Funeral arrangements, entrusted to the care of Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse, are incomplete and will be announced with a full obituary.
Wednesday, January 31, 2024
Partial Obituary: Sharon R. Bradley, 83, of Shinglehouse
Senator O'Mara news release: O’MARA SEEKING NOMINATIONS FOR STATE SENATE ‘VETERANS HALL OF FAME’
Elmira, N.Y., January 31—State Senator Tom O’Mara (R-C, Big Flats) is seeking nominations for the New York State Senate’s "Veterans Hall of Fame," an online tribute to the military service and civilian lives of distinguished veterans from the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes regions, and throughout New York State.
O’Mara is currently accepting nominations for the 2024 inductee to represent the 58th Senate District at a ceremony in late May.
Nominations will be accepted until Friday, March 1, 2024. Nomination letters should include a short biography highlighting the nominee’s military service, and civilian service awards and achievements, and be e-mailed to omara@nysenate.gov.
“So many veterans served our nation courageously and honorably, and then returned home to lift the lives of our local communities. The Senate Veterans Hall of Fame is just one more way to give a local veteran a well-deserved and well-earned expression of our gratitude and admiration,” said O’Mara, who represents New York’s 58th Senate District encompassing Chemung, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Tioga, and Yates counties, and part of Allegany County (the towns of Alfred, Almond, Amity, Andover, Birdsall, Burns, Grove, Independence, Scio, Ward, Wellsville, and Willing).
The Senate established its Veterans Hall of Fame in 2005. It honors New York State veterans whose service in the United States Armed Forces has been accompanied by service to the community and accomplishments as a civilian. It pays tributes to veterans representing Senate districts statewide. Senators conduct induction ceremonies within their respective legislative districts and at the Capitol coinciding with veterans-related observances throughout the year.
O’Mara has inducted the following area veterans into the Senate Veterans Hall of Fame:
> Philip C. Smith, a highly decorated Korean War combat veteran and well-known figure in Schuyler County government and veterans’ affairs;
> J. Arthur “Archie” Kieffer, a World War II combat veteran and a widely admired fixture in Chemung County government as the Chemung County historian;
> former Painted Post Mayor and World War II combat veteran Roswell L. “Roz” Crozier, Jr.;
> Anthony J. “Tony” Specchio, Sr., a distinguished Korean War veteran and widely respected for his long-standing and active service to veterans and government in Watkins Glen and throughout Schuyler County;
> P. Earle Gleason, a lifelong Yates County resident and longtime director of the Yates County Veterans’ Service Agency;
> Warren A. Thompson, a lifelong Steuben County resident and farmer, and a stalwart in the county’s civic and veterans affairs;
> Paul C. “Digger” Vendetti of Elmira, a World War II United States Navy veteran and longtime caretaker at Woodlawn National Cemetery;
> Richard T. “Dick” Gillespie of Penn Yan, a veteran of World War II;
> Dennis L. “Denny” Wolfe, Sr. of Chemung County, a well-known area Vietnam War veteran and founder of the Vietnam War Museum in Elmira; and
> Andrew Swarthout of Yates County, a highly decorated Vietnam War veteran and mainstay of local veterans’ organizations.
Other area veterans who are Hall of Fame members are Frank C. “Fritz” Pesesky, a veteran of World War II and former director of the Chemung County Veterans Service Office; William K. Kastner, a Vietnam veteran and longtime director of the Steuben County Veterans Service Agency; and Robert Laskaris, a highly decorated combat veteran and well-known figure in Chemung County veterans’ affairs.
Obituary: Dr. Doris Borchert, 88, Wellsville
Dr. Doris Borchert, Trailblazing Seminary Professor
Doris Ann BORCHERT, 88, a long-time seminary professor and great-grandmother, passed away on Tuesday morning, January 30, 2024, leaving behind her husband of sixty-four years, Dr. Gerald Leo Borchert, 91, a New Testament scholar.
Dr. Doris Borchert served as a Professor of Christian Education and Director of Supervised Ministry at North American Baptist Seminary in Sioux Falls, SD, Northern Baptist Theological Seminary in Chicago, Southern Baptist Seminary in Louisville, KY, and the Webber Institute for Worship Studies in Jacksonville, FL.
A trailblazer in her role as a seminary professor, she served on faculties dominated by males. With her charm, grace, and commitment to her calling, she won over many students wary of a female seminary professor. Her Spiritual Formations classes were always filled quickly, and her students flocked to her office for her wise advice on difficult decisions.
“The story of Esther gives me courage to face things I don’t want to face,” Borchert told a reporter in 1996. “Her biblical witness has been a model for me and has challenged me where I need to be challenged.”
Doris Borchert was a graduate of Eastern College (now University), Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary (now Palmer Theological Seminary), and Andover Newton Theological School where she earned her doctorate. She traveled and taught in over sixteen countries and served the Baptist World Alliance on the Evangelism and Education Commission, and the Christian Education workgroup.
Born in West Chester and raised in Downingtown, PA, her faith commitment began at a young age. “I always wanted to do something in the church. However, I thought opportunities for women were limited to being a minister’s wife,” she once told a reporter.
Although her father encouraged her to go to secretarial school, her pastor funded the first installment of her college education. As she excelled in college, an astute professor took note of her gifts and abilities encouraging her to study Christian Education and to attend Eastern Seminary. It was there she met her husband who would become her partner in teaching generations of ministers.
In retirement, she organized and co-led Joyful Hearts, a senior adult group, for her church in Morristown, TN. At her new home in Wellsville, NY, she became a vibrant member of Grace United Church, where her daughter-in-law (and former student) serves as pastor.
Her family was the joy of her life. Through the years she cherished special times with her grandchildren, embracing the range of childhood adventures, from tea parties to fishing trips. From her travels she would bring them small treasures from around the world.
Doris Borchert is survived by her husband, Gerald Leo Borchert; her sons, Mark Gerald Borchert (Karen) and Timothy Walter Borchert (Angie Joseph);grandchildren, Elissa Anne Shults (Conly), Jessica Lynn Borchert, Seth Joseph Borchert (Sue), and Timothy William Borchert (Destiny); and great-grandchildren, Lacey Borchert, Serenity Borchert, and Soren Borchert; brother,Gilbert Walter Cox, Jr. (Barbara); and brother-in-law, Donald Marvin Borchert (Mary Ellen). She is preceded in her passing by her father, Gilbert Walter Cox, Sr.; and mother, Ruth Ann Rimel Cox.
Memorial Services will be held Sunday, February 25, 2024 at 3:00 PM at Grace United Church, 289 North Main Street, Wellsville. Doris’s daughter-in-law, Rev. Dr. Karen Heil Borchert, will officiate.
Burial will be in Cave Hill Cemetery, Louisville, KY. Cremation was at OLNEY-FOUST Private Crematory.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Grace United Church, P.O. Box 408, Wellsville, NY 14895.
Arrangements are under the direction of Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Cremation, Crowell Chapel, 296 North Main Street, Wellsville, NY. Online condolences may be expressed at www.wellsvillefuneralhome.com.
Allegany County Democrats
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 1-31-2024
Contact Karen Ash, Sec’y info@alleganycountydemocrats.org
Angelica will host “Coffee with
Democrats”
Accepting
donations for local food pantry
Belmont, NY – The Allegany County
Democratic Committee (ACDC) invites all registered Democrats to attend its
monthly “Coffee with Democrats” on Saturday, February 10th in Angelica.
The event is free and runs from
9:00 to 11:00 am. Coffee and light snacks will be served. Sign up here to attend.
Volunteers will
collect non-perishable food and personal care items for the Angelica United Methodist
Church food pantry, so please consider bringing a donation. This is just one of the many ways local
Democrats serve our community, in keeping with the Committee’s desire to
protect and enhance the quality of life in the county.
To learn more, call/text
585-610-4321, visit www.alleganycountydemocrats.org or follow us on Facebook or Threads.
The
Allegany County Democratic Committee is the official governing body for the
County Party, working toward broader representation by Democrats at the local,
state, and national levels.
Obituary: Donna J. SCHOTT, 90, of Galeton, PA
Donna J. SCHOTT, 90, of Galeton, PA, passed peacefully into the arms of her Savior Tuesday, January 30, 2024 in her home surrounded by love. Born July 31, 1933, in Galeton, she was the daughter of Raymond Dean and Leah Rukgaber Connelly. She was a graduate of Galeton Area High School where she was described with a one-word description “argumentative” and Clown College which launched a much loved spree of parades, balloons and laughs with her beloved Bang Bang. Donna was a lifelong resident of Galeton, where she devoted herself to family and community. On June 3, 1956, in the First Presbyterian Church in Galeton, she married James W. Schott, who predeceased her on January 5, 1992. Donna was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Galeton, Order of the Eastern Star, serving as secretary, Past President of Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, Poco Clowns, Gaines Kitchen Band, Galetones, and BandAid. She served as the first manager of the Galeton Senior Center for the Area Agency on Aging. Donna also served as a school playground monitor and Boy Scouts of America den mother. Surviving are: four sons, James (Diane) Schott II of Wyncote, Richard Dean (Charlene) Schott of South San Francisco, CA, Jon Daniel (Brenda) Schott of Galeton, and Ryan Matthew (Stephanie) Schott of Galeton; seven grandchildren, James III, Kannon, Connie, Kimberlee, Jennifer, Mikayla, and Makenna; twelve great-grandchildren; a sister, Luanna Anderson of Galeton; two sisters-in-law, Ella Connelly of Wellsboro and Hazel Schott of Grants Pass, OR; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins. In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by five siblings, Raebelle Connelly, Alice Connelly, Raymond Gale Connelly, Keith C. Connelly, and Faye Shelley. The family will have a private memorial service and asks that memorials be made to the First Presbyterian Church or Goodyear Hose Company in Galeton in lieu of flowers. Cremation was at OLNEY-FOUST Private Crematory. Arrangements are under the direction of Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses, PA. Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.
Partial Obituary: Timothy J. White, 62, Mansfield
Timothy J. WHITE, 62, of Mansfield, PA, formerly of New Holland and Harrison Valley, died Wednesday, January 31, 2024 in Hershey Medical Center. Arrangements will be announced by Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses, PA. Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.
GOVERNOR HOCHUL NOMINATES STEVEN G. JAMES TO SERVE AS SUPERINTENDENT OF THE NEW YORK STATE POLICE
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced her nomination of Steven G. James to serve as the Superintendent of the New York State Police. Acting Superintendent James will lead the New York State Police in an acting role as he awaits confirmation by the Senate.
“The men and women of the New York State Police do heroic work to keep New Yorkers safe, and Steven G. James will be a Superintendent who will lead this force into the next generation” Governor Hochul said. “Since taking office, I've prioritized fighting crime and investing in law enforcement, and I'm looking forward to working closely with Acting Superintendent James to keep the people of New York safe.”
Acting Superintendent Steven G. James said, “This opportunity comes around once in a lifetime, if you’re lucky. Governor Hochul’s nomination is my crowning achievement and I know just how fortunate I am to have been provided this chance to serve. I look forward to bringing the State Police further into the arena of cutting-edge policing and to serving as a model agency.”
Acting Superintendent James has served with the New York State Police for more than 32 years, including more than two decades in a leadership role. Most recently, he served as Deputy Superintendent for Employee Relations and has also served as Assistant Deputy Superintendent, Staff Inspector, Major, Captain, Lieutenant, Senior Investigator, Sergeant, Investigator and Trooper. He holds a B.S. in Psychology from SUNY Albany and a master’s in public administration from Marist College.
Since taking office, Governor Hochul has expanded the role of the New York State Police and made significant investments in public safety. Over the past two years, these efforts have included:
- The creation of a new gun interdiction unit and the launching of the innovative multi-state and intra-State gun trafficking task forces.
- Expanding the State’s role in combatting cyber-crimes by expanding our social media unit.
- $7.4 million to allow State Police to keep pace with technology in criminal investigations, including digital forensic services and investigating cybercrimes; providing critical support to the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit to ensure that crimes against children are fully investigated.
- $25.9 million for the creation and expansion of the State Police Community Stabilization Units (CSUs) to support local law enforcement.
- In November, Governor Hochul added five additional people assigned to social media and 10 new people assigned to JTTF Office of Counterterror to address the rise in hate crimes.
- $100 million to purchase and renovate a new satellite crime laboratory for the State Police. This new facility will eliminate overcrowding at the Forensic Investigation Center and provide space for anti-gun violence initiatives. The State Police currently has three satellite crime laboratories in the Albany area.
- $66.7 million to increase the number of State Police academy classes, making up for academy classes that were postponed during the COVID-19 pandemic as well as increasing the number of troopers dedicated to addressing serious crime.
This year’s FY25 Executive Budget continues these efforts and includes two initiatives for the State Police to combat retail theft:
- Led by the State Police, launching the Retail Theft Joint Operation to coordinate through our network of Crime Analysis Centers the response of law enforcement agencies and prosecutors, modeled on the successful intra-state task force on gun trafficking, but focused on combatting organized retail theft crime;
- Deploying a dedicated State Police team to build cases against organized retail theft rings;
- Setting up a New York State Police Smash and Grab Enforcement Unit.
New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said, “Governor Hochul has made it clear her top priority is to keep New Yorkers safe and she has demonstrated that yet again with the nomination of the next State Police Superintendent. With New York’s threat landscape evolving every year, our partnership with the State Police has never been more critical. I thank Governor Hochul for selecting a proven leader like Acting Superintendent James and look forward to partnering with him as we work to protect communities statewide.”
New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision Acting Commissioner Daniel F. Martuscello III said, “New York State DOCCS has a long and productive history of working with the State Police. We congratulate and look forward to this ongoing collaboration under Acting Superintendent James’ leadership, to ensure the safety of our communities. I also want to thank Governor Hochul for her continued focus on the agencies charged with protecting the state’s public safety.”
New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services Commissioner Rossana Rosado said, “For more than fifty years, DCJS has been a steadfast partner to the New York State Police and our local police agencies. We look forward to working with Acting Superintendent James as he continues the Troopers' legacy of excellence and professionalism in protecting New Yorkers throughout our great state. We thank Governor Hochul for her unparalleled leadership on public safety and criminal justice, and her steadfast support of our agencies.”
New York State Police Investigators Association President Tim Dymond said, “On behalf of the New York State Police Investigators Association, I commend Governor Hochul’s appointment of Col. Steven James as Superintendent of the New York State Police. As a Trooper who served for more than 30 years, his reputation is exemplary, and our members will be proud to serve under his leadership. We look forward to working with Superintendent James to continue strengthening, unifying, and supporting the BCI, and our collective efforts to keep New Yorkers safe.”
New York State Guardians Association President Marcus A. Walthour said, “Steven James is a proven law enforcement official that has come up through the ranks of the New York State Police. His dedicated service to the people of the State of New York has been exemplary. He is a consummate professional whose wisdom and strong leadership is exactly what this agency needs at this moment in time. The Guardians Association wholeheartedly agrees with Governor Hochul’s selection of Steven James as the next Superintendent of the State Police.”
Steuben Hall of Fame nominations now accepted for 2024
BATH --
Nominations for the 2023 Steuben County Hall of Fame
are being accepted until March 31, according to newly appointed county
Historian Griffin Bates.
Past inductees
include people from all walks of life, including country/rock
music icon Duane Eddy, Steuben ARC founder Arthur Hansen and Donald
Merring, the first Steuben County Emergency Services/ Fire Coordination
director.
“The point of the
county Hall of Fame is we have everyday heroes as well as nationally known
greats among us who inspire us,” Bates said.
Since 1976, more
than 600 people have been nominated with 160 individuals inducted
into Steuben Hall of Fame.
Fourth-grade students also will be invited to nominate local heroes by the
March 31st deadline.
Submission forms are available on the Historian’s website, via email, or in
person at the Historian’s office in the Magee House, 1 Cohocton St, Bath.
All nominees will be reviewed in early May by a special committee which will
propose nominees for 2023. Approval by the county Legislature is expected
in late June.
** Steuben County Hall of Fame guidelines
· Nominees may
be any man, woman or child living or deceased, who has enhanced the name of
Steuben County. They should have resided in Steuben but may have been born
elsewhere.
· Past nominees not
inducted into the county Hall of Fame may be re-nominated.
· For
applications and the full list of Hall of Fame honorees, go
to https://www.steubencountyny.gov/190/Historian ) or
call (607) 664-2199.
Obituary: Julie Virginia Pettit, 92, of Cuba
Julia
“Julie” Virginia Pockalny Pettit
Beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and sister
Julie Virginia Pettit, 92, of Cuba, passed peacefully on Monday, January 29, 2024, at her daughter’s (Diana Nicols) home in Ocala, Florida. She had suffered from dementia and rapidly declined after complications from a recent illness and a fall. Hospice of Marion County, Ocala, FL assisted her family during her last days.
The daughter of John and Mary Kryzwa Pockalny, “Julianna” was born at home on February 15, 1931. She was the twelfth of fourteen children. She attended Bedford Corners and Portville Central Schools.
She married Donald Richard Pettit, son of Lewis and Hazel Jordan Pettit, on July 22, 1950 at the Sacred Heart Parish in Portville. They had six children, all surviving: daughters, Terry, Diana, Deborah and Denise, and two sons, Donald and Mark. She dearly loved every one of her grandchildren (13), great grandchildren (18), and great, great grandchild (1), and several nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her sister, Estella Olkosky Wood.
For many years, the family lived on 58 Milton Street where they raised their children. In the early 1970s, Julia was employed by Friendship Dairy where she worked until her retirement in the early 1990s. In 1993, they built their retirement home on the top of North Branch Road, Friendship, New York, where she lived prior to her passing.
While raising her children, Julie worked several part-time jobs in retail, waitressing, and selling Copperware. In the early 1970s, she became employed by Friendship Dairy where she worked until her retirement in the early 1990s.
With her husband, Don, they enjoyed camping and traveling to visit family. She enjoyed keeping her home spic-n-span, decorating, and cooking and baking lots of goodies for her family. She loved crocheting and was a master at reading complex patterns. She made many beautiful afghans, scarfs and hats for her children and grandchildren. Gardening was another passion she found great pleasure in. She loved music and dancing and family gatherings.
For many years, she attended St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, Belmont, with her children, and Our Lady of Angels Roman Catholic Church, Cuba.
She is predeceased by her husband, Donald and granddaughter Rebecca Jane (daughter of Donald and Tammy Pettit), and sisters, Rose Olkosky, Helen Little, Anna Balacki, Katheryn Smith, Caroline Fairbanks, Mary Carlson and brothers, Michael, Andrew, Peter, Creighton, Joseph, and Stephen Pockalny.
Visitation is Monday, February 5, 2024 from 3 to 6 P.M. at the Mark F. Rinker Funeral Home & Memorial Service, Inc., 9 Bull Street, Cuba, New York. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, February 6, 10:00 A.M. at Our Lady of Angels Roman Catholic Church, 50 South Street, Cuba. Fr. John Cullen will be the celebrant.
Burial following: St. Mary’s Cemetery, Belmont.
Hornell man charged in 2023 fatal crash
State Police arrested a Hornell man Tuesday afternoon
related to a fatal crash August 6, 2023 in Avoca. 26-year-old Michael S.
Eldridge was charged with four felonies to include assault causing injury thru
risk of death, two counts of first-degree reckless endangerment, vehicular
manslaughter and manslaughter-recklessly causing death. He was also charged
with two lesser counts of assault. He was ordered detained.
Three vehicle crash in Wellsville
Three vehicle crash in Wellsville
No injuries were reported when three vehicles collided on
East State Street (ext) in the Town of Wellsville. It happened Tuesday at 7:46
a.m. The drivers were listed as Gavin M. Witaszek, 20, of Monroe, Michigan; Shanna
M. Winters, 44, of Andover and Mindi L. Graham, 44, of Andover. A portion of
the street was closed. Wellsville fire assisted at the scene with traffic control.
Wellsville Police Blotter
Date: Tuesday January 30, 2024
Tuesday, January 30, 2024
Obituary: Wayne Alan Stephen, 63, of Wellsville
Wayne was born August 16, 1960, in Olean, he was the son of the late William N. and Norma (Joan) “Brundage” Stephen. On December 29, 1984, he married the former Lisa Moffatt in Bradford, PA.
Wayne graduated from Portville Central School; he was a member of the “legendary class of 1979”. In 1980, he started the Wayne Companies on a $500 loan. His companies employing nearly 1,000 people through the years. His company, now a corporation providing asphalt, gravel and concrete services, serving NY, PA, Florida and various jobs throughout the USA. The company and the legacy Wayne started will be carried on by his family.
Wayne always said he had no hobbies, but he loved spending time with friends and family. Wayne was a member of the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels, numerous community clubs and several construction organizations. Wayne was most known for his quick wit, love of life, sparkling blue eyes, and his stand-alone strength and leadership. He also knew wherever he stood, he would be supported by his roots, his team, his family and life partner in business and life, Lisa.
Wayne is survived by his wife Lisa; his children, Garret (Clarice) Stephen of Davenport, FL., Angelyn (Joseph) Sempolinski of Canisteo, Grant (Skyler) Stephen of Wellsville, Layne Stephen of Wellsville; three grandchildren, Joselyn “JoJo”, Madelyn, and Mathis; siblings, Bill (Marlene) Stephen of Ceres, Jan Jadlowski of Portville, and Julie Bonhoff of Fort Myers, FL; loving cousins; nephews and nieces; in-laws, and work family; and his dearest friend, Mark Jaekle.
He was predeceased by his parents William and Joan; his grandparents; in-laws and a buddy, John Berardi.
The family will receive friends at the Guenther Funeral Home, Inc., 1303 E. State Street, Olean, on Sunday from 3-7 p.m. (February 4, 2024). A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday (February 5, 2024) at 1pm at Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels, Olean. Burial to follow at Woodlawn Cemetery in Wellsville.
Memorials may be made to Colleen Shea Children’s Foundation, 1086 Highway 315 Blvd, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702 whose mission is to enrich children with disabilities.
Online condolences can be expressed at www.guentherfh.com.
Allegany County teenager found after massive search- sustained frostbite and hypothermia
Town of Belfast
Allegany County
Wilderness Search: On Jan. 29 at 12:45 a.m., Allegany County 911 requested Forest Ranger Assistance in the search for a missing 13-year-old from Belfast. Five Rangers were joined by New York State Police (NYSP) Troopers, NYSP Canine Unit, NYSP Drone Unit, and the Allegany County Sherriff’s Office Drone Unit. In the dark, crews followed footprints in the snow for miles. The subject was mostly following roadways, but also went in and out of brush. At 11:15 a.m., rescue crews found the subject approximately eight miles from home. The teen was wearing jeans, a winter coat, and a hat, but only rubber clogs on his feet. Allegany County Medical Transport Service drove the subject to the hospital for treatment of hypothermia and frostbite. Resources were clear at 12:48 p.m. DEC’s Division of Law Enforcement, the Allegany County Fire Coordinator, Belfast Fire, and Belfast Ambulance also assisted in the search.
Be sure to properly prepare and plan before entering the backcountry. Visit DEC's Hike Smart NY, Adirondack Backcountry Information, and Catskill Backcountry Information webpages for more information.
If a person needs a Forest Ranger, whether it's for a search and rescue, to report a wildfire, or to report illegal activity on state lands and easements, they should call 833-NYS-RANGERS. If a person needs urgent assistance, they can call 911. To contact a Forest Ranger for information about a specific location, the DEC website has phone numbers for every Ranger listed by region.
St. Bonaventure journalism student Delaney Chase awarded Carnegie-Knight News21 fellowship
ST. BONAVENTURE, N.Y., Jan. 30, 2024 — St. Bonaventure University junior Delaney Chase will join other talented college journalists this summer as they report on “Democracy in Crisis” through a Carnegie-Knight News21 fellowship.
Chase, a journalism major from Warren, Pennsylvania, will spend 10 weeks this summer participating in the prestigious Carnegie-Knight reporting initiative, which is headquartered at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University.
“Delaney follows a long line of star Jandoli School students in the News21 program,” said Aaron Chimbel, dean of the Jandoli School of Communication at SBU. “I am confident she will thrive doing this important journalism and come back to St. Bonaventure with a wealth of experiences to share with her classmates.”
Chase’s interest in St. Bonaventure was piqued as high school sophomore when she and classmates in her school’s journalism program attended the Jandoli School’s Comm Day.
“I really loved the professors I met and the layout of the school. The journalism program was just what I was looking for,” she said.
She has found myriad opportunities at the university to hone her craft. She is a reporter with the TAPinto Greater Olean news website, where she reports on local events and issues, and is a co-campus coordinator for the SBU chapter of the online magazine Her Campus.
“I really like reporting and talking with people. I’m getting a lot of experience talking to local people and telling their stories. Before (coming to Bona’s) I thought a small town was a disadvantage, but it has ended up being an advantage,” Chase said.
“I really love participating in Her Campus, I feel having that avenue with women who love to write is really good,” she added.
As the News21 team explores the 2024 elections, Chase expects the student journalists will talk with election officials and volunteers and investigate the use of artificial intelligence in elections.
She is also looking forward to collaborating with and learning new skills from fellow journalism students.
This is the ninth year in a row a St. Bonaventure student has been chosen for the fellowship. The program brings top journalism students from across the country to report and produce in-depth, multimedia projects for major media outlets, including The Washington Post, NBC News and USA Today. Leading up to the summer program, students take part in a News21 issues seminar and begin preliminary reporting during the spring semester.
Obituary: Erika Frank Lentz, Coudersport
Erika passed away on Sunday, January 28, 2024 and is
survived by 5 loving children, Katherine (Irvin) Saler, Lawrence K. Lentz, Vera
Pesock, Brenda (Steve) Erway and Melinda Monroe. They all live in
Coudersport…she had 14 grandchildren, 26 plus great-grandchildren and 12 plus
great- great-grandchildren. Also survived by her sisters, Elfie and Eda, both
of Canada; and her brother Walter of Emporium.
Erika was predeceased in death by her parents, her always
loving and endearing husband Lawrence, her daughter Liesa who died in a motor
vehicle accident in 2013, her son Mark who died unexpectedly in 2018, her grand
baby Joey and her loving and caring son-in-law, Paul Pesock.
She will truly be missed by all of us who knew her and loved
her…we as sisters are especially grateful to our awesome brother Larry who was
a constant in our mother’s life. You were every minute with her and attentive
to her. You are the best brother ever. And mom knew that…..We thank everyone
who spent time with her on her last days. Who came and made us laugh. Who came
and brought us food (they know we eat anything). Who called and offered help
and concern. We won’t forget her many hats (she loved wearing hats), all the
raisins you put in baked goods because they made it better, your scolding us
(rightfully so), your accent, your good will shopping, your always grocery
shopping (when you needed nothing), we all have our favorite memories…don’t
forget them and talk about them and pass them on..
We thank Hospice who helped us in her last days, her doctors
who always tried to keep her at her best, Palliative care who gave us support
at a time we needed it…her neighbors who stopped in with goodies and ‘buggy’
rides and visits…the prayers of our friends and family, anyone who touched us
and her in her last days…THANK YOU… We appreciated it all. Also special thanks to her sister, Elfie, for
staying with her as Erika recovered in June from surgery.
If you so desire, memorials can be made to Special Olympics
(PO Box 25 Coudersport PA 16915 ATN: Pam Walasquez) or a charity of your
choice….
In keeping with Erika’s wishes there will be no public
visitation or funeral services.
Erika’s family entrusted her care to Kevin J. Dusenbury,
funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.
To express condolences, light a candle or share a fond memory of Erika, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.
GOVERNOR HOCHUL SIGNS LEGISLATION TO PROTECT SURVIVORS, HOLD PERPETRATORS ACCOUNTABLE FOR RAPE
Governor Kathy Hochul today signed legislation to modernize New York State law to protect survivors of rape and hold perpetrators accountable for sexual assault. The legislation, S.3161/A.3340, updates the definition of rape in the penal code to ensure that additional forms of nonconsensual, forced sexual conduct can be prosecuted as rape. Since taking office, Governor Hochul has prioritized supporting survivors including by signing the Adult Survivors Act, implementing new protections for survivors of domestic violence, and cracking down on human trafficking.
“We are reassuring survivors that when they walk into a police station or approach the witness stand that the full weight of the law is behind them now going forward,” Governor Hochul said. “Rape will be treated like the horrific crime that it is. The voices have been heard, and we affirm that justice will be served.”
Legislation (S.3161/A.3340), also known as the “Rape is Rape” bill, removes the penetration requirement from the rape statutes and also defines rape as vaginal sexual contact, oral sexual contact, and anal sexual contact. The existing statue excluded oral and anal rape from being called rape and required a higher standard for vaginal rape. By modernizing New York’s rape statutes, this legislation ensures all survivors are protected from these crimes and offenders will be held fully accountable.
THE NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR HOLDS WORKER PROTECTION SHIELD CEREMONY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 30, 2024
The New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) today held its second Division of Worker Protection enforcement staff shield ceremony on January 30, 2024, at the New York State Police Academy in Albany. State Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon administered the oath of office to 64 members of the Department’s Worker Protection Unit from across the state, who vowed to uphold and enforce state and federal labor law. These state workers are on the frontlines of New York State’s unending commitment to ensure that all working New Yorkers are safe and protected while on the job.
“These dedicated public servants are vital to the protection and safety and health of our workforce,” said New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon. “These shields they possess are a symbol of their authority to enforce labor law and their commitment to protect the rights of anyone working in New York State.”
NYSDOL’s Division of Worker Protection is made up of 511 members, including 380 enforcement staff who are represented in all five of the unit’s divisions: Bureau of Public Work, Division of Compliance and Education, Division of Labor Standards, Division of Safety and Health, and the Office of Special Investigations.
Over the past decade, NYSDOL’s worker protection team has recovered and dispersed more than $376 million in stolen wages and identified over a million misclassified workers. In 2023 alone, NYSDOL’s Worker Protection investigations recovered $16 million in wages for over 16,000 workers. During investigations and inspections, NYSDOL works with many partners to ensure workers are safe and employers comply with the labor law, including New York State Police, the Department of Agriculture and Markets, local District Attorney’s Offices, the United States Department of Labor, and organized labor.
New York State Police Acting Superintendent Dominick L. Chiumento said, “I congratulate these individuals as they take this important oath. Today’s ceremony is a testament to the level of commitment these investigators have in protecting the hard-working citizens of New York. Each of these individuals honored today exemplifies what being a public servant is all about – dedication and selfless service.”
PEF President Wayne Spence said, “PEF welcomes these new officers to the ranks of the Department of Labor. They play a critical role in fulfilling one of our union’s essential missions -- protecting workers. Whether they’re enforcing labor standards, exposing unemployment fraud, or investigating wage theft, these officers create an equitable employment landscape in New York, making sure everyone is subject to the same standards.”
As part of ongoing NYSDOL modernization, the Worker Protection Unit is unveiling updated safety equipment for their staff. The new and improved safety equipment includes:
- Type 2 Unvented Hardhats complete with safety straps
- Carbon monoxide mono and multimeter detectors
- 3000HS Heat Stress Meter monitors to detect extreme heat and cold
- Class 3 Breakaway Tri-color safety vests
The new hardhats are designed to protect the worker’s entire head, equipped with a chin strap to prevent the hardhat from falling off as opposed to traditional hardhats that are designed to protect only the top of a worker’s head. The new Class 3 tri-color vests have a breakaway feature to ensure NYSDOL employees can get out of the vest easily if the vest becomes entangled in equipment.
In addition to rolling out new and improved safety equipment, the Worker Protection Unit has the option to utilize drones during an inspection process when needed. This new addition will allow inspectors to access remote areas with ease.
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