Opening Day: Gates open at 4 p.m.

Midway will not be open.

Daily Feature: Animal Meet and Greet with Party Animals

Daily Feature: Orleans County Amateur Radio Club Scavenger Hunt win one of 20 free ice creams daily!

Daily Feature: Family Games Lounge located in the Lartz Commercial Exhibits Building

These camels will be available for rides during the fair. Besides all the usual fair livestock animals, this year’s fair has camels, giant pigs and dogs doing shows.

9 a.m. Senior Council Stand Opens – Senior Council Stand

8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Commercial Exhibits in place throughout event

9 a.m. Cloverbud Horse Show followed by Walk/Trot Horse Show – Carlos Marcello Arena

9 a.m. Rabbit and Poultry Meeting for all Exhibitors – Wachob Building

9 a.m. Fair Official Meeting – Fair Office

Abigail Goodrich, 16, of Medina walks with an Appaloosa horse named “Cooper J. Lane.” There will be about 50 horses in this week’s fair.

9:30 a.m. Cattle Barn Department Meeting for all Exhibitors – Cattle Barn

10 a.m. Goat/Sheep Department meeting for all Exhibitors – Goat/Sheep Barn

10:30 a.m. Market Auction Weigh-In

10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Common Garden Vegetables, Market Packages, Cut Flowers, Indoor Gardening, Fruits and Nuts, Plant Collection (Preserved and Scrapbook), Landscape Pictures and Plants, Experiments, Horticulture Methods Judged – Trolley Building

11 a.m. Field Crops Judged – Trolley Building

Dennis Mathes, 14, of Barre helps his sister hang up her sign. His sister Izzabella McCoy will be showing a Jersey in the beef show. Dennis will also be an exhibitor in the beef show.

1 to 3 p.m. Group Exhibits, Food Preservation, Baked Goods and Visual Arts Judged – Trolley Building

4 p.m. Paid admission begins – Wood and Taylor Hill Road Parking Lots

4 -10 p.m. Free Psychic Readings by the Shushed Charlatan – Lartz Building

4 p.m. Leader’s Pie Stand Opens – Pie Stand

4 p.m. Free Entertainment: Hog Diggity Dogs – Knight’s Green Space

4 p.m. Dog Show Grooming and Handling – Knight’s Building

Robert Batt, executive director of the Cornell Cooperative Extension, chats with his brother Aaron. Robert was carrying llama obstacles. It was one of many last-minutes duties to get ready for this week’s fair.

5 p.m. Arestov Acrobatic Extravaganza – Education Center Parking Lot

6 p.m. Opening Ceremony, Presentation of Colors by Orleans County Veterans – Flag Pole on Ed Center Lawn

6 p.m. Swine Show – Show Arena

6 p.m. Ice Cream Eating Contest – Orleans Hub Stage

6 p.m. Blacksmithing Demo by Barn Owl Blacksmithing – Beadle Heritage Building

6 p.m. Free Entertainment: Hog Diggity Dogs – Knight’s Green Space

Cecelia Farruggia, 16, of Holley checks on her Texas longhorn named Ada. Cecelia will show the animal in Tuesday’s beef show. The longhorn has a horn span of 41 inches.

6:30 p.m. 4-H Clothing Revue – Orleans Hub Stage

6:30 p.m. Mini-Horse Show and Horse Driving Classes – Carlos Marcello Arena

6:30 p.m. Trolley Building Youth Exhibits Open – Trolley Building

7 p.m. Arestov Acrobatic Extravaganza – Education Center Parking Lot

8 to 10 p.m. Orleans County 4-H Fair $1,000 Karaoke Contest – Orleans Hub Stage

8 p.m. Free Entertainment: Hog Diggity Dogs – Knight’s Green Space

10 p.m. Buildings Close throughout event

Matthew Bloom, 12, of Albion and Charlotte McGrath, 10, of Medina work together to carry a bale of hay. They were setting up spots for their dairy animals. Matthew is also showing in the swine and beef competitions.

These sheep take it easy on Sunday after moving in the sheep and goat barn. That facility opened last year. There are about 40 sheep and 60 goats in this year’s fair. The sheep in front is a Dorset named “Crazy Sue” that will be exhibited by Michael Clark.

Orleans County is included in a severe thunderstorm watch from 9:55 p.m. tonight to 5 a.m. Monday.

New York counties in the watch, issued by the national Weather Service, include: Allegany, Cattaraugus, Cayuga, Chautauqua, Clinton, Erie, Essex, Franklin, Genesee, Hamilton, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Livingston, Madison, Monroe, Niagara, Oneida, Onondaga, Ontario, Orleans, Oswego, Seneca, St. Lawrence, Wayne, Wyoming and Yates.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Vickie Elsenheimer, left, and Laurie Banker serve fried chicken dinners on Saturday next to Arnold’s Auto Parts on North Liberty Street in Albion. They are members of the Royal Body Shop Outreach Ministries. In back are the church’s pastor Albert Wilson, left, and Jeff Elsenheimer.

The Royal Body Shop served 220 dinners on Saturday. Proceeds from the dinner will go towards the ministries’ fund to offer free community events. Some of the Royal Bod Shop community programs included gifts and activities as part of Christmas celebration, an egg hunt near Easter and a Juneteenth celebration at Bullard Park.

This 1987 Ford Mustang was one of about 40 classic cars at a cruise-in as part of the event.

John Hollenbeck, 12, tries to rally support for a 50/50 drawing. His family is active in the Albion Masonic Lodge which helped with the event on Saturday.

A heat advisory has been issued today from 1 to 7 p.m. for Orleans and several other nearby counties, the national Weather Service in Buffalo advised.

Heat index values in the middle to upper 90s are expected. The advisory also includes Niagara, Genesee, Monroe, Wayne, northern Cayuga, Oswego, Livingston and Ontario counties.

The temperature is forecast to reach a high of 89 today. The hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses to occur, the Weather Service said.

People are encouraged to drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances, the Weather Service said.

Today’s forecast in Orleans County also includes showers and thunderstorms likely before 4 p.m., with more showers and thunderstorms before 3 a.m. tonight.

The highs for the rest of the week include 78 on Monday, 79 on Tuesday, 82 on Wednesday, 82 on Thursday, 79 on Friday, and 78 on Saturday.

By Catherine Cooper, Orleans County Historian

Illuminating Orleans, Vol. 2, No. 26

This example of Victorian hair art is on display at the Medina Historical Society Museum, 406 West Ave. in Medina. This and many other treasures may be seen at the Museum’s Open House on the first Saturday of each month, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

ALBION – The Orleans County Historical Association has planned an ambitious summer schedule featuring programs and cemetery tours.

Bill Lattin, retired Orleans County historian, will speak on the topic of Victorian hair art on Wednesday, July 27, at 7 p.m. at the schoolhouse on Gaines Basin Road, north of the canal in Albion.

Victorian hair art generally elicits reactions of distaste today, though it was popular at one time when attitudes towards death and mourning differed greatly. Mr. Lattin will elaborate on these cultural changes.

Several cemetery tours have also been scheduled. These will begin at 6 p.m.

• Aug. 7 – Hillside Chapel and Hillside Cemetery Tour, Holley. Presenter: Melissa Ierlan (Meet at Chapel)
• Aug. 14 – Mt. Albion Cemetery, Albion. Presenter: Bill Lattin (Enter Main Gate, Meet at Chapel)
• Aug. 19 – Lynhaven Cemetery Tour, Lyndonville. Presenter: Catherine Cooper
• Aug. 21 – Mt. Albion Cemetery (with a focus on the residents of Gaines buried there). Presenter: Adrienne Kirby (Enter East Gate)

On a lighter note, Bill Lattin will close out the month on Aug. 31 with an audio presentation at 7 p.m. at the Schoolhouse on Gaines Basin Road, Albion: “Edison Phonographs: the comedy of Cal Stewart, 1856 – 1919.” Stewart’s comic monologues centered around “Uncle Josh” and life in “Pumpkin Center.”

These programs are presented free of charge by members of the Orleans County Historical Association. However, free-will donations to fund the maintenance of the schoolhouse would be appreciated.

The view of the mansion across one of nine gardens on the property.

Let’s go on an adventure together….to Sonnenberg Gardens!

On Thursday, July 14th, I had the pleasure of visiting a local treasure – Sonnenberg Gardens in Canandaigua, NY. It was a day-trip organized by Mitzy Peglow of Orleans Travel for the Busy Buddies group I belong to. A comfortable motor coach took our group from Tops parking lot to our destination in Canandaigua – the “Sonnenberg Gardens and Mansion State Historic Park” for the day. It was such a lovely day – I had a great time! I love doing day-trip bus tours. It gives me an opportunity to experience new things around our area without having to drive and find my way around. Perfect!

Sonnenberg Gardens is a 50-acre estate located at the north end of Canandaigua Lake in the beautiful Finger Lakes – originally a 300-acre farmstead. The property, open to the public from late spring to mid fall, was the summer home of Frederick Ferris Thompson and his wife Mary Clark Thompson. Frederick was a prominent New York City banker – one of the co-founders of what is now known as Citibank and JPMorgan Chase Bank. Mary was the daughter of former NY Governor Myron Holley Clark. The couple’s primary home was in New York City, but they chose Mary’s home town of Canandaigua for their summer residence. In 1887, they built a 40 room Queen Anne style mansion where the former farmhouse stood. Today, the property is managed by a non-profit organization that was formed in the early 1970s to restore the mansion and gardens. They have a year round staff of six, about 170 seasonal volunteers, and operate solely on funds raised from admissions, events, memberships/donations, and gift and wine sales. They receive no local, state, or federal funding. Given all that and some other facts from the history of the property, I think they do an awesome job.

This is the entrance to a complex of greenhouses dedicated to various specific floral varieties, such as orchids, succulents, and more. More greenhouses are located around the property, as well.

We were left to explore the gardens and the mansion on our own. It was a lovely day to stroll around the property and take in the splendor and opulence of life in the gilded age. When I think of a summer home, I think of a small cottage on the lake….they built a 40 room mansion with bedrooms equipped with full bathrooms and large walk-in closets / dressing rooms in every one. The mansion is simply stunning and full of beautiful original furnishings and items that belonged to the Thompsons. While the gardens could use a little more tender loving care, it is easy to imagine how gorgeous the property must have been back in the Thompson’s day.

The property consists of the mansion, nine gardens of various styles – including a wonderful Japanese garden, several green houses, a café that serves light lunches, a gift shop, and the Finger Lakes Wine Center where they offer wine tastings.

Lunch was a highlight of the day. We were given a choice of three wraps – veggie, smoked turkey, or chicken Caesar. I chose the smoked turkey and was very happy with it. Instead of the usual tortilla wraps, they used delicate crepes to wrap the meat, lettuce, red onion, and roasted red pepper mayo and it was amazing – what a wonderful idea. The meal started out with a chilled melon and berry soup that was yogurt based and absolutely incredible – I think everyone left wanting more of that soup – I know I did! We finished off lunch with delicious cookies or brownies. So good!

After lunch we gathered for a wine tasting in the Finger Lakes Wine Center. We were treated to six different wines to taste. Four were Sonnenberg’s own wines that they only sell on the property – you can’t find them anywhere else and they are very good. The other two were from other Finger Lakes Region wineries – a Hot Pepper wine that really surprised me and a watermelon wine that was the perfect ending to the wine tastings. I enjoyed all six wines.

After the wine tasting, some went back to wandered the grounds and explore gardens they missed before lunch and others sat to chat and enjoy being out on such a gorgeous day. The bus left to head home about 3:30 and we were back in Albion by about 4:45. It was such a nice day – a good time was had by all.

I highly recommend visiting Sonnenberg Gardens in Canandaigua – a true local treasure, for sure, and so easy to get to – not far at all!

I took TONS of photos and did a good bit of research into the history of Sonnenberg Gardens and the couple who built it – the Thompsons. Check out my blog post for all the photos and history….and, then, go see it for yourself:  https://thoughtsbykim.com/2022/07/20/2022-sonnenberg-gardens-day-trip-adventure/

Happy Adventuring!

This stunning stained glass window is the first thing you see when you get to the bottom of the steps going into the old root cellar that is now a beautiful tasting room for the Finger Lakes Wine Center.

KNOWLESVILLE – The big week is nearly here with about 25,000 people expected to attend the Orleans County 4-H Fair from Monday through Saturday.

The admission is at $5 for a weekly pass, or $3 for one day or $1 a day for kids 11 and under. That differs from the $7 per carload in 2019. There was no fair in 2020. Last year was the first time the fair went to reduced admission prices.

“At a time when everything else is going up, our goal is to be as reasonable as possible so everyone can go to the fair,” said Robert Batt, executive director of the Cornell Cooperative Extension in Orleans County.

He is expecting another big turnout from the community for a fair that typically draws about 25,000 people for the six days.

Already, there is a record-high for campers at the fair.

Batt said fair-goers will be pleased to see new rides from Main Event Amusements, including a taller Gondola Ferris wheel.

Main Event offers a $25 unlimited ride wristband in the midway from 3 to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 1 to 5 p.m. and 6 to 10 p.. on Saturday. That price is $20 if purchased presale online. (Click here for more information.)

The fair is “back to normal” will all the livestock shows, food and business vendors, 4-H exhibits, entertainment and other displays.

The opening ceremonies are set for 6 p.m. on Monday.

Click here for a schedule of events throughout the week.

Aeddon Cayea, an Americorps worker for the Cornell Cooperative Extension in Orleans County, holds one of the shirts passed out on Wednesday evening to 4-H’ers. About 300 shirts for different clubs and the fair were given out to the 4-H youth.

MEDINA – The first three concerts in Medina’s new “Blue Thursdays” concert series have each drawn 800 people to State Street Park, said one of the event organizers.

Chris Busch is president of the Orleans Renaissance Group, which is teaming with The Print Shop to put of the new event at the State Street Park pavilion.

He hears from people from outside Medina who are attending the concerts, and then staying in Medina after for a meal. Others are coming back on weekends to explore the community.

“There are lots of comments how lucky we are to live in such a nice little village, how great everything is, how much they’re enjoying the event and that they’re coming back each week,” Busch said.

State Street Park is handling the crowds “beautifully,” Busch said. There is plenty of space in the shade for people and vendors to spread out, with parking close by.

“No matter how you stack it up, the event is bringing 800 people to Medina every week, with half or more from out of town,” Busch said.

Busch and Ken Daluisio of The Print Shop have talked with people at the concerts from Buffalo, Tonawanda, Lockport, Batavia, Evans, Wilson and other surrounding areas.

“We do believe many have come for the first time and have continued to come back,” he said. “They are from all ages.”

The first concert on July 7 featured the Dave Viterna Group, a well-known local band from Medina. Viterna has a strong local following and a big crowd was expected for the debut event.

The crowd hasn’t let up for the second and third concerts with about 800 people for the Frank Grizanti Band on July 14 and again for the Jeremy Keyes Band this past Thursday.

“We’re consistently seeing over 800 per show and they’re coming from all over WNY,” Daluisio said. “Everyone’s having a great time. They’re loving the bands we’ve booked, the venue and the amenities.”

The Jeremy Keyes Band of Buffalo received a standing ovation on Thursday. Keyes and his bandmates said they loved the vibe and the venue, and hope to come back next year.

The series continues July 28 at 6:30 p.m. with the Growlers Blues Band, also of Buffalo. The other remaining bands include Dave Constantino Band on Aug. 4 and Maria Aurigema on Aug. 11.

Amenities at the series include food by Cusimano’s Pizzeria, Parker’s Pit BBQ and Catherine St. Bakery, with refreshments provided by Blue Groove Coffee, Leonard Oakes Estate Winery and 810 Meadworks. Gloria Brent, owner of Modern Mercantile and Main Liquor, is a sponsor for the music.

ALBION – The Orleans County Planning Board will meet on Thursday, 28, to review proposals for two 650-foot-high turbines and Shelby and a 25-bed women and children community residence in Albion.

In Shelby, Borrego Solar System Inc. is proposing the two turbines  on South Gravel Road in an apple orchard owned by the Smith family. Town Supervisor Jeff Smith recently retired as an apple grower. His family’s property is proposed for the two turbines. He is recusing himself from any votes or official discussion about the project.

Borrego already has completed a big energy project in Orleans County. in 2019 it developed an 8.5 megawatt solar project in the Town of Ridgeway on Allis and Beals roads on land owned by Ken Baker.

The two turbines were presented as a “community wind project” by David Strong, senior project developer for Borrego. He said during a June 14 town meeting that the turbines could provide enough electricity for 2,000 homes. He said residents could be eligible for 10 percent off their electricity costs through the project.

The County Planning Board will review the request for a special use permit and site plan review for the 10 megawatt wind energy system.

In Albion, planners will review the site plan for a 25-bed women and children community residence at 3597 Butts Rd.

The Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse is proposing the project.

“Ten of the units will have the capacity to house women with children,” John Bennett, GCASA executive director, said in March 2021. “It’s sorely needed as there aren’t that many programs around that offer services to women and their pre-school age children, which is a significant barrier for women to receive the intensive-type treatment they may need for addiction.”

He said then that there are only two programs west of Albany that assist women and children in this way.

“Our percentage of female population has gone up over the years. I think when we wrote the grant it had gone up over 12 percent in a three- or four-year period – up to the mid- or high-30s,” he said.

The Planning Board meeting with be at the County Office Building at 14016 Route 31 West.

Click here to view 4-H Fair Supplement online!

Press Release, State Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt

ALBANY – New York State Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt and New York State Assembly Republican Leader Will Barclay today called for a special session of the Legislature to address surging violent crime in communities across New York State.

In order to restore public safety, the Republican Leaders are calling for the repeal of the disastrous bail reform laws and other so-called criminal justice reforms passed by One-Party-Rule.

Rob Ortt

Last night, two Rochester Police Officers were attacked in a shooting, tragically taking the life of a young 29-year veteran of the force and injuring another officer.

Earlier that day, Congressman Lee Zeldin was attacked on stage during a speech, in which the attacker held a sharp weapon. The attacker was taken into custody, charged with a felony, but immediately released with no bail.

“One-Party-Rule was quick to call a special session to restrict the rights of law-abiding citizens,” Ortt said. “If they actually care about the safety of all New Yorkers, they should be calling a special session to address the violent criminals breaking our laws. Last night, in just one evening, we tragically lost a Rochester police officer in the line of duty and there was a violent attack on Congressman Lee Zeldin. If it wasn’t clear before to the radicals in Albany, it should be as clear as day now: the deadly pro-criminal policies of the Governor and Democratic Majorities have made New Yorkers less safe. Enough is enough. How many more innocent victims must be attacked before Albany politicians wake up?”

As a result of the pro-criminal, anti-victim policies like bail reform, New York State has been plagued by surging crime. Major crime has skyrocketed 37% in New York City, Rochester last year experienced the most homicides in 30 years; and New York communities everywhere in between are less safe.

“In the last 24 hours, two Rochester police officers were shot—one fatally—and a gubernatorial candidate was attacked in public,” Barclay said. “When you consider major crimes in New York City are up nearly 40% this year, there is no doubt – New Yorkers are not safe. I am calling on Gov. Kathy Hochul to convene a special session to take up measures that will hold menacing criminals responsible and repeal bail reform once and for all. There is no other way to stop this unprecedented and unsustainable surge in violence sweeping across our state.”

The Senate and Assembly Republican conferences have been a leading voice for calling for a repeal of the disastrous bail reform laws since they were first passed in 2019. At the beginning of this year’s legislative session, the conferences unveiled the “Restore Public Safety Agenda,” which called for:

Protecting Those Who Protect Us:

• Invest in law enforcement;
• Provide them with the support they need to make our communities safe and serve those in need; and
• Fight Democrat efforts to “Defund the Police.”

Rejecting Dangerous “Reforms” like Cashless Bail:

• End cashless bail, restore judicial discretion and reject proposals like “Clean Slate”;
• Require state agencies to be transparent about the effects of public safety policies; and
• Enact policies that get dangerous individuals off our streets.

Reforming the Broken Parole System:

• Recenter the Parole process around the protection and rights of crime victims and their families;
• Ensure that cop-killers, serial killers, child killers, and other dangerous murderers can NEVER be released; and
• Reject dangerous Democrat proposals like “Elder Parole” and “Fair and Timely Parole.”

Passing a Victims’ Justice Agenda:

• Strengthen penalties for violent and repeat offenders, as well as hate crimes;
• Create and support more victims’ services and resources; and
• Invest in proven mental health, addiction, and homeless programs.

“Countless New Yorkers are falling victim to crime every day. Yesterday’s events have shined a tragic spotlight on that fact,” Ortt said. “Restoring public safety cannot wait – it’s time for the political ruling class to make the safety of New Yorkers a priority. Governor Hochul must convene a special session to finally repeal these disastrous pro-criminal policies that have made New Yorkers less safe.”

HOLLEY – The former Odd Fellows Hall, a building from 1890 at the northeast corner of the historic Public Square, has new owners in Michelle and Richard Gallo of Murray.

The village has tried for years to save the build and find an owner with a plan to return the site as a vibrant part of the community.

Michelle Gallo

Dan Schiavone, chairman of the Village of Holley Development Corporation, said he’s confident the Gallos will be good stewards of the building.

“We’re optimistic that the Gallos will make the necessary improvements to the building in order to preserve its historic significance in the village,” Schiavone said. “At one time, we weren’t so sure of the building’s future and thought it might be end up being demolished.  Today, we have renewed hope in the future of this very important historic building in Holley’s Public Square.”

The couple owns Gallo’s Performance Auto Parts & Truck in Brockport and also a restaurant in Hamlin – Gallo’s Bar & Grill. Mrs. Gallo said they will turn the upstairs into two apartments and the first floor into offices for two businesses. They renovated a house on Hindsburg Road and they enjoyed that process of upgrading that property.

Mrs. Gallo said she hears from people about a need for residential and office space in Holley.

“We’re excited about the building,” she said. “We hope to get to work soon. First it will be a clean out and then repair.”

The Village of Holley Development Corporation has owned the site and looked for resources to stabilize the structure. It received a $50,000 grant from the state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation to repair the roof. The Gallos won’t use the grant for the roof work if it means the couple will need state approval for any changes to the building.

Mrs. Gallo said she is waiting to hear the details from the state about any restrictions on the building owner if the grant is utilized.

The Village of Holley Development Corporation was able to secure the grant, and also paid off back taxes on the property, with the county forgiving late fees and interest on the taxes.

“We thought these actions would make the property more attractive to a private investor,” Schiavone said. “We’re happy with this outcome and the new outlook on Odd Fellows Hall.”

The Landmark Society of Western New York in 2018 named the building to its “Five to Revive.” That is an annual list of preservation priorities in the region.

The Landmark Society said the Holley building was at risk due to neglect and masonry deterioration.

“Larger and more imposing than its immediate neighbors, this anchor building is a key element in Holley’s downtown commercial district,” the Landmark Society said in October 2018. “A new owner and a plan for reuse are critical to the ongoing revitalization of downtown Holley.”

Culvert Road track hosts 2 more races in 65^th season

File photos by Tom Rivers: Kevin Hazel, president of the Crusaders Motorcycle, watches young riders and shouts encouragement during a training camp on June 16, 2018. He encourages the young riders to keep their elbows up, look ahead and concentrate on the racetrack.

RIDGEWAY – The Crusaders Motorcycle Club has a busy weekend.

The club will have its annual free training session on Saturday for 50cc riders, ages 4 to 8. This class provides young riders with basic riding and racing skills. The participants will be taught what all the different colored flags represent, how to watch for the green race light and to practice their starting skills.

They will also learn how to maneuver around the corners. By the end of the day all the riders will be picking up their speed and increasing their riding skills.

These riders head off the track after taking a few laps during the training camp on June 16, 2018.

On Sunday the Crusaders will host its annual memorial race in honor of past friends and family. This year marks the Crusaders 65th year of Flat Track Racing on Culvert Road in Ridgeway. Gates open at 7:30 a.m. Practice starts at 11:30 a.m. and racing begins at 12:30 p.m. at 3312 Culvert Rd. Admission is $15 and kids 12 and under are free with an adult.

The final race of the season will be the Women’s Mad Dawg Race on July 31 with a rain date  for Aug. 28 if needed. The Crusaders have updates on their Facebook page and on their website (click here).

Provided photo: These racers head down a turn at the track on Culvert Road. There are races this Sunday and on July 31.

ALBION – The Albion Village Board removed “provisional” from Albion Police Chief David Mogle’s title on Wednesday.

David Mogle

Mogle recently passed the Civil Service test for police chief. He has been leading the Albion Police Department since Roland Nenni retired on March 31, 2021.

Mogle has worked with the Albion PD for 14 years. His appointment was made permanent by the Village Board on Wednesday. His base salary is $95,000, which doesn’t include any longevity pay.

Mogle leads a department with 12 other officers. He said he prefers the small-town atmosphere in Albion.

“The people here treat us like human beings,” he said about the Albion community. “The people wave to us and say hi. It’s just different.”

Mogle said smaller departments like Albion face retention challenges because they don’t pay as much as city and larger suburban departments. Some of those departments can offer lifetime health insurance, which is too costly for Albion.

But Albion is more attractive for officers in other ways, mainly with a community atmosphere that is respectful of officers.

Mogle and his family are committed to Albion. Mogle’s wife Amber Mogle owns the Roots hair salon on East Bank Street. Mogle father, David Mogle, owns DK Autobody on Childs Street. Mogle and Albion police officer Chris Glogowski also teamed up to open The Coffee Joint in downtown Albion in October.

The Village Board on Wednesday also voted to make Lt. Brandon Annable’s salary at $90,000 a year, plus longevity pay.

In other action on Wednesday, the Board:

• Approved Owen Frederiay and Vincent Tarricone as new members of the Albion Fire Department.

• Voted to create a Civil Service position with a full-time water plant operator trainee position. Chief operator Adam Rush said a senior operator who is also the lab director will soon be retiring and trainee can work alongside that employee. Rush said the village reduced the full-time positions at the water plant by two in 2012.