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Monday, March 18, 2024

Town of Wellsville is HIRING

Public Notice:

The Town of Wellsville –Parks Department is hereby accepting applications for Temporary Part time seasonal Park Laborer.

Contact Name: Dan Pease (Deputy Superintendent) Email: twhighway@gmail.com Area Code and Phone Number: 585-596-9113

Hourly Rate: Minimum wage

Qualifications Needed:

Need to know how to run the following equipment:

·         Zero turn, riding mower, weed eater, chainsaw and a pole saw.

Job Description:

·         Inspect and repair playground equipment, picnic tables, benches and other park amenities.

·         Ensure athletic fields are ready for games and practices.

·         Keep trails and paths clear and in good condition.

·         Pick up litter and remove bagged trash.

·         Mow, seed, fertilize lawns

·         Plant care

·         Be able to work in all weather conditions.

·         Approximately 25/hrs. a week from March 15th – October 1st

 

ALL APPLICATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY April 04, 2024

Wellsville Police discuss armed standoff emergency this morning, shots were fired

March 18, 2024 – At approximately 4:52 a.m., police responded to the residence of William Wojehowski, age 37, located at 295 West State Street in the Village of Wellsville for a report of gun shots being fired inside the residence.  Upon arrival, the initial responding officers from the Wellsville Police Department and the New York State Police witnessed a shot fired from inside the house to the outside.  A perimeter was established around the residence which is a duplex.  Soon after the occupants in the adjoining apartment were evacuated.  Unsure of whether the suspect was still inside the residence or outside, a drone equipped with thermal imaging was called in from the Allegany County Sheriff’s Office.  Once officers had determined that the suspect was still inside the residence, the officers used a PA system from the patrol cars to establish communication with him.  At 7:40 a.m. the suspect surrendered to police without incident.  He was transported to Olean General Hospital for evaluation.  Charges are pending.  The Wellsville Police Department would like to thank the Allegany County Sheriff’s Office, Alfred Police Department, the New York State Police; Troopers, Bureau of Criminal Investigations and Special Operations Response Team, SUNY Police at Alfred and the Allegany County 911 Center for their assistance.        

Obituary: Donald Wayne Botens, 86, Cuba

Donald Wayne Botens:  Loving Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather

Donald Wayne Botens, 86, of 30 South Street, Cuba, passed away Saturday, March 16, 2024 at Olean General Hospital after short illness.

Born on June 13, 1937, in New Hudson, he was a son of Paul M. and Bernice M. Vaughn Botens.  On June 20, 1959, at the Cuba First Baptist Church he married the former RoseAnn Schryver who predeceased him on November 2, 2018. 

Wayne was a graduate of Cuba Central School.  He had worked at ACME Electric, Schryver’s Market in Cuba as a butcher, and last as a maintenance worker at Cuba Memorial Hospital from where he retired. 

He was a little league coach for 25 years coaching the dodgers and cardinals.  He was also good at building and fixing things, enjoyed reading and puzzles. 

He is survived by his children Robert O. (Christy) Botens of Dallas, Texas, Debra E. (the late David) Enderle of Cuba, Philip (Lisa) Botens of  Portville, 10 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren.

The family will receive friends at the Mark F. Rinker Funeral Home & Memorial Service, Inc., 9 Bull Street, Cuba, on Thursday, March 21, 2024 from 10:00 A.M. until Noon at which time funeral services will be held.  Pastor Claudia Little, will officiate. Burial will be in Cuba Cemetery, Cuba, New York.

Online condolences may be sent at www.rinkerfuneralhome.com.

Armed standoff ends in Wellsville

Developing story - The armed standoff near 295 West State Street in Wellsville has ended. It began around 5 a.m. when a man, reportedly armed with a shotgun, would not exit his home. Assisting Wellsville Police at the scene were Troopers with a tactical response unit, the Sheriff's Office, University Police and police from Alfred and Cuba. It hasn't been confirmed whether or not shots were fired. A shelter in place order was issued for the neighborhood and as a result, Wellsville schools also closed for the day. Police used loudspeakers to communicate with the suspect. Three adults and one teenager were also rescued from the home. The man was taken into custody around 7:40 a.m. More information as it is released.

Sunday, March 17, 2024

Friendship Churches to Host Regional Amish Awareness Conference

Early registrations are underway at Friendship for a regional Amish Awareness Conference next month which is designed to acquaint area residents with aspects of the Amish lifestyle and how to reach out to them and other increasing cultures throughout the area.

     The Friday night-Saturday workshop, provided by Mission to Amish People (MAP) of Greenwich, Ohio, will be held April 19-20 at the Bible Baptist Church, 43 West Main Street, with registration being required for limited seating.

     The event is being co-sponsored by the What God is Doing in Friendship ny alliance of churches, Allegany Hope and Family Life Network.

     Sessions, presented by and including testimonies from former Amish in Western New York, Pennsylvania and Ohio, will include information on Understanding the Anabaptist Movement, Amish Culture and Values, Amish Beliefs, Legalism and Leaving the Amish Culture, Outreach and Evangelism to the Amish and Other Cultures, special music by children of former Amish, and an overview of the MAP ministry.

     A special luncheon presentation also will be provided by representatives of Houghton Academy and Houghton University in regard to low-cost Christian education opportunities which became available this school year to area students from middle school to college.

     The gathering is expected to draw individuals from throughout the region to learn more about the growing Amish and multicultural unreached people groups.

     A 20 percent savings will be available for those pre-registering by Sunday, April 7, after which the cost will increase from a nominal $20 to $25 per person.

     A light dinner, breakfast, and lunch on Friday night and Saturday, and all breaks, along with a copy of the MAP book, Amish: Our Friends, But Are They Believers?, are included in the registration fee.

     Scholarships are available for those with need, including students.

     Individuals may register by email, with each attendee's name, community, email address and telephone number, including area code, to AlleganyHopeWNY@outlook.com or by calling (585) 664-9989.

            Further information and updates will be provided at www.facebook.com/groups/WhatGodisDoinginFriendshipny and https://tinyurl.com/Amish-Awareness.

Canaseraga Food Pantries Receive Donations

Canaseraga Food Pantries Receive Donation

Belmont, NY – When Allegany County Democrats meet for their monthly “Coffee with Democrats” gatherings, they bring food and personal care items to support the host community’s food pantries.  This is one of the ways the committee lives its motto: “Serving our Community”.

The most recent gathering was held last week in Canaseraga, which has two pantries: one at Larger Parish Church and one at Masters Tabernacle Church.

“Our food pantry is small but growing,” states Larger Parish Church volunteer Doreen Bacon, “thanks to generous donations given by groups such as yours. God bless.” The pantry at 20 Pratt St. is open the first and third Tuesday of every month from 9 AM to noon.  Call 607-545-8631 for more information.

The Masters Tabernacle pantry is located at 29 N. Church St. and is open the first Saturday of every month from 9 AM to Noon and the third Wednesday of every month from 6 PM to 8 PM. It offers emergency food boxes to those who need it. The church also offers a free clothing and hygiene pantry to the community, which is open the second and fourth Thursday of every month from 10 AM to Noon.  In addition, the church organizes a monthly Pop-Up Pantry in collaboration with Foodlink. More than a hundred families are served, and volunteers are needed one day a month. Contact food pantry director Melissa Omans at (585) 443-9467.  

 


Ms. Omans had this to say, “We cannot thank the Allegany County Democratic Committee enough for your donations of food and hygiene products for our pantry.  You truly blessed us so we can continue to bless others.”

 

The next “Coffee with Democrats” will take place on Sat., April 13th in Cuba, NY.  Please contact us for details at 585-610-4321 or info@alleganycountydemocrats.org, or by Facebook or Threads. 

 

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.

New York State Police Blotter

New York State Police Blotter

3/12/24 & 3/16/24- After investigating a domestic dispute in the Town of Wirt, State Police arrested Sara M. Stone, 30, of Canaseraga for third-degree assault. Troopers also arrested Hunter T. Fountain, 21, of Wirt for criminal obstruction of breathing.

3/16/24 8:21 p.m.- During a traffic stop in the Village of Bolivar, State Police arrested Garrick W. Childs, 28, of Olean. He was charged with DWI and having a BAC at or above .08%. He’ll appear in court at a later date.

3/16/24 5:24 p.m.- After responding to a call in Hornellsville, Troopers arrested Jacob A. Carl, 22, of Hornell. He was charged with felony second-degree strangulation. He was initially detained.

Morrison Hayes Post 702 Wellsville American Legion celebrates 105th Birthday

Front Row: Michael Hennessy, Lyle Ostrander, Dennis White, Leisa Smith and Bryan Bohne

Back Row: Brent Roberts, Jon Elliott, Catherine Neugent and Robert Toney

(Wellsville) -March 15 is the designated birthday of The American Legion. On that date in 1919, the first American Legion caucus, held by members of the American Expeditionary Force, convened in Paris.  March 15 is the date when The American Legion came to life. Morrison Hayes Post 702 Wellsville American Legion celebrated the National Legions birthday on March 16th, 2024 at the Wellsville Post with approximately 90 Legion family members in attendance.  Commander Brent Roberts was Master of Ceremonies for the event.  Post 702 was chartered on November 29th, 1920.  Those attending enjoyed a true St. Patrick’s meal provided by Post 702 SAL’s.  And a beautiful decorated American raspberry filled cake made by Unit 702 Auxiliary President.

Special awards for the year 2023 were given:  Commander Brent Roberts presented Legion Member of the year to Michael Hennessy who also is Allegany County Veterans Service Officer and Commanders Award to Lyle Ostrander.   Unit 702 American Legion Auxiliary President Catherine Neugent presented Auxiliary Member of the Year to Leisa Smith.  Post SAL representative Jon Elliott presented SAL Member of the year to Dennis White.  Post 702 American Legion Rider Director Robert Toney presented Rider of the Year to Bryan Bohne. 

The event ended by all holding hands and singing God Bless America.

Saturday, March 16, 2024

Obituary: William S. Richardson, 69, Portville

William S. RICHARDSON, 69, of Portville, NY, died Friday, March 15, 2024 in Wellsville Manor Care Center.  Born April 4, 1954, in North East, PA, he was the son of Howard G. and Gertrude L. Northrup Richardson.  A graduate North East High School, he was employed by Welch Foods, Inc in North East, Waterford Florida High School, and St. Bonaventure University, where he did custodial work and was also certified to refinish gymnasium floors.  Bill was a member of the South Side Union Chapel in Olean and was part of the prison ministry team.  He loved animals and enjoyed reading his bible, singing Oldies music, watching John Wayne movies, baseball, boxing, basketball, Portville football, and going hunting and fishing.  In years past, he participated in Civil War Reenactments.  Surviving are: two sons, Eric (Britanny) Richardson and Bradly (Cheyanne) Richardson, both of Andover; three grandchildren, Lane Richardson, Spencer Richardson and Norah Richardson; and a step-brother, Richard Boerst of Sherman, NY.  He was predeceased by his parents; and the mother of his children, Phyllis M. "Mickie" Richardson.  Services will be private.  Burial will be in Hornby Cemetery, North East, PA.  Cremation was at OLNEY-FOUST Private Crematory.  Memorials may be made to the SPCA serving Allegany County.  Arrangements are under the direction of Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Cremation, Crowell Chapel, 296 North Main Street, Wellsville, NY.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.wellsvillefuneralhome.com.

Obituary: Bonita L. “Boni” SNYDER, 60, of Ulysses, PA

Bonita L. “Boni” SNYDER, 60, of Ulysses, PA, died Thursday, March 14, 2024, in her home.  A graduate of Oswayo Valley High School, she was employed as a home health aide and loved working with older people.  She was employed by Truck Lite in Coudersport for 17 years and Viant in Westfield for seven years.  Boni enjoyed camping, fishing, taking walks in the woods behind her house, and spending time in her she shed.  She was loved by her husband, Shane, and her son, Deven.  Honoring her wishes, there will be no services.  Cremation was at OLNEY-FOUST Private Crematory.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Tri-Town Volunteer Ambulance, P.O. Box 247, Ulysses, PA 16948 or Tri-Town Volunteer Fire Co., P.O. Box 277, Ulysses, PA 16948.  Arrangements are under the direction of Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses, PA.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.

Incomplete Obituary: Roy D. Jackson, 82, of Shinglehouse

SHINGLEHOUSE, PA---Roy D. Jackson, 82, of Shinglehouse, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, March 16, 2024, in his home surrounded by his loving family.


Funeral 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 order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Roy D. Jackson, please visit our flower store.

New York State Police Blotter

New York State Police Blotter

3/15/24 4:06 p.m.- State Police arrested an 18-year-old youth from Fillmore for petit larceny. The teen was released on a court appearance ticket.

3/15/24 7:11 p.m.- During a traffic stop in the Town of Wellsville, state police arrested Stefan L. Schweigart, 28, of Wellsville for DWI and aggravated DWI. Court action is pending.

3/15/24 8:44 p.m.- During a stop in Friendship, state police arrested Andrew E. Fuller, 29, of Allentown. He was charged with felony fourth-degree criminal possession of methamphetamine and aggravated unlicensed operation. Court action is pending.

3/15/24 11:14 p.m.- During a traffic stop in the Town of Scio, Troopers arrested Jennifer M. Childs, 43, of Wellsville. She was charged with driving while intoxicated and having a BAC at or above .08%. She was released on an appearance ticket for court.

3/15/24 1:07 p.m.- After investigating a fraud complaint filed February 26th, state police arrested James R. Lisefski, 43, of Prattsburgh. He was charged with felony criminal possession of Stolen property and felony identity theft to obtain goods. He was initially detained.

3/15/24 9:48 a.m.- After investigating two cases in Steuben County, state police arrested Thomas A. Robbins, 31, of Addison. In the first case from November 2023, he was charged with felony burglary and petit larceny. In the second case, he was charged with felony third-degree criminal possession of meth, being a convicted felon illegally in possession of a weapon and felony third-degree criminal possession of a weapon with a previous conviction. He was detained.

New York Burn Ban In Effect

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos reminds New Yorkers of the start of the annual statewide ban prohibiting residential brush burning. Since 2009, DEC enforces the annual brush burning ban from March 16 through May 14 to prevent wildfires and protect communities during heightened conditions for wildfires. 

“Last month, DEC encouraged everyone to be extra vigilant when burning brush because of the risk for wildfires caused by early dry conditions, but starting this Saturday, March 16, it will be illegal to burn brush for the next two months,” Commissioner Seggos said. “Due to the drier and warmer winter, New York State is at a greater risk for wildfires this spring. This ban is essential to protecting communities and natural resources, as well as the Rangers and other firefighters called to extinguish the wildfires.” 

Even though some areas of the state remain blanketed in snow, warming temperatures can quickly cause wildfire conditions to arise. Open burning of debris is the single-largest cause of spring wildfires in New York State. 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. Each year, DEC Forest Rangers extinguish dozens of wildfires that burn hundreds of acres. In addition, local fire departments, many of which are staffed by volunteers, all too often have to leave their jobs and families to respond to wildfires caused by illegal debris fires. DEC’s Fire Danger Map for the 2024 fire season displays each region’s potential fire risk. 

New York first enacted strict restrictions on open burning in 2009 to help prevent wildfires and reduce air pollution. The regulations allow residential brush fires in towns with fewer than 20,000 residents during most of the year, but prohibit such burning in spring when most wildfires occur. Backyard fire pits and campfires less than three feet in height and four feet in length, width, or diameter are allowed, as are small cooking fires. Only charcoal or dry, clean, untreated, or unpainted wood can be burned. People should never leave these fires unattended and must extinguish them. Burning garbage or leaves is prohibited year-round in New York State. For more information about fire safety and prevention, go to DEC's FIREWISE New York webpage. 

Some towns, primarily in and around the Adirondack and Catskill parks, are designated "fire towns." Open burning is prohibited year-round in these municipalities unless an individual or group has a permit from DEC. To find out whether a municipality is a designated fire town or to obtain a permit, contact the appropriate DEC regional office. A list of regional offices is available on DEC's website. 

Forest Rangers, DEC Environmental Conservation Police Officers (ECOs), and local authorities enforce the burn ban. Violators of the State's open burning regulation are subject to criminal and civil enforcement actions, with a minimum fine of $500 for a first offense.