Partial Obituary: Roger W. Hanson, 77, Shinglehouse

SHINGLEHOUSE, PA---Roger W. Hanson, 77, of Shinglehouse, formerly of Barkeyville, passed away on Monday, April 22, 2024 in UPMC Cole, Coudersport, after a long struggle with multiple medical issues. 

Arrangements entrusted to the care of Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse, are incomplete and will be announced with a full obituary. 

To express condolences, light a candle or share a fond memory of Roger, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.

Allegany County Dems clean up the roadside

 

ALMOND, NY — Since 2021, the Allegany County Democratic Committee has cleaned up a section of State Rt. 21 in Almond, NY as part of the NYS Department of Transportation’s “Adopt-a-Highway” program.  This year’s spring clean-up took place on Monday, April 22^nd – Earth Day.   Numerous bags of trash were collected, giving the roadway a much-improved appearance. 

State Rt. 21 in Almond was specifically selected by the Committee because of its importance as a gateway to our county. This stretch of highway is heavily used by I-86 travelers on their way to the Alfred campuses or to recreational opportunities elsewhere in the area. 

This project is just one of the many ways local Democrats serve our community.  To learn more, visit  www.alleganycountydemocrats.org or find us on Facebook.  Reach out via email info@alleganycountydemocrats.org or phone (585) 610-4321. 

The Allegany County Democratic Committee is the official governing body for the County Party, working toward broader representation by Democrats at the local, state, and national levels. 

# # # 

Photo Caption (L-R):  Volunteers Rich Lilley, Sue Bain-Lucey, Janis Carson, and Mark Holt after the Allegany County Democratic Committee’s roadside clean-up on Rt. 21 in Almond.  . Not pictured: Reeni Holt.

CCE - Master Gardener Volunteer Workshop

BELMONT, NEW YORK (April 24, 2024) -- Cornell Cooperative Extension is excited to announce:

 

Tree ID and Bark rubbings Workshop

Join us for a unique and educational experience at our upcoming Tree ID and Bark Rubbings Workshop! Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a gardening lover, or just curious about the trees in your local environment, this workshop is perfect for you.

Led by Mary Lu Wells, Master Gardener Volunteer from Cornell Cooperative Extension Allegany County. This workshop will guide you through tree identification, native species and useful information about trees.

But that's not all! As part of the workshop, you'll also have the opportunity to create beautiful bark rubbings. This hands-on activity allows you to capture the unique textures and patterns of various trees, resulting in unique pieces of art that you can take home with you.

Date: Saturday, April 27, 2024.

Time: 10:00 am – 11:00 am.

Location: 4981 McAndrews Rd, Andover, NY 14806

 

For any questions, please contact Cristian Acosta at cfa34@cornell.edu.

“Tree ID and Bark rubbings workshop” is one of many programs offered by Cornell Cooperative Extension Allegany County. The association is part of the national cooperative extension system, an educational partnership between County, State, and Federal governments. As New York’s land grant university Cornell administers the system in this state. For more information, call 585-268-7644 or visit our website at www.cce.cornell.edu/allegany. Cornell Cooperative Extension provides equal program and employment opportunities.

New York State Police Blotter

New York State Police Blotter

4/23/24 2:57 p.m.- State Police arrested Trent J. Dowd, 22, of Belfast. He was charged with third-degree assault. He was released with an appearance ticket for court.

City of Olean Fire Department Responds to Structure Fire at 623 Seneca Ave

City of Olean Fire Department Responds to Structure Fire at 623 Seneca Ave 

On Wednesday April 24th at 02:36 the City of Olean Fire Department was dispatched to a structure fire at 623 Seneca Ave.  Fire units arrived within four minutes and reported heavy fire in the rear of the building.  Olean Police Officers assisted in the evacuation of the occupants.  

Firefighters stretched a hose line and began extinguishing the fire while other firefighters conducted a search of the first and second floors for potential victims. The fire was contained to the rear exterior of the house with some extension to the interior second floor bedroom.  The fire was deemed under control by 02:57.  

During the incident, one civilian was transported to Olean General Hospital for evaluation. No injuries to fire service personnel were reported. 

The City of Olean Fire Department was assisted on-scene by the following agencies: Olean Police Department, Portville Fire Department Air Truck, and Trans Am Ambulance.  Love Thy Neighbor assisted displaced residents on-scene.   The Weston Mills Fire Department and Allegany Fire Department were on standby. 

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation, and more information will be provided as it becomes available. 

The City of Olean Fire department would like to take this time to remind the public to ensure they have properly functioning Smoke detectors in their residence. 

Captain Bryan Swift

Wellsville Police Blotter

Date: Tuesday April 23, 2024

 

Wellsville Police arrested Rachel E. Sebree, age 35 of Andover, charging her with Petit Larceny (Class A Misdemeanor).  The charge stems from an incident that took place at Fisher’s Pharmacy.  Sebree was processed, issued an appearance ticket and released.  Sebree is due to appear in Wellsville Village Court on May 7^th at 4:30 pm.

 

Wellsville Police arrested Anne E. Merry, age 40 of Wellsville, charging her with DWI (Unclassified Misdemeanor), DWAI Drugs (Unclassified Misdemeanor), Speed in Zone (Infraction) and Failed to Keep Right (Infraction).  The charges stem from a traffic stop on Chamberlain Street.  Merry was processed, issued an appearance ticket and released to a third party.  Merry is due to appear in Wellsville Village Court on May 21^st at 4:30 pm.

Alfred Farmers Market

 

Wellsville-RIP former WJQZ owner John "Jack" Murphy

I sold my radio station, WJQZ in Wellsville, to Jack Murphy. We went on the air in 1986. Jack was 84 at his passing. He was survived by his wife Elaine. Yes, I know this obit is 8 years old...but he deserves to be remembered. 

---

ROCHESTER - John R. "Jack" Murphy, former owner of WMNS, WBJZ (Olean) , WLSV and WJQZ (Wellsville)  of Jacksonville, Fla., passed away Jan. 12, 2016.

Born in Rochester on Jan. 23, 1932, he followed a career in broadcasting, mainly radio, in several New York state cities. He did some television, but loved radio, especially the morning show. He later went into management and ownership.

He is survived by his wife, Elaine; three children, Shannon (Robert) McElmurry, Sean (Amber) Murphy and Erin (Michael) Kane; six grandchildren, Kylie Cogan, Nickolas Leonard, Elizabeth Leonard, Emma Kane, Julia Kane and Kallen Murphy.

He was predeceased by his son, Colin; and two brothers, Thomas and James.

Press Release: Allegany County Sheriff's Office

 

Help Wanted - Village of Wellsville Electric Department

JOB POSTING:

The Village of Wellsville is taking applications for the position of Line Helper for the Electric Department. Minimum Qualifications: High School Diploma or GED and one year of experience as an electrician’s helper, mechanic’s helper or construction laborer. If interested go to wellsvilleny.com for an application or stop by the Village Hall located at 23 N. Main Street.

News from Belfast Bicentennial Committee

 

News from the NYS Liquor Authority

With the enactment of the FY2025 Budget, the State Liquor Authority is highlighting significant changes to the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law. These measures will continue Governor Hochul’s goal of modernizing the state’s often-antiquated ABC laws by injecting common sense and collaboration into New York’s alcohol industry. 

 

“This 24-25 budget process is a successful one for our agency,” said State Liquor Authority Chair Lily Fan. “It has been our long-standing intention to seek changes to our statute that would allow us to better support our applicants and licensees. We wholeheartedly thank the Governor, her team, and our partners in both Houses for approving and delivering this package of improvements that will help members of our industry operate better. We look forward to continuing to support the modernization effort in the future while ensuring public safety, health, and welfare.” 

 

Several proposals included in this year’s budget are recommendations from a report issued in May 2023 by the Commission to Study Reform of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law. Other items in the FY25 Enacted Budget address outdated statutes while enhancing the customer experience with more options to support a key cog in the State’s economy.

 

In the FY2023 Budget, Governor Hochul tasked the temporary Commission to Study Reform of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law, 21-members comprised of state agency heads and a diverse set of industry stakeholders, with voting to recommend changes to modernize and simplify the state’s 90-year-old ABC Law. Their efforts resulted in 18 recommendations to be considered for future legislative changes by the New York State Legislature.

 

Governor Hochul signed two of those recommendations into law in October of 2023, while three more are included in this year’s Enacted Budget: 

 

• Alcohol To-Go – A 5-year extension will allow for the current “drinks to go” provision to continue through 2030, with those 5 years commencing from 2025.

 

• Community Notification – Allows applicants to simultaneously apply for a license and notify their municipality, and provides the SLA will not act on the application for 30 days in order to allow time for municipal input in the licensing process. 

 

• One-Day Event Permits – Expands one-day special event permits to allow for the service of liquor. These one-day permits were previously restricted to beer and wine. This change creates parity for New York craft beverage manufacturers, in addition to providing catering businesses more opportunities by expanding their offerings. 

 

• Temporary Wholesaler Permits – Creates a new permit to allow for wholesale applicants to obtain a temporary permit while their license is pending, allowing these businesses to begin operations more expeditiously.

 

Other business and guest-friendly measures include:

 

• Expanding Catering permits – The budget removes the requirement mandating catering permits be issued only for indoor functions or events, expanding opportunities for the hospitality industry and their customers.

 

• Wine/Liquor Stores at Street Level – The budget eliminates a Prohibition era law that required liquor stores to be located at street level in order to qualify for a license.

 

• Temporary Retail Permits – Extends the issuance of temporary retail permits to get businesses open and operating quickly. 

 

• Allowing Liquor Beverage Sales in Movie Theaters - The Budget allows for the service of spirits, in addition to beer and wine, at movie theaters that do not meet the definition restaurants, which required a full kitchen with meals served to guests seated at tables.  Previously, movie theaters not operating as restaurants were limited to beer and wine only. 

 

• Makes Outdoor Dining Permanent – The budget makes permanent the service of alcohol on contiguous and non-contiguous municipal space, with the authorization of the municipality and the SLA, in addition to addressing service across bike lanes, thereby eliminating statutory ambiguity. This highly successful pandemic-era policy provision was set to expire on July 5, 2025.

State Labor Department Releases Preliminary March 2024 Area Unemployment Rates

The New York State Department of Labor today released preliminary local area unemployment rates for March 2024. Rates are calculated using methods prescribed by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The State’s area unemployment rates rely in part on the results of the Current Population Survey, which contacts approximately 3,100 households in New York State each month. To recap last week’s statewide press release, New York State’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased from 4.4% in February to 4.3% in March 2024.

The data in the preceding table are not seasonally adjusted, which means they reflect seasonal influences (e.g., holiday and summer hires). Therefore, the most valid comparisons with this type of data are year-to-year comparisons of the same month, for example, March 2023 versus March 2024. Labor force data for the current month are preliminary and subject to revision as more information becomes available the following month. Revised estimates for prior months are available at: https://dol.ny.gov/local-area-unemployment-statistics. 

One person injured in Olean house fire

 

Structure Fire 121 Fulton Street
April 23^rd 2024

 

On Tuesday April 23^rd at 07:26 the City of Olean Fire Department was dispatched for a structure fire at 121 Fulton Street.  The fire department responded with two engines and one ladder truck.  The first engine arrived on the scene within three minutes and found smoke and fire coming from the 2^nd floor windows.  A hose line was stretched and advanced into the house for an interior fire attack, while other firefighters conducted a search for any victims.  The fire was knocked down within four minutes of arriving on-scene.  Crews then checked for extension in the attic and voids.  The fire was contained to one bedroom on the 2^nd floor with some extension to the exterior.

There were four people in the home at the time of the fire.  All residents were able to self-evacuate.  One was treated for burns and smoke inhalation. Trans AM provided on-scene care and transported the patient to Olean General Hospital.  Portville Fire Department Air Truck assisted on scene.  Allegany and Weston Mills Fire Department provided standby coverage.  Love Thy Neighbor assisted the displaced residents.

The cause of the fire has been determined to be accidental, caused by electrical malfunction. 

Submitted by Eric Maurouard

Fire Chief
City of Olean Fire Department

New York State Police Blotter

New York State Police Blotter

4/22/24 8:30 p.m.-After investigating a domestic dispute in the Village of Canaseraga, state police arrested Brian M. Lowery, 51, Dansville. He was charged with felony third-degree criminal mischief. He was released on his own recognizance.

4/22/24 7:46 p.m.- State Police arrested River J. Rosinki, 28, of Friendship and Jasmine L. Smith, 21, of Friendship. Each was charged with endangering the welfare of a child. Court action is pending.

CCE - Extension Master Gardeners: National Volunteer Week

BELMONT, NEW YORK (April 23, 2024) -- Cornell Cooperative Extension is excited to announce:

 

Extension Master Gardeners: National Volunteer Week

April 21 to April 27, 2024.

National Volunteer Week is a time to recognize and honor the incredible contributions of volunteers across the country. Today, we take a moment to celebrate the dedication and service of our Master Gardener volunteers, whose passion for horticulture and community service brings beauty and sustainability to our gardens. Master Gardeners are more than just gardening enthusiast; they are trained experts who share their knowledge and skills to improve our environment and educate others. These volunteers spend countless hours running educational programs, workshops, and offering gardening advice to the public. Their efforts help create vibrant, thriving green spaces that benefit us all.

The impact of Master Gardener volunteers is far-reaching, they support local food systems by growing vegetables for food banks, promote native plants and biodiversity, and contribute to environmental sustainability by encouraging sustainable gardening practices; their work not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of our communities but also fosters a deeper connection with nature.

To our Master Gardener Volunteers (MGV) from Cornell Cooperative Extension Allegany County, we want to thank you for your commitment and tireless efforts. Your work makes a significant difference in the lives of many, and we are grateful for your dedication.

As we celebrate National Volunteer Week, let's take a moment to acknowledge and appreciate the invaluable contributions of these amazing individuals. Whether you're attending a gardening workshop, visiting a community garden, or enjoying a beautifully landscaped public space, remember to thank a Master Gardener Volunteer.

Allegany County 911 dispatchers honored

Emergency Services Dispatcher of the Year: Award winners are Emergency Service Dispatchers Tony Perkins, Ashley Thompson, Jared Mattison and DJ Helmer.

Comments from Sheriff Cicirello:

"Being an ESD is a difficult job. They are on the front lines when a major incident happens. They are the ones that make sure people get the emergency help they need-whether it be fire, EMS or law enforcement. What makes their job even more difficult is that they stay on the line and assist people through critical incidents. Some of those incidents being both horrific and traumatic.

On March 8th, 2023, Dispatch received multiple calls reporting a wrong way driver on I-86 going east in the west bound lane in the Town of West Almond. Dispatchers immediately checked the map and noticed there were troop cars both east and west of the reported location and advised both cars that there was a wrong way driver going east in the west bound lane. State Police Unit 4A32 was going west in the west bound lane and came upon a major motor vehicle accident, head-on collision with serious injury. The Trooper reported 1 patient being unconscious and 1 patient being conscious, and that extrication would be needed.

The driver of the wrong way vehicle ended up succumbing to injuries on scene, the vehicle that was struck head on was occupied by 1 male and was heavily entrapped. Extrication would end up taking 1 hour and 15 minutes. Dispatch played a key role in relaying information from the scene to Jones Memorial Hospital where Dr. Ryder stood by assessing the situation. The victim heavily entrapped was in danger of losing his life and Dr. Ryder determined that it was necessary to respond to the scene of the accident and began setting a plan in place to possibly amputate the victim's leg on scene. Rapid extrication took place on scene (without need for amputation) and the patient was stabilized and transferred to air medical on scene and transported to Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester. The victim ultimately survived.

I firmly believe if not for the extraordinary job performed by our dispatchers, he would not have survived. During this time our dispatchers remained calm and professional and did everything in their power to get help to the scene as fast as possible. Our ESD’s handled a difficult task and did it with dignity, professionalism and humanity. Congratulations to ESD Tony Perkins, Ashley Thompson, Jared Mattison and DJ Helmer for representing the very best of the Allegany County Sheriff's Office."

O’MARA ON LATE STATE BUDGET: ‘MOST BLOATED AND WASTEFUL GOVERNMENT BUDGET IN AMERICA’

Albany, N.Y., April 22—State Senator Tom O’Mara (R-C, Big Flats), Ranking Member on the Senate Finance Committee, today called the final 2024-2025 New York State budget enacted by Governor Kathy Hochul and the Legislature’s Democrat supermajorities “the most bloated and wasteful government budget in America.”

O’Mara, the Ranking Member on the Senate Finance Committee, noted that Hochul and the Democrat-led supermajorities of the state Legislature are increasing spending by at least $8 billion over last year and have adopted a record-setting, $237-billion-plus spending plan -- including an additional $2.4 billion to provide programs and services to an ever-increasing surge of illegal migrants coming into New York.

O’Mara said, “New York State taxpayers today and long into the future already face trying to afford, and live, and work under the most bloated and wasteful government budget in America. New York is already one of the highest taxed, heavily mandated, overregulated, and least affordable states in the nation. This budget makes it worse. It increases spending and handouts by at least eight billion dollars but fails to address any meaningful tax relief, mandate relief, debt relief, or fundamental priorities in education, health care, local roads and bridges, and so many other areas. In fact, it ignores the economic and fiscal warnings on the horizon and keeps on increasing government spending like there’s no tomorrow. To afford it, Governor Hochul and the Democrat majorities in the Legislature will go on squeezing every penny they possibly can from state and local taxpayers through higher taxes, passing the buck to localities, ignoring badly needed priorities, more borrowing, raiding reserve funds, increasing fees, and every other anti-taxpayer, anti-business, anti-economic opportunity, anti-economic growth, anti-freedom action contained in this new budget and that will be the cornerstone of every future state budget for as long as New York remains under one-party, all-Democrat control. We will remain the nation’s leader in irresponsible, irrational, misguided, and unsustainable spending that will overburden and make this state unlivable for taxpayers, families, workers, small businesses, manufacturers, farmers, and every segment of our local communities and economies.”                                              

Redistricting Plan, as required by New York State 

Due to changes in New York State law, Allegany County is obligated to complete a process of redrawing district boundaries of the Allegany County Board of Legislators.  The current redistricting process is underway now because a review of the final 2020 census data showed that our current County Legislative districts are not as equal as they should be. 

The goal of redistricting is to uphold the equal representation principle of democracy, by ensuring that each County Legislator represents approximately the same number of Allegany County residents.  While equal population is the goal, it is impossible to have exactly equal numbers in each district, and federal and state guidance allows for variances of approximately 5 percent in population between the districts.  There are factors in this guidance such as keeping the lines of districts continuous or avoiding splitting townships into multiple districts whenever possible. 

The Allegany County Board of Legislators invites the public to review the census data as well as the redistricting presentation, relevant local laws, and proposed redistricting maps.  The public may ask questions or provide comments through a form on the website or by submitting them to:  redistricting@alleganyco.gov.

 Redistricting information and the public comment form may be found at: 

https://www.alleganyco.gov/departments/county-administrator/county-redistricting-plan/ 

The census data may be found at:  https://www.alleganyco.gov/economic-development/data-center/

 The next step in the redistricting process involves the Board choosing one of the presented options to move forward to a public hearing to be held in early summer.  Information regarding the time and day of that public hearing will be announced in the coming weeks and listed on the Redistricting section of the Allegany County website. 

Scan this QR code for a direct link to the Redistricting section of the County website and public comment form.

 

Wellsville Police Blotter

Date: Sunday April 21, 2024

Wellsville Police arrested Jerry A. Gaines Jr, age 42 of Whitesville, charging him with DWI (Unclassified Misdemeanor) and DWI w/BAC of .08% or more (Unclassified Misdemeanor).  The charges stem from an incident that took place on South Main Street.  Gaines was processed, issued an appearance ticket and released to a third party and released.  Gaines is due to appear in Wellsville Village Court on May 21^st at 4:30 pm.

Date: Saturday April 20, 2024 

Wellsville Police arrested Jennifer L. Bulkley, age 43 of Wellsville, charging her with DWI (Unclassified Misdemeanor), DWI w/BAC of .08% or more (Unclassified Misdemeanor), Aggravated DWI w/BAC of .18% or more (Unclassified Misdemeanor), Aggravated Unlicensed Operation 3^rd (Unclassified Misdemeanor), Failed to Notify DMV of change of Address (Infraction), 2 counts of Harassment 2^nd (Violation) and Making a Terroristic Threat (Class D Felony).  The charges stem from an incident that took place on King Street.  Bulkley was processed and arraigned before Wellsville Village Justice Thompson.  Bulkley was committed to the Allegany County Jail on $5,000.00 cash bail or $10,000.00 property bond or $100,000.00 partially secured bond.  Bulkley is due back in Wellsville Village Court on April 23^rd at 4:30 pm.  Additional charges are pending.

Livingston County Sheriff's Office Blotter

 

Celebration of Life: Roy D. Jackson, 82, Shinglehouse

 

Roy D. Jackson               “Celebration of life Slated”

SHINGLEHOUSE, PA—Family and friends are invited to attend a celebration of life service for Roy D. Jackson, 82, of Shinglehouse, on Saturday, April 27, 2024, at 2PM at the Gospel Tabernacle Church, 420 US 6, Coudersport, PA, with the Rev. John Minor, pastor, officiating.

Roy went to be with the Lord on March 16, 2024.

Roy’s family entrusted his care and cremation arrangements to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.

For further information, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com

Friendship Churches Expand Next Week's Prayer Gathering

(Photo)- Friendship Pastors Kirk Kirch of the United Church of Friendship, Duane Broadwell of the Bible Baptist Church, and Kevin Palmiter of the Followers of the Way – Nile Community Church, from left, will be coordinating prayer gatherings at the Friendship School and for the National Day of Prayer on Thursday, May 2, as they encourage Pray Across America in 2024.

A monthly prayer gathering at Friendship Central School will be extended next week to include a full-day observance of the National Day of Prayer, with four different prayer activities being scheduled to enable the entire community to participate.

     Three pastors from the What God is Doing in Friendship ny alliance of churches will take part in the community prayer opportunities, starting at 8:30AM Thursday, May 2.

     Church congregants and other community members will gather in front of the school at 46 West Main Street for the first Thursday of the month regular prayer time for the school and its students, teachers, administrators, other staff, the Board of Education, parents and caregivers, and others.

     The school’s May Character Trait of Empathy – the ability to understand another person’s thoughts and feelings in a situation from their point of view, rather than your own, will be part of the prayer focus as churches seek to extend support for this positive school trait among their congregants and within the broader Friend­ship community.

     The prayer session then will move across the street to the Bible Baptist Church – the inclement weather backup site for prayer for the school – for a free continental breakfast and a National Day of Prayer observance time, led by Pastor Kevin Palmiter of the Followers of the Way - Nile Community Church.

     There will be prayer for the government, the military, media, business, education, churches, and families, including the holding up of attending families and family members in prayer.

     A second prayer gathering and luncheon will convene at noon at the Baptist church, with Pastor Kirk of the United Church of Friendship leading that session.

     An evening prayer gathering, coinciding with the church’s regular Thursday night prayer and Bible study, will be held at 6:30PM, led by Bible Baptist Church Pastor Duane Broadwell.

     Anyone within the greater community and beyond is invited to participate in any or all of these prayer events and to bring others with them.

     The monthly prayer gatherings at the school were started last fall at the beginning of the current school year.

     Origins of the National Day of Prayer began in 1952 when Congress approved legislation requiring the President to set aside and proclaim a suitable day each year, other than a Sunday, as a National Day of Prayer, on which the people of the United States may turn to God in prayer and meditation at churches, in groups, and as individuals.

      In 1988, President Ronald Reagan signed additional legislation specifically establishing the first Thursday in May as the National Day of Prayer.

     Further information is available from Allegany Hope, alliance coordinator, at AlleganyHopeWNY@outlook.com on (585) 664-9989.