Winter storm watch posted for Potter County, PA

 URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE

National Weather Service State College PA
1139 AM EST Wed Nov 20 2024

PAZ006-041-210045-
/O.EXA.KCTP.WS.A.0006.241121T2100Z-241122T2100Z/
Potter-Northern Lycoming-
Including the cities of Trout Run and Coudersport
1139 AM EST Wed Nov 20 2024

...WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM THURSDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH
FRIDAY AFTERNOON...

* WHAT...Heavy wet snow possible. Total snow accumulations 6 inches
  or more possible at and above 1500 feet elevation.

* WHERE...Northern Lycoming and Potter Counties.

* WHEN...From Thursday afternoon through Friday afternoon.

* IMPACTS...The strong winds and weight of snow on tree limbs may
  down power lines and could cause sporadic power outages. Travel
  could be very difficult. The hazardous conditions could impact the
  Thursday evening and Friday morning commutes.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...The heavy snow is most likely at elevations
  above 1500 feet. Lower elevations and valley locations will likely
  receive significantly less snow.

WYOMING COUNTY MAN INDICTED ON CHARGES OF TRANSPORTATION AND POSSESSION OF CHILD PORNOGRAPHY

BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Shayne M. Hildreth, 44, of Eagle, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara to transportation of child pornography. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of 20 years, and a $250,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango, who is handling the case, stated that on February 24, 2018, a 15-year-old minor victim disclosed that she had been sexually abused by Hildreth and that she had seen child pornography on his cell phone. She reported that Hildreth was traveling from the Western District of New York to Aurora, MO.  During an encounter with Hildreth later that day, law enforcement seized his cell phone. A search of the cell phone located 12 images of child pornography. Hildreth had engaged in a pattern of activity involving the sexual abuse or exploitation of a minor, which involved sexual contact on two separate occasions.

The plea is the result of an investigation by the Aurora-Marionville Police Department, under the direction of Chief Wes Coatney, Homeland Security investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan, Southwest Missouri Cyber Crimes Task Force, and the Wyoming County District Attorney’s Office.

Sentencing is scheduled for May 23, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. before Judge Arcara.

Paralympic gold medalist Rico Roman to speak at St. Bonaventure Nov. 21

ST. BONAVENTURE, N.Y., Nov. 20, 2024 — Rico Roman, a three-time Paralympic gold medalist in sled hockey and a U.S. Army veteran who received a Purple Heart after being wounded in Iraq, will share his inspiring story at St. Bonaventure University on Thursday, Nov. 21.

The talk, sponsored by the university’s Office of Veterans Services, will take place at 6:30 p.m. in Dresser Auditorium in the Murphy Building. The event is free and open to the public.

Roman’s journey from military service to Paralympic glory is a testament to resilience and determination. He served as a staff sergeant in the U.S. Army and was injured during his third tour of duty in Iraq, where he lost his left leg to an improvised explosive device (IED).

After his recovery, Roman turned to adaptive sports as a way to reclaim his life and found his passion in sled hockey.

As a member of the U.S. National Sled Hockey Team, Roman has competed in three Paralympic Games, earning gold medals in 2014 (Sochi), 2018 (PyeongChang), and 2022 (Beijing). He has also participated in multiple World Championships, helping Team USA maintain its status as a global powerhouse in sled hockey. Roman’s achievements on and off the ice have made him a role model for veterans, athletes, and others facing personal challenges.

Frank Morales, director of St. Bonaventure’s Office of Veterans Services, emphasized the significance of Roman’s visit to campus.

“Rico’s visit offers a unique opportunity to inspire both veterans and students,” Morales said. “As an Army veteran and Paralympic gold medalist in sled hockey, Roman embodies resilience and determination. His experiences can motivate veterans by showcasing the potential for success after military service.”

Morales also noted the broader impact Roman’s story can have on the university community.

“For students, Rico’s journey highlights the importance of perseverance and adaptability, valuable lessons applicable to their academic and personal lives,” he said.

The Office of Veterans Services at St. Bonaventure University works to support student veterans and active-duty military members in their transition to academic life.

Allegany Co Press Release - Dwyer Peer to Peer - Holiday Party for Veterans

 

Allegany County Kicks Off Peer-to-Peer Veteran Program this Holiday Season

 

Belmont, NY – On November 20, 2024, the Allegany County Board of Legislators announced funding from a New York State grant to provide various programs and events for peer-to-peer support for veterans.  The mission of the funding is to assist veterans, service members, and their families to achieve and sustain personal health, wellness, and purpose in their post-service lives through the support of trained veteran peers.

 

The program is designed to provide peer-based veterans’ services through a variety of events, veteran-to-veteran collaboration, social events, and community service. The program further aims to:

 

•     Pursue outreach and education.

•     Provide peer support.

•     Build resiliency among peers.

•     Encourage a connection among family, friends, and community.

•     Provide access to suicide prevention/intervention initiatives.

•     Foster hope.

 

According to Board Chairman Brooke Harris, the Board has asked County Administrator Carissa Knapp’s office to assist H. Robert Budinger, Personnel Officer, to manage the kickoff of the program.  Budinger, a veteran and active member of the Air National Guard, would like to share that Allegany County is planning a Holiday Party at the Genesee Valley Central School on Saturday, December 14, 2024, from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. for veterans, active service members, and their immediate family members. Anyone that has worn a military uniform is welcome to attend.  Participants will be asked to provide a copy of their Military ID, DD-214, or VA Benefit card.

 

Participants are asked to RSVP by December 2, 2024, by calling 585-268-9217 or by using the event link on our website, https://www.alleganyco.gov/salute/. Feel free to submit a comment on the website if you would like email notification of future events.

 

If you are a veteran but unable to attend the holiday party, a breakfast social event will be held in January.  Please watch our website or social media for future events.

Allegany County Press Release - STOP-DWI High Visibility Engagement Campaign - Thanksgiving 2024

Allegany County, NY – STOP-DWI Impaired Driving High Visibility Engagement Campaign runs November 27 – December 1, 2024. Allegany County Administrator Carissa Knapp announced today that Allegany County police agencies and the STOP-DWI Coordinator will participate in special efforts to bring awareness to the dangers of impaired driving. This Thanksgiving weekend, millions will hit the roads eager to spend time with family and friends. It’s one of the busiest travel times of the year, and unfortunately more people on the roadways means the potential for more vehicle crashes. In a combined effort to bring awareness to the dangers of impaired driving, prevent injuries, and save lives, law enforcement officers across New York State and STOPDWI programs will be participating in special engagement efforts. The statewide STOP-DWI High Visibility Engagement Campaign starts on November 27, 2024, and ends on December 1, 2024. The STOP-DWI Thanksgiving High Visibility Engagement Campaign is one of many statewide initiatives promoted by STOP-DWI NY and the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee. The Statewide STOP-DWI High Visibility Engagement Campaign also targets Memorial Day, July 4th , Labor Day/End of Summer, Halloween, Holiday Season, Super Bowl weekend, and St. Patrick’s Day. Highly visible, highly publicized efforts like the STOP-DWI High Visibility Engagement Campaign aim to further reduce the incidence of drunk and impaired driving. You can help to make a difference by Having a Sober Plan! Download our mobile app – “Have a Plan” and you will always be able to find a safe ride home www.stopdwi.org/mobileapp Impaired driving is completely preventable. All it takes is a little planning.

Obituary: Daniel Hart, 46, Wellsville

 

Wellsville, NY – Daniel Hart, 46, of Hanover Hill Road, passed away on Monday, November 18, 2024, at Strong Memorial Hospital with family by his side. He was born September 12, 1978, in Wellsville, the son of Francis David and Lucille (Smith) Hart.

Dan was raised in Wellsville and was a 1996 graduate of Wellsville High School. He continued his education at Alfred State College, earning his associates degree. He was formerly employed by Harts Meat Market, Dresser Rand as a machinist, and the in the Maintenance Department for Allegany County. 

He is survived by: his mother, Lucille; siblings, Eileen (Tim) Shea, Patrick (Julie) Hart, Kathryn (Patrick) Dempsey, John (Virginia) Hart, Sarah Swisher, and Josephine Hart and her husband Brent Bailey, all of Wellsville; brother-in-law, Craig (Nora) Burdick of Wellsville; life-long friend Eddie Gee of Wellsville; beloved dogs Doc and Tuco; as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by: his father, Dave; brother, Michael Hart; sister, Bridget Hart Burdick; brother-in-law, Butch Swisher; and niece, Rachel Swisher.

Friends are invited to call on Friday, November 22, 2024, from 5 to 8 pm at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home of Wellsville, 34 West State Street. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, November 23, 2024, at 11 am in Immaculate Conception Church of Wellsville, 36 Maple Avenue. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery. Please consider memorial donations to: The David A. Howe Public Library, 155 North Main Street, Wellsville, NY 14895; or to the Allegany County Comfort House, 141 East State Street, Wellsville, NY 14895. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Pennsylvania cell phone tax to increase immediately

From Representative Jared G. Solomon:

Under current Pennsylvania law, every telephone user pays a 911 surcharge, including a flat-rate fee of $1.65 on each wireless line, to help fund our 911 emergency telecommunication services. However, the fee has not been adjusted since 2015, and rising costs for equipment, operations, and new technology pose a problem for local 911 emergency departments. Additional funding is needed to continue properly dispatching calls to keep Pennsylvanians safe during emergencies.

I am introducing a bill that increases the uniform 911 surcharge to $1.97 from $1.65, indexed with inflation each year, and extends the surcharge sunset date by five years to 2029. My bill is in line with Governor Shapiro’s proposal to cut taxes on cell phone bills while directing more investment toward our critical emergency response infrastructure.

The 911 uniform surcharge is a crucial source of funding to offset operation and maintenance costs of our 911 services and telecommunications systems. In conjunction with a plan to eliminate the gross receipts and sales and use taxes on mobile telephone service, this plan focuses our efforts on the need to support our 911 dispatchers who provide life-saving care to people across the Commonwealth.

---

On November 18th, Governor Josh Shapiro signed the measure into law.

ESPN’s Coleman to broadcast radio show from RC Wednesday

ST. BONAVENTURE, N.Y., Nov. 19, 2024 — Another ESPN media celebrity is headed to St. Bonaventure — but just for one day.

 

Freddie Coleman, longtime ESPN Radio host, will broadcast his 3-7 p.m. national show from the Reilly Center Wednesday, just before the unbeaten Bonnies (4-0) men’s basketball team take on Mansfield University.

 

Coleman, a 1987 graduate of Mansfield, was invited to provide TV color commentary for the game, which will air at 7 p.m. on ESPN+. Coleman, who co-hosts “Freddie & Harry” with former NFL receiver Harry Douglas, will broadcast his show from outside the Larry Ford Ticket Office in the Reilly Center.

 

The idea for Coleman to call the game and broadcast his show from campus came from Justin Craig, an SBU alumnus and vice president for Audio & Digital Production at ESPN.

 

Coleman will interview Adrian Wojnarowski, ’91, and SBU Athletics Director Bob Beretta during his radio show. Wojnarowski stepped down from his job as ESPN’s Senior NBA Insider this summer to become the general manager of the men’s basketball program at Bonaventure.

 

Prior to his current role at ESPN, Coleman co-hosted “Freddie and Fitzsimmons” alongside Ian Fitzsimmons from 2016-2023. He also hosted the “Freddie Coleman Show,” weeknights from 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. and Sundays from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m.

 

Coleman joined ESPN Radio in 2004 as a co-host for nine years of the nightly primetime program “GameNight.” He has also hosted NFL on ESPN Radio and makes appearances on ESPN’s “First Take.”

 

A wide receiver at Mansfield, Coleman was inducted into the school’s Athletics Hall of Fame in 2017. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication from the university.

Convicted Felon arrested after traffic stop with firearm

On November 16, 2024, the Bureau of Criminal Investigation out of SP Amity arrested Frank D. White II, 41 of Scio, NY for Criminal Possession of a Weapon 4th degree, Obstruction of Governmental Administration 2nd degree, Possession of a Firearm in a Motor Vehicle and Unregistered Motor Vehicle.

SP Amity Bureau of Criminal Investigation received an inquiry that White was a convicted felon and may not possess firearms. Investigation determined that White was convicted of assault 2nd degree in 2009. The investigation continued and Troopers with the assistance of New York State Department of Environmental Conservation initiated a traffic stop on Hazzard Road. White drove into a property and attempted to flee from his UTV. White was pursued and taken into custody. White was in possession of a loaded Savage Axis bolt action rifle. White was transported and processed at SP Amity.

White was issued appearance tickets for the town of Scio Court.

Wellsville HS production of Witness for the Prosecution

Here are a couple of rehearsal photos and a full cast photo for the Wellsville HS production of Witness for the Prosecution.

Here is a description of the show from the director:

Agatha Christie's Witness for the Prosecution is a tense courtroom drama/murder mystery involving a young man named Leonard Vole (played by senior Keenen O'Connor) who has been accused of murdering a rich maiden lady, Emily French. He is defended in court by Lady Wilfrid Robarts (played by senior Maddie Muurisepp) and is antagonized by the prosecuting attorney Alexandra Myers (played by junior Kennedy Ewing). The courtroom is turned on its head when Romaine Vole (Leonard's wife, played by senior Maddison Baker) is called to testify against her husband and claims that Leonard did indeed kill Miss Emily French. Is Leonard guilty? A trademark twist by Agatha Christie will leave the audience guessing until the very end.

Obituary: Bruce C. Caldwell, 87, Belmont

Belmont, NY – Bruce C. Caldwell, 87, of Maple Street, passed away on Sunday, November 17, 2024, at St. James Mercy Hospital after a brief illness. He was born April 4, 1937, in Kane, PA, the son of the late Robert and Grace (Olinger) Caldwell. 

Bruce was raised in Belmont, graduating from Belmont Central School in 1955. He entered the workforce and was employed by Borden’s in Belmont, and Belmont BOCES, before finding his career at Worthington/Dresser-Rand Corporation, retiring in 2000. Together with his father, Robert Caldwell, Bruce owned and operated a TV sales and service business in Belmont and owned and operated two motion picture theaters, one in Belmont and one in Cuba NY.

Outside of his employment, he was a member of the Village Board for several years, was a volunteer firefighter – working his way to Fire Police, was an avid Buffalo Bills fan, and frequent supporter of high school sports (volunteering as score keeper for BCS basketball and umpire for BCS baseball). Additionally, he was a member of the American Legion Post 808 and a former member of the Belmont Presbyterian Church. 

He is survived by three siblings, Sarah Catherine (Phillip) Wesche and Bryan Marshall (Barbara) Caldwell, both of Belmont, and Darrell John (Mary) Caldwellof Russell, KY, as well as several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by three siblings and their spouses, Robert C. (Marian) Caldwell Jr., Barbara Ann (Russell) Tompkins, and David William Caldwell. 

Friends are invited to call on Friday, November 22, 2024, from 11 am to 1 pm at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home of Belmont, 17 Schuyler Street. His funeral will follow at 1 pm in the funeral home with Rev. Bill Willson presiding. Burial will be in Forest Hills Cemetery of Belmont. Please consider memorial donations to the SPCA Serving Allegany County, 5440 NY-19, Belmont, NY 14813. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.  

Obituary: Constance J. Mills, 86, Wellsville

Wellsville, NY – Constance J. Mills, 86, passed away on Sunday, November 17, 2024, at the Wellsville Manor Care Center following a lingering illness. She was born May 5, 1938, in Wellsville, the daughter of the late Alfred G. and Zennia (Griswold) Allen. On Christmas Eve in 1955, she married her husband of sixty-five years, David “Red” Mills, who predeceased her August 2, 2021.

Connie was a stay-at-home mom, until she began her career with Peterson’s Drug Store, which eventually transitioned to Walgreens, from where she retired in 2005. She loved working in her flower garden, knitting, and reading Romance and Mystery novels.

She is survived by a daughter, Debora M. (James) Richardson of Wellsville; a son, Dale C. (Kathy) Mills of Fort Edward; six grandchildren; four great-grandsons; one sister Ann Gee; two sisters-in-law, Dona Mills and Maureen Strauss; as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins. In addition to her parents, and husband, she was predeceased by a son, Dennis A. Mills; two sisters, Erma Allen and Audrey (Elwood) Miller; and three brothers-in-law, Robert Gee, Robert Mills, and Douglas Strauss.

A private graveside service in Woodlawn Cemetery is being planned for later this week. Please consider memorial donations to the SPCA Serving Allegany County, 5440 NY-19, Belmont, NY 14813. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Alfred State football team will head to the NCAA Division III tournament

The Alfred State football team will head to the NCAA Division III tournament for the second straight year following a 39-37 victory over Anna Maria in the Eastern Collegiate Football Conference (ECFC) Championship game.  

Alfred State will take on Endicott College (Beverly, MA) in the first round on Saturday, Nov. 23 at Noon. The Gulls are 9-1 and won the Conference of New England Championship. The winner of this first round contest will advance to play SUNY Cortland.  

In the ECFC Championship game, the Pioneers jumped out to a 19-0 lead in the first half. Justin Horvath connected on a 39-yard touchdown to Elijah Georges. In the 2nd quarter, Nicholas Cuomo scored from seven-yards out and from two-yards.

Anna Maria scored the final 16 points of the 1st half to cut the Pioneers lead to 19-16 heading into the 2nd half. 

Horvath connected with Georges on a 33-yard scoring play on the first drive of the 2nd half to add to the lead. After an AMC touchdown, Horvath connected with Matthew Mancuso on a 23-yard pass play to make it 33-22 heading into the final fifteen minutes. 

Josh Graham ran in from three-yards out to make it a three-score lead 39-22 with 6:10 left in the game but the AMCATS would not go away. Anna Maria scored a pair of touchdowns in the final 4:10 of the game to pull within 39-37 but the Pioneers recovered the on-side kick attempt with 20 seconds remaining to seal the game.  

Horvath finished 13-27 for 235 yards and three touchdowns. On the ground, Cuomo tallied two touchdowns and 41 yards on nine carries. Graham rushed for 77 yards on 13 carries while Georges had two receptions for 72 yards and two scores. 

Silas Egenlauf notched 12 tackles to lead the defense while Nick Johnson tallied eight tackles and an interception. Chris Bergman added four tackles and an interception as well Alfred State has now won the ECFC title two straight seasons. 

Last year, the Pioneers qualified for the NCAA Tournament for the first time and traveled to Mount Union. 

Wellsville Police Blotter

Date: Sunday November 17, 2024 

Wellsville Police arrested Jacob W. Evoy-Riggs, age 22 of Wellsville, 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 Jefferson Street.  Evoy-Riggs was processed, issued an appearance ticket and released.  Evoy-Riggs is due to appear in Wellsville Village Court on December 17^th at 4:30 pm.

 

Wellsville Police arrested Brian B. King, age 57 of Wellsville, charging him with Disseminating Indecent Material to Minors 1^st (Class D Felony).  The charge stems from an incident that took place on North Main Street.  King was processed and and transported to the Allegany County Jail pending arraignment in CAP Court.  King is due to appear in Wellsville Village Court at a later date.

Date: Saturday November 16, 2024 

Wellsville Police arrested Rickie A. Moultrup, age 46 of Allentown, charging him with Criminal Contempt 2^nd (Class A Misdemeanor).  The charge stems from an incident that took place on North Main Street on November 13^th.  Moultrup was processed and transported to the Allegany County Jail pending arraignment in CAP Court.  Moultrup is due to appear in Wellsville Village Court at a later date. 

Wellsville Police arrested Frank W. Long, age 60 of West Seneca, charging him with DWI (Unclassified Misdemeanor), Aggravated DWI (Unclassified Misdemeanor) and Moved from lane unsafely (Infraction).  The charges stem from a traffic stop on the Genesee Parkway.  Long was processed, issued an appearance ticket and released.  Long is due to appear in Wellsville Village Court on December 17^th at 4:30 pm.