HOLLEY – A nearly $200,000 grant will upgrade equipment for the Holley Police Department.

The federal funding was accepted by the Village Board last month. The U.S. Department of Justice makes the money available to states and local jurisdictions.

Holley was awarded $198,546. That will pay for a 2025 Dodge Durango patrol vehicle that is fully set up with technology for the Police Department, said Police Chief Bob Barton.

The Holley PD also will replace five body cameras and 10 tasers. It will also be part of the LiveScan fingerprinting and photo database through the state Division of Criminal Justice Services.

Barton said the grant will make a big impact on the Holley department that includes three full-time officers and seven part-timers. The full-timers include Barton as chief, and officers A.J. Fisher and Nick Pahura.

Holley also received a $15,845 grant for new computers and technology in the two police vehicles.

MEDINA – At an informational meeting Wednesday morning Village of Medina Mayor Marguerite Sherman announced hiring of a project administrator for Medina’s Downtown Small Project grant and offered suggestions to members of Medina Area Partnership on how to apply for a grant.

Several MAP members attended the meeting, where they learned of the hiring of Lauryn DaCosta with LaBella Associates, who will administer the grants.

Marguerite Sherman takes questions from members of MAP during an informational meeting Wednesday morning.

Sherman explained a requirement of their $300,000 Small Projects Grant (part of the $4.5 million NY Forward grant announced for Medina last year) was to spend $30,000 on hiring an administrator.

Sherman said two firms replied in their search for an administrator, and they chose LaBella because they had worked with them before and were satisfied with their relationship.

Sherman went on to say that grants are wonderful but business owners have to be prepared and do everything required on the grant application.

She asked for suggestions on the best way to get pertinent information to business owners. Shawn Ramsey, the owner of Canalside Tattoo, suggested notices in water bills. Other suggestions were Zoom meetings, door-to-door meetings, e-mails and yard signs.

The Small Projects Grant will provide funds for small business owners, who must provide a 25% match. Eligible use of funds includes building renovations, business assistance (permanent commercial machinery and equipment), public art (such as murals and sculptures) and soft costs (architectural and design, engineering and environmental testing).

Sherman handed out a list of ineligible projects, which included acquisition, new construction, demolition, religious organizations, site work, inventory and more.

The new administrator will develop applications, Sherman said. Applicants will have to show up front they have the match and the full amount to complete their project.

Projects will be selected by a non-biased committee chosen by the village.

Sherman said it was very important for business owners to first go through the code enforcement officer and planning board when preparing to apply for a grant.

It is very important to check the regulations for making improvements to a façade in the historic district before starting the work, Sherman said. She cited instances of changes being made without permission and then the owner begging for forgiveness.

“That isn’t going to happen anymore,” she cautioned.

 Business owners have 22 months from the kickoff meeting with the village to complete projects.

“It can be very frustrating when applying for a grant, but if you follow the rules, it can be very rewarding,” Sherman said.

Laura Gardner of a lily and a sparrow, center, and Medina Mayor Marguerite Sherman welcomed members of MAP to a meeting Wednesday to discuss applying for a Downtown Small Project grant. Bonnie Heck from Herbalty Cottage s seated at left.

Provided photo: Orleans County Legislator Skip Draper, center, on Tuesday presents “life saver” awards to corrections officers Danny Woodward, second from left, and Brandi Brege, second from right. They are joined by Lt. Chris Caulfield of the Orleans County Jail, left, and Sheriff Chris Bourke, right.

ALBION – The Orleans County Legislature presented special recognition awards for life-saving action by two corrections officers for their efforts to prevent the death of an Orleans County Jail inmate who was found hanging in his cell.

Corrections officers Brandi Brege and Danny Woodward were alerted to the inmate in his cell on Feb. 10.

 “Following the notification by inmates in the block, Orleans County Sheriff’s correction officers immediately responded, entered the area and cut the person down,” said Sheriff Chris Bourke. “Officers began life-saving measures as EMS was called. The actions of our officers saved the life of a human being that day and we are very thankful for that.”

The corrections officers were presented awards on Tuesday from the Legislature and praised for their “quick thought and immediate action.” They were commended for helping someone in a time of need.

“I’m proud to be part of the same team as these guys,” Jail Lt. Chris Caulfield said. “We train for incidents life this, and we hope they don’t happen.”

Others who assisted include Talee Kehlenbeck, and corrections officers Divere Brown, Furious Robinson, Todd Riemer, Tammy Kendrick and Robert Cary III.

Provided photos

ALBION – The Orleans County Department of Social Services’ Safe Harbour Program recognized the top three entries in its poster contest to raise awareness about human trafficking.  The theme is “Spot the Signs – Stop the Traffick.”

Inez Stangler of Kendall holds her winning poster.

Pictured from left include Teresa Elam-Zwifka, director of Child & Family Services; Logan Hammons of Albion, 3rd place; Kelli Dingle of Albion, 2nd Place; Inez Stangler of Kendall, 1st Place; and Heather Jackson, caseworker and Safe Harbour/Human Trafficking liaison.

The contest was open for students in grades 7-12. They were asked to submit 8.5 by 11-inch posters that included red flags, vulnerabilities, warning signs and myths about human trafficking.

The first prize winner receives a VR Headset; second prize is a bin full of multiple items; and third prize is a pair of Beats Solo 4 headphones.

The Safe Harbour program is designed to be a safe place for young people between 12-18 years of age. In addition to providing education and awareness, Safe Harbour provides lessons in life skills to promote a strong foundation to help children launch into their future.

For more information on the poster contest or the Safe Harbour program, contact Heather Jackson at 585-589-2837 or email heather.jackson@orleanscountyny.gov.

Provided photo

ALBION – Orleans County Legislator Bill Eick (left), a retired dairy farmer, presents a proclamation on Tuesday declaring March as “Agriculture Month” in Orleans County. Eick hands the proclamation from the County Legislature to Chad Kirby, president of the Orleans County Farm Bureau.

Kirby, a fruit and vegetable grower, thanked the legislators and said farmers will soon be extra busy with the planting season.

The 2022 Agricultural Census put Orleans County’s ag revenue at $233.6 million, which was a 50.4 percent jump from the $155.3 million in 2017, a growth of $78.3 million.

Orleans County ranks 15th among the state’s 62 counties for ag revenue. Cayuga is first at $461.9 million. The GLOW counties are all big ag producers. Wyoming is second in the state at $421.0 million, with Genesee at fifth with $359.7 million and Livingston at 8th with $288.1 million.

“Whereas, March signifies a national celebration of the importance of food and agriculture in the United States as it provides almost everything we eat and use each day,” the Legislature said in the proclamation. “This month we recognize and celebrate the diversity and abundance provided by New York’s farms and our growing food and agricultural sector and the contributions of Orleans County’s family farmers.”

State-wide there are 33,400 farms working 6.9 million acres of farmland. The ag economy contributes $5.4 billion to the state economy.

‘Rather than eliminating fluoridation, addressing the pressing dental care shortage should be the community’s priority’

ALBION – Oak Orchard Health has issued a statement urging the Village of Albion to keep fluoride in the public water supply.

“Oak Orchard Health expresses significant concern regarding Albion’s potential decision to discontinue community water fluoridation, which directly affects 15,000 residents,” Oak Orchard said in the statement. “With Orleans County already experiencing a critical dental care shortage and located in what is called a ‘dental desert’ – only one dentist is available for every 4,370 people – many individuals, particularly those who are underinsured, are left without essential dental services.”

The Village Board is having a public hearing at 6 p.m. today about discontinuing fluoride. The Albion water treatment plant provides water for about 15,000 people in the Village of Albion, and towns of Carlton, Gaines, Murray, Albion and Barre.

“Water fluoridation has been proven to reduce dental decay by more than 25% and remains a highly cost-effective preventive solution,” Oak Orchard said. “Recognized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as one of the top ten public health achievements of the 20th century, its removal could exacerbate oral health inequities. Rather than eliminating fluoridation, addressing the pressing dental care shortage should be the community’s priority.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Press Release, Orleans County Department of Social Services

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photos by Tom Rivers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Press Release, Orleans County Clerk Nadine Hanlon

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

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

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

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

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

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