By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 28 March 2025 at 10:21 am
BARRE – Sean Pogue won’t be seeking another two-year term as the Barre town supervisor. Pogue has been the town’s top elected official during a time when two large-scale renewable energy projects have been approved, and the town tackled other projects.
Pogue knew going into the position it would be demanding and often controversial. Apex Clean Energy was already pursuing a project in Barre when he started in the position on Jan. 1, 2016.
Apex expects to soon start site work for the 126 megawatt project. It has been downsized from 184.8 megawatts, and from 33 to 27 turbines. Apex removed the turbines near the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge.
“There was a lot of turmoil with the wind turbine project,” Pogue said.
Many long-time neighbors and friends were on opposite sides of the project, with some believing the project brought a large industry in rural neighborhoods, infringing on the quality of life. Others see it as a major financial windfall for the community, lowering taxes for everyone in Barre and providing a financial lifeline for some landowners.
AES also has approval for a 200 megawatt solar project that is about 80 percent in barre and 20 percent in Shelby.
Those two projects will bring hundreds of thousands each year to Barre, changing the Barre’s status from the highest town taxes in Orleans County to likely the lowest.
“The two projects will cut taxes for the community significantly,” Pogue said.
Barre Town Supervisor Sean Pogue gives the welcome message on June 30, 2018 during the town’s bicentennial celebration at the Barre Town Park. The event at the park followed a parade down Route 98.
Pogue said the Town Board and employees have pushed forward other projects as well, including new electricity and playground equipment at the Barre Town Park, LED lights for the street lights and at the town hall and town park.
The town completed Water District No. 9 and is trying to get District No. 10 done. The construction costs are up so much more that the town is seeking a bigger grant and financial assistance for the project to keep the costs affordable for residents, Pogue said.
“We wanted to finish off the water but right now it’s cost prohibitive,” Pogue said.
Pogue said the high-profile projects have been stressful, but he said his tenure was a great time to be the town supervisor, especially in 2018 when the town celebrated it’s bicentennial with a series of events. Pogue grew up his beard that year for the town’s 200th anniversary.
The Bicentennial Committee enjoyed the events so much that the group formed the Barre Betterment Committee which has organized a square dance, lighted tractor parade, trunk or treat at the town park and other celebrations for the community.
“We’re trying to get people to come out and participate,” Pogue said.
Pogue came into the position after a long career in education. He has a doctorate in educational leadership. He worked 37 years for the Rochester City School District, after three years as a high school science teacher for the Red Jacket school district.
He narrowly was re-elected in 2023, winning by 5 votes over Scott Burnside, 297 to 292.
Pogue said he may serve on the town planning or zoning board after he retires as town supervisor. He is looking forward to traveling and having more time for fishing.
“I’ve bought 20 new fishing lures I’m looking forward to trying,” he said.
The Barre Republican Committee has endorsed Steve Coville for supervisor. Coville will soon be retiring from security with the VA.
Barre town officials and community members celebrated a new playground at the town park on Route 98 on Aug. 12, 2024. Sean Pogue is at right in front with Councilman Dave Waters at left. The upgrades include six new playground pieces. The town also was able to keep three pieces of playground equipment – swings, a caterpillar climbing apparatus and a slide – and move them to the new spot in the park.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 28 March 2025 at 7:35 am
Event is a fundraiser for East Shelby Volunteer Fire Company
File photos by Tom Rivers: Cheech, one of the pro wrestlers who competed April 27, 2024 in the Medina High School gym, acknowledges the crowd after he won a five-man scramble. It was one of the featured battles in the “Spring Smash,” a benefit for the East Shelby Volunteer Fire Company. Empire State Wrestling brought a group of pro wrestlers, including three with ties to Orleans County, for the event which was attended by 450.
MEDINA – Pro wrestlers will be back April 26 at Medina High School. Empire State Wrestling announced “Spring Smash 3” will be at Medina in a benefit for the East Shelby Volunteer Fire Company.
This will be the third straight year the wrestlers have been in the Medina school gym. Last year’s wrestling attracted 450 people.
Empire State Wrestling first came to Orleans County in 2018 and used the Fairgrounds for the venue the first two years.
The lineup on April 26 includes two Medina natives: Gavin Glass “A Cut Above the Rest” and “Filthy” Maxx Cannon (Jacob Miller).
There will be a bout for the ESW Heavyweight Championship, pitting “Invincible” Vince Valor, the champion, vs. “Big League” John McChesney.
The ESW Women’s Championship will feature the champion, “Courageous” Christina Marie, versus “Miss Desirable” Eden Grey.
Tickets are available at ESWTIX.com at pre-sale prices, including discounted tickets for students. Ticket prices rise by $5 at the door.
Doors open at 5 p.m. with the opening bell set for 6 p.m.
Maxx Cannon gives a big facial reaction in his match against Frankie Feathers on April 27, 2024. Cannon had Feathers beat, but the referee missed the count after being knocked down.
Cannon said enjoys interacting with the crowd and being on the microphone, talking some trash with his opponents.
When he isn’t wrestling, Cannon is Jacob Miller of Medina. Miller, 31, has been wrestling for about five years.
Gavin Glass (right), a Medina native, is up high on the ropes with Darren Crowe during last year’s match at Medina High School. Glass used his “Glass Cutter” move to finish off Crowe.
Glass, 27, has been wrestling for almost a decade and travelled all over the country and Canada.
“I grew up wanting to do this since I was in fourth grade,” he said. “The dream has come true.”
Orleans DA, Justice for Children Advocacy Center coordinate the training
Provided photo: Pictured from left include Kathy Colgan, expert forensic interviewer; Susan Howard, Orleans County district attorney; Matt Stegner, retired State Police investigator; and Trisha Reynolds, program coordinator for Justice for Children Advocacy Center.
Press Release, Orleans County Crime Victim Coordinator Michelle Wirth
ALBION – Members of every law enforcement agency in Orleans County gathered today at the Orleans County Legislative Chambers to hear expert speakers share ideas and information as to advanced techniques in the investigation of child and adult sexual abuse cases.
The Justice for Children Advocacy Center, based in Genesee County with a satellite office in Albion, organized the event along with the District Attorney’s Office.
Expert Forensic Interviewer, Kathy Colgan, advised attendees in the best practices of handling these special victims with empathy, and outlined the services provided by the Advocacy Center.
Retired New York State Police Investigator Matt Stegner educated officers by offering a 10-step investigative checklist to guide these types of cases to a successful prosecution.
Orleans County has a very active Sex Abuse Task Force that meets monthly and consists of the District Attorney’s Office, the Child Advocacy Center, Child Protective Services, Probation, the Orleans County Sheriff’s Department, the New York State Police, the Albion Police Department, the Holley Police Department and the Medina Police Department.
These Special Victims’ cases are of utmost importance and the collaboration of all of the above agencies is essential.
This training was well-received by all and future educational opportunities are being planned.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 27 March 2025 at 3:38 pm
Program has low enrollment in Kendall, putting funding at risk
KENDALL – Community Action of Orleans and Genesee announced it will be closing a Head Start site in Kendall. There are currently 11 children in the program this school year, with six eligible to return next year.
That low enrollment puts the agency at risk of losing funding, said Renee Hungerford, Community Action executive director.
The Community Action board of directors followed a recommendation to close the Kendall program and that was approved on Wednesday by the Head Start Policy Council, which is predominantly Head Start parents. The decision follows “extend analysis,” she said.
“We are going to do all that we can to accommodate those families,” Hungerford said about the six eligible for the program next year.
Community Action has partnered with the Kendall district for the past 20 years to provide a Head Start preschool classroom.
“Unfortunately, the extremely difficult decision has been made to close this classroom at the end of this school year,” Hungerford said.
Head Start is a federally funded program which provides comprehensive, early childhood services to income eligible children and families living in poverty in both Orleans and Genesee counties since 1965, she said.
“The program has been identified as under enrolled and may be at risk of reduced funding despite ongoing recruitment efforts across the program, including in Kendall,” Hungerford said. “In hopes of preserving full funding, the program has and will be utilizing program data to make strategic operational changes.”
The children, families and staff displaced by the closing of the Kendall location will be offered opportunities at the other sites, the closest being in Albion.
All other Head Start sites will remain open but Hungerford said there may be some changes in format, such as the potential expansion to infant care and offering more full day classes.
Some parents have started an online petition (click here), hoping to keep the Head Start program in Kendall.
“I am asking for the community to come together and fight to keep this program at Kendall since this has made an overwhelmingly positive impact on the families and the community,” said Clancy Gaddy, co-chair of the policy council. “I hope we as a strong community can come together and support this program!”
Another parent, Chelsea Winkler, said Head Start has made a big impact on her children, providing services and friendships.
“I can’t imagine our lives without these relationships or the opportunity to have been part of this program,” Winkler said. “I am so devastated for the teachers and staff, along with the kids who desperately need this program and the support it provides.”
ALBION – The Orleans County Youth Bureau today announced that nominations are now open for its 43rd Annual Youth Recognition awards.
The purpose of these awards is to recognize those youth who have performed outstanding service for our community and/or have assumed an extraordinary role within their families by helping to support themselves.
“Many older adults often hold negative perceptions of today’s youth, when in fact, there are some young people doing some very extraordinary things in service of others,” said Jack Welch, chief administrative officer for Orleans County. “Our youth awards want to shine the spotlight on these young men and women and let the community know of their great work.”
Anyone is welcome to nominate a candidate, but nominations from family members must be accompanied by a supporting recommendation from a non-family member. Nominees must reside in an Orleans County school district and be a minimum of 14 years of age and under the age of 21 before June 30.
In addition to the youth recognition awards, the Youth Bureau is also accepting nominations for the Helen Brinsmaid Award, given to an Orleans County youth-serving professional, in a paid position, whose work surpasses normal expectations, and the Eileen Heye Adult Volunteer Recognition Award, presented to an adult who serves the youth of Orleans County in a volunteer setting.
“We also want to honor the wonderful adults who are really making a difference in working with our young people,” Welch said. “Let’s not forget, they are mentoring those who will one day assume leadership roles in our community.”
All nomination forms can be found by clicking here. Nominations must be submitted to the Youth Bureau by April 15.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 27 March 2025 at 1:09 pm
ALBION – The Walmart Foundation has given the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office a $5,000 grant to continue the “Shop with a Cop” program.
Walmart has funded the effort since 2019 in Orleans County. The Sheriff’s Office typically assists about a dozen kids in picking out presents for their family members. The cost of the presents is paid for with the grant.
The County Legislature on Tuesday approved accepting the grant from the Walmart Foundation with the funds to be spent by Dec. 31, 2025.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 27 March 2025 at 8:47 am
HOLLEY – A nearly $200,000 grant will upgrade equipment for the Holley Police Department.
The federal funding was accepted by the Village Board last month. The U.S. Department of Justice makes the money available to states and local jurisdictions.
Holley was awarded $198,546. That will pay for a 2025 Dodge Durango patrol vehicle that is fully set up with technology for the Police Department, said Police Chief Bob Barton.
The Holley PD also will replace five body cameras and 10 tasers. It will also be part of the LiveScan fingerprinting and photo database through the state Division of Criminal Justice Services.
Barton said the grant will make a big impact on the Holley department that includes three full-time officers and seven part-timers. The full-timers include Barton as chief, and officers A.J. Fisher and Nick Pahura.
Holley also received a $15,845 grant for new computers and technology in the two police vehicles.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 27 March 2025 at 8:03 am
MEDINA – At an informational meeting Wednesday morning Village of Medina Mayor Marguerite Sherman announced hiring of a project administrator for Medina’s Downtown Small Project grant and offered suggestions to members of Medina Area Partnership on how to apply for a grant.
Several MAP members attended the meeting, where they learned of the hiring of Lauryn DaCosta with LaBella Associates, who will administer the grants.
Marguerite Sherman takes questions from members of MAP during an informational meeting Wednesday morning.
Sherman explained a requirement of their $300,000 Small Projects Grant (part of the $4.5 million NY Forward grant announced for Medina last year) was to spend $30,000 on hiring an administrator.
Sherman said two firms replied in their search for an administrator, and they chose LaBella because they had worked with them before and were satisfied with their relationship.
Sherman went on to say that grants are wonderful but business owners have to be prepared and do everything required on the grant application.
She asked for suggestions on the best way to get pertinent information to business owners. Shawn Ramsey, the owner of Canalside Tattoo, suggested notices in water bills. Other suggestions were Zoom meetings, door-to-door meetings, e-mails and yard signs.
The Small Projects Grant will provide funds for small business owners, who must provide a 25% match. Eligible use of funds includes building renovations, business assistance (permanent commercial machinery and equipment), public art (such as murals and sculptures) and soft costs (architectural and design, engineering and environmental testing).
Sherman handed out a list of ineligible projects, which included acquisition, new construction, demolition, religious organizations, site work, inventory and more.
The new administrator will develop applications, Sherman said. Applicants will have to show up front they have the match and the full amount to complete their project.
Projects will be selected by a non-biased committee chosen by the village.
Sherman said it was very important for business owners to first go through the code enforcement officer and planning board when preparing to apply for a grant.
It is very important to check the regulations for making improvements to a façade in the historic district before starting the work, Sherman said. She cited instances of changes being made without permission and then the owner begging for forgiveness.
“That isn’t going to happen anymore,” she cautioned.
Business owners have 22 months from the kickoff meeting with the village to complete projects.
“It can be very frustrating when applying for a grant, but if you follow the rules, it can be very rewarding,” Sherman said.
Laura Gardner of a lily and a sparrow, center, and Medina Mayor Marguerite Sherman welcomed members of MAP to a meeting Wednesday to discuss applying for a Downtown Small Project grant. Bonnie Heck from Herbalty Cottage s seated at left.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 26 March 2025 at 9:45 pm
Provided photo: Orleans County Legislator Skip Draper, center, on Tuesday presents “life saver” awards to corrections officers Danny Woodward, second from left, and Brandi Brege, second from right. They are joined by Lt. Chris Caulfield of the Orleans County Jail, left, and Sheriff Chris Bourke, right.
ALBION – The Orleans County Legislature presented special recognition awards for life-saving action by two corrections officers for their efforts to prevent the death of an Orleans County Jail inmate who was found hanging in his cell.
Corrections officers Brandi Brege and Danny Woodward were alerted to the inmate in his cell on Feb. 10.
“Following the notification by inmates in the block, Orleans County Sheriff’s correction officers immediately responded, entered the area and cut the person down,” said Sheriff Chris Bourke. “Officers began life-saving measures as EMS was called. The actions of our officers saved the life of a human being that day and we are very thankful for that.”
The corrections officers were presented awards on Tuesday from the Legislature and praised for their “quick thought and immediate action.” They were commended for helping someone in a time of need.
“I’m proud to be part of the same team as these guys,” Jail Lt. Chris Caulfield said. “We train for incidents life this, and we hope they don’t happen.”
Others who assisted include Talee Kehlenbeck, and corrections officers Divere Brown, Furious Robinson, Todd Riemer, Tammy Kendrick and Robert Cary III.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 26 March 2025 at 8:38 pm
Provided photos
ALBION – The Orleans County Department of Social Services’ Safe Harbour Program recognized the top three entries in its poster contest to raise awareness about human trafficking. The theme is “Spot the Signs – Stop the Traffick.”
Inez Stangler of Kendall holds her winning poster.
Pictured from left include Teresa Elam-Zwifka, director of Child & Family Services; Logan Hammons of Albion, 3rd place; Kelli Dingle of Albion, 2nd Place; Inez Stangler of Kendall, 1st Place; and Heather Jackson, caseworker and Safe Harbour/Human Trafficking liaison.
The contest was open for students in grades 7-12. They were asked to submit 8.5 by 11-inch posters that included red flags, vulnerabilities, warning signs and myths about human trafficking.
The first prize winner receives a VR Headset; second prize is a bin full of multiple items; and third prize is a pair of Beats Solo 4 headphones.
The Safe Harbour program is designed to be a safe place for young people between 12-18 years of age. In addition to providing education and awareness, Safe Harbour provides lessons in life skills to promote a strong foundation to help children launch into their future.
For more information on the poster contest or the Safe Harbour program, contact Heather Jackson at 585-589-2837 or email heather.jackson@orleanscountyny.gov.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 26 March 2025 at 7:15 pm
Provided photo
ALBION – Orleans County Legislator Bill Eick (left), a retired dairy farmer, presents a proclamation on Tuesday declaring March as “Agriculture Month” in Orleans County. Eick hands the proclamation from the County Legislature to Chad Kirby, president of the Orleans County Farm Bureau.
Kirby, a fruit and vegetable grower, thanked the legislators and said farmers will soon be extra busy with the planting season.
The 2022 Agricultural Census put Orleans County’s ag revenue at $233.6 million, which was a 50.4 percent jump from the $155.3 million in 2017, a growth of $78.3 million.
Orleans County ranks 15th among the state’s 62 counties for ag revenue. Cayuga is first at $461.9 million. The GLOW counties are all big ag producers. Wyoming is second in the state at $421.0 million, with Genesee at fifth with $359.7 million and Livingston at 8th with $288.1 million.
“Whereas, March signifies a national celebration of the importance of food and agriculture in the United States as it provides almost everything we eat and use each day,” the Legislature said in the proclamation. “This month we recognize and celebrate the diversity and abundance provided by New York’s farms and our growing food and agricultural sector and the contributions of Orleans County’s family farmers.”
State-wide there are 33,400 farms working 6.9 million acres of farmland. The ag economy contributes $5.4 billion to the state economy.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 26 March 2025 at 6:34 pm
‘Rather than eliminating fluoridation, addressing the pressing dental care shortage should be the community’s priority’
ALBION – Oak Orchard Health has issued a statement urging the Village of Albion to keep fluoride in the public water supply.
“Oak Orchard Health expresses significant concern regarding Albion’s potential decision to discontinue community water fluoridation, which directly affects 15,000 residents,” Oak Orchard said in the statement. “With Orleans County already experiencing a critical dental care shortage and located in what is called a ‘dental desert’ – only one dentist is available for every 4,370 people – many individuals, particularly those who are underinsured, are left without essential dental services.”
The Village Board is having a public hearing at 6 p.m. today about discontinuing fluoride. The Albion water treatment plant provides water for about 15,000 people in the Village of Albion, and towns of Carlton, Gaines, Murray, Albion and Barre.
“Water fluoridation has been proven to reduce dental decay by more than 25% and remains a highly cost-effective preventive solution,” Oak Orchard said. “Recognized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as one of the top ten public health achievements of the 20th century, its removal could exacerbate oral health inequities. Rather than eliminating fluoridation, addressing the pressing dental care shortage should be the community’s priority.”
