New York State Police Blotter

New York State Police Blotter

3/30/24 12:30 p.m.- During a traffic stop in the town of Amity, state police arrested Annette D. Elias, 51, of Nanty Glo, PA. She was charged with driving while intoxicated and was released on an appearance ticket for court.

3/30/24 5:47 p.m.- After a domestic dispute, state police arrested Kajun J. Burdick, 30, of Belfast for criminal contempt – disobeying a court order. A court appearance ticket was issued.

3/30/24 8:34 p.m.- During a traffic stop in New Hudson, state troopers arrested Douglas J. Thurlow, 53, of Franklinville. He was charged with DWI and aggravated DWI. Court action is pending.

3/30/24 5:17 p.m.- During a traffic stop in the town of Wheeler, troopers arrested Richard H. Kelly, 42, of Bath. He was charged with driving while intoxicated and having a BAC above .08%. He was issued tickets and released.

3/30/24 3:32 p.m.- Following a complaint in the village of Arkport, state police arrested Krystal M. Wagner, 25, of Hornell. She was issued a ticket for aggravated harassment.

Obituary: Paul G. Robbins, 71, Angelica

Paul Gordon Robbins, 71, of Angelica passed away at home on Saturday, March 23, 2024, following a long, difficult battle with kidney cancer. Born in Cuba, NY on March 11, 1953, he was the son of Curtis S. and Wilma Hunt Robbins.

Paul showed his mechanical ability early when at 4 years old he dismantled and repaired his family’s broken toaster; and in true Angelica tradition, he earned his childhood nickname of “Weasel” when quickly figuring out a solution to retrieve a motorized boat from the Conservation Club pond for the older boys he was with. He built his first stock car when he was 13, and bought his first lathe and drill press machines at the age of 16.

Paul was a 1972 graduate of Angelica Central School and the BOCES Machine Shop program. When the instructor occasionally had to leave the room, he left Paul in charge of the class. He earned the BOCES Machine Shop Senior of the Year Award that year.

Paul met the love of his life (Robin Kay Smith) in 1971 and they married on June 1, 1974 in Belfast, NY. They bought their first of eleven Angelica properties in 1975 and by 1980 had designed and built their house on West Avenue.

Paul worked for the Ontario Pipeline project in Angelica from 1972 to 1973, and operated the machine shop at Wellsville Auto Parts from 1974 until 1976.  He then built and established in Angelica his own machine shop, later incorporated as PR Engine Science Inc., which he operated for 48 years.

In 1986 Paul became a member of the Automotive Engine Rebuilders Association (AERA), an international organization of engine rebuilding machine shops, which afforded him the opportunity to meet and network with businesses from around the world. Paul was certified as a Master Engine Machinist in 1992 by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). He later worked with AERA on the ASE Certification Test Questionnaire Committee. Although many local businesses (Angelica Spring Co.), farmers (Bainbridge Farms), and industries (Dresser-Rand) were counted among his customers, Paul had gained a reputation for precision machine work and building dependable high-horsepower race engines for stock cars, pulling tractors, and street machines. He also developed machinery, fixtures, and tooling for the NASCAR teams of Petty, Childress, Gibbs, Elliott, Yates, Davis, and Labonte; as well as Brodix, Jasper Engines, Rottler, etc.

In 1995, Paul began designing an engine line-boring system and specialty tooling for a French company, Serdi Corporation. And, in addition to other projects, beginning in 2000 he developed two hand-braking systems for one of the world’s largest railroad car remanufacturers, Alstom Transportation. Paul is listed as the inventor for the first of the two handbrake designs. The United States Patent and Trademark Office granted the patent on December 6, 2005. The products he designed and built over the years can be found all across the United States, as well as in other countries such as Australia, France, Germany, and South Africa.

Paul was a natural-born teacher. Years ago he taughtmachine shop to Acme Electric employees, and later to his nephews and others who wanted to learn from him. He was a prodigy in math and science who helped with alternative education students, the GVCS students’ bridge construction project, and robotics project. He also was heavily involved in the betterment of Angelica as one of the organizers of Angelica Cruise Night; a long-time member of the Angelica Booster Citizens (Heritage Days, Luminaries, Main St. building lighting project); Lions Club International; and 21 years as an Allegany County Fair Board Director. During his time with Angelica Hose Co. No. 1 he spent 36 years as a volunteer first responder and interior firefighter. Paul also was instrumental in the maintenance and/or refurbishing of both the Angelica and Wellsville municipal clocks. In 2022 he was inducted into the Distinguished Alumni Wall of Fame at Genesee Valley Central School. A permanent plaque is displayed in the school auditorium.

Paul is survived by his wife of 50 years, Robin K. Robbins; his 90-year-old father Curt and 89-year-old mother Wilma of Angelica; four brothers, Victor (Susan) of Zephyrhills, FL, Wayne (Colleen) of Belfast, Jerry (June) of Angelica, and Marty Robbins of Angelica; five sisters, Anita Austin of Angelica, Cindy Smith (Andy) of Friendship, Darla Robbins (Rick) of Alfred, Debra Geffers of Alfred, and Patricia Whitney (James) of Belmont; and many nieces and nephews. Although he had a brilliant mind, it is heart-warming to see that many early condolences first mention “kindness, helpfulness, thoughtfulness, calm and collected demeanor, positivity, and roll model.”

All friends and family are invited to a “Celebration of Life” for Paul at the Angelica Conservation Club on West Avenue (across the street from Paul and Robin’s house), Saturday, April 13, starting at 12:00 Noon. There will be a brief ceremony by the Angelica Hose Co. No. 1 Fire and Rescue members at 1:00 pm, followed by a buffet luncheon, and viewing photos and videos, and sharing stories and remembrances.

Cremation was entrusted to director Chester A. Gosper IV of the Brown & Powers Funeral Home, Angelica.  To send a condolence to the family please visit www.brownandpowersfuneralhomes.com, or on Facebook @ Brown & Powers FH.

Those wishing to remember Paul are asked to consider a donation to the Angelica Hose Co. No. 1, 85 West Main Street, Angelica, NY 14709.        

Obituary: Darryl E. Jackson, 58, of Coudersport

COUDERSPORT, PA---Darryl E. Jackson, 58, of Coudersport, passed away with his loving wife by his side on Saturday, March 30, 2024, in UPMC Cole, Coudersport, after a long illness.

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.

Obituary: Darold L. “Buddy” Getman Jr., 60, Hartsville

Hartsville, NY – It is with heavy hearts that we share that Darold L. “Buddy” Getman Jr., 60, of 5602 Crosby Creek Road passed away on Thursday, March 28, 2024, at Strong Memorial Hospital surrounded by his family. He was born February 12, 1964, in Hornell, the son of the late Darold L. and Barbara Ann (Morey) Getman Sr. On October 12, 1985, in Canaseraga he married his high school sweetheart, Cynthia E. Renwand who survives.

Buddy was a 1983 graduate of Canaseraga High School and served with the National Guard. He was a long-time employee of Southern Tier Concrete of Alfred Station. He served six years as the Highway Superintendent for the Town of Hartsville. He was a member of the American Legion Post 846 in Canisteo. He was greatly loved by his extended family and many in the community. He took great pride in his two sons, enjoyed hunting, farming, spending time at his shop with friends, family, especially his little grandson.

Surviving in addition to his wife, Cindy, are two sons, Jeffrey (Jenevera) Embser-Getman, and Matthew (Courtney) Getman, a grandson, Niklaus, a sister, Kellie (John) Lockwood, a brother, Douglas (Delilah) Getman, a sister-in-law, Carla (Gerry) Brzezinski, a brother-in-law, Jim (Wendy) Renwand and several beloved nieces, nephew, aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was predeceased in addition to his parents by, a brother, Thomas Getman, a nephew, Casey Getman, two brothers-in-law, Joe and Jerry Renwand, and a sister-in-law, Carol Carpenter. 

Friends are invited to call on Tuesday, April 2, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm and Wednesday, April 3, from 4:00 to 6:00 pm at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc. 34 W. State Street in Wellsville, NY. A time of sharing will begin at 6:00 pm Wednesday in the funeral home. A celebration of life is being planned for a later date. Please consider memorial donations to the American Stroke Association (stroke.org) To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com

New York State Police Blotter

New York State Police Blotter

3/29/24 2:04 p.m.- State Police arrested Dylan M. Perkins, 21, of Bolivar. He was charged with felony criminal possession of stolen property valued at more than $3,000 and a lesser count of fifth-degree of criminal possession of stolen property. The answer the charges in court at a later date.

3/29/24 3:31 p.m.- After an incident on Thursday, state police arrested Christopher W. Sommer, 41, of Bath. He was charged with obstructing governmental administration, resisting arrest, aggravated unlicensed operation and use of other vehicle without an ignition interlock. He was initially detained.

3/29/24 2:21 p.m.- After investigating a sexual offense in the Town of Tuscarora reported in June 2023, state police arrested Justin L. Hyde, 27, of Addison. He was charged with second-degree rape involving a victim less than 15 years old, a class D felony. He was additional charged with obstructing governmental administration and resisting arrest. He was detained.

3/29/24 8:32 p.m.- State Police arrested Patrick C. Moore, 40, of Hornellsville. He was charged with second-degree menacing with a weapon and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon. He was initially held.

3/29/24 7:15 p.m.- After investigating a vehicular assault in Big Flats, Dominick Haley, 24, of Ithaca. He was charged with felony assault involving a police officer/firefighter/EMT, felony second-degree assault and misdemeanor petit larceny. He was detained.

Obituary: Barbara H. Black GROSSMAN, 78, of Wellsville

Barbara H. Black GROSSMAN, 78, of Wellsville, NY, died Friday, March 29, 2024 in Wellsville Manor Care Center.  Born November 27, 1945, in Wellsville, she was the daughter of Burnham and Helen Rifenburg Babbitt.  On May 15, 1965, in Scio, she married Lynn D. Black, who predeceased her on January 20, 2001.  She later married Robert Grossman, who predeceased her in 2004.  A graduate of Scio High School, she was self-employed with her husband and operated Black’s Home for Adults on the Andover Road for many years.  Barbara was a member of Riverside Assembly of God.  She enjoyed spending time with her grandkids, nieces, nephews, and grandnieces and grandnephews.  Barb loved animals, especially her cat, Sarge.  Surviving are: several nieces and nephews, including a special niece, Jody (Heather) Rogers of Scio; a spiritual daughter, Tina (Rex) Francisco of Scio; two granddaughters, Tanya DeGroff and Amanda (Jeff) Fanton; two grandsons, Timothy DeGroff and Andrew (Katrina) DeGroff; great-grandchildren; and two siblings, Donald (Mary Jane) Babbitt of TN and Virginia Haskell of Wellsville.  In addition to her husbands, Lynn Black and Robert Grossman, she was predeceased by siblings, Clayton Babbitt and Beverly Rogers.  Services will be private.  Burial will be in Fairlawn Cemetery, Scio.  Memorials may be made to SPCA serving Allegany County.  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. 

LaBrozzi named VP for Finance and Administration at Alfred State College

After a national search, Alfred State College (ASC) has named Ryan LaBrozzi the Vice President for Finance and Administration. He begins his new duties on April 8. 

LaBrozzi comes to Alfred State as the college is experiencing record-breaking positive trends. While enrollment difficulties have impacted many colleges and universities nationwide, enrollment and the financial outlook at ASC is strong. 

“Our financial picture and enrollment trends, along with support from SUNY and the state, are extremely positive,” stated ASC President Steven Mauro. “This has allowed us to invest cash and engage in many renovation projects and programs across campus. Ryan will be an integral member of our team as we continue to invest in our infrastructure, people, and programs while still remaining a highly affordable and high-quality choice for students and parents. Ryan’s experience as a meticulous supervisor of people and projects will serve us well as ASC is investing more than $100 million in construction and program development to modernize, beautify, and expand to meet the needs of tomorrow’s students.”

LaBrozzi agrees that Alfred State is in an ideal position that sets it apart and is a great match for him and his family. "I was looking for a place to plant my roots and found it at ASC. My initial interactions with the faculty and staff were very positive and welcoming. I got the immediate sense that people at ASC care about the campus and the Alfred community, and love to work there.  It will be a privilege to work and serve with the exceptional leadership team, faculty, staff, and students. It is an exciting time and I'm thrilled to be welcomed into a thriving college community. My goal is to augment the college vision for continued long term success." 

LaBrozzi brings experience in both the public and private sectors. He most recently served as the Regional Vice President for National Management Resources. In this role he provided strategic leadership, oversight and direction to the Director of Facilities and their respective staff at twelve universities and private schools in the northeast. He oversaw maintenance programs for more than eleven million gross square feet. 

Prior to serving as Regional Vice President, he served as an account services manager with National Management Resources, was the Director of Facilities Management at Davis and Elkins College (Elkins, WV), Coordinator of Grounds at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, and owned RNS Outdoor Specialties LLC (Butler, PA).

LaBrozzi earned an MBA from the Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business at the University of Pittsburgh and a bachelor’s degree in Turfgrass management from Pennsylvania State University.

He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in sustainability to his new position. He earned a certificate in sustainability from the University of Pittsburgh. His interest in the environment and beautification includes serving on stream and trail restoration projects along with tree and trail boards. LaBrozzi implemented and managed Tree Campus USA programs at multiple schools and is experienced in energy reduction plans at a variety of campuses.

In his new role, LaBrozzi is responsible for developing, recommending, and implementing fiscal policy, budget management, and internal controls to ensure the fiscal integrity of the college. He will be assisted in financial oversight by Assistant Vice President for Finance and Management Tim Sortore. As a member of the Executive Leadership Team (ELT), LaBrozzi is a trusted advisor to the President on all facility, construction, financial, and business services, which also includes oversight of farm operations and collaboration with our auxiliary partner ACES. He will provide strategic and operational leadership in support of the mission, vision, and strategic plan for the college and its functional units.

DiNapoli: More State Involvement Needed to Address Local Emergency Medical Services Challenges

Increasingly, counties across New York state are providing emergency medical services (EMS), amid a drop in EMS workers and inadequate funding, but more state action is needed to ensure localities are able to provide dependable emergency services around the state, according to a report released today by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli.

“Reliable emergency medical services can be a matter of life or death, and New Yorkers rightly expect to receive timely help when needed,” DiNapoli said. “Local governments across the state are facing staff shortages and funding issues in their effort to ensure these services are available. The state should enhance its work with counties and other local governments to coordinate services and identify sustainable, effective solutions.”

In New York state, EMS are provided by an assortment of public and private entities. These may be funded by local governments, users of the service, insurance, or a combination of these and other revenue sources. Coordination of these services is undertaken at the local, regional and state levels.

DiNapoli’s report examines the local government role, and particularly the growing role that counties are playing, in providing EMS. The report also highlights challenges EMS agencies face, as well as the lack of available information to appropriately assess the quality of EMS provision throughout the state.

Staffing

The number of active EMS practitioners has fallen in recent years. In 2019, the state (including New York City) had over 40,000 active EMS workers. By 2022, there were only 33,000, a decline of 17.5%. EMS agencies frequently cited staffing issues including declining volunteerism, difficulties recruiting qualified staff, and low pay for EMS staff compared to other occupations in health care and public safety.

Funding

EMS agencies receive inconsistent and inadequate funding streams. Ambulance services are often not fully covered by insurance and are generally not covered if a patient is not transported. Consequently, many local governments find they need to subsidize their ambulance services with other revenues. Over the past two years, some municipalities leveraged federal American Rescue Plan Act stimulus funds to support EMS functions.

Data Issues

A major obstacle to assessing the adequacy of EMS and identifying areas of need is the lack of reliable statewide data on critical metrics such as ambulance response times, dropped calls, reliance on mutual aid, compliance with licensing and credentialing requirements, and cases where patients refused transport.

Local Costs Increasing

The total number of local governments reporting expenditures for ambulance or rescue squads has remained relatively steady from 2012 to 2022. Expenditures for these services, however, have been rising, increasing by 59 percent over that period, from $105.1 million to $167.2 million.

Reported county expenditures, as a share of all reported municipal expenditures for ambulance services, is small, reflecting 1.8% and 4.9% of the total in 2012 and 2022, respectively. Still, annual financial reports show that county ambulance expenditures increased an average of 16.2% annually over that period, much faster than other classes of local government. The Office of the State Comptroller surveyed counties about their existing and planned role in providing EMS.

In response, 22 counties reported that they currently provide services, either directly, through the employment of EMS staff and ownership or leasing of ambulances (14 counties), or by directly contracting with vendors for ambulance services (nine counties – including two that also provide services directly). In addition, nine of the 22 counties already providing services reported that they intend to increase service levels from what they currently offer. None reported planning to reduce or eliminate ambulance services at the county level. Another 11 counties said they were planning or considering getting involved with ambulance services.

According to the survey results, the number of counties providing ambulance services has increased even more than is indicated by county financial data on ambulance-related expenditures. Half of the counties that provide services began doing so in 2021 or later.

DiNapoli’s report found that while Regional EMS Councils and local government providers should conduct regular needs assessments, state-level solutions are needed, including better statewide data collection, management and analysis to help EMS agencies identify where services are falling short, and options for improving response times and outcomes. In addition, better centralized guidance from the state about funding sources can help local officials make more informed decisions about how to pay for these services.

Report

The Growing Role of Counties in Emergency Medical Services

Wellsville: Giant Food Mart to close for a short time for eclipse

 

Independence Police Department Blotter

Independence Police Blotter

Thursday March 28, 2024

At 07:48 hours, Independence Police arrested Samantha J. Ellwood, age 37 of Whitesville, NY, charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of motor vehicle 3rd degree (AUO 3rd), uninspected motor vehicle, inadequate muffler, and fail to change address. These charges stem from a traffic stop on Main Street in the Town of Independence. Ellwood was issued traffic citations directing her to appear in Independence Town Court on June 24, 2024.

Thursday March 28, 2024

At 08:24 hours, Independence Police arrested Samantha J. Ellwood, age 37 of Whitesville, NY, charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of motor vehicle 3rd degree (AUO 3rd). These charges stem from a incident on Main Street in the Town of Independence. Ellwood was issued traffic citations directing her to appear in Independence Town Court on June 24, 2024.

Olean Area Transit to end service

 

It’s close to the end of the line for the Olean Area Transit System (OATS). After close to 40 years of operation, the public transport service will end its operation in the city, Salamanca and Cuba. The last day of service will be May 31, 2024. City officials said a nearly 30% cost hike led to the decision.

Green Announces Campaign To Be Village Of Wellsville Mayor

Two days ago someone said to me… “Hey, why don’t you run for Mayor?”… I replied, “Well for one, that campaign will cost money, “He responded, “I got you”.

I left that conversation thinking he was nuts, however serious he was.  Yesterday I was in a conversation with someone else and told then about the previous conversation. They then said, “There you go… action instead of reaction”.  My response was, “But I am not a Wellsville good old boy, and historically (not always) that is how the political system moves around here”.  He said, “The good old boy system is on its last legs.”

You know what? They are right! If I can bellow my voice from the top of the mountain to complain… it is just noise if I am not willing to step up and actively improve the system. 

So, it’s official, I am starting a campaign to be the mayor of Wellsville. If I lose, then at least I will keep any opponents on their toes and require them to address real and challenging questions about existing issues… Or maybe I win, in that case I will take on the challenge to improve our community and ensure accountability.

My platform would be as follows:

1. Reverse the existing board’s decision to limit speech at public meetings.

   1. Every member of the public will always have an opportunity to address the Village Board at a public meeting regardless of who you are or the content of your message.

   2. We would encourage (not require) non-urgent complaints to be first presented to a board member to see if the issue can be resolved.  If not, then the board would welcome that issue to be brought onto the record at any meeting.

   3. All public board meetings would be live streamed / posted on the village website so that there is an accessible viewing archive of the meetings, from this point forward for everyone.
      

2. Reverse the existing board’s decision to pursue eminent domain of the public parking lot.  Instead, I would do the following…

   1. Invite Mr. Otero to meet with the village board to consider alternative resolutions to remove the existing sheds and resume public parking on the lot (contrary to some opinions, I am not in favor of the sheds, I am just more not in favor of the village taking property just because they want it).

      1. This could be by means of a settlement agreement for the village to purchase the lot at a fair and reasonable price.

      2. This could be by developing a rental agreement so that the village can rent the lot as previously agreed.

      3. This could be a combination of the above with the village renting the lot with an option to purchase in the future at a set price.

   2. At the end of the day, the village will not, under my leadership, force any resident who is maintaining their property and paying their taxes to ever sell.  .
      

3. Actively pursuing infrastructure that will better engage our youth and create a more youth-oriented community to entice and welcome future families and generations.
   

4. Develop a citizen complaint review board.

   1. This will consist of residents who will be tasked with reviewing all unresolved complaints against any village employee. 

   2. If the review board disagrees with an existing outcome, they will report directly to the village board with alternative recommendations. 

   3. In the case of potential criminal issues, the review board can recommend an investigation from an outside agency if it feels the issue warrants such a need.
      

Under my leadership, we will continually work to improve transparency, accountability and communication between the village and its residents. We will issue annual State of the Village statements in which we as a community will celebrate our successes, acknowledge opportunities for improvement, and hold ourselves accountable for mistakes and strive to be better.

There are obviously many more facets of running a village such as public works, law enforcement, economic growth and development, marketing, etc..  We have an incredible downtown district, library, park, and many other treasures to celebrate.  My goal would be to capitalize on the already amazing things we have in place... not to change those systems/assets but rather improve them for our future generations.

That’s what I got folks!

Marshall Green