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Thursday, October 31, 2024

Early voting 2024 in Allegany County stomps 2020 records

 

Early voting 2024 in Allegany County stomps 2020 records

Allow the record book to show, 2024 early voting in Allegany County has stomped results in the 2020 Presidential race. As of 3:30 p.m. Thursday, 3,504 people have participated in early voting, compared with 3,238 in the 2020 race. Today also marks 51 Affidavit ballots cast –

An affidavit (or provisional) ballot can be requested in a number of scenarios and will be counted after being verified by your local board of elections.

You can request an affidavit ballot for a number of reasons (these are for New York State – please check your local board of elections for clarification).

-If the voter has been issued an absentee, military or special ballot, but wishes to vote in person during early voting or on election day,

-If the voter is voting for the first time and is unable to provide identification,

-If the voter’s name does not appear in the poll records

Since last Saturday, 12.33% of the eligible voting population in Allegany County has cast a ballot…that’s 3,504 total ballots so far.

Republican’s (in a deep red county) have outpaced Democrats by a 2-1 margin in early voting. However, as of this post, 721 people have identified as “other” with regard to party affiliation.





Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home - 'Boys and their toys'

Boys and their toys!!!  

     Kevin and Patty Dusenbury and “The Boys” of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse, announce that the Gift of Memory Program, which benefits Potter County’s Christmas House, is now underway for the 24th year!!  Through Dusenbury’s business, local residents can contribute presents in memory of their deceased loved ones to the Christmas House, which distributes gifts to over 1,200 Potter County children and elderly during the holidays.  In the past 23 years, gifts too numerous to count were collected at the funeral home and presented to the Christmas House for distribution to needy families.  Those wishing to make donations of new, unwrapped toys or gifts can call Dusenbury at 814-697-6570.

     We are starting our program early to be able to have distribution to the recipients as early as possible.  Donations will be collected until Friday, December 6, 2024.

Pictured are “The Boys, Charlie and Cooper”, with a few of their toys.  They are hoping that the less fortunate children of Potter County, through the Christmas House, will receive gifts from the many generous donors who support this program.

Obituary: Philip Smith, 93, Wellsville - retired state police investigator - BCI

Wellsville, NY – Philip Smith, 93, of Howard Street, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, at Wellsville Manor. He was born on June 6, 1931, in Rochester, the son of the late Ruth Smith. On December 15, 1953, in Wellsville, he married the love of his life, Julia A. Nesbitt, who predeceased him on December 24, 2021.

Phil was a life-long “Go getter” and managed through all the hardships life threw his way. He was raised in Corning, living with his grandparents. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. From 1948 – 1952. He served on the U.S.S. Salem for a year, until he was deployed to Korea and fought courageously during the Korean War. After his honorable discharge he was employed by Corning Glass before finding his career with the New York State Troopers, he was stationed in Syracuse, Franklinville, and Wellsville. He climbed the ranks to BCI Investigator, retiring in 1968. He was a life-long member of the NYS Troopers Association, serving as both secretary and president. Outside of his employment he was a member and organist for the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church. Having the gift of gab, he was able to start a conversation with anyone, he enjoyed attending the NYSTA dinners to catch up with old friends, playing piano for nursing homes, baking his famous chocolate chip cookies, making homemade pizza and lasagna, and sharing many stories with his kids, grandkids, and great grandkids. He was a member of the Wellsville American Legion Post 702.

He is survived by: five children, William (Joan) Smith of Hollywood, FL, Carol Behr of Wellsville, Michael (Marcy) Smith of Wellsville, Laura (Richard) Daniels of Wellsville, and Grace Smith of Wellsville; 10 grandchildren; and 23 great grandchildren. In addition to his mother, and wife of 68 years, he was predeceased by an infant son, Daniel Eugene Smith and a son-in-law, Gerald Behr.

Friends are invited to call on Thursday, November 7, 2024, from 6 pm to 8 pm at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home of Wellsville, 34 West State Street. His funeral will be Friday, November 8, 2024, at 1 pm in the funeral home, military honors will follow at the conclusion of the service. Burial will be at the family’s convenience in Woodlawn Cemetery. Please consider memorial donations to the Allegany County Comfort House, 141 East State Street, Wellsville, New York 14895. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com

DiNapoli: Local Sales Tax Collections Up 1.4% in Third Quarter-not for Allegany County

Local government sales tax collections totaled $5.98 billion in the third calendar quarter (July-September) of 2024, an increase of 1.4%, or $82.7 million, compared to the same quarter last year, according to a report released today by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. Eight of the 10 regions in the state, including New York City, saw collections rise.

“Local sales tax collections are growing more slowly than they were in the pre-pandemic period,” DiNapoli said. “Given this lower year-over-year growth, local officials should temper their expectations for future sales tax revenues.”

Local sales tax collections this past quarter continued a general trend of declining growth that followed a post-pandemic spike, with the third quarter’s 1.4% year-over-year growth the lowest quarterly increase since the pandemic-induced declines. Local sales taxes grew at an average quarterly year-over-year rate of 3.8% during the period of recovery and expansion following the Great Recession. The third quarter’s modest increase in local sales tax collections marked the sixth consecutive quarter of year-over-year growth below this pre-pandemic rate.

New York City’s 1.1% (or $28.2 million) increase in third quarter collections was less than the 3.2% and 3.3% increases in the first and second quarters, respectively. Despite this being the lowest growth in over three years, the city remains the largest contributor to local sales tax growth in the state.

Aggregate growth in third quarter collections for the counties and cities in the rest of the state was 1.5%, year over year. This relatively modest growth was the largest quarterly increase all year outside New York City.

On a regional basis, the Mid-Hudson and Long Island regions had the highest quarterly growth rates at 3.8% and 1.7%, respectively. Western New York and Central New York followed with growth of 1.5% each.

County collections, in aggregate, grew by 1.4% in the third quarter with 34 of the 57 counties outside of New York City seeing an increase.

Orleans County had the highest quarterly growth at 12.9%, followed by the counties of Rockland (9.3%), Hamilton (7.4%) and Schenectady (6.9%). Conversely, Allegany County saw the steepest decline at -10.2%, followed by Livingston (-5.8%), Schoharie (-4.7%) and St. Lawrence (-3.9%).

Twelve of the 18 cities that impose their own sales tax experienced growth in the third quarter compared to last year. Gloversville had the largest increase, 21.5%, followed by New Rochelle (8.9%) and Oswego (6.1%). Of the six cities that saw declines, Norwich experienced the steepest decrease at -14.7%.

Year to date, local sales tax collections statewide are up 1.7%, or $298 million, over the January-September period in 2023.

The State Comptroller’s office also updated the local sales tax sharing interactive map, which shows the percentage of local sales tax revenue that counties distribute to other local governments and provides individual summaries of how sales tax is shared among localities in each county.

NY: Regents Actions in 52 Professional Discipline Cases and 3 Restoration Petitions

The Board of Regents announced disciplinary actions resulting in the summary suspension of 1 license, surrender of 10 licenses, and 41 other disciplinary actions. The penalty indicated for each case relates solely to the misconduct outlined in that particular case. In addition, the Board acted upon 3 restoration petitions.

Deborah Ann Collier; Registered Professional Nurse; Hornell, NY 14843; Lic. No. 563594; Cal. No. 34289; Application for consent order granted; Penalty agreed upon: Indefinite actual suspension until drug abuse free and fit to practice, upon return to practice, 2 years probation.

Complete list HERE.

Wellsville Police Blotter

Date: Tuesday October 29, 2024 

Wellsville Police arrested Dan A. Middaugh, age 51 of Wellsville, charging him with Petit Larceny (Class A Misdemeanor).  The charge stems from an incident that took place at Dollar General on W Dyke Street on October 4th.  Middaugh was located by the Town of Willing Police Department and turned over to Wellsville Police.  Middaugh was processed and transported to the Allegany County Jail pending arraignment in CAP Court.  Middaugh is due to appear in Wellsville Village Court at a later date.

New York State Police Blotter – October 29, 2024

New York State Police Blotter – October 29, 2024

10/30/24 12:52 a.m.- During a traffic stop in the town of Scio, state police arrested Michael A. Heinbaugh, 38, of Scio, He was charged with driving while intoxicated and having a BAC at or above .08%. He was released on an appearance ticket for court.

Tuesday, October 29, 2024

Obituary: Rhonda J. Congdon, 75, Wellsville

Wellsville, NY – Rhonda J. Congdon, 75, of North Franklin Street, passed away on Monday, October 28, 2024, at Maple City Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Hornell. She was born September 30, 1949, in Wellsboro, PA, the daughter of the late Elwin and Rosemarie (Knowlton) Kendrick. On June 12, 1971, in Elmira, NY, she married J. Michael Congdon, who predeceased her on January 29, 2010.

Rhonda was raised in Elmira Heights and graduated from Edison High School. She earned her associate’s degree at Corning Community College. In 1981, she and Michael moved their family to Wellsville. She was active in the community as the Activities Director for Highland Park, additionally, she taught religious education at Immaculate Conception Church. She loved to play the piano, and she and Mike enjoyed camping at Kinzua.

 She is survived by: a daughter, Christine (Todd) Jeffers of Genesee, PA; a son, Timothy (Samantha) Congdon of Allegany; three grandchildren, Trevor (Jessica) Jeffers, Christopher Jeffers, and Michael Congdon; three great-grandchildren, Ava Jeffers, Mason Jeffers, and Michael Congdon Jr.; three sisters, Sharon Brill, LaVonne (Kim) Gilbert, and Vicki (Joe) Hudson; a sister-in-law, Mary Ann (George) Novotny; as well as several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, and husband of 38 years, she was predeceased by: a granddaughter, Cassandra Congdon.

Friends are invited to call on Saturday, November 2, 2024, from 11 am to 1 pm at J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home of Wellsville, 34 West State Street. Her funeral will follow at 1 pm in the funeral home. A private burial will be held in Sacred Heart Cemetery at the family’s convenience. Please consider memorial donations to Immaculate Conception Church, 17 Maple Avenue, Wellsville, NY 14895; or to the Allegany County Comfort House, 141 East State Street, Wellsville, NY 14895. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Allegany County: Early voting set to outpace 2020 election

 

Allegany County: Early voting set to outpace 2020 election

Allegany County Elections officials confirm to WRN that 2024 early voting numbers will easily surpass 2020. As of 5 p.m. Tuesday, a total of 2,490 early votes were cast in Allegany County. That’s less than 800 total votes cast early in 2020…and there is still five days of early voting to go! Officials say college voting is also off the charts, locally.  As of the close of polls on Tuesday, 1,328 Republicans have cast ballots and 687 Democrats have voted while another 475 listed as ‘other’ has also voted.

In Wellsville 644 people have already taken advantage of early voting. County officials say the numbers are well ahead of previous years.

Officials also say that they sent out 1,563 absentee ballots and that so far, 844 have been returned. Officials say that appears to be “normal.”

As of Tuesday, the total turnout rate in Allegany County has reached 8.98% of the total.

Here is a breakdown by precinct:




On Wednesday, early voting resumes at the Board of Elections in Belmont from 8-8, Wellsville from 8-7, and Alfred from 8-4.  

Obituary: James B. “Chip” NEWARK, 77, of Belmont

James B. “Chip” NEWARK, 77, of Belmont, NY, died Monday, October 28, 2024 in his home.  Born May 11, 1947, in Wellsville, he was the son of James Herman and Angeline Zeznick Newark.  On June 30, 1973, in Immaculate Conception Church, Wellsville, he married Sara A. Harder, who survives.  A 1965 graduate of Wellsville Central School, he was employed by Verizon as a cable maintenance technician, retiring after 35 years.  Chip was a member of Telephone Pioneers, Wellsville Lions Club, and a life member of the Wellsville Moose.  Surviving besides his wife, Sara, are: three children, Jaimie (Clayton) Hulin of Franklinville, Brian Newark of Wellsville, and Aaron (Melissa) Newark of Newark; eight grandchildren, Olivia, Camden, Kuryn, Hannah, Autumn, Arianna, Emma, and Alyxandria; two brothers, George (Mary Ann) Newark of Elm Valley and Joseph (Sue Guichard) Newark of Wellsville; two sisters, Barbara (Glenn) Emery of Hallsville, MO and Nancy (Jeff) Orcutt of Cuba; nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by his parents.  A graveside service will be held Thursday, October 31, 2024 at 12:00 Noon in Yorks Corners Cemetery, Willing, NY.  Memorials may be made to Amity Rescue Squad.  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.

Deputies crack down on I-390 drug crimes - Steuben men faces felony counts

INTERSTATE 390 - Sheriff Thomas J. Dougherty reports the arrest of two Steuben County residents on felony and misdemeanor charges following a traffic stop.

On October 9th, 2024, Investigator Shawn Whitford was working with the Sheriff's Office Highway Patrol Unit when he conducted a traffic stop on Interstate 390 in the Town of Avon for NYS Vehicle and Traffic law violations.

Investigator Whitford made contact with the operator, who was identified as 44-year-old Charles Stevens from Hornell NY, and a passenger who was identified as 65-year-old Shawn Murphy also of Hornell NY.

The Investigator observed what appeared to be suspected narcotics in the vehicle. Both suspects were placed under arrest for possession of a controlled substance. When speaking with Stevens, the Investigator observed him conceal more drugs on his person. The drugs were recovered, and both substances found on the scene were later determined to be cocaine.

Stevens was arrested and charged with felony Tampering with Physical Evidence, and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Seventh Degree. Murphy was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Seventh Degree.

Both were transported and turned over to Central Booking Deputies at the Livingston County Jail for processing. Both subjects were issued appearance tickets, as the charges do not qualify for bail under the NYS Justice Reform Act.

Cuba Police Blotter

*** Press Release ***

On October 25th, 2024 at approximately 9:50PM, Cuba Police arrested Douglas E. Moot (60) of Cuba, NY. Moot was arrested on charges of failure to maintain lane (Violation), equipment violation - lights (Violation), driving while intoxicated (Misdemeanor) and driving while intoxicated with a BAC greater than .08% (Misdemeanor). Moot was processed and released to appear at a later date.

On October 26th, 2024 at approximately 5:17 PM, following a report of a domestic dispute in a vehicle, Cuba Police arrested Louis Wooden (30) of Opalocka, FL. Wooden was arrested and charged with operating a motor vehicle without insurance (Violation), operating a motor vehicle with a suspended registration (Misdemeanor) and aggravated unlicensed operation 3rd (Unclassified Misdemeanor). Wooden was issued traffic citations and released. Wooden presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

On October 26th, 2024 at approximately 1:12 AM, Cuba Police arrested Marissa C. Ketchner (25) of Olean, NY. Ketchner was arrested on an active warrant. Ketchner was processed and sent to the Allegany County Jail to await arraignment.

Cuba man jailed without bail on cocaine, other charges

*** Press Release ***

On October 26th, 2024, at approximately 11:28AM, following an investigation by the Cuba Police Department Narcotics Unit, Cuba Police arrested Ronald E. Bonk (43) of Cuba, NY. Bonk was arrested after a traffic stop was conducted. The following charges were issued: 

-Failed to stop at a stop sign (Violation)

-Improper license plates (Violation)

-Aggravated unlicensed operation 3rd (Unclassified Misdemeanor)

-Criminal use of drug paraphernalia 2nd (Misdemeanor)

-Criminal possession of a controlled substance 5th - cocaine (Felony)

-Criminal possession of a controlled substance 3rd with intent to sell - narcotics  (Felony)

Bonk was processed, and sent to the Allegany County Jail on no bail. Bonk is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. These charges stem from the alleged possession with intent to sell crack-cocaine in the Town and Village of Cuba. The Narcotics Unit was assisted by Cuba Police Department patrol officers. 

The Cuba Police Department would like to take this time to remind residents of the dangers of these narcotics. We ask that if you have any information on these types of illegal activities you contact our narcotics unit at 585-968-1666 or via our confidential tip email at tips@cubapd.org.

New York State Police Blotter – 10/28/24

New York State Police Blotter – 10/28/24

10/28/24 3:19 p.m.- Acting on a criminal warrant, state police arrested Leah E. McCabe, 45, of Scio. She was charged with two felony counts of third-degree criminal possession of stolen property valued at more than $3,000 as well as felony enterprise corruption. Court action is pending.

10/28/24 9:06 p.m.- Following a domestic dispute October 23rd in Clarksville, troopers arrested Spencer M. Elliot, 38, of Cuba. He was charged with second-degree criminal contempt for allegedly disobeying a court order. He was initially taken to central arraignment in Belmont.

Obituary: Gregory L. Hardy, 61, Scio

SCIO – Gregory L. Hardy, 61, passed away on Saturday (October 26, 2024) at Jones Memorial Hospital in Wellsville following a brief illness.

Mr. Hardy was born on February 14, 1963 in North Hornell. He was a 1981 graduate of Andover Central School and later earned his Bachelor’s in Elementary Education from Mansfield University in Mansfield, Pa. and his Master of Arts in Education from St. Bonaventure University in Olean. On September 22, 1984 at the Crist Episcopal Church in Cuba he married Carlene J. Gursky, who survives.

Greg began his career in 1985 as an elementary teacher for Belmont Central School and then as a history teacher for Genesee Valley Central School. He served as the Rushford Elementary Principal before finishing up his career as the Scio Central School Superintendent, retiring in 2016.

In addition to his wife of 40 years, Greg is survived by three sons, Dan (Alyssa) Hardy of Sidney, Gavin (Asheton) Hardy of Belfast and James (Shelby) Hardy of Hornell; his mother, Gail Wightman-Bouldin and step-father, Robert Bouldon of Sun City, Ariz.; two brothers, John Hardy of Howard and Mark (Donna) Hardy of Martville; seven grandchildren, Olivia Hardy, Margaret Hardy, Ripley Olivas, Ethan Santarone, Katherine Hardy, Alice Hardy and John Hardy with one on the way; and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Greg was a great husband, dad and grandfather. He is described by those that knew him best as gregarious, particular, kind, loving and generous. He had an incredible eye for detail and enjoyed exploring his local world. His most recent project was traveling every road in Allegany County with his wife Carlene as his co-pilot.

Greg loved cooking and entertaining. Together with his wife, they often were hosts to a full house of dinner guests. He also had a passion for learning; about anything and everything. To him, his world was a giant puzzle waiting for him to solve it.

In his spare time and retirement years, Greg pursued several hobbies. He enjoyed wood carving, drawing and writing songs. He also enjoyed writing in general and became proficient as a calligrapher. This proved to be a segue into his biggest hobby, Hardy Penwrights, with an international market for his “Fine Custom Writing Instruments.”

Greg was a past member of the Cuba Lions Club, the Scio Lions Club and current member of the Pen Artisan Guild. He was also a Celtic Priest.

There will be a time of visitation on Friday (November 1) from 5-8 p.m. at the Baker-Swan Funeral Home in Wellsville/Scio. The memorial service will be held on Saturday at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. There will be a private graveside service at the Dimmick Cemetery in Friendship at the convenience of the family. Online condolences may be offered at www.baker-swan.com.

Memorial contributions in Greg’s name may be made to the charity of your choosing.

Wellsville Police Blotter

Date: Monday October 28, 2024 

Wellsville Police arrested Larissa P. Wesche, age 30 of Wellsville, charging her with Making a False Written Statement (Class A Misdemeanor).  The charge stems from a complaint made by the Livingston County Sheriff’s Department.  Wesche was processed, issued an appearance ticket and released.  Wesche is due to appear in Wellsville Village Court on November 19th at 4:30 pm.

Corning Reports Strong Third-Quarter 2024 Financial Results

CORNING, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Corning Incorporated (NYSE: GLW) today announced its third-quarter 2024 results and provided its outlook for fourth-quarter 2024.

 

Wendell P. Weeks, chairman and chief executive officer, said, “We delivered another strong quarter of year-over-year growth. Third-quarter core sales grew 8% to $3.73 billion, and core EPS grew 20% – more than double the rate of sales – to $0.54, with core operating margin expanding 160 basis points to 18.3%. These results demonstrate the powerful incrementals embedded in our ‘Springboard’ plan to add more than $3 billion in annualized sales – and achieve operating margin of 20% – by the end of 2026.”

 

Weeks continued, “In addition to delivering strong third-quarter results, we are marking strategic milestones in our ‘Springboard’ plan. In Display Technologies, we implemented price increases and expect to deliver segment net income of $900 million to $950 million in 2025 and to maintain net income margin of 25%. Additionally, in Optical Communications, our new products for generative AI are seeing strong demand and driving record year-over-year growth in our Enterprise business. We also recently announced a multiyear supply agreement, valued at more than $1 billion, with AT&T to provide next-generation fiber, cable, and connectivity solutions to support the expansion of AT&T’s fiber network and help bring high-speed internet to more Americans.”

 

 

Third-Quarter 2024 Financial Highlights:

  • GAAP sales were $3.39 billion. Core sales were $3.73 billion.
  • GAAP EPS was $(0.14). Core EPS was $0.54. The difference between GAAP and core EPS primarily reflected mainly non-cash, mark-to-market adjustments associated with the company’s translated earnings contracts and Japanese-yen-denominated debt; constant currency adjustments; and non-cash asset write-off charges.
  • GAAP gross margin was 33.5%, and core gross margin was 39.2%, reflecting 190-basis-point and 220-basis-point year-over-year improvement, respectively.
  • GAAP operating cash flow was $699 million, and adjusted free cash flow was $553 million.

 

Fourth-Quarter 2024 Outlook:

  • In the fourth quarter, management expects year-over-year sales growth to accelerate and EPS to grow faster than sales, with core sales of ~$3.75 billion and core EPS in the range of $0.53 to $0.57.

Full release here.

Obituary: Sylvia Jean Benjamin, 89, Angelica

Angelica – Sylvia Jean Benjamin, 89, passed away peacefully at home with her family in Angelica, New York, on Tuesday, October 22, 2024.


Sylvia was born on February 21, 1935, in Angelica, the daughter of the late James and Onalee Phippen Graham.

She graduated from the former Angelica Central School “Class of 1952”. Sylvia was known for her beautiful voice and she sang at many weddings and events. Her lovely voice always graced the services at St. Paul’s. She was a life-long member of St. Paul’s and served as treasurer for many years, as a vestry member and in the Altar Guild until her death. Sylvia retired in 1997 from Dresser-Rand as the manager of the machine shop. Upon retirement, she turned her energy to getting healthy and she went to the YMCA every day for many years. She credited that effort for her long and active life.

Sylvia was a loving and inspiring mother to her daughter, Cheryl, and taught that commitment to Faith and Family are the most important qualities we hold. Sylvia’s kind and generous heart was reflected in the joy she found in doing for others. She loved to bake for the church, her coworkers and most of all for her nephew. She always surprised him with a few loaves of banana bread or chocolates tucked in his truck. In her later years, Sylvia cherished her home by the creek. She continued to garden and mow her lawn until illness slowed her down. She always had time for a talk and a cup of tea, a very special lady.

She was predeceased by her parents; sister, Brenda Warner; husband, Don Benjamin and brother, Dale Graham. She is survived by her daughter, Cheryl Beebe (husband, Bill) Rose; her nieces, Becky Graham (husband, Donald) Brooks, Tammy (husband, James Cerullo) Warner; nephews, Daniel (wife, Mary) Warner, Ross (wife, Christine) Graham, Roy (wife, Nichole) Graham and Rich Graham ; her grand-nieces Paige (husband,Scott) Ludtka and Audrey Warner; grand-nephew Curtis Warner; and many beloved family and friends who touched her life.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, October 31, 1:00 PM at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Park Circle, Angelica. The Rev. Virginia Tyler Smith will officiate.

Memorials may be made to St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Angelica or the Angelica Hose Company. To send a remembrance please visit www.brownandpowersfuneralhomes.com of on Facebook @ Brown Powers FH.

Monday, October 28, 2024

Obituary: Jean M. Ball, 81, Arkport- grew up in the Alfred-Almond area

Jean M. Ball, 81, of Pine Knoll Park, Arkport, NY, died early Friday morning (October 25, 2024) following a long illness.

Born in Oneida, NY on January 31, 1943, she was the daughter of Milo & Mildred “June” (Hollenbeck) VanHall.

Jean grew up in the Alfred-Almond area and was a graduate of Alfred-Almond Central School (class of 1961).  She later earned her Business Degree from Alfred State College.

She was married on July 15, 1961 to Duane E. Ball.  Jean & Duane resided in Canisteo for over 30 years and for about 25 years lived in Rogersville, TN, moving to Arkport about three years ago.

Jean was a member of the Canisteo Baptist Church.

She was preceded in death her husband, Duane, who died April 2, 2022; and her sister, Beverly “Kay” Vaisey.

Surviving are 2 daughters, Lynda (Charles) Drum of Dansville and Sharon (Steve) Crandall of Hartsville; 3 grandchildren, Alisha (Mike) Searles, Katie (Jeffrey) Fetzner & Anthony Drum; 6 great-grandchildren; several nieces & nephews.

At Jean’s request there will be no calling hours.  Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.

Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.

Jean’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to the National Kidney Foundation, 30 East 33rd St., New York, NY  10016.

To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com.

Judge sends Wellsville man to state prison on Meth charge

 

ALLEGANY COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S OFFICE

IAN M. JONES, DISTRICT ATTORNEY

7 COURT STREET, ROOM 333

BELMONT, NY 14813

COURT REPORT

 

Defendant’s Name:  Matthew Saunders

Address:  Wellsville, New York       

Charges:       Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 2nd     
Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 3rd

 

Court Appearance Date:  October 28, 2024

Proceedings:  Matthew Saunders has been sentenced to 4 years in state prison, followed by 5 years of post-release supervision for drug crimes committed in the Village of Wellsville in November, 2023.  At the time, Saunders was found to be in possession of methamphetamine.   

  

Defendant’s Attorney:  Steven Sessler, Esq.       

Prosecuting Attorney:  Ian M. Jones, District Attorney     

Obituary: Thomas R. Lananger, 76, Richburg

 

Thomas R. Lananger:  Loving Husband, Father, Grandfather

Thomas R. Lananger, 76, of 2656 Harland Ames Road, Richburg, passed away Sunday, October 27, 2024 at the Olean General Hospital surrounded by his family.

Born on December 15, 1947, in Bradford, Pennsylvania, he was a son of Charles I. and Mary E. Champlin Lananger.  On June 25, 1966, in West Clarksville he married the former Mary E. Schultz who survives.  Together they enjoyed 58 years of marriage.

Thomas had worked for Darien Lake, but for many years was a self-employed contractor who enjoyed remodeling homes, roofing, and general contracting.  His family remarked that he was a jack of all trades and could fix anything.

He enjoyed fishing on his yearly trip to Virginia Beach, racing, playing cards, but most of all spending time with his family and especially his grandchildren.

Thomas was a life member of the Richburg Fire Department and attended North Park Wesleyan Church in Cuba.

In addition to the love his life Mary, he is survived by a son Randy (Susan) Lananger of Olean; three daughters Mary Colley of Bolivar, Lisa (Shaun) Fisher of Friendship and Barbara (Brian) White of Black Creek; His grandchildren Brandi (Mike), Robin (Steve), Randy (Brittnee), Jonathan, Shaniah (Wyatt), Trevor, Dakota, Brevin, Logan, Brayden, Briana, Brecken, Zachary, Brittney, and Kelsey; 11 great grandchildren; a brother Steve (Donna) Lananger of Scio; three sisters of Bolivar, Patricia (Leon) Button of Portville, Joyce (Oscar) Gaines of Bolivar; Many Nieces and Nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a daughter Rhonda M. Lananger whom passed in infancy, two brothers Charles Lananger and James Lananger, and two sisters Geraldine Cook and Beverly Lawton.

A Celebration of Life will be held on his 77th Birthday (December 15, 2024) at the Richburg Firemen’s Clubhouse, Griffin Street, Richburg from Noon until 3:00 P.M.

Arrangements are under direction of the Mark F. Rinker Funeral Home & Memorial Service, Inc., Bolivar.

Obituary: Arthur W. Lovel, 95, Wellsville

Wellsville, NY – Arthur W. Lovel, 95, of Rauber Street, passed away on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at St. James Hospital in Hornell. He was born July 20, 1929, in Sabinsville, PA, the son of the late John Edwin Sr. and Viola Etta (Thompson) Lovell. On February 14, 1953, in Harrison Valley, PA, he married Loretta Mae Stone, who predeceased him on May 4, 2018.

Art was raised in Harrison Valley and was a Harrison Valley High School graduate. From 1951 to 1953 he honorably served with the United States Army, during the Korean War. After his service, he continued his education at St. Bonaventure University, earning his bachelor’s degree in business. He found his career at Air Preheater for 32 years, retiring in 1986. Outside of his employment, he was a previous 50-year member of the Christian Temple, attended the United Methodist Church, and was a recent convert of Catholicism; he was also a member of the Wellsville Lions Club and VFW. With Loretta, he was an avid member of the Family Campers and RVers Organizations, including P.A.L.s, 39ers, and Top the Hill Chapters. He was a life-long history buff and would read any-and-everything to do with War History.

He is survived by: three children, Connie M. Ramsey of Ocean Isle Beach, NC, Curtis Arthur (Mary Lou) Lovel of Sebastian, FL, and Camille Lynne (Todd) Kenny of Fredericksburg, VA; six grandchildren, Christopher Ramsey, Kimberly (Nat) Wilson, Brian (Miranda) Ramsey, Derek (Stephanie) Lovel, Jordan (Brock) Eveland, Dustin (Emily) Kenny; eight great-grandchildren; cousins, Linda & Nyhl Austin of Wellsville; sister-in-law, Geraldine Wood nee Stone of Kossuth; companion Geraldine Bassney, and her family, of Tioga, PA; as well as several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, and wife of 65 years, he was predeceased by: his four siblings, Hazel Witaker, Almyra Lovel, John Lovel Jr., and Mary Barr.

A Memorial Mass is being planned for Summer 2025. A private family burial will be held in Woodlawn Cemetery. Please consider memorial donations to Allegany County Cancer Services, 17 Maple Avenue Box 534, Wellsville, NY 14895; or to the Allegany County Comfort House, 141 East State Street, Wellsville, NY 14895. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com .


Weird races in Allegany County 2024

Weird races in Allegany County 2024

Many Allegany County residents are used to heading to the polls, or doing some other form of voting in which the person selects between candidate A, B, C, etc. However, that is not the case in five communities in Allegany County. These are races in which there is no candidate. Wanna be a justice? You could be one with just a single write-in vote (if it was only that easy for me). Here is the breakdown:

·         Town of Allen-Council member to fill a vacancy: The brave soul with the most write-in ballots…wins!

·         Town of Alma- No one chose (formally) to be the sanctioned candidate for Town Justice…so the highest write-in vote wins!

·         In the town of Birdsall, there is an unfilled spot to serve on the town board. It’s the friends and family plan!

·         Scio needs a town justice; it is a fairly active court. No one wanted the job officially…so, top write-in wins.

·         Then there is Willing. They need a council member, but there was no interest. Again, it comes down to a write-in race.

AT&T and Corning Expand Collaboration with Multi-Year Purchase Agreement

DALLAS and CORNING, N.Y.  AT&T (NYSE: T) today announced a multi-year purchase agreement with Corning Incorporated (NYSE: GLW) to provide next-generation fiber, cable, and connectivity solutions to support the expansion of AT&T’s fiber network and help bring high-speed internet to more Americans.

AT&T, the largest fiber internet provider in the U.S.*, is expanding its network to bring world-class fiber to more people and places across the country. As Corning’s largest customer with preferential volume status for Corning’s connectivity solutions, AT&T can accelerate its network expansion and enhance network performance while minimizing deployment costs. The agreement, valued at more than $1 billion, builds on the decades-long collaboration between AT&T and Corning.

AT&T will use the latest additions to Corning's Evolv® portfolio of connectivity solutions, including Evolv® FlexNAP™ with Multifiber Pushlok® Technology, which will be compliant with the Build America, Buy America provisions of the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment program (BEAD).

“We’ve built the nation’s fastest broadband network,” said John Stankey, CEO of AT&T. “This new multi-year agreement with Corning helps us to connect more households, communities, and businesses with the high-speed, reliable internet they need to thrive in a digital world.”

“As data and bandwidth requirements continue to grow, Corning is committed to the work of ensuring all Americans have access to reliable, high-speed fiber connections,” said Wendell P. Weeks, chairman and CEO, Corning Incorporated. “By extending our longtime relationship with AT&T, we're helping bring the transformational benefits of fiber to more people and communities. We share a fundamental belief that the more people you connect, the more value you create. And optical fiber is bringing people together at an unprecedented scale.”

With the best fixed broadband product, AT&T is expanding its network through organic investment, its Gigapower joint venture with BlackRock, and several recently announced commercial open-access agreements. AT&T recently delivered its fifth straight quarter of broadband subscriber growth, passing 28.3M consumer and business locations and remains on pace to pass 30M+ by the end of 2025.

Wellsville Town Board hold Special Meeting Oct. 29th

REMINDER:

Town of Wellsville

Public Notice

The Town of Wellsville will hold a Special Meeting on Tuesday, October 29, 2024 at 6 PM at the Wellsville Municipal Airport at 2600 Tarantine Blvd, Wellsville, NY 14895. The purpose of the meeting will be to discuss the execution of a BAN for New Municipal Building and Town of Wellsville Budget Workshop for 2025.


Town Clerk

Danielle Osgood

BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD

Early voting appears popular with GOP in Allegany County

Early voting seems to suit Republicans in Allegany County. Since Saturday, 653 members of the GOP in the county cast ballots. On Sunday, another 232 Republicans voted. Meanwhile, 342 Democrats voted during early voting since Saturday. Slightly more than 100 Dems cast votes on Sunday. Stats show that in voting over the weekend, 215 people identified as "other." Countywide, 1,210 people have cast early ballots in Allegany County. On Saturday, 803 votes were cast with an additional 407 on Sunday. Across the five precincts in Wellsville, 626 people have participated in early voting.

Early voting continues Monday (10/28/24) at the Board of Elections in Belmont (8 Willets Ave) from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; The Wellsville Village Office (23 N. Main) from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and at Alfred State College (1154 Lower College Drive) from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.