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Monday, April 30, 2018

“Bump the Dump” Documentary Re-Released with Subtitles to Mark Anniversary

Press Release

This month we mark the 28th anniversary of the successful grassroots battle to 'Bump The Dump' in Allegany County, NY. 
Faced with the prospect of becoming host to a large scale low-level radioactive waste dump, people mobilized quickly and in a big way. When 5,000 people showed up at the first public meeting, NYs Siting Commission got a taste for the fierce, unyielding opposition they were about to endure. This ambitious effort was fought on all fronts and won by citizens from all walks of life.
An incredible resistance movement sprung up and did not sleep for the next year and a half. On any given day there were focus groups, committees, fundraisers, meetings, meetings and more meetings, letter-writing campaigns, rallies, marches, non-violent actions (civil disobedience), arrests, court hearings, and media interactions.
The Siting Commission never once set foot on any of the proposed sites, though they did try! In the era before Internet and mobile phones, activists relied on land-lines and CB radios to communicate. Thankfully, video cameras and the media captured archival footage of this up-lifting struggle, which has been preserved as an important historical record in the documentary film, 'My Name Is Allegany County.'
Thanks to our friends at Alfred State College for re-mastering the original film and adding subtitles. To see the subtitles, simply start the video and click the "CC" symbol immediately below the screen.
We are proud not only of our neighbor-warriors and the fight they waged and won, but also of this film, which preserves the record for future generations. It’s hard to imagine what life in our pristine rural county would be like now had these citizens not given their all to ‘Bump the Dump.’
Concerned Citizens of Allegany County, Inc., is a 501c3 not-for-profit corporation that continues to fight against pollution, focusing primarily on ending the proliferation of infrastructure related to fracking and halting the disposal of hazardous and radioactive gas field wastes in Allegany and Steuben county landfills. 
We meet monthly in Angelica and welcome interested parties to join the effort to raise awareness and protect our clean water, soil, and air. Tax-deductible contributions can be mailed to: CCAC  P O Box 425, Angelica, NY 14709.
Enjoy this film, and please…. share and comment!
 
 

Livingston County: Route 63 Fatal Hit and Run

GENESEO: Sheriff Thomas J. Dougherty advises the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal hit and run vehicle collision with a pedestrian. On April 28th at approximately 2:56 a.m. the Livingston County Emergency Communications Center (E-911) received a call from a truck driver who stated he had been northbound on Route 63 in the area of Court Street when he observed a person in dark clothing walking in the roadway.
 
The Geneseo Police Department was immediately dispatched to the area and arrived on scene to find a deceased male in his 20’s in the roadway. The man has been identified as Nicholas M. Iannarelli, age 24 of East Amherst, NY.


The investigation is continuing by the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office in cooperation with our law enforcement partners.

Anyone with any information or recorded surveillance video in the area of Route 63 is requested to call the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office at 585.243.7100 or toll free 844.LCSO.TIP
 

Governor Cuomo Announces More than $100 Million to Pave Roads Impacted by this Year's Extreme Weather

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced more than $100 million in state funding to repave and enhance roadways impacted by the harsh weather this past winter. Funding will support 84 projects and the renewal of nearly 1,000 lane miles of pavement across the state, including at least one project in every county and New York City. The new funding, awarded through the Harsh Winter Paving Initiative, is in addition to nearly $300 million previously committed for projects that repave approximately 1,600 lane miles of road across New York State. The unprecedented infrastructure investment will make state highways safer and more efficient, while encouraging local commerce and tourism. The projects will take place throughout the summer and into fall, and will be completed this year.
Western New York
Approximately $4.8 million in projects to pave 69 lane miles of the following roads in Niagara, Erie, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus and Allegany counties:
  • $1.9 million to resurface Rout 394 from Gerry Levant to Randolph Village Line in Chautauqua and Cattaraugus Counties.
  • $850,000 to pave US Route 62 from Taylor Hollow Road to Hussey Gulf Creek in Erie County.
  • $750,000 to resurface Route 446 from Route 16 to Allegany County Line in Cattaraugus County.
  • $700,000 to resurface Route 93 from County Line to Hunts Corners Road in Erie County.
  • $315,000 to resurface Route 78 from Jacques Road to Ewings Road in Niagara County.
  • $275,000 to perform maintenance paving on Route 244 from Belmont to Clark Road in Allegany County.
Southern Tier
Approximately $18.8 million in projects to pave 179 lane miles of the following roads in Steuben, Schuyler, Chemung, Tompkins, Tioga, Broome, Chenango and Delaware counties:
  • $1.8 million to address pavement cracking on Route 327 from Routes 13, 34 and 96 to Route 79 in Tompkins County.
  • $1.4 million to perform preventive maintenance paving on Route 54 from County Route 113 to Route 54A in Steuben County.
  • $1.5 million to resurface Routes 414, 79, 54 in the Town of Hector in Schuyler County and the Town of Barrington in Yates County.
  • $2.6 million to perform maintenance paving on Route 427 from Cedar St to Chemung and Route 224 from Alpine Junction to the Chemung County line in Chemung County.
  • $2.1 million to resurface Route 10 from High Street in the Town of Walton to Launt Hollow Road in the town of Hamden in Delaware County.
  • $2.3 million to resurface severely cracked and deteriorated roadway on Route 38B from the eastern Tioga County line (Stratton Road) to Route 38 in Tioga County.
  • $822,000 to resurface Route 41 from the Route 17 Exit 82 interchange to Parker Road in Broome County.
  • $1.8 million to resurface Route 12 from near County Route 32 to the Sherburne Village line in Chenango County.
  • $1.8 million to resurface Route 28 from the Village of Andes line to the Little Delaware River in Delaware County.
  • $495,000 to resurface Route 26 from Route 38B to the Maine Memorial School in the Town of Maine in Broome County.
  • $908,000 to resurface Route 97 from Lordville Road to Peas Eddy Road in Delaware County.
  • $625,000 to resurface Route 17C from the western Village of Owego line (Owego Creek) to Glen Mary Drive in Tioga County.
  • $630,000 to resurface Route 41 from Route 220 to the Cortland County line in Chenango County.
Misc:
  • $957,000 to resurface Route 20 from Route 36 to Route 5 in Livingston County.
  • $1.0 million to resurface Route 78 from Route 19 to Route 362 in Wyoming County.
  • $1.3 million to resurface Route 15 from Spring Water to County Route 71 in Livingston County.

Sheriff Whitney: Public Service Announcement

The Allegany County Sheriff’s Office, Ardent Solutions and Allegany County’s Slow Moving Vehicle Safety Advisory Board would like to remind motorists that with warmer weather arriving; drivers, especially in our rural areas, should keep an eye out for slow-moving vehicles such as farm equipment, road construction equipment and horse and buggies.  A slow-moving vehicle is described as one traveling 25 miles per hour or below and should have a Slow Moving Vehicle Emblem (SMVE) visibly displayed. 
Motorist can stay safe by being alert for slow-moving vehicle emblems, reflectors, or flashing lights; slowing down when you see a slow-moving vehicle sign, passing with caution and by being aware of possible left-sided turns. Please remember you have to follow all applicable laws when approaching or passing a slow moving vehicle. 
All residents are reminded that placing a “slow moving vehicle emblem” on a stationary object such as a tree or mailbox or on a vehicle that can travel in excess of 25mph are violations of the Vehicle and Traffic Law. 
For further information about slow moving vehicles, please go to the following website:

Cuba Police Blotter

 Press Release
Following an incident in the Village of Cuba on Sunday April 29th at approximately 2:50 p.m., Cuba Police arrested Jeramy J. Howard, 45, of Pennsylvania. Howard was arrested on an active felony parole warrant. During the investigation it was discovered that Howard was allegedly in possession of several hypodermic needles and an illegal firearm. Howard was taken into custody and charged with aggravated unlicensed operation 2nd (misdemeanor) and criminal possession of a weapon 4th (misdemeanor) along with violation of parole. Howard was processed and placed in the Allegany County Jail on $500.00 bail. Howard is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. 

Pill drop a success in Allegany County


Bolivar police officer Eric Wilkins and
Sheriff Ricky Whitney
Bolivar and Wellsville – On Saturday, April 28 the Allegany County Spring Pill Drop was held in conjunction with the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. This year the two selected locations were Bolivar and Wellsville.  The pill drop event allows the community to drop off unused, expired or unwanted medications and provides the opportunity for education on the location of the pill drop boxes. Both locations have established pill drop boxes that are open to the public year-round.  In Bolivar there is a drop box located at Jones Memorial Family Practice, 120 First Street. In Wellsville there are two locations at Jones Memorial Hospital, 191 North Main Street and the Wellsville Police Department, 46 South Main Street.
 

This event was held in partnership among the Allegany Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse, Inc.(ACASA), the Allegany County Sheriff’s Office, the Bolivar Police Department, and Partners for Prevention in Allegany County(PPAC). Medications were accepted from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and between the two locations, a total of 42 cars stopped and 78 pounds of medication were collected. “The Bi-annual Pill Drops and the several community Pill Box locations provide members of our community an appropriate place to dispose of unwanted medications. It is really important to keep controlled medications out of the hands of people who will abuse them,” states Bill Penman, Executive Director of ACASA. Each car that stopped received information on the Allegany County’s pill drop and pill drop box locations. In addition to those previously mentioned, there are boxes at the Allegany County Sheriff’s Office in Belmont, the Office of University Police on the Alfred State Campus, the Cuba Police Department, and the Fillmore Pharmacy.  This calendar year, 549.2 pounds of medications have been collected from the pill drop box locations. 
In the future there will be three more drop boxes located at the Alfred Pharmacy, Friendship Pharmacy and Nicholson’s Pharmacy in Belmont. All three locations have been awarded a drop box from the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), but they have not yet been installed.
The pill drop events and boxes are completely anonymous and confidential. Once the Sheriff’s Office has collected the medications they are transported to an undisclosed location for incineration. Incinerating the medications makes them harmless to the environment. “We offer the pill drop events and boxes, to discourage people from holding on to old medications or flushing them down the toilet,” states PPAC Coordinator Jonathan Chaffee. “We know that most young people who abuse prescription medications get them from unsuspecting family members and flushing medications down the toilet allows them to find their way into our drinking water, creeks and rivers,” states Chaffee.
According to Sheriff Whitney, “Saturday we collected over 1,200 controlled pills at the two locations, which could potentially be sold on the street for $12,000.00 to $25,000.00, depending on the substance involved. Since the inception of the pill drops we have collected and destroyed well over a million dollars of these dangerous drugs. By collecting and destroying these substances, we greatly reduce the amount available to find their way onto our streets and into the hands of our youth.”
The agencies involved would like to send out a special “Thank You” to local pharmacists Christie Fries and LeRoy Hanchett for volunteering their time to help at the pill drop locations. The next pill drop event will be in October, 2018 in Cuba and Canaseraga, locations to be determined.  More information about the pill drop events and locations can be found at https://ppaccentral.org/pill-drop-locations/.

NY State Police Blotter

4/29/18 3:45pm- After investigating a complaint in the village of Richburg, state police arrested Christopher P. Gatti, 47, of Little Genesee. He was charged with felony burglary, stalking and aggravated harassment. Bail was set at $500.
4/29/18 4:20pm- State police arrested Cole M. Baldwin, 22, of Cuba. After investigating a domestic dispute, he was charged with assault, criminal obstruction of breathing, criminal mischief and endangering the welfare of a child. He was released on his own recognizance.
4/29/18 5:14pm- During a traffic stop in Hume, state police arrested Annette L. Phillips, 42, of Nunda. She was charged with DWI, BAC above .08% and speeding. Court action is pending.

Wellsville Police Blotter

Date: Sunday April 29, 2018

Wellsville Police arrested Daniel E. Fronczak, age 42 of Scio, charging him with Public Lewdness and Disorderly Conduct.  The charge stems from an incident that took place on North Main Street in the Village.  Fronczak was processed and arraigned before Wellsville Village Justice O’Connor.  Fronczak was committed to the Allegany County Jail on $100.00 cash bail or $200.00 property bond.  Fronczak is due back in Wellsville Village Court on May 15th at 4:30 p.m.

Allegany County Sheriff's blotter

April 27 - Allegany County Sheriff Ricky L. Whitney reports that, with the assistance of the Wyoming County Sheriff’s Office, Deputies arrested Anthony P. Taylor, age 26 of Arcade, on an Allegany County Violation of Probation Warrant. Taylor, who was being released from the Wyoming County Jail on unrelated charges, was processed and transported to Allegany County Court where he was arraigned and released on his own recognizance.

April 26 - Deputies from the Sheriff’s Office arrested Tristin L. Weidman, age 22 of Angelica, on an Allegany County Violation of Probation Warrant.Weidman was processed and transported to the Allegany County Jail without bail and will reappear in Allegany County Court at a later date for additional court action.

Appeal denied in Steuben County attempted murder case

A state Appellate Court has rejected an appeal from a Rochester man in connection with a drug-related shooting in Bath four years ago.  28-year-old Steven Alexander had pleaded guilty to felony criminal possession of a weapon and as a result, six other counts were dropped including attempted murder. Prosecutors admitted that errors were made with instructions given to a grand jury. Alexander seized on that and wanted the indictment dismissed. In its three-page decision, the Appellate Court ruled that it concluded that dismissal is not required because the error did not impair the integrity of the grand jury proceeding with respect to the sole count of the indictment to which Alexander ultimately pleaded guilty. Alexander is currently service a ten year sentence at Clinton Correction. He won’t be eligible for parole until November 2022.

24% of NY’ers Prescribed Opioids in Last Two Years

SIENA College

Loudonville, NY. - Over the last two years, 24 percent of New Yorkers have been prescribed opioids for pain by a doctor according to Part III of a new Siena College (SCRI) poll of New Yorkers.  Of those, 51 percent were told by their doctor or another member of the doctor’s staff about the risks associated with opioid use while 49 percent were not.  When filling the opioid prescription at a pharmacy, 42 percent were spoken with about the risks associated with opioid use while 58 percent received no warning.
Of those that have been prescribed opioids for pain over the last two years, 62 percent did not take the entire prescription and among those, 40 percent did not dispose of the remaining pills.
Eighteen percent of New Yorkers say that they, a family member or a close friend has pursued treatment for opioid abuse.  Eleven percent say that it was very easy to access treatment but 26 percent say it was either not very or not at all easy.  Nearly half, 48 percent have heard that insurance providers refusing to cover the cost of adequate treatment is a barrier to people in their area receiving treatment.  Both treatment programs not working with individuals for a long enough period and poor follow-up after a patient completes a program are cited by 41 percent.  Thirty-one percent say insufficient space in treatment facilities is a barrier to recovery.
The survey is part of a community effort by Prescription for Progress: United against opioid addiction, a newly formed coalition of leaders in healthcare, media, law enforcement, education and business in New York’s Capital Region committed to raising awareness and taking positive steps to address the crisis.
Prescription for Progress seeks to unite businesses, nonprofits and government agencies to strive toward the shared goal of fighting addiction. The initiative will include town hall meetings, public service messages in local media and gatherings of stakeholders to identify positive steps. An upcoming survey by SCRI, also commissioned by Prescription for Progress, will poll professionals working to address opioid abuse.
“Of those that have been touched by opioid abuse, that is, they or someone they are close with have abused opioids or died from an overdose, one third say they or someone they know have tried to get treatment,” said Siena College Research Institute Director, Don Levy. “But two-thirds say they haven’t.”
“While nearly half of those that have been close to opioid abuse say that it is either somewhat or very easy to access treatment, at rates considerably higher than those that have not suffered the effects of opioid abuse,  they say that problems with insurance coverage, treatment length or follow-up and available beds are standing in the way of accessing treatment,” Levy said.
“With over eighty percent of New Yorkers saying that doctors over-prescribing opioids and allowing patients access to too many pain pills are at least somewhat responsible for the current level of opioid abuse, it is concerning, but not surprising, that among those that were prescribed, a quarter admit that they were given too many pills and nearly two-thirds didn’t take the entire prescription.  As concerning is that about half say that no one at the doctor’s office talked to them about the risk of addiction,” Levy said.

Obituary: MaryAnn Gath, 76, Hornell

Hornell - MaryAnn Gath, 76, of 23 East Main St., Hornell, died Saturday afternoon (April 28, 2018) at St. James Mercy Hospital, following a long illness.
Born in Hornell on September 1, 1941, she was the daughter of Nicholas Alexin and the former Betty Totten.  MaryAnn was a graduate of the former St. Ann’s School and later graduated from Hornell High School.
For several years, she was employed as a production worker at the former Corbin Wood Products Corporation and also Morrison Knudsen (MK) in Hornell.
While in her 40’s, MaryAnn decided to further her education and obtained her Registered Nursing Degree from Alfred State College.  For many years she was employed as a registered nurse at St. James Mercy Hospital.
MaryAnn was a lifelong member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church.  Throughout the years, she was a “die hard” bingo player.
She was married on June 26, 1976 to Lawrence “Larry” Gath who survives.  Also surviving are her son, Michael Vosburg of Hornell; her brother, Nicholas “Nick” (Debbie) Alexin of Hornell; 2 grandchildren, Andrea Vosburg and Brandon Vosburg; several nieces & nephews.
At MaryAnn’s request there will be no calling hours.  Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.
Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY. MaryAnn’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to the Dialysis Unit of Elderwood of Hornell, 1 Bethesda Dr., Hornell, NY 14843.
To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com.

Sunday, April 29, 2018

Obituary: Donald LeRoy Tarabori, 80, Roulette


Donald L. Tarabori “beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend”

ROULETTE, Pa.- Donald LeRoy Tarabori, 80, of Roulette, formerly of Galeton and Coudersport, passed away with his loving family by his side on Saturday, April 28, 2018, at UPMC Cole, Coudersport, after a long illness.
Born on July 27, 1937 in Coudersport, he was a son of Marshall A. and Eleanor Doud Tarabori.  On September 2, 1967 in Gaines, he married Cora Mae Northrop, who survives.
Don graduated from Galeton High School, Class of 1955.  He was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving as a supplies clerk.
He was employed at Corning Glass Works and later was employed by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.  Lastly he was a Pennsylvania State Liquor Store manager, managing stores in Galeton, Austin and Coudersport, retiring after 32 years of service.  He served as treasurer of the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board for the local district.
Don’s parents operated West Pike Sales and Service where Don got his love for Hudsons and “fast cars”.  He was noted throughout his younger years as “the guy with the neatest and fastest cars”.  He owned and raced a drag car and a dirt track racecar.  He was a member of the Hudson Essex Terraplane Club.  He was an avid NASCAR fan and had been interviewed for a position with the NASCAR truck circuit before his illness.  He loved traveling, remote control carsand remote control planes.  His greatest love was family.
Surviving besides his wife are two sons, Scot Tarabori of Roulette and Michael (Paula Phelps) Tarabori of Coudersport; five grandchildren, Lauren, Brandon, Mason, Clayton and Taylor; two step-grandsons, Dylan (Erin) Clark and Brandon Lee Clark; four great-grandchildren, Hadynn, Nevaeh, Elaina, and Aria; a brother, Ronald Tarabori of Galeton; several nieces, nephews, and cousins; his two dogs, Sadie Mae and Bella; and his cat, Chester.
In addition to his parents, Don was predeceased by a daughter, Tammy Lynne Tarabori.
There will be no public visitation. A private family celebration of Don’s life will be held at the convenience of the family.
Don’s family has entrusted his care to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Roulette Volunteer Ambulance Association, PO Box 172, Roulette, PA 16746 or to Cole Memorial Home Health and Hospice, 102-108 South Main Street, Coudersport, PA 16915.
To express condolences or share a fond memory of Don, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com.

Obituary: Lloyd M. Ward, 67, Scio


Lloyd M. Ward, 67, of Scio, NY, died Friday, April 27, 2018 in Jones Memorial Hospital, Wellsville, NY surrounded by his family.  Born December 7, 1950, in Wellsville, he was the son of Morris and Doris Goodridge Ward.  On October 6, 1973, in Scio, he married the former Katherine J. Porter, who survives.  A Vietnam Veteran, he served honorably with the US Army.  A graduate of Scio Central School and Breeden School of Welding in Genesee, PA, he was employed by Air Preheater for 41 years, retiring in 2014. Lloyd enjoyed the outdoors and his Jeep rides with his dog, Meisie.  His loves were his wife, children, and grandchildren.  Surviving besides his wife, Katherine, are:  four children, Sarah Claypool of Scio, Carrie (Aaron) Elliott of Scio, Loretta (Brian) Erwin of Philadelphia, PA, and Casey Ward of Allegany, NY;  five grandchildren, Trevor Claypool, Shelby Claypool, Kaylee Elliott, Kylee Elliott, and Max Erwin; five sisters, Phyllis (Ronald deceased) Young of Lockport, NY, Lillian (Donald) Pye of Wellsville, RuthAnn (Ralph deceased) Middaugh of Hornell, Norma (Donald) Middaugh of Friendship, and MaryLou (Donald) Drake of Angelica;  nieces and nephews;  and his canine companion, Meisie.  In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a sister, Barbara Keiser. Lloyd liked the Billy Graham quote, “Someday you will read or hear that Billy Graham is dead.  Don’t you believe a word of it.  I shall be more alive than I am now.  I will just have changed my address.  I will have gone into the presence of God.”  Services will be held privately.  The Rev. Carl Kemp will officiate.  Burial will be in Knights Creek Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital at www.stjude.org.  Arrangements are entrusted to the Mulholland-Crowell Funeral Home, Wellsville, NY.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.wellsvillefuneralhome.com.

"Bump the Dump" era sheriff endorses Mackney in Allegany County race

Some remember, many don't - but in the late 1980's and early 1990's, Allegany County was the prime location for the development of a dumpsite for the nation's low level nuclear waste. That story was first reported on a Saturday morning when I was involved in the ownership of WJQZ radio and its news director. It was a tip I received, quite by accident. It was my story. All Hell broke loose. Larry Scholes was the Allegany County Sheriff at the time. Scholes won accolades for how he handled the protests and near riots. Now, hardly heard from in decades, Scholes speaks...
The Mackney for Sheriff campaign this morning released this press statement:

L-R: Mackney, Scholes
Retired Allegany County Sheriff Lawrence (Larry) Scholes is the best example I know of a true servant of the people of Allegany County. He started at the Allegany County Sheriff’s Office in 1973 working for Sheriff Dick Burdick. In 1975 Sheriff Burdick made Larry his Undersheriff. Sheriff Burdick fell ill later that year and Larry became “Acting Sheriff” until Reynard Meacham was elected to the office in 1978. Larry continued as Undersheriff until he was elected as Sheriff in November of 1983. Many of us will remember in April of 1990 when Sheriff Scholes defied Governor Mario Cuomo, The New York State Siting Commission and New York State Police Superintendent Thomas Constantine when New York wanted to build a low level nuclear waste dump site in Allegany County. Larry held onto his convictions and demonstrated true Law Enforcement professionalism during the following “Bump the Dump” protests which eventually saw the State Siting Commission give up on the idea of using Allegany County as a nuclear waste dump site.
Larry retired from Public Service in 1998 and as far as I know served longer as Undersheriff/Sheriff than anyone else in Allegany County’s history. He was probably, without a doubt, the most popular. Larry Scholes has never publically endorsed a candidate for the Office of Sheriff until now. I am honored to have his support and to be his first public endorsement for Sheriff and I am even more honored to be his friend.

Three charged in Angelica home invasion - Troopers issue release with photo's after our story

There was a large state police response to the Village of Angelica following a reported home invasion on West Main Street at 6:50 a.m. Saturday. According to on-air reports, an older male victim was inside the home and the bandits allegedly stole a cell phone, cash and a wallet. After an all day investigation and search, three people were taken into custody. Charged with 2nd degree residential burglary, a class C felony, were:
  1. Hanna L. Jones, 35, of Scio. She was taken into custody on Main Street in Rushford at 9 p.m.
  2. Kelly A. Blair, 41, of Cuba. She was arrested at 10:30 p.m.
  3. Cory J. Eck, 35, of Wellsville. He was arrested at 9:15 p.m.
All three were arraigned and remanded to the Allegany County Jail. Bail was set for each at $50,000 cash or $100,000 bond.
---
Several hours after Wellsville Regional News reported this story, state police issued this news release:
PRESS RELEASE
On April 28, 2018 the Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) out of SP Amity arrested Hanna L. Stuck, 35 of Scio, NY, Kelly A. Blair, 41 of Cuba, NY and Cory Eck, 35 of Wellsville, NY for Burglary 2nd degree.

On April 28, 2018 at approximately 6:40 a.m., Troopers out of SP Amity responded to West Main Street in the village of Angelica for a possible home invasion.  Further investigation done by the BCI revealed that the 68-year-old victim was asleep and woke up by two unknown suspects who took cash from the residence.  The victim was not injured during the burglary.  After area interviews and possible leads it was determined that one of the suspects, Stuck who did not enter the residence during the burglary was a known acquaintance of the victim.  All three suspects were located and arrested.  The three suspects were arraigned in the town of Friendship Court and remanded to the Allegany County Jail in lieu of $50,000 bail.

This is still an ongoing investigation and possible future charges are pending.


                                 Hannah L. Stuck


                                    Kelly A. Blair


                                        Cory Eck

Obituary: Louise A. Youngs, 79, Ceres, NY

Louise A. Youngs “beloved wife, mother and grandmother”

CERES, N.Y.- Louise A. Youngs, 79, of Ceres, N.Y., passed away on Friday, April 27, 2018, in Wellsville Manor, Wellsville, after a long illness.Born on March 12, 1939 in Norfolk, Virginia, she was a daughter of Chester L. and Louise B. Consolva Phelps.  On April 4, 1956 in South Carolina, she married Clyde K. Youngs, who passed away on May 8, 2015.Louise attended school in Great Bridge, Virginia.  She was employed at the Portville Liquor Store and babysat in her home for several area families.Louise was a volunteer at the Bolivar Central School in the reading program.  She was a former member of the Portville Kiwanis Club and a member of the Ceres Card Club.  In the 1960’s, Louise was a Cub Scout leader in Portville. She was an avid reader and enjoyed doing crafts.Surviving are four sons, Clyde K. (Laurie) Youngs, Jr. of Ceres, Willie (Michele) Youngs of Portville, Charles R. “Bobby” (Debbie) Youngs of Portville, and David W. (KiKi) Youngs of Allegany; eleven grandchildren, Brandon, Heather, Kyle, Cody, Nicholas, Allyson, Jordanne, Michael and Sarah Youngs and Amber and Jonathan Glover; nine great-grandchildren; two brothers, the Rev. Chester Lee (Margaret) Phelps and William Phelps, both of Richmond, Virginia; a sister, Beverly (James) Fraser of Woodbridge, Virginia; and several nieces and nephews.Louise was predeceased by her parents and husband.Friends may call from 10 a.m. to noon on Tuesday, May 1, 2018 at the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, 118 South Union Street, Shinglehouse, Pa., where funeral services will follow at noon with Pastor Ben Ramirez of the Faith Bible Church, Little Genesee, officiating.  Burial will be in Bowler Memorial Cemetery, Little Genesee. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.Louise’s family has entrusted her care to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.To express condolences or share a fond memory of Louise, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com.  









 

Obituary: Marlene A. Lewis, 74, Friendship


Friendship - Marlene A. Lewis, 74, of 6071 Byrnes Hill Road passed away on Friday, April 27, 2018 at Buffalo General Hospital with her family at her side. She was born July 16, 1943 in Richburg, the daughter of the late Ross and Inez (Butts) Shelley. On November 24, 1961 in Belmont she married Ronald L. Lewis who survives. Marlene was a 1961 graduate of Belmont High School. She was a long time employee of K-Mart in Wellsville, retiring in 1997. She was a faithful member of the Belmont First Baptist Church. She was a loving mother not only to her own children, but to many children in her extended family and community.
Surviving in addition to her husband, are seven children, Alan Lewis of Friendship, Mark Lewis of Angelica, Gary (Joan) Lewis of Mineral Springs, NC, Ross (Kylene) Lewis of Moore, SC, Lisa (Eric) Jeske of Penrose, CO, Jennifer Presor of Prattville, AL, and Jessica (Dana) Hand of Bradford, NY, 17 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, a brother, Greg Shelley, and his companion Mike Feldbauer of Belmont, two sisters, Barbara (Charles) Bliven of Can, and Donna Perkins of West Clarksville, as well as several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by two brothers, Richard and Douglas Shelley, and one sister, Marilyn Shelley.
At Marlene's Request, her funeral will be private. Burial will be in Forest Hills Cemetery in Belmont. Please consider memorial Donations to the Belmont First Baptist Church or the Alzheimer's Association. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Saturday, April 28, 2018

Register by May 12th for The Road Rally & Scavenger Hunt

 REGISTER BY MAY 12TH FOR THE ROAD RALLY AND SCAVENGER HUNT ON SATURDAY MAY 19TH! Follow Clues to Discover Allegany County's Rich Music and Arts Treasures! Preserve & Record the Moments With Your Original "Selfies" and A Smile! Give Your Team A Name - Dress Up - Be Creative - Collect Points For Everything. PRIZES AND AWARDS Ceremony! Starting Point: The Palmer at 1:00 PM. Cash Bar - Wine, Domestic & Craft Beer, Wine, Coffee, Soda & Water. Tickets are $25 per person (Limit to "4" per vehicle) and Include Dinner!. For tickets and more information about times and dinner menu go to https://www.brownpapertickets.com/user/manageevent/3387716 or call Palmer Opera House & Event Center: (585) 209-5512.  You may also purchase tickets at The Palmer Opera House & Event Center--12 West Main Street in Cuba, NY.   Road Rally and Scavenger Hunt brought to you by Allegany County Arts & Music!

PRESS RELEASE: Schuyler County Commemorates May 1 as “Law Day”

Watkins Glen, New York—The Schuyler County Legislature has recognized as the Law Day 2018 theme “Separation of Powers: Framework for Freedom.”   
The legislature passed a resolution at its April 9, 2018 meeting, recognizing “Law Day” as an occasion of public acknowledgement of our Nation’s heritage of justice, liberty, and equality under the law.  The resolution was submitted to the legislature by Schuyler County Attorney Steven Getman.
 
“The U.S. Constitution established a system of government with distinct and independent branches—legislative, executive, and judicial—and it gave Congress, the Presidency, and a Supreme Court separate and distinct powers, so that these three separate branches share power and serve as checks on the powers of the others,” Getman wrote.
 
In passing the resolution, the legislature found that “promoting public understanding of the roots of our freedom are an important component in the civic education of the citizens of the United States, the State of New York and the County of Schuyler.”
 
The American Bar Association selects an annual theme for each Law Day.  Law Day is an annual commemoration first held in 1957 when the American Bar Association envisioned a special national day to mark our nation’s commitment to the rule of law. The following year, President Dwight D. Eisenhower issued the first Law Day Proclamation. Law Day was made official in 1961 when Congress issued a joint resolution designating May 1 as the official date for celebrating Law Day. 
 
A copy of Schuyler County’s resolution “Recognizing and Commemorating May 1, 2018 as ‘Law Day’ in Schuyler County is available here: https://www.scribd.com/document/376010170/resolution-recognizing-and-commemorating-may-1-2018-as-law-day-in-schuyler-county-new-york

Senator Tom O'Mara's weekly column

Senator O'Mara's district includes Steuben County -

“We’ve got to live in the real world”
 
In a recent commentary for the Times Union, the state capital’s hometown newspaper, I welcomed the opportunity to comment on one of today’s most pressing energy challenges.
In part, I wrote:

There was a time not long ago when environmentalists hailed natural gas as a cleaner energy solution. During his first Earth Day speech as President, Barack Obama lauded domestic natural gas as a critical bridge fuel to a renewable energy future. Near the conclusion of his presidency, he credited the use of natural gas for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and reminding us “we've got to live in the real world.”

That message got lost somewhere along the line. If we do not start remembering that we live in the real world, the cost of heat and electricity will be unaffordable for most New Yorkers. In the real world, demand for natural gas is at an all-time high. That fact has been good for the environment and the American economy, including in our neighboring state of Pennsylvania.

Since 1990, U.S. natural gas production is up 37 percent and greenhouse gas emissions are down 17 percent. From 2005-2015, natural gas consumption increased 24 percent – contributing to dramatic drops in a number of air pollutants, including sulfur dioxide (down 66 percent), fine particulate matter (down 34 percent), and nitrogen oxide (down 20 percent). One of the important benefits of natural gas is the way it works in concert with renewable forms of energy. The main challenge with relying on renewable sources of energy, such as wind or solar, is their inherent unreliability. Storage capacity simply is not yet ready for prime time and cannot meet our energy demands. Continued innovation and investment in this area is critical to the future viability of renewables.

Electric power needs to be used when it’s generated. If the sun’s not out or the wind isn’t blowing, a wind turbine or solar panel isn’t much use to the electric grid. Natural gas is a strong complement to renewables because it can be brought online quickly, ensuring reliability in systems when renewables are not producing.  The Business Council for Sustainable Energy highlights this important link between domestic natural gas and renewables in a recent report. According to the report, natural gas and renewables together generated 50 percent of U.S. electricity in 2017, up from 31 percent in 2008. At the same time, greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S. power sector fell to their lowest levels since 1990. Furthermore, while we have made some gains in renewable electricity supply, our heating fuel remains at about 95 percent fossil fuel-based and natural gas is by far the cleanest of that heat source.

Unfortunately, a group of vocal activists refuses to accept the very real limits to renewable energy. They aggressively work to strangle the development of much-needed energy infrastructure. New York State policymakers block projects that are essential to supply energy to the entire New York and New England region – with very real world consequences for consumers cut off from access to affordable energy. The zealots may be successful in assuring that we don't freeze to death in the dark, but ignoring natural gas may mean that we freeze to death with the lights on.

This past winter, New England was faced with constraints to its energy supply caused in part by the blockade of domestic pipeline construction, which Governor Cuomo has singlehandedly blocked. Faced with a harsh winter and limited access to domestic natural gas, New England imported liquefied natural gas from Russia just to meet basic heating and electricity needs.
 
In New York, the Governor has laid out a set of very ambitious renewable energy goals. I agree that we should be leading the way in renewable energy development. But we also have to make sure that residents and businesses have the energy they need right now to live and thrive in New York.

We can keep the lights and heat on, and emissions down, but only if we stop this senseless opposition to natural gas and critical energy infrastructure.

Allegany County Probation report for April



Allegany County Public Defender report for April



Allegany County Sheriff April report


In addition to the regular county committee meetings Sheriff Whitney also attended the following meetings and /or events:

o April 3 Allegany County Suicide prevention Coalition meeting

o April 4 Health Department P.O.D. exercise planning meeting

o April 5 Pheasant program Board of Directors meeting

o April 9 – Sheriff’s office chaplains meeting

o April 10 Elder Abuse prevention committee meeting

o April 11 Department Head meeting

o April 13 Andover Central School 21st Century Grant Advisory Council meeting

o April 14 Congressman Reed event at Wellsville CC

o April 18 - VRT, SART and DART case reviews

o April 18 Special Resource Management committee meeting

o April 18 – “Save the Michaels” event at Genesis Bible Church

o April 19 PPAC Environmental Strategies committee meeting

o April 20 Houghton Fire Department and Ambulance Annual meeting

o April 21 Andover Fire Department and Ambulance Annual meeting

o April 24 Traffic Safety Board

o April 24 District III Legislators meeting

o April 25 ATI (Alternatives to Incarceration) Advisory Board meeting

o April 26 Allegany Co. Amish Mobility Safety Advisory Committee meeting

o April 28 Pill Drops at Wellsville and Bolivar

o April 28 Cuba Lake Spring Fling

On April 17th the first batch of day old pheasant chicks arrived. 
On April 19th we held a jail tour and question and answer program for Mrs. Walsh’s Every Day Law class from Wellsville Middle-High School.
On April 20th we held a jail tour and question and answers for Mr. Riley’s Criminal Justice class from BOCES.

On April 24th we sponsored a Blood Drive at the jail for the Community Blood Bank

On April 30th we held a jail tour and question and answers for BOCES government intern class. 
We held several interviews of possible part-time corrections officers.

Started planning for our open house that is scheduled for Police Memorial Day, May 15, 2018 from noon to 7:00 PM

The Civil Division served 106 civil processes and collected various undertakings totaling 
$36,649.02 March 24 through April 20, 2018. (see attached report).
Respectfully Submitted:
Ricky L. Whitney
Sheriff

 

Allegany County 911 Center monthly report

For the period March 26 - April 22, 2018

Allegany County: New felony cases drop sharply in April


Travel Advisor: State Route 417 in Woodhull


Obituary: Nancy A. Austin, 58, Hornell

Hornell - Nancy A. Austin, 58, of Maple City Dr., passed away Thursday (April 26, 2018) at home.
Born in Hornell, NY, March 2, 1960, the daughter of Glenn W. and Janet Amidon Austin, she had resided in Hornell most of her life. Nancy belonged to the Rebekah Lodge and to the Odd Fellows. She enjoyed cooking, specifically baking and enjoyed bingo. Most recently she was proud of her car, a Ford Mustang.
She was predeceased by her parents.
She is survived by 2 sons; Shawn (Kelly) Austin and Cody Pfaff both of Hornell , siblings; Michael Austin of Prattsburg and Steven (Cindy) Austin of Arkport, and 3 grandchildren; Trinity Austin, Layklyn and Layne Pfaff.
To send a remembrance to the family, please visit www.brownandpowersfuneralhomes.com. The family is being assisted by David W. Ames, Director at the Bender – Brown & Powers Funeral Home of Hornell.
The family will be present on Monday (April 30, 2018) from 4-6 p.m. , at the Bender - Brown & Powers Funeral Home, 354 Canisteo St, Hornell. Funeral services will be held immediately following calling hours at 6 p.m., Rev. Dudley Jenkins officiating. Burial will be in Until the Day Dawn Cemetery in Angelica. 

Friday, April 27, 2018

Obituary: Marlin Dale “Mud” Moore, 70, Coudersport


Marlin D. “Mud” Moore “beloved husband, father and grandfather”
COUDERSPORT, Pa.- Marlin Dale “Mud” Moore, 70, a lifelong resident of Coudersport, passed away in his home surrounded by his loving family on Friday, April 27, 2018, after a lengthy illness. Born on June 27, 1947 in Port Allegany, he was a son of Howard E. and Dorothy M. Kelly Moore.  On July 28, 2017 in Sinnemahoning, he married June M. Hurler, who survives.
Mud grew up in Sweden Valley and attended a two-room country school through the sixth grade. He was a graduate of Coudersport High School, Class of 1966, where he was a member of the football team.  While in high school, Mud worked part time in several gas stations at the same time.
He began working in Rochester, N.Y. for a few years after graduation and then returned to Coudersport working at the former Market Basket in Wellsville, N.Y. as an assistant manager.  He then was employed at Worthington Corporation in Wellsville until 1972.  He then was employed at the former Pure Carbon Company in Coudersport and later was employed by the Potter County Sheriff’s Department where he was the first Potter County State Certified Corrections officer.  In 1987, he was appointed Coudersport Borough Manager, a position that he held until retiring in 2013. During the 27 years as manager, Marlin completed many large projects, such as the new water and sewer system and building a new Borough Maintenance facility which when finished was paid for completely.  He worked hard for many grants to help pay for the projects.   Another of his projects was the rebuilding of the Fourth Street Bridge.  On Monday, April 23, 2018, Mud was honored with the dedication of the Fourth Street Bridge in his name.  At the time of his retirement, the Borough had no debt other than the remaining water and sewer debts. He again then worked for the Potter County Sheriff’s Department from 2014 until July of 2017, retiring due to illness.
Mud was a member of St. Eulalia Catholic Church in Coudersport, a member of Coudersport Knights of Columbus Council 1355, a life member of the Sons of the American Legion Post 192 in Coudersport, a member of the Costello Sportsman’s Club, a life member of the Coudersport Volunteer Fire Department and a life member of the Coudersport Volunteer Ambulance Association.  He was a board member of the Northern Tier Children’s Home for eight years and was a former member of the Coudersport Borough Council where he served as a trustee for the State Borough’s Association and had served as council vice president for one year and had served has president in 1986.  He enjoyed playing golf and was an avid hunter. He very much enjoyed his participation over the years in the Potter Players where he excelled as a soloist.
Surviving besides his wife are a son, Michael E. (Kathy Orth) Moore of Woodland Park, Colorado; two daughters, Michelle M. (Trevor) Leathers of Austin, Texas and Larae M. (Chad Wilcher) Cornish of Coudersport; nine grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; two brothers, Neil R. (Darla) Moore of Sebastian, Florida and H. Mark (Chris) Moore of Coudersport; a sister, A. Faye (Frederick “Wick”) Furman of Coudersport; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Mud was predeceased by two brothers, Donald Lynn Moore and Gary J. Moore.
Friends may call from 10 a.m. to 1p.m. on Monday, April 30, 2018 in the gathering space of St. Eulalia Catholic Church, Coudersport, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1pm with the Rev. James Campbell, pastor, as celebrant.  Burial will be in St. Eulalia Catholic Cemetery, Coudersport.
Members of the Coudersport Volunteer Fire Department and Volunteer Ambulance Association will pay their respects on Monday at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Cole Memorial Home Health and Hospice, 102-108 South Main Street, Coudersport, PA 16915; to the Patterson Cancer Center, 1001 East Second Street, Coudersport, PA 16915; or to the Coudersport Volunteer Fire Department, 171 Port Allegany Road, Coudersport, PA 16915.
Mud’s family has entrusted his care to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.
To express condolences or share a fond memory of Mud, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com.   

Obituary: Kelly Elizabeth Cooney, 45, Whitesville

Whitesville - Kelly Elizabeth Cooney, 45, of 885 Old Cryder Road passed away on Thursday, April 26, 2018 at Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre, PA. She was born on January 19, 1973 in Wellsville, the daughter of James Patrick and Charlotte Isabelle (Coleman) Cooney.  Kelly was a 1991 graduate of Whitesville Central School. She was employed at Allegany Arc in Wellsville for 20 years. She enjoyed being a member of the Secret Pal Club for many years and loved Golden Retrievers.
She is survived by her father of Genesee and Wellsville, her mother of Whitesville, three brothers, Ronald (Candy) Cooney of Ulysses, John (Mary) Cooney of Manorville, NY, and Dennis (Alison) Cooney of Fullerton, CA, two sisters, Peggy Cooney of Syracuse, and Patricia Cooney of Belmont, as well as several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and her Golden Retriever and best pal, Maggie.
Friends are invited to call on Sunday, April 29, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc., 34 W. State Street in Wellsville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, April 30, at 11:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church in Genesee, PA, with Rev. Joseph Dougherty as celebrant. Burial will be in Whitesville Rural Cemetery. Please consider memorial donations to the Independence Emergency Squad. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

NY State Police Blotter

4/26/18 6:15pm- After investigating a complaint in Granger, state police arrested David L. Scott, 53, of Fillmore. He was charged with criminal contempt for allegedly disobeying a court order and harassment with physical contact. He was held for court action.
4/26/18 9:12pm- During a traffic stop on State Route 21 in Almond, state police arrested Kurt A. Marvin, 45, of Alfred. He was charged with driving while intoxicated, BAC above .08% and not signaling a turn. He was issued appearance tickets for court and released.
4/25/18 3:50pm- State police arrested Stephen A. Damerst, 49, of Richburg. He was charged with criminal obstruction of breathing following a domestic dispute. He was held on cash bail.
4/25/18 6:20pm- State police arrested Clifford A. Lancaster, 63, of Centerville. he was charged with 3rd degree menacing. Cash bail was set.
4/25/18 9:30pm- During a traffic stop on County Road 26 in Belfast, state police arrested Ashley M. Coen, 31, of Angelica. She was charged with aggravated unlicensed operation and moving from a lane unsafely. A passenger, Jerry A. Dowd, 35, of Angelica. He was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Both will appear in court at a later date.

Allegany County: Candidate Mackney says "I like and respect (Sheriff) Rick Whitney"

Press Release
I’d like to take this opportunity to re-introduce myself to you and to discuss some of what I think are important points that you should consider when you vote in the upcoming September Primary for Sheriff. There are more than one or two points that will need in depth review.  In future letters, I will do my best to address the issues that I think are important to you as a taxpayer and as a concerned citizen.  We live in a complex world and law enforcement has struggled to meet the challenges that complex world poses for all of us. Please know that I want to help law enforcement succeed in its mission to keep us all safe and out of harm’s way as I have striven to do over the past 39 years of my career. We now live in a world where some demented miscreants consider our public schools as “soft targets”, where a generation of our youth might be lost to drug addiction and police officers find it necessary to carry an opioid counter agent, Narcan, with them at all times. It is a place where police officers themselves are all too frequently the subject of a deadly ambush and where some State governments have created “Sanctuary Cities” to harbor illegal immigrants and appear to defy the rule of law.
Our Sheriff’s Office is the de-facto largest law enforcement agency in this county and it should have a positive role in protecting us.  The troubles the world is experiencing will never allow us to roll up sidewalks, bury our heads in the sand or sit still when wrong is perpetrated against our citizens.  I believe, through working with all of our law enforcement partners and our political leaders and using financial accountability as a guideline, we can serve you in an affordable manner and do it professionally as well.
No one other than me decided that I would run for Sheriff of Allegany County.  I’m doing it because this is my home, this is where my loved ones are, this is the community I care about and because I feel that there is a need for change.  I also happen to be passionate about the law and about law enforcement.  No one seeking a position in law enforcement or law itself does so without admiration and respect, and yes love, for the rule of law.
I like and respect Rick Whitney, as a person and as a member of our law enforcement family.  I also respect his civic contributions.  I seek only a civil and professional discussion of the issues as they present themselves.  Follow me on Facebook @mackneyforsheriff or email me your concerns at: mackneyforsheriff@gmail.com.

Respectfully yours,
Walter Mackney
Candidate for Sheriff of Allegany County