lazarony said she worked with him his final month in the position. He is confident she will be a good fit for the four counties.

“She will take it in a direction that is positive and very good for all of GLOW,” Lazarony said.

Photo by Tom Rivers: The Orleans County Chamber of Commerce on Oct. 17, 2024 recognized award winners for 2024. The group includes, front row, from left: Lisa Christiaansen, Tapped on Main in Medina; Renee Hungerford, executive director of Community Action of Orleans & Genesee; Jenna Pangrazio and Brody Hoffmeister of Rudy’s in Medina; Marisa and Matthew Burch, Chop’s Shop Bar & Grill North in Lyndonville; and Tom Laine, owner of Frontier Heating & A/C Service. Back row: Brian Christiaansen of Tapped on Main, David Mitchell; Bob Gibbs of Environmental Construction Group in Albion; George Lacey and Samantha Tillman of Captain’s Cove in Carlton; Gary and Maggie Roberts of Roberts Farm Market in Medina; Rex Harvey, Ray Laine and Lori Laine of Frontier Heating & A/C Service.

Press Release, Orleans County Chamber of Commerce

The Orleans County Chamber of Commerce is seeking nominations for its 27th annual business awards.

Nominations are due by Sept. 1 and can be emailed to director@orleanscountychamberofcommerce.com mailed to OCCC, PO Box 501, Medina NY, 14103 or entered on a Google Form (click here).

The categories include:

• Business of the Year – This award is presented to a business that has experienced significant overall achievements/success throughout the year. (Last year’s winner: Frontier Heating & A/C Services.)

• Lifetime Achievement – This award is presented to an individual with a long-term record of outstanding business achievements. (Dave Mitchell received the award in 2024.)

• Phoenix Award – This award is presented to an organization or business that has successfully adapted or re-used an existing facility. (Tapped on Main – Mark’s Pizzeria won the award last year.)

• New Business of the Year – This award is presented to a business or organization that has opened in the past year. (Chop’s Shop Bar and Grill North in Lyndonville won last year.)

• Community Service Award – This award is presented to a business, organization or individual that has provided meaningful contributions to the community in either professional or non-professional spheres. (Community Action of Orleans and Genesee received the honor in 2024.)

• Agricultural Business of the Year – This award is presented to an agricultural business that has experienced significant overall achievements/success throughout the year. (Roberts Farm Market in Medina won the award in 2024.)

• Small Business of the Year – This award is presented to a small business that has experienced significant achievements/success throughout the year. (Rudy’s Diner in Medina won last year.)

• Hidden Gem –This award is presented to a business that has made a positive contribution to tourism in Orleans County. (Captain’s Cove in Point Breeze won the honor in 2024.)

For more information check the Chamber website or Facebook page.

Photos by Tom Rivers: Employees from Environmental Enterprises, Inc. of Cincinnati were in Albion on Aug. 10, 2024 for the Orleans County annual household hazardous waste collection day. More than 500 residents were able to get rid of leftover chemicals, batteries, tires, oil and solvents. The event returns on Aug. 16.

ALBION – Orleans County will again hold a popular household hazardous waste collection day.

The event returns Aug. 16 and is a chance to get rid of leftover chemicals, batteries, tires, oil and solvents at no charge to residents.

The event is open to all Orleans County residents but registration is needed and can be done by calling the county Planning Office at (585) 589-3198 between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

The event will be at the Orleans County Highway Garage on West Academy Street in Albion.  The county will collect all acceptable items from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and then 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. is reserved for tire collection only.

Acceptable items include pesticides, motor oiler & filters, adhesives, antifreeze, solvents, tires (limit 10), batteries, fluorescent bulbs, aerosols, oil-based paints and empty propane tanks.

Items that cannot be accepted include explosives, pressurized tanks, ammunition, PCBs, radioactive waste, medical water, electronics, latex paint, tires on rims and commercial tires.

“This is Orleans County’s annual collection event that I know a lot of residents like to plan for to get rid of those leftover chemicals, batteries, tires and other items that are lying around in the garage, basement or shed,” said Corey Winters, director of the Planning Office. “And more than just getting rid of this clutter, people can be assured these items are being disposed of in a safe and environmentally responsible way.”

A state grant covers half of the cost with the county paying the other half. The county’s cost has been about $18,000 in recent years.

The County legislature approved the following agreement with Environmental Enterprises Inc. of Cincinnati, Ohio: Aerosol Cans, $1.00 per pound; Anti-Freeze, $.23 per pound; Chemicals (labpacks), $1.20 per pound; Corrosive Acids, $1.20 per pound; Corrosive Bases, $1.20 per pound; Fluorescent Tubes, $1.00 per pound; Household Cleaners, $1.20 per pound; Miscellaneous Chemicals, $1.20 per pound;

Oil Filters, $.25 per pound; Organic Liquids, $.24 per pound; Oxidizers, $1.20 per pound; Pesticides/Insecticides, $1.89 per pound; Pesticides/Insecticide (dioxin precursors), $12.00 per pound; Poisons, $1.20 per pound; Resins & Adhesives (with cans), $1.20 per pound; and Waste Oil, $.20 per pound.

“We have opened up registration early so we can properly plan and be ready to accommodate as many residents as possible who want to take part,” Winters said.  “When you call to register, please be prepared to generally describe the type of chemicals and/or the number of tires you will be disposing.”

Orleans County Public Works Department employees remove tires from the back of a pickup truck on Aug. 10, 2024. Residents are able to dispose of car tires at the event.

Legislature hires consultant to help present alternatives to public

Photos by Tom Rivers: The Murray Joint Fire District – led by in front from left, Pete Hendrickson, Rick Cary and Kevin Dann – march in the Kendall Firemen’s Carnival parade on June 26. In 2021, the Murray Joint Fire District combined the Holley and Fancher-Hulberton-Murray districts.

ALBION – Orleans County has hired a consultant to assist local officials in looking at several options for providing EMS and fire service in the county.

Municipal Resource Inc. (MRI) of Plymouth, NH will work with the Orleans County Emergency Management Agency on a study looking at options to improve EMS and the fire service in the short and long term in the county.

MRI will be paid $71,807 for its work, with half of that coming from a state Local Government Efficiency grant. The other half will come out of Emergency Management’s budget.

Justin Niederhofer, the county’s emergency management director, said MRI will work with local officials from villages, towns, the fire departments and EMS providers. The study will look at options ranging from the current nearly all-volunteer fire service to having paid firefighters in all three battalions.

The Village of Medina is currently the only department with paid staff and they respond to fires and handle the EMS calls on the western end of the county.

Many of the fire companies and departments are short-staffed especially with responses during the work hours.

Niederhofer said there will be opportunities for public inut as the study moves forward in the coming months.

A long line of fire trucks participated in the Kendall parade on June 26, including a group from the Carlton Volunteer Fire Company.

Photos courtesy of Sheriff Chris Bouke: Sheriff Chris Bourke on Sunday gave kids a sendoff for a week of camp at Keuka Lake.

Press Release, Sheriff Chris Bourke

ALBION – Each  summer, the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office with assistance from Jeannine Larkin at O.C. Child and Family Services identify children from across Orleans County to attend the NYS Sheriffs’ Summer Camp.

Orleans County kids will join excited kids from across New York State when they arrive at Keuka Lake for a full week of adventure, learning, and unforgettable memories. They’ll stay until the following Saturday, experiencing 7 days of camp life—many for the very first time.

Campers are boys and girls aged 9–12, selected by their local Sheriff’s Office from families who might not otherwise be able to afford this opportunity. It’s more than just a getaway—it’s a chance to grow, lead and connect.

During the week, they’ll:

• Swim, fish, kayak, and canoe on beautiful Keuka Lake
• Try archery, sports, and team challenges
• Participate in K-9 demos, safety programs, and campfire nights
• Earn certificates for positive achievements—from mastering new skills to keeping their cabins clean and showing kindness to others

The camp is completely free for families, thanks to the generosity of those who support the New York State Sheriffs’ Institute. Every county in New York sends campers—and by summer’s end, hundreds of young people will have gained new confidence, new friends, and a lasting connection to their community.

Sheriff Christopher Bourke would like to thank everyone for their generosity throughout the year. Donations play an important part in facilitating the operation of NYS  Sheriff’s Institute Summer Camp.

To contribute to the camp, click here.

Small business, private non-profits can apply by July 28 for federal disaster loans

Press Release, Small Business Administration

Orleans County has been included in a disaster declaration from a high wind and hail storm on Aug. 11, 2024. The declaration also includes Cayuga, Genesee, Monroe, Niagara, Ontario, Seneca and Wayne counties.

The Small Business Administration said small businesses and private non-profit organizations in New York have until July 28 deadline to apply for low-interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by the high winds and hail.

Under this declaration, the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries and private non-profits with financial losses directly related to the disaster.

The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for small aquaculture enterprises.

The loans are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the small business or non-profit did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills not paid due to the disaster.

“Through a declaration by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, SBA provides critical financial assistance to help communities recover,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “We’re pleased to offer loans to small businesses and private nonprofits impacted by these disasters.”

The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.25% for PNPs, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement.

The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

To apply online visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

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.”

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.”

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.