Pages

Saturday, August 31, 2019

Obituary: Deloris R. Dunham, 92, Andover


ANDOVER – Deloris R. Dunham, 92, passed away Wednesday (Aug. 28, 2019) at Jones Memorial Hospital following a brief illness.
Mrs. Dunham was born on Jan. 12, 1927 in West Almond to Clifford and Myrtle (Rossman) Hadsell. On June 23, 1945 at the Andover Baptist Church she married Robert E. Dunham who predeceased her on May 14, 2011.
Deloris was a devoted mother and wife who spent her years caring for her family.
Deloris is survived by her son Jim (Barbara) Dunham and her daughter, Linda Dunham both of Andover; grandchildren Doris Dunham and David (Misty) Dunham both of Andover; great grandchildren, Autumn Dunham, Savannah Dunham, Gracie Dunham and Alassy Dunham all of Andover; several nieces nephews and cousins; and her dog Snoopy from whom she was nearly inseparable.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her siblings Milton Hadsell, Dorothy Fairchild, Leon Hadsell, Ella Hadsell, and Bernice Plank.   
Deloris is honored throughout the family as being a nurturing soul, always putting the needs of her family first. She was a hard worker and truly loved animals especially her little dogs. It was her pleasure to look out the window and observe the cows with their frolicking calves, and the deer across the road.
Her daughter has special memories of her annual vacation in Niagara Falls with her mother. David got to spend the summer with Grandma Deloris when he was growing up and remembers their trips to Texas Hot. Deloris enjoyed the Monday night music service at the Lutheran Church in Wellsville.
Visitation will be held on Saturday (Sept. 7) from 1-2 p.m. at Baker-Swan Funeral Home in Andover. A memorial service will follow at 2:00 p.m. with the Rev. Donald Weaver officiating, concluding with burial in Alfred Rural Cemetery.
Memorial contributions in Deloris’ name may be made to SPCA Serving Allegany County, PO Box 381, Wellsville, NY 14895. Online condolences may be offered at https://www.baker-swan.com/

Obituary: Carolyn Ann Elias, 80, Whitesville



WHITESVILLE - Carolyn Ann Elias, 80, of 691 Main Street died Friday, August 30, 2019 at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, with her loving family at her side. Born July 8, 1939, in Harrison Valley, PA, Carolyn was the youngest daughter of the late Lewis and Reva (Coats) Scoville. On November 2,1957, in Whitesville she married Richard Elias, who survives. 
Carolyn was a 1957 graduate of Whitesville Central School and attended business school in Hornell. She and her husband lived in Belmont, where they raised their family for 21 years before returning to her childhood home in Whitesville in 1986 to care for her father before his passing. Carolyn raised her family and later worked as a home health Aide at Jan and Bev’s in Wellsville for 23 years. Carolyn had a loving heart and was very proud of her work and her ability to help others. 
Carolyn was a member of the Whitesville Ladies Auxiliary and Current Events Club. She enjoyed bingo, crocheting, camping, fishing, going to listen to music, dancing, and supporting the Whitesville students at their sporting events and music performances. Most of all Carolyn loved spending time with her family. She cherished Sunday dinners at the family home, and family picnics at Stony Brook. Carolyn was very proud of her large family and would happily share with anyone who asked about her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A highlight of Carolyn’s day was picking up two of her great-grandsons, Caleb and Gavin, from school each day and spending time with them. 
She is survived by her loving husband of 62 years, eight children; Robert Elias of Belmont, David Elias, of Hornell, Beverly Elias of Wellsville, Patricia Elias of Whitesville, Melody Elias of Bolivar, Leo (Tracy) Elias of Wellsville, Jackie (Earl) Hadsell of Black Creek, and Richard (Tracey) Elias Jr. of Scio, 16 grandchildren,29great grand-children, 4 great-great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased in addition to her parents by two sisters, Susan Louise Cavanaugh and Isabelle Miller. Friends are invited to call on Tuesday, September 3, 2019 from 2-4 and 7-9pm at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc. in Wellsville. The funeral will be Wednesday at 1:00 p.m. in the funeral home with Rev. Carl Kemp presiding. Please consider memorial donations to the Whitesville Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Additional Red Cross Volunteers Deploying to Support Dorian Response

BUFFALO, NY, Saturday, August 31, 2019 - The American Red Cross is preparing to help tens of thousands of people in the path of Hurricane Dorian as the storm continues to grow stronger and take aim at the southeast coast of the U. S. While the exact path of Dorian is still uncertain, 19 million people live in areas that could be impacted by wind, as much as 15 inches of rain, flooding and a high storm surge. As many as 50,000 people in Florida, Georgia and South Carolina may need emergency shelter.
 
The Red Cross is coordinating with community partners and emergency responders to prepare evacuation centers for people who may seek shelter over the Labor Day weekend.
We are mobilizing over 600 trained volunteers from all over the country, 20 emergency response vehicles and more than 60 tractor-trailer loads full of relief supplies to help people in the path of Hurricane Dorian.
 
Seven volunteers from Western and Central New York have been deployed to support the Dorian relief efforts (updates in bold):
NAME


HOMETOWN


LOCATION


ACTIVITY
Jim Collingwood


Amherst


South Carolina


Logistics
Diane Dellacornio-Thomas


Harpursville


Florida


Sheltering
Christian Passela


Bainbridge


Florida


Sheltering
Sarah Perkins


Pittsford


Florida


Disaster Assessment
Tom Purnell


Rochester


Florida


Government Operations
Marvin Shandler


Liverpool


Florida


Sheltering
Richard Stirpe


Webster


Florida


Sheltering
 

Obituary: Kenneth “Mike” C. Fish, 84, Fillmore


Fillmore - Kenneth “Mike” C. Fish of 10550 Route 19 died Saturday, August 31, 2019 in the Houghton Nursing and Rehabilitation Facility. He was born on March 17, 1935 in Irondequoit, a son of the late Leslie and Genevieve Denk Fish. On March 1, 1969 in Rushford he married Nancy Miller who survives.
Mike was a veteran of the United States Army serving from 1957 to 1959. He was a self-employed tin smith and a jack of all trades which included him working as a tool and dye maker, sign painter, fixing go carts at his engine shop, tinkering in his hobby shop, building and driving racecars and building his own home.
Mike was a former member of the Brooks Hose Fire Co., serving for 45 years and a member of St. Patrick’s Church in Fillmore.
He was a former employee of Marquart Farms, Lew Bannister Farms, Fish Body Shop, US Postal Service and a former school bus driver. Mike also was the former owner of Fish Automotive and started Wyoming Automotive Machine Shop.
Surviving in addition to his wife are his children, Todd (Kimberly) Fish of Virginia, Belen Musicaro of Florida, Leslie (Travis) Clagett of Fillmore, nine grandchildren, many great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents he was predeceased by a son, Clare Fish and a brother Gerald “Jerry” Fish.  Family and friends may gather from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, September 6, 2019 at the Kopler-Williams Funeral Home, 21 N. Genesee Street, Fillmore. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 7, 2019 in St. Patrick’s Church, Fillmore. Fr. Dennis JJ Mancuso will officiate. Burial will be in Holy Cross Cemetery, Fillmore.
Memorials if desired to: Fillmore Rescue Squad, Box 238 Fillmore, NY 14735 or Alzheimer's Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, D.C. 20090-6011.

Obituary: Alice C. McCutchan, 83, of Wellsville


Alice C. McCutchan, 83, of Wellsville, NY, died Friday, August 30, 2019 in her home.  Born February 17, 1936, in Gloversville, NY, she was the daughter of C. Maxwell and Margaret Salladin Hammer. On January 1, 2000, in Las Vegas, NV, she married James H. McCutchan, who survives.  A graduate of Gloversville High School, she was employed by the Bureau of Mines as a bureau chief in the Department of Statistics.  Alice was a member of the Towne Family Association and the historian of the Salladin Family Association.  Surviving besides her husband, James, are:  six children, Toni (Pat Boucher) Johnson of Bleecker, NY, Laurie (Gene) Zeiszler of Stafford, VA, Mark Brown of Wasilla, AK, Gregg (Trina) Brown of Poway, CA, Kurt (Sue) Brown of Olympia, WA, and Joel (Wendy) Brown of Evergreen, CO;  16 grandchildren;  31 great-grandchildren;  9 great-great-grandchildren;  and former husband, Richard E. Brown.  She was predeceased by her parents.  A memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.  Arrangements are entrusted to Mulholland-Crowell Funeral Home, Wellsville. Online condolences may be expressed at www.wellsvillefuneralhome.com.

Some question administrative changes at Northern Potter school - there were sharp responses

The Northern Potter school board this month appointed Nathan Jones as acting superintendent. In 2017, then superintendent Scott Graham went on leave for medical reasons. However, questions were raised on the district's Facebook page. One local resident posted "I have to wonder how many programs could be restored with the amount spent on the undisclosed settlement." Graham was quick to respond, saying: There is no settlement agreement. I received no additional compensation for my salary after August 16, when my sabbatical ended. There is a separation agreement that compensates me for the same things teachers/principals receive when they retire. He called the resident 'misinformed at best and a liar at worst.' I gave my heart and soul to Northern Potter and will not let anyone tarnish my reputation by making up nonsense to stir up the community.”
The school board also appointed Wendy Baily as the acting Middle/High school principal.

Canaseraga school to hold meet the teacher night


Bolivar-Richburg school board to accept employee resignation

The Bolivar-Richburg Board of Education will accept a resignation when it meets September 3rd. According to the meeting agenda, the Board will accept a letter of resignation from Nicole Buchanan, Speech Pathologist, effective September 21st. The Board will also be asked to enter into an agreement with the Scio Central School District for sharing occupational therapy services for the 2019-2020 school year.
In other expected action, the school board will approve the hiring of Judy Johnson as a substitute teacher and Brittany Taylor as a substitute food service helper. Both appointments are subject to a background check.
The Board meets September 3rd in conference room 113 at 7 p.m.

Wellsville Elks Lodge Scholarship Breakfast

Wellsville Elks Lodge
Scholarship Breakfast
Sunday, Sept. 8th
7:30 a.m.-11:00 a.m.
Menu:
Eggs, Pancakes, Sausage
Omelets, French Toast, Home Fries,
Sausage Gravy and Biscuits, Toast,
Coffee and Juice.
Cost: Adults $7
Children: $3
All proceeds benefit Local Scholarship Fund.

Alfred-Almond school board to recognize employee service

The Alfred-Almond Board of Education will meet September 3rd. When the Board convenes, it will recognize several workers.
For twenty-five years:
  1. Kirsten Calkins
  2. Barrie Clark
  3. Tracey More
For twenty years of service:
  1. Sheila Flint
  2. Matt McAneney
  3. Angela Trautman
In other proposed action:
-Approval to reject all bids for the Safe Act Door Replacement;
-Approval to ADJUST the 2019-2020 budget with Erie 1 BOCES Technology Services in the amount of $604.20 for a replacement camera under IP Surveillance Services.
-Approval to purchase the following textbook to be used in Secondary Science: Marieb Human Anatomy & Physiology, Published by Pearson, ISBN#978013476630
-Second Reading and Adoption of revised policy and regulation 7511 & 7511R Immunization Guidelines
-Approval to appoint Valarie Gregory as a substitute bus driver for the 2019-20 school year pending submission of fingerprinting; -Approval of the following Substitute Teachers – Antonette Preston, Alyssa Austin and Laurie Pazdernik.

Whitesville School reschedules open house


Wellsville Secondary School plans open house


Auto Trades program gets a ‘lift’ from generous alum


Alfred State alumnus Robert “Bob” Livingston and his wife, Joan, are joined by President Dr. Skip Sullivan in cutting a ribbon to celebrate the new Mohawk Lift in the Heavy Equipment, Truck and Diesel Building. Also pictured are Dean of the School of Applied Technology Jeffrey Stevens, farthest right, and Automotive Trades Department Chair Eric Wilmot, farthest left. Livingston generously provided the funds to purchase the new lift.
Hands-on training has been lifted to greater heights for Alfred State heavy equipment, truck and diesel technician students thanks to the generosity of donor and alumnus Robert “Bob” Livingston.
Livingston, a 1956 graduate of Alfred State’s mechanical engineering technology – internal combustion engineering program, recently provided the funds for the purchase and installation of a Mohawk Lift that is now located in the Heavy Equipment, Truck and Diesel Building on the Wellsville campus. The lift enhances students’ ability to gain real-world, hands-on experience working on everything from small cars, to light duty diesel equipment, to heavy duty diesel trucks.
Specifically, students will use the lift to perform tasks such as alignments, brake work, tire changes, oil changes, and more. This work was previously completed on the floor with floor jacks and mechanics creepers.
Eric Wilmot, chair of the Automotive Trades Department, said the lift will also support the college’s heavy equipment operations program by providing heavy equipment maintenance repair.
“The lift is an incredibly generous donation that will be used for educational and campus support purposes for many years to come,” Wilmot said. “After a recent campus visit, Mr. Livingston saw our need, made some phone calls, and here it is a short time later. We are very thankful for Bob’s support and will proudly display this lift with his name on it for many years to come.”
Jeffrey Stevens, dean of the School of Applied Technology, said the lift is a wonderful addition to the shop.
“We continually strive to improve and expand the learning outcomes for students,” he said. “We are so excited to have such a well-built engineered training tool, and the integration into the existing shop certainly has led to setting the bar higher. The faculty and students are excited to integrate this lift into the program and the curriculum.”
Alfred State recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the new lift. Speaking at the event, President Dr. Skip Sullivan said, “This is a great example of an alum giving back to the college that meant a lot to him. We are certainly very grateful.”
Livingston was the final speaker at the ceremony. Addressing the assembled crowd of Alfred State students and employees, he said he was glad he was able to provide the funds for the lift, adding, “I hope that you all benefit a lot from it over many, many years.”

New York Man Charged With Threats Against The President Of The United States

WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jesse Allen Blake, age 24, of Waverly, New York, was indicted by  a federal grand jury on August 22, 2019, with threats against the President of the United States and mailing a threatening communication.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, the indictment alleges that Blake mailed a letter to FBI headquarters in Washington, D.C. on March 29, 2019, threatening to kill President Trump and blow up the White House, Trump Tower, the Pentagon, and United Nations Headquarters when he was released from prison.  At the time he sent the letter, Blake was in custody on state charges at the Bradford County Correctional Facility in Troy, Pennsylvania.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Secret Service with the assistance from the FBI Task Force, and the Bradford County Correctional Facility.  Assistant U.S. Attorney George J. Rocktashel is prosecuting the case.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law for these offenses is a total of 10 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.

Governor Cuomo Directs Flags to Half-Staff in Honor of Former Cayuga County Undersheriff

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today ordered flags on state government buildings to be flown at half-staff on Tuesday, September 3rd until interment in honor of former Cayuga County undersheriff Stephen McLoud, who died from an illness resulting from his work at the World Trade Center site following the September 11th terrorist attacks.
"Officer McLoud was a dedicated public servant and hero who ultimately sacrificed his life helping our city, state and nation recover at Ground Zero following the September 11th terrorist attacks," Governor Cuomo said. "His selfless service embodies the heroism and bravery exhibited by all first responders who answered the call to serve following that fateful day, and I am directing flags to be flown at half-staff to honor his memory. On behalf of all New Yorkers, I extend my deepest condolences to Officer McLoud's friends and family. We will never forget his service and his sacrifice."

NY State Police Blotter

8/30/19 7:30pm- State Police arrested Scott V. Speta, 43, Fillmore. He was charged with harassment-2nd. The charge stems from an incident reported August 22.
8/30/19 3:19pm- State Police said two people were injured when two vehicles collided on Route 98 in the town of Freedom. Troopers listed the drivers as Gary W. Hensley, 43, of Warsaw and Justin T. Peters, 20, of Galeton, PA.

DOD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier supporting Operation Freedom's Sentinel. Sgt. 1st Class Dustin B. Ard, 31, from Hyde Park, Utah, died Aug. 29, 2019, as a result of wounds sustained while engaged in combat operations in Zabul Province, Afghanistan. The incident is under investigation.
Ard was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington.

Friday, August 30, 2019

Allegany Arc news

 
Are you a young adult thinking about life after high school? Have you considered the R.I.S.E. program?
R.I.S.E. (Reaching, Individual, Success, in Education) is a collaboration between Alfred State and Allegany Arc’s ACHIEVE Career Consultants. The program is for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities who wish to continue their education after high school in a collegiate environment (up to four years).
The R.I.S.E. program focuses on creating a unique and age-appropriate educational experience that nurtures students’ social and academic growth. Students are given access to a myriad of experiential learning opportunities through service learning, work study, mentoring, and internships.
Students audit Alfred State classes each semester and are given privileges similar to those of Alfred State College students. Alfred State College students serve as peer mentors for R.I.S.E. students, assisting them to become fully integrated into the college community.
“Staff is very attentive in explaining content to me. They know the content they’re teaching.” – Joe D., Program Participant
If you or someone you know is interested in the R.I.S.E program, please contact: Christina Lyon, Vice President of Vocational Services, at (585) 593-3005 x 227 or christina.lyon@alleganyarc.org.
 

Potter County: Roulette resident questions the county detective position

Posted with permission of Potter Leader-Enterprise
As a concerned citizen I was alarmed when I found out the county commissioners hired a county detective. What’s shocking is how little this hiring has been justified to the public. The public, for instance, has been provided with no evidence confirming that this hiring will actually lead to a substantive decrease in a drug abuse or drug dealing in Potter County.
Nor has any evidence been provided to suggest this hiring won’t actually endanger public safety. Public safety can be endangered by an increased police presence because such measures can lead to more convictions and longer sentences. And more convictions and longer sentences endanger public safety by entrapping the poor in a cycle alternating between being free and unemployed or imprisoned and unhirable. Thus if you’re poor, an increased police presence could actually endanger your safety and ability to be employed.
With this being said, the point here isn’t to criticize the commissioners for this hiring. But it’s clear the consequences of adding a county detective needs to be more thoughtfully considered by our political leadership. Although adding a county detective might make us feel good about what’s being done for our county, good feelings don’t always make for good policy decisions.
In short, I respectfully ask that the county commissioners reconsider the hiring of a county detective. Until more information is provided to ensure the position will actually lead to a decrease in drug abuse and not further endanger the poor, the position should not be reauthorized come December.
Zigmund Reichenbach, Roulette
Here is the background as reported by Halie Kines:
COUDERSPORT — A new position in the Potter County District Attorney’s office has goals of continuing to keep the community safe and make a larger dent in the county’s drug problem. Jake Rothermel was hired as a county detective in July, after a proposal from Andy Watson, district attorney, was approved by the county commissioners. Rothermel, a retired state trooper, will work to help combat the growing drug problem in Potter County and help with the caseloads of borough and township police departments. Watson made the proposal to the commissioners a few weeks ago. Potter was one of 10 counties in the state that didn’t have a detective. After talking with other counties that had one, Watson determined it was an important position to bring back in Potter County. Bryan Phelps, current Sweden Township police chief, was the detective when Dawn Fink was the DA, but Watson said they lost grant funding for it before he took office in 2010. It is a 40-hour/week contractual position through December. In October, Watson will seek re-approval for the next fiscal year. Half of Rothermel’s time will be dedicated to drug enforcement, investigation, conducting surveillance, among several other tactics, and assisting the East Drug Task Force. The East Drug Task Force was created in 2010 when “the drugs were rampant and out of control,” Watson said. He and many local police officers completed training to be on the drug task force. Since then, they’ve conducted several drug busts and have helped addicts get clean. Several signs have popped up throughout the county encouraging anyone with drug information to anonymously share it with the DA’s office to help “push out the pusher.” Watson said in the past, that info would be sent to drug task force members and state police. But because of lack of staff, it might not be followed up on as promptly as needed. In the county detective position, Rothermel will follow up on every lead and conduct surveillance, among other tactics, to make sure the tip is credible before developing a plan for arrest. “A lot of our calls are credible,” Rothermel said. “The layperson has learned they do know what they’re seeing and are reporting it. We’re very thankful for the tips we’ve been given.” Additionally, Watson hopes the county detective will be able to assist the borough police officers with their caseloads and more in-depth investigations. “In my humble opinion, our county-wide borough and township departments are a bit understaffed. There’s a lot going on,” Watson said. “Whereas the state police have 20 plus troopers who are available.” Rothermel hopes to make a positive impact on the people of the county. “I’ve always felt very drawn to law enforcement and since I moved here back in 1997, I made this my home and what happens in Potter County affects me. It means something to me,” Rothermel said. “I would love to be able to make more of a dent in a drug problem.” Watson said now was a good time to bring the position to the county because they had the right person. Rothermel recently retired after being a state trooper for 23 years.
“I’ve worked with him on hundreds of cases,” Watson said. “I know Jake’s integrity, his hard work ethic, he’s a Christian and a family man — which is important to me — and I know I can trust him.”

SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE OVER $351K IN FEDERAL FUNDING FOR FOUR FIRE DEPARTMENTS IN CENTRAL NEW YORK, THE FINGER LAKES REGION, AND THE SOUTHERN TIER

Washington, DC – U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $375,618.65 in federal funding for four fire departments in Cayuga, Ontario, Steuben, and Tompkins Counties. Specifically, the City of Auburn Fire Department will receive $24,418.18, the Village of Shortsville Fire Department will receive $44,285.71, the City of Hornell Fire Department will receive $137,184.76, and the City of Ithaca Fire Department will receive $169,730. The funding was allocated through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG).
 
“It is essential that we provide our firefighters with the equipment they need to stay safe on the job,” said Senator Schumer. “Our first responders across Upstate New York are our local heroes and our first line of defense for safety and security – it is critical that we do all we can to ensure that they are well equipped and prepared to take on any emergency.”
 
“Our first responders defend and protect their communities, and we need to do everything we can to ensure that they can stay safe and be prepared to respond to emergencies,” said Senator Gillibrand. “I am excited to announce this funding for fire departments in Auburn, the Village of Shortsville, Hornell, and Ithaca, which will provide critical support to our firefighters as they work to keep our communities safe. I will always fight in the Senate for the resources that our local fire departments need.”
 
“We are ecstatic about this, the equipment we have on our current units are outdated. Our main goal is to put the community first, so we started to worry on how we would fully service the region with outdated equipment. This equipment is much needed for us to perform our daily duties and serve the Southern Tier,” said Frank Brzozowski, Fire Chief for the City of Hornell.
  
A breakdown and description of the federal grant awards for Central New York, the Finger Lakes Region, and the Southern Tier may be found below.
 
Fire Department:
County:
Funding Total:
Description:
City of Auburn
Cayuga
$24,418.18
The City of Auburn Fire Department will use the funding to conduct live training exercises to help prepare first responders for emergencies.
Village of Shortsville
Ontario
$44,285.71
The Village of Shortsville Fire Department will use the funding to implement a formal health and wellness program.
City of Hornell                                
Steuben
$137,184.76
The City of Hornell Fire Department will use the funding to purchase four defibrillators.
City of Ithaca
Tompkins
$169,730
The City of Ithaca Fire Department will use the funding to purchase an exhaust extraction system.
 
The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program is administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency in cooperation with the Department’s United States Fire Administration. The grants are awarded on a competitive basis to the applicants that most closely address the program’s priorities and demonstrate financial need. The funding will be used to support the operations and safety of fire departments, which could include providing professional training, purchasing wellness programs equipment and personal protective equipment, and upgrading facilities and supplies. More information on the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program can be found here.

Chemung County Health Department Investigating an Increased Number of Legionellosis Cases

The Chemung County Health Department has been investigating an increased number of Legionellosis illness cases in Chemung County.  The Health Department has been working with the New York State Department of Health during this investigation.  This investigation may take several weeks and it is important to know the following about Legionellosis;

           Legionellosis is caused by infection with Legionella bacteria. Multiple possible sources are being investigated such as cooling towers, water tanks, large plumbing systems and fountains.  Most of the time, results are negative for Legionella bacteria.
           Legionella is typically transmitted by breathing in tiny water droplets present in the air contaminated with the bacteria, not by drinking the water nor by being in contact with someone who is ill with Legionella.  Public water systems are not commonly found to be sources of Legionella outbreaks.
           Most healthy individuals do not become infected with Legionella bacteria when exposed.  People at higher risk of getting sick are those with a history of chronic disease, smoking, chronic lung disease, cancer or weakened immune systems.
           There is no need for the public to modify their activities in light of this increase in cases.  However, persons with respiratory illness should contact their primary care physician or seek health care.                                                  
If you have any question regarding Legionella, please call the Health Department at (607) 737-2028. View a Legionellosis Fact Sheet at: http://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/legionellosis/fact_sheet.htm.

State Police focus on commercial motor vehicles during aggressive driving enforcement campaign

   NEW YORK STATE POLICE
   Keith M. Corlett
   Superintendent
 
PRESS RELEASE
 
From Monday, August 26, 2019, through Wednesday, August 28, 2019, members of the New York State Police held an enforcement campaign focusing on aggressive behaviors of commercial motor vehicle operators. Members of the New York State Police Commercial Vehicle Unit, Traffic Incident Management Team and uniform members ticketed operators for speed, unsafe lane changes, following too closely, and distracted driving.

The campaign focused on roadways across the state including:

UPSTATE
State Route 17/I-86 in Troops A (includes Allegany County), C, E and F
I-81 in Troops C and D
I-84 in Troops F and K
I-81 in Troops C and D
I-88 in Troops C and G

DOWNSTATE
I-684 in Troop K
I-495 in Troop L
Downstate section of I-87 for Troop T.

In addition to focusing on aggressive driving, during the downstate detail, State Police conducted commercial vehicle road checks at various locations in the New York City Metropolitan area.

The purpose of the detail and road checks are to reduce the number of commercial vehicle crashes, ensuring motor carriers are in compliance with commercial vehicle safety standards, regulations, financial responsibility, and registration requirements of the United States, as well as ensuring drivers of those vehicles are qualified and properly licensed.

As a result, over the three-day period, State Police conducted 1025 Inspections, issued 42 tickets for speed, 26 tickets for seat belt, five tickets for unsafe lane changing, 265 other moving violations and 352 tickets for non-moving violations. During the detail, 258 commercial vehicles were taken out of service during the inspections. 

New update on serious Wellsville crash - Troopers ID victims

2:11 p.m. NEW UPDATE from State Police-

On 8/29/19 at approximately 3:00 a.m. SP Amity Uniform Patrol was dispatched via Allegany County 911 to a reported serious injury motor vehicle accident on Helmhold Road in the Town of Wellsville. When Troopers arrived on scene they discovered that a 2018 Chevrolet truck being operated by Robert J. Walsh of Wellsville, NY, was eastbound when he failed to negotiate a curve. The vehicle exited the south shoulder of the road and struck a ditch and earthen embankment and several small trees before coming to rest in the ditch. Passengers Britany A. Nast of Rochester, NY and Michael J. Congdon of Allegany, NY were extricated from the vehicle by the Wellsville Rescue Squad and Wellsville Volunteer Ambulance Corps. Congdon was flown to E.C.MC. in Buffalo, NY by Mercy Flight for evaluation and treatment of serious injuries. Nast and Walsh were transported to Jones Memorial Hospital in Wellsville where they were then transferred to Rochester Strong Hospital, both with serious injuries. Assisting at the scene was Medic 100, Independence Rescue Squad, Wellsville Fire- Trucks 1, 2 and 3 along with Wellsville EMS and Rescue.

Previous post:

On Thursday, Amity-based State Police arrested Robert J. Walsh, 23, and Jacob F. Cornelius, 22, both of Wellsville for Driving While Intoxicated. Walsh was further charged with felony Vehicular Assault 1st Degree – Cause Serious Physical Injury to More Than One Other Person. During their investigation of a one-vehicle accident on Helmhold Road in the town of Wellsville, Walsh, the driver, was allegedly exhibiting obvious signs of intoxication. Troopers determined he had been operating a motor vehicle in an intoxicated condition. Cornelius, the operator of an uninvolved vehicle at the scene, was also determined to have been operating a motor vehicle in an intoxicated condition, according to a press release. Walsh and two passenger were all taken to regional trauma centers. All three occupants sustained serious injuries. The truck went off the road, struck a ditch and overturned.
Troopers said in a press release that Cornelius also failed standardized field sobriety tests at the scene and was arrested and transported to SP Amity, where a chemical breath test revealed him to have a 0.12% BAC. Cornelius was released with an appearance ticket for Wellsville Town Court where he is due to appear in September. Walsh’s court appearance in Wellsville Town Court will be determined at a later date.

Obituary: Earl L. Davis, 74, Wellsville

Earl L. Davis, 74, of Stannards Road died on Friday, August 23, 2019 following a lengthy illness. He was born January 9, 1945 in Wellsville. In 1999 he married Mary (Vroman) Harris who survives.
Earl was raised in the Wellsville, and resided with several relatives in his youth. He joined the U. S. Army at age 17 and served 20 years with the 101st Airborne. He was a member of the Special Forces all over the world, and was honored as a Green Beret. He received many awards including a Purple Heart during the Vietnam War. He was employed for many years at Air Preheater Company in Wellsville.
There will be no prior visitation, a celebration of life is being planned for a later date. Please consider memorial donations to the SPCA Serving Allegany County or any charity of the donor's choice. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Allegany County: Sheriff's Office generates $99K in revenue in August



Allegany County: Slight uptick in crime, according to monthly report


Allegany County 911 Center - Monthly Report


Man charged with negligent homicide in Allegany County death UPDATED

A man is in the Allegany County Jail, charged with criminally negligent homicide. State Police Thursday afternoon arrested 64-year-old Terry G. Miller of Genesee, NY. He was also charged with tampering with physical evidence and manufacturing Meth. Those are all felony charges and the arrest stems from an unattended death call in the Town of Genesee Thursday morning. The sheriff’s department says Miller is being held on $2,500 cash bail or $5,000 bond. He’ll return to court on September 19th. State Police did not provide additional details regarding the case, but a call has been placed to the Batavia barracks seeking more information.
8/30/19 11:30 a.m. - Here is the press release:
 
PRESS RELEASE  
On August 29, 2019, the Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) out of SP Amity arrested Terry G. Miller, 64 of Genesee, NY for Unlawful Manufacture of Methamphetamine 3rd (D Felony), Criminally Negligent Homicide (E Felony) and Tampering with Physical Evidence (E Felony).

On August 29, 2019 at 10:00 A.M., Troopers out of SP Amity responded to a residence on Main Street in the town of Genesee, Allegany County for an unattended death of Jennifer J. Anders 36, of Olean, NY.  Further investigation revealed that the homeowner, Miller, was with Anders on August 28, 2019 and consumed narcotics together. Miller had manufactured methamphetamine, which was used in this death investigation.  Miller cleaned up the evidence of manufacturing methamphetamine before calling police to report the unattended death.   
Miller was arraigned at the town of Bolivar Court and remanded to Allegany County Jail on $2,500/$5,000 Cash/Bond.  Miller is scheduled to return to the town of Genesee Court in September 2019.
Allegany County District Attorney’s Office, Violent Gang and Narcotics Enforcement Team (VGNET), Contaminated Crime Scene Emergency Response Team (CCSERT) and the Bureau of Criminal Investigation assisted in this case

Glen Cole receives Alfred State Student Advocate Award

Alfred State Student Senate President Austin Oakes presents Adjunct Instructor
Glen Cole with the 2019 Student Advocate Award during New Student Convocation. 
Alfred State College is pleased to announce that Glen Cole, an adjunct instructor in the Building Trades Department, was recently presented with the school’s Student Advocate Award.
Each year, students have the opportunity to nominate a faculty member who has had a profound impact on them for the award. Cole received the honor during New Student Convocation.
As stated in his nomination letters, Cole “goes above and beyond to make sure the students both in the freshman class and senior class have everything they need to be successful. He is always willing to help students grow, explaining projects and offering input.”
The letters add, “Mr. Cole isn’t just a teacher. He works every day doing HVAC and plumbing work, as well as owning his own paintball course. Then he takes time out of his busy schedule to come to our lab every day and teach us the ins and outs of plumbing and HVAC work. Mr. Cole is an extremely generous and kind-hearted man.”
Cole has served as an adjunct instructor at Alfred State since 2009.

Jericka Graves receives rank of Senior Airman for the United States Air Force Texas National Guard



Jericka Graves has received the rank of Senior Airman for the United States Air Force Texas National Guard.  Her duty station is the Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base in Fort Worth, Texas.  Jericka’s proud parents are Michael and Lisa Graves (both retired United States Air Force), her proud grandparents, Nate and Vickie Scott.  Jericka is a Dual Member of Morrison Hayes Post 702 Wellsville American Legion and Morrison Hayes Unit 702 American Legion Auxiliary.  Michael, Lisa and Nate are all members of Post 702 American Legion.   Thank you to all our veterans.
Her home town is Weatherford, Texas but many times when her mom and dad were deployed overseas, her and her sister, Sierra stayed in Whitesville…sometimes up to six months.  She also has a banner on Main Street in Wellsville, along with Michael, Lisa and Nate and her deceased great grandfather, Eugene Bledsoe.

Two men arrested for Bolivar thefts

PRESS RELEASE
On August 29, 2019, SP Amity Troopers arrested Anthony W. Fountain, 19, of Bolivar, NY and Matthew K. Swift, 20, of Little Genesee, NY for Petit Larceny. Troopers investigating the theft of two bicycles from a residence on Kossuth Road in the town of Bolivar allege that Fountain and Swift had taken the bicycles without permission. Both men were arrested and issued appearance tickets for Bolivar Town Court, where they are due to appear in September.

New UPDATE : Wellsville accident leads to two DWI arrests, serious injuries

2:11 p.m. NEW UPDATE from State police-
On 8/29/19 at approximately 3:00 a.m. SP Amity Uniform Patrol was dispatched via Allegany County 911 to a reported serious injury motor vehicle accident on Helmhold Road in the Town of Wellsville. When Troopers arrived on scene they discovered that a 2018 Chevrolet truck being operated by Robert J. Walsh of Wellsville, NY, was eastbound when he failed to negotiate a curve. The vehicle exited the south shoulder of the road and struck a ditch and earthen embankment and several small trees small trees before coming to rest in the ditch. Passengers Britany A. Nast of Rochester, NY and Michael J. Congdon of Allegany, NY were extricated from the vehicle by the Wellsville Rescue Squad and Wellsville Volunteer Ambulance Corps. Congdon was flown to E.C.MC. in Buffalo, NY by Mercy Flight for evaluation and treatment of serious injuries. Nast and Walsh were transported to Jones Memorial Hospital in Wellsville where they were then transferred to Rochester Strong Hospital, both with serious injuries. Assisting at the scene was Medic 100, Independence Rescue Squad, Wellsville Fire- Trucks 1, 2 and 3 along with Wellsville EMS and Rescue.
Previous post:

On Thursday, Amity-based State Police arrested Robert J. Walsh, 23, and Jacob F. Cornelius, 22, both of Wellsville for Driving While Intoxicated. Walsh was further charged with felony Vehicular Assault 1st Degree – Cause Serious Physical Injury to More Than One Other Person. During their investigation of a one-vehicle accident on Helmhold Road in the town of Wellsville, Walsh, the driver, was allegedly exhibiting obvious signs of intoxication. Troopers determined he had been operating a motor vehicle in an intoxicated condition. Cornelius, the operator of an uninvolved vehicle at the scene, was also determined to have been operating a motor vehicle in an intoxicated condition, according to a press release. Walsh and two passenger were all taken to regional trauma centers. All three occupants sustained serious injuries. The truck went off the road, struck a ditch and overturned.
Troopers said in a press release that Cornelius also failed standardized field sobriety tests at the scene and was arrested and transported to SP Amity, where a chemical breath test revealed him to have a 0.12% BAC. Cornelius was released with an appearance ticket for Wellsville Town Court where he is due to appear in September. Walsh’s court appearance in Wellsville Town Court will be determined at a later date.

Nexstar and AT&T Statement on New Distribution Agreement - WIVB returns

Nexstar Media Group, Inc.  and AT&T  have entered into a new multi-year retransmission consent agreement to provide Nexstar-owned network affiliated and local broadcast stations to customers of AT&T’s video platforms in 97 markets across the United States.
Nexstar local stations are now returning to any impacted DIRECTV, AT&T TV and U-verse platforms.
“Our customers want more choice and value and we are pleased to deliver that through this new agreement with Nexstar and its many local stations,” said Rob Thun, Senior Vice President of Content and Programming, AT&T Communications.
“Nexstar’s long-standing commitment is to provide exceptional programming and service to the local communities we serve across the United States and this new multi-year agreement will allow us to continue delivering our stations’ leading network and sports content as well as local news and other programming to AT&T subscribers in our markets,” stated Keith Hopkins, Senior Vice President, Distribution, Nexstar Media Group, Inc.
AT&T and Nexstar regret the inconvenience incurred by customers, viewers and advertisers, and we thank them for their patience, as the new agreement was being finalized.
Financial terms were not disclosed.