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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.

‘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.”

Lyndonville Lions named ‘Supporter of the Year’ by arts organization

Photos by Tom Rivers: Arthur Barnes is pictured on Sept. 7, 2024 during a celebration in Holley of his agricultural-themed mural on the back of the Community Free Library. Barnes’ artwork has been featured in murals and publications in the Orleans County for about 40 years.

BATAVIA – The Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council will be honoring Arthur Barnes with a Lifetime Achievement Award this Saturday.

Barnes, a resident of Millville, has shared his artistic talents with the community for about 40 years, with his work featured in tourism materials, murals on prominent buildings, and as treasured keepsakes for residents.

He will be recognized on Saturday when the 2025 Genean Awards are presented by GO Art! at 5:30 p.m. at GO Art!’s Seymour Place, 201 East Main St., Batavia. The evening includes live entertainment, light refreshments, a cash bar and magazine-style photo booth. Click here for more information.

“This special event isn’t just about honoring remarkable individuals—it’s about securing the future of arts and culture in Genesee and Orleans counties,” said Gregory Hallock, GO Art! executive executive director.

Barnes has been a prominent local artist for about four decades, despite having no formal artistic training.

Arthur Barnes created this pen and ink drawing of the former Waterport Trestle, an iconic landmark that was demolished about 30 years ago.

Barnes uses his artwork to celebrate Orleans County and its rich history. Barnes created a series of five large-scale murals depicting the Erie Canal which can be enjoyed in Medina, Knowlesville, Albion and Holley.

Both a photographer and artist, Barnes highlights local tourism landmarks, such as the County Courthouse, the Culvert in Ridgeway and Mount Albion Tower. However, most of his work pays homage to the houses, barns and beautiful rural landscape of the area.

These pieces serve to document Orleans County history as several of the houses and barns in his paintings are no longer standing.

In 2000, Barnes bought a cobblestone building in Millville originally built as a Quaker meeting house in 1841. Barnes has repaired the roof and spent countless hours on additional improvements to spare what would have been an inevitable collapse of the building.

Arthur Barnes is shown installing a mural on May 21, 2021 at the Orleans County YMCA facing West Avenue on a brick building near Lee Place. This is the fifth Erie Canal-themed mural Barnes has created. Barnes used a scene near the Allens Bridge Road canal bridge on the west end of Albion for inspiration.

Barnes is active on social media as “The Artist Monk” posting photos and artwork about local sites. Barnes praises the county’s rich history and vibrant landscapes, including the wildlife refuge, muck, apple orchards, canal, historic downtowns and even the barns that often appear to be on their last legs.

The Lyndonville Lions Club also will be recognized by GO Art! as the “Supporter of the Year.” The Lyndonville Lions have organized the annual July 4^th community celebration for 50 years, bringing thousands of people into the village for entertainment capped by one of the biggest fireworks shows in Western New York.

Last summer on Aug. 23, the Lyndonville Lions Club teamed with the Village of Lyndonville and Town of Yates for the third annual Street Dance on a closed off section of Main Street. The Lions for several years also have organized a July concert at the Yates Town Park, usually featuring the band Crash Cadillac.

The Lions last year also started a new Oktoberfest at the White Birch Golf Resort.

Other 2025 Genean Award winners include Bryan Wright – Individual Artist of the Year; Frank Corbiserie – Visionary Artist Award; Thea Anderson & Kyle Moore – Volunteers of the Year; and Lorie Longhany – Lifetime Achievement Award.

Fireworks light up the sky and are reflected in Johnson Creek during the finale on July 4, 2024. The fireworks show was more than 40 minutes and capped off the 50th anniversary of the Lyndonville Lions Club’s Independence Day celebrations.

Courthouse Dome to be lit in blue from April 20 to May 3

Press Release, Orleans County Department of Social Services

ALBION – The staff of the Orleans County Department of Social Services will join with others across the country to wear blue on Friday, April 4, as the start of Child Abuse Prevention Month.

“Go Blue Day” is always celebrated on the first Friday in April. The Orleans County Courthouse dome will be lit blue in honor of Child Abuse Prevention Month from April 20 to May 3.

“While our commitment to creating positive childhood experiences and preventing child abuse and neglect is year-round effort, Child Abuse Prevention month is an opportunity raise public awareness on the need to support, strengthen and celebrate families,” said Cyndi Stumer, Deputy Commissioner of DSS.  “Simple actions can make a big difference in preventing child abuse.”

Stumer said as part of this year’s event, families are encouraged to do an activity together every day and spend time together to promote healthy family relationships. The county has provided a calendar filled with daily suggestions to encourage families to participate in a different activities that can be viewed by clicking here.

“Just a little time each day playing a board game or going to the library or taking a walk can have a really big impact,” Stumer said.

If you have suspicions of child abuse or neglect to report or you are concerned about the health or safety of a child, please immediately call the NYS Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-342-3720.  In 2024, Orleans County DSS received approximately 700 referrals for investigation through the NYS State Central Registry.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Meleana Mengs played the role of Flounder, an eccentric seagull, in the Albion Middle School production of Little Mermaid on March 14-15. Flounder is singing “Positoovity.”

The high school will be doing Cinderella on with shows at 7 p.m. on Friday, and noon and 7 p.m. on Saturday.

Sophie Kozody is in the role of Ariel, a mermaid princess, and a group of seagulls help her to get her balance after she turns into a human. The seagulls include Meleana Mengs, Emmaline Gailie, Olivia Bruski, Zyann Pore, Maci Conn and Nadalee Ryan.

Tatiana Morales plays Ursula, the a villainous sea witch who offers Ariel, her niece, the chance to become human for three days. She will need to win the kiss of her true love Eric, and then she can stay human. If she fails, Ursula gets her soul. During the three days, Ariel won’t be able to use her voice. Ursula sings, “Poor Unfortunate Souls.”

Sophie Kozody as Ariel agrees to the deal with Ursula and signs the agreement.

Annabella Dusham plays the role of Sebastian, a red Jamaican crab and a servant of King Triton. Sebastian’s main song is “Under the Sea.”

Brian Kozody, the associate director and husband of director Carrie Kozody, played Chef Louie. The production had a shortage of male performers and Mr. Kozody and also teacher Bruce Pritchett took on roles. Mrs. Kozody said she hoped their performances would encourage more boys to be in the musicals.

Louie is preparing a meal for Prince Eric (at right, played by John Vivas) and his advisor, Grimsby (played by Adelynn Hawkins). Eric and Ariel meet and have a romantic connection.

Bruce Pritchett as King Triton is angered when he learns his daughter has been on the surface of the water and reprimand her. He thinks humans are only savage fish-eaters.

Nicole Loney plays the role of Flounder, center, who is Ariel’s best friend. Flounder, a tropical fish, regularly embarks on adventures despite a cowardly demeanor.

Sandstone Society President Matt Holland, left, presents Dave Miller with an award in appreciation for his years of service to the society. The award included a chunk of sandstone on the plaque and thanks Miller “with sincere appreciation for your 13 years of outstanding leadership, commitment and dedicated service to the Medina Sandstone Society.”

MEDINA – One of the most dedicated members of the Medina Sandstone Society has retired from his volunteer service with the organization.

David Miller, a past president of the group, has helped the society in many ways, said current president Matt Holland.

Miller created a database with about 300 sandstone structures, including photos and details of most of the sites. He created a Wikipedia page with many details about sandstone history and its prominence for the mundane – sidewalks and curbing – to the magnificent – cathedrals, mansions, libraries and other great public buildings.

“I really wanted to know how many sandstone buildings are out there,” Miller said. “I wouldn’t have guessed when we started we’d have 300.”

He found impressive sites from Erie, Pa. to Albany and many spots in between, especially in Buffalo.

Miller pushed to create a kiosk with loads of sandstone history and information that is available in the Medina Sandstone Hall of Fame in the City Hall. That kiosk can be moved to taken to other locations.

Wit the Hall of Fame, Miller has been on that committee since the first class was inducted in 2013. The hall now includes 43 structures, many of them the most treasured buildings in their community.

Miller became involved in the organization in 2010 when the late Bob Waters asked Miller to create a promotional video for the Sandstone Trust. Miller agreed and stayed very active in the group for 15 years.

He said he wants to travel more with his wife Gail. She runs the Canal Village Farmers’ Market in Medina and her husband is a steady presence there as well.

During the annual meeting, the Sandstone Society named Matt Holland the president, Jesse Cudzilo the vice president, Peggy Schreck as secretary and Craig Lacey as treasurer for 2025. Board members appointed to new three-year terms include Mary Zangerle, Craig Lacy, Tom Rivers and Matt Holland.

Orleans County Historian Catherine Cooper spoke during last week’s annual meeting of the Medina Sandstone Society at Bent’s Opera House.

Cooper highlighted 2025 as the county’s bicentennial. She asked trivia questions and highlighted trails to local attractions created about 50 years ago.

The county officially turns 200 on April 15. For most of the county’s existence, the birthdate was thought to be Jan. 1, 1826. But the date was proven to be April 15, 1825. That is when the State Legislature established Orleans County, which separated from Genesee.

Former County Legislator Frank Berger learned of the true birthdate and he led the charge to have it be officially recognized as 1825 about 30 years ago.

“Two hundred is a long time, but 200 years also isn’t a long time,” Cooper said.

The Bicentennial Committee has embraced the ox as a mascot to help highlight the toils and tribulations of the early pioneers, who needed oxen to pull wagons, clear lands and help plant crops.

“We appreciate what the people who came before us endured and went through,” Cooper said. “The oxen are a reminder of where we came from.”

SHELBY – A wind energy developer has notified Shelby town officials it is withdrawing its applications for two turbines on South Gravel Road.

New Leaf Energy sent Town Supervisor Scott Wengewicz a letter March 21, saying it won’t be pursuing the projects.

“We appreciate the efforts of the Town Board in reviewing and considering Community Wind for the area,” New Leaf senior project developer David Strong wrote to the town supervisor. He is based out of Troy, NY.

The proposals for the two turbines that peaked at 633 feet initially was proposed by Borrego Solar System Inc. Borrego spun off the development side of its business to ECP, which named the new company, New Leaf Energy.

New Leaf sought two turbines on Route 63, and said the turbines could produce enough power for 2,600 homes within the Shelby and Medina communities.

But Shelby town officials declined to create a wind overlay district needed for the project to move forward.

Borrego in February 2024 had two balloons up about 600 feet along Route 63 to show the height of two wind turbines proposed by the company. That height alarmed many members of the community. Many residents signed a petition opposing the project.

Press Release, Orleans County Clerk Nadine Hanlon

ALBION – Orleans County Clerk Nadine Hanlon today reminded residents that the federal REAL ID requirements will go into effect on May 7, less than two months away.

That means you will need a REAL ID to board any domestic flight, enter a military base and access certain federal facilities. The REAL ID requirement was supposed to take effect on October 1, 2020 but was postponed several times due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“First, a person needs to decide if they need a REAL ID and then decide what choice best meets their needs, as there are a few options,” said Hanlon.  “But I want to stress that you will not be allowed to board any flight in the United States without a REAL ID beginning May 7, 2025.”

Hanlon said New York’s REAL ID license, Enhanced Driver’s license and a passport all meet the federal requirements. Residents still need a passport to fly to other countries.

“I often urge people to strongly consider getting a passport since it will cover domestic flights, trips to Canada and any other international travel along with entry to anyplace that requires a REAL ID,” said Hanlon.  “While it costs a little more than the New York State Real ID and Enhanced licenses, it is good for 10 years.”

Hanlon said residents can visit https://dmv.ny.gov/get-enhanced-or-real-id to learn more about the different license options.  Those interested in obtaining a passport can learn more about those requirements by clicking here.

Press Release, Sheriff Christopher Bourke

ALBION – Orleans County Sheriff Christopher Bourke is pleased to announce a Child Passenger Safety Seat Check Point Event will be held on Saturday, April 26th at the Orleans County Public Safety Building from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

According to data, vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for children between the ages of 1 to 13. Preventative measures, such as proper installation of car seats, booster seats and seat belts can reduce the likelihood of death and injuries. Informing and instructing parents and caregivers on child passenger safety and proper installation of car seats is critical to saving young lives.

Our certified child passenger safety technicians will inspect your car and/or booster seats to ensure that your child is in the appropriate seat for their size and age.

For Child Passenger Safety Seat questions, please contact certified technician Kevin Colonna at 585-589-5527 or Kevin.Colonna@orleanscountyny.gov.

ALBION – The Albion Village Board will have a hearing at 6 p.m. Wednesday on discontinuing flouride in the public water supply.

The hearing will be in the board room at the Village Office, 35 East Bank St.

“After reviewing various studies and multiple sources of information, the Village of Albion has decided to begin the process of eliminating the addition of fluoride into the drinking water supply, due to the number and severity of risks associated,” the village posted in a notice.

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.

The village recently had a new building constructed to more safely store fluoride. The village started adding fluoride to the water again in 2024 after a 2 ½-year break while waiting for the new building.

The American Dental Association backs having fluoride in water because fluoride helps prevent tooth decay by rebuild and strengthening the tooth’s surface or enamel.

Amy Sidari has owned Albion dance studio for 28 years

Photo by Tom Rivers: Amy Sidari, owner of Gotta Dance by Miss Amy, was an enthusiastic participant in the Albion Strawberry Festival Parade on June 10, 2023.

ALBION – Amy Sidari will take a final bow on April 5 as owner of Gotta Dance by Miss Amy in Albion.

Sidari has owned Gotta Dance for 28 years, turning the site on 28 West Bank St. into an entertainment hub with dance and piano classes, and cabaret shows and other live entertainment.

Photo by Bruce Landis: Amy Sidari is grateful for teaching dance locally for 38 years, including 28 years as owner of Gotta Dance by Miss Amy.

Sidari wants to be more available for her grandchildren and other family members. She said Gotta Dance has been very rewarding, but also all-consuming.

“I am grateful I was able to give as much as I could to the community I love,” Sidari said. “Hopefully, I have impacted them in some way.”

The Cabaret at Studio B will operate through this summer for shows that are already scheduled.

The business is for sale and she is hopeful someone will step forward to continue the site for dance or other entertainment to benefit the community.

“My prayer is for a ready, willing, and able buyer who will serve the community I love,” Sidari said.

The final recitals for Gotta Dance with be in the middle school auditorium on April 5 at noon and 6 p.m.

“I personally thank you for the opportunity to work with your family and to love each of you,” Sidari wrote in a letter to her dance families. “Our studio has proven to be more than a business, it is a community unto itself.  Think back to all the opportunities to learn and grow we have been given. Reminisce about our many cabaret shows that have brought laughter and exceptional entertainment to our community. Always remember the lesson of being a good neighbor shown many times over and over in the benefit variety shows we performed to help those in need. Yes, we have accomplished much on this journey.  I cannot wait to see what you will achieve in the next chapter! God bless each of you!”

EDA approves $454K in tax savings for project in next decade

Photo by Tom Rivers: John Ivison, branch manager for Helena Agri-Enterprises in Ridgeway, said the $4,275,000 addition will be an asset to the local agricultural community. Ivison is speaking at today’s Orleans EDA meeting. County Legislator and EDA board member John Fitzak is at left next to Gabrielle Barone, vice president of development for the EDA.

ALBION – The Orleans Economic Development Agency gave its final approval for tax incentives for a $4,275,000 expansion at Helena Agri-Enterprises on Allis Road in Ridgeway.

Helena is planning a 15,000-square-foot addition. The company hopes to start construction next month and be done in October, said John Ivison, the branch manager.

The company in 2017 moved from a warehouse in Albion to Ridgeway, building a new facility. The latest project will give Helena more capacity to serve farm operations of all sizes, especially the larger ones in planting season where there is often a small weather window to get fertilizer in the ground.

“It is designed to be high output for the growers of the future to get to the fields quickly,” Ivison told the EDA board today. “We can be precise with the nutrient needs of the crop.”

The addition will include $1 million of blending equipment. It also will have storage for 4,000 tons of product. That is enough plant food and fertilizer for about 30,000 acres.

The EDA approved $454,663 in incentives over 10 years while Helena pays $158,288 to local governments in a PILOT (payment in lieu of taxes).

The company will get a sales tax exemption, saving Helena $261,200 or 8 percent on $3,265,000. It will get a sliding scale tax abatement over 10 years, with $35,175 exempted the first year and then 10 percent added over 10 years. That exemption will save the company $193,463 in property taxes on the new facility over the decade.

Helena employs 15 people in Ridgeway. Ivison said the company could add six more employees with the addition, with a person in information technology, two truck drivers, a skid steer operator, a salesperson and an employee with soil testing.

John  Misiti, the EDA board chairman, said the Helena expansion reflects confidence in the agricultural economy in Orleans County.

Construction of $400 million project expected to start 2026, be complete 2027

Photo by Tom Rivers: Jack Donelan, development manager for AES Corporation, speaks to the board of the Orleans Economic Development Agency this morning. Neil Habig, director for AES Corporation, is seated next to Donelan. Board members Craig Tuohey, by EDA sign, and Jeff Martin (back to camera) listen to Donelan’s comments.

ALBION – The Orleans Economic Development Agency today approved incentives for Hemlock Ridge Solar and the AES Corporation for its $400 million solar project covering 1,200 acres in barre and Shelby.

The Orleans EDA approved a sales tax abatement of $4,930,000 and an estimated mortgage tax abatement of $1,300,000. It also will be exempted from $63,583 in the local property tax.

Instead, the company will begin paying local governments nearly $40 million in a host community agreement over the next 30 years. The agreement starts with $900,000 the first year, which is $4,500 per megawatt in a 200 MW project. The amounts then increase 2 percent annually over 30 years.

The EDA also negotiated a host community agreement with the taxing jurisdictions with the project that is different than the usual payment in lieu of taxes plans that give companies a reduction in taxes.

Each taxing jurisdiction approved a host agreement that sets the following payments over 30 years to these taxing jurisdictions:

• The Town of Barre will receive $14,007,929 over 30 years for an annual average of $466,931, ranging from $295,200 in year 1 to $646,077 in year 30.

• The Town of Shelby will be paid $3,074,911 over 30 years for an annual average of $102,497, ranging from $64,800 in year 1 to $141,822 in year 30.

• Orleans County will be paid $7,923,242 over 30 years for an annual average of $264,108, ranging from $64,800 in year 1 to $141,822 in year 30.

• Albion Central School will be paid $10,407,330 over 30 years for an annual average of $346,911, ranging from $256,540 in year 1 to $455,575 in year 30.

• Oakfield-Alabama Central School will be paid $1,213,558 over 30 years for an annual average of $40,452, ranging from $29,914 in year 1 to $$53,123 in year 30.

• Medina Central School will be paid $2,363,633 over 30 years for an annual average of $78,754, ranging from $58,239 in year 1 to $103,423 in year 30.

AES also will pay $100,000 a year for 10 years to National Grid to help lower local electricity bills. That will be for $1 million total over 10 years.

The Orleans EDA also will be paid a 1.25 percent administration fee on a $400 million project or $4,519,804 with $750,000 upon execution of the project assistance agreement (within 30 days of the EDA board’s approval of the project) and then another $3,769,804 at the close of financing.

AES officials attended the meeting said they expect construction won’t start until 2026 to line up all the equipment, materials and contractors. The 200 megawatt facility is expected to operational in 2027.

AES detailed the expenses in a filing with the Orleans EDA. The total project costs are estimated at $400,150,000.

That includes building and land purchase, $150,000; site preparation, $10 million; new construction, $160 million; utilities & infrastructure, $30 million; and transportation access, $5 million.

The machinery and equipment is estimated at $190 million and includes solar modules at $98 million; solar racking/piles, $41 million; inverter, $11 million; wiring, $30 million; and HV equipment, $10 million.

Jack Donelan, development manager for AES Corporation, told the EDA board there will be a 7-foot-high agricultural style fence on the 1,200 acre perimeter. There will be a 7-foot-high chain-link fence around the electric substation, with a foot-high of barb wire.

AES estimates 264 workers will be needed for the construction. Once it’s done, 0.5 full-time-equivalent may only be needed at the site.

Donelan said AES will connect into the grid through the transmission lines that run along the southern part of Orleans County.