By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 March 2025 at 11:56 am
Photo by Tom Rivers: The Orleans County Courthouse, the county’s iconic landmark in Albion, is shown on Jan. 10.
The latest population estimates from the Census Bureau show a gain for Orleans County of nearly 300 residents from July 1, 2023 to July 1, 2024.
That gain of 296 residents, from 39,390 to 39,686, represents a 0.75 percent increase, the fourth highest among the 62 counties in the state, according to the Census Bureau.
It helps counter some of the population losses from 2020 to 2023, when Orleans County’s population went 1,233 people from the April 2020 census to the July 1, 2023 estimate. That decline of 3.06 percent was among the steepest losses of 62 counties.
Going back to the 2010 census, when Orleans had 42,883 people, the county is down by 3,197 residents or 7.5 percent.
Lynne Johnson, the Orleans County Legislature chairwoman, is pleased to see the gain of nearly 300 people in the latest census estimate.
“While the growth is modest, many counties, especially across Upstate, actually lost population so any growth is good news,” she said. “It’s important we continue to tout all our county has to offer, from affordable housing to great schools to tremendous recreation and much more. People who move here quickly recognize what a great place this is to live and raise a family.”
The county’s with the largest percentage increases from the 2023 to 2024 population estimates include Franklin at a 1.75 percent increase, Schenectady at 1.17 percent, Orange at 0.82 percent, Orleans at 0.75 percent and Seneca at 0.72 percent.
The five counties with the biggest percentage declines include St. Lawrence at -0.50 percent, Chautauqua at -0.51 percent, Columbia at -0.52 percent, Delaware at -0.73 percent and Schuyler at -1.86 percent.
New York state’s population went up, according to the estimates, from 19,737,367 in 2023 to 19,867,248 in 2024.
A student from Orleans County has made the Dean’s List at Hartwick College and another made the Dean’s List at Grove City College.
Erin Kiefer of Lyndonville was named to Hartwick College’s Fall 2024 Dean’s List. Kiefer, who is pursuing a major in English at the college in Oneonta, was among the approximately 425 students who were named to the Fall 2024 Dean’s List.
To qualify, students must complete at least 12 academic credits during a term with a grade point average of at least 3.50 and no incompletes.
Emma Roush of Medina, a senior Psychology major at Grove City in Pennsylvania, has been named to the Dean’s List for the fall 2024 semester. Roush is a 2021 graduate of Medina High School. Students eligible for the Dean’s List have a GPA of 3.40 to 3.59.
WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today, alongside Congressman Richard Hudson (NC-9) and Congressman Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), reintroduced legislation to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to remove private or commercial golf courses and country clubs from section 144(c)(6)(B) of the U.S. tax code.
This legislation allows golf courses to take advantage of various forms of disaster relief and community development programs available to other businesses, such as restaurants, hotels and other leisure activities.
The golf industry comprises over 15,000 small businesses, 80% of which provide public recreational experiences for nearly 30 million Americans every year. It also supports 2 million jobs, and $4 billion is raised for charity each year through America’s golf courses.
“Golf courses create jobs, promote economic development, and provide a fun and healthy activity for friends and families across New York’s 24th Congressional District to enjoy,” Tenney said. “This legislation would allow golf courses, which provide a family-friendly activity, to use tax-exempt private activity bonds to help recover from natural disasters. This legislation will significantly benefit our community’s golf courses and work to continue to promote economic growth and prosperity throughout our region.”
“America’s golf courses contribute significantly to our local economies through jobs, tourism, and community development in places like my home county. Unfortunately, the outdated tax code has unfairly penalized these businesses for too long, making it harder for them to grow or recover after a disaster. As Co-Chair of the Congressional Golf Caucus, I’m proud to champion this legislation to support our golf industry,” said Congressman Hudson.
“For decades, golf courses have been excluded from disaster relief and economic stimulus programs under the tax code. Our bipartisan legislation would rectify this by removing the restrictions that prevent golf facilities from accessing the same support available to similar entities. By passing this legislation, we can ensure that golf courses are treated under the same standards as other businesses, helping them contribute to the recovery and growth of our local economies,” said Congressman Panetta.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 14 March 2025 at 7:28 am
Virtual programs have brought in many speakers for museum
Photo courtesy of the Erie Canal Museum: A woman steers a canal boat, likely with family members around her, in this photo from the Erie Canal Museum. The Cobblestone Museum will continue its series of virtual programs with “Waterway of Change: Women and the Erie Canal” at 6:30 p.m. March 20.
CHILDS – The Cobblestone Museum’s recent series of virtual programs will continue with “Waterway of Change: Women and the Erie Canal,” scheduled for 6:30 p.m. March 20.
Elizabeth Farrell, assistant director of education and public programming at the Erie Canal Museum in Syracuse, will be the featured speaker.
The program was chosen because the Erie Canal revolutionized Upstate New York, bringing new ideas, people and industries to the region and sparking a firestorm of change, said Sue Bonafini, assistant director of the Cobblestone Museum.
“This presentation will cover how the fight for women’s rights grew out of the changes brought about by the Erie Canal and the movement’s dependence on networks that the canal facilitated,” Bonafini said.
The idea for virtual programs grew out of the pandemic, when Bonafini learned that many museums started offering them as a way to generate revenue or serve as a source of community engagement.
“One art museum was able to connect with a contact in Paris to develop a program without the speaker actually flying to New York, which would have been a major expense for travel alone,” Bonafini said. “We offered our first virtual program Oct. 21 to test the waters.”
It was a program by a textile historian in Massachusetts who spoke about Civil War quilts. Thirty-four registered to view the program, and in 2022 and 2023 the Cobblestone offered two more virtual programs during their off-season months to generate some income ahead of the public season of May through October. Monthly offerings have been the norm in January through March since 2024, Bonafini said.
“We are delighted how popular these programs have become,” she said. “Quilt programs trend as the most attended, with 75 registrants this past January tuning in to learn about the c. 1843 Graveyard Quilt.”
Registrants are allowed to choose their donation based on a sliding scale from $5 to $20, Bonafini added. Many choose higher levels of giving than the basic fee. Fees support the Cobblestone Society and Museum, she said, and this season they added an option for college students and faculty to register at a $3 educational rate, with the hope of attracting a wider audience.
Bonafini said sliding scale donations are greatly appreciated using PayPal or a credit card on the Museum’s registration page. Virtual attendees will receive a link during the week of the program.
“We have been fortunate to find community members or businesses to sponsor the speaker’s fees for these virtual events,” Bonafini said.
Bonafini and the Cobblestone Museum gratefully acknowledge Pat’s Auto Repair at 13395 West Lee Rd., Albion, as the generous sponsor.
For assistance with registering or any more information, e-mail Bonafini at volunteers@cobblestonemuseum.org or call (585) 589-9013.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 March 2025 at 1:39 pm
ALBION – The Orleans County Bicentennial Committee is urging churches across the county to ring their bells at noon on April 15 for a minute.
The county will be celebrating its 200th anniversary with a celebration starting at noon in the county courthouse on April15. The courthouse bell also will be rung for a minute beginning at 12 p.m.
Orleans is marking the 200th anniversary of when it was formally established by the State Legislature on April 15, 1825. Orleans used to be part of Genesee County but split off and formed its owned county on 1825 with 10 towns – Albion, Barre, Carlton, Clarendon, Gaines, Kendall, Murray, Ridgeway, Shelby and Yates.
Press Release, New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs
Provided photos: New Yorkers can now apply for Iraq War (left) and Afghan War (right) commemorative medals, if they served in those campaigns.
LATHAM – The New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs is now issuing commemorative Afghanistan and Iraq War medals approved by the State Legislature and Governor Kathy Hochul in 2023.
The medals are not for wear on a uniform but were designed and authorized as a way for the legislature to thank veterans of these wars for their service.
Two bills, signed into law by the governor in November 2023, created the New York State Afghanistan War Commemorative Medal and the New York State Iraq War Commemorative Medal.
The Afghan War medal is awarded to members of the armed forces who served in Afghanistan between October 2001 and August 2021.
The Iraq War medal is for service members who served in Iraq between March 2003 and December 2011.
Last year the Division of Military and Naval Affairs began issuing commemorative medals to military veterans who served in the Korean and Vietnam Wars.
“On behalf of the legislature and Gov. Kathy Hochul, we at the Division of Military and Naval Affairs are proud to be able to play a role in recognizing the military service of those who fought in Iraq and Afghanistan,” said Maj. Gen. Ray Shields, the adjutant general of New York.
Veterans can apply for the medals online by going to the Division of Military and Naval Affairs website at https://dmna.ny.gov/awards/.
Applicants can use an online firm to request the medals, or they can print out, and mail in an application form.
Applicants must be New York state resident now, or have been a New York state resident when they served in Iraq or Afghanistan
Applicants must provide a digital or paper copy of their Department of Defense Form 214 (DD214) Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, as proof of military service in the two theaters of action.
Family members and other designated individuals can apply on behalf of a veteran. The medal can also be award posthumously.
BATAVIA – Genesee Community College has announced the Orleans County students on the Provost’s List for the fall semester.
Students honored on the Provost’s List have maintained part-time enrollment and earned a quality point index of 3.75 (roughly equivalent to an A) or better.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 March 2025 at 10:43 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
MEDINA – The Medina school district hosted ColorBurst 2025 on Saturday with 23 winter guard teams performing in the high school gym. The event draws about 500 spectators to Medina. The Medina guard is shown in the top photo.
Winter guard is a hybrid artform and sport that combines elements of music, dance, choreography and military-like precision in a competitive arena. Winter guard is touted for benefits for participants that include teamwork, fitness, timing, planning, responsibility, coordination, and goal-setting.
Medina competes in the SA class and presented its show, “Tidal.” Medina portrayed the power of water, and how the pull from the moon and natural events can disrupt the typically serene element into a powerful tidal wave.
There are 16 students in Medina’s varsity winterguard. The Medina JV also performed a show, “Going Up.”
Here are the top scores for the different divisions on Saturday:
Novice – Gates Chili with a score of 52.45.
Cadets – Ventures with 60.38
Regional A – Naples with 70.84
A1 Class – Ventures in A1 class with 71.18
Scholastic A – Victor Blue Devils in Scholastic with 83.5
Independent A – Gates Chili at 81.87
Seniors – Luminosa with 80.05
Independent Open – Gates Chili at 83.60
Greece Regional A presented its show, “Dancing Queen,” and featured music by Cyndi Lauper, “Girls Just Want to Have Fun,” ABBA’s “Dancing Queen” and Billy Elish’s “What was I Made For.”
Marcus Whitman performed “Tightrope” with music from The Greatest Showman. The show explores the power of trust and collaboration. ‘Life’s challenges are best faced together,” the Marcus Whitman Winterguard said in a message in the program. “Join us as we discover the strength found in walking side by side.”
The Victor Cadet Winterguard performed a show, “Singing in the Rain.” The cadets range in age from grades 5 to 8.
The crowd gave an enthusiastic response to the Victor cadets.
The all-abilities colorguard, Heritage Hurricanes, include performers from Heritage Christian Services and other community members in the Rochester area. They perform to the “Let’s Groove” by Earth, Wind and Fire. The group is directed by Medina native Melissa Jaeger.
The Hinsdale Headliners performed to a full moon poem, set in a deep dark forest. The show celebrates the moon and seeks to bring peace.
Ventures did a show, “The Overview Effect,” that reflected on the cognitive and emotional shift astronauts experience when viewing the Earth from space. It was set to music from “It’s A Wonderful World.”
Victor’s varsity guard did a powerful show, “Fragments of Forever.” The show included childhood photos of the guard members, who performed to Adele’s song, “When We Were Young.” They invited the crowd to walk down memory lane and revisit childhood memories.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 March 2025 at 8:42 am
Brett Sobieraski
ROCHESTER – A retired Rochester police sergeant who has inspired many and raised $300,000 towards charitable causes with endurances feats has been chosen “Citizen of the Year” and will be honored in Rochester’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Saturday.
Brett Sobieraski, a Carlton resident, was chosen as the “Citizen of the year” by the Rochester St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee. The parade starts at 12:30 p.m., beginning at East and Alexander, heading down East Avenue to the Liberty Pole. There, the parade heads west down Main Street and ends at the corner of Fitzhugh Street.
The parade has a theme celebrating the 200th anniversary of the Erie Canal, and honors the Irish immigrants who were a major part of the workforce for the canal.
Sobieraski has pushed himself in endurance challenges to raise money for fallen police officers and also the Special Olympics organization.
In 2023, he completed “8 States for Maz” and ran 1,310 miles through eight states over 50 days to honor fallen RPD Officer Anthony Mazurkiewicz, who was killed in the line of duty. Sobieraski ran a marathon every day in a journey tht started in Florida and ended in Rochester. One of his marathons was in Orleans County.
He wrote a book about the experience – “8 States for Maz- The Humanity Tour” – where he describes all the acts of kindness he witnessed from friends and strangers.
The writeup on Sobieraski from the Rochester St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee includes:
Brett Sobieraski grew up in Lockport and always wanted to be a police officer just like his father, John. Sobieraski was hired by the Lockport Police Department when he was 21 and worked there for four years, before transferring to the Rochester Police Department.
At RPD, he worked primarily in narcotics and on the SWAT Team during his career, as well as being an instructor at the Police Academy. He retired as a sergeant after 32 years of service.
He also served on the Board of Directors at Huther Doyle for over 20 years, helping individuals and families with addiction issues. In the early 2000s, Brett vowed to start living a healthier lifestyle. This eventually led him to ultra-distance events, and he used his grit and determination to finish extreme challenges, including swimming nonstop across Lake Ontario, running 175 miles along the Erie Canal, running 50 hours straight for various charities, and completing the 135-mile Badwater Ultramarathon in Death Valley, California, which is recognized as the most demanding and toughest road race on the planet.
In 2023, Brett completed “8 States for Maz” running 1310 miles through eight states over 50 days to honor fallen RPD Officer Anthony Mazurkiewicz, who was killed in the line of duty. Brett wrote a book about that journey called 8 States for Maz- The Humanity Tour, where he describes all the acts of kindness he witnessed from friends and strangers. People who gave him the last dollars out of their pocket for a family and a hero they’d never meet. It’s a beautiful story about America and about the kindness of Americans.
Brett has raised over $300,000 for charities such as Special Olympics New York, Veterans Outreach Center and the Mazurkiewicz family. Brett also wrote his memoir Gray Man – An Average Man’s Journey to Personal Greatness that provides a glimpse into what is possible when you set the conditions, put in the time and believe you can train yourself to achieve just about anything.
Press Release, State Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt
Photos courtesy of Rob Ortt’s office: Tom Homan, executive associate director for Enforcement and Removal Operations, speaks in the State Capitol today with Republican members of the State Senate and State Assembly.
ALBANY – Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt and Assembly Republican Leader Will Barclay, along with members of the Senate and Assembly Republican Conferences today were joined by United States “Border Czar” Tom Homan at the State Capitol to highlight the need for increased border security and the need to put an end to New York’s misguided sanctuary policies.
Director Homan joined the Republican Conferences to highlight state legislation to restore cooperation between local and state agencies and federal immigration authorities, as well as enhancing security measures at the northern border.
“Laken’s Law” (S.2538/A.2262), sponsored by Senate Republican Deputy Leader Andrew Lanza and Assemblyman Jarett Gandolfo, would restore cooperation between New York courts and law enforcement and federal immigration authorities when an illegal immigrant is arrested or detained.
Senator Dan Stec and Assemblyman Scott Gray sponsor legislation (S.1427/A.1528) to repeal the “Green Light Law” to exempt counties that share a border with Canada from the provisions of the 2019 law that allows illegal immigrants to obtain a driver’s license and restricted information sharing between state and federal authorities. Senator Dan Stec also carries legislation for a full repeal of the Green Light Law statewide (S.3489).
“The migrant crisis has raged out of control in New York as a direct result of open border and sanctuary policies enacted by Democrats at the state and federal levels. It’s refreshing to see the new administration taking definitive action to secure our borders and remove those here illegally who are making our communities less safe. It’s a great honor to be joined today by Border Czar Tom Homan, to thank him for his efforts, and urge that New York finally take action to put an end to policies that tie the hands of our law enforcement agencies so they can fully cooperate with our federal counterparts,” said Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt.
“This is a matter of public safety that should transcend partisan politics. There should be no debate. For years, we have been calling for stronger protections for our citizens surrounding the dangers posed by illegal migrants only to face opposition from Democrats. It’s common sense to secure our borders and restore full cooperation with federal immigration authorities. Anything less jeopardizes the safety of our communities,” said Assembly Republican Leader Will Barclay.
Rob Ortt, Republican leader in the State Senate, speaks during today’s press conference.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 12 March 2025 at 8:10 pm
The state will have a ban on residential brush burning from March 16 to May 14 due to the increased risk of wildfires.
The burn ban went into immediate effect in parts of the state after wildfires in Long Island last weekend. That earlier ban included Long Island, New York City and parts of the Hudson Valley.
The ban goes state-wide on March 16. Since 2009, the state Department of Environmental Conservation has enforced the annual brush burning ban to prevent wildfires and protect communities during heightened conditions for wildfires.
When temperatures warm and the past fall’s debris and leaves dry out, wildfires can start and spread easily, further fueled by winds and a lack of green vegetation, the DEC said.
Small backyard fire pits ad campfires less than three feet in height and four feet in length, width, or diameter are allowed, as are small cooking fires.
People should never leave these fires unattended and must extinguish them, the DEC said. Burning garbage or leaves is prohibited year-round in New York State.
WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today has introduced the No Tax on LOSAP Act, to raise the threshold of nontaxable LOSAP awards at the federal level from $600 a year to $12,000 a year.
Additional cosponsors of the legislation include Representatives Andrew Garbarino (NY-2), Tom Suozzi (NY-3), Mike Lawler (NY-17), and Laura Gillen (NY-4).
LOSAP, or Length of Service Award Payments, are provided to New York State volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers. LOSAP awards are tax-exempt at the state level in New York, with each volunteer awarded $20 per month times the number of years of service. The No Tax on LOSAP award would raise the federal tax-exempt threshold to $12,000/year, up from the current $600/year threshold, which would boost retention and compensation for volunteer firefighters.
Rep. Tenney has been a strong supporter of volunteer firefighters across NY-24. In 2024, she held five roundtable events in five counties to hear directly from volunteer firefighters. In addition, she cosponsored the Volunteer First Responder Housing Act to expand access for volunteer emergency responders to participate in certain federal housing assistance programs.
“Volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers are essential for the safety and well-being of our rural communities,” Tenney said. “Across NY-24, we have over 250 fire departments, many of which rely on volunteer firefighters. Yet, in recent years, the number of volunteer firefighters has declined, making it more important than ever to fairly compensate and reward their dedication. The No Tax on LOSAP Act will raise the tax-exemption threshold to recognize their service and encourage more volunteers to join.”
“More than 85 percent of the fire and emergency response in New York State is done by volunteers. Unfortunately, over the last decade, the number of volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel had dropped dramatically across New York,” said John D’Alessandro, Association Secretary, Firefighters Association of the State of New York. “Exempting LOSAP payments from Federal income tax would be a strong incentive in recruiting and retaining volunteer first responders. Once again, Congresswoman Tenney and members of the New York Congressional delegation have shown their understanding and support of the dedicated volunteers who protect their communities.”
