Obituary: John Edward Gee, 62, Wellsville

WELLSVILLE - John Edward Gee, 62, of 21 South Highland Avenue, passed away on Wednesday, February 27, 2019 at Jones Memorial Hospital surrounded by his friends and family. He was born on June 15, 1956 in Coudersport, PA, the son of Lyle and Jean (Moore) Gee.

John was a dedicated volunteer with the Salvation Army in Wellsville, and enjoyed socializing with friends and family.

He is survived by his devoted caretaker, Clara Johnston and her family of Wellsville, two brothers, Terry Gee-Taylor of Morganton, NC, and Tim (Doreen) Taylor of Wellsville, one sister, Laura (Paul) Williams of Sweet Valley, PA, as well as several nieces and nephews.

A private funeral is being planned for a later date. Please consider memorial donations to the Salvation Army, 25 East Pearl Street, Wellsville, NY 14895. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

State Senator Cathy Young announces resignation

Spectrum News
State Senator Cathy Young, R-Olean, is stepping down from the Legislature next month.
In a press release, Cornell University announced she has been named director of the New York State Center for Food and Agriculture. Her start date is March 11.
“It was a very challenging decision to leave my service in the New York State Senate because I care so deeply about the people and issues facing my district,” Young said. “However, this new role will provide me with more direct opportunities to make progress in one of the industries that is closest to my heart.”
The Republican said she grew up on a dairy farm and knows firsthand the challenges the food and agriculture industry faces.
“I am thrilled to continue making a difference in this new and enhanced statewide capacity,” Young said.
She has been a member of the state Senate since 2005. The 57th district covers Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua and portions of Livingston County.
Young was the first woman to serve as the chair of the influential Senate Finance Committee. She also served in the Assembly for six years and the Cattaraugus County Legislature prior to that.
“Agriculture and food manufacturing are two of upstate New York’s largest job creators, and Catharine Young has significant experience integrating farm business with food processors and championing initiatives that support the food and farming sector to push our region’s economy forward,” Jan Nyrop, associate dean and Goichman Family Director of Cornell AgriTech, said. “We are very fortunate to have someone of Sen. Young’s caliber to step into this role with a strong vision, statewide network and proven track record of growing businesses.”
Young also previously served as chair of the state Senate Agricultural Committee. However, she was conspicuously absent from GOP leadership this session.

BREAKING...possible resignation announcement of state senator Cathy Young

UNCONFIRMED...
Wellsville Regional News received information from a trusted source that state senator Cathy Young was about to announce her resignation. We reached out to her Olean office. When asked the purpose of the call...there was a long pause and we were immediately directed to a spokesperson in the Albany office. The representative was unable to speak at the moment and we are awaiting a return call. Again, the information comes from a trusted source but has NOT been confirmed. This is a developing story...

Belfast: Swing Into Spring - Craft & Vendor Show March 2nd

Cuba: Tonight, it's police vs. school faculty

St. Bonaventure School of Communication now offering B.A. in Broadcast Journalism

ST. BONAVENTURE, N.Y., Feb. 28, 2019 — Building on the work St. Bonaventure University students are already doing in broadcast and video journalism, the university will begin offering a Bachelor of Arts degree in Broadcast Journalism this fall.

The program was approved Wednesday, Feb. 27, by the New York State Education Department.

Students enrolled in the Broadcast Journalism major will learn communications fundamentals through the core Jandoli School of Communication curriculum, and then focus on broadcast news-related classes. The combined course of study will prepare them for communication careers in a variety of fields specializing in video and audio media.

“The Jandoli School faculty seeks to boldly equip our young broadcast journalists with a 21st century education in ethical, visual and urgent digital communication,” said Aaron Chimbel, dean of the school. “The faculty felt the broadcast journalism major reflected a lot of the great work our students are already doing in broadcast and video journalism and that the new major would better highlight this work.”

With a staunch journalism program that was founded 70 years ago, St. Bonaventure has a large alumni pool who work in broadcast journalism, including Kerry Byrnes, Class of 1993, a producer for the “Today” show on NBC; Neal Cavuto, ’80, news anchor, commentator and business journalist for Fox News; Joe Enoch, ’06, NBC News investigative producer; Charlie Specht, ’10, chief investigator for 7 Eyewitness News, the ABC affiliate in Buffalo, N.Y.; and Christy Kern, ’11, news anchor at WIVB-TV, the CBS affiliate in Buffalo.

Chimbel said alumni broadcast journalists were consulted on the need for the major and the content of the program. “They believe the strong foundation we offer already is a great asset to students,” said Chimbel.

Hands-on experience has always been a hallmark of the Jandoli School, where students have for years produced weekly SBU-TV broadcasts. The school has recently expanded the reach of its broadcasts throughout the Buffalo-Niagara region through Spectrum TV.

“The Broadcast Journalism program plays off of St. Bonaventure’s long history of journalism and is the culmination of the university’s recent investments in updated broadcast technology and faculty,” said Joseph E. Zimmer, Ph.D., provost and vice president for Academic Affairs. “Our new dean, Aaron Chimbel, also brings his expertise, experience, leadership and vision to this new initiative.”

Job postings for bachelor’s-level professionals with broadcast journalism skills increased 57 nationwide and 52 percent regionally between 2016 and 2018, according to EAB, a best-practices firm in the education industry.

For more information about the Broadcast Journalism program, visit www.sbu.edu/Broadcast.

This is the second new major added to the School of Communication’s curriculum this year. In early February, a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sports Media was approved by the state Education Department.

Allegany County Sheriff's Office

Allegany County Sheriff Ricky L. Whitney reports that on February 26, 2019, Deputies from the Sheriff’s Office arrested Jeremiah D. Edwards, age 27 of Amity on an Allegany County Violation of Probation Warrant.  Edwards, who was currently incarcerated in the Allegany County Jail on unrelated charges, was processed and arraigned in Allegany County Court and remanded back to the County Jail with bail set at $10,000 cash bail or $20,000 bond. Edwards is due to reappear in Allegany County Court on March 27, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. for additional court action.  

Proposed NYS budget could force ambulance services to close or reduce operations

ALBANY — The United New York Ambulance Network (UNYAN) today warned of the impending collapse of the statewide ambulance industry if Medicaid Crossover and Supplemental funding are not reinstated in the 2019-2020 State Budget. At a time when the statewide ambulance industry struggles to survive, the Executive’s budget proposal has slashed critical funding and put the statewide ambulance industry in peril.

Ambulance services devote a majority of their resources to responding to emergency calls from Medicaid and Medicare patients across New York State. However, the state and federal reimbursements received from these calls are far below the cost of actually providing the emergency and non-emergency ambulance services. Recently, the state Department of Health’s Medicaid Rate Adequacy Study Report found that ambulances across the state are underpaid $31 million annually for Medicaid transports. In other words, every time an ambulance service answers a call for a Medicaid patient – whether it’s an emergency call or a hospital to hospital transfer – they lose money.

Dan Marsh operates Medical Transport Service (MTS) in Allegany County. His business handles about 2,400 basic and advanced life support calls each year. This morning, he called the situation "dire and scary." Marsh explained why this issue matters during an interview with Wellsville Regional Network. He said many of the patients transported in Allegany County have both Medicare and Medicaid. Medicare covers 80% of the approved cost while Medicaid picks up the other 20%. If the state budget is approved, as is, that 20% will go away. Marsh noted that no matter what an ambulance bill says, Medicare and Medicaid together only cover about 50% of the actual cost. MTS recently elevated its care and availability and now employs about 30 people full-time. He said with the new potential loss of funding, his business will be "severely impacted." Marsh said it would absolutely "impact our ability to provide the current level of service." He added that in 2018, 22 ambulance services closed.

“For years, the statewide ambulance industry has been operating at a loss of over $31 million annually when it comes to Medicaid and Medicare reimbursements from the state. The elimination of this vital crossover funding will make it more difficult for ambulance services statewide to continue to serve the millions of New Yorkers who rely on our services every single day. This devastating cut in funding will be felt by ambulance services throughout the Western New York region and in every corner of our state. And with an aging population, the need for ambulance services will only increase,” said David Butler, Chairman of UNYAN and CEO of TLC Medical Transportation Services, which provides ambulance services in Central New York.

If this essential funding is not reinstated into the 2019-2020 State Budget, many ambulance services may be forced to shut their doors, as was the case recently in Fulton County (8,200 calls per year), or face the difficult decision to cut their staff while continuing to serve the same size area and population.

Furthermore, in order to survive, statewide ambulance services may stop transporting Medicaid patients all together. This could disrupt the entire healthcare system, causing excessive waiting, overcrowding or back-logs at nursing homes and hospitals that are trying to accept new patients or clear beds.

The elimination of crossover and supplemental funding will echo throughout the healthcare industry and be a strain on the state’s already taxed healthcare system. As ambulance services are forced to close down, there will be fewer ambulances on the road, which means longer response times to emergencies.

Additionally, if ambulance services are forced to shut down, local municipalities would be morally obligated to fill the gap in service. If commercial ambulance services are no longer able to operate, municipal tax dollars would be necessary to build, grow, cover and sustain emergency medical services for these communities. In order to continue to provide these life-saving services, the burden of increased municipal spending would directly fall to the taxpayers.

“Our ambulances and staff are a vital link in the delivery of healthcare to thousands of New Yorkers, providing emergency responses as well as transfers between hospitals of critical patients and transporting medically compromised patients from hospitals to sub-acute rehab centers, freeing up urgently needed hospital beds,” said Michael Vatch, CEO of SeniorCare EMS, a provider in the New York City area and Long Island.

“It would not be possible to talk about the future of the ambulance industry under these proposed funding cuts without talking about its impact on the healthcare industry as a whole. The healthcare industry and hospitals play a vital role in the Capital Region economy. The reality is that as ambulance providers are forced to close, there will be fewer ambulances on the road. Hospitals will bear the brunt of this burden as patients are forced to wait longer for hospital to hospital transfer and hospitals are unable to clear beds quickly enough to meet their needs,” added Butler.

 

About UNYAN: The United New York Ambulance Network (UNYAN) is a not-for-profit membership corporation established in early 1998 to advance the highest standards of training and care in the medical and emergency medical transportation industry. UNYAN members provide ambulance services in 22 of the state’s top 25 cities, encompassing 54 counties and provide quality and timely medical services to millions of New Yorkers 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and 365 days a year.

Cuba: Your Life By Design, A Two-Day Women's Conference

What's on the path ahead for you?  What do you want it to be?

 

Take a little time for yourself to reflect, dream, plan for your best life - as you imagine it can be!

 

Join us for a special Your Life By Design women’s retreat on June 7-8, 2019 at the Palmer Opera House in Cuba, NY

 

We are excited to host this event here to support the women in our community.  

 

Register at Your Life By Design or contact us directly.

 

Sandy Keough and Michele Conklin

Obituary: Carolyn B. Perkins of Caneadea

Caneadea - Carolyn B. Perkins of Caneadea, NY went to be with her Lord on February 23, 2019. She was born in Medford, Massachusetts, a daughter of Joseph and Mary Hayden Bailey IV. She was married to T. Clark Perkins for 73 years until his death in 2011.

Carolyn became a committed Christian as an adult and her love of Christ as her Lord and Savior was the hallmark of her life. She was the last surviving charter member of the South Shore Baptist Church in Hingham, Mass., a big supporter of foreign missions and led many Sunday Schools, Bible studies and Vacation Bible Schools. She was Club Champion for several years at the Cohasset Golf Club in Massachusetts, with at least one hole-in-one in her record, and she worked as a model in Boston prior to her marriage.

Carolyn was a loving mother to her two sons, Robert Perkins, who predeceased her in 2018, and Richard (Valerie) Perkins and was a dedicated grandmother. Surviving in addition to Richard are five grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

A private graveside service will be held at High Street Cemetery, Hingham, Massachusetts at a later date. Memorials if desired to: Caneadea United Methodist Church, PO Box 625, Caneadea, NY 14717

Allegany County Office of Planning Hosts Grants Day on March 12

BELMONT – Allegany County local governments, government sub-agencies, universities, school districts, and not-for-profit entities are invited to attend ‘Grants Day,’ a learning event designed to provide more information about available grant opportunities and the grant application process, on Tuesday, March 12.

 

The Allegany County Office of Planning will host this event at the Crossroads Center in Belmont, which will feature representatives from Southern Tier West Regional Planning Board and Rotella Grant Management.

Southern Tier West Regional Planning Board will provide general information on Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) Grants available for projects beginning in 2020.  The ARC Area Development Grant Program annually supports local projects, with grants of up to $150,000 each, that demonstrate positive impacts in the areas of economic opportunities, ready workforce, critical infrastructure, natural and cultural assets, and leadership and community capacity.  The 10 a.m. ‘Grants Day’ session will provide a general overview of the ARC Area Development Grant Program, Southern Tier West’s role in administering the program, federal and state funding priorities, application timeline, and details related to developing an eligible project and strong grant proposal. 

 

Rotella Grant Management, one of Allegany County’s grant writing partners, will also host a seminar on the Grant Writing Process and Grant Applications specifically tailored for town and village governments; this two hour session will be available at both 1 p.m. or 4 p.m.

 

The ‘Grants Day’ schedule can be found below:

 

10 AM – Noon: Appalachian Regional Commission Grants Information Session, hosted by Southern Tier West Regional Planning Board

1 – 3 PM: Grant Process & Grant Application Seminar for Towns & Villages, hosted by Rotella Grant Management

4 – 6PM:  Grant Process & Grant Application Seminar for Towns & Villages, hosted by Rotella Grant Management

 

To RSVP for one or more sessions, or if you have additional questions, please contact Michelle at the Allegany County Office of Planning at 585-268-7153.

Wellsville: Howe Library presents "Feminist Roots of Wonder Woman"

Wellsville: Emerald Isle Irish Band coming to Nancy Howe Auditorium

Obituary: Virginia M. Wentworth, 88, Friendship

Virginia M. Wentworth:  Loving Mother and Grandmother

Virginia M. Wentworth, 88, of 18 Stevens Ave., Friendship, passed away Wednesday, February 27, 2019 at Cuba Memorial Hospital’s Palliative Care Unit.

Born September 17, 1930, in Bath, she was a daughter of Randall and Esther Salisbury Dailey.  On October 23, 1948, in Canisteo, New York she married Olen Wentworth who preceded her in death on November 30, 2006.

Virginia was a homemaker who loved her family, reading, cooking, and when younger enjoyed bowling.  She was a former member of the Friendship United Methodist Church. She is survived by four daughters Marjorie (Mick) Davis of Angelica, Patricia (Bill) Aiello of Olean, Jean (Thomas) Morgan of Olean, Jane (August) Elliott of Atlanta, Georgia; 11 Grandchildren, 20 great grand children; two sisters Freda Kelly of Canisteo, New York, Rosie Dodge of Hornell, New York; Several Nieces and Nephews.

Friends will be received at the Mark F. Rinker Funeral Home & Memorial Service, Inc., 9 Bull Street, Cuba, on Saturday, March 2, 2019 from 6-8 p.m. at which time a Memorial Service will be held.  The Rev. Becky Worth, pastor of Cuba United Methodist Church, will officiate.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be made to the Friendship Ambulance Squad, 8 East Main Street, Friendship, New York 14739. Online condolences may be sent at www.rinkerfuneralhome.com.

Bipartisan Members Introduce Resolution to Claw Back Power from the Executive Branch in Emergency Declarations

WASHINGTON – Wednesday, a bipartisan group of Members of Congress, led by Rep. Tom Reed (R-NY) and Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ), introduced a resolution to claw back power from the Executive Branch.
By amending the National Emergencies Act, Congress will have to approve any new emergency declaration within 60 days – similar to the War Powers Act.
The resolution aims to end the practice of governing by national emergency.
“This resolution is not a rebuke of President Trump’s national emergency declaration – the drugs, violence and human trafficking speak for themselves in regards to the true crisis we are facing. This resolution speaks to the politicization of Congress and its failure to lead. Instead of proactively solving problems Congress has delegated our precious power away,” said Congressman Tom Reed (NY-23). “We must take this power back. Otherwise over time, Congress will be seen as an advisory body instead of the co-equal branch of government the country needs.”
"National emergencies are no way to govern, regardless of party. The Constitution is clear about our authority and responsibilities.  By amending the National Emergencies Act, this bipartisan legislation will help Congress wrest back control and prevent further abuse of executive authority,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5).

Steuben County: Trooper struck on I-86

PRESS RELEASE

On Wednesday February 27 at approximately 9:05 a.m. Trooper Jacob Wackowski was stationary on I-86 eastbound in the city of Corning assisting with traffic control at a weather related motor vehicle accident parked with his emergency lights on when he was side swiped by a passing tractor-trailer.

Trooper Wackowski was taken to Corning Hospital for minor injuries and the driver of the tractor-trailer, Troy English, age 53, from Buffalo was issued tickets for Failure to Obey the Move Over Law and numerous vehicle and traffic violations.

English has numerous warrants for Identity Theft in North Carolina and Violation of a Court Order – Failure to Pay Fine in PA.  English was arraigned in the city of Corning Court and remanded to the Steuben County Jail on $500 cash $1,000 bond.  The investigation is continuing.

Olympic Medalist at Genesee Valley School tonight

SCIO STUDENTS TRY LOCAL HOT DOGS DURING LUNCH

SCIO, NEW YORK - On Friday, February 15th, students from Scio Central School tried something new for lunch: New York State Hot Dogs. Scio CSD has made a commitment to serve more local products as part of their new Farm to School program. They are one of the districts spearheading this movement in the county. Scio was the first district to serve the NY franks, with Genesee Valley and Wellsville schools serving them later in the school year.  

These hot dogs, produced by Red Barn Provisions, are made out of 100% beef.  Red Barn Provisions is a New York Grown and Certified company that buys solely from small New York Farms to produce ground beef, patties, and hot dogs. The company celebrates that their products are made from cows that are never given growth-promoting antibiotics or hormones.

Cassandra Bull, Farm to School Coordinator at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Allegany County, was there to help promote this new product. She helped serve students the NY Hot Dogs in the lunch line, and handed out special stickers to the students who were willing to try the hot dog. Bull used this opportunity to speak with students about regional food systems, farm to table, and the importance of supporting your local farmer. "I'm not sure that I would have been aware of these issues in grade school. I was impressed with how many of the students knew the definition of "local" and were interested in discussing it with me", Bull remarked.

After lunch was served, Bull and cafeteria staff traveled to each table to get feedback from the students. Their response to the NY hot dogs was overwhelmingly positive. Cindy Winchell, Cafeteria Manager, states: "the most important thing to me is that the students are happy with what we serve. They are my customer, so it is paramount that they are as enthusiastic about local food as I am. I think that this is a better tasting product than our usual hot dogs, and the students agree. This was a great experience and we will definitely be serving this again, hopefully as often as once a month". Winchell has been working closely with Cornell Cooperative Extension to identify kid-friendly local products for their school, and plans to start serving more local products by the end of the 2018-19 school year.

The Farm to School Program is one of many programs offered by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Allegany County. They put knowledge to work in pursuit of economic vitality, ecological sustainability and social well-being. Cornell Cooperative Extension offices bring local experience and research based solutions together, helping New York State families and communities thrive in our rapidly changing world. For more information, call 585-268-7644 or visit our website at www.cce.cornell.edu/allegany. Cornell University Cooperative Extension provides equal program and employment opportunities.

Andover: Boil water advisory in effect

From Police Chief Jim Rumfelt:
There is a boil water advisory for the Village of Andover until further notice.  Please boil water until further notice. The Andover Water Department is working on fixing the problem and the Allegany County Health Department has been notified.

Steuben: Trooper struck while assisting with traffic at a motor vehicle accident scene

This morning at approximately 9:05 a.m. Trooper Jacob Wackowski was stationary on St-86 eastbound in the city of Corning assisting with traffic control at a weather related motor vehicle accident parked with his emergency lights on when he was side swiped by a passing tractor-trailer.
Trooper Wackowski was taken to Corning Hospital for minor injuries and the driver of the tractor-trailer, Troy English, age 53, from Buffalo was issued tickets for Failure to Obey the Move Over Law and numerous vehicle and traffic violations.
English has numerous warrants for Identity Theft in North Carolina and Violation of a Court Order – Failure to Pay Fine in PA.  English was arraigned in the city of Corning Court and remanded to the Steuben County Jail on $500 cash $1,000 bond.
The investigation is continuing.

Wellsville Police Blotter

Date: Tuesday February 26, 2019

Wellsville Police charged Haley D. Landcastle, age 26 of Fillmore, NY, charging her with Aggravated Unlicensed Operation 3rd (Unclassified Misdemeanor), for driving with a suspended driver’s license and Failure to Obey a Traffic Control Device.  The charges stem from a traffic stop on North Main Street in the Village of Wellsville.  Landcastle was issued traffic citations and released.  Landcastle is due to appear in Wellsville Village Court on March 26th at 4:30 p.m.

Wellsville Police arrested Brandi L. Gates, age 32 of Scio, NY, charging her with Harassment 2nd.  The charges stems from an incident that took place on East Dyke Street on January 27th. Gates was processed and arraigned before Wellsville Village Justice O’Connor.  Gates was released and is due back in Wellsville Village Court at a later date.

Obituary: Lydia Jeanne Mills, 52, formerly of Fillmore

Fillmore - Lydia Jeanne Mills of Ft. Myers, FL and a former resident of Fillmore died on Tuesday, February 26, 2019 in Cape Coral Hospice House, Ft. Myers, FL. She was born on August 23, 1966 in Warsaw, a daughter of the late Bernard and Louise Yanda Mills.

Lydia was a graduate of Fillmore Central School and attended Daemon College before moving to Florida to work with UPS.

She loved old movies, needlework, poking around in thrift shops and her cat Storm.

Surviving is a sister, Melissa Mills of Fillmore, brother, James (Michele) Mills of Hume, her nephew, Christopher (Julia) Mills and their children, John, Allison and Carter, her niece Elizabeth Mills, several aunts and uncles and many cousins.

As per her wishes, there will be no visitation or funeral.  Burial will be in Alger Cemetery, Fillmore.

Memorials if desired to: Centerville United Methodist Church Memorial Fund, c/o Mildred Vosburg, Box 55, Hume, NY 14745.

Obituary: Shirley M. Strope, 87, Belmont

BELMONT - Shirley M. Strope, 87, former long-time resident of 4 Erie Street, passed away on Monday, February 25, 2019 surrounded by her family. She was born  August 5, 1931 in Owego, NY, the daughter of the late Lloyd and Lydia (Burlingame) Morton. On March 3, 1950 in Waverly, NY, she married Charles L. Strope Jr. who predeceased her on December 16, 2010.

Shirley was raised in Waverly and was a 1949 graduate of Waverly High School. Shirley and Charlie started their family in Waverly and moved to Belmont in February of 1964, where they resided 53 years. In the mid 1970's she was employed as a bartender at the Pastime Bar in Wellsville and later for the Herbert DeLong American Legion Post 808 in Belmont. She was a member and past president of the American Legion Post 808 Auxiliary, member and past president of the Allegany County American Legion Auxiliary, and a member of the Allegany County 8/40.

She is survived by five children: Sharon Cichy of Wellsville; Pat Whitney of Wellsville; Charles  “Cubby” Strope III of Belmont; Ron Strope of Marysville, Ohio; and Karen (Larry) Green of Wellsville.  Twelve grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, several step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren.  Two sisters: Gladys Waite of Sayre, PA, and Phyllis Ludwig of Candor, NY, as well as several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased, in addition to her parents and husband, by two brothers: Carl and Leonard Morton; one sister, Elsie Foote, and a son-in-law, Steve Whitney.

At Shirley's request, there will be no prior visitation or funeral. Burial will be in  Lockwood Cemetery, Lockwood, NY. Please consider memorial donations to The American Legion Post 808 in Belmont, Home Care & Hospice, or any charity of the donor’s choice. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Complete Obituary: Ann L. Babcock, age 66, 0f Wellsville

Ann L. Babcock, age 66, 0f Wellsville passed away on Sunday, February 24, 2019, at the Wellsville Manor Care Center after a long illness. Ann, born on November 7, 1952, was the first child of James William and Frances Kozlowski.

She was a graduate of the Immaculate Conception School and also of Wellsville High School, class of 1970. She graduated from St. James Nursing School in Hornell and received her RN degree. During her career she worked at many hospitals and nursing homes including a job as a pediatric nurse in pediatric home care. Ann enjoyed sharing her love of art with children and was active in the Children's Ministry in several local churches. For many years, Ann enjoyed attending Bible Study classes and was involved with church activities. She worked several summers as a camp nurse for the Boy Scouts of America. She enjoyed gardening and especially liked spending time with her many nieces and nephews. Ann recently volunteered much of her time visiting and providing transportation for elderly friends.

She is survived by her mother, Fran; her 3 sisters, Mary [Michael] Raven of Lakewood, CA., Kathleen Ueblacker of Wellsville, and Nancy [Gary] Hill of Corfu; her five brothers, James [Gary Brink] Babcock, Stephen [Jan Kerata] Babcock, Michael Babcock of White Salmon,OR., Joseph Babcock of Glens Falls, and Gerald [Shawna] Babcock of Willowick, OH.; 13 nieces and nephews, Beth, John, Linda, Aurora, Gavin, Matthew, Sarah, William, Nathan, Andi, Adam, Shana, and Jacob; 3 great nephews; her aunt, Francelia Hamlin, and her close friend, Carla Eisenhower.

She was predeceased by her Father, James, and her sister, Barbara Jo.

A rosary will be said at 3:30 p.m. in the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home on Friday, March 1, followed by calling hours from 4 till 6 p.m. A Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, March 2, at 11a.m. in the Immaculate Conception Church and burial will follow in the Sacred Heart Cemetery. Memorial contributions in Ann's name may be made to the Immaculate Conception School or to the Hart Comfort House, or to the Wellsville Volunteer Ambulance Corps. To leave online contributions please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Congressman Reed Delivers Grant for Allegany County Community Opportunities and Rural Development

PRESS RELEASE

Washington – Today, Rep. Tom Reed announced a $1,740,553 grant to provide the Allegany County Community Opportunities and Rural Development, Inc. (ACCORD) with funding to support their Head Start and Early Head Start education programs.
“We care about ensuring all children in our communities have fair access to educational opportunities to put them in the best position for future success,” Tom said. “This grant enables ACCORD to provide invaluable learning opportunities to promote school readiness for kids in our local neighborhoods.”
“ACCORD is very excited and grateful to be receiving another year of federal funding for our Head Start and Early Head Start programs.” Executive Director Lesley Gooch-Christman said. “We have been providing Head Start services in Allegany County for more than 25 years and know what a tremendous impact this program has on children and their families. We are proud to be part of such a great program and appreciate the continued support of the federal government, our communities and the families and children we serve.”
Allegany County Community Opportunities and Rural Development is a grant-funded Community Action Agency established to fight poverty in Allegany County by providing human services to individuals and families necessary to achieve self-sufficiency and economic security.

Letter: Family gives thanks to Allegany County Comfort House in Wellsville

ANOTHER Winter Weather Advisory issued for Allegany County for Wednesday (2/27/19)

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Buffalo NY
1055 AM EST Tue Feb 26 2019

Niagara-Orleans-Monroe-Northern Erie-Genesee-Wyoming-Livingston-
Chautauqua-Cattaraugus-Allegany-Southern Erie-
Including the cities of Niagara Falls, Medina, Rochester,
Buffalo, Batavia, Warsaw, Geneseo, Jamestown, Olean, Wellsville,
Orchard Park, and Springville
1055 AM EST Tue Feb 26 2019

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 6 AM TO 10 PM EST
WEDNESDAY...

* WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 4 to 7
  inches expected.

* WHERE...Niagara, Orleans, Monroe, Erie, Genesee, Wyoming,
  Livingston, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, and Allegany counties.

* WHEN...From 6 AM to 10 PM EST Wednesday.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Travel could be difficult. The hazardous
  conditions could impact the morning, but and moreso the evening
  commute.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Periods of snow will result in snow covered roads and limited
visibilities. Slow down and use caution while driving.

U.S. Attorney’s Office For The Middle District Of Pennsylvania Collects Over $20 Million On Behalf Of U.S. Taxpayers

U.S. Attorney David J. Freed

HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania has announced that the Middle District of Pennsylvania collected $20.2 million in criminal and civil actions in Fiscal Year 2018.  Of this amount, $4 million was collected in criminal actions and $16 million was collected in civil actions.  The $20.2 million collected in FY 2018 represents approximately double the appropriated budget for the office.
Additionally, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Middle District of Pennsylvania worked with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and components of the Department of Justice to collect an additional $1.1 million in cases pursued jointly by these offices.  Of this amount, $14,637 was collected in criminal actions and $1.1 million was collected in civil actions.
In November 2018, the Middle District of Pennsylvania received $70 million as part of the settlement in U.S. v. MoneyGram International, Inc. as a result of a Deferred Prosecution Agreement including a forfeiture settlement. MoneyGram will be charged by information for knowingly and intentionally aiding and abetting wire fraud and willfully failing to implement an effective anti-money laundering program. Forfeiture of the $70 million will be processed administratively by the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the district will be credited for an out of court forfeiture settlement. MoneyGram was involved in consumer fraud schemes perpetrated by corrupt MoneyGram agents and others.  In the fraud scams, which generally targeted the elderly and other vulnerable groups, perpetrators contacted victims in the United States and falsely posed as victim’s relatives in urgent need of money, falsely promised large cash prizes, or promised items for sale over the internet at deeply discounted prices.  The perpetrators required the victims to send funds through MoneyGram’s money transfer system.
As a whole, the Justice Department collected nearly $15 billion in civil and criminal actions in the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2018.  The $14,839,821,650 in collections in FY 2018 represents is nearly seven times the appropriated $2.13 billion ($2,136,750,000) budget for the 94 U.S. Attorneys’ offices.
“The men and women of the U.S. Attorneys’ offices across the country work diligently, day in and day out, to see that the citizens of our nation receive justice.  The money that we are able to recover for victims and this country as a whole is a direct result of their hard work,” Director James A. Crowell, IV, Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys.
“The men and women of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania are dedicated to the protection of our fellow law-abiding citizens, whether we are battling the scourge of drugs and violent crime or attacking scams designed to defraud government agencies,” said U.S. Attorney Freed. “I am pleased that our collection efforts both in the District and nationwide have far exceeded our cost to the taxpayers”.
The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the U.S. and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims.  The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss.  While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the department’s Crime Victims Fund, which distributes the funds collected to federal and state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.
The largest civil collections were from affirmative civil enforcement cases, in which the United States recovered government money lost to fraud or other misconduct or collected fines imposed on individuals and/or corporations for violations of federal health, safety, civil rights or environmental laws.  In addition, civil debts were collected on behalf of several federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Department of Health and Human Services, the Internal Revenue Service, the Small Business Administration and the Department of Education.           

GOVERNOR CUOMO ANNOUNCES PROPOSAL TO PREVENT STAR FRAUD AND ABUSE

PRESS RELEASE
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced a comprehensive proposal to build upon the State's efforts to keep the School Tax Relief program free from fraud and abuse, including a six-year ban imposed on those who knowingly provide false information on a STAR credit application, precluding them from receiving STAR benefits during that timeframe. The provisions would also expand the STAR Income Verification Program and permit the Commissioner of the Department of Taxation and Finance to seek repayment in cases where a STAR check is inadvertently sent to someone whose primary residence was receiving a STAR exemption for the same year, helping to recover improperly granted benefits.

 

"The STAR program provides a substantial benefit to property owners, and those who seek to profit at the expense of honest New Yorkers must be held accountable," Governor Cuomo said. "This aggressive policy to combat fraud once again sends a clear message that New York has zero tolerance for anyone who cheats the system."

 

In 2013, Governor Cuomo enacted reforms to the STAR program to crack down on delinquent taxpayers, including barring property owners who made a material misstatement on a STAR exemption application from receiving the exemption for six years. In 2015, the State Department of Taxation and Finance was authorized to recoup STAR benefits from property owners who unlawfully received those state benefits in past years, a power that previously resided with local assessors only.

 

The STAR program provides $3.4 billion in relief from school property taxes. It includes the Basic STAR benefit for homeowners with incomes under $500,000, and the Enhanced STAR benefit for seniors with income of $86,300 or less.

Fillmore woman arrested for grand larceny, falsely reporting

Amity-based state police on Monday arrested Ashley E. Pernicone, 24, of Fillmore, charging her with Grand Larceny and Falsely Reporting an Incident. Community Bank, N.A. located in Fillmore originally reported an incident on September 21, 2018. Troopers conducted a thorough investigation and discovered Pernicone had allegedly falsely reported fraudulent charges on her bank account, for which she received reimbursement from Community Bank, N.A. of approximately $3,600. Pernicone was arrested and arraigned in Centerville Town Court where she was remanded to the Allegany County Jail in lieu of $500 bail or $1,000 bond. She is due to appear in Hume Town Court in March.

Looking for love? Alfred is No. 1 in NY, article says

If you’re single and looking to mingle, Alfred may be just the place for you!
A recent article by NewYorkUpstate.com ranked the village of Alfred No. 1 overall on its list of 40 towns in upstate/western New York with the most eligible singles. In order to determine the rankings, the site collected data from the 2017 US Census five-year population estimates.
Finding that special someone in Alfred is nothing new at Alfred State College (ASC). In fact, many Pioneers have ended up meeting their future partner or spouse while studying at ASC.
Check out the full article on the rankings here.

Wellsville: Breakfast Buffet at American Legion Sunday, March 3rd

Douglas gives final update; Steuben Legislature approves ASAP

Katherine Douglas

BATH - Corning Community College President Katherine Douglas gave her final annual update on college activities to the Steuben County Legislature Monday. The sixth CCC president, Douglas will retire in June after eight years at the college’s helm. In addition to receiving the Corning report, legislators approved adding the Automated Secure Alarm Protocol or ASAP for the county 911 Center. ASAP will send information from automated alarms, such as ADT and Doyle, directly to the appropriate emergency responder. The county now fields calls from the automated alarm companies and then dispatches the calls. The new $15,665 system will reduce significantly the number of calls the center handles annually, according to county 911 Deputy Director Tina Goodwin.

Steuben County Sheriff's Blotter

Steuben County deputies making more arrests for impaired driving. 59-year-old Christine Haller of South Main Street in Prattsburgh was stopped near her home. She was charged with driving while intoxicated and failure to keep right. Court action is pending. Deputies also arrested 63-year-old Michael Southard of Campbell. He was stopped on County Road 333 and charged with DWI, BAC above .08% and failure to keep right. He’ll answer the charges at a later date.

A town of Urbana man has been arrested after he reported his vehicle stolen. Deputies charged 57-year-old Douglas Robinson with falsely reporting an incident. Deputies alleged that his vehicle was not stolen and that instead, he crashed his car in Wayne and then left the scene. He was also charged with leaving the scene of a crash, no insurance, speeding and six other counts. He was arraigned in court and initially remanded to the Steuben County Jail.

A Syracuse woman was sent to the Steuben County Jail Monday after she allegedly stole more than $6,000 in merchandise from a retail store in Erwin. 50-year-old Tammy Hines was charged with two felony counts of grand larceny. Steuben deputies also discovered she had active warrants for several crimes in Syracuse. Bail was denied.

Cuomo signs Red Flag Bill

PRESS RELEASE
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, joined by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Monday fulfilled his promise to sign the Red Flag Bill, a key component of his 2019 Justice Agenda, within the first 100 days of the new legislative session. The Red Flag Bill, also known as the extreme risk protection order bill, prevents individuals who show signs of being a threat to themselves or others from purchasing or possessing any kind of firearm. This legislation builds on New York's strongest in the nation gun laws and makes New York the first in the United States to empower its teachers and school administrators to prevent school shootings by pursuing court intervention.
"The United States loses more people to gun deaths than most developed nations. The first year of President Trump's administration, we lost 40,000 people to gun deaths - the highest number in 50 years. New York led the way by passing the strongest gun safety laws in the nation, but more must be done to end this carnage," Governor Cuomo said. "Today New York is proud to pass the first-in-the-nation Red Flag Bill that empowers school teachers to do something when they believe something bad is going to happen. We are empowering teachers not by giving them guns like the President wants - but by arming and empowering them with the law, so when a teacher or family member sees there is a problem, they can go to a judge and get a court-ordered evaluation. The Red Flag Bill will save lives and doesn't infringe on anybody's rights and it is common sense."
No law currently exists in New York State that enables a court to issue an order to temporarily seize firearms from a person who is showing red flags, like violent behavior, or is believed to pose a severe threat of harm to himself, herself, or others unless that person has also been accused of a crime or family offense. In addition, no state in the nation currently empowers its teachers and school administrators to prevent school shootings by pursuing court intervention.
The Red Flag Bill provides all necessary procedural safeguards to ensure that no firearm is removed without due process while ensuring that tragedies, like the school shooting in Parkland, Florida, are not repeated. In this mass shooting, the shooter was reported by multiple sources to be disturbed and dangerous yet was allowed to purchase and possess deadly firearms. In fact, more than half of all perpetrators of mass shootings exhibit warning signs before the shooting, according to a recent analysis. In these cases, an extreme risk protection order could have prevented countless, needless deaths.

Obituary: Marlene A. “Marty” Kromar, 83, of Shinglehouse, Wellsville native

Marlene A. Kromar “loving mother, grandmother, and daughter”

SHINGLEHOUSE, Pa.- Marlene A. “Marty” Kromar, 83, of Shinglehouse, formerly of Portville, N.Y., passed away with her daughter by her side on Monday, February 25, 2019, in the Olean General Hospital, Olean, N.Y.

Born on November 20, 1935 in Wellsville, N.Y., she was a daughter of Clarence L. Kelligan and Evelyn N. Stewart Kelligan Allen.  On May 24, 1980 in Coudersport, she married Henry S. “Hank” Kromar, who passed away on June 25, 2009.

Marty was a graduate of Coudersport High School.  She was employed as a manager at the former Farad Electronics Corporation in Coudersport. 

She was a former longtime resident of Coudersport.

Marty enjoyed reading and crocheting, and especially enjoyed playing the organ for her grandchildren.  She loved fishing, baking and cooking.  Her greatest love was her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Surviving besides her mother, Evelyn Allen, of Coudersport, are a daughter, Colleen M. (Walter) Ramsey of Oswayo; a son, Kevin Kohn of Texas; a step-daughter, Kathleen (Lynn) Lotter of Portville, N.Y.; three grandchildren, Kelly (Jay) Gooch, Jennifer (Gary) Merriman, and Harley (Kristen) Ramsey; two step-grandchildren, Preston Lotter and Chase Lotter; nine great-grandchildren; one step-great-grandchild; a sister, Shirlee A. Leete, of Coudersport; and several nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, and great-grandnieces and grandnephews.

In addition to her father and husband, Marty was predeceased by a brother, Keith C. Kelligan; and two sisters, Sheila Allen and Dorla Tucker.

Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial service at 6 p.m. on Friday, March 1, 2019, at the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, 118 South Union Street, Shinglehouse, with Mrs. Kathryn Boyd, lay speaker of the Sweden Valley Faith United Methodist Church, officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Marty’s family has entrusted her care and cremation arrangements to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.

To express condolences or share a fond memory of Marty, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com.

Allegany County Sheriff's Blotter

Allegany County Sheriff Ricky L. Whitney reports that on February 19, 2019, Deputies from the Sheriff’s Office arrested Beth A. Wightman, age 29 of Scio, on an Allegany County Family Court Warrant. Wightman was processed and transported to the Town of Friendship Court where she was arraigned and remanded to the Allegany County Jail without bail. Wightman will reappear in Allegany County Family Court at a later date for additional court action.

On February 15, 2019, following a traffic stop, Deputies from the Sheriff’s Office arrested Jeremiah D. Edwards, age 27 of Amity, charging him with the following:

-           Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 7th Degree

-           Obstruction of Governmental Administration in the 2nd Degree

-           Tampering with Physical Evidence

-           Resisting Arrest

Edwards was processed and arraigned in the Town of Friendship Court where he was remanded to the Allegany County Jail with bail set at $50,000 cash or $100,000 bond. Edwards is due to reappear in the Town of Friendship Court on May 7, 2019 at 4:00 p.m. for additional court action.

Allegany County Sheriff Ricky L. Whitney reports that on February 15, 2019, Deputies from the Sheriff’s Office assisted the Cuba Police Department with the arrest of Megan C. Wilber, age 28 of Amity on a Bench Warrant issued by the Town of Cuba Court. Wilber was processed and turned over to the Cuba Police Department for additional court action.

390 Stop Nets Two From Allegany County

L-R: Hubbard, Cooper

INTERSTATE 390: Sheriff Thomas J. Dougherty reports the arrest of two men on drug related charges after a traffic stop on Interstate 390.

On February 19, 2019 Deputy Shawn Whitford was assigned to the Sheriff’s Office Operation Safe Interstate initiative when he stopped a vehicle on Interstate 390 for a violation of the NYS Vehicle and Traffic Law.

The operator of the vehicle was identified as 36-year-old Kristofer T. Hubbard from Fillmore and a passenger in the vehicle was identified as 24-year-old Dean R. Cooper from Belfast. While the Deputy Sheriff was speaking with the driver he allegedly observed a drug smoking device in plain view in the vehicle and initiated a roadside drug investigation.

The investigation allegedly revealed that Hubbard was in possession of crack cocaine. A driver’s license check also revealed that Hubbard was operating the vehicle with his driver’s license suspended four (4) times. Hubbard was arrested and charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 7th Degree, Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia in the 2nd Degree, and Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle in the 2nd Degree.

The investigation also revealed that Cooper was allegedly in possession of twenty (22) bags of heroin along with another smoking device and several hypodermic needles. Cooper was arrested and charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 7th Degree, Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia in the 2nd Degree, and Criminal Possession of a Hypodermic Instrument.

Both Hubbard and Cooper were turned over to Central Booking Deputies at the Livingston County Jail for processing and pre-arraignment detention.

Both were later arraigned at the Livingston County Centralized Arraignment Part (LC-CAP) at the Livingston County Jail before Town of Groveland Justice Jeanean Love. The Judge remanded Hubbard to the custody of the Sheriff on $750 cash bail or $1,500 bond. Cooper was remanded to the custody of the Sheriff on $500 cash bail or $1,000 bond.

Deputy Connor Sanford assisted with the traffic stop and arrests.

Obituary: Ann L. Babcock, 66, Wellsville

WELLSVILLE - Ann L. Babcock, age 66, of Williams Avenue passed away on Sunday, February 24, 2019 at the Wellsville Manor Care Center. Friends are invited to call on Friday, March 1, 2019, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home in Wellsville. A Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, March 2 at 11 a.m. in the Immaculate Conception Church. Arrangements are under the direction of the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home and a complete obituary in pending.

Two die in Cattaraugus County fire

Wellsville Police Blotter

Date: Monday February 25, 2019

Wellsville Police charged Michelle S. Saxton, age 25 of Wellsville, charging her with Aggravated Unlicensed Operation 3rd (Unclassified Misdemeanor) for driving with a suspended driver’s license.  The charge stems from a traffic stop on Trapping Brook Road in the Village of Wellsville.  Saxton was issued a traffic citation and released.  Saxton is due to appear in Wellsville Village Court on March 12th at 4:30 p.m.

Getman Announces Candidacy for Schuyler County Judge

PRESS RELEASE

(Watkins Glen, NY) Schuyler County Attorney Steven Getman has officially launched his campaign for County Court Judge. Getman is a lifelong Republican who resides in Watkins Glen and currently serves as the Schuyler County Attorney.

“Our new judge must have experience to handle not only criminal cases, but also challenging civil, Family Court and Surrogate’s Court cases,” said Getman. “I believe that my current duties serving as County Attorney, coupled with my previous experience as a Social Services Attorney, Public Defender, private practice attorney and College Instructor, make me uniquely qualified for the role of County Court Judge.”

Since 2015, Getman has served as the County Attorney for Schuyler County. He previously served as Assistant County Attorney for three years before being promoted to the top job. In these roles, Getman has served as the chief legal advisor to approximately 250 county employees, including the County Administrator and County Legislature. He and his staff have handled thousands of cases, prosecuted and defended civil actions, appeared in numerous courts, and drafted legislation.  In addition, his office prosecutes family court cases involving child abuse and neglect, juvenile delinquency and child support violations.

Prior to taking office as County Attorney, Getman was Assistant County Attorney from 2012 to 2015 and, before that, he served as an attorney for children in Schuyler County Family Court and as a member of the Schuyler County Assigned Counsel Panel, representing clients in both criminal court and family court. 

An attorney since 1992, Getman has worked for several other government agencies over the years:  the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (law school intern); the office of New York State Assemblyman Mike Nozzolio (college intern/volunteer); the Seneca County Public Defender, Department of Social Services, STOP-DWI, and County Attorney’s Office. In addition, Getman has served as an attorney for various towns in the Finger Lakes area, including as special co-counsel for the Town of Dix in certain real property tax certiorari matters. He has prosecuted violations of local laws and served as a special prosecutor in cases involving both misdemeanors and felonies in criminal court.

Beyond his service as an accomplished attorney, Getman has helped teach our next generation as an Adjunct Instructor at Keuka College for the past seven years. His courses have focused on criminal justice and constitutional law.

“As an attorney, public officer and educator, I am a firm believer in the Constitution and Bill of Rights – and that includes the Second Amendment,” added Getman. “I look forward to a spirited campaign season to share my values and qualifications with the voters of Schuyler County.”

Getman, age 54, is a graduate of Hofstra University, Ithaca College and Cornell University. He is a life member of the NRA and a member of Schuyler County SCOPE (Shooters Committee On Political Education), the Millport Hunting and Fishing Club, Community Conservation Club, Schuyler County Arc Nominating Committee, Watkins Glen-Montour Falls Lions Club, Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce, New York State Bar Association, Schuyler County Bar Association, National District Attorneys Association, Association of Prosecuting Attorneys, and New York State Defenders Association.

This year’s election is expected to feature this seat for County Court Judge based on the expected retirement of current Judge Dennis Morris. The General Election is slated for Tuesday, November 5th.

Wellsville Police Blotter

Date: Saturday February 23, 2019

Wellsville Police arrested Dakota B. Perry, age 21 of Bolivar, NY, charging him with DWI, DWI w/BAC of .08% or more, AUO 2nd (Aggravated Unlicensed Operation), Unregistered Motor Vehicle and Operating without Insurance.  The charges stem from an incident that took place on South Brooklyn Avenue in the Village of Wellsville.  Perry was processed and released to a third party.  Perry is due to appear in Wellsville Village Court on March 12th at 4:30 p.m.  Additional charges are pending as Wellsville Police continue their investigation.

Wind Advisory for Allegany County

URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Buffalo NY
949 AM EST Mon Feb 25 2019

NYZ012>014-020-021-252100-
/O.CAN.KBUF.HW.W.0002.000000T0000Z-190225T1500Z/
/O.NEW.KBUF.WI.Y.0007.190225T1449Z-190225T2100Z/
Wyoming-Livingston-Ontario-Cattaraugus-Allegany-
Including the cities of Warsaw, Geneseo, Canandaigua, Olean,
and Wellsville
949 AM EST Mon Feb 25 2019

...WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 PM EST THIS AFTERNOON...
...HIGH WIND WARNING IS CANCELLED...

The National Weather Service in Buffalo has issued a Wind
Advisory, which is in effect until 4 PM EST this afternoon. The
High Wind Warning has been cancelled.

* LOCATIONS...Wyoming, Livingston, Ontario, Cattaraugus, and
  Allegany counties.

* TIMING...Through late this afternoon.

* WINDS...West 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 50 mph.

* IMPACTS...Strong wind gusts will bring down trees and power
  lines and result in numerous power outages. Shallow rooted
  pines will be particularly vulnerable. Minor property damage
  is also possible, especially to roofs and siding. Travel in
  high profile vehicles will be very difficult at times.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Strong wind gusts of up to 57 mph will make driving difficult and
could result in minor property damage. Home owners should secure
personal property.

Allegany County Meals on Wheels canceled

Allegany County Meals on Wheels and Luncheon Centers are closed today, Feb. 25, 2019.

Wellsville Catholic Charities Food Pantry and Thrift Store, 67 E. Pearl St. will be closed today

Wellsville Catholic Charities Food Pantry and Thrift Store, 67 E. Pearl St. will be closed today.

Power outages continue in Allegany County

The strong winds that began Sunday afternoon continued to roar overnight. The winds toppled tress and brought down power lines. This statement was issued Sunday night:

NYSEG and RG&E are responding to extreme winds across western and upstate New York. There have been confirmed reports of sustained winds of 32 mph (58 mph gusts) at Rochester Airport, sustained winds of 46 mph (70 mph gusts) at Niagara County Airport, and sustained winds of 38 mph (66 mph gusts) at Buffalo Airport. These wind conditions have resulted in flying debris, trees uprooting and significant damage to NYSEG and RG&E equipment. As of 7:30 p.m., more than 30,000 NYSEG and RG&E customers are without power. Customers are urged to continue to monitor forecasts, stay safe and plan for outages lasting several days.

More than 2,500 line, tree and service and support personnel are responding to this event. In addition to company and contract resources, the Companies have obtained resources from Canada, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and New Jersey. NYSEG and RG&E offices in seven divisions (Lancaster, Lockport, Rochester Central, Hornell, Fillmore, Sodus and Canandaigua) are open.

As of 2:30 a.m., for NYSEG:

11 customers were out in Allegany County- 1 in Alfred and 10 in Grove.

As of 2:30 a.m. for RG&E:

There 13 outages in Allegany County - 10 in Bolivar and 3 in Friendship.