By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 21 November 2021 at 8:38 am
Photo by Ginny Kropf: Mary Kaderli, left, accepts a check for $800 for the Knights-Kaderi Fund from East Shelby Fire Chief Debbie Taylor. Taylor solicited donations across the county selling sweatshirts, hoodies and t-shirts with emergency responder logos on.
EAST SHELBY – When the Knights-Kaderli walk-run was approaching, East Shelby Fire Chief Debbie Taylor wanted to do something to help.
She contacted all the fire departments in Orleans County and asked their permission to put their logo on wearing apparel.
The started advertising them for sale, and little more than a month later, she had collected $800.
On Tuesday morning, Taylor presented an $800 check to Mary Zelazny, daughter of Sue Kaderli, one of the cancer victims for whom the fund is named. The fund assists Orleans County families who are battling cancer.
“I didn’t know how it would pan out, and I’m glad it ended up great,” Taylor said.
She handed Zelazny the check, each of them wearing their hooded sweatshirt.
“Donations like this really help big time,” Zelazny said. “We really appreciate this. Firefighters really look out for people in their community.”
Taylor said many people who aren’t firefighters supported the cause by buying apparel, and for that she was grateful.
Photos by Ginny Kropf: Members of the Knights of Columbus in Medina on Sunday morning presented a check from Arby’s in Batavia to Pete Zeliff and his family, representing the Warrior House in West Shelby. The check, for $14,500, was a result of a promotion in October run by Arby’s franchise holder, Bill Meland. Kneeling are Dave Bellucci and Jim Mirand. Standing, from left, are Zach Baldwin, Skip Draper, Howie Gardner, Bob Fox, Archie Washak and the Zeliff Family, Pete, Gatlin, Sue and Ethan.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 15 November 2021 at 8:00 am
Bill Meland, owner of Arby’s in Batavia, holds a check for $14,500 which he donated to the Warrior House.
MEDINA – A Batavia businessman with roots in Lyndonville has made a generous donation to the Warrior House on Salt Works Road.
Bill Meland, owner of the Arby’s franchise in Batavia, has golfed on a four-man team for the Knights of Columbus in Medina for several years. Meland is no stranger to the Medina area, so when he learned of the Knights’ support of the Warrior House on Salt Works Road, he stepped up to help.
During the month of October, Meland agreed to donate 10 percent of his restaurant’s proceeds to the Warrior House. On Sunday morning, the Knights’ members presented a check for $14,500 on behalf of Arby’s to Pete Zeliff and his family.
Zeliff donated a farmhouse on land he had purchased to be used as a retreat for veterans. He outfitted the rooms with six cots and collaborated with Operation Injured Soldier to bring veterans to the location for four hunting weekends a year – two deer (one bow and arrow and one firearm), a goose and a turkey hunt. Pete’s mother Kathy comes and cooks meals for the veterans.
The Knights became involved with the Warrior House as a result of their golf tournament. They had established a scholarship fund years ago, but it had become well-funded, said golf chairman Dave Bellucci. Several years ago, they had been asked to sponsor a veteran on Assemblyman Steve Hawley’s patriotic trip to Washington, D.C., and they thought that was a good cause.
“However, we realized that would help only one veteran, and we wondered if there wasn’t something we could do to help more veterans,” Bellucci said.
They learned of the Warrior House and chose to donate the profit from their golf tournament for the veterans. While playing golf, Meland learned what the Knights were doing and wondered what he could do to help.
Pete Zeliff, right, who donated a farmhouse on his property as a retreat for veterans, looks at a check for $14,500, just presented to him for the Warrior House by Archie Washak of Medina Knights of Columbus on behalf of Arby’s in Batavia.
Zeliff said this is the largest single donation the Warrior House has received since it has been in existence.
“Meland is a very generous man,” he said.
Zeliff said the money will be used to fund new programs they are developing for the veterans next year.
Any veteran is welcome to apply to take part in a hunting weekend at the Warrior House. They can find information on the Warrior House website.
In the past, veterans have come from Florida, Louisiana and all across New York, with several from Watertown, Zeliff said. The Warrior House also offers to pay for travel expenses, if needed.
SHELBY – A special meeting of the Shelby Town Board will be held on Tue., Oct. 26, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. at the Town of Shelby, 4062 Salt Works Rd. Medina, NY 14103.
The purpose of this special meeting will be to schedule a public hearing for Tue., Nov. 9 at 6:30 p.m. (with the town board meeting following immediately after) for Local Law No. 2 of 2021 to opt out of allowing cannabis retail dispensaries and on-site consumption sites as authorized under Cannabis Law Article 4.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 October 2021 at 9:01 am
Provided photos
SHELBY – A group of 14 firefighters from the Shelby Volunteer Fire Company recently put into service a new grain rescue tube system with an auger that was donated by New York Farm Bureau.
Firefighters trained with the new rescue system in a grain bin at Todd Roberts’ farm on Salt Works Road.
This photo shows Crystal Luckman being “rescued” after sinking into the grain.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 7 October 2021 at 7:00 am
Photo by Ginny Kropf: Debbie Taylor, fire chief of the East Shelby Volunteer Fire Company, poses with a poster showing the design of a tee shirt she has created to pay tribute to the fire companies with EMS departments in Orleans County. The proceeds from which will benefit the Knights-Kaderli Fund which assists people in Orleans County fighting cancer.
EAST SHELBY – A walk-run to benefit the Knights-Kaderli Fund has been an annual event at the East Shelby Fire Hall for many years, and this year when the date for the walk approached, East Shelby fire chief Debbie Taylor started brainstorming what she could do to help.
“Knights-Kaderli helped my in-laws, who have since passed, and my sister-in-law, who beat breast cancer,” Taylor said. “Our fire company just got done participating in a fundraiser with battalions from the west and one from the east to help Make-a-Wish, and that gave me the idea to incorporate firefighters into something to help Knights-Kaderli.”
Taylor got in touch with a guy who works at D&T Graphics in Lockport to see he could help her. Then she contacted all the fire departments to make sure it was alright to put their names on a tee shirt.
Albion, Carlton, East Shelby, Lyndonville, Medina, Shelby, Barre, Clarendon, Kendall, Ridgeway, Murray Joint Fire District and COVA EMS all agreed.
The design chosen is a skull with a firefighter’s hat, firefighters’ axes, a pink ribbon for cancer and the names of the fire companies and COVA.
The design is available on long- or short-sleeved tee shirts, sweatshirts and hoodies. A face mask is also available.
The deadline is Oct. 31 and orders must be placed online at orleanscounty2021.itemorder.com. Orders will be shipped to the customer’s house. Taylor is working with fire company members to save money on their shipping.
“This shows support for Orleans County firefighters and helps Knights-Kaderli,” Taylor said. “It’s a win-win situation.”
Taylor, who is Orleans County’s first female fire chief, will complete her first year in office on Jan. 1. She already plans to run again for the office.
Provided photos: Congressman Chris Jacobs toured the Iroquois Job Corps on Thursday. He commended students for preparing for careers in trades and healthcare.
Press Release, Congressman Chris Jacobs
SHELBY – Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) toured the Iroquois Job Corps Center in Shelby on Thursday.
“Our region, and much of the country, faces an aging workforce in trades and a lack of younger, qualified individuals to carry the torch. That is why the work the Iroquois Job Corps is doing is so critical,” Jacobs said. “This center, and ones like it around the country, are giving young adults hands-on training in various trades that have immediate career potential following their graduation. In addition, they are providing young adults in high-risk situations with a second chance and the opportunities and resources to succeed.”
Jacobs’ visit included a tour of the carpentry, medical care, electrical, masonry, and educational facilities at the Iroquois Job Corps campus in Medina. In addition, Jacobs met with instructors and students from the various programs to learn about the work they are doing and the opportunities available.
“I commend the leadership team and the instructors at the Iroquois Job Corps Center for the incredible work they are doing and the impressive education they are providing. This center is integral to maintaining our region’s strong workforce and economic prosperity,” Jacobs said. “I urge any young adult considering a career in the trades to reach out to the center to learn more about the opportunities available.”
Jacobs saw up close how students are skilled with tools.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 September 2021 at 1:09 pm
BARRE – Two state administrative law judges have awarded $167,200 in intervenor funding to the towns of Barre and Shelby for its legal and engineering expenses to review an application for a 200 megawatt solar project covering about 2,000 acres in the two towns.
Michele M. Stefanucci and Anthony Belsito, administrative law judges, on Sept. 2 awarded $122,200 to Barre and $55,000 to Shelby. That was the exact request from each town.
As part of the application through the state Office of Renewable Energy Siting, the solar company needs to provide up to $1,000 per megawatt or up to $200,000 total for municipalities, non-profit organizations and other groups that apply for some of the funding to hire experts to review the application.
Community Energy Solar is proposing to construct and operate “Hemlock Ridge Solar.” The project was initially presented as “Orleans Solar” but Community Energy has modified the name. (Many of the solar arrays are proposed to be along Hemlock Ridge Road in Barre.)
The project is proposed to be about 80 percent in Barre and 20 percent in Shelby in a sparsely populated part of the two towns near the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge. A substation would also be in Barre for the project.
The facility site will be located on approximately 2,094 acres, of which approximately 1,268 acres will be occupied by facility infrastructure and maintained for the life of the project, estimated to be at least 30 years, the company states in a filing with ORES. (Click here to see documents submitted to the NYS Department of Public Service about the project.)
The two towns, in their letters to the state requesting intervenor funds, said the money would allow the towns to defray “the cost of legal, environmental and engineering consulting services.”
The consultants will assist the towns in determining whether the proposed facility is designed to be sited, constructed, and operated in compliance with applicable local laws and regulations. Lawyers hired with the intervenor funds can also assist the towns with developing a host community agreement and a PILOT (payment in lieu of taxes), which is revenue to be shared among the local taxing entities.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 8 September 2021 at 12:37 pm
KNOWLESVILLE – The Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds will be the site Sept. 18 and 19 of the 20th annual “September to Remember” to benefit the East Shelby Volunteer Fire Company.
David Green of East Shelby started the first event 19 years ago as a swap meet for collectors of antique and vintage vehicles. He had a 1953 Buick at the time, which he drove in parades when he was campaigning for sheriff.
He knew when he and other antique car buffs needed parts for their vehicles they had to travel to Carlisle, Pa., where they have one of the biggest automotive swap meets in the country. Carlisle has more than 7,000 vendors and as many as 2,200 vehicles for sale, Green said.
“If you collect old cars and you’re looking for a part, like a simple tail light, you can’t just go to the store and buy one,” he said.
The first swap meet was at the East Shelby Fire Hall and it was a huge success, Green said.
“It was so successful we decided to move it to the fairgrounds, where we had lots of room outside,” he said.
Green has had several old vehicles and now owns a 1980 short box Chevrolet truck and a 1978 Buick Regal Limited.
The Swap Meet has grown over the years to include food, a craft and antique show, flea market and car and truck show.
For $10, a vehicle owner can enter his car or truck he wishes to sell in the car corral.
The event is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Saturday will feature a truck show from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Sunday will have a car show from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The Ladies Auxiliary will provide beef on weck, chili, breakfast sandwiches, coffee, cold drinks and donuts.
Vendors will be set up in the Lartz Building. One hundred vendor spaces are available, Green said.
There will be a $5 charge for parking, but admission is free. Proceeds benefit the East Shelby Fire Company, and help make up the revenue lost with the loss of bingo and their chicken barbecue.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 3 September 2021 at 8:35 am
Photo by Ginny Kropf: Members of Medina Knights of Columbus posed behind a kneeling soldier and cross to present a check for $2,500 to Pete Zeliff at the Warrior House on Salt Works Road. From left are Howie Gardner from the Knights, Zeliff and Dave Bellucci with the Knights.
MEDINA – The Warrior House on Salt Works Road has been designated by the Knights of Columbus as the recipient of a check for $2,500, representing the proceeds of their recent golf tournament.
The Knights have been having a golf tournament for 25 years, said Dave Bellucci, who was on the golf committee with Jim Mirand, Archie Washak and his wife Amy, Howie Gardner, Bob Fox, Karen Carlton, Kevin Bogan, and Mike and Martha Krupa.
Mirand said the committee wishes to thank all the volunteers who helped on the golf course, as well as those in the kitchen assisting with the banquet. He said thanks also go out to all the golfers, members and guests who generously supported the tournament and basket raffle.
The golf tournament was started to benefit a scholarship in memory of the late Larry Schrader, but recently the Knights decided to support the Warrior House and its programs for veterans.
Skip Draper, a member of the Knights, said they used to earn money by having fish fries, but had to discontinue them when Covid hit.
He also said it had been suggested they sponsor a veteran on Assemblyman Steve Hawley’s trip to Washington, D.C., but that would only help one person, where a donation to the Warrior House would benefit multiple veterans.
The Warrior House is also going to benefit from a promotion at Arby’s Roast Beef in Batavia. During the month of October, Arby’s owner Bill Meland has agreed to donate 10 percent of his proceeds to the Warrior House.
Pete Zeliff, who lived on Johnson Road in Middleport, donated the land and house for the Warrior House about 12 years ago to use as a retreat and hunting preserve for veterans. Since then, beds have been built in the home, where up to nine veterans can be accommodated for goose hunts and deer hunts annually.
“This donation will help support our programs going forward,” Zeliff said of the Knights’ check.
The Warrior House and hunting preserve are located on 100 acres of land, which Zeliff has dedicated to providing recreation for veterans. Zeliff’s mother Kathy Zeliff volunteers to cook meals for the veterans when they are at the Warrior House for a weekend hunt.
Zeliff and his wife also recently purchased the former Yellow Goose in Oakfield, which they have turned into the Oakfield Food Pantry. More and more veterans are taking advantage of that, Zeliff said.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 August 2021 at 5:38 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
EAST SHELBY – Nathan Gray, 6, is shown at his produce stand on East Shelby Road this afternoon.
Nathan started selling produce from the stand last month. He grew most of the vegetables with his father Justin Gray at their home on Dunlap Road. That is a low-traffic area so they decided to sell the produce from a spot in Nathan’s grandparents’ front yard just south of the East Shelby Fire Hall.
Nathan and his dad Justin are shown at the stand this afternoon. Justin has had a garden for years and his son likes to help him grow vegetables. Some of the items are from other growers, but Mr. Gray said about 90 percent comes from their garden.
Nathan wanted to sell some produce to make some money to go towards a small 4-wheeler. He also welcomes the chance to chat with customers who stop by.
“He has the gift of gab,” his dad said. “He likes to talk to people.”
Nathan will be a second-grader at Medina next month. He said he likes to meet people who stop by the stand.
“A lot of the people are nice,” he said.
Right now corn and tomatoes are the most popular items. They have a lot of pumpkins that will be ready in the fall. The Grays expect the will keep Nathan’s Produce Stand going until early November.
“We’re trying to teach him that hard work pays off,” Mr. Gray said.
Photo courtesy of Justin Gray: Nathan Gray operates a rototiller and works the soil this spring. He said he gets out early in the morning to work in the garden.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 21 July 2021 at 9:01 am
SHELBY – The town will shut off the water on Thursday for about 30 homes on Furness Parkway and Charles Street.
The water will be shut off from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. so the Niagara County Water District can do maintenance on a water vault to alleviate pressure variations. Dale Root, the town highway superintendent, said there are complaints from residents on the two streets about water pressure going from too high to too low.
Niagara County Water District will work on a pressure regulator, taking it apart, cleaning, readjusting and reinstalling it.
The two streets are off Route 31 between the Tops plaza and Salt Works Road.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 6 July 2021 at 1:47 pm
Photos by Ginny Kropf: Andrea Walton walks down the driveway of her family farm on Maple Ridge Road in Medina where she plans to develop a family entertainment venue. She recently graduated from the Microenterprise Assistance Program.
MEDINA – Andrea Walton’s proposed new business – an entertainment venue at her family farm – isn’t going to happen overnight.
The Medina resident who was one of the graduates from the recent Microenterprise Assistance Program plans to create the entertainment center at the family farm on Maple Ridge Road. Walton grew up on the farm at 11412 Maple Ridge Rd., a daughter of Sharon and the late Walter Hurd.
Andrea Walton points to Oak Orchard Creek, which runs through her family farm on Maple Ridge Road. Her plans include a miniature golf course where she is standing, gem stone mining and an ice cream stand.
“There are a lot of pieces to the puzzle and I will add one piece at a time,” Walton said.
Her plans for what she is calling the Donkey’s Barnyard are to build a miniature golf course along the bank of Oak Orchard Creek, which runs through the property. Then she wants to have gemstone mining for children, U-pick pumpkins, a corn maze, petting zoo and playground for kids. One of the barns will become an ice cream and hot dog stand.
Walton works for a wholesale plumbing and heating contractor in Batavia and looked at developing such a site 12 years ago. She took an entrepreneurial class then, but the plans fell apart, she said.
“The idea has been back in my head for a long time,” she said.
She decided to take the Microenterprise Assistance Program class for the networking opportunities and potential to work with other entrepreneurs. The program is run through the Orleans Economic Development Agency.
Walton’s parents bought the farm in 1961. The land is rented out now, but Walton plans to repurpose part of it for her venture.
“I want this to be a place where families can have fun,” Walton said.
Her goal is to be able to start construction on the miniature golf course by next spring.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 July 2021 at 8:19 am
Board backs Albion battery storage regulations, storage addition for Ridgeway book and toy business
ALBION – The Orleans County Planning Board reviewed several proposals at its meeting last month and gave its recommendation for approval for an entertainment farm with a putt-putt course in Shelby, as well as other proposals.
Andrea Walton is proposing a recreational facility with putt-putt golf, an ice cream stand, gem mining, pumpkin sales and a corn maze at 11412 Maple Ridge Rd. Walton plans to utilize existing buildings on site without new construction.
The Orleans County Planning Board recommended the Town of Shelby approve the site plan for the outdoor recreational facility and activities, which are in an industrial zone.
In other action on June 24, the Planning Board:
• Recommended approval for the site plan and a special use permit for a used car sales business at 5138 South Gravel Rd. in Shelby.
Todd Walter plans to use the site as a pickup location for vehicles that are bought online. He plans to remodel an existing garage and add a 20-by-80-foot lot north of the garage. Walter will be limited to no more than 25 vehicles being offered for sale at the site.
• Backed an 11,200 square-foot addition for product storage at 3161 Fruit Ave. in Ridgeway. Living Waters America LLC, a Christian book and toy business, is adding more room to an existing 4,605 square-foot structure.
• Recommended Town of Albion approve its proposed law to regulate battery energy storage systems. Albion establishes a tier 1 storage system (capacity less than 600kWh) and tier 2 (more than 600 kWh).
Building permits will be required and an electrical inspection must be conducted with the systems. The tier 2 systems will be subject to a public hearing, and adjoining landowners within 500 feet of the property must be notified within 10 days of the hearing. The hearing notice also needs to be printed in a newspaper with general circulation.
The tier 2 systems shall be enclosed by an 8-foot high fence and with a self-locking gate. The tier 2 system also should have screening from adjacent properties “to the extent reasonably practicable” using architectural features, earth berms and other landscaping.
The one-hour average noise generated by the battery storage systems also shall not exceed a noise level of 60 dBA as measured at the outside wall of any non-participating residence or occupied community building.
The operators also need to have procedures for a safe shutdown, de-energizing or isolation of equipment under emergency conditions to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock and personal injuries.
Albion also includes decommissioning requirements for the systems, requiring them to be removed if they haven’t had any electrical storage for six months. Applicants for the systems will need to have a decommissioning plan for the projects.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 1 July 2021 at 2:14 pm
File photo by Tom Rivers: Eli Pask and Evan Allen play their instruments to “When the Saints Go Marching In” as part of a parade through West Jackson Corners, a hamlet created by the church. This photo was taken in July 2017. The popular event will be back on July 18.
EAST SHELBY – After an absence last year due to Covid-19 restrictions, Old Tyme Day will return to the East Shelby Community Bible Church and its miniature village, West Jackson Corners, on July 18.
The celebration will begin with a church service at 10 a.m., followed by an afternoon of festivities in the miniature village across the street. There will be old-fashioned crafts on display, including candle making, woodworking, sewing, the blacksmith shop, corn husk dolls and weaving.
Another highlight will be old-time games for children and the opportunity to have an old-fashioned picture taken. One of the favorite games is a David and Goliath-style activity, where children shoot the giant with a slingshot, but instead of stones, they shoot gumballs.
Visitors can take a horse and wagon ride or a trip to the East Shelby Cemetery for a tour. Many local residents who were active in the early years of the church are buried there.
The barn on the edge of town has goats to pet, and for entertainment there will be dancing, a band concert, a gospel concert and other music performed throughout the day.
For lunch, visitors can buy a hotdog, lemonade, popcorn, homemade pie and homemade ice cream – all for a penny each or a donation.
At the miniature candy store, everything is only one cent.
A raffle will take place at 3:30 p.m. to give away certain craft items.
Mrs. Claus will welcome visitors to her Christmas shop, or they can stop for a class at the one-room schoolhouse.
All are welcome to join in the festivities, eat lunch and see how people lived more than a century ago.
East Shelby Community Bible Church is located at 5278 East Shelby Rd., one mile south of East Shelby.
Photo by Ginny Kropf: Shelby Volunteer Fire Company is saying thanks to several grant providers and to the community for their support, which has allowed them to purchased much needed safety equipment. Posing in front are Tim Petry, president, holding a Gary Sinese Foundation decal; Dawn Petry, steward; Vincent Viterna, firefighter; Crystal Luckman, lieutenant; and Deegan Bragg, firefighter. Standing in rear wearing their eight new sets of gear are, from left, Robert Schaal and Christopher Montalvo, firefighters; Tiffany Petry, EMS lieutenant; Tim Fearby, past chief; John Palmer, vice president; Joe Kyle, past assistant chief; Gary Lamar, past president; Trevor Fox, firefighter; and Jason Watts, chief.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 30 June 2021 at 3:33 pm
SHELBY – In spite of a difficult year coping with a pandemic and loss of their major fundraisers, the Shelby Volunteer Fire Company has a lot to be thankful for.
Tuesday night, they met to show off new turnout gear which was purchased with one of several grants they recently received.
The firefighters then put on their eight sets of new turnout gear, and provided a picture of 16 new Scott air packs, which the grants allowed them to purchase.
Fire company president Tim Petry said the fire company can’t say enough thanks to Jay Grasso, owner of G&G Municipal Consulting and Grant Writing, who wrote the Gary Sinise grant for $50,000 and a USDA Community Facilities Loan Grant for $61,000. Petry also issued heartfelt thanks to the community, whose response to a mail-in fund drive resulted in enough money to purchase five sets of gear at $2,500 each. Petry said they were especially thankful to the community, whose donations, in spite of Covid, were greater than other years.
Petry said the fire company first learned about applying for a grant when they were contacted by the Gary Sinise Foundation, asking if we could use some extra gear.
“How about we buy you eight sets?” Petry was asked.
The Gary Sinise Foundation was founded by award-winning actor and humanitarian Gary Sinise in June 2011. Sinise is known for his support of active-duty service members, veterans, first responders and their families. It has headquarters in Central Florida and San Diego.
The Shelby Volunteer Fire Company then contacted Jay Grasso of Spencerport, operator of G&G Municipal Consulting and Grant Writing, asking him to pursue the grant. The result was a $50,000 grant from the Gary Sinise Foundation. Grasso also wrote a grant to the USDA Community Facilities, which resulted in a grant of $61,000.
Provided photo: Shelby Volunteer Fire Company lined up their 16 new Scott Air Packs, which they were able to purchase with receipt of two grants. They are lined up in front of the new ladder truck, which was put into service in July 2020.
In addition to the grant from the Gary Sinise Foundation for eight sets of turnout gear, the fire company was able to purchase 16 Scott Air Packs with two bottles each.
In an e-mail to the fire company, Grasso expressed his satisfaction at helping the fire company with its operation.
“We are honored to assist the Shelby Volunteer Fire Company and they residents they serve with our grant writing assistance,” Grasso said. “Writing the successful Gary Sinise grant and the USDA Community Facilities Loan Grant was a team effort between G&G staff and fire department members. These grants will provide turnout gear and SCBA to department members. This vital gear will protect firefighters as they serve their community in dangerous conditions. I wish to personally thank department president Tim Petry for his hard work and dedication to these complicated grant applications.”
The fire company has also applied for a grant to purchase a grain bin rescue kit.
“With Covid, we lost revenue from hall rentals, as well as all our other fundraisers, so it is a blessing to get these grants,” Petry said.
He also noted the fire company put a new ladder truck into service in July 2020.
