The WAVE Ensemble performed at the Annual Lions Club Christmas Party at the Wellsville Country Club on December 19th. WAVE is the Wellsville Area Vocal Ensemble made up of students from the Wellsville High School.
Ed Tezak
PR Committee
Wellsville Lions Club
State Police investigate a flurry of vehicles crashes on Fri 12/21/24
There was no rest for the weary state police on Friday when
troopers were called to 43 vehicles crashes in Allegany, Cattaraugus and
Steuben counties. Luckily, none involved personal injury.
In Allegany County. Troopers handled a dozen crashes. Here
is the breakdown:
Amity: 5
Andover: 1
Friendship:1
Burns: 1
And one each in Almond, Rushford, Allen and Wellsville.
Across the region, state police cleared 22 crashes in
Steuben County and 9 in Cattaraugus County.
In addition, in the town of Caneadea, a vehicle crash led to
an arrest. Fillmore-based troopers charged Chad Christopher Havens, 54, of
Caneadea with driving while intoxicated in an incident reported at 11:26 p.m.
He was held in the county jail for Central arraignment.
However, it was grim scene when three people were killed in
a two-vehicle crash in Tioga County, NY. From the State Police at Owego:
On December 20, 2024, at approximately 1:26 p.m., New York State Police at Owego responded to State Route 34 in the town of Barton for a head-on collision with injuries. Members of Great Valley EMS and Waverly Barton Fire also responded to the scene.
A preliminary investigation at the scene revealed that a Toyota Highlander was traveling north on State Route 34 when it crossed into the opposite lane of travel and struck a Chevy Silverado pick-up truck head-on that was traveling south on State Route 34.
Four people were traveling inside the Toyota Highlander. The driver of the Highlander, a 42-year-old female from the Bronx was transported by ambulance to Robert Packer in critical condition. A 56-year-old male passenger from the Bronx was transported by ambulance to Robert Packer Hospital for what appear to be non-life-threatening injuries. A rear seat passenger, a 41-year-old male from the Bronx was pronounced deceased on scene. A rear seat passenger, 38-year-old female from the Bronx was transported by ambulance to Robert Packer and later succumbed to her injuries at the hospital.
One person was traveling in the Chevy Silverado pick-up, a 68-year-old male of Athens, PA who was pronounced deceased on scene.
The investigation is on-going.
No names will be released at this time as notifications to the next of kin have not been made to all of the victims.
State Route 34 was closed between Old Route 34 and Oxbow Road for several hours while members of the New York State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit conducted their investigation.
ALBANY — The New York State Public Service Commission (Commission) today approved important petitions for five major renewable energy projects. These wind, solar, and clean transmission facilities are an important part of the continuing effort of the Commission to spur the development of clean, renewable energy in New York State. The actions taken today relate to the projects’ development and the developers’ economic viability.
“These solar, wind, and transmission projects being built across New York are vital to meet the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act’s ambitious carbon reduction and clean energy targets to combat climate change,” said Commission Chair Rory M. Christian. “Each of these major projects benefit all New Yorkers by reducing our reliance on fossil fuels, boosting clean-energy investment, creating clean energy jobs, and improving our environment.”
The petitions approved today relate to Alle-Catt Wind, a 340-megawatt (MW) wind farm in Allegany, Cattaraugus, and Wyoming counties that will power 134,000 average-sized homes; Brookside Solar, a 100-MW solar facility in Franklin County that will power 16,500 homes; Champlain-Hudson Power Express, a 339-mile transmission line from Canada to New York City that will bring 1,250 MWs of clean hydroelectric power to more than 1 million homes; Horseshoe Solar, a 180-MW solar farm in Livingston County that will power 50,000 homes; and Heritage Wind, a 174-MW wind farm in Orleans County that will power 45,000 homes.
Taken together, these projects will provide clean energy for more than 1.24 million average-sized homes and create significant economic benefits for their host communities and New York State totaling more than $3.6 billion:
New York State's Climate Agenda
New York State's climate agenda calls for an affordable and just transition to a clean energy economy that creates family-sustaining jobs, promotes economic growth through green investments, and directs a minimum of 35 percent of the benefits to disadvantaged communities. New York is advancing a suite of efforts to achieve an emissions-free economy by 2050, including in the energy, buildings, transportation, and waste sectors.
Today’s decisions may be obtained by going to the Commission Documents section of the Commission’s Web site at www.dps.ny.gov and entering Case Numbers 21-T-0059/17-F-0282/23-E-0391 (Alle-Catt Wind); 24-E-0411 (Brookside Solar); 10-T-0139 (Champlain Hudson); 24-E-0465 (Horseshoe Solar); or 22-E-0204 (Heritage Wind) in the input box labeled "Search for Case/Matter Number". Many libraries offer free Internet access. Commission documents may also be obtained from the Commission’s Files Office, 14th floor, Three Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12223 (518-474-2500).
Police were dispatched to a report of an accidental shooting
at a residence in Kane on March 3, 2022.
The victim had been shot and was being flown to an out of area hospital
for treatment. ROBERTSON reported that the gun accidentally discharged after
she racked the slide prior to putting the gun away. She told police she had been drinking all
day, the gun had been on her kitchen table for several days and was
loaded. She decided to rack the slide so
there was a bullet in the chamber before she put the gun in her safe out of the
reach of a minor child who resided at the residence. She told police the gun accidentally
discharged when she racked the slide. A firearms’ expert with the Pennsylvania
State Police testified to the amount of pressure required for the gun to fire
and the sequence of steps that must occur prior to the gun firing – all that
disproved accidental discharge.
ROBERTSON was charged and convicted of Recklessly
Endangering Another Person and a Kane Borough ordinance of discharging a
firearm in the borough. The Commonwealth
sought – and the jury found- an enhancement related to the use of a deadly
weapon during the crime. Officer William Nichols of the Kane Borough Police
Department investigated the case.
Assistant District Attorney Thomas Coppolo prosecuted the case on behalf
of the Commonwealth. Sentencing was scheduled for January 30th.
Leon A. SNYDER, 83, of Westfield, PA, died Thursday, December 19, 2024 in his home. A complete obituary will be announced by Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses, PA. Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.
FROM THE ALLEGANY COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE:
Santa's Dispatcher Elf here at the Allegany County Sheriff's Office! It's that time of year again and Christmas Eve is days away!
You all know what that means... SANTA BOLO! 🎅
On Christmas Eve when we receive notification from the North Pole that Santa is on his way, the Allegany County 911 Center will be issuing our Santa BOLO via the County Police Frequency, as well as Fire A and Fire B.
In previous years this information was received about 7PM, however we can't guarantee this will be the exact time we will be transmitting. If any of the Allegany County 1st Responders (LEO's EMS or FD) are involved in any active calls for service (They take priority!) or if the big man himself is running behind schedule the BOLO may be delayed.
We would like to wish you all a Safe and Happy Holiday Season!
New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli’s office released a report and series of audits today reviewing compliance by villages with financial reporting and other requirements.
By law, a village’s chief fiscal officer (CFO) is required to file an annual financial report (AFR) with the State Comptroller’s office 60 to 120 days after the close of their fiscal year. The AFR must be made available to the public and provides detailed information about the village’s financial position and results of operations, and include revenues, expenditures, debt, cash reserves and fund balance.
“Villages provide critical services to residents, and many are doing a good job of giving the public a transparent look at how they are spending taxpayer money,” DiNapoli said. “Those that don’t file are leaving taxpayers in the dark about how their money is being used or if fiscal problems exist. Financial transparency is a cornerstone of good governance, promoting accountability and reducing opportunities for financial mismanagement.”
For fiscal year 2023, 246 (46%) of the state’s 532 villages filed their AFR with the State Comptroller on time, 210 villages (40%) filed late, after the statutory due date, and 76 villages (14%) had not filed as of Sept. 13, 2024. These 76 villages, with a total population of more than 369,000 people, levied taxes totaling $288 million. Eleven of the 76 villages filed as of Dec. 13, 2024.
While the share of villages filing their AFR on time improved from 30% to 46% since 2019, the number of villages that did not file at all in 2023 grew from six in 2019 to 76. Failure to file by the statutory deadline or not filing raises questions about the financial standing of the village as well as the general effectiveness of its management, and leaves residents, policymakers, and other interested parties without information regarding the fiscal performance of their government.
Auditors selected 30 villages to examine and determined 25 did not file their AFR for fiscal year 2023, four filed their report significantly late (an average of 331 days), and only one filed within the 90-day requirement. All but one of the localities’ CFOs were aware of the filing requirement.
DiNapoli’s auditors found that 21 of the selected villages failed to maintain complete and up to date accounting records. One village did not record $2.2 million in payroll expenditures in its accounting records along with $2 million in property tax revenues. In 16 villages, the CFOs provided incomplete financial reports, with poor or late records, to the boards.
Report
Transparency and Accountability of Fiscal Activities in Villages
Individual Village Audits
Village of Almond – Transparency of Fiscal Activities
Village of Cedarhurst – Transparency of Fiscal Activities
Village of Copenhagen – Transparency of Fiscal Activities
Village of Great Neck – Transparency of Fiscal Activities
Village of Holley – Transparency of Fiscal Activities
Village of Hoosick Falls – Transparency of Fiscal Activities
Village of Lisle – Transparency of Fiscal Activities
Village of Mount Kisco – Transparency of Fiscal Activities
Village of North Syracuse – Transparency of Fiscal Activities
“Today, I proudly voted to pass the American Relief Act, standing with President Trump to keep our government open, ensure our Troops continue receiving their paychecks, support our hardworking and financially strained farmers, and provide disaster relief to communities devastated by hurricanes.
I remain committed to expanding access to telehealth services and pursuing much-needed reforms to hold Pharmacy Benefit Managers accountable, ensuring lower prescription drug costs for all Americans.
As we approach 2025, I am focused on delivering real results for the people of New York’s 23rd District and advancing President Trump’s America First agenda to secure a brighter future for our nation.”
Margaret was born in a little red brick house on Elm Street in Andover on July 12, 1934 to Victor O. and Elizabeth (Hurst) Daley. She was a 1952 graduate of Andover Central School. She later received her Associates Degree in Secretarial Studies from Alfred State College.
Margaret worked her entire life as a secretary in various settings. She worked for the NYS Department of Labor for more than 20 years, retiring in 1999. She also worked at Bausch & Lomb and Xerox.
Margaret is survived by a nephew, John Harwood of Virginia Beach, Va.; a sister, Jean Ann Harwood of Virginia Beach, Va.; a sister-in-law, Marilyn Daley of North Tonawanda; as well as nieces, nephews, cousins and the great nieces and great nephews.
She is predeceased by brothers, Victor G. Daley and William Peck and a brother-in-law, Jerry Harwood.
Margaret loved to be on the move. She enjoyed exercising and walking which fit very nicely with her desire to visit the various parks and trails of New York State.
Margaret was also very family oriented and liked to travel. While her job required her to live in Rochester during the week, she traveled every weekend to visit her mom in Andover and every spring and fall she made the trip to Virginia Beach to visit her sister Jean and family.
People who knew Margaret would remember the smile on her face and her happy expression. She enjoyed live music and even as a child loved listening to Country and Western music on the radio. She was a big fan of Texas Hot and enjoyed much companionship with her canine friend Skip.
A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Saturday at 10:00 a.m. at Blessed Sacrament Church in Andover with Rev. John Cullen as officiant. Burial will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Andover.
Online condolences may be offered at www.baker-swan.com.
OLNEY AND FOUST ANNOUNCE PURCHASE OF SWITZER FUNERAL HOME
BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced Friday that a federal jury has convicted Khaled Abughanem, 52, and Adham Abughanem, 28, both of Lackawanna, NY, of conspiracy to kidnap a person in a foreign country and kidnapping conspiracy, which carry a maximum penalty of life in prison. Defendant Khaled Abughanem was also convicted of threatening to retaliate against a victim.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Charles M. Kruly and Maeve E. Huggins, who handled the prosecution of the case, stated that on September 8, 2021, Khaled Abughanem and Adham Abughanem flew from Buffalo, NY, to Guadalajara, Mexico to kidnap Victim 1, who is the daughter of Khaled and the sister of Adham. Between September 10, 2021, and April 6, 2023, the defendants conspired to transport Victim 1 from the Western District of New York to Cairo, Egypt, and then to Sanaa, Yemen, where they confined Victim 1 for approximately 16 months with the purpose of marrying her to a man not of her choosing. In addition, on March 14, 2023, defendant Khaled Abughanem threatened to “slaughter[]” Victim 1 in retaliation for information given by Victim 1 to a law enforcement officer relating to the commission of a federal offense.
“This verdict brings to an end a difficult time for the victim, who was twice kidnapped by family members, taken to Yemen against her will, held for more than a year, denied freedom of movement and communication, physically assaulted and had her life threatened” stated U.S. Attorney Ross. “These defendants are being held accountable because of the courage of this victim and the unwavering dedication of the investigators and prosecutors on this case.”
“The FBI prioritizes the protection of civil rights and safety of American citizens,” said Matthew Miraglia, Special Agent-in-Charge of the FBI’s Buffalo Field Office. Today’s verdict is a direct result of the strong investigative work conducted by the FBI, Customs and Border Protection, and the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service. The FBI values all our partnerships with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, which are paramount.”
“The Diplomatic Security Service would like to recognize the unshakable courage of the victim in this case as well as the close collaboration between DSS, the Western District of New York U.S. Attorney's Office, the FBI, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the Lackawanna Police Department,” said DSS Protective Intelligence Investigations Director Greg Anderson.” The Diplomatic Security Service has the largest global presence of any U.S. law enforcement agency and remains committed to ensuring individuals like Adham and Khaled Abughanem who commit heinous criminal acts face justice In the United States.”
The verdict is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, and the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, under the direction of Protective Intelligence Investigations Director Greg Anderson.
Sentencing is scheduled for June 17, 2025, before Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr., who presided over the trial of the case.
Bath, NY – Steuben County’s Town Highway Superintendents came together for their monthly meeting Thursday at the Bath American Legion, where they participated in a heartwarming initiative to support local foster children during the holiday season. The December meeting, held at 11:00 AM, saw participants from across Steuben County bring unwrapped gifts, which were donated to the Steuben County Department of Social Services (DSS) to benefit children in foster care.
This charitable effort is part of the Steuben Town Municipal Highway Superintendents Association of Steuben County, Inc. The association, which includes representatives from 32 towns and various villages within the county, meets monthly to share updates and discuss issues affecting the communities. Each month, they select a local legion for their gathering, where a light lunch is served, and superintendents share updates on town operations. Today’s gathering was focused on a larger purpose: giving back to the community.
The foster children receiving gifts this year will benefit from the DSS’s Toys for Tots campaign, which provides holiday cheer to those in need. The unwrapped gifts collected will directly assist in making the season brighter for children across Steuben County. In total, the initiative will support 262 children: 125 children in foster care placements and 137 children served in preventive/protective cases.
Todd Housel, Deputy Commissioner of Steuben County DPW, expressed his appreciation for the annual event: “We appreciate the opportunity to be a part of the Association each year. This is one opportunity we can give back to the children directly from the Association for a hope for a better holiday season. It’s for sure something we all look forward to each year. The last thing I want is a kid to wake up on the 25th and not have a Christmas.”
The initiative is made possible by the 32 participating townships and village representatives, all of whom are dedicated to supporting the community during the holiday season. The Highway Superintendents Association’s efforts play a key role in facilitating these types of shared services and charitable actions throughout Steuben County.
At about 12:43 p.m. today, a Beechcraft Travel Air twin-piston aircraft made an emergency landing on the NYS Thruway northbound near Exit 23, in the city of Albany. The pilot realized he wouldn’t make the runway due to mechanical issues and instead decided to land the aircraft on the Thruway.
The pilot, Logan M. Steed, age 19 from Winnsboro, South Carolina and two passengers, Steven D. Strunk, age 54 and April D. Strunk age 52 both from Mount Perry, Ohio were not injured.
The plane departed from Fairfield County Airport in Winnsboro, South Carolina at 8:35 a.m., and was headed to Bennington, VT. The pilot was attempting to land at Albany International Airport due to mechanical issues. The aircraft is registered to a flight training school in Winnsboro.
State Police and the FAA continue to investigate the incident.
Steuben County Sheriff Jim Allard reports that on December 19, 2024, deputies and of the Steuben County Sheriff’s Office arrested Jamie J. Wolfanger, age 40, of Marks Trailer Court, Dansville, New York, following an investigation of a reported rape in the Town of Dansville from September 2024. It is alleged that Mr. Wolfanger and others caused injury to another person, forcibly stole property valued in excess of $1,000 from that person and displayed a firearm. Mr. Wolfanger was charged with Assault in the First Degree, a class B Felony, Gang Assault in the Second Degree, a class C Felony, Robbery in the First Degree, a class B Felony, Criminal Use of a Firearm in the First Degree, a class B Felony, Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree, a class E Felony and Conspiracy in the Third Degree, a class D Felony. Mr. Wolfanger was arraigned in the Centralized Arraignment Court and held without bail.
Sheriff Allard thanks the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance in this investigation and arrest.
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar today welcomed 26 new graduates from the 24th Basic School for New York State Environmental Conservation Police Officers (ECOs). As part of DEC’s Division of Law Enforcement, ECOs enforce the 71 chapters of New York’s Environmental Conservation Law that protect natural resources and public health. The ceremony held in Syracuse today celebrated the graduates who successfully completed an intensive six-month law enforcement training academy in the classroom and afield.
“I congratulate this new class of New York State ECOs for enduring a demanding training regimen to join one of the most elite police forces in the nation,” Interim Commissioner Mahar said. “As these new Officers begin their careers, I am confident they will each carry on the rich legacy of protecting New York’s natural resources and public health and safety by holding lawbreakers accountable for environmental crimes and making a positive difference in communities across the state.”
DEC Division of Law Enforcement Director Karen Przyklek said, “Originally called Game Protectors when first appointed for service in 1880, ECOs are highly trained police officers who specialize in investigating and solving environmental crimes to ensure the protection of New York’s land, water, air, and animal species, as well as every New York resident and visitor. I am eager to welcome these new Officers to our ranks and challenge them to put in the hard work and dedication necessary to safeguard our natural resources, hold polluters accountable, and connect with their communities each and every day.”
For the last six months, recruits were immersed in grueling training at the ECO training academy in Pulaski, Oswego County. DEC’s Division of Law Enforcement trains recruits in conventional areas of law enforcement such as criminal procedure law and vehicle and traffic law, as well as specialized courses in Environmental Conservation Law, wildlife identification, and wildlife forensics. The recruits also engaged in physical training, defensive tactics, firearms, and emergency vehicle operations, among other courses. The 26 graduates will join the State’s force for a total of 290 ECOs statewide.
Upon graduation, DEC assigns recruits to patrol areas across the state. In 2023, DEC’s Division of Law Enforcement ECOs and Investigators responded to more than 30,932 complaints. Cases resulted in nearly 16,900 tickets or arrests for violations ranging from deer poaching to solid waste dumping, illegal mining, and excessive emissions violations. For more information on New York State Environmental Conservation Police Officers, visit DEC’s website.
The graduates of DEC's 24th Basic School for ECOs:
BUFFALO, N.Y. — U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Independent Health Association and its affiliate, Independent Health Corporation (collectively, Independent Health) have agreed to pay up to $98 million to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act by knowingly submitting or causing the submission of invalid diagnosis codes to Medicare for Medicare Advantage Plan enrollees to increase payments that Independent Health received from Medicare. Independent Health is headquartered in Buffalo, New York.
Under Medicare Advantage, also known as the Medicare Part C program, Medicare beneficiaries have the option of enrolling in managed care insurance plans called Medicare Advantage Plans (MA Plans). MA Plans are paid a per-person amount to provide Medicare-covered benefits to beneficiaries who enroll in one of their plans. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), which oversees the Medicare program, adjusts the payments to MA Plans based on demographic information and the diagnoses of each plan beneficiary. The adjustments are commonly referred to as “risk scores.” In general, a beneficiary with diagnoses more expensive to treat will have a higher risk score, and CMS will make a larger risk-adjusted payment to the MA Plan for that beneficiary.
Independent Health operates MA plans for beneficiaries living in western New York. As alleged by the United States, Independent Health created a wholly owned subsidiary, DxID LLC, to retrospectively search medical records and query physicians for information that would support additional diagnoses that could be used to generate higher risk scores, and DxID provided these services to Independent Health and other MA Plans. The United States filed a complaint alleging that, from 2011 through at least 2017, Independent Health, with the assistance of DxID and its founder and chief executive, Betsy Gaffney, knowingly submitted diagnoses to CMS that were not supported by the beneficiaries’ medical records in order to inflate Medicare’s payments to Independent Health.
“The government expects those who participate in Medicare Advantage to provide accurate information to ensure that proper payments are made for the care received by enrolled beneficiaries,” said Deputy Assistant Attorney General Michael Granston of the Justice Department's Civil Division. “Today’s result sends a clear message to the Medicare Advantage community that the United States will take appropriate action against those who knowingly submit inflated claims for reimbursement.”
“Medicare Advantage Plans that attempt to game federal programs for profit must be held accountable through rigorous oversight and enforcement,” said Deputy Inspector General Christian J. Schrank of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “HHS-OIG will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to root out fraud, waste and abuse in federal health care programs.”
Under the terms of the settlement, Independent Health will make guaranteed payments of $34,500,000 and contingent payments of up to $63,500,000 on behalf it itself and DxID, which ceased operations in 2021. The settlement is based on Independent Health’s ability to pay. Gaffney will separately pay $2,000,000.
In connection with the settlement, Independent Health entered into a five-year corporate integrity agreement (CIA) with HHS-OIG. The CIA requires, among other things, that Independent Health hire an Independent Review Organization to annually review a sample of Independent Health’s Medicare Advantage patients’ medical records and associated internal controls to help ensure appropriate risk adjustment payments.
The civil settlement includes the resolution of claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act by Teresa Ross, a former employee of Group Health Cooperative, now Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Washington (Kaiser). Under the qui tam provisions, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. The Act permits the government to intervene in such lawsuits as it has done in this case. Ms. Ross will receive at least $8,212,500 of the settlement announced today. Ms. Ross also alleged that Kaiser employed DxID to identify additional diagnoses to be submitted to Medicare for risk adjustment, and the United States previously settled those claims with Kaiser.
The United States’ intervention in this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating health care fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement, can be reported to HHS, at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).
Attorneys Samson Asiyanbi and David Wiseman of the Civil Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney David Coriell and investigator Peggy McFarland for the Western District of New York handled the matter, with assistance from the HHS-OIG Buffalo Regional Office.
The case is captioned United States ex rel. Ross v. Independent Health Association et al., No. 12-CV-0299(S) (WDNY).
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only. There has been no determination of liability.
The owners of Fassett Lane Lumber in Wellsville were invited to the Wellsville Woods Apartment complex to be judges for a door decorating contest. Tenants decorated their doors with a Christmas theme. After much consideration the winner as pictured is Randy and Gloria from Wellsville Woods. We are honored to be asked to participate in this contest.
Dan Peters
Butch Calcote
Fassett Lane Lbr. Inc.
Wellsville, NY – Ralph A. Eastlack, 82, of Schrader Road, passed away on Sunday, December 8, 2024, in his home surrounded by family. He was born April 30, 1942, in Salem, NJ, the son of the late John A. and Florence (Seymour) Eastlack. On August 16, 1969, in Wellsville, he married Christine E. Tompkins, who survives.
Ralph was raised in New Jersey and was a graduate of Penns
Grove High School. He continued his education at Houghton College, earning his
bachelors in 1965. He was a service minded individual and was very active in
the faith ministries in Allegany County: he was the first executive director of
Allegany County Youth for Christ (YFC) where he served for 45 years, eventually
transitioning to Southern Tier YFC. With his family, he would lead the annual
YFC trip to the Ocean City Conference, and for over 20 years lead the YFC
mission trips to Haiti, with as many as 35 children. Additionally, he
established the YFC Skate Park and Drop In Center in the Rockwell building.
Outside of YFC, his ministry included a close relationship with Gill’s Hills to
help troubled children, interim pastor for the Christian Temple, the
Congregational Church, and the Hallsport Community Church. Extending his
service, he was a chairman of the County Youth Board for many years, a Chaplin
for Jones Memorial Hospital, volunteer counselor at Wellsville Central School,
a member of the Wellsville Exchange Club, was a bus driver for Wellsville
Central Schools for over 40 years, and was a very involved member of his home
church, Brookside Wesleyan. He also enjoyed vintage cars.
In addition to his wife of 55 years, Chris, he is survived
by: two children, Matt (Adriana) Eastlack of Hamlin, NY and Josh Eastlack of
Slidell, LA; grandchildren, Maddy, Colin, Adyn, Jayden, and Hailey; and
son-in-law, Doug Ryan of Walworth, NY; brothers, Karl (Anita) Eastlack of
Allentown, PA and Lawrence (Nancy) Eastlack of Virginia; a sister, Bonnie
(Jack) Eastlack-Suter of North Carolina; as well as several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a daughter, Julie Ryan; and
two brothers, Wayne Eastlack and Casper Farrow.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, December 21, 2024, at 11:00 am in the Brookside Wesleyan Church, 3469 Andover Road, Wellsville, NY. Please consider memorial donations to Family Life, 7634 County Road 14, Bath, NY 14810. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Thursday, Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23) took to the House floor today to honor the remarkable career of Don Postles, who is retiring after nearly five decades in journalism, including an incredible 32 years at WIVB-TV (Channel 4).
The Congressman’s remarks as prepared for delivery:
“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate a true Buffalo legend—Don Postles. For nearly five decades, Don has been a trusted voice and a constant presence in the lives of Western New Yorkers, guiding us through the news that shapes our community.
Don’s journey began in 1976, and since then, he has been a cornerstone of journalism in Western New York. From his early days at Channel 7, to his time at Channel 2, and his remarkable 32 years at Channel 4, Don has been there for us through every significant moment. He has brought clarity to chaos, steadiness in uncertainty, and heart to every story he’s told.
Don embodies the very best of journalism: honesty, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to the truth. At a time when trust in media is more important—and more elusive—than ever, Don has been a beacon of credibility. Whether reporting on the tragic Flight 3407 crash or sharing the joy of a Bills victory, Don delivered the news with professionalism, respect, and care for the community he served.
But Don’s legacy goes beyond the anchor desk. He has always been more than just a journalist—he is a devoted member of this community. His presence at charity events, his support for local causes, and his role as an advocate for Western New Yorkers have made him an integral part of our region.
Mr. Speaker, Western New York will not be the same without Don Postles on our screens each evening. His departure from Channel 4 marks the end of an era, but his impact will endure. He has set the gold standard for journalism and community service, leaving behind a legacy that will inspire for generations.
Don, on behalf of the people of Western New York, I want to thank you for your dedication to our community, your commitment to the truth, and the grace with which you’ve handled your role as our trusted voice.
As you enter retirement, I hope you find time to enjoy everything you love about Buffalo— spending time with Anne and your beautiful family, boating on Lake Erie, and savoring the pride of the community you’ve helped shape.
Congratulations, Don. You’ve earned this next chapter, and you leave behind a legacy of excellence that will not be forgotten. We wish you and your family nothing but happiness and success in the years to come.”