Steuben County: Three county bridges closed beginning May 13

BATH – Three bridges are scheduled for closure beginning May 13, according to the Steuben County Public Works Department.

The bridges are: 

·         -The Mill Street bridge in the Town of Cohocton will be closed to all through traffic for approximately four weeks. The bridge is located between Marks Road and Erie Street and crosses the Cohocton River. The Mill Street bridge will be getting a new wooden deck.. There will be no on-site detour.

·         -The Bean Station Bridge in the Town of Wheeler will be closed to all through traffic for approximately 12 weeks. The bridge is located between Muck and Dineharts Crossing roads and crosses Five Mile Creek. The Bean Station bridge will be completely rebuilt with concrete abutments and concrete deck beams. The on-site detour will consist of Bean Station Road, Depew Road, County Road 77 and Muck Road.

·         -The County Road 333 Bridge in the Town of Campbell will be closed to all through traffic for approximately 15 weeks. The bridge is located between Campbell Savona and Tannery Creek roads and crosses Michigan Creek.
The CR 333 bridge will be completely rebuilt with concrete abutments and concrete deck beams. There will be an on-site detour.

New York State Police Blotter

New York State Police Blotter

5/1/24 3:06 p.m.- After investigating a complaint in Scio in March, State Police report the arrest of Justin W. Northam, 31, of Wellsville. He was charged with child endangerment and released on his own recognizance.

5/1/24 9 a.m.- Troopers arrested a 17-year-old name protected youth from Delevan after an incident in Rushford. The teenager was charged with felony third-degree burglary and petit larceny. Court action is pending.

5/2/24 3:37 a.m.- During a traffic stop in the Town of Genesee, Troopers arrested Brent S. Porter, 42, of Cuba. He was charged with felony first-degree aggravated unlicensed operation and felony driving while intoxicated. He was initially detained.

Wyoming County Deputies charge man with several felonies, include possessing a 'ghost gun' & AR style gun

A convicted felon remains in custody at the Wyoming County Jail after he was found with a loaded handgun in his waist band during a traffic stop.

On April 30th, 2024, at around 4:36am, a deputy with the Wyoming County Sheriff’s Office was patrolling southbound on State Route 77, in the Town of Java, when a vehicle was observed traveling northbound near Beaver Meadow Road at 75mph in a marked 55mph zone. The vehicle also crossed over the yellow center line, crossing into the deputy’s driving lane. A vehicle and traffic enforcement stop was conducted on State Route 77 near Minkel Road, and while the deputy was approaching the vehicle, the driver and passenger were observed switching seats. The original driver was identified as Cristian M. Deluna, age 22 of Batavia, NY, who was asked to exit the vehicle.

During the initial interview with Deluna, he exhibited signs of possible impairment and a roadside DWI investigation was initiated. Before starting field sobriety testing, a loaded Polymer 80 G17 handgun with no serial number [Ghost Gun] was located in Deluna’s waist band, and the handgun was secured inside of the deputy’s patrol vehicle. Following standardized field sobriety testing, which Deluna performed poorly on, Deluna was arrested for Driving While Intoxicated. During the investigation, it was discovered that Deluna did not possess a NYS Pistol Permit, was a convicted felon, was on probation following a 2022 conviction for Attempted Burglary in the 2nd degree in Genesee County, and had three valid orders of protection against him preventing him from possessing any firearms. A semi-automatic rifle [AR Style] was also located in the back seat of the vehicle, as well as large capacity magazines for the handgun and rifle. Deluna’s NYS license was also suspended and revoked for a prior alcohol related offense. Deluna was ultimately charged with Criminal Possession of a Weapon 2nd degree – Loaded Firearm [Class C Violent Felony], Criminal Possession of a Weapon 3rd degree – Large Capacity Magazine [Class D Felony], Criminal Possession of a Weapon 4th degree – Ghost Gun, Criminal Possession of a Weapon 4th degree – Convicted Felon, Aggravated Family Offense [Class E Felony], 3 counts of  Criminal Contempt 2nd degree, Aggravated Unlicensed Operation 1st degree [Class E Felony], Aggravated Unlicensed Operation 2nd degree, Aggravated Unlicensed Operation 3rd degree, Driving While Intoxicated, Speed Over 55mph, Failure to Keep Right, and Refusal to Take Preliminary Breath Test. Deluna was processed at the Wyoming County Sheriff’s Office and was arraigned in front of the Honorable Justice Lightcap-Cianfrini in Wyoming County Superior Court. The Wyoming County Public Defender’s Office was present to represent Deluna, and the Wyoming County District Attorney’s Office was contacted for a bail recommendation. Following the arraignment, Deluna was remanded to the Wyoming County Jail in lieu of $75,000 cash bail, $150,000 bond or $300,000 partially secured bond. Deluna is scheduled to appear in Java Town Court at a later date.

Closure of County Road #2 in Town of Almond

Please be advised that Allegany County DPW will have daily road closures of County Road # 2 between I-86 (Almond exit) and Dixon Road intersections from May 8 through May 23 for the purpose of replacing culvert pipes. The road will only be closed during the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday and will be opened back up for use at night and weekends. There will not be an on-site detour and motorists are urged to seek alternate routes

Obituary: Patrice L. Green, 66, of Hornell

Hornell: Patrice L. Green, 66, of West Pine Street, passed away Friday (April 26, 2024) at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester.

Born in Waverly, New York, December 31, 1957, she was the daughter of Melford and Mary Tucker Greene. She was a graduate of Arkport Central School, Class of 1975. She had been employed in several departments at Gunlocke Corporation in Wayland prior to her retirement.
She was a member of the Hornell Moose Lodge and enjoyed bowling, hosting Holiday gatherings, spending time with family and cheering for the Cleveland Browns.
She was predeceased by her parents and her brother, Melford Greene, Jr.
Surviving are her husband, James Green of Hornell, her daughter, Jessica Green of Hornell, her son, Anthony (Tiffany Battle) Greene of Penfield, her sisters, Sandra (Aden) Ingalls of Tennessee and Karen (Kenneth) Lorow of Ohio, 6 grandchildren (Tyler Green, Thomas Mix II, Natalia Mix, Evan Mix, Nathan McMichael, Chase Greene).
There will be no calling hours. The family will observe a private family service on May 18th from 2-4pm at the Bender-Brown & Powers Funeral Home in Hornell.
The family is being assisted by Gerald R. Brown, Director.

Obituary: Louise E. Merrell, 65, Cuba

Louise E. MERRELL, 65, of Cuba, NY, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, April 30, 2024 in her home.  Born December 28, 1958, in Cuba, she was the daughter of Roswell H. and Ethel Mae Sprague Gowdy.  On September 25, 1982, in Avon, she married George W. Merrell, who survives.  A graduate of Belmont Central School, she was a stay-at-home mother.  Her children and grandchildren were her world and she loved spending every minute she could with them.  Louise enjoyed walking and spending time outside, and loved roosters.  Surviving besides her husband, George, are: three children, Sherri Ann Merrell of Cuba, George W. Merrell Jr. of Cuba, and Kerry Garrey of Bolivar; five grandchildren, Trinity, George, III “Chunk”,  Bailey, Carsyn, and Colton; a brother, Roswell (Amy) Gowdy, Jr. of Belmont; a sister, Ellen (Buddy) Merrell of Perry; nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by her parents; a sister, Susan Gowdy; and a son-in-law, Nicholas Garrey.  Friends may call at Riverside Assembly of God, 3218 Riverside Drive, Wellsville on Saturday, May 4, 2024 from 10:00 – 11:00 AM, with a Memorial Service following at 11:00 AM.  Rev. Rory Dudley will officiate.  Burial will be in Forest Hills Cemetery, Belmont.  Cremation was at OLNEY-FOUST Private Crematory.  Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org.  Arrangements are under the direction of Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Cremation, Crowell Chapel, 296 North Main Street, Wellsville, NY.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.wellsvillefuneralhome.com.  

Partial Obituary: Larry S. JAMES, 74, of Andrews Settlement

Larry S. JAMES, 74, of Andrews Settlement, PA, died Wednesday, May 1, 2024 in his home.  Arrangements will be announced by Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses, PA.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.

News from Angelica Fire & Rescue

 🚨Attention community members🚨

We'd like to inform you about a mock DUI event taking place at the fairground this THURSDAY 5/2/24 from 10 AM to 2 PM. Please be aware that there will be a simulated flash bang around 12 PM, along with sirens and a helicopter. Don't be alarmed; it's part of the exercise. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Wellsville Chamber news- annual awards

 

Infant found dead in Livingston County

CONESUS- Sheriff Thomas J. Dougherty advises of the death of an infant that occurred Saturday morning in the Town of Conesus. On April 27th, 2024 at approximately 8:35 am, Sheriff’s Deputies and emergency personnel were dispatched to a residence on Railroad Avenue in the Town of Conesus for the report of an 8-month-old infant not breathing and possibly deceased. Deputies arrived on scene and discovered the 8-month-old infant, deceased. Family members reported finding the infant deceased and calling 911. The Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division responded to the scene to investigate the death. The investigation is ongoing with assistance from the Monroe County Medical Examiner’s Office, and there is no further information into the circumstances or cause of death at this time. Livingston County EMS, Livonia EMS and Livingston County Child Protective Services assisted at the scene along with the Livingston County Coroner’s Office. Handling the on scene operations and investigations for the Sheriff’s Office were members of the Patrol Division, Criminal Investigations Division, Forensic Identification Unit and the Sheriff’s Office Victim Specialist.

Wellsville Lions Club continues to support the community

The Wellsville Lions Club is dedicated to serve the greater Wellsville Community in keeping with Our Motto: “We Serve.”  One of the ways we do this is through donations in response to requests.  If anyone is in need of our services or financial help, please contact any Lions Club member or visit us on Facebook. 

The following are the contributions to the community for the month of May 2024:

 

-$135 donation to the Wellsville Little League in the name of past member Terry Loucks.

-$200 donation to the David A. Howe Library for electricity during the Christmas Tree Fantasy of Lights.

 

Ed Tezak

PR Wellsville Lions Club

New York State Police Blotter

New York State Police Blotter

4/26/24 8:15 p.m.- From the Village of Cuba, state police arrested Sukhwinder Singh, 40, of Cuba. He was charged with prohibited sale of an alcoholic beverage. He’ll appear in court at a later date.

4/30/24 8:37 p.m.- During a traffic stop in the Town of Genesee, troopers arrested LeRoy W. Nupp, 52, of Bolivar. He was charged with felony first-degree aggravated unlicensed operation and felony driving while ability impaired by drugs. Court action is pending.

Wellsville Fire Public Service Announcement

Public Service Announcement(s):

Updated

5/1/24 (Wednesday)

Time: 4:45pm

Wellsville Fire Department, along with neighboring departments will be participating in the softball team escort rides. It will begin at Quakenbush Fields, and go through town, and back to the field.

5/11/24 (Saturday)

Wellsville Fire Department, along with neighboring fire departments will be doing the little league and T-ball rides. This will be done in 2 parts. Line up is at 8:46, first ride will start at 9am, and the second at 9:45am. The travel route will be the same as usual.

Please do not be alarmed if you hear the sirens. Please come out to wave, and support these young athletes.

Thank you,

WFD

Wellsville: A Portion of Truax Road to close for paving starting May 7

 

NYSEG and RG&E Warn of Ongoing Scams

New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) and Rochester Gas and Electric (RG&E), are reminding customers to be aware and informed about potential scammers, and to never give personal information to callers or individuals they cannot authenticate as a NYSEG or RG&E representative. While scams are ongoing throughout the year, the company has noted more aggressive tactics being used this spring.

“The best way to combat these types of scams is to stay alert and informed,” said Christine Alexander, vice president of Customer Service at NYSEG and RG&E. “If you’re uncertain of the identity of the caller or a visitor to your door, contact our customer service team immediately. We are always here to help you.”

NYSEG: call 800.572.1111
RG&E: call 800.743.2110

As a reminder, NYSEG and RG&E will never:

• Send an employee inside your personal residence to use a computer or other device.
• Have an employee take a photo of your electric bill.
• Send an employee to your home to offer a discount, offer a cost-saving program, or encourage you to sign up for a service. 
• Ask customers to make a payment with a pre-paid debit card or other non-refundable methods.

Customers should also be aware of some known scammer tactics:

• Fraudulent phone numbers: Caller ID may show the call is coming from the utility. In some cases, the perpetrators pretend to have a specific knowledge about the customers they’re calling and may even provide a callback number with a recorded greeting similar to NYSEG and RG&E’s customer service line. 
• Fraudulent emails and texts: Scammers are using digital correspondence to portray themselves as the utility.
• Door-to-door imposters: Scammers have posed as NYSEG and RG&E employees, claiming they are responding to reports that scammers are in the neighborhood. 

Types of scams that customers should look out for include:

• Disconnection threat: Someone posing as a utility representative, aggressively telling a customer their account is past due and a crew is on the way to shut off service unless an immediate payment is made – typically using a prepaid debit or another non-refundable form of payment. 
• Meter payment: The caller or in-person scammer instructs the customer to pay with cash or a prepaid debit card to cover the costs of a new meter or meter upgrade. 
• Information request: The caller insists that a recent payment encountered a system glitch and was not completed, or that the company had not received the payment at all. The perpetrator then asks the customer to make a false payment using a prepaid debit card or by providing personal bank account information.

National Fuel Adjusts Gas Supply Charges in Pennsylvania

National Fuel Gas Distribution Corporation (National Fuel) has submitted to the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission its quarterly adjustment to gas supply charges to become effective May 1, 2024. This adjustment decreases the monthly bill of a typical residential customer with an annual usage of 99,000 cubic feet of gas by $2.71, from $67.27 to $64.56.

The rate adjustment is primarily due to lower market prices for natural gas, which have decreased the cost of natural gas supplies that National Fuel purchases for customers. Gas supply costs are passed along to customers dollar for dollar, with no mark-up or profit to National Fuel. Pennsylvania utility companies are permitted to update gas supply charges on a quarterly basis to reflect changes in the market price of natural gas. The next opportunity to adjust gas supply charges will be Aug. 1, 2024.

National Fuel’s price-to-compare gas commodity charge also will decrease to $.29153 per 100 cubic feet (ccf). This reference point, detailed on the National Fuel bill under Gas Supply Charges, is important for customers who are shopping for an alternate gas supplier.

Complete Obituary: Gordon Claude GRAVES, 85, of Mechanicsburg, PA, formerly of Ulysses

Gordon Claude GRAVES, 85, of Mechanicsburg, PA, formerly of Ulysses, died Sunday, April 28, 2024 at his daughter’s home.  Born May 5,1938 in Whitesville, NY, he was the son of Clayton Lowell and Madge Fillmore Graves.  He attended Harrison Valley School and Northern Potter High School.  On December 31, 1957, in the Ulysses Free Methodist Church, he married Charlotte M. Moore, who predeceased him in September, 22, 2020.  Gordon spent most of his younger years working with his family on the farm and driving truck.  

For several years he operated Gordon Graves Trucking which involved a lot of feed hauling for Agway out of Buffalo.  In his later years, he worked driving for Smith’s Transfer and Fed Ex Custom Critical which took him and Charlotte all over the country.  In his final years, he enjoyed driving school bus and school van for Miller and Sons.  He loved bribing all of the kids on his bus with candy to keep them occupied.  Gordon enjoyed camping with friends and family and loved bluegrass and gospel music and was a wonderful storyteller.  The highlights of his year were the bluegrass jams and camping at the family reunion.  He always had a story to share or funny saying and he had funny nicknames for all of his brothers and sisters!  He was a mentor and friend to many in our family and among his friends.  

He loved serving God through his witness, prayer life, and countless hours mowing and plowing snow at the church.  His greatest joy was his five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren and he took every opportunity to tell people how awesome they were.  He said they were all “perfect.”  Gordon was a member of the Ulysses Free Methodist Church and the Good News Free Methodist Church of Mechanicsburg, serving in many roles throughout the years including worship leader, delegate to conference, and head mowing guru!  

Surviving Gordon are: three children, Tim Graves of Myerstown, Tammy (Tony) Botek of Harrisburg, and Kym (David) Cavey of Hampstead, MD; five grandchildren, Hannah (Dave) Callihan and Kelly (Ed) Doll, both of Hampstead, MD, William (Angie) Folk of Bowmansville, Olivia Botek Nunnery (Lukas) of New York, NY, and Abigail Botek of Greenville, NC; eight great-grandchildren, Christian Folk, Brooklyn Folk, Morgan Folk, Emma Folk, Raymond Callihan, Ann Callihan, John Doll, and Emelia Everett; a brother, Francis Graves of Watsontown; many cherished nieces and nephews and special lifelong friends.  In addition to his parents and wife, he was predeceased by three brothers, Mark Graves, Edward Graves and Clayton Graves, Jr.; three sisters, Maxine Graves, Georgia Outman, and Gretchen Lewis.  

Friends may call Wednesday, May 1, 2024 from 6:00 – 8:00 PM at Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses, PA.  Funeral Services will be held 11:00 AM, Thursday, May 2, 2024 in the Ulysses Free Methodist Church.  Burial will be in Ulysses Cemetery.  Memorials may be made to the Ulysses Free Methodist Church.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.

Alfred State freshman, badly beaten, makes amazing return

There was a special visitor on campus today! Derek Correa returned to campus to visit with his CNC Manufacturing and Machining classmates and his Professor.

During his visit he was able to connect with Dr. Mauro and Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Sammons.

Note: Derek was beaten to near death walking back to his dorm last October. He was in a coma for weeks, then extensive rehab.

Derek first opened his eyes November 4, 2023. A Go Fund Me effort has raised more than $65,000.

State panel moves to censure an Erie County judge

The New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct has determined that Mark J. Grisanti, a Judge of the Court of Claims and an Acting Justice of the Supreme Court, Erie County, should be censured for engaging in a street brawl with his neighbors, and for participating in cases involving an attorney with whom he had an ongoing financial relationship. The Commission’s Administrator had recommended that Judge Grisanti be removed from office. Six Commission members voted for censure, and four voted  to remove the judge.

Background: On June 22, 2020, Judge Grisanti instigated a verbal and physical altercation with a neighbor and his wife over a parking spot. Upon seeing the neighbors’ car parked near his own driveway, Judge Grisanti called 911. Before Buffalo police officers arrived, both Judge Grisanti and his wife confronted and yelled profanities at the neighbors, who responded in kind. During their confrontation, the parties came into rough physical contact with one another.

Upon arriving at the scene, two police officers captured the ensuing events on body cameras. After one officer grabbed Mrs. Grisanti and brought her to the ground attempting to handcuff her, Judge Grisanti shoved him and yelled, “you arrest my f****** wife…you’re going to be sorry,” and “my son…and my daughter are…both police officers.” Judge Grisanti himself was handcuffed and placed in a police car at the scene and continued to drop the names of high-ranking police officials and the Mayor of Buffalo.

The complete release is HERE.

DWI Mock Accident-Canisteo

 The Canisteo Village Police Department in collaboration with the New York State Police, Steuben County Sheriff's Office, Canisteo Fire and Ambulance, Greenwood Fire and Ambulance, Hornell ALS Unit, Steuben County District Attorney's Office, Steuben County Coroner's Office, Lifenet, Alfred University Drama Club and Troupscreek Auto are hosting a DWI Mock Accident Scenario in the Village of Canisteo on Monday May 6th, 2024 at 9:00am for the Juniors and Seniors of the Canisteo-Greenwood School District. 

With prom and graduation season approaching our emergency services want to remind our young youths the dangers of drinking and driving.  Each year we lose a loved one around this time due to a careless decision.  We are in hopes to show the impact a critical incident has on one another and their community.  This event will take place behind the Canisteo Village Wastewater Treatment plant on Dunning Road in Canisteo. 

Please feel free to attend the event and support the cause.  As first responders we would like to make in impact on all our youths in the surrounding areas as well to eliminate a tragedy from occurring. 

Chief Kyle C. Amidon

Canisteo Village Police Dept.

35 Main Street

Canisteo NY 14823

Wellsville Police Blotter

Date: Sunday April 28, 2024

 

Wellsville Police arrested Robert D. McMorris, age 64 of Wellsville, charging him with Public Lewdness (Class B Misdemeanor) and Disorderly Conduct (Violation).  The charges stem from an incident that took place on North Main Street.  McMorris was issued an appearance ticket and released.  McMorris is due to appear in Wellsville Village Court on May 21^st at 4:30 pm.

 

Wellsville Police arrested Kyle H. Lunn, age 28 of Richburg, charging him with Petit Larceny (Class A Misdemeanor).  The charge stems from an incident that took place on South Main Street on March 21^st.  Lunn was also arrested on a Bench Warrant for failure to appear in Wellsville Village Court on April 2^nd on previous Fleeing a Police Officer in a motor vehicle and other vehicle and traffic charges.  Lunn was processed and arraigned before Wellsville Village Justice Thompson.  Lunn was committed to the Allegany County Jail on $5,000.00 cash bail or $10,000.00 property bond or $20,000.00 partially secured bond.  Lunn is due back in Wellsville Village Court on May 7^th at 4:30 pm.

Memorial Service: Thelma R. Smith, 73, Westfield, PA

Thelma R. SMITH, 73, of Westfield, PA, died Thursday, April 25, 2024 in her home.  A gathering to celebrate Thelma’s life will be held Thursday, May 2, 2024 at Moon’s Big Red Barn, 453 Rowley Road, Ulysses, PA from 1:00 – 4:00 PM, with a service at 1:30 PM.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.

Obituary: Frederick C. Schwartz, 96, Almond

Frederick C. Schwartz, 96 a resident of Chapel Street, passed away Saturday (April 27, 2024) at St. James Hospital in Hornell.

Born in Angelica, December 14, 1927, he was the son of Fred J. and Lena Patrick Schwartz. He had resided nearly all his life in the Almond Area. He was a graduate of Alfred Almond Central School where he excelled in Baseball, Basketball and track. He had coached Little League for several years. He had been employed for several years at the former SKF Industries in Hornell. In his younger years he enjoyed bowling, hunting, the New York Yankees and later enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s sporting activities.
He was a member of the Arkport American Legion , the Hornell Association, the Almond Community Church, the former Almond Lions Club and coached little league for many years.
He was predeceased by his parents, his daughter, Susan (Ron) Lockwood and his brother, Robert (Louise) Schwartz.
Surviving are his loving family, wife Jeanne Kame Schwartz to whom he was married for 75 years his daughter, Christine (Larry) Drumm of Almond , his brother, Francis Schwartz of Thacherville, his son-in-law, Ron Lockwood, 4 grandchildren, Julie Barrett, Jason (Meredith) Lockwood, Jaimee (Darcy) McDougal and Justine (Marco) Lockwood, 3 Great Grandchildren, Solara Rosas, Lyla Lockwood and Weston Lockwood.
There will be no calling hours. Family and friends are invited to attend a graveside service on Thursday (May 2, 2024) at Woodlawn Cemetery in Almond at 3:00 PM. Rev. Scott DuMond will officiate.
The family is being assisted by Gerald R. Brown, Director at Bender-Brown & Powers Funeral Home of Hornell.