By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 July 2024 at 9:30 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
EAST SHELBY – Don Gramlich of Oakfield leads a team of Percheron draft horses pulls a wagon full of people on a ride near the East Shelby Community Bible Church on Sunday during the annual “Old Tyme Day.”
At least 2,000 people attended the festival which offered numerous activities and food for a penny.
The church in the past 25 years or so has created a village at West Jackson Corners. The buildings housed many activities on Sunday. This photo was taken at 4:30 p.m., near the end of the six-hour festival. The crowds were much bigger earlier in the day.
Participants had a chance to make goat milk cheese, soap and goat milk fudge. Heritage activities will include horse and wagon rides, corn husk dolls, basket weaving, spinning, quilting, cheese making, candle making and woodworking.
Leo Lang, 14, of Batavia (left) and his brother Joel, 13, aim sling shots with gumballs at the giant.
The two brothers try to slay the giant with gumballs fired from sling shots.
A new barn joined the collection of buildings at West Jackson Corners. Inside the barn there was popcorn, ice cream and some sheep and rabbits.
The sign on the declares the barn as “Harvest Home – The Lord’s Barn.”
These two visit the two sheep inside the barn.
Charlie Swan keeps an eye on ice cream machines that made 20 batches with a crank. Volunteers devised an automated system so the crank didn’t need to be moved by hand.
The church also debuted a soft serve ice cream machine.
Volunteers made 325 pies and slices were a penny. The pie went fast, and was gone by about 2:30 in the afternoon.
Church members also served 2,500 hot dogs, 18 batches of soup, and lots of lemonade.
These kids sift through sand to try to find gems in one of the stations at West Jackson.
Norm Atwater of Barker leads this team of Percheron horses on one of six wagon rides available.
A choir sang many church hymns inside the East Shelby Community Bible Church during an afternoon concert.
Daily Exhibit: Pretty Bird Paradise. Interact with beautiful, chirping friends!
Trolley Building: Painting of the 1st Orleans County 2025 Bicentennial Oxen.
FAIR Feaster: Checklist available at the fair office. Eat one item at all the included vendors and win a commemorative button and be entered to win one of four $50 gift cards sponsored by the Coffee Pot Café in Medina.
9 a.m. to 11a.m. – 4-H Senior Council Stand Breakfast Hours at 4-H Senior Council Stand
8 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Commercial exhibits in place, throughout event
Carissa Klossner, 16, of Holley, left, and her friend Allison Merle, 17, of Holley feed alpacas hay and give them some attention on Sunday evening after the animals were moved into the fairgrounds. The llama and alpaca show will be on Thursday at 5 p.m.
8 a.m. – Cloverbud Horse Show followed by Walk/Trot Horse Show at Carlos Marcello Arena
9 a.m. – Rabbit and Poultry Meeting for all Exhibitors, Wachob Building
9:20 a.m. – Cattle Barn Department Meeting for all exhibitors at Cattle Barn
9:40 a.m. – Goat/Sheep Department meeting for all exhibitors at Goat/Sheep Barn
10 a.m. to 12 p.m. – 4-H Exhibits including common garden vegetables, market packages, cut flowers, indoor gardening, fruits and nuts, plant collection (and scrapbook), landscape pictures and plants, experiments, horticulture methods judged at Trolley Building
11 a.m. – Senior Council 4-H Food Booth Hamburgers, Hots, and Cold Drinks. Proceeds support teen award trips and programs at 4-H Senior Council Stand
Anna Grillo, 15, of Albion and her sister Lena, 12, get their sheep settled in their pens. They also show beef and dairy animals.
11a.m. – Field Crops judged at Trolley Building
1 to 3 p.m. – Group Exhibits, Food Preservation, Baked Goods and Visual Arts judged at Trolley Building
4 p.m. – Paid public admission begins at Wood and Taylor Hill Road Parking Lots
4 p.m. – 4-H Leaders’ Pie Stand opens at Pie Stand
5:30 p.m. – Free Entertainment: The Bubble Couple, strolling through grounds
6 p.m. – Orleans County 4-H Fair Opening Day Parade, throughout grounds
6:30 p.m. – Opening Ceremony, Presentation of Colors by Orleans County Veterans at flag pole on Ed Center Lawn
6:45 p.m. – Dairy Decathlon at Orleans Hub Stage
Elizabeth Dresser, 12, of Medina leads a red and white Holstein dairy animal out of a trailer on Sunday evening. Elizabeth will be showing in the dairy and beef shows this week. Chad Wall, a veterinarian with the state Department of Agriculture and Markets, checked the animals for their immunization records for rabies and a respiratory vaccines. He also made sure they had been tested for BVD (Bovine Viral Diarrhea) and didn’t have any visual signs of ringworm. There are 30 dairy and 80 beef animals at the fair this week.
6 p.m. – Free Entertainment: Circus Incredible at Knight’s Green Space
7 p.m. – 4-H Fashion Revue at Orleans Hub Stage
6:30 p.m. – Mini-Horse Show and Horse Driving Classes at Carlos Marcello Arena
6:30 p.m. – Trolley Building Youth Exhibits open at Trolley Building
7 p.m. – 4-H Swine Show at Livestock Show Arena
8 p.m. – Free Entertainment: The Bubble Couple, strolling through grounds
8 to 10 p.m. – Orleans County 4-H Fair $1,000 Karaoke Contest at Orleans Hub Stage
8:30 p.m. – Free Entertainment: Circus Incredible at Knight’s Green Space
10 p.m. – Buildings Close – Goodnight Fair, throughout event
Grant Kuipers, 12, of Byron has his Belted Galloway beef animal settled in at the fair on Sunday evening. The Belted Galloway is a Scottish breed with a distinctive broad white belt.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 21 July 2024 at 7:13 pm
President Joe Biden
President Joe Biden announced this afternoon he won’t be seeking re-election, and has thrown his support to his vice president, Kamala Harris.
Biden, in a letter to Americans, said the country has made great progress in the past 3 1/2 years.
“Together, we overcame a once in a century pandemic and worst economy crisis since the Great Depression,” Biden said in his letter. “We’ve protected and preserved our Democracy. And we’ve revitalized and strengthened our alliances around the world.”
But Biden has been lagging in the polls and facing growing pressure from Democratic Party leaders and officials since a fumbling debate performance on June 27 against Donald Trump.
Biden had been insisting he was still up for the job, and wanted to accomplish ore as president with another term. He is already the oldest U.S. president in history at age 81. Trump is three years younger.
In his letter, Biden cited accomplishments included lowering prescription drug costs for seniors, making historic investments in infrastructure nationwide, and expanding affordable healthcare for Americans. The U.S. also provided critically needed care to veterans exposed to toxic substances, and passed significant climate legislation, and also appointed the first African American woman – Ketanji Brown Jackson – to the Supreme Court, Biden noted.
“It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President,” Biden wrote. “And while it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term.”
Here are some of the reactions to Biden’s announcement:
Donald J. Trump posted this on Truth Social: “Crooked Joe Biden is the Worst President, by far, in the History of our Nation. He has done everything possible to destroy our Country, from our Southern Border, to Energy Dominance, National Security, International Standing, and so much more. He was annihilated in an Earth Shattering Debate, and now the Corrupt and Radical Democrats are throwing him overboard. He was not fit to serve from the very beginning, but the people around him lied to America about his Complete and Total Mental, Physical, and Cognitive Demise. Whoever the Left puts up now will just be more of the same. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”
Kamala Harris, vice president: “On behalf of the American people, I thank Joe Biden for his extraordinary leadership as President of the United States and for his decades of service to our country. I am honored to have the President’s endorsement and my intention is to earn and win this nomination.”
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer: “Joe Biden has not only been a great president and a great legislative leader but he is a truly amazing human being. His decision of course was not easy, but he once again put his country, his party, and our future first.
“Joe, today shows you are a true patriot and great American.”
U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY): “President Biden has served our country with courage, compassion, integrity and decency. I am honored to have served in the Senate during his administration, which achieved historic accomplishments related to gun safety, veterans’ health care, infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, climate change, prescription drugs, and more. President Biden has improved the lives of millions of Americans and leaves behind a legacy that will echo for generations.
“On behalf of myself and every New Yorker: Thank you, Joe.”
State Senator Rob Ortt, Republican Leader in State Senate: “The Democratic Party has shown they will do anything to cling to power. They have silenced the voice of 14.6 million primary voters and forced Joe Biden off the Democratic ticket just weeks before the convention. If Joe Biden is unfit to run, then he is clearly unfit to serve as Commander and Chief.
“The American people know the Biden-Harris administration is responsible for our wide open border, the inflation crisis, and our diminishing global stature. It’s time we send Donald Trump back to the White House to save our country.”
Congressman Joe Morelle, D-Rochester: “President Biden has done what every true leader ought to: put the needs of our country ahead of himself. This difficult decision is an act of true patriotism for the good of our democracy.
“I am deeply grateful for all he has done to create a better America over the past four years and throughout his lifetime of public service. Thank you, Mr. President.”
Press Release, Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council
BATAVIA – Genesee and Orleans County nonprofit organizations and artists seeking funding for arts related programming, events, and public art are encouraged to apply to the 2025 Statewide Community Regrant Program, administered by Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council (GO Art!) through a partnership with the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA).
GO Art! will be accepting applications Sept. 15 through Nov. 1.
In 2023, the regrant program provided $210,000 in funding for over 50 projects in Genesee and Orleans counties. In 2024, the program provided $336,000 in funding for over 80 projects.
GO Art! will be holding free informational workshops in August and September at various locations throughout Genesee and Orleans counties. New applicants and previous applicants who have not attended a regrant workshop in 2023 or 2024 are required to attend, prior to submitting an application for the 2025 cycle. All applicants are encouraged to attend. Registration is required.
Statewide Community Regrant Workshop Schedule:
Monday, August 5th, from 6-7pm at GO ART!, 201 E Main St, Batavia
Tuesday, August 6th, from 6-7pm at Hoag Library, 134 S Main St, Albion
Monday, August 12th, from 6-7pm on Zoom
Monday, August 26th, from 6-7pm at Hollwedel Memorial Library, 5 Woodrow Dr, Pavilion • Tuesday, August 27th, from 6-7pm on Zoom
Monday, September 9th, from 6-7pm at Lee-Whedon Memorial Library, 620 West Ave
Medina Tuesday, September 10th, from 6-7pm at Haxton Memorial Library, 3 N Pearl St Oakfield
Monday, September 16th, from 6-7pm at Woodward Memorial Library, 7 Wolcott Street, Leroy
Tuesday, September 17th, from 6-7pm on Zoom
For more information on the 2025 SCR program or to register for an upcoming workshop visit www.goart.org/grants.
About the Statewide Community Regrant Program
The Statewide Community Regrant Program was developed by the New York State Council on the Arts in response to a mandate by New York’s Legislature that there be a greater local involvement in funding decisions, affecting local non-profit organizations, offering artistic or cultural services and programs, and to ensure New York State’s cultural funding reached every part of the State.
Through the Statewide Community Regrant Program, GO ART!, NYSCA and the New York State Legislature hope to extend, upgrade and increase the arts and cultural programming in Genesee and Orleans counties, making it more accessible to community members.
The goal is to make state arts support available to geographically, economically, and ethnically diverse segments of the state’s population.
GO Art!’s Statewide Community Regrant program is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 21 July 2024 at 8:39 am
PORTER – A 26-year-old pilot died in a plane crash after she released skydivers at about 11:40 a.m. on Saturday.
Melanie Georger of Tonawanda was killed when the Cessna 208 crashed along the Niagara Scenic Parkway, northeast of the Fort Niagara State Park, the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office said.
Georger was flying the plane for Skydive the Falls. The skydivers had all been released from the plane. Georger was the only person onboard when she was heading back to land when the plane crashed, the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office stated.
The crash started a brush fire around the crash site. That fire was put out by the Youngstown Volunteer Fire Company. Niagara County Sheriff’s Deputies, State Troopers, Town of Lewiston Police and NYS Park Police Officers all responded to the scene.
The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board will be investigating the fatal crash.
This photograph taken by Marc Cole at the 1903 Orleans County Agricultural Fair captures the excitement of a closely run race.
By Catherine Cooper, Orleans County Historian
“Illuminating Orleans” – Volume 4, Number 22
ALBION – Horse racing was a popular attraction at the early Orleans County agricultural fairs.
In 1881, “trials of speed” were held for “green” horses owned in the county.
Races at the 1900 Fair were open to all trotters and pacers owned in the county. Prizes were 1st – $15, 2nd – $10, and 3rd – $5.
A “hitch-up” race was also offered – competitors would hitch up to any style of wagon, race one-half mile and then unhitch. By 1895, a grandstand had been built to provide a more comfortable viewing area.
By 1919, prizes had increased to $300-$400 per race, which attracted more competitors. There were 50 entries in the 1921 fair, many of them professional runners. This 1926 program, for example, shows entrants from Jamestown, Hilton, Hamburg, Rochester and Batavia.
1926 Program
It rained for three of the four fair days in 1927 and 1928, and in 1929, rain caused the cancellation of races on two afternoons.
The 1931 Orleans County Agricultural Fair offered “the largest racing program ever presented at the County Fair. Over one hundred harness and running horses representing fifteen regional stables were entered in ‘pace’ and ‘trot’ races. Races were held in the afternoon and “at night on a brilliantly illuminated track.”
Horse racing continued as an annual feature at the Orleans County Fair through the 1930s but the stresses of World War II interrupted an event that had started in 1856.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 20 July 2024 at 9:31 pm
BARKER – Organizers of the 2024 Barker Corn Festival are pulling out all the stops to make this best and most exciting one ever, according to organizer Heidi Dergel.
The Corn Festival had been a popular annual event in Barker for many years as a project of Barker Lions, Dergel said.
It had been discontinued for a number of years when in 2022 after a successful bicentennial event, Dergel and Ruth Dent got the idea to revive the Corn Festival.
“This year we doubled our fundraising, and it was incredible the people who came out to help,” Dergel said. “They want to see Barker growing.”
The 2024 Corn Festival on July 27 will begin with a 5K run/walk at 9 a.m. on Main Street. The festival will take place from noon to 6 p.m. at the Barker Village Park on Main Street, and will have all the old favorite features and a lot of new ones, Dergel said.
New events include a corn eating contest at the Hideaway in town, a strong man competition there at 10 a.m., a petting zoo at the Farmer’s Market, a car cruise, a beer tent from the Grain House, fireworks at 10 p.m. by the Hartland Independence Day Committee at the Somerset Town Hall, more live music all day and dog training demonstrations.
Old favorites are a corn roast, activities for kids and adults, food trucks and corn hole in the Barker Fire Hall open air pavilion, local brews of wine and cider and live music under the stars by the Bad Influence Band.
Music in the afternoon will be provided in the gazebo by Evan Anstey Trio, Dark Road Duo and Barker Community Band.
MEDINA – The Friends of Boxwood Cemetery are proud to announce that we will be partnering with Atlas Preservation as part of their 48 States Tour: Saving America’s Graveyards.
“It is such an honor to be chosen as one of two cemeteries in New York State to be visited by Atlas Preservation this year,” said Robby Klino, president of the Friends of Boxwood. “Our small-town cemetery is finally getting the recognition it deserves, and the help to preserve it for future generations.”
The 48 States Tour will be at Boxwood Cemetery on North Gravel Road on Aug. 6 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. It is free and open to the public.
The event will be led by Jonathan Appell, owner of Atlas Preservation and has decades of experience in cemetery restoration. The morning session will focus on headstone cleaning and the afternoon will focus on headstone resetting and repair.
Appell will be joined by Alicia Williams who is better known as Lady Taphos on TikTok. Williams has over 2.6 million followers on TikTok. Her motto is, “Finding peace in my life one stone at a time.” In addition, Jeremy La Zelle, a world-renown professional cinematographer, will be there as part of a documentary he his making about the 48 States Tour.
We recommend participants bring a chair, cooler, water and snacks. A pizza lunch will be provided.
We also recommend wearing old clothes that you do not mind getting dirty, especially if you will be participating in the cleaning segment. A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are also a good idea to have on hand.
While there is no cost for the event, we would appreciate knowing how many people are attending and where they are from. If interested, please send an email to friendsofboxwoodcemetery@gmail.com with the names of those attending and where they are from.
“I cannot thank enough the members of the Friends of Boxwood Cemetery and the Medina community for supporting this little gem of a cemetery,” Klino said.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 20 July 2024 at 9:02 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
MEDINA – Maria Aurigema and Sal Iannello perform Thursday evening at State Street Park in medina for the Blue Thursdays concert series.
Aurigema is the headliner for the band that Thursday also included Michael Haggerty on drums.
The series received strong backing and promotion from Ken Daluisio of The Print Shop in Medina. Daluisio had a fatal heart attack at age 59 on July 11, just before he was going to head out of shop to go to the concert.
Micheal Fuller and Dameon Holtfoth are now running The Print Shop. They attended Thursday’s concert and said The Print Shop will continue as a big backer of the events.
Maria Aurigema, Sal Iannello and Michael Haggerty perform before a big crowd on Thursday at State Street Park. Aurigema is a school instrumental teacher in the Ken-Ton School district in her day job, and she rocks in concerts around Western New York and Canada, especially during the summer.
The blues concerts have been drawing 800 to 1,250 people to State Street Park. Thursday was another big crowd.
Gertie Montulli is among the many food vendors at Blue Thursdays. Sweet Treats by Gertie sells popcorn in 10 different flavors. She said caramel is her top seller.
Maria Aurigema has been in the concert lineup all three seasons of the Blue Thursdays in Medina.
Dave Berry sells 50/50 raffle tickets with the proceeds going to the EMS services provided by Medina Fire Department.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 19 July 2024 at 8:57 pm
Jake Jackson has strong showing in other tournaments
Provided photo: Jake Jackson, 15, eyes a shot at the Billiard Education Foundation Junior National championship July 8 – 12 in Quincy, Ill.
LYNDONVILLE – Jake Jackson, 15-year-old son of Roger and Terah Jackson, just competed in the Billiard Education Foundation Junior National Competition in Quincy, Ill.
Although he failed to qualify for the world championship, Jake placed fourth in the 16-year-old and younger co-ed 8-Ball qualifier against some pretty tough competition. In the 16 and under 10-ball world qualifier, he won his first two matches and finished 17th overall. According to his father, Jake was facing very tough competition, but played his best.
In the 18-year-old and under, World Heyball Qualifier Jake was 13th. He won several 9-ball mini tournaments, which were new this year. His father explained Heyball is 80-Ball played on a special 9-foot table with only three-inch pockets, as opposed to the five-inch pockets on recreational tables.
“The three-inch pockets make potting the ball very difficult,” Roger said. “The balls are 2.25 inches in diameter, so you gotta be perfect. Nearly 100 junior players played their hearts out for 12 hours on Monday through Friday, plus the final on Saturday for those in the top eight, with only short breaks between matches. The long hours, days in a row, wear players down physically and mentally. Only true champions can maintain focus through the long grueling tournament. We met some new friends and got closer to some we already knew in Quincy.”
Roger said parents, grandparents and friends drive many miles, spend countless hours and pay their own expenses to support these junior athletes.
Jake and other junior players who compete and hold a 3.0 or higher grade point average were given an academic award by the BEF. Roger explained the BEF was founded in in 1993 as a nonprofit charity to promote a lifelong love of pool and build the next generation of professional pool players through youth programs and academic scholarships.
“Jake has a few more years to compete as a junior, and says he won’t give up trying to get to the world championships,” his father said. “Also, he will continue to play on the Predator Cues-Sponsored Junior American Series.”
Jake’s next big tournament is the Joss Northeast 9-Ball Tour Final at Turning Stone Casino Aug. 29-Sept. 2. The Casino adds $20,000 to this tournament, for a total purse of more than $40,000. Admission is free and Roger urges anyone to come and watch some of the best professional players in the world. There are 128 players entered, he said.
The Jacksons thank everyone who supported Jake’s fundraisers and Bison Billiards in Eastern Hills Mall.
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that eligible farm employers may now apply to the Department of Agriculture and Markets for a certificate of advance payment so they can receive reimbursement from the Department of Taxation and Finance for eligible overtime paid to their employees since January 1, 2024.
(Editor’s Note: The threshold for overtime decreased for agricultural workers starting Jan. 1. The limit was 60 hours a week at straight pay before workers could earn overtime. That dropped to 56 hours this year. It is part of a phase-in reduction where the overtime threshold will be lowered by four hours every other year to 40 hours a week in 2032.)
This Farm Employer Overtime Credit is a part of Governor Hochul’s plan to support New York’s farmers through a series of new and increased tax credits and other initiatives and helps to ensure that farm employers can continue to support their workers while reducing their tax burden.
“Supporting New York’s farmers and farmworkers, who are essential to keeping New York State running, is a key priority for my administration – and our new Farm Employer Overtime Credit is one of many great initiatives that aim to help alleviate the challenge of rising costs,” Governor Hochul said. “I encourage all eligible farm businesses to learn more about this program and apply for reimbursement so that we can reduce their tax burden while helping them to continue supporting their hardworking staff.”
The Farm Employer Overtime Credit is a refundable tax credit available for eligible farm employers who paid overtime wages after January 1, 2024, based on the gradual phase-in of the overtime threshold in New York State.
As of now, farm employers who have registered in the new online portal at taxcredit.agriculture.ny.gov may enter eligible employee overtime information and submit their application to the Department of Agriculture and Markets (AGM) for a certificate of advance payment of eligible overtime paid between Jan. 1 to the date of their application.
Farmers may also wait until August to apply for reimbursement for the entire Jan. 1 through July 31 period, or they may choose to wait until they file their tax return to receive the credit. Between the advance payment and months claimed on their return, eligible farm employers will receive a full 12 months of the Farm Employer Overtime Credit.
Applications for a certificate of advance payment must be submitted to AGM by September 30. After eligibility review, AGM will issue a certificate to each approved farm employer. With a certificate of advance payment, the approved farm employer’s owner(s), partners or shareholders can then request their share of the advance payment from Department of Taxation and Finance (DTF).
Each of the farm’s owners, partners or shareholders who wants to receive their portion of the credit advance must apply individually. This request must be made no later than Nov. 1, using the online services account at DTF’s website.
Farmers may apply for this refundable credit if they (or their business): are an eligible farmer (click here); and employ eligible farm employees that were paid eligible overtime.
Earlier this year, the State encouraged farmers to prepare to apply by taking the following steps (click here):
Ensuring that they are registered for a NY.gov ID through My.NY.gov.
Taking the farm employer eligibility assessment to establish if they (the farm employer) expect to meet the eligible farmer income requirements for their tax filing type at the end of the tax year.
Discussing the program with their tax and payroll advisors to ensure they kept necessary records during the January 1 – July 31 period this year.
Registering their farm in the online portal at taxcredit.agriculture.ny.gov.
Optionally, choosing to delegate authority to a representative (e.g., a tax preparer), who may complete and submit the application on the farm employer’s behalf later in the year.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 19 July 2024 at 3:08 pm
About $3 million in state funds will go towards replacing two bridges and one culvert in Orleans County, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced.
The projects in Orleans include:
$959,000 to Orleans County for the replacement of Gillette Road bridge
$1.151 million to Orleans County for the replacement of Lakeshore Road bridge
$1.035 million to Orleans County for the replacement of Eagle Harbor-Knowlesville Road culvert carrying the tributary to Oak Orchard Creek
The governor announced $484 million state-wide has been awarded through the Bridge NY program, which includes 216 bridges or culverts in 137 communities. The bridges and culverts will either be replaced or receive major rehabilitations to enhance safety and improve the resiliency and sustainability of New York’s transportation infrastructure, Hochul said.
“As New York continues to experience the effects of climate change firsthand, we need to make critical infrastructure upgrades so our communities can withstand the extreme weather to come,” Hochul said. “Working closely with local governments, we are investing millions to harden more than 200 bridges and culverts across the State, enhancing public safety and make these structures ready for whatever mother nature can throw at us.”
As part of $33 billion capital plan adopted in 2022, $1 billion was committed to Bridge NY, effectively doubling the size of the program. The projects selected were picked based on input from Regional and Metropolitan Planning Organizations and the funding will support all phases of project delivery, including design, right-of-way acquisition and construction.
The projects approved last year in Orleans County included:
$1.295 million to Orleans County for the replacement of the Route 279 bridge over Beardsley Creek.
$1.535 million to Orleans County for the replacement of the Groth Road bridge over East Branch Sandy Creek.
$952,000 to Orleans County for the replacement of the Eagle Harbor Road culvert carrying the tributary to Otter Creek.
$1.038 million to the Town of Albion for the replacement of the Phipps Road culvert carrying the tributary to Otter Creek, Orleans County.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 19 July 2024 at 11:40 am
Today is deadline to notify fair officials of entry
KNOWLESVILLE – Opening day for the Orleans County 4-H Fair will include something new: a parade.
Fair officials welcome costumed characters, floats, tractors, vendors and walking groups. Today is the deadline to register. That can be done by emailing orleans@cornell.edu.
The parade will start at 6 p.m. on the west side of the fairgrounds and proceed around the grounds, ending at the Buzz Hill Education Center on the east side of the fairgrounds. The parade will conclude around 6:30, and will then be followed by the opening ceremonies with local officials and the Honor Guard.
Brandon Johnson, the entertainment chairman for the fair, said the parade is open to the general public.
“We’ve never done before,” he said. “This is the first of many.”
Parade participants should enter the fairgrounds from the Taylor Hill Road entrance, with the lineup assembling on the southside of the creek at the exhibitors’ entrance.
“We’ve seen other fairs do it,” Johnson said about the parade. “We wanted to make Monday night at the fair a little different.”
MEDINA – The Friends of Boxwood Cemetery are proud to announce that we will be partnering with Atlas Preservation as part of their 48 States Tour: Saving America’s Graveyards.
