(Left) The book includes a tribute to Melissa Ierlan of Clarendon who has repainted more than 50 of the historic markers, often welcoming local students to help in the process of scraping off paint, and putting on a base coat before Ierlan puts on the final coats of blue and yellow paint and does painstaking process of painting each letter. She delivered one freshly repainted marker on Oct. 29. This was the marker for the Gaines Basin Cobblestone Schoolhouse which was  built in 1832. (Right) Tim Archer, an Albion teacher, praised Ierlan for being “a tireless doer” in taking on so many of the projects.

By Ginny Kropf and Tom Rivers

GAINES – An updated book about historical markers in Orleans County features about 100 of the markers around the county.

Catherine Cooper, the county historian, compiled the book of markers, as well as historical tidbits from each of the 10 towns and four villages. She pushed to get the project done in 2025 as part of the county’s bicentennial.

“Historic Markers of Orleans County New York” is a revised guidebook from the 2001 original. That book, “Historic Markers Erected During the 20th Century in Orleans County New York,” was produced by then Orleans County Historian Bill Lattin and Neil Johnson, the village of Albion historian.

“To date, historic roadside markers document significant events in Orleans County history,” Cooper said. “These blue and yellow signs are easily recognizable, but sometimes difficult to read as we speed by.”

Cooper, during the Oct. 29 book unveiling, told her audience she suggested keeping a copy of the book in the car so the text on these markers – which enriches our connection to our surroundings – can easily be referred to.

The new book has the same design and layout as the first publication, Cooper said. It is organized by towns and has a chronology at the beginning. The signs cover the complete range of Orleans County history. Many of the signs refer to “firsts,” such as “first church,” or “first school,” since these were significant achievements at the time.

Other signs refer to people who made a difference, such as the sign for Col Ezra Brainard of Holley, who is credited with developing the idea of a triangular-shaped truss bridge construction during the early years of Erie Canal construction. Erie Canal bridges still feature truss supports, Cooper said.

Provided photos: Catherine Cooper, the Orleans County historian, holds a copy of a book featuring the historical markers in Orleans County. Cooper did a book launch during a presentation on Oct. 29 at the Gaines Basin Cobblestone Schoolhouse, which is the meeting place for the Orleans County Historical Association. Bill Lattin introduced Cooper and commended her efforts during the Oct. 29 presentation.

The book includes 105 historical markers. The Village of Albion has the most markers with 22, followed by the Town of Gaines with 19. The Village of Lyndonville has the fewest with 2, with the Town of Albion (outside the village), the next fewest with 3.

Here are the numbers in the other municipalities: Barre, 4; Carlton, 7; Clarendon, 7; Holley, 8; Kendall, 4; Medina, 9; Murray, 6; Ridgeway, 7; Shelby, 5; and Yates, 5.

This latest book is dedicated to Melissa Ierlan of Clarendon, who has repainted and repaired 54 of the historic marker signs. Tim Archer, retired Albion Social Service teacher, commended Irelan’s generosity of spirit and the enthusiasm she has passed on to student volunteers.

The back cover of the book features the poster created by Carol Culhane for the Orleans County bicentennial. The 58-page book also has a list of the 36 veterans’ memorials in the county.

Copies of the book are available for $15. They can be purchased at the Cobblestone Museum, Hoag Library, Lee-Whedon Memorial Library in Medina, Murray-Holley Historical Society and Author’s Note in Medina.

Bill Lattin spoke at the Oct. 29 book unveiling. He said historic markers are the “tip of the iceberg” in providing information about some of the important local sites.

“The historic markers are not just an arsenal of facts, but a living continuum through which we may better understand our lace in the world in which we live, much to our ‘tangible benefit,’” Lattin writes in the foreword of the book.

Photo by Tom Rivers: On May 27, 2024, on a rainy Memorial Day, the Holley community dedicated a new historical marker for the 9 “Holley Boys” who were killed during the Vietnam War. Those young men include: John P. Davis, age 30: David Duane Case, 20; Ronald P. Sisson, 23; Howard L. Bowen, 20; Gary E. Bullock, 24; Gary Lee Stymus, 26; George Warren Fischer Jr., 23; Paul Scott Mandracchia, 18; and David States, 21. This marker is much larger than the typical historical markers. It I located in front of the old Holley High School.

Since the 2001 book by Lattin and Johnson, about 30 more markers have been added to the Orleans County landscape.

The oldest marker was installed in 1913 as a tablet erected in front of the County Clerk’s Building in Albion. That marker told how the site previously was home to the Phipps Union Female Seminary led by the school’s founder, Caroline Phipps Achilles.

The early markers in the county were typically funded by the Daughters of the American Revolution and the State Historic Marker Program. More recent markers were spearheaded by local or historical agencies, Cooper said. And since 2012, the William G. Pomeroy Foundation has supported many of the markers.

Cooper thanked local highway departments for installing many of the markers, and volunteers who have repaired and repainted them, notably Melissa Ierlan of Clarendon, Dan Mawn of Holley and Larie Vagg of Albion.

The book of historical markers helps to understand Orleans County, which formed in 1825 after splitting off from Genesee County.

“Two hundred years is a short time in the span of history but a significant period in human terms,” Cooper writes in the foreword of the book. “The landscape is completely different. Lifestyles have changed dramatically in that time. It is the thread of history that connects us through the constant and inevitable change. Historic markers serves as guide marks along the way.”

Spending, up 1.2%, reaches $100 million for first time; Budget faces pressure from many fronts

ALBION – Orleans County officials are proposing a budget that would raise taxes by 2.6 percent in 2026.

The $100,261,320 proposed budget was filed on Friday by Jack Welch, the county’s chief administrative officer and also the budget officer.

Jack Welch

The budget tops $100 million for the first time. Spending is up 1.18 percent from the $99,092,747 in 2025 to $100,261,320.

The tax levy, what the county collects in taxes, increases by 2.60 percent or by $500,000 from $19,639,000 to $20,139,000. The tax rate is proposed to increase by 1.63 percent from $7.91 to $8.05 per $1,000 of assessed property.

The County Legislature will have a public hearing on the budget at 4:30 p.m. on Dec. 3 at the Orleans County Legislative Chambers, 14016 Route 31.

“In recent years, I have raised concerns about how the Orleans County budget is influenced by ‘VUCA,’ meaning volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity,” Welch said in his budget message. “Unfortunately, these dynamics have not changed, and as such, the county remains under tremendous budget pressure.”

The spending plan doesn’t exceed the state-imposed tax cap. Welch said “a tremendous amount of work” by department heads, legislators and the budget team kept the tax increase at 2.6 percent and not much higher.

The budget is seeing a big increase in 730 competency restoration for people deemed unfit to stand trial. Those costs totaled $57,209 in 2023 and have already exceeded $1 million this year. The county has budgeted $1.5 million for the “730” costs in 2026, which is up from the $500,000 in this year’s budget.

“This trajectory is simply not sustainable and must be addressed by the New York State Legislature,” Welch said.

The budget also faces a nearly 21 percent increase in New York State retirement costs, due to a lower stock market evaluation on march 31, 2025, Welch said. The retirement costs are one of the nine state mandated programs which now account of 115 percent of the tax levy, Welch said.

“At the same time, we have made significant strides to reduce costs,” he said. “For 2026, with the agreement of our unions, we have changed our medical coverage from Highmark to NYSHIP’s Empire Plan. This change resulted in 6 percent decrease in our budgeted health insurance costs.  We have also continued our efforts to increase the hours in the work week for most of our employees from 35 hours to a 40 hours per week in an attempt to refrain from hiring more workers to cover the mandated services we are required to provide.”

The county also is projecting a $1.6 million increase in the local sales tax revenue. This year the sales tax receipts have been strong, nearly 8 percent ahead of 2024.

“As we present this to the Legislature, I am confident our proposed budget maintains core county services and programs in the most cost-effective manner possible, complies with the New York State property tax cap and provides funding for prioritized projects and programs while avoiding fiscal stress,” Welch said.

The budget keeps funding at the same levels for organizations providing services in the county including:

Cornell Cooperative Extension at $240,000; Orleans Economic Development Agency at $200,000; Soil & Water at $100,500, four public libraries to share $10,000; Mercy Flight at $5,000; Council of the Arts at $4,000; Cobblestone Museum, $3,000.

The budget includes $8,566,052 for capital projects:

Highway – $7,446,143 ($7,060,509 from state and federal governments)

• Local bridge and culvert repairs, $50,000
• Patch and seal county roads, $150,000
• Highway reconstruction, $2,668,458
• Eagle Harbor Knowlesville culvert, $865,000
• Bridge Project #2, $2,375,500
• Groth Road bridge replacement, $1,337,185

Buildings and grounds – $610,000 (all county cost)

• Boiler pump (Public Square), $40,000
• Pole barn, $150,000
• Parking lot at DPW, $130,000
• Elevator maintenance, $30,000
• Air handlers (Treasurer and Probation), $50,000
• Fiber loop, $210,000

Sheriff – $509,909 (All county cost)

• Animal control for leased truck, $15,000
• Fleet maintenance program: 2026, $105,000
• Fleet maintenance program: 2024, $52,957
• Fleet maintenance program: 2025, $106,800
• Tasers lease (2024-2028), $45,575
• 8×10 omega plate, $15,000
• Jail – vests, $13,577
• Jail – Axon Tasers lease, $6,000
• Jail repairs, $150,000

Orleans approved for $1.75 million for Public Safety Building roof, upgrades

Photo by Tom Rivers: The Orleans County Public Safety Building, which opened in 1998 at a former furniture store building, was approved for $1.75 million for roof repairs and other upgrades.

The federal government shutdown is over after 43 days after the House of Representatives followed the Senate in voting to keep the government funded. President Trump then signed the budget bill on Wednesday evening.

Congressman Joe Morelle of Rochester, a Democrat whose district used to include part of Orleans County, voted against the bill.

He issued this statement on Wednesday night: “Today I voted NO on the funding deal because it fails to do what matters most: bring down the crushing cost of health care for working people.

“The Republican majority continues to be more focused on fulfilling Donald Trump’s whims and pleasing their billionaire donors than on making Americans’ lives better. Once again, the President has used fear, hatred, and cruelty to get what he wants.

“At its heart, this budget fails millions of American families who now face massive increases in their health insurance premiums. Mr. President, how are they supposed to survive that?

“There is a long way to go, and we must find a bipartisan solution before it’s too late.”

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney, a Republican whose district includes Orleans and about a dozen other counties, supported the bill, which passed 222-209.

She highlighted $1.75 million in the bill for Orleans County for repairs to the roof at the Orleans County Public Safety Building and other upgrades to the building on Route 31 in Albion.

Tenney issued this statement: “After weeks of senseless disorder and delay, the House has finally taken action to reopen the government and deliver stability to families, small businesses, and our troops.

“This shutdown was entirely avoidable. Democrats manufactured a crisis to damage President Trump’s America First agenda while federal workers went without pay and essential services were disrupted. Their partisan games hurt the very people they claim to represent.”

“House Republicans delivered a clean CR to fund the government and pay our servicemembers. Democrats blocked every effort and used hardworking Americans as political leverage. Only after weeks of using the American people as leverage did they finally accept nearly the same terms we offered from the start.”

Tenney highlighted these projects in her district  FY26 Community Project Funding and general appropriations process:

• City of Oswego Police Department — $1,000,000 towards a new police station, to enhance public safety operations.
• Orleans County Public Safety Building — $1,750,000 for critical safety and security improvements.
• Town of Torrey Water District #2 — $2,050,000 for resource and infrastructure upgrades, expanding clean water access for residents.
• Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station — $16,110,000 for the new Combined Operations Airfield Facility.
• Fort Drum — $9,500,000 for the design of the Aircraft Maintenance Hangar Addition and $8,300,000 for the design of the ORTC Transient Training Barracks.

“These projects will strengthen public safety, expand access to clean water, bolster our national security, improve troop readiness, and deliver meaningful results for our region,” Tenney said. “While Democrats wasted weeks playing politics, House Republicans remained focused on getting things done for the American people and for Upstate New York.”

Press Release, Orleans County government

ALBION – In response to the recent stop to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefit payments due to the federal government shutdown, Orleans County Emergency Management, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health), the county Department of Social Services, and the Orleans County Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD) have collaborated to create a new online, one-stop hub to help residents find free or affordable sources of food.

The hub also provides links to 211NY, CODE BLUE, and additional county social services and mental health resources.

The COAD, which is a coalition of local nonprofits, faith-based organizations, government agencies, and volunteers, recognized the growing need for a single reliable information source for residents. The group worked closely with the various COAD partners to develop a single location where residents can find information regarding food pantries, food drives, and free or reduced cost meals.

“This initiative reflects the county’s and COAD’s shared mission of strengthening community resilience,” said Lynne Johnson, chairman of the Orleans County Legislature. “By pooling resources and expertise, Orleans County is ensuring that residents know that help is out there and available to everyone.”

Residents, by clicking here, can access the resource center and explore the various options available to them.

“The halt to SNAP benefits has placed an added burden on many families across the county that are already facing economic challenges,” said Justin Niederhofer, director of Emergency Management. “This issue is impacting over 10 percent of our residents, so our goal is to ensure that every resident knows where to turn to get the help they need.”

Holli Nenni, commissioner of Orleans County Department of Social Services, wanted to remind SNAP recipients that any available SNAP benefits that remain on the SNAP EBT card are still available for use.

“Recipients can check their card balance online at ebtEDGE.com or by calling 1-888-328-6399,” said Nenni. “And, of course, we will release any updates from the SNAP division of the Office of Temporary and Disability as they become available.”

Provided photos: From left include Sheriff Christopher Bourke, Employee of the Year John Doyle, and Director of Personnel Katie Harvey. 

Press Release, Orleans County Department of Personnel

ALBION – The EAP Committee is tasked to recognize employees of the month. This is a very important and a very special occasion when fellow county employees are recognized for not only their service to the citizens of the county but to recognize those individuals who go above and beyond their duty.

The EAP Committee receives nominations from fellow employees and department directors and then the nominations are reviewed and discussed by the committee and a selection is made.

The employees of the months for the past year were:

• October 2024 – Craig Lane (Department of Public Works)

• November 2024 – Bert Mathes (Department of Public Works)

• December 2024 – Kathleen Bates (Office for the Aging)

• January 2025  – Cynthia Walter (Social Services)

• February 2025 – Dawn Hazel (Mental Health)

• March  2025 – Audra Fisher (Emergency Management)

• April 2025 – Maria Strathearn (Social Services)

• May 2025 – Dustin Wells (Sheriff)

• June 2025 – Shelby Willis & Page Smith (Sheriff-Dispatch)

• July 2025 – Samantha Lawson (Social Services)

• August 2025 – John Doyle (Sheriff)

• September 2025 – Gerald Bentley (Sheriff-Dispatch)

Employee of the Month attendees include from left: Craig Lane (Public Works), Bert Mathes (Public Works), Kathleen Bates (Office for the Aging), Dawn Hazel (Mental Health), Audra Fisher (Emergency Management), Maria Strathearn (Social Services), Dustin Wells (Sheriff), Shelby Willis (Sheriff-Dispatch), Page Smith (Sheriff-Dispatch), Samantha Lawson (Social Services), John Doyle (Sheriff) and Gerald Bentley (Sheriff-Dispatch). They were recognized at the Fairhaven Inn.

From this pool of candidates, a Department Head must make a recommendation to a separate committee to determine the Employee of the Year. The committee takes into consideration the service that an employee has performed before choosing the Employee of the Year.

Throughout the past year, our employee of the year has shown exceptional dedication to keeping the public, county buildings, staff, and visitors safe. His proactive approach, professionalism, and commitment to public safety have strengthened the sense of security for everyone in our community and workplace.

His attention to detail and quick actions have helped prevent incidents, reduce risks, and create a safer environment across our county. His calm and professional presence brings confidence and reassurance to all who interact with him.

This employee demonstrates consistent service, awareness, and dedication. His work to protect the public, county employees, and our buildings reflects both outstanding skill and a strong commitment to the safety of those who rely on them each day.

The Sheriff’s Office and Orleans County appreciate his service to the department and the community. His interactions with the public are thorough and professional. Qualities that make him deserving of this award.

I am pleased to announce this year’s Employee of the Year is John Doyle.

Congratulations!

Katie Harvey, director of personnel

Returns up 9.7 percent, 5^th highest among 57 counties outside NYC

Sales tax revenues are seeing strong growth in Orleans County through the first three quarters of the year, according to a report from State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli.

The local sales tax revenues in Orleans are up 9.7 percent, from $17.46 million to $19.14 million, for the first three quarters. That is the fifth highest growth rate in the state.

The only counties that have a higher growth rate include Hamilton County at 12%, followed by the counties of Yates and Chenango (each at 10.4%) and Delaware (10.3%).

Among the GLOW region, Genesee County is up 7.0 percent from $41.57 million to $44.49 million.

Livingston County is one of the six counties that seeing a drop in sales tax revenue. Livingston is down 2.5 percent from $36.41 million to $35.51 million in the first three quarters.

Wyoming County also is down. It dipped 0.1 percent, from $19.94 million to $19.92 million.

The state comptroller reported that nearly 90 percent of counties experienced a year-over-year increase in collections, with close to one-third of counties seeing more than 5 percent growth.

Orleans has seen steady growth in each of the three quarters so far this year – up 9.2 percent in first quarter ($5.39 million to $5.88 million), 14.8 percent increase in second quarter (from $5.68 million to $6.52 million) and up 5.5 percent in third quarter (from $6.39 million to $6.74 million).

State-wide, local government sales tax collections totaled $18.2 billion from January to September 2025, an increase of 4.3% ($747 million) compared to the same period last year, DiNapoli reported.

“New York’s local sales tax revenues rose through September compared to last year, but federal policy actions create significant fiscal risk for municipalities amid signs of a slowing economy,” DiNapoli said. “Local officials who rely on these revenues should take advantage of the financial planning tools and guidance my office offers to help them bolster their fiscal resilience.”

Click here to see the comptroller’s report.

Photo by Tom Rivers: These spots offered some privacy for voters to fill out their ballots at Hoag Library on Tuesday.

It was a fairly light turnout for the local elections in Orleans County with 16.3 percent of registered voters casting ballots in the county.

There are 25,777 registered voters in Orleans County, and 4,189 voted either on Tuesday, through nine days of early voting or through absentee ballots.

There were only a few contested races in the county. This will likely be the last time the local elections will be held on an off year without the draw of a gubernatorial or presidential election. The state has pushed for most of the local elections to align on an even year when there is a bigger turnout for high-profile elections.

The presidential race in 2024 brought out 17,780 voters in Orleans County, more than four times the turnout in the latest election.

Many of the positions up for election on Tuesday will be back on the ballot in either 2026 or 2028. The terms were adjusted from two years to one year, or four years to three years so they will be up for election on even years in the future.

Among the 25,777 registered voters in the county, the enrollment by party includes 12,471 as Republicans, 5,070 as Democrats, 661 as Conservatives, 145 in the Working Families, and 947 in “other.” There are also 6,483 unaffiliated or “blanks.”

There were only a few contested races among the local elections today in Orleans County, and Republicans won all of them.

In Carlton, Ryan Woolston won a seat on the Town Board over Marlene Seielstad, a Democrat, by a 286-138 vote.

In Clarendon, three candidates were seeking two seats on the Town Board. Chris Caufield, 311 votes, and Fred Seeman III, 310, were elected. Cecelia (Pacheco) Stevens, a Democrat, received 125 votes.

In Shelby, an endorsed Republican was elected to the Town Board. John Pratt III received 405 votes to 143 for Mark Wambach, who was backed by the Conservative Party.

There were four other candidates who mounted write-in campaigns, but fell short of getting elected.

The results from the Board of Elections didn’t tally the write-in results by name. The BOE just notes the write-ins for each position.

John Fitzak, a Republican, was re-elected as county legislator for District 4, which includes the towns of Carlton, Kendall and most of Murray. Jeremy Ross was endorsed by Democratic Party as a write-in. There were 71 write-in votes opposing Fitzak.

Dirk Lammes Jr. was re-elected Murray town highway superintendent but there were 101 write-ins opposing him. William D. “Bill” Bosley Jr. ran a write-in campaign against Lammes.

In Barre, George and Iva McKenna both ran write-ins for the Town Board against Wesley Miller and David Allen, who were endorsed by the Republican Party and also ran under “Future for Barre.” Allen received 266 votes and Miller 265. The write-ins included 117 and 119.

The full local results include:

County

• Treasurer – Kimberly DeFrank – 3,052 votes
• County Legislator (at-large from west) – Merle “Skip” Draper of Medina – 2,817 votes
• County Legislator (at-large from central) – Don Allport of Gaines – 2,830 votes
• County Legislator (at-large from east) – Ed Morgan of Murray – 2,827 votes
• County Legislator (District 1) – Bill Eick of Shelby – 932 votes
• County Legislator (District 2) – Lynne Johnson of Lyndonville – 540 votes
• County Legislator (District 3) – Fred Miller of Albion – 389 votes
• County Legislator (District 4) – John Fitzak of Carlton – 913 votes; write-in 71

Town of Albion

• Town Supervisor – Richard Remley – 260 votes
• Town Council members – Arnold Allen, 240 votes; Sandra Bensley, 244 votes
• Town Clerk – Kim Hazel – 262 votes

Town of Barre

• Town Supervisor – Stephen Coville II, 285 votes; write-in, 93
• Town Council members – David Allen, 266; Wesley Miller, 265; and two write-ins, 117 and 115

Town of Carlton

• Town Council members – Charles Ricci, 323 votes; John Olles, 307 votes
• Town Council member (2 years to fill vacancy, pick one) – Ryan Woolston, 286 votes; Marlene Seielstad, 138
• Town Clerk – Deborah Yokel – 336 votes
• Town Justice – Kevin Hurley – 336 votes
• Highway Superintendent – Kurt VanWycke – 327 votes

Town of Clarendon

• Town Supervisor – Marc Major – 320 votes
• Town Council members (pick two) – Christopher Caufield, 311 votes; Fred Seeman, 310 votes; and Cecelia Pacheco Stevens, 125 votes

Town of Gaines

• Town Supervisor – Tyler Allport – 187 votes
• Town Council members – James Kirby, 204 votes; Kenneth Rush, 192 votes
• Town Clerk – Janet Cheverie – 216 votes
• Town Justice – Charles Prentice Jr. – 200 votes

Town of Kendall

• Town Supervisor – Tony Cammarata – 306 votes
• Town Council members – David Gaudioso, 299 votes; Jeffrey Kinne, 297 votes
• Town Clerk – Tina Palumbo – 328 votes
• Town Justice – Debra Kluth – 332 votes
• Highway Superintendent – Eric Maxon – 347 votes
• Referendum – increase highway superintendent term from 2 to 4 years – 250 yes, 125 no.

Town of Murray

• Town Supervisor – Gerald Rightmyer, 387; write-in, 53
• Town Council members – Neil Valentine, 415 votes; Elaine Berg, 371 votes
• Town Council member (2 years to fill vacancy) – Scott Lang – 380 votes
• Town Clerk – Cynthia Oliver – 423 votes
• Town Justice – Michael Christopher – 413 votes
• Highway Superintendent – Dirk Lammes Jr., 321 votes; write-in, 101

Town of Ridgeway

• Town Council members – Cliff Barber, 328 votes; Jesse Cudzilo, 294 votes
• Town Clerk – Hannah Hill – 349 votes
• Highway Superintendent – John Olinger – 336 votes

Town of Shelby

• Town Supervisor – James Heminway – 491
• Town Council members – Edward Zelazny, 453 votes; Lawrence Waters Sr., 412 votes
• Town Council member (to fill 2-year vacancy, pick one) – John Pratt III, 405 votes; Mark Wambach, 143 votes

Town of Yates

• Town Supervisor – James Simon – 182 votes
• Town Council members – William Jurinich, 187 votes; Harold Suhr, 156 votes
• Town Council member (to fill 2-year vacancy) – Steven Vann – 193 votes
• Town Justice – Donald Grabowski – 220 votes

State

Supreme Court Justice, 8th Judicial District (2 positions) – Shannon Heneghan,  3,397 votes; and Jorge deRosas, 3,109 votes

Referendum: Amendment to Allow Olympic Sports Complex in Essex County on State Forest Preserve Land. This would allow skiing and related trail facilities on state forest preserve land. The site is 1,039 acres. Requires State to add 2,500 acres of new forest land in Adirondack Park – 1,875 yes votes, 1,867 no votes

Photos by Tom Rivers: Part of the Orleans County Courthouse dome is illumined in green on Monday evening as part of Operation Green Light.

ALBION – Orleans County is joining in Operation Green Light, a campaign designed to show support for our nation’s veterans, raise awareness of the county role in providing support and resources to veterans, and advocate for legislation that will strengthen counties’ ability to support veterans.

In honor of Operation Green Light, the dome of the courthouse will be lit green from Nov. 4 through Nov. 11.

Residents and businesses are encouraged to participate in Operation Green Light by placing a green light in a window of their home or business.

Orleans County legislators last week passed a resolution in support of Operation Green Light. Legislators said 44 to 72 percent of service members experience high levels of stress during transition from military to civilian life.

“Active military service members transitioning from military service are at a high risk for suicide during their first year after military service,” legislators stated in the resolution.

The Orleans County Veterans Service Office can help veterans with anything they need including filing important paperwork, fighting for benefits, securing medical appointments and finding counseling. The office can be reached at (585) 589-3219.

Orleans County residents go to the polls today with voting from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

There are positions up for election in each of the 10 towns as well as the seven Orleans County legislators and the county treasurer. There are 25,777 registered voters in the county.

Most of the polling sites are at town halls, although Albion votes at Hoag Library, part of Ridgeway uses the Volunteer Fire Company, and Carlton uses the Fire Company Rec Hall.

Here is a list of the polling sites:

• Albion – Districts 1 through 6 – Hoag Library, 134 South Main St.
• Barre – Districts 1 and 2 – Town Hall, 14317 West Barre Rd.
• Carlton – Districts 1 through 3 – Carlton Fire Co. Rec Hall, 1853 Oak Orchard Rd.
• Clarendon – Districts 1 through 3 – Town Hall, 16385 Church St.
• Gaines – Districts 1 through 4 – Town Hall, 14087 Ridge Rd.
• Kendall – Districts 1 through 3 – Town Hall, 1873 Kendall Rd.
• Murray – Districts 1 through 6 – Town Hall/Highway Garage, 3840 Fancher Rd.
• Ridgeway – Districts 1, 2, 3, 6, 7 – Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Company, 11392 Ridge Rd.
• Ridgeway – Districts 4, 5 – Town Hall, 410 West Ave.
• Shelby – Districts 1 through 4 – Town Hall, 4062 Salt Works Rd.
• Yates – Districts 1 and 2 – Town Hall, 8 South Main St.

ALBION – Orleans County had 425 registered voters cast ballots through nine days of early voting.

The general election is Tuesday and polls will be open in all 10 towns. But with early voting, there is one polling location at the Board of Elections office in Albion.

The totals included  54 on Oct. 25, 26 on Oct. 26, 58 on Oct. 27, 30 on Oct. 28, 48 on Oct. 29, 50 on Oct. 30, 66 on Oct. 31, 58 on Nov. 1 and 35 on Nov. 2.

The early voting total is down significantly from a year ago when 4,539 ballots were cast over the nine days. In 2024, the election featured the presidential race.

This time, the election is at the local levels and nearly all the positions are unopposed.

The only races among candidates on the ballot include:

Carlton Councilman – Marlene Seielstad, Democratic Party, and Ryan Woolston, Republican.

Clarendon Council members with three candidates for two positions – Cecelia Pacheco Stevens, Democratic Party, and Christopher Caufield and Fred Seeman, III, Republicans.

Shelby Councilman – John Pratt III, Republican, and Mark Wambach, Conservative.

There are some write-in campaigns as well. Jeremy Ross of Murray has been endorsed by Democratic Party as write-in candidate for County Legislator in District 4 against John Fitzak of Carlton, a Republican.

George and Iva McKenna are mounting a write-in campaign for Barre Town Board against Wesley Miller and David Allen, who have the Republican and “Future for Barre” lines.

In Murray, William D. “Bill” Bosley Jr., is seeking write-in votes to unseat Dirk Lammes Jr., a Republican, for highway superintendent.

The following proposal also is on the ballot: Amendment to Allow Olympic Sports Complex in Essex County on State Forest Preserve Land. This would allow skiing and related trail facilities on state forest preserve land. The site is 1,039 acres. Requires State to add 2,500 acres of new forest land in Adirondack Park.

A yes vote authorizes new ski trails and related facilities in the Adirondack forest preserve, while a no vote does not authorize this use.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Cyndi Stumer (center), deputy commissioner for the Orleans County Department of Social Services, accepts a proclamation from the County Legislature last week that declared November as “National Adoption Awareness Month.”

She is shown with Elizabeth Boring, foster care caseworker, and Legislator Fred Miller.

“Adoptive and foster care families open their hearts and homes, demonstrate great compassion and provide hope and love to children,” the proclamation states. “National Adoption Awareness Month helps to raise public awareness of the fact that there are children available who are waiting for caring families.”

Stumer said there are local children in foster care awaiting adoption.

“It is the desire of this Legislature and Orleans County Department of Social Services that all children awaiting adoption in Orleans County and beyond find permanent and loving homes,” the proclamation concludes.

For more information, click here to be directed to the Orleans County DSS.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – State Assemblyman Steve Hawley presented a proclamation celebrating the first 200 years of the Erie Canal. Hawley attended Tuesday’s Orleans County legislature meeting and presented the proclamation to County Historian Catherine Cooper, second from right, Tourism Direct Dawn Borchert and County Legislator Ed Morgan.

The Erie Canal opened on Oct. 26, 1825 when Gov. DeWitt Clinton departed Buffalo leading a flotilla of boats across the canal to New York City. They reached that destination on Nov. 4, 1825.

The canal, brought new commerce, settlers and opportunity to New York tate, including Orleans County, Hawley said.

The waterway has played a critical role in connecting people and places across the state, and led to many thriving hamlets and villages.

Hawley noted the canal continues to have an economic, cultural and toruism role in the state. Orleans County also has seven of the 16 lift bridges on the canal, the most of any county.

County Historian Catherine Cooper also spoke during the presentation and noted Orleans County also is observing its bicentennial this year. She said there have been many events and efforts in the past year to highlight the county’s 200^th anniversary.

Most candidates for town and county positions are unopposed

Town and county positions are up for election on Nov. 4, and 266 people have already cast ballots in the first five days of early voting.

The Board of Elections at the County Office Building in Albion is the lone early voting polling location. Registered voters could cast ballots there since last Saturday. Early voting continues today until 5 p.m. and then again on Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Most of the positions up for election do not have opposition, but there are some races around the county.

Here are the positions that are up for election:

State

Supreme Court Justice, 8th Judicial District (2 positions) – Shannon Heneghan (Dem, Rep, Con and Wor) and Jorge deRosas (Dem, Rep and Con)

County

Treasurer – Kimberly DeFrank, Republican

County Legislator (at-large from west) – Merle “Skip” Draper of Medina, Republican

County Legislator (at-large from central) – Don Allport of Gaines, Republican

County Legislator (at-large from east) – Ed Morgan of Murray, Republican

County Legislator (District 1) – Bill Eick of Shelby, Republican

County Legislator (District 2) – Lynne Johnson of Lyndonville, Republican

County Legislator (District 3) – Fred Miller of Albion, Democrat

County Legislator (District 4) – John Fitzak of Carlton, Republican (Jeremy Ross has been endorsed by Democratic Party as write-in candidate.)

Town of Albion

Town Supervisor – Richard Remley, Republican

Town Council members – Arnold Allen and Sandra Bensley, Republican

Town Clerk – Kim Hazel, Republican

Town of Barre

Town Supervisor – Stephen Coville II, Republican and “Future for Barre”

Town Council members – Wesley Miller and David Allen, Republican and “Future for Barre”

Town of Carlton

Town Council members – John Olles and Charles Ricci, Republican

Town Council member (2 years to fill vacancy, pick one) – Marlene Seielstad, Democratic Party, and Ryan Woolston, Republican

Town Clerk – Deborah Yokel, Republican

Town Justice – Kevin Hurley, Republican

Highway Superintendent – Kurt VanWycke, Republican

Town of Clarendon

Town Supervisor – Marc Major, Republican

Town Council members (pick two) – Cecelia Pacheco Stevens, Democratic Party, and Christopher Caufield and Fred Seeman, III, Republicans

Town of Gaines

Town Supervisor – Tyler Allport, Republican

Town Council members – James Kirby and Kenneth Rush, Republicans

Town Clerk – Janet Cheverie, Republican

Town Justice – Charles Prentice Jr., Republican

Town of Kendall

Town Supervisor – Tony Cammarata, Republican

Town Council members – David Gaudioso and Jeffrey Kinne, Republicans

Town Clerk – Tina Palumbo, Republican

Town Justice – Debra Kluth, Republican

Highway Superintendent – Eric Maxon, Republican

Town of Murray

Town Supervisor – Gerald Rightmyer, Republican

Town Council members – Neil Valentine and Elaine Berg, Republicans

Town Council member (2 years to fill vacancy) – Scott Lang, Republican

Highway Superintendent – Dirk Lammes Jr., Republican (William D. “Bill” Bosley Jr. is mounting a write-in campaign.)

Town of Ridgeway

Town Council members – Cliff Barber and Jesse Cudzilo, Republicans

Town Clerk – Hannah Hill, Republican

Highway Superintendent – John Olinger, Republican

Town of Shelby

Town Supervisor – James Heminway, Republican, Conservative

Town Council members – Lawrence Waters Sr. and Edward Zelazny, Republican and Conservative

Town Council member (to fill 2-year vacancy, pick one) – John Pratt III, Republican, and Mark Wambach, Conservative

Town of Yates

Town Supervisor – James Simon

Town Council members – William Jurinich, Republican and Conservative, and Harold Suhr, Republican

Town Council member (to fill 2-year vacancy) – Steven Vann, Republican and Conservative

The following proposal will be on the ballot: Amendment to Allow Olympic Sports Complex in Essex County on State Forest Preserve Land. This would allow skiing and related trail facilities on state forest preserve land. The site is 1,039 acres. Requires State to add 2,500 acres of new forest land in Adirondack Park.

A yes vote authorizes new ski trails and related facilities in the Adirondack forest preserve, while a no vote does not authorize this use.