Allegany County: Ryan Higley receives Shirley J. Weatherly Grant

2019 Cuba-Rushford Central School (CRCS) graduate and Alfred State College student Ryan Higley has been awarded the 2020-2021 Shirley J. Weatherly Memorial Grant by the Allegany County Area Foundation (ACAF). This grant provides college or training support for a CRCS graduate who has shown character, hard work, and perseverance in overcoming challenges.

This fall Ryan will start his second year in Alfred State’s highly-ranked and American Welding Society-certified welding technology associates degree program. During his high school days Ryan complied a solid academic record while being involved in soccer, trap club, youth court, student council, and significant part-time work.

Established by her family and friends in 2018, this endowed fund honors and memorializes Shirley J. Weatherly, who passed away in 2017. Born in Cuba, NY, Shirley worked for Chemung County BOCES in the accounting Department. Her family and friends remember her as a hard worker who never allowed physical disability to deter her from achieving her goals. Donations to the Shirley J Weatherly Grant Fund endowment can be directed the Allegany County Area Foundation.

With assets of $10M, ACAF manages over fifty scholarship and grant funds. If you would like to donate to support or set up a fund to support students or your community contact the foundation’s executive director, Bruce Campbell at 585-296-5616 or director@alleganycountyareafoundation.org.  Donations to the foundation are tax deductible.

Obituary: Joseph V. Carrier, 90, Cuba

Joseph V. Carrier:  Loving Dad, Grandfather, Friend

Joseph V. Carrier, 90, of 3907 Haskell Road, Cuba, passed away Wednesday, July 29, 2020 at Cuba Memorial Hospitals Palliative Care Unit after a brief illness.

Born on August 16, 1929, in Olean he was a son of Clifford and Charlotte Booth Carrier.  On October 3, 1953, in the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Salamanca, he married the former Betty J. Frost who preceded him in death on April 12, 2012. Joe was a graduate of Cuba Central School.  He had been a dairy farmer for 25 years and after that he had been a self-employed contractor operating Carrier Construction for many years.  Always enjoying having animals on the farm in later years he raised beef cattle. 
 

He enjoyed cutting firewood, maintaining his property and had produced maple syrup all of his life.  In 1980 he expanded his production and built his sugar shack, which still operates today.

He will be remembered as a one of a kind person who loved his family, friends and his involvement with his church.

Joe was a member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Olean and a former member of the Farm Bureau and Cuba Grange 799.

Surviving are his children, Diane (Donald) Watkins of Franklinville, David (Katy) Carrier of West Valley, Daniel (Rhonda) Carrier of Cuba; 4 Grandchildren, Devin (Mandi) Watkins, Dara (Shaun) McFadden, Danae Carrier and Reanna Carrier; 2 great grandsons          Myles Watkins and Edison McFadden; A Brother, Howard (Sharon) Carrier of Cuba; a  Sister, Yvonne Starkjohann of Florida; Several Nieces and Nephews.

In addition to his parents and wife he was predeceased by a great grandson Theo Watkins whom died in infancy, and a sister Wanita Carrier who also died in infancy.

Friends will be received at the Mark F. Rinker Funeral Home & Memorial Service, Inc., Cuba on Wednesday, August 5, 2020 from 11:00 A.M. until 2:00 P.M. at which time funeral services will be held.  Pastor Hussnagel will officiate.

Those more comfortable socially distancing are also invited to attend graveside services in Cuba Cemetery following the funeral service at the funeral home.

The family request memorials be made to Roswell Park Cancer Institute.

Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic Face Masks, Social Distancing, and Occupancy Regulations will be maintained. Online condolences may be sent at www.rinkerfuneralhome.com.

Environmental bond act pulled from November ballot in New York

Gov. Andrew Cuomo has pulled the $3 billion Restore Mother Nature Bond Act from the November ballot. He said he didn’t think it would be financially prudent to do it at this time. The proposed fund was intended to build resilience against climate change effects such as flooding, among other environmental priorities. It would protect forests, restore wildlife habitat and help communities build disaster-resistant infrastructure. The last major environmental bond act passed in New York was in 1996.

Obituary: Deborah E. Kean, 71, Wellsville

Deborah E. KEAN, 71, of Wellsville, NY, formerly of Holland, died Wednesday, July 29, 2020 in her home. Born July 30, 1948, in Springville, she was the daughter of Griffin W., Jr. and Betty J. Pratt Smith. A graduate of Holland Central School, she earned an associate’s degree in Occupational Therapy from Erie County Technical Institute. Deborah was employed by the Gowanda and Buffalo Psychiatric Centers as a Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant for 34 years. 

Surviving are: her longtime companion of 19 years, Carl Ruch; a daughter, Heather (Mark) Geoghegan of Attica; three grandchildren, Bailey Thomas, Timothy, Logan, all of Attica;  a sister, Susan Blyth of Booneville, AR; nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Gerald Kean. 

Cremation was held at Olney-Foust Crematory. A private graveside service will be held in Oakwood Cemetery, East Aurora. Memorials may be made to the SPCA serving Allegany County, P.O. Box 381, Wellsville, NY 14895. Arrangements are entrusted to Mulholland-Crowell Funeral Home, Wellsville, NY. Online condolences may be expressed at www.wellsvillefuneralhome.com.

Press Release: Allegany County Health Department

To: Allegany County Media
From: Theresa K. Moore, Supervising Public Health Educator
Re: FDA adds to list of recalled hand sanitizers
Date: July 27, 2020
The Allegany County Department of Health would like to remind Allegany County residents to check the Food and Drug Administration’s regularly updated list for recalled hand sanitizers before buying an unknown brand. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-updates-hand-sanitzers-methanol The Food and Drug Administration has added to the list of hand sanitizers — some sold at Walmart and other national chains — being recalled to more than 75 recently, saying toxic levels of wood alcohol in them can cause injury or death. The FDA said that there has been an increase in hand sanitizers that are labeled to contain ethyl alcohol, or ethanol, but have tested positive for methanol, or wood alcohol. If methanol is absorbed through the skin, it can cause blindness and hospitalizations, or death if ingested. The demand for hand sanitizer has surged and questionable new brands have made their way to store shelves across the United States, most imported from Mexico. The FDA has seen an increase in hand sanitizer products that are labeled to contain ethanol (also known as ethyl alcohol) but that have tested positive for methanol contamination. There have been reports of adverse events from adults and children ingesting hand sanitizers products contaminated with methanol, including blindness, hospitalizations and death. Be aware of the concerns the FDA has with hand sanitizers:
 FDA urges consumers not to drink any hand sanitizer products. 
 Certain hand sanitizers that may not contain a sufficient amount of ethyl alcohol or isopropyl alcohol. 
Hand sanitizers that are sold or offered for sale with false and misleading, unproven claims that they can prevent the spread of viruses such as COVID-19, including claims that they can provide prolonged protection (e.g., for up to 24-hours). 
Products that are fraudulently marketed as “FDA-approved” since there are no hand sanitizers approved by FDA. 
Products packaged to appear as drinks, candy or liquor bottles, as well as products marketed as drinks or cocktails because their appearance could result in accidental ingestion or encourage ingestion. Children are particularly at risk with these products since ingesting only a small amount of hand sanitizer may be lethal in a young child.

Products labeled with harmful or poisonous ingredients, such as methanol. The FDA continues to communicate with manufacturers and distributors about these dangerous products and recalling them. Blumen products; Klar and Danver Instant Hand Sanitizer; Modesa Instate Hand Sanitizer Moisturizers and Vitamin E; Hello Kitty by Sanrio Hand Sanitizer; Assured Aloe; QualitaMed; Herbacil; Earth Amenities; All Clean; Esk Biochem; Lavar; Clean Care No germ; The Good Gel; and many more are on the FDA list of recalled hand sanitizers. The FDA continues to quality-test hand sanitizers including testing products entering the U.S. from other countries and maintains a list of FDAtested and recalled hand sanitizers on their website https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-updates-hand-sanitzers-methanol DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH County Office Building, 7 Court Street, Room #30 Belmont, New York 14813 Phone: (585) 268-9250 Fax: (585) 268-9264 If you question the hand sanitizer products, you have purchased or that you see in stores for sale, check the FDA list to make sure before you continue to use or purchase a product. If you have a product from the list stop using it and dispose of it according to your local regulations for disposal. If you have used a product with methanol seek immediate medical treatment for potential reversal of methanol poisoning. If you have questions for the Food and Drug Administration should call 1-888-INFO-FDA (1- 888-463-6332). For questions about any type of poisoning call the New York Regional Poison Control Center call 1-800-222-1222.

Obituary: Clair James Luckey, 92, Short Tract

Short Tract --- Clair James Luckey of 10651 County Road 15 died Thursday, July 30, 2020 in the Houghton Nursing and Rehabilitation Facility. He was born on October 12, 1927 in the Town of Granger, a son of the late Norris and Lora Voss Luckey. On August 4, 1962 in Short Tract he married Mary Lou Phelps who survives.

Clair was a veteran of the United States Army serving from 1952 to 1954, a graduate of Fillmore Central School and a former carpenter for Houghton College.

He was a member of the former Lester E. Noble American Legion Post in Short Tract, the Short Tract United Methodist Church, the Short Tract Fire Department since 1951, the Mooers Camp and the former president of the Short Tract Cemetery.

Surviving in addition to his wife is a son, Jeff (Sarah) Luckey of Short Tract, a grandson, Dylan Luckey of Short Tract, a brother Gerald Luckey of Short Tract and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents he was predeceased by a sister, Wilma Davies.

Family and friends may gather from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 5, 2020 at the Kopler-Williams Funeral Home, 21 N. Genesee Street, Fillmore where a Fireman’s Service will be held at 7:00 p.m., Joel Stroud, pastor of the Hume Baptist Church, will officiate. A graveside service with military honors will be held on Thursday, August 6, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. in Short Tract Cemetery. Paul Shea, assistant pastor of the Houghton Wesleyan Church, will officiate. Military honors accorded by the Dee Victor Thomas Post 1155 of Fillmore. Burial will be in Short Tract Cemetery, Short Tract.

Memorials if desired to: Short Tract Fire Department, 10300 County Road 15, Fillmore, NY 14735 or the Short Tract United Methodist Church, PO Box 102, Fillmore, NY 14735

Phillips Creek Forest Ecology Loop

BELMONT, NEW YORK – Cornell Cooperative Extension of Allegany County’s Agriculture Program welcomes you to join us for our first outdoor presentation this year led by Allegany County’s Master Gardener, Dave Chamberlain. The program will be held at Phillips Creek State Forest’s main entrance found on Route 244, Saturday, August 8^th at 10:00AM.

Take this opportunity to learn about Allegany’s native tree species from your local Master Gardener, engaging in conversation, covering topics that may be new to you. We’re very excited for you to join us as Dave covers a variety of local ecology found around Phillips Creek, and much of Western NY. Information will be provided on the NYS forest program and its geologic history. There will be opportunity for questions during the presentation and handouts will be presented at the beginning of the walk.

Pre-registration is required and there is a $10 fee for the program. We will require you to sign a CCE Assumption of Risk Form prior to the walk and social distancing and masks will be exercised during the walk. In case of rain or poor weather, the event will be moved to Sunday or the following weekend. If we reach capacity and cannot properly exercise social distancing we will hold a later session in the afternoon as well as the original time. Please contact Jeremy Baier, Allegany County Cooperative Extension at 585-268-7644 ext. 14, or by email jtb273@cornell.edu for details in order to attend.

 

This program is one of many programs offered by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Allegany County (CCE-Allegany). The association is part of the national cooperative extension system, an educational partnership between County, State, and Federal governments. As New York’s land grant university Cornell administers the system in this state. For more information, call 525-268-7644 or visit our website at www.cce.cornell.edu/allegany. Cornell University Cooperative Extension provides equal program and employment opportunities.

Picture is provided by Pixabay: https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2018/05/18/10/34/trees-3410846_960_720.jpg

Partial Obituary: Jack E. Brown, 81, Scio

Jack E. BROWN, 81, of Scio, NY, died Wednesday, July 29, 2020 in Jones Memorial Hospital, Wellsville, after a long illness.

 

Services will be announced by Mulholland-Crowell Funeral Home, Wellsville. 

 

Memorials may be made to Immaculate Conception School or the SPCA serving Allegany County, P.O. Box 381, Wellsville, NY 14895.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.wellsvillefuneralhome.com.

Obituary: Eleanor M. “Bee” Wagner, 78, Cuba

Eleanor M. “Bee” Wagner:  Loving Mother and Grandmother 
Eleanor M. “Bee” Wagner, 78, of 9103 Jackson Hill Road, Cuba, passed away Thursday, July 30, 2020 at Cuba Memorial Hospitals Palliative Care Unit after a short illness.Born on March 20, 1942, in Ellicotville, she was a daughter a Hollis and Katie Black DeGroff.  On August 26, 1961, in West Valley, she married Carl D. Wagner who preceded her in death on October 10, 2015. 

Bee had worked for the Ellicotville Post Printing Office, Little Valley Hub, and Cuba Patriot.  Last she was employed for 15 years as a teachers aide for the Cattaraugus-Allegany BOCES. 



 
She liked to knit, read, and attending the Jamboree in the Hills. 

 Bee was a member of the Shawn M. Clemens Memorial AmVets Post 1 Auxiliary and its “Riders” club.

Belmont America Legion prepares to re-open

American Legion Post 808

Belmont, NY

 

Re-opening on Monday, August 3^rd @ 3:00pm

**Members Only will be permitted at this time**

 

Hours:

Monday – Thursday 3pm – 9pm

Friday – Sunday 12pm – 10pm

 

*No bar seating will be available

*3-4 people per pub table

*5 people max per round table

 

**Masks or face coverings will be required while up away from your seat and this includes while ordering your drinks from the bar**

 

Any questions please feel free to call us on Monday, August 3^rd @ (585) 268-5476

Bolivar-Richburg school received new round of funding

New funding is headed to the Bolivar-Richburg school district. Governor Andrew Cuomo has announced approval of 148 Smart Schools Investment Plans aimed at improving school security and reimagining teaching and learning for the 21st century. The approved plans, totaling $94 million, are part of the $2 billion Smart Schools Bond Act. The Bolivar-Richburg District will receive $589,393. Most of the funds will be directed to classroom technology, while $43,000 will be used for school connectivity.

Cat missing after Wellsville house fire

There was a house fire Thursday morning on Pine Street in Wellsville at the Munkes residence. The house is a total loss. Missing cats name is Sarge....if anyone sees the cat call Dave at 585-610-0904.

Wellsville Fire Department media release

On July 30, 2020 at approximately 2:48 a.m., the Wellsville Fire Department was dispatched to a structure fire at 110 Pine Street in the Village of Wellsville. While fire units were responding, Wellsville PD gave an updated on-scene report of a working structure fire with all occupants out of the structure. Wellsville Fire requested a mutual aid engine from Scio to standby at WFD headquarters. Andover's air truck and Alfred Station's District 4 FAST team were automatically included in the initial dispatch to the scene. Scio, Andover and Willing provided additional support on-scene for fire suppression, standby, and overhaul. The structure was significantly involved in heavy fire conditions upon arrival.  The homeowner's insurance company was contacted for an estimate of damages. WPD and Allegany County Fire Investigation Team are investigating the cause of the fire and the property is  being considered a significant loss. WFD would like to thank all of our mutual aid departments, WPD, Allegany County Fire Coordinators & Fire Investigation Team, our wonderful WFD Auxiliary and the members of our community for their continued support. 

Firematically,
WFD Chiefs and members.

 UPDATE: The Wellsville Fire Chief could not confirm if the blaze was suspicious, as he could not say if the Sunday garage fire on Pine Street was suspicious. Sources close to both fires have indicated they are being actively investigated. As always, in any situation, the neighborhood should remain vigilant.

NY State Police Blotter

7/29/20 5:25pm - State Police arrested 65-year-old Jeffrey C. Snyder of Swain. He was charged with forcible touching, a misdemeanor sex crime. Troopers said the incident occurred in the town of Grove and was reported Wednesday afternoon. Snyder was issued an appearance ticket for court.

Wellsville: Fire destroys Pine Street home - UPDATED with new photos

photo provided

Fire destroyed a home early this morning at 110 Pine Street in Wellsville. It’s the second fire in four days on the street. The alarm sounded at 2:49 a.m. Wellsville firefighters launched the initial attack and quickly brought in help from FAST Team 4, Andover, Scio and Willing. The stubborn fire kept crews busy on scene for hours. Images from the scene showed heavy smoke pouring from the two-story home. The roof partially collapsed. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.---
New photos submitted:

Firefighter Steve Kear attacks the blaze

Sonic comes to Wellsville

Friday night at 8:30 p.m. take a seat on the David A. Howe Library lawn to see 'Sonic the Hedgehog'.

You have to bring your own blankets or chairs, wear masks and social distance says, Jessica Wieszczyk of the library who is helping to organize the event.

The movie is free of charge although any donations will be gratefully accepted.

'Sonic the Hedgehog' was released in February in the United States and earned more than $300 million its first weekend.

The premise of the movie follows Sonic, made famous by the video game, as he fights to save the world, threatened by the evil Dr. Robonik, played by comedian Jim Carrey.

The library staff is looking at alternate ways to serve the public, and with movie theaters closed and drive-ins showing older movies, Library Director Nic Gunning says they hope to be able to continue the outdoor movies through the month of August.
https://www.loc8nearme.com/new-york/wellsville/david-a-howe-library/5831360/

Wellsville school looks at splitting classes

Staircases and hallways in the Middle/High School buildings are being designated one way or up or down as plans to reopen school are made.

 

As boards of education across the state get ready to submit their school reopening plans to the governor Friday, Wellsville’s plan calls for splitting high school students into two different groups.

The plan discussed at the recent meeting of the ReOpening School Committee is still being worked on and will be subject to change.

“This is largely a template that will allow us to add. It is a living document that will be subject to change right up to the start of school,” School Superintendent David Foster told those in a ZOOM meeting Monday. Attendance in the meeting included committees which have been working on the reopening plan, staff, students, the public, board members and Dr. Mohamad-Zahi Kassas, the school physician.

Foster stated in the beginning that his goal was to bring all the students back to school full-time. “But that isn’t possible with the guidelines handed down by the Governor and the with the amount of room available in the school buildings for social distancing,” he told the group.

The plan calls for:

 

>All students coming to school to have a daily temperature check at home and sign an app that they have not been subjected to the coronavirus before attending school. Temps may not be above 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

 

>Pre-K through 6^th grade students will attend school Monday through Friday at their regular times.

 

>Students in 7th through 12^th grade will attend school in the buildings only two days a week. Each grade level will be divided into two groups, A and B to be determined by the school.

 

>On Mondays   7^th - 12^th grade students will tune into ZOOM for their day at school. Students designated in the A group will physically attend school on Tuesdays and Thursdays and work at home on Wednesdays and Fridays. B-group students will attend school on Wednesdays and Fridays and work at home on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

 

>Special Education students will attend classes in school five days a week and students taking special curriculums at BOCES will attend every day.

 

>All students will be required to wear masks and have their own hand sanitizer (the school can supply refills). In the middle/high school building students will be required to sanitize their desks before passing to another classroom.

 

>Breakfast and lunches will be provided. Elementary students will eat in a variety of locations including the gym and pre-school gym, and the multi-purpose room. Plans are still be discussed for the middle/high school. Breakfasts and lunches will be sent home with students for the days they are not in the building.

 

>Teachers are encouraged to open windows and hold classes outdoors when possible.

 

>Extra-curricular programs such as band and choir will be held in smaller group sittings due to the need to social distance.

 

“We don’t have the room for 18 or 20 students in choir or band to social distance,” Foster said.

According to Foster transportation will also be difficult (1-person to a seat on buses) so parents are being asked to utilize the new drop-off drive which is currently under construction.

The Re-Opening of School Committee is still working on the plan and the group is planning on more meetings. The public is invited to tune in. The plan will be made available to the public and student’s parents and caregivers will be given instruction before school starts on Sept. 8th. 

THE GLEN TAKES CHECKERED FLAG AS USA’S ‘BEST NASCAR TRACK’

Watkins Glen, N.Y., July 29—State Senator Tom O’Mara (R,C,I-Big Flats) and Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R,C,I-Corning) today thanked voters for bringing Watkins Glen International (WGI) its fourth victory in the past five years in USA Today’s 10 Best online Readers’ Choice competition to decide America’s “Best NASCAR Track.”

 

In a joint statement, O’Mara and Palmesano said, “Thanks to everyone who took a turn behind the wheel and kept voting, day after day, to support Watkins Glen International as America’s ‘Best NASCAR Track.’  It’s a well-deserved honor for track officials and staff, drivers and, most of all, the fans who help make The Glen one of the renowned venues in all of sports and an absolute foundation of the culture and economy of our Finger Lakes and Southern Tier regions.  It was another great ride and another great show of support for one of our own.”

 

The nearly month-long USA Today online voting contest ended in early July.  WGI was among 20 nationwide finalists for the 2020 designation. This year marks the fourth time in the past five years that WGI has won the “Best NACAR Track” honor.  It was also victorious in 2016, 2017 and 2018.

The local legislators have long singled out The Glen for its unique contributions to American motorsports.  WGI events annually generate over $200 million in economic activity across the region and account for more than 2,000 local jobs

Bradford County, PA: Suspect drills mans leg, shoots at woman - he thought they were child traffickers

Caution - the details may be disturbing...
State Police at Owego arrested 32-year-old Aaron G. Collins of Barton. Collins was wanted as a fugitive from justice from the state Pennsylvania and wanted on attempted criminal homicide charges. He allegedly bound and terrorized two people in their Bradford County home. Collins allegedly fired a shotgun towards a woman, just missing her head, and drilled three holes into a man’s thigh using an electric power drill. The court documents allege that Collins believed the man was engaged in child trafficking and that he “wasn’t afraid to drill him to get him to talk.” Collins allegedly left the two bound and gagged and stole a car and $80.  He was located by troopers and deputies from the Tioga County Sheriff’s Department at a residence on Prospect Hill Road in the town of Barton.  Collins was taken into custody after a brief foot pursuit. He was remanded to the Tioga County Jail where he is awaiting extradition to Pennsylvania. He faces a total of 17 felony and misdemeanor counts.

GILLIBRAND COSPONSORS LEGISLATION TO INCREASE FUNDING FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

WASHINGTON, D.C — As communities across New York State begin planning to reopen schools, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand is cosponsoring legislation to increase funding for children with disabilities. The coronavirus pandemic poses a unique threat to the education of more than 7 million school-aged children with disabilities, and nearly 500,000 infants and toddlers with disabilities, who rely on support and services that have been difficult to continue or adjust during school closures. The Supporting Children with Disabilities During COVID-19 Act appropriates $11 billion for state grants under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), $1.2 billion for early childhood education programs, $55 million under the Assistive Technology Act of 1998, and requires recipients of funds to report to Congress how this money is spent. Gillibrand and her Senate colleagues are calling for the legislation to be included in the next coronavirus relief package.

 

“The coronavirus outbreak has exacerbated inequalities that students with disabilities face in our country, and made continuing quality education for these students even more difficult as schools have transitioned to remote learning,” said Senator Gillibrand. “We must ensure that support is delivered to those in need so that quality education is accessible for all. I’m proud to support this critical funding to address the disproportionate impact of this crisis on children with disabilities.”

 

Senator Gillibrand has advocated for children and students with disabilities throughout her career. In addition to the Supporting Children with Disabilities During COVID-19 Act, she is also a cosponsor of the Keep Our PACT Act, which would mandate full funding for Title I, and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), both of which are chronically underfunded. Title I, which gives assistance to America’s highest-need schools was underfunded by $347 billion from 2005-2017. Similarly, IDEA calls on the federal government to fund 40 percent of the cost of special education, but IDEA state grants are currently funded at just 14.7 percent.

 

Full text of the legislation can be found here.

Alstom to hold recruitment event in Wellsville July 31

https://www.alleganyco.com/departments/employment-and-training/

Olean: Ward 6 Alderman Appointed

July 29, 2020—Olean—William J. Aiello, Mayor of the City of Olean, is pleased to announce the appointment of Vernon Robinson, Jr. to the Ward 6 Alderman vacancy. Mr. Robinson is currently the Storekeeper of Warehouse Operations for National Grid covering the Olean, Franklinville, and Wellsville Service Center. He is a decorated veteran and was honorably discharged from the United States Marine Corps, having served in Operation Restore Hope. Mr. Robinson is a graduate of Franklin University and Jamestown Community College. He lives with his family on Washington Street. “I am grateful that a number of residents were interested in the alderman position,” Mayor Aiello said. “Two members of the Common Council and I interviewed four people for the position. Mr. Robinson’s work experience, veteran status and volunteer work within the community made him an outstanding candidate for the appointment and I look forward to working with him.”

ALLEGANY COUNTY LAND BANK SEEKS QUALIFIED CONTRACTORS FOR APPROVED STATUS

The Allegany County Land Bank is assembling a list of local qualified contractors to include, but not limited to, general contractors, carpenters, masons, electricians, plumbers, landscapers, roofers, and finishers. 

Approved contractors will occupy a list which the Land Bank will draw from prior to upcoming rehabilitation and new construction projects.

Interested companies and individuals must fill out and return an application for approval,  meet the Land Bank’s insurance requirements, provide professional references, and disclose financial viability.

Download the application at: https://www.alleganyco.com/wp-content/uploads/Contractor-Application-For-Approval-2.pdf 

Applications are due back to the Land Bank by August 12^th to be considered for 2020 projects.

For more info contact Jason Isaman, ACLBC Executive Director at alleganycountylandbank@gmail.com or by calling 585-268-7472 extension 7.

DEA Warns of Scammers Impersonating DEA Employees

WASHINGTON – The Drug Enforcement Administration urges its DEA-registered practitioners and members of the public to be cautious of telephone calls by scammers posing as DEA employees attempting to defraud and extort victims. The schemers call the victims, spoofing DEA phone numbers in order to appear legitimate, and threaten arrest, prosecution, and imprisonment for supposed violations of federal drug laws or involvement in drug-trafficking activities unless victims pay a “fine” over the phone, via wire transfer, or through a gift card.

The reported scam tactics continually change but often share many of the same characteristics. Callers use fake names and badge numbers or names of well-known DEA officials and may:

• use an urgent and aggressive tone, refusing to speak to or leave a message with anyone other than their targeted victim;
• threaten arrest, prosecution, imprisonment, and, in the case of medical practitioners, revocation of their DEA numbers;
• demand thousands of dollars via wire transfer or, in some instances, in the form of untraceable gift cards taken over the phone;
• falsify the number on caller ID to appear as a legitimate DEA phone number;
• will often ask for personal information, such as social security number or date of birth;
• reference National Provider Identifier numbers and/or state license numbers when calling a medical practitioner. They also might claim that patients are making accusations against that practitioner.

It is critical to note that DEA personnel do not contact practitioners or members of the public by telephone to demand money or any other form of payment; will not request any personal or sensitive information over the phone; and will only notify people of a legitimate investigation or legal action via official letter or in-person.

Impersonating a federal agent is a violation of federal law.

The best deterrence against these bad actors is awareness and caution. Anyone receiving this type of call from a person purporting to be with DEA should report that contact using our online form or by calling 877-792-2873. DEA registrants can submit the information through “Extortion Scam Online Reporting” posted on the DEA Diversion Control Division’s website, www.DEADiversion.usdoj.gov.

Reporting these scam calls will help DEA stop, find, and arrest the criminals engaged in this fraud. Anyone with urgent concerns can call their local DEA field division. For contact information for DEA field divisions, visit https://www.dea.gov/domestic-divisions.