Courthouse dome in blue to honor Genesee sergeant killed in line of duty
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 March 2024 at 9:11 pm

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – The Orleans County Courthouse dome is illuminated in blue this evening in honor of Genesee County Sheriff’s Sgt. Thomas Sanfratello, who died in the line of duty at age 54 on March 10, responding to an incident at Batavia Downs.

Sanfratello’s funeral service was Saturday at the Call Arena at Genesee Community College in Batavia. A contingent of law enforcement officers from Orleans County attended the service.

The dome will be lighted in blue for a week, beginning on March 14.

“We send our deepest condolences to his family and to all his fellow law enforcement officials, especially those in the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, who are devastated by the loss of their colleague,” said Lynne Johnson, Chairman of the Orleans County Legislature.

The flag at the courthouse lawn is also lowered in honor of Sanfratello.

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Medina to pursue funding for inclusive playground at State Street Park
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 March 2024 at 5:14 pm

GameTime design: The proposal for Medina from GameTime includes sensory wave spinning seats. “The high back molded sensory seat with handles and front pommel design helps children maintain a neutral body position while spinning,” the company states. A RoxAll SeeSaw also has high backs and side rails. “Each of the four seats on this innovative see-saw are designed to accommodate users of all abilities as they enjoy the rocking motion with their friends. The center saucer is designed for users to transfer easily to and from a mobility device and the durable, heavy-duty springs are made to last!” GameTime states.

MEDINA – The village is in the early stages to bring an inclusive playground to State Street Park, the Village Board announced last week.

The playground would be accessible to children with disabilities and mobility issues. The village is looking to partner with the Rochester Community Foundation and Ralph C. Wilson Foundation to have the new playground in Medina, Deputy Mayor Marguerite Sherman said.

The project from GameTime would be $492,321 with Medina’s only commitment to perhaps be some site work, with no direct financial contributions, Sherman said.

Mayor Mike Sidari’s term as mayor ends March 31, but he is willing to help work on the project when he retires, Sherman said.

“Right now we’re just laying the groundwork,” she said.

The proposal for an inclusive playground at State Street Park State includes PowerScape playgrounds with large decks and uprights to provide strength and capacity.

Other features include sensory wave seats, RoxAll See Saw, inclusive whirl, Bunny Spring Rider, four-bay swing frame, including two with a belt, two with enclosed tot, two with Zero G, one expression swing and one expression swing with a universal seat.

There would also be a freestanding sensory wave arch climber with sensors, four benches, geotextile rolls and wood fibers.

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Albion braces for big increases in rates to pay for upgrades at water plant, infrastructure
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 March 2024 at 2:37 pm

Photo by Tom Rivers: The water tower by the Albion Correctional Facility on Route 31 is part of Albion’s water infrastructure. The correctional facilities are charged $4.35 per 1,000 gallons of water.

ALBION – The Village Board said an significant increase is needed in what it bills for water, but the board hasn’t determined just how the higher cost will be spread among village residential users and wholesale customers in the towns and correctional facilities.

The Village Board said a hike in the water rates and base charges will be necessary to pay the debt for more than $10 million in financing for upgrades to the water plant and distribution system.

“We need to do something and we need to do something something relatively soon,” Deputy Mayor Joyce Riley said about the higher water rates.

The village is looking at more than $16 million in water plant and system improvements. The village has been approved for two grants at over $6 million towards the projects.

One project, Water Infrastructure Improvement (WIIA) 1, has a total cost of $5,241,440 with grants paying $1,949,00 with the village to potentially borrow $3,292,000.

The second WIIA has a total cost of $11,418,000 with grants covering $4,250,000 and borrowing for the other $7,168,500.

The village doesn’t start paying the debt for the first project until next year, and then faces another debt payment increase with the second project.

The first project is expected to result in annual debt payment of over $300,000, with the second project even more.

“We’re trying to beef up our water plant to make it more sustainable for the next 20-30 years,” Village Trustee David Buczek said at last week’s board meeting.

The water fund operates on a current $1.9 million budget.

The Village Board in 2022 changed its water charges for residential customers in the village. The rate was actually lowered from $3.61 to $3.39 per 1,000 gallons for the village residents and commercial customers. And the village eliminated a $5 quarterly administrative fee.

The big changes were the addition of a new base charge at $21 per quarter for residents with ¾” meter and how the village does a minimum charge. That was $28.16 for residents and most small businesses and included the first 5,100 gallons of water.

The new system put the minimum at $21.00 per quarter (the base charge) but doesn’t include any water usage. The village starts billing at zero gallons. The change resulted in lower water bills for customers that use less than average water each quarter.

The village is working with a consultant on calculating the new charges and rates. WaterWorth representatives last week presented a plan to raise the base charge by 60 percent in 2025 to $33.60, and then another 40 percent to $47.04 in 2026, and 15 percent more in 2027 to $54.10, with 3 percent increases to follow after 2027.

The water rates would go up 15 percent from $3.39 to $3.90 in 2025, and then 6.9 percent to $4.17 in 2026, another 4.6 percent in 2027 to $4.38 and then 3.0 percent increases to follow, according to the proposal.

The village pumps about 1.45 million gallons a day on average from its plant on Wilson Road in Carlton. The towns and prisons account for about 60 percent of that usage.

The village last year raised its wholesale rates to the towns of Carlton, Gaines, Barre and Albion by 40 cents to $3.34 per 1,000 gallons. (Most of the Town of Albion’s water comes through Barre’s water system and Barre bills most of the Town of Albion. Village water also goes to portions of Ridgeway and Murray, going through the Town of Albion system, with Gaines sending some village water to Murray.)

The correctional facilities, which are outside the village, are billed at $4.35 per 1,000 gallons.

With the towns and prison recently getting the rates increased, the WaterWorth proposal doesn’t show big increases for them.

Albion Mayor Angel Javier Jr. said he would prefer to see the increases spread out among all users – wholesale in the towns and residential and commercial in the village.

Riley, the deputy mayor, agreed that she doesn’t want most of the new debt payments to fall on village residential users. She believes the towns and prisons should also see significantly higher rates to lessen the impact on the village and to spread out the higher costs.

Adam Rush, chief operator of the water plant for the village, said higher wholesale rates for the towns could lead to the local towns switching to the Monroe County Water Authority, where the out-of-county wholesale rates are $2.63. The MCWA is close to Albion’s water system, supplying Kendall and parts of Murray and Clarendon.

If some of the towns switch water districts to the MCWA that will shift more of the operational and debt costs to the village residential and commercial users, Rush said.

Riley believes the towns will stay loyal to the village, which she said offers prompt service if there are water leaks or other issues.

She compared the MCWA and Niagara County Water District to “big box stores” that may be cheaper but don’t provide the care and service to the Village of Albion.

“When the big chains come in, people say it’s going to be the death of the mom and pop stores,” Riley said. “We are the mom and pop store. We provide excellent service. ”

The village’s quick response should be valued by the wholesale users, Riley said.

“We’re in their backyard,” Riley said about the local town customers. “We’re available for service. When people call us, off we go. That is value you don’t get from the bigger counties.”

The board said it will work to finalize a plan on the water rates and base charges, and will have a public hearing soon on the new structure. It also wants a public meeting to go over the planned upgrades at the water plant and the distribution system.

Buczek said the village is in a difficult position where an increase is needed to pay for what he said are long overdue upgrades to the water plant.

He said the village has been living “paycheck to paycheck” with its water system, trying to keep the rates down and not take on big expenses.

“We need to think long-term and about resiliency,” he said.

He believes the public will support the increases in costs when they understand the value of the Albion water and plan to upgrade the water plant for the future.

“We need to change the perception of Albion water and make people aware of the services we provide,” he said.

Rush, the water plant chief operator, said Albion’s water rates are among the lowest in the region.

The Village of Fredonia in Chautauqua County, for example, just raised its rates by $2 from $4.95 to $6.95 per 1,000 gallons.

The city of Dunkirk next to Fredonia also raised the rate on water it sells to the North County Water District from $3.84 to $5.16 per 1,000 gallons.

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‘White church on the hill’ in East Shelby stands as landmark since 1854
Posted 18 March 2024 at 11:36 am

By Catherine Cooper, Orleans County Historian

Illuminating Orleans – Vol. 4, No. 11

This commemorative plate was issued for the centenary of the East Shelby Methodist Church in 1954.

EAST SHELBY – The “white church on the hill” has been a landmark in rural East Shelby since its construction in 1854.

According to Helen E. Allen, who compiled a history of Orleans County churches, a small group of people in the East Shelby area decided to form a Methodist Episcopal congregation in 1839, even though churches of that denomination had already been formed in Millville and West Barre. They assembled at a local schoolhouse for fifteen years.

They incorporated as the First Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church on April 3, 1854, their petition to incorporate was signed by Seth Trowbridge and Cornelius V. Posson. A contract for the construction of the church was drawn up on May 24, 1854, and awarded to Israel Sanborn.

The site, at the intersection of Posson Road and Barber Road, one mile south of East Shelby, was deeded to the trustees by Lorenzo and Nancy Gardner. The church was built in 1854 for a cost of $3,500 and was dedicated by the presiding Elder, Rev. Ryan Smith.

A vestibule and steeple were added in 1882 and a furnace was also installed.

According to an account in the May 6, 1992, Journal-Register,

“The steeple was built on the floor of the front foyer and then lifted up into place through the ceiling of the foyer by ropes drawn by horses and a long pole. A sea captain, possibly Israel Sanborn, was on hand to oversee the tying of the knots, the lifting and hoisting of the steeple into place. The original bell was then placed in the steeple.”

In 1908, under the pastorate of Rev. G. Hares, a twelve-foot addition was added on the west to provide a kitchen and upstairs dining room. The interior was redecorated in 1919, new art glass windows were installed, and also a tin ceiling. The church was shingled and painted in 1942. New front steps and a front lawn wall were built in 1948 and a new oil furnace was installed.

Members undertook an ambitious remodeling for the centennial celebration. Rev. Karl R. Harris was pastor. The walls were painted a soft green, the woodwork was painted white. The pews were white with mahogany trim while the accompanying cushions and pulpit chairs were green. The steeple was re-shingled.

The distinctive front doors were donated in memory of the family of Nelson and Carrie Posson. A hymn board was donated in memory of Mrs. Belle Maxwell.

A new pulpit was given by the R.T. Smith family, while a pulpit Bible was given by H. Justin Roberts in memory of his parents Mr. & Mrs. Bert Roberts and his aunt Mrs. Anna Beckett. These items were dedicated at a special centennial program held on Nov. 17, 1954, which was attended by ministers who had formerly preached at the church.

Due to declining membership, the Methodist Conference declared the closure of the church in 1964. It sat forlorn and deteriorating until it was purchased in August 1989 as the future home of the East Shelby Community Bible Church and Pastor Erik Olsen. Following eight months of renovation, the church was reopened on Palm Sunday, 1990.

The East Shelby Church as it appeared in 1989.

The congregation has since flourished. It honors the area’s nineteenth century heritage and traditions at the popular Old Tyme celebrations held in the recreated West Jackson Corners in July and December.

The Community Bible congregation celebrated the church’s 150th anniversary at their Old Tyme Days in 2004. They also compiled and published the West Jackson Corners Cookbook which includes a reprint of the cookbook printed in 1901 by the ladies’ aid group, the Crescent Circle.

One hundred and seventy years following its construction, “the white church on the hill” is still a landmark in East Shelby, its signature red door heralds its continued vibrance.

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County will take questions about ag district during April 15 session at Hoag Library
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 March 2024 at 10:04 am

Photo by Tom Rivers: A farmer plants seeds in May 2019 in Carlton on Waterport-Carlton Road. That sunny day gave farmers a chance to get their big equipment out in the fields during a soggy spring that year.

ALBION – The Orleans County Department of Planning and Development will have a session from 3 to 7 p.m. on April 15 where property owners can learn about the Orleans County Agricultural District No. 1.

The county has one consolidated agricultural district and property owners this year have their once-every-8-year chance to remove land from the district. Property owners every year have an opportunity to add land to the district.

County officials will be at Hoag Library on April 15 to answer questions about the ag district. There will be a map of the current district for people to look up their land to see if it’s in or out of the district.

The Orleans County Agricultural District No. 1 covers over 118,000 acres or approximately 48% of the land mass of the county. All currently included landowners will receive notification of the ag district review and the forms should be returned by March 31.

The recent Agricultural Census showed sales for farm products in 2022 totaled $233.6 million in Orleans County, up 50.4 percent from the $155.3 million in 2017, a growth of $78.3 million. That includes sales of fruit, vegetables, milk, livestock and other farm products.

A snapshot of Orleans County’s ag economy in 2022 includes:

  • 444 farms (498 in 2017)
  • 130,055 land in agriculture (129,573 in 2017)
  • average size of farm – 293 acres (260 in 2017)
  • estimated value of land and buildings – $1.416 billion
  • 33 farms at more than 1,000 acres, but 140 are 10 to 49 acres, and 131 are 50 to 179 acres.
  • 132 farms sold less than $2,500, while 126 sold $100,000 or more.

For more information about agricultural districts or the ongoing review of the Orleans County Agricultural District No. 1, contact Corey Winters (Planner, Orleans County Department of Planning & Development) at (585) 589-3197.

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AAA says total eclipse on April 8 will be ‘tourism sensation’ for region
Posted 18 March 2024 at 9:00 am

Press Release, AAA

The Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge is promoting the site as a prime viewing location to see the total eclipse.

A total solar eclipse is expected in North America on April 8. A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and the earth and partially or completely blocks the sun from view.

On April 8, in some key areas, the sky will darken as if it is dawn or dusk, according to NASA. The duration of totality will be up to 4 minutes and 27 seconds in affected locations, almost double that of The Great American Eclipse of August 21, 2017.

The 2017 total solar eclipse was witnessed by about 20 million people, and the upcoming 2024 Great American Eclipse is expected to be observed by many millions more. In fact, it is becoming quite the tourism sensation already with area hotels selling out eclipse viewing packages and tourism promotions.

AAA anticipates that cities along the path of totality will experience high tourist volumes and increased traffic leading up to April 8. Totality is expected to begin on April 8 at 3:18 p.m. in Niagara Falls and Buffalo, 3:20 p.m. in Rochester, and 3:23 p.m. in Syracuse and Watertown.

Excitement across the state is building over the viewing, which could lead to distractions for motorists. AAA’s advice:

  • Do not attempt to watch the solar eclipse while driving! The better option is to find a safe place to park, and then observe the eclipse. The peak darkness phase will last just a few minutes. NASA has created an interactive map that allows you to find out when the eclipse will be visible in your area.
  • Use public transportation to avoid the potential of clogged roads, breakdowns, and crashes.
  • According to NASA, you should avoid looking directly at the sun without proper eyewear protection. The only safe way to look directly at the uneclipsed or partially eclipsed sun is through special-purpose solar filters, such as “eclipse glasses” or hand-held solar viewers. Do not drive with eclipse glasses on.
  • Drive safely. Eagerness to view the eclipse is not an acceptable reason to drive aggressively or while distracted. Do not attempt to take pictures or video of the eclipse while driving.
  • Drive with your headlights on. Not only will you be much more visible to other drivers, your forward vision will be improved.
  • Watch out for pedestrians! There may be many people standing in or along the roadway to get a glimpse.
  • Watch for animals too! When a solar eclipse reaches totality, nocturnal wildlife can awaken, thinking that it’s nighttime, and non-nocturnal wildlife might think it’s time to head to sleep.
  • Be alert to the possibility of increased traffic and distracted drivers swerving into your lane.
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Gas prices up 3 cents in NY in past week
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 March 2024 at 8:47 am

Gas prices increased 3 cents in New York State is the past week to an average of $3.37, while the price was up an average of 7 cents nationally to $3.47, according to AAA.

“The main driver for the increase is a spike in oil prices, which are trading in the low 80s per barrel this morning,” AAA said. “Oil is the main ingredient in the production of gasoline. In addition, demand for gas has become stronger with daylight saving time.”

Here are the average prices for regular unleaded in WNY counties:

  • Orleans, $3.370
  • Genesee, $3.249
  • Wyoming, $3.337
  • Livingston, $3.370
  • Monroe, $3.297
  • Niagara, $3.243
  • Erie, $3.310
  • Chautauqua, $3.409
  • Cattaraugus, $3.325
  • Allegany, $3.375
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Kendall tells story of Beauty and the Beast in spring musical
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 March 2024 at 3:18 pm

Performance dedicated to teacher who passed away on March 8

Photos by Tom Rivers

KENDALL – Adrianna Schiavone plays the role of Belle in Kendall’s production of Beauty and the Beast, which had shows on Friday and Saturday evening. Belle is an intelligent and vibrant girl who loves libraries and is eager to experience life.

The performances were pushed back a week following the unexpected death of elementary special education teacher Courtney Fannon on March 8.

The Kendall cast was in costume and makeup when the performance was cancelled on March 8 at 5:15 p.m., less than two hours before the show was scheduled to start.

The Kendall cast, crew and teachers in the production dedicated the performances on Friday and Saturday to Fannon, who was 29 and eight months pregnant. Her unborn daughter, who was to be named Hadley Jaye, also didn’t survive. Kendall observed a moment of silence for Fannon and her daughter before the performances this weekend.

Lucas Jones plays the Beast, a prince who is transformed into a terrifying beast for his lack of compassion. He is turned into a beast after turning away an older woman who was begging.

The Beast is hot-tempered and commanding, but does have a loving heart under his gruff exterior.

The only way for the Beast to become human again is if he learns to love and be loved in return.

Jimmie Swift stars as Gaston, an ultra-masculine villain who is determined to marry Belle. He carries his bumbling sidekick LeFou, who is played Mike Hallowell.

Karter May is Lumiere, an enchanted candelabra and a loyal and steadfast servant for the Beast.

In back are Riley Passer as Cogsworth (left), an enchanted mantle clock, an Madison Hults as Chip, an enchanted teacup.

The servants in the Beast’s castle are very hopeful as Belle and the Beast begin to befriend one another. If the spell is broken, the characters under spell will become human again.

Seth Pray plays Maurice, Belle’s father and an eccentric inventor. He gets lost in the woods and is taken prisoner in the Beast’s castle.

Aubrey Hamm is Madame De LA Grande Bouche, a wardrobe that was an opera singer. She brings a larger-than-life personality to the story.

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300 enjoy ‘Sip N’ Stroll’ wine-tasting event at Albion
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 March 2024 at 9:06 am

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Brigitte Schweigert, left of Leonard Oakes Estate Winery in Medina, pours wine-tasting on Saturday at Brushstrokes Studios’ new location at 50 North Main St. in Albion.

Sandy Thaine, center, of Medina her glass for wine and her friend Jean Benson of Medina waits for her turn.

There were about 300 people on the wine-tasting with 16 stops in Albion. The event was the annual Sip N’ Stroll by the Albion Merchants Association.

Cherry Grove: The Yohe Family Farm of Holley Road in Albion offered rides on WNY Horse Drawn Pub Crawls. The horse-drawn ride has room for 16 people and offers wine-tasters a chance to rest their feet in front of a fire pit.

The souvenir glass had an image of Santa Claus. Albion was the home to a Santa Claus School from 1937 to 1966 and last year unveiled a bronze statue of Santa in honor of the late Charles W. Howard, who founded the Santa School.

These friends from Albion enjoyed the Sip N. Stroll. From left include Aliana Raines, Kelsey Osbourne, Mary Kibbe, Tammy Chase and Carlin Osbourne.

Laural and Chuck Prentice are in Morrison Realty to try wine served by Ken Kibler of Main Street Winery in Arcade.

Debbie Prest of Red Check serves Red Cat wine from Hazlitt Vineyards in Naples. Prest said the Sip N’ Stroll is great way to introduce people to the businesses in Albion.

She gave each person a sticker that stated, “ I had fun drinking wine at Red Check.”

“We wanted to make sure people remember us,” Prest said. “This is a fun event where I get to meet so many lovely people.”

Wine-tasters step off the horse-drawn ride to go sample wine offered at the downtown locations.

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Posted 17 March 2024 at 8:00 am

The Weaver Wedding: Part 1

By Adrienne Kirby, Gaines Town Historian

A traditional wedding is an all-day affair for the wedding party and close family. From getting dressed in the morning, to the ceremony, and then to the reception, it’s a long day. Neva Murray took photos of Emily and Murray Weaver’s nuptials in 1948. One must guess she was close to the bride’s family, as she documented all the highlights of the day, from morning to evening.

 

The first set of photos is of the bride, Emily Herman, and her maids getting ready. There were three bridesmaids in all, plus a flower girl. This first photo shows Emily most likely zipping up a dress. There are a few incidentals in this photograph worth pointing out. The bride is wearing a kerchief, which she probably slept in, to keep her hair curlers in place and prevent frizzy hair. Behind her, we see a improvised dressing table; a small stand covered with a large floral fabric (which appears to match the curtains in the next photo) and a low hung circular mirror. Above the mirror is a wall sconce, but the shade is missing, and there seems to be some sort of rigged electrical wiring leading up to an overhead fixture.

 

 

The next photo shows the flower girl watching as rouge (or blush as we now call it) is being applied. The bobby pins holding the flower girl’s hair ribbon in place are clearly seen. As with several other brides in this album, Emily is wearing a string of pearls. It’s easy to imagine the excited, nervous chatter of getting ready and making sure dresses, hair, makeup, and other details are just right.

 

Our last photo shows the bride slipping on her wedding garter. Between the last photo and this one, it appears that they were getting ready in a small bedroom. An iron bed frame is seen to the left, with a folded patchwork quilt on top of the coverlet. The floor is covered with a patterned linoleum, which was extremely popular to install in kitchens, as well as entire second floors of homes in the 1940’s, due to its durability and easiness to clean.

Despite the seventy six years that have passed since these photos were taken, they capture the timeless essence of preparing to say, “I do.”

More photos of the Weaver’s wedding day will appear in future articles.

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Workshop will focus on life after high school for students with disabilities
Posted 16 March 2024 at 9:53 am

Press Release, Independent Living of the Genesee Region

BATAVIA – Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR), working with the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health) and the New York State Department of Special Education is hosting a workshop “Transition Planning: Life After High School.”

Designed for the young people living in Genesee or Orleans County between the ages of 13 and 21 with a disability or special health care need and their parents, it will take place from 9 to 11 a.m. on Tuesday, April 30, at the ILGR office, 319 West Main Street at the Crickler Executive Business Center in Batavia.

Attendees will gain information on how to plan for life after high school. Learn what questions to ask, ideas for Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), options, supports, and services that are available for them. A light breakfast will be provided.

Seating is limited and pre-registration is required by calling April Fearby, Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs (CYSHCN) Program Specialist at 585-815-8501, extension 401 or emailing her at afearby@wnyil.org.

This event is funded by the New York State Department of Health using federal Health Resources and Services Administration Title V funding. The opinions, results, findings and/or interpretations of content contained therein are the responsibility of the Contractor and do not necessarily represent the opinions, interpretations, or policy of the State or Federal funding agency.

Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) is a member of the Western New York Independent Living, Inc. family of agencies that offers an expanding array of services to aid individuals with disabilities to take control of their own lives.

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Orleans shows among largest population declines in NYS since 2020
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 16 March 2024 at 8:44 am

Orleans County’s population is down 1,233 people since the April 2020 census, a decline of 3.06 percent which is among the steepest losses of 62 counties in the state.

The U.S. Census Bureau this week released its population estimates for July 2023 and Orleans County is at 39,124. That compares to 40,343 in 2020. (The loss is 1,219 people, but a Census Bureau chart shows 1,233 loss in the three-plus years.)

Since the 2010 census, when Orleans had 42,883 people, the county is down by 3,759 resident, a drop of 8.77 percent.

The rate of decline is slowing down. Orleans lost 828 people from the census in April 2020 to the estimate in July 2021, then fell another 352 people to July 2022, and then 39 more to July 2023.

The percentage of loss in Orleans from 2020 to 2023 at 3.06 percent ranks 56th out of the 62 counties in the state for growth.

Four of the five boroughs in NYC topped Orleans for percentage of population loss with New York County (Manhattan) at 59th (-5.71%), Queens County (Queens) at 60th (-6.37%), Kings County (Brooklyn) at 61st (-6.39%) and Bronx County (Bronx) at 62nd (-7.89%).

Outside of New York City, only Chemung with a loss of 3.35 percent (57th ranked county for growth) and Seneca at a 4.34 percent loss (58th) rated lower than Orleans.

Only 15 out of the 62 counties gained population since the 2020 census. Otsego County had the largest percent gain at 2.73 percent, increasing by 1,598 people in the three years to 60,126 in the 2023 estimate.

In Orleans the natural increase, number of deaths versus births, was 301 more deaths than birth from 2020 to 2023, a negative 0.75 percent per 1,000 people, which ranked 38th out of the 62 counties.

Rockland County was ranked first in natural increase at a positive 3.34 percent with 11,317 more births than deaths in the three years. Hamilton County was ranked last in “natural increase” at a negative 3.23 percent.

Here is a snapshot of the population changes among the four rural GLOW counties, and New York State as a whole:

Genesee County (down 859 people or 1.47% since 2020)

  • 2023 estimate as of July 1: 57,529
  • 2022 estimate as of July 1: 57,398
  • 2021 estimate as of July 1: 57,889
  • 2020 estimate as of July 1: 58,302
  • 2020 census as of April 1: 58,388
  • 2010 census as of April 1: 60,079

Livingston County (down 676 people or 1.09% since 2020)

  • 2023 estimate as of July 1: 61,158
  • 2022 estimate as of July 1: 61,340
  • 2021 estimate as of July 1: 61,691
  • 2020 estimate as of July 1: 61,590
  • 2020 census as of April 1: 61,834
  • 2010 census as of April 1: 65,393

Orleans County (down 1,219 people or 3.02% since 2020)

  • 2023 estimate as of July 1: 39,124
  • 2022 estimate as of July 1: 39,163
  • 2021 estimate as of July 1: 39,515
  • 2020 estimate as of July 1: 40,135
  • 2020 census as of April 1: 40,343
  • 2010 census as of April 1: 42,883

Wyoming County (down 999 people or 2.46% since 2020)

  • 2023 estimate as of July 1: 39,532
  • 2022 estimate as of July 1: 39,601
  • 2021 estimate as of July 1: 39,927
  • 2020 estimate as of July 1: 40,259
  • 2020 census as of April 1: 40,531
  • 2010 census as of April 1: 42,155

New York State (down 630,033 people or 3.12% since 2020)

  • 2023 estimate as of July 1: 19,571,216
  • 2022 estimate as of July 1: 19,673,200
  • 2021 estimate as of July 1: 19,854,526
  • 2020 estimate as of July 1: 20,104,710
  • 2020 census as of April 1: 20,201,249
  • 2010 census as of April 1: 19,378,102
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Mobile home left uninhabitable after fire in Medina today
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 15 March 2024 at 8:51 pm

Photo by Ginny Kropf: Bill Dunn looks at his boarded up home in Lakewood Village after a fire broke out there today. Medina firefighter Lt. Steve Cooley said the home is uninhabitable. The cause is under investigation.

MEDINA – A mobile home in Lakewood Village was left uninhabitable after a fire broke out at noon today.

Owner Bill Dunn had left the home about 20 minutes prior to neighbors seeing smoke spewing from the structure, when they called 911.

Lt. Steve Cooley said Medina responded first, followed by Shelby, Albion and East Shelby.

Dunn returned home after getting a call from firefighters that his home was burning. He stood and looked as his brother assisted in boarding up the windows. He said he will stay with his sister until he can decide what he is going to do. He said he was thankful his cat got out safely.

Cooley said his department was busy with several EMS calls at the same time.

Fire damage at the front of the home is extensive, although firefighters knocked it down in 15 minutes, he said.

The fire is under investigation by Medina Fire Department and Orleans County Emergency Management’s investigative team.

Dunn has lived in Lakewood Village for 24 years.

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