LOCKPORT – Ben McPherson, an Edward Jones financial advisor in Lockport, has accepted an invitation to become a limited partner in The Jones Financial Companies, L.L.L.P., the holding company for the St. Louis-based financial services firm.
“I am honored to be invited to become a limited partner in the firm,” McPherson said. “I value working at a firm with such a strong sense of purpose – to make a positive difference for our clients, colleagues and community.”
McPherson joined Edward Jones in 2019 and has served investors in Western NY for the past seven years. He is active in the community and currently volunteers with the Medina Rotary, Medina Area Partnership and the Orleans/GLOW YMCAs.
Edward Jones currently employs 50,000 associates throughout the United States and through its affiliate in Canada. This is the firm’s 18th limited partnership offering in its 100-year history.
Edward Jones is a leading North American financial planning firm in the U.S. and through its affiliate in Canada. The firm’s more than 20,000 financial advisors throughout North America serve more than 9 million clients with a total of $2.4 trillion in client assets under care as of Sept. 26, 2025.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 January 2026 at 11:13 am
Village Board not on same page for housing truck, putting it into service
Photos by Tom Rivers: The Medina Village Board met on Monday at the Shelby Town Hall and discussed several issues. Pictured from left include Trustee Deborah Padoleski, Trustee Jess Marciano, Village Clerk/Treasurer Jada Burgess, Mayor Marguerite Sherman, Trustee Mark Prawel, Trustee Scott Bieliski and Village Attorney Matt Brooks.
MEDINA – A new ladder truck for the Medina Fire Department may not find a long-term home in Medina.
Three out of five Village Board members said they are open to selling the new $1.7 million truck which is too big for the existing fire hall.
Trustee Scott Bieliski said the truck turns into a $4 million expense when financing and an addition to the fire hall are all factored in. He said village taxpayers are already overtaxed to take on the added expense.
He would like to reach out to a broker to see what the truck would command on the market and instead have Medina purchase a smaller used ladder truck that would fit in the fire hall, or go without a ladder truck and rely on one from the neighboring Shelby Volunteer Fire Company.
Village Trustee Mark Prawel said taxpayers are already too stressed to take on payments for a new ladder truck and an addition to the fire hall to house it. Trustee Scott Bieliski, right, wants the village to look at selling its new ladder truck and finding a smaller used one that would fit in the existing fire hall.
Bieliski and trustees Deborah Padoleski and Mark Prawel all want to hold off on putting the new truck into service to maximize its value. Once it’s been used by the village, the value could significantly drop.
Village Attorney Matt Brooks advised the board that having the truck in Medina and not using it could open the village to a lawsuit. It could be considered negligence to have the equipment and not use it when there is an emergency.
The truck is currently in North Tonawanda after being built in Wisconsin by Pierce Manufacturing. The truck is being outfitted with specialized gear. Fire Chief Steve Cooley this morning said Medina firefighters are planning to begin training on the new truck in Medina on Feb. 13.
The truck doesn’t have a place to stay yet. Village officials are considering the compost facility on North Gravel Road, the DPW garage on East Avenue, or a lease from a private property owner.
The truck could also be kept outside next to the fire hall but wouldn’t be able to have water in the truck in case it freezes in the cold weather.
Mayor Marguerite Sherman and Trustee Jess Marciano said they are both committed to keeping the ladder truck and want to put a one-bay addition on the fire hall that is expected to cost $1.1 to $1.4 million.
Sherman said the village should spend $4,800 with an engineering firm to get more specific costs for the addition, figures that are needed for Medina to pursue grants and financing for the project. But she has been unable to get a full majority vote from the board to pay a firm.
“It is my charge to come up with a feasible way to get the truck and the addition,” she said. “I’m doing everything I can to make it affordable for the village.”
Padoleski said selling the truck is “a last-ditch effort” to spare Medina from taking on more debt.
“The taxpayers are not interested in buying this truck,” Padoleski said. “It’s too big and too much money. Not enough forethought was put into this.”
The annual debt payment for the truck will be about $130,000 over the next 20 years. Medina is scheduled to sign off on the financing Jan. 26 through the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The USDA is giving Medina the $1,768,000 loan with a 4 percent interest rate.
Trustee Prawel also said he hears from constituents that the truck is too much of an expense for residents already overwhelmed with bills.
“We got people who can’t pay their water bill,” Prawel said.
He has been on the board for almost two years. He said the fire truck and addition have dominated village board discussions, preventing the board from other issues, such as upgrades to water and sewer infrastructure, and sidewalk replacements.
The board didn’t fill a position in the DPW in the current budget to try to minimize a tax increase.
“Our DPW is strained,” Prawel said. “We’re putting patches upon patches.”
Mayor Sherman said there could be unintended consequences to not having a ladder truck: higher insurance costs to residents and businesses. She said Fire Chief Cooley is trying to find out how Medina’s ISO ratings would be affected without a ladder truck in the village.
The Insurance Services Office (ISO) rates a community’s fire protection capabilities from 1 (the best) to 10 (the worst). A lower score typically means lower-cost insurance.
The mayor said the ISO information should be available soon to help the board make a decision on the full impact of keeping the ladder truck and having it in a new addition, or not having the truck and what affect that would have on fire insurance rates in the village.
Trustee Marciano said she wants to see the board come together soon and move forward rather than remaining at an impasse.
“I want to see us work toward making a decision rather than no decision,” Marciano said. “This inaction will get us nowhere.”
Provided photo from Rob Ortt’s Office: State Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt joins his Republican colleagues in the State Senate on Monday to present their “Save New York” agenda in the upcoming legislative session.
Press Release, State Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt
ALBANY – Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt and members of the Senate Republican Conference on Monday unveiled “Save New York,” a comprehensive legislative agenda of policy goals for 2026 aimed at combating Democrat one-party rule in New York State.
The Senate Republican agenda prioritizes hardworking New Yorkers – the New Yorkers left behind by radical, progressive policies coming out of Albany.
New York State is in a time of crisis. The decisions made and policies pushed by Albany’s ruling party have delivered a state that is among the, if not the most unaffordable states in the nation, Ortt said.
A state that drives existing businesses out and discourages new opportunity at every turn. A state where the priorities of career criminals are placed above the needs of the law-abiding citizen. A state in a downward spiral. This is not the recipe for a sustainable future, Ortt said.
The Senate Republican Conference is offering a common sense alternative– a plan based in reality that will deliver a better New York for its hardworking citizens.
“New York is one of the most beautiful states in the nation, and we should have people lining up who want to live and do business here,” Ortt said. “Instead, people are leaving thanks to dangerous and out-of-touch policies championed by far-left lawmakers that have turned our state into a dystopian nightmare. The Republican conference stands ready to Save New York and restore sanity through common-sense policies.”
“Save New York” is a plan to improve affordability, enhance public safety, and build a stronger New York for today and future generations:
Provide Affordability and Economic Opportunity
Create a Safer, Healthier, More Responsible New York
Protect Students and Defend Parental Rights
Hold Government Accountable
More details of the New York State Senate Republicans’ “Save New York,” 2026 legislative agenda will be unveiled in the coming weeks. To read more, click here.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 January 2026 at 8:33 am
Steven Ploof
ROCHESTER – Steven Ploof, who briefly was chief deputy of the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office in 2023, pleaded guilty last Thursday to reckless endangerment in Monroe County. He allegedly threatened an FBI agent.
Ploof, 48, on Sept. 15 also was charged with attempted aggravated assault on a police officer, two counts of menacing a police officer, three counts of first-degree reckless endangerment, second-degree obstruction of governmental administration, and resisting arrest.
Ploof, who worked 16 years for the Ogden Police Department, resigned from the Orleans County after being put on administrative leave relating to suspected drug use, according to Channel 10 News in Rochester. As chief deputy he was tasked with providing oversight of the Civil Division and the numerous local, state and federal grants managed by the Sheriff’s Office.
Ploof was accused of threatening an FBI agent after he allegedly left posters with threatening messages on the porch of an FBI agent assigned to FBI’s Rochester Resident Agency, Channel 10 reported.
While executing a state search warrant, Greece Police officers also found a threatening message towards the FBI written on Ploof’s bedroom wall.
Greece officers saw Ploof on Sept. 15 when they were doing a welfare check on him. Ploof then tried to hit them with his car, and attempted to turn a spray can into a makeshift torch, and had a machete.
The officers tased Ploof, detained him, and brought him to Rochester General Hospital. The next day, Ploof had escaped from the hospital, which prompted a lockdown.
Ploof also threatened his own family members, and made threats at his apartment complex, Channel 10 reported.
ROCHESTER – Several students from Orleans County have been named to the Dean’s List at Nazareth University for the fall semester. Those students include:
Tyana Burroughs of Kendall
Hailey Crawford of Albion
Riley Tompkins of Medina
Raine Baker of Lyndonville
Kailie Regan of Holley
Faith Bennett of Albion
Olivia Belgiorno of Waterport
Ryder Jones of Medina
Makenzie McGrath of Medina
A student’s grade point average must be at least 3.5 or above, and they must complete 12 credit hours of graded work that semester in order to be included on the Dean’s List at Nazareth.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 12 January 2026 at 9:45 pm
The average price for regular unleaded gas has dipped below $3 a gallon in New York State. AAA reported the state-wide price in NY is at $2.998 per gallon today. That is down from $3.03 a week ago and $3.14 a year ago.
Nationally, the average price is at $2.80 a gallon compared to $3.07 a year ago, according to AAA.
“The new year is bringing lowest gas prices the nation has seen since 2021,” AAA said. “While the national average is well below the $3 threshold, the New York average has reached that mark dipping just below $3 per gallon with prices in the state capital, Albany, at $2.98. In Central New York, Syracuse is also at $2,98 while Elmira’s average is $2.80. Prices in other areas should continue to drop if oil prices remain low. This morning, oil prices range from $58 to $63 per barrel.”
Diesel prices are also on the decline, AAA reported. The national average is $3.50 – down two cents from last Monday. The New York average is $3.86, down a penny from a week ago.
March 1 tournament will benefit agency’s transportation services
Press Release, Community Action of Orleans & Genesee
ALBION – Community Action of Orleans & Genesee is teaming up with Oak Orchard Bowl to host a first-time fundraiser to raise proceeds to support Orleans County residents with transportation services through Community Action’s Transportation System.
Community members are invited to lace up their bowling shoes and join an exciting No-Tap Bowling Tournament Fundraiser on Sunday, March 1, at Oak Orchard Bowl, located at 3291 Oak Orchard Rd. in Albion.
This high-energy event promises fun for bowlers of all skill levels while supporting a cause that keeps our community moving. All proceeds will stay local, helping to support essential transportation needs within the community.
In addition to no-tap bowling action, participants and spectators can enjoy basket raffles, a 50/50 raffle and prize payouts.
Whether you’re bowling for bragging rights, prizes, or simply to support your neighbors, this event is a great way to give back while having a blast.
Registration details
3 squads from 12 p.m., 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. with a $75 entry fee per team. The handicap is 90% of 225. If no average is established, women will use 150 and men will use 190. Payout is 1:6.
Reserve a spot by contacting Oak Orchard Bowl at 585-589-6900 or call Alishia at 585-297-8350.
If you would like to donate a basket, contact Melinda Daniels at 585-590-4042
Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments
Genesee and Orleans counties are excited to share CredibleMind, a new online tool to help residents take care of their mental health and overall well-being.
This platform is offered through a partnership between Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health) and the Genesee and Orleans County Mental Health Departments.
CredibleMind offers easy-to-use, confidential, and trusted resources for anyone, whether they are dealing with stress, anxiety, depression or just want to support their mental wellness.
Residents can explore articles, videos, podcasts and self-check tools on more than 100 topics, including stress, relationships, sleep, mindfulness and grief. The platform works like a personal digital guide, using short assessments to suggest resources that fit each person’s needs and goals. It also helps residents connect with local mental health services.
“Taking care of mental health is an important part of overall health,” said Paul Pettit, Public Health Director of GO Health. “CredibleMind gives people a safe and easy way to get help anytime they need it.”
“We want to make it easier for people to get mental health care,” said Lynda Battaglia, Director of Genesee County Mental Health Department. “CredibleMind lets residents get help in a way that works for them. It can make asking for help less scary and more effective.”
“We want every resident to be able to take care of their mental wellness,” said Danielle Figura, Director of Orleans County Mental Health Department. “This partnership helps our community connect with mental health support, especially for people who may not know where to start.”
Residents can visit CredibleMind at Genesee-OrleansNY.CredibleMind.com to look at trusted resources, take self-checks, and find tools to support their mental health and well-being.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 12 January 2026 at 10:31 am
Photos courtesy of Tim Archer, Albion teacher
ALBION – The Sons of the American Revolution visited seventh-graders in Albion Middle School last week and discussed solider life and gear, important events, uniforms, weaponry and other topics.
The SAR promotes patriotic, historical and educational themes, while perpetuating the memory of Revolutionary War patriots. Promoting fellowship among their descendants, they seek to inspire the community with a reverence for principles of government foundered by our forefathers.
This year is the 250th anniversary of when the United States of America declared its independence.
Luci Borello and Sutton Sanders, Albion eighth-graders, are shown with members of the Sons of the American Revolution.
The two students are working on a burials’ list of Revolutionary War soldiers in Orleans County.
Tim Archer, service-learning teacher at Albion, also said students will be unveiling four roadside historical markers this year in the county that highlight local connections to the Revolutionary War.
The markers were funded through the Pomeroy Foundation.
Bruce Pritchett, a social studies teacher, and his students look over a rifle brought in by the Sons of the American Revolution.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 12 January 2026 at 8:36 am
Photos by Ginny Kropf: Andy Benz presided at the installation of officers of the Shelby Volunteer Fire Company.
Orleans County Clerk Nadine Hanlon installed officers of the Shelby Volunteer Fire Company’s Ladies Auxiliary Saturday night.
Hunter Sturtevant, left, and Zach Petry presented David Moden with a chief’s hard hat for his years of service.
MEDINA – Shelby Volunteer Fire Company and Auxiliary welcomed members and guests to their 57th annual installation of officers banquet Saturday night.
Jason Watts served as master of ceremonies, while his father Howard Watts and Auxiliary president Elaine Watts welcomed guests. The evening began with invocation and memorial service by chaplain Karl Haist Jr. Haist reported they had lost six members during 2025 – Tom Fuller, Jim Watts, Fred Filipowicz, Charles “Huck” Fuller, Edward Pray and Elroy Fuller.
The fire company also reported seven new members were added during 2025.
Andy Benz was the installing officer for the fire department. He said he considered the job as an honor.
“A few of the names stick out tonight,” Benz said. “In the past I had given out five chief’s awards and all five of them are still here tonight, and still dedicated.”
Fire company officers installed are president, Kirk Myhill; vice president, Howard Watts; treasurer, Tyler Root; assistant treasurer, Michael Saladeen; secretary, Kali Sturtevant; sergeant-at-arms, Dale Watts; chaplain, Karl Haist Jr.; assistant chaplain, Phil Keppler; and steward, Gary Watts.
Also, trustees – Nick DiCureia, for three years; Ron Smith, two years; and Bill Luckman, one year.
Firematic officers are chief, Zachary Petry; deputy chief, Hunter Sturtevant; assistant chief, Joe Kyle; firematic captain, Marcus Watts; firematic lieutenant, Alex Benz; EMS captain, Jake Quackenbush; and EMS lieutenant, Donnell Bennett.
County Clerk Nadine Hanlon installed Ladies Auxiliary members: president, Elaine Watts; vice president, Brianna Wheeler; secretary, Robyn Watts; treasurer, Lori Myhill; chaplain, Marian Fry; and trustees for one year, Sherry Wheatley; and two years, Mary Herbert.
Elaine Watts, left, president of the Shelby Ladies’ Auxiliary, presented flowers to dedicated members Lori Myhill, Robyn Watts and Marian Fry.
The presentation of special awards began with Howard Watts recognizing David Moden for 34 years of active duty. Moden was also presented with a chief’s hard hat by Hunter Sturtevant and Zach Petry.
Andrea Benz received the President’s Award for stepping up to work on the bylaws and chairing the Christmas party, while completing her teaching degree and planning a fall wedding.
“I can see her being a future president,” Howard said.
The Chief’s Award was presented to Mark Reigle, for consistently leading with his willingness to step up and serve.
Elaine Watts, president of the Ladies Auxiliary, said it was hard to single out one recipient for an award. Instead, she presented flowers to Lori Myhill, Robyn Watts and Marian Fry and announced she would take all the ladies out to eat.
(Left) Howard Watts, left, presents a certificate to Kirk Myhill for 50 years of membership to the Shelby Volunteer Fire Company. (Right) Jason Watts, left, and his father Howard Watts are ready to greet guests at Shelby Volunteer Fire Company’s 57th annual installation of officers banquet Saturday night. Jason served as master of ceremonies, while Howard welcomed guests.
Moden recapped the fire company’s activity in 2025, announcing their 240 calls was fewer than in recent years. Fifty-one percent of the calls were EMS and 16 percent were mutual aid.
Moden also recognized the top 10 responders for 2025. They are Zach Petry, 75% or 181 calls; Moden, 75%; Howard Watts, 67%; Chris Stacewich, 63%; Jake Quackenbush, 52%; Hunter Sturtevant, 47%; Ed Quackenbush, 44%; John Rotoli, 43%; Alex Benz, 41% and Donnell Bennett, 36%.
For his efforts, Petry will receive an embroidered jacket.
“This level of commitment doesn’t happen by accident,” Moden said.
Moden also reported the fire company had received a $95,000 AFG grant last year which will be used to install vehicle exhaust stations. This year they plan to apply for a $300,000 grant to purchase new turnout gear.
Rounding out the evening was dinner catered by The Hilltop in Lockport and music by Beamin’ Sounds.
Members of the Shelby Volunteer Fire Company’s Ladies Auxiliary take the oath of office that was administered by County Clerk Nadine Hanlon.
U.S. Army National Guard photos by Stephanie Butler: Army National Guard Major General Ray Shields, left, the adjutant general of New York, presents the guidon of the New York Air National Guard to Air National Guard Major General Gary Charlton II, during promotion and change of command ceremonies held on January 9 at New York National Guard headquarters in Latham. Charlton is now the commander of the 5,800 men and women of the New York Air National Guard, the largest Air Guard component in the nation.
LATHAM, NY – An Air Guard officer who started as an enlisted Airman and served in the Persian Gulf War, Iraq and Afghanistan, assumed command of the New York Air National Guard during a ceremony on Friday at New York National Guard headquarters in Latham.
Major General Gary Charlton II, who has also commanded the New York Air Guard’s 107th Attack Wing in Niagara Falls, and the 105th Airlift Wing in Newburgh, now heads the largest Air National Guard in the United States.
Charlton, who lives in the Albany suburb of Loudonville, replaced Major General Michael Bank, who is retiring after 37 years of service.
He has been serving as assistant adjutant general, Air for the New York National Guard and will now serve simultaneously in both assignments.
Charlton was promoted from one-star brigadier general to two-star major general before assuming command of the New York Air Guard.
Major General Ray Shields, the adjutant general of New York, and the presiding officer for the ceremony, said Charlton was the “right leader” to command New York’s Airmen.
“You have the opportunity to continue to build the New York Air National Guard and to take the organization to new levels of professionalism,” Shields told Charlton.
In his remarks, Charlton thanked his wife, Susan and his daughters, Megan and Ginger, as well as his extended family, for their support over the years.
“You have carried this career as much as I have,” he said.
Charlton said his years as an enlisted Airmen shaped his command style as an officer.
“Before I ever wore a commission, I wore stripes,” Charlton said.
“I learned that the best ideas often come from the flightline, the shop floor and the Airmen who make the mission happen,” he said.
“Leader is not about a position, it’s about people, it’s about listening before speaking, serving before leading, and earning trust every single day,” Charlton told his audience.
The members of the New York Air Guard are the “embodiment of versatility and excellence,” he said.
Air National Guard Major General Gary Charlton II has new two-star general stars pinned on by his daughters during promotion and change of command ceremonies held on Jan. 9.
Charlton, who is a command pilot with more than 3,400 hours in a variety of aircraft, started his Air National Guard career by enlisting in the 174th Fighter Wing at Hancock Field Air National Guard Base, in 1990 as a fuel system technician. He deployed with the wing’s F-16s to the Middle East in 1990/ 91 as part of Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm.
In 2000, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant and became an F-16 pilot. Charlton served in the 138th Fighter Squadron and made the transition from the F-16 to the remotely piloted MQ-9, when the 174th converted to an attack wing from 2010 to 2012.
Charlton served as the commander of the 138th Attack Squadron before being reassigned to the 107th Attack Wing at Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station. He served as the command of the wing’s operations group and then wing vice commander before commanding the 107th from 2018 to 2022.
From 2022 to 2024, Charlton served as commander of the 105th Airlift Wing, the C-17 Globemaster III unit based at Stewart Air National Guard Base in Newburgh. He was promoted to brigadier general in June of 2022, while leading the 105th Airlift Wing.
He left command of the 105th in 2024 and served briefly as the director of operations for the Air National Guard Bureau’s operations section, before returning to New York to assume his current position.
Charlton holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Columbia College and is a graduate of the Air Command and Staff College and the Air War College. He is a graduate of the National Security Studies Program at Syracuse University and the General and Flag Officer Seminar conducted by Harvard University.
Charlton’s military awards include the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal the Air Medal. The Aerial Achievement Medal and campaign medals for his military deployments.
The New York Air National Guard, with over 5,800 Airmen serving in five air wings and the Eastern Air Defense Sector is the largest Air National Guard in the country.
The New York Air Guard also includes the 109th Airlift Wing at Stratton Air National Guard Base in Scotia, and the 106th Rescue Wing at Francis S. Gabreski Air National Guard base in Westhampton Beach.
The Eastern Air Defense Sector is responsible for the air defense of the United States east of the Mississippi as part of the North American Aerospace Defense Command.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 January 2026 at 7:52 pm
Provided photos: Th winning teams in the Medina Rotary Cornhole Tournament on Saturday at Dubby’s Tailgate in Albion included, from left: A bracket – Jimmy Youmans and Colin Hodet; B bracket – James Findlay and Shawn Murray; C bracket – Jeff Koch and David Leake.
ALBION – The Medina Rotary Cornhole Tournament again drew a big response from top cornhole players in the region and beyond on Saturday with 89 teams vying for $5,000 in prize winnings.
Saturday was the third time Medina Rotary has put on the event at Dubby’s Tailgate. The teams were divided into three brackets.
The payouts included A bracket (top players) – $1,300 for first, $750 for second, and $500 for third.
B bracket – $750 for first, $500 for second, and $250 for third.
C bracket – $500 for first, $300 for second, and $150 for third.
The tournament was expected to raise about $5,000 for Medina Rotary. Each team paid $90 to compete in the tournament. Sponsorships and a 50/50 raffle at $1,200 also boosted the amount for Rotary, which gives the money back to causes in the community.
Medina Rotary President Randy Reese said the tournament has proven to be a fun activity for the cornhole players and a good fundraiser for the Rotary Club.
Photos by Tom Rivers: Some of the cornhole take warmup tosses before a game on Saturday. Each team played four rounds before going into a double-elimination playoff. There were some pro players from Canada and also the American Cornhole League among the participants in the tourney.
Tyler McClary, who is part of a team with Mike Beach of Albion, competes in the tournament on Saturday.
Dubby’s hosts a winter cornhole league on Wednesday evenings that started last week. Click here for more information on the league.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 January 2026 at 11:04 am
Finger Lakes Community College, Jacksonville State University, SUNY Canton and Southern New Hampshire University note academic achievers from Orleans
Four colleges have recently notified the Orleans Hub of students from Orleans County who made either the Dean’s List or President’s List for the fall semester.
• At Finger Lakes Community College in Canandaigua, there are 973 students on the Dean’s List, maintaining at least a 3.5 grade point average for the semester.
Those students include Rachael Howard of Albion, Bryan Hardenbrook of Kendall, and Addison Paul and Julian Woodworth of Medina.
• Seagan Christine Majchrzak of Medina has been named to Dean’s List at Jacksonville State University in Alabama.
To be named to the Dean’s List, students must earn a 3.5-3.99 GPA for the semester while completing at least 12 GPA hours of course credit.
• Two students from Orleans County were named to the President’s List at SUNY Canton with GPAs of 3.75 or higher.
Lakshia Johnson of Albion and Lorelei Sanders are both Legal Studies majors.
• Two from Orleans also were named to the President’s List at Southern New Hampshire University in Manchester, NH.
Andrea Sanchez Vargas of Holley and Nordia Campbell of Albion both had GPAs of 3.70 or higher.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 January 2026 at 10:11 am
Apex will focus on site work in 2026 before 28 turbines constructed next year
BARRE – The first phase of construction is expected to start next week for a high-profile project that has been 10 years in the making.
Apex Clean Energy will start clearing about 30 acres of trees next week in Barre. Apex has hired Ironwood Heavy Highway in Rochester for the job of clearing trees. Ironwood is expected to start cutting down trees on Jan. 19. The job should take a few weeks with work limited to between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m., said Carmen O’Keefe, the director of development, and Brian O’Shea, director of public of public engagement for Apex Clean Energy.
Apex is owner and developer of the Heritage Wind project in Barre, which will have the capacity to produce 126 megawatts of electricity.
The tree clearing is limited to no later than March 31 due to the presence of federally listed bats.
There will be a full mobilization of about 200 construction workers in the community in May or June to work on installing access roads, turbine foundations and other site work, including construction of turn radiuses for the delivering of the turbine components.
The Heritage Wind project will have 28 turbines, and the turbines will be constructed in 2027 with the project expected to be operational in late 2027, O’Shea said. The turbines will be more than 600 feet high.
The project also includes 10.5 miles of access roads, one permanent meteorological tower, 25.2 miles of collection lines, a temporary construction laydown yard of approximately 13.9 acres, a temporary concrete batch plant (if needed), parking for construction workers, an operations and maintenance facility with two buildings totaling about 4,000 square feet, and one aircraft detection lighting system tower.
For maps and more details of the project, click here.
Once the project is operational, Apex will pay $9,000 per megawatt to local municipalities or $1,134,000 in the first year, with a 2 percent increase after that over 25 years.
Barre gets 75 percent of the money as part of a Host Community Agreement. The $6,750 per megawatt totals $850,000.
The remaining 25 percent or $2,250 per megawatt is evenly split by the school district and county. That is $140,175 each.
In addition, Heritage Wind will be paying $4.575 million administrative fees to the Orleans Economic Development Agency for administering the PILOT with the school district and county.
The project also will save the average Barre household $150 annually in energy bills through the first ten years of the project’s operations through NYSERDA’s Host Community Benefit Program, O’Shea said.
