Alfred-Alfred Station Community Chest

The Alfred-Alfred Station Community Chest Board opened its 2021 campaign in November. The Board has set a goal of $30,000 for the 2021 campaign. Fundraising has commenced and will continue into the New Year. Members of the community should have received a mailing by US Post earlier this month and are encouraged to mail in donations to AAS Community Chest, Post Office Box 603, Alfred, NY 14802. 

The Board is made up of the following volunteers:  Andy Eklund, Cam Duke, Catherine Chambers, Kert Decker, Trish Debertolis (treasurer), Linell Soule (secretary), Peter McClain (vice-president), and Laurel Buckwalter (president). Feel free to contact one of them if you have questions.

All charities funded give services to the Alfred and Alfred Station community. The top three charities funded are:  A. E. Crandall Hook and Ladder Company’s ambulance service, the Office for the Aging’s Personal Emergency Response System, and the Alfred Station Fire Company. The other 12 charities are the Allegany County Mental Health Association, Allegany County SPCA,  Hart Comfort House, Association for the Blind and Visually Handicapped, Literacy West, Cub Scout Pack 1026, Boy Scout Troop 19, Alfred Area Food Pantry, ARC Special Olympics, Baker’s Bridge Historical Society, Allegany-Cattaraugus-Chautauqua Fund for Women, and Alfred Senior Nutrition Site. 
The Board thanks the community for its past support and for the support that will be given in the coming months!

NYS West Almond Trail System Survey

NYS DEC is releasing a survey to users of the West Almond Trail System including Turnpike State Forest, Palmers Pond State Forest and Phillips Creek State Forest.  The NYS DEC is working with partners of the newly formed Allegany County Trails and Outdoor Recreation Committee to get the word out about this survey.  They would like to notify the public that our West Almond Trail System survey is up and running!

The direct  link is: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/979BZ2V

We will also  put some information at the kiosks in the Forest System as well but the preferred method to complete the survey is online.

 

For those that are unfamiliar with the West Almond State Forest Trail system, it provides a multitude of types of access for hiking, equestrian use, cross country skiing, snowmobiling, picnics, fishing, hunting and primitive camping on over 11,000 acres in the Towns of West Almond, Ward, Alfred and Almond.  Here are the three state forest websites you can go to for it (link at the top of the page):

Turnpike State Forest https://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/51321.html

Phillips Creek State Forest https://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/49572.html

Palmers Pond State Forest  https://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/49574.html

 

For more information you may contact DEC Region 9 Almond Office (M-F, 8:00AM - 4:00PM), 585-466-3241.

Wellsville Police blotter

Date: Monday November 30, 2020

Wellsville Police arrested Thomas E. Horning Sr, age 42 of Bolivar, charging him with Assault 2nd (Class D Felony), Assault of Police/Fire/EMT (Class C Felony), Endangering the Welfare of a Child and Harassment 2nd.  The charges stem from an incident that took place on East State Street in the Village of Wellsville.  Horning was processed and arraigned before Town of Friendship Justice David Szucs.  Horning was committed to the Allegany County Jail on $5,000.00 cash bail.  Horning is due to appear in Allegany County Court at a later date.

Date: Sunday November 22, 2020

Wellsville Police arrested Tyler W. Cowburn, age 26 of Wellsville, charging him with Grand Larceny 4th (Vehicle - Class E Felony).  The charge stems from an incident that took place on Farnum Street on November 17th.  Cowburn was processed, issued an appearance ticket and released.  Cowburn is due to appear in Wellsville Village Court on December 8th at 4:30 p.m.

Date: Saturday November 21, 2020

Wellsville Police arrested Beau D. Eck, age 31 of Belmont, charging him with Sex Offender Registry 2nd Violation - Failure to Register Address (Class D Felony).  Eck was processed and arraigned before Town of Scio Justice Whitney.  Eck was committed to the Allegany County Jail without bail.  Eck is due to appear in Allegany County Court at a later date.

Date: Friday November 20, 2020

Wellsville Police arrested Aidain M. Grogan, age 19 of Salamanca, charging him with Criminal Mischief 4th and Harassment 2nd.  The charges stem from an incident that took place on East Hanover Street in the Village of Wellsville.  Grogan was issued an appearance ticket and released.  Grogan is due to appear in Wellsville Village Court on December 8th at 4:30 p.m.

NY State Police Blotter

 11/29/20 9:33am- State Police arrested Zeb K. Davis, 34, of Friendship. He was charged with possession of burglar tools, criminal mischief, petit larceny and auto stripping - those are all class A misdemeanor crimes. He was issued an appearance ticket for court and released. Several hours later, according to the police blotter, he was arrested again. Troopers charged him with felony criminal mischief, possession of burglary tools, petit larceny and auto stripping.

Wellsboro, PA man charged with gun and drug crimes

NEWS RELEASE 11/30/2020

The Chemung County Sheriff’s Office announces the arrest of 27 year old AUSTIN L. PATTERSON of Wellsboro, Pennsylvania following a traffic stop on State Route 328 in the Town of Southport.

On 11/28/2020, at approximately 2:00 a.m., Deputies stopped a vehicle on State Route 328 in the Town of Southport for vehicle and traffic law violations. A male passenger in the vehicle, identified as 27 year old AUSTIN L. PATTERSON of Wellsboro, Pennsylvania, was found to be in possession of a loaded .22 caliber handgun, methamphetamine and marijuana.

During the investigation, Deputies discovered a shotgun inside the vehicle that had previously been stolen from Mansfield, Pennsylvania.

PATTERSON has been charged with Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 4th Degree, a Class C Felony, Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the 4th Degree, a Class E Felony, and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 7th Degree, a Class A Misdemeanor.

PATTERSON was arraigned and remanded to the Chemung County Jail in lieu of $2,500 cash, $5,000 property bond. 

Obituary: Donna J. Siebert, 82, of Shinglehouse

 Donna J. Siebert “beloved mother, grandmother, sister and friend” 

SHINGLEHOUSE, Pa.---Donna J. Siebert, 82, of Shinglehouse, passed away peacefully with her loving family members by her side on Saturday, November 28, 2020, in UPMC Cole Skilled Nursing and Rehab, Coudersport, after a long illness.

     Born on Monday, September 12, 1938 in Chrystal, she was a daughter of Frank L. and Mary F. Myrick Carr.  She was married to the late Thomas G. Louser of Allegany, N.Y. and the late Kenneth P. Siebert of Shinglehouse.

     Donna was a graduate of Oswayo Valley High School, Class of 1956, Shinglehouse. 

     Donna was a hard worker.  In her early working years, she was first employed as a secretary at FC Thomas in Olean, N.Y. and was them employed at the former Acme Electric in Allegany, N.Y.  She was well known and best remembered from many years of waitressing in many area establishments including the former Gert’s Kitchen, the former Wheelie’s Restaurant, the former Carlow’s Restaurant, the former Trimble’s Restaurant, and the Roadside, all in Shinglehouse.  She lastly worked at Dave’s Diner in Ceres, N.Y. until retiring at the age of 76.

     Donna enjoyed reading, baking, and hosting many of her family’s holiday meals.

     Left to cherish her memory are five children, Brian L. (Lisa) Louser, Thomas F. (Lori) Louser, and Frances M. (Glenn) Drake, all of Shinglehouse, John H. (Becky) Louser of Olean, N.Y., and Shanna E. (Duane) Cunningham of Shinglehouse; twenty-four grandchildren; twenty-nine great-grandchildren; a brother, Thomas M. Carr of Shinglehouse; two sisters, Annette E. Perkins of Olean, N.Y. and Ruth E. Spader of Lancaster; and many nieces and nephews.

    In addition to her parents, Donna was predeceased by two sons, infant Frederick P. Siebert and Donald A. Louser; a sister, Linda K. Griffith; and a half-brother, Raymond E. Karr.

     In keeping with Donna’s wishes, there will be no public visitation.  A memorial service will be held on a date and place to be announced in the future.  Burial will be in Maple Grove Cemetery, Shinglehouse.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Avenue, Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601 or to the American Heart Association, PO Box 417005, Boston, MA 02241-7005.

     Donna 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 Donna, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page. 

Livingston County Sheriff's Blotter

DWI: Driving While Intoxicated

CC: Criminal Contempt

UPM: Unlawful Possession of Marijuana

AUO- Aggravated Unlicensed Operation

Allegany County COVID Update - Sunday

 

Obituary: Penny Lea Atkins, 74, Wellsville

WELLSVILLE – Penny Lea Atkins, 74, passed away Wednesday (Nov. 25, 2020) at Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre, Pa. following a series of illnesses.

Penny was born on Feb. 15, 1946 in Wellsville to Delbert V. and Dorothea I. (Schram) White. She was a 1964 graduate of Scio Central School.

Penny worked at Burger King in Wellsville for 12 years before switching over to Beef Haus for an additional six years. For health reasons, she retired in 1995.

Penny is survived by two sons, Wayne Atkins of Andover and Terry (Sheilah) Atkins of Wellsville, a brother, Howard (Linda) White of Wellsville, three sisters, Frannie Green of Wellsville, Dawn Griffiths of N.C. and Judy White of Warrensburg; and her best friend, Beverly Rhodes of Andover.

Additionally, she is survived by four grandchildren, Joelene Crawford of Friendship, Jamie Crawford of Elmira, Cassandra (LeCory) Jacobs of Belfast and Shanna Hosley of Wellsville; 10 great grandchildren, Aiden Szata, D.J. Szata, Dylan Szata, Xayvion Jacobs, Jadavion Jacobs Aleiah Jacobs, John Brandes, Jase Hosley, LeCory Jacobs, Jr. and Autumn Deahn; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Penny was predeceased by the father of her children, Alfred Wayne Atkins; three brothers, Robert “Buddy” (Lois) White, Alfred June White and Martin White; four sisters, Grace (Otto) Schoonover, Alice (Charlie) Jenison, Marlyn Muhs, and Beatrice (Bob) Zurlick; and two brothers-in-law, George Green and Snyder Griffiths.

Penny loved people. She loved spending time with her children and grandchildren, especially getting together for holidays gatherings and cookouts. She loved her many friends, often gathering at church dinners where she could mingle and chat about the latest news. She loved helping those that needed a helping hand such as a ride to the grocery store and she loved spending time with Beverly as they often enjoyed the local fairs and carnivals together. And though not people, she loved her many dogs, including her latest, Brownie.

Penny enjoyed watching television and was an avid Buffalo Bills fan.

Due to the covid pandemic, there will be no prior visitation. A memorial service will be held in the spring at a time to be determined. Burial will follow in Fairlawn Cemetery in Scio.

Arrangements are under the direction of Baker-Swan Funeral Home in Wellsville/Scio. Online condolences may be offered at www.baker-swan.com.

Memorial contributions in Penny’s name may be made to SPCA Serving Allegany County, 5440 SR 19, Belmont, NY 14813.

Obituary: Margaret J. Fox, 81, of Germania, PA

Margaret J. Fox, 81, of Germania, PA, formerly of Doylestown, died Saturday, November 28, 2020 in UPMC Cole, Coudersport.  

Born July 1, 1939, in Abington, she was the daughter of Joseph and Rose Dorson Wobensmith.  On September 5, 1959, in Warminster, she married John D. Fox, who survives.  She devoted her life to her family.  Margaret was a member of St. Bibiana Catholic Church, Galeton and enjoyed doing artwork.  

Surviving besides her husband, John, are:  four children, Capri Spier of Ulysses, Shawn Fox of Ulysses, Dane Fox of Quakertown, and Shannon Fox of Lancaster; seven grandchildren;  and three great-grandchildren.  She was predeceased by an infant son.  

Friends may call at St. Bibiana Church, Galeton, on Saturday, December 5, 2020 from 10:00 – 11:00 AM, with a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at 11:00 AM.  The Rev. Joseph V. Dougherty will be the Celebrant.  CDC and PA Department of Health guidelines apply.  Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Kinney.  

Arrangements are under the direction of Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses, PA.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.

Area GOP applauds Gov. Cuomo's bill veto

Elmira, N.Y., November 29–A group of state lawmakers representing the Southern Tier, Finger Lakes, and Western New York are welcoming Governor Andrew Cuomo’s veto of legislation that they had recently warned would jeopardize the ability of local governments to accomplish critical stream and infrastructure protection projects if enacted. 

The governor vetoed the legislation (S.5612/A.8349) late Friday. 

In a November 23^rd letter to the governor, State Senators Tom O’Mara, Fred Akshar, George Borrello, and Pam Helming, and State Assembly members Phil Palmesano, Marjorie Byrnes, Chris Friend, Joe Giglio, Andy Goodell, and Brian Kolb called on Cuomo to reject the legislation.  They and other opponents argued that the measure would force the reclassification of tens of thousands of miles of New York State streams and result in a more time-consuming, costly, overregulated, redundant, and impractical state-level permitting process for stream-related projects involving flood repair and mitigation, bridge and culvert maintenance, farmland protection, and other public works priorities.

In their letter, the area legislators wrote, in part, “We strongly urge you to veto S.5612/A.8349 in the best interests of the local stakeholders we represent and work closely with, as well as to protect local governments, local environments, local economies, local communities, and local property taxpayers from this overregulation that would only serve to stagnate, not strengthen, the well-earned and well-monitored quality of our waterways.”

 

The legislation was also strongly opposed by the New York State Association of County Highway Superintendents (NYSCHA) and the New York State Association of Town Superintendents of Highways (NYSAOTSOH), as well as a broad coalition representing the agricultural and forestry industries, including the New York Farm Bureau and the Empire State Forestry Products Association. 

 

Local soil and water conservation districts also warned against taking the action.  In its own memorandum of opposition, the Chemung County Soil and Water Conservation District stated, “Currently, Soil and Water Conservation Districts are leaders in their local communities assisting public entities and private citizens with thousands of stream habitat, stabilization, flood remediation, and flood mitigation projects on an annual basis. We oversee and install these projects and go through an arduous permitting process that we can assure you has not been dissolved...This bill, while intended to preserve and protect water quality, would inadvertently set conservation efforts back 50 years.”

 

The legislators and other opponents warned that the legislation’s enactment would result in significant barriers preventing local soil and water conservation districts, county and town highway departments, public works departments, builders, utilities and others from undertaking and completing stream-related projects.  Opponents also feared that the expanded permitting process would result in time delays and higher costs that would jeopardize stream stabilization, flood mitigation and prevention, bridge and culvert maintenance and rehabilitation, soil erosion prevention, farmland preservation, forestry management, infrastructure protection, and other projects vital to local communities, economies, environments, and property taxpayers.

 

In his veto message (Veto Message No. 60), Cuomo recognized the merits of the opponents’ arguments, stating that the legislation would “have a tremendous fiscal impact on state and local government” by adding approximately 40,000 miles of streams to the permitting process and more than doubling the state Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) existing and planning oversight role.  Such a move, the governor stated, “would lead to lengthy permitting delays, and jeopardizing the thorough and necessary review of all projects.”

 

Recognizing the existing oversight provided by local Soil and Water Conservation Districts, the veto message states that under the existing regulatory process streams “receive substantial benefits from oversight by the State's Soil and Water Conservation Districts. The Districts have ably worked to address nutrient runoff from agricultural activities, implement flood recovery programs and provided technical expertise to municipalities to address infrastructure needs. The existing conservation efforts accomplished by the Districts will continue to ensure that adequate environmental controls are placed on these streams.”

Obituary: Carolyn L. Hall, 83, Whitesville

Carolyn L. Hall, 83, of Whitesville, NY, died Thursday, November 26, 2020 in Wellsville Manor Care Center, Wellsville, NY.  

Born May 28, 1937, in Whitesville, she was the daughter of Lloyd and Bertha Bieser Plaisted.  She was married to George Cleland Hall, who predeceased her in 1991.  

Carolyn was employed by Mapes Woodworking, Alfred State College, and retired from Southern Tier Home Health after 30 years of service.  

She was a member of Allegany County Auxiliary, American Legion Auxiliary, Whitesville Rod and Gun Club, and a life member of the Whitesville Ladies Auxiliary.  

Carolyn loved playing cards, often hosting euchre night at her home with friends and family.  She also collected frog memorabilia and was known as “Mama Frog.”  Her true pride and joy was her grandchildren and the many grandkids she “adopted” throughout the years.  

Surviving are:  a daughter, Nancy E. Johnston of Whitesville;  a son, Michael L. (Beth) Plaisted of Whitesville;  four grandchildren, Michael R. Plaisted of Wellsville, Samantha (Douglas) George of Wellsville, Kayla Plaisted of Webster, and Ryan Plaisted of Whitesville;  a brother, Dean Plaisted of Alfred;  and nieces and nephews.  In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by a son-in-law, Steven E. Johnston;  and seven siblings, Harold Plaisted, Richard Plaisted, Gary Plaisted, Eddie Plaisted, Lloyd Sam Plaisted, Bonnie Graves, and Connie Plaisted.  

Friends may call at First United Methodist Church, 446 Main St., Whitesville, NY on Saturday, December 5, 2020 from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 Noon, with a Memorial Service following at 12:00 Noon.  CDC and NYS Department of Health guidelines apply.  Rev. Dennis Munro will officiate.  Burial will be in Whitesville Rural Cemetery.  

Memorials may be made to the Whitesville Rod and Gun Club for the kids fishing derby or the Whitesville Ladies Auxiliary.  

Arrangements are under the direction of Mulholland-Crowell Funeral Home, Wellsville, NY.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.wellsvillefuneralhome.com.

Allegany County COVID death toll, cases increase

 

SATURDAY A.M. UPDATE: Most New Potter County Cases In Coudersport Area

There were 445 new coronavirus cases diagnosed in the region between Wednesday and Friday, including 22 more cases in Potter County. Potter’s total case count stood at 199 entering Friday with three fatalities. Active case count in Potter County — those diagnosed over the past two weeks — has more than doubled in one week and stands at more than 110. Some 14 of the 22 cases diagnosed on Wednesday and Thursday were in the Coudersport area. There were also two each in the Austin, Shinglehouse and Genesee areas; and one each in Roulette and Harrison Township.

Also between Wednesday and Friday, there were 90 more cases and eight more deaths in Tioga County; 22 more cases in McKean; 58 more cases in Clinton; 28 more cases and two more fatalities in Elk; 142 more cases and two more deaths in Lycoming; 39 more cases and two more fatalities in Cattaraugus County, N.Y., 39 more cases in Allegany County, N. Y., and two more cases in Cameron County. Most recent total numbers are as follows: Cattaraugus, 997 cases and 24 deaths; Allegany, 1,013 cases and 52 fatalities; Tioga, 922 cases, 19 fatalities; McKean, 444 cases, 4 fatalities; Lycoming, 1,982 cases, 38 deaths; Cameron, 25 cases; Clinton, 647 cases, 11 fatalities; and Elk, 509 cases, 6 deaths.

A recent U.S. Centers for Disease Control model has found that the actual number of COVID-19 infections in the U.S. could be about eight times as much as the total reported cases. Details can be found here. Meanwhile, three testing sites for the COVID-19 coronavirus remain available in Coudersport. In addition to the testing site at UPMC Cole for physician-referred patients, tests are also being administered at Buchanan Brothers Pharmacy (visit the website here or call 1-800-635-8611 to complete an eligibility assessment) and Rite Aid Pharmacy (visit the website here or call 814-274-0439).

Potter County: Bigger Tax Base For Schools, Municipalities, County

Potter County Today

Potter County Tax Assessment Office has added nearly $2.3 million to the county’s tax base in 2020, due in large part to field work taking place across the county to locate new construction and property improvements. Chief Assessor Jacob Ostrom reported that the county’s real estate tax base increase represents approximately $7 million in added market value. Real estate taxes levied by school districts, boroughs, townships and the county government are applied to a property’s assessed value. As a result of the tax base additions, the county government will receive an estimated $42,260 more in real estate taxes this year. School districts and municipalities will also see higher tax revenue.

Ostrom’s job grew harder several years ago when the state legislature eliminated the position of township and borough tax assessor. In prior years, these elected officials were responsible for finding and reporting new construction and improvements. Today, the Assessment Office relies primarily on building permit records and visual inspections to update tax records.

Message from Chenunda Creek Fellowship

“We invite you to join us as Christ guides our community of believers. Chenunda Creek Fellowship meets for worship every Sunday morning at 9:30. The worship service is available online also.

For the link call or text Pastor Steph Richard @ 585-610-0166 or Elder Bob Volk @  607-587-9381. The meetinghouse is located 2030 County Road 22 at the intersection of Independence Road."

Wellsville: Holiday Extravaganza, TODAY, at Grant Duke Hose Company

 

ASC Police Academy organizers announce 2021 dates, new fitness program

Alfred State College (ASC) Police Academy organizers have announced the dates for the 2021 session and are introducing a new fitness program to help recruits get in shape before the first phase kicks off in May.

The first phase of the 2021 academy will take place from May 12 through Aug. 20, with the second phase running from Aug. 23 through Sept. 17. In the first phase, recruits learn about the New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law, DWI detection, essential response to calls for service and investigative services, and much more. Phase two covers qualification courses and requires recruits to have been hired by a police agency.

Session Director and Chief of the University Police Department at Alfred State Scott Richardson said the academy is constantly adapting and evolving. He noted that the police academy’s Advisory Committee, which includes law enforcement officials throughout Allegany, Steuben, Livingston, and Monroe counties, meets regularly to discuss current trends in law enforcement, what they are seeking in their police officers, and ways to improve the academy.

“We meet with every recruit and every instructor at the conclusion of our academy and conduct a debrief – what went well, what do we need to improve on,” Richardson said. “This allows us to make changes so that we will be the academy of choice for law enforcement departments across the state. I think it is extremely important for our academy to be in tune with the current industry standards and to make sure our recruits are trained in these standards so they can be properly prepared to serve their communities and be professional, well-trained police officers.”

Organizers will implement changes for the upcoming academy in May 2021, Richardson said. This includes adding courses with an emphasis on community policing, procedural justice, fair and impartial policing, and duty to intercede to name a few.

“Our plan is to look into a virtual reality training system, which will allow us to go from the classroom right into the hands-on application of the subject matter,” Richardson said. “This system will also allow us to train other police departments, as well. Each year we are hosting more and more police trainings here at Alfred State with the goal of becoming a regional police training facility.”

Wendy Dresser-Recktenwald, Alfred State’s chief of staff, said, “We constantly sit at the table and discuss how to do what we are doing better. We have a great team in our advisory partners, Chief Richardson, Academy Assistant Director Chief Amidon, and our Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer Dr. Mel Chambliss, who has been ‘hitting the ground running’ reviewing the curriculum and making recommendations to improve the academy. Dr. Chambliss has already been asked to be a speaker on panels on diversity in law enforcement. The move to hire him was one of the best decisions we have made, and he will be an integral part of the third academy.”

 

ASC Police Academy organizers recognize this is a difficult time to recruit people into law enforcement careers with the current unrest over law enforcement, Dresser-Recktenwald said. However, she said they are “embracing the dividedness about law enforcement and talking about how to lead the new generation of police officers who will be a compassionate part of the solution.”

“What will that look like, and what do we need to do in an effort to move the needle in a positive direction? We know it takes a community and we believe our SUNY law enforcement officers are leaders in diversity and working with diverse groups,” she said. “We believe our local law enforcement officers in our surrounding counties are leaders in rural law enforcement, dealing with people by treating them with respect; proactively leading in a positive way. We also are careful to remember that law enforcement is a dangerous job and we need to train them to be acutely aware that they are putting their life on the line every time they go to work. The key is how to teach them to balance all sides that lead us to the current issues in law enforcement.”

Dresser-Recktenwald also noted that each action organizers take is strategic and every change made will make the Alfred State Police Academy a leader among law enforcement academies.

To make sure that recruits are in top physical condition when the next session begins, the Alfred State Police Academy is partnering with the Hornell YMCA on a new P-Fit program. Set to kick off Jan. 26, this program will be another tool to help cadets be successful in the Alfred State Police Academy.

“We lose a few recruits every year because of the physical fitness standards for law enforcement, and we don’t want to do that,” Dresser-Recktenwald said. “I have seen great recruits who would make incredible officers get bounced out over the physical fitness requirements, and that doesn’t sit well with me. We have a duty to do better and provide our recruits one more opportunity to prepare for their future career.”

The P-FIT program will be open to current law enforcement officers, as well, Dresser-Recktenwald said.

“Hopefully it will be a service they continue to use as they progress with their career,” she said. “The academy requires a level of physical fitness to succeed, and the P-Fit program is a concerted effort to help support that prior to attending the academy. We have just started discussing a more comprehensive career services tool that will support our recruits as they prepare for the civil service examinations with resume writing, and interview preparation.”

Richardson noted that the program will also include sections on nutrition and stress relief to assist with their overall health and wellness. 

The cost of the academy is $5,000 and the cost of the P-Fit program is $550. Police academy recruits who enroll in the P-Fit program will be able to deduct the cost of the fitness program from the overall cost of the academy and will also receive a reduced YMCA membership. Additionally, on-campus housing is available at a discounted price of $50 per week.

Additionally, Alfred State is accepting donations to support the Police Academy Scholarship Fund. To donate, visit www.AlfredState.edu/Give, select “give,” and then choose to restrict funds to the “ASC Police Academy Scholarship Fund.”

For more information and to apply to the Alfred State Police Academy, contact CCET at CCET@AlfredState.edu or Tammy Edwards at 607-587-4017.

State Police are investigating a wrong way driver, assault, and shots fired incident on I-90 near the Scottsville Rest Area

 

 NEW YORK STATE POLICE 
 Acting Major Barry Chase

 Troop E Commander

 

 

PRESS RELEASE

 

On November 27, 2020,  at approximately 8:21p.m., State Police Troop T Communications received a complaint of a wrong way vehicle traveling westbound on I-90 in the eastbound lanes near MPM 366. A trooper was dispatched and observed the vehicle in the area of MPM 367 still heading westbound in the eastbound lanes.  A short time later there was a call for an accident involving the suspect vehicle.  There were also multiple reports of the suspect driver intentionally attempting to hit other vehicles. The responding trooper, now eastbound observed the suspect vehicle which had pulled into the Scottsville Service Area.  The suspect vehicle intentionally struck a pedestrian in the rest area , and was approaching the trooper.  The trooper then fired his weapon at the vehicle.  The suspect vehicle fled the rest area and re-entered I-90 eastbound.  The trooper then rendered medical aid to the injured pedestrian.  At 8:40 p.m., dispatch reports that the vehicle was stopped near MPM 363.  State Police members located the vehicle unoccupied and subsequently observed the suspect next to a nearby business.  The suspect was taken into custody by State Police, with the assistance from the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department.

The suspect was not struck by the gunfire and was not injured.

The investigation is continuing. 

55 New Cases in Steuben (Thursday and Friday)

BATH – The Steuben County Public Health Department received notification that 55 Steuben County residents tested positive for COVID-19 since Thursday.  This brings the total to 1,768 confirmed cases, 259 of which are currently active.  The individuals are residents of the:

·         City of Corning (11)

·         City of Hornell (4)

·         Town of Bath (6)

·         Town of Bradford

·         Town of Cameron

·         Town of Corning

·         Town of Dansville

·         Town of Erwin (4)

·         Town of Hornellsville

·         Town of Jasper

·         Town of Lindley (3)

·         Town of Pulteney

·         Town of Rathbone (2)

·         Town of Thurston (2)

·         Town of Tuscarora

·         Town of Urbana (2)

·         Town of Woodhull (2)

·         Village of Arkport (3)

·         Village of Bath (3)

·         Village of Painted Post (4)

·         Village of South Corning

The individuals are isolated and being monitored by the County Health Department.  Public Health staff investigated and identified close contacts of the confirmed cases and exposure risks.  All those known to have direct contact with the individuals have been notified. 

Per CDC and New York State Department of Health guidance, information is collected beginning 48 hours prior to symptom onset or date of test if asymptomatic through the day of the positive test result to identify any potential exposure risks. 

The investigations indicate:

·         16 individuals are contacts to previously reported positives

·         One individual is a resident of the Fred and Harriett Taylor Health Center

·         One individual is an employee of Corning Center

·         Two individuals are employees of Elcor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center

·         One individual is an employee of Seneca View Skilled Nursing Facility

·         One individual is an employee of Fairport Baptist Home

·         One individual is an employee of Corning, Inc. at the Aviation Department

·         Two individuals are employees of Hilliard Corporation in Elmira

·         One individual is an employee of the Arnot Ogden Medical Center

·         One individual is an employee of Highland Hospital

·         One individual is an employee of Unity Hospital

·         One individual is a student at St. Bonaventure University

·         One individual is a teacher at Arkport Central School

·         One individual is an employee of the Dundee Central School District

·         One individual is an employee of the Jasper-Troupsburg Central School District

·         One individual is an employee of GST BOCES at the Coopers Campus

·         One individual is an employee of the Valley Early Childhood School 

·         One individual is a student of the VEW Primary School in Bath

·         One individual is a student of the Frederick Carder Elementary School

·         One individual is a student of the Corning-Painted Post High School

·         One individual returned from a state with a high rate of infection

·         One individual visited the Corning Moose in the last two weeks where other positives have been identified

In addition to the locations noted above, the individuals reported visiting the following locations that could pose an exposure risk within their investigation timeframes:

·         11/16 – 11/20 – J.L. Watts Excavating in PA

·         11/16 – 11/20 – Five Star Bank in Hornell

·         11/17 Evening – Applebee’s in Hornell

·         11/17, 11/18 – DePuy Synthes Companies in Big Flats

·         11/17, 11/18 – Steuben County Office Building

·         11/18 – Dandy Mini Mart in Big Flats

·         11/18, 11/19 – T & R Towing in Dansville

·         11/18 – 11/20 – Union Block Italian Bistro in Penn Yan

·         11/19, 11/20 – Home Depot in Painted Post

·         11/20 – Davis Fetch Corporation in Rochester

·         11/20 Afternoon – Cracker Barrel in Horseheads 

·         11/20, 11/23 – Clarity Wellness Community in Wellsville

·         11/21 Evening – St. Mary Church in Rexville

·         11/23 Afternoon – Hornell Animal Hospital

Today’s age groups for the positives are as follows:

·         0 – 9 years: 4

·         10 – 19 years: 6

·         20 – 29 years: 8

·         30 – 39 years: 7

·         40 – 49 years: 7

·         50 – 59 years: 10

·         60 – 69 years: 9

·         70 – 79 years: 3

·         90 – 99 years: 1

“We cannot stress enough the importance of prevention strategies during this time of high spread.  No one chooses to knowingly spread COVID-19 to their loved ones,” said Public Health Director, Darlene Smith. “Adhering to all prevention steps can be difficult, but it is the only way to slow the spread.  Staying home and avoiding gathering with others in between getting tested and receiving results can slow the spread.  Anyone who gathered for Thanksgiving yesterday with today’s positives has been exposed. Those who have been quarantined as a known contact to a positive can stop the spread by remaining quarantined for their full time and getting tested if symptoms start.”