New York State Department of Health Declares Influenza Is No Longer Prevalent in New York

ALBANY, N.Y. – With cases of influenza continuing to decline in New York State, Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald has announced that flu is no longer prevalent in the State for the 2024-25 influenza season. The declaration lifts the masking requirement for health care workers who are not vaccinated against flu.

"As influenza season winds down and the flu virus is no longer prevalent in New York, we are lifting the longstanding masking requirement for health care workers in hospitals, nursing homes, and adult care facilities who chose not to get their annual flu shot," State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. "However, as influenza continues to circulate, I recommend appropriate precautions, such as performing good hand hygiene and staying home from work or school if you are sick to prevent spreading illness."

Commissioner McDonald declared flu prevalent in New York on December 18, 2024, which required regulated facilities such as hospitals, nursing homes, and adult care facilities to ensure that health care personnel who were not vaccinated against influenza wear a mask in those areas where patients and residents are likely to be present. With flu no longer prevalent in the State, the masking requirement has been lifted.

Alfred police officer recognized in Albany

Today APD Officer Alexandra Rosell was in Albany to receive a Recognition of Excellence Award from Mothers Against Drunk Driving, STOP-DWI, & The Governors Traffic Safety Committee at the 2025 Annual NYS Law Enforcement Recognition Luncheon. OIC Sergeant Joshua VanSkiver was in attendance to celebrate the honor. Congratulations Officer Rosell!

Allegany County to celebrate Older Americans Month

 

Celebrating Older Americans Month 2025!

 

When Older Americans Month was established in 1963, only 17 million living Americans had reached their 65th birthday. About a third of older Americans lived in poverty and there were few programs to meet their needs. Interest in older Americans and their concerns was growing. A meeting in April 1963 between President John F. Kennedy and members of the National Council of Senior Citizens led to designating May as “Senior Citizens Month,” the prelude to “Older Americans Month.” 

 

Older Americans Month has been a time to acknowledge the contributions of past and current older persons to our country, particularly those who defended our country. Historically, every President since Kennedy has issued a formal proclamation during or before the month of May asking that the entire nation pay tribute in some way to older persons in their communities.  Older Americans Month is celebrated across the country through ceremonies, events, fairs, and other activities.

 

During May 2025, the Office for the Aging will be honoring older adults across Allegany County by hosting May parties at each of the Office for the Aging’s Congregate Luncheon centers. We invite you to join us in celebrating Older Americans by sharing a great meal while enjoying guest speakers and/or entertainment with your friends, family, and peers. Join us at any of our 9 site May Parties! Locations, dates and times are as follows;

 

Alfred– Union University Church– 5 Church St., Tuesday, May 6^th; 11:30-1:30

Belmont– Belmont Legion, 29 Schuyler St., Thursday May 15^th ; 11-1     

Bolivar-Richburg– Richburg Fireman’s Clubhouse, 143 Griffin St., Wednesday, May 21^st; 11:30-1:30

Canaseraga– Canaseraga Fire Hall, Route 70, Thursday, May 2^nd ; 11:30-1:30

Cuba– Arnold Community Center/Fire Hall; 38 E. Main St.; Thursday May 22^nd ; 11:30-1:30

Fillmore– Fillmore Fire Hall, Route 19, Thursday, May 15^th; 11:30-1:30

Wellsville– Grace United Church, 89 N. Main St., Thursday, May 22^nd; 11:30-1:30

Whitesville– Whitesville Fire Hall, 496 Main St., Wednesday May 21^st; 11:30-1:30

 

Call our office at 585-268-9390 to register for any May Party you would like to attend!

SEMPOLINSKI: BUDGET FIASCO NOW REDEFINES INCOMPETENCE

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: April 30, 2025

 

SEMPOLINSKI: BUDGET FIASCO NOW REDEFINES INCOMPETENCE

Gov. Hochul Budget Announcement was Premature – No Budget Bills Yet

 

ALBANY – Assemblyman Joe Sempolinski said Gov. Hochul was premature in announcing a budget deal late Monday and that no budget is before the Assembly to vote on.

               

“Well, she jumped the gun big time,” Assembly Sempolinski said. “What Gov. Hochul tried to do with her press conference was make a budget deal happen just by saying it had happened. She basically got stood up at the altar by the Democrat legislative majorities. It’s a complete boondoggle and it would be funny if the governor wasn’t talking about spending more than a quarter of a trillion dollars, which is irresponsible on its face.”

 

                Gov. Hochul announced late Monday that she had reached agreement on a $254 billion state budget with the Democrat leaders of the Assembly and Senate. However, those leaders have now said that Gov. Hochul’s announcement was “premature” and that no deal has been reached.

 

                “This is a whole new level of incompetence by those currently running things in Albany,” Assemblyman Sempolinski said. “The most fundamental role of government is to pass an on-time budget. The Democrats in Albany seem pathologically incapable of doing that.”

 

“What this highlights is the need to fix the state budget process and restore common-sense spending practices,” Assemblyman Sempolinski said. “We shouldn’t have three people in a room deciding the budget and the laws for 20 million. That’s not representative democracy.”

 

Assemblyman Joe Sempolinski represents the 148^th New York Assembly District, which consists of all of Cattaraugus and Allegany counties and portions of Steuben County. For more information, visit Assemblyman Sempolinski’s website.

REMINDER- Village of Wellsville power outage this weekend

 

Wellsville web address changes

The Village of Wellsville website address has changed to - Wellsvillevillageny.gov

Wellsville school production earns awards

Photo and information from the Wellsville School District:

BRAVO to the cast, crew, and production staff of the Secondary School’s Spring Production of “Legally Blonde: The Musical” who were recently honored by the Theatre Association of New York State with the following awards: Meritorious Achievement in Ensemble Performance to the Cast; Meritorious Achievement in Performance to Maddie Muurisepp for the portrayal of Elle Woods; Meritorious Achievement in Performance to Maddison Baker for the portrayal of Paulette Buonofuonte; Meritorious Achievement in Scenic Design to Mark Corwine; Meritorious Achievement in Costume Design to Amy Thomas and Susan Ralyea; Meritorious Achievement in Light Design to Diane Willard; Excellence in Musical Performance to Matthew Purks-Morris and the Orchestra; and Excellence in Choreography to Kate Martelle and the Ensemble.

Highway workers remembered

 

From the New York State Thruway Authority:

Tuesday, two new memorials were ceremonially added at the Fallen Workers Memorial on the NYS Fairground honoring our fallen brothers, Vinny Giammarva and Steve Ebling, who were tragically killed in 2024. Each of these 80 vests and hard hats which represent a life cut short. 🦺

Town of Wellsville sets public hearing on battery storage moratorium

LEGAL NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a public hearing will be held by the Wellsville Town Board, Allegany County, New York at the Wellsville Municipal Airport -Town Office, in said Town of Wellsville, May 14, 2025 at 6:30 PM for the purpose of discussing Battery Storage Moratorium for solar facilities. All persons interested in this matter will be heard at such time and place.

Danielle Osgood, Town Clerk

BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD

Cuba Police Department’s Officer of the Year

The Cuba Police Department’s Officer of the Year award is presented annually to recognize an officer’s exceptional performance and contributions to the department’s overall success during the preceding year. This award is bestowed upon an officer who exemplifies professionalism, self-initiative, and adherence to ethical standards far beyond the norm.

As defined, the Officer of the Year award is not solely awarded to an officer who has performed a few exceptional acts throughout the year. Rather, it recognizes an officer who consistently demonstrates reliability, dependability, and a commitment to excellence. Officer Kendra Waters has consistently embodied these qualities throughout 2024 and has added invaluable experience and knowledge to the department.

Officer Waters is an asset to the department, always willing to assist and take on additional responsibilities. She has excelled in her role as property room manager and consistently prioritizes the department’s best interests. Her dedication and pride in her work make her a deserving recipient of the Officer of the Year award

New York State Police Blotter – April 29, 2025

New York State Police Blotter – April 29, 2025

4/29/25 1:42 p.m.- On April 24, state police were called in investigate a burglary in the town of Wirt. On Tuesday, state police arrested Robert D. Saunders, 42, of Bolivar charging him with felony second-degree burglary. Troopers also arrested Tabitha A. Main, 34, of Bolivar. She was also charged with felony burglary. Troopers additionally charged Saunders with criminal possession of a controlled substance. Borth were transported to the Allegany County Jail to await Central arraignment.

4/29/25 5:43 p.m.- during a welfare check in the town of Arcade, Warsaw-based state police arrested David G. Heckathorn, 54, of Arcade. He was charged with criminal contempt for allegedly violating a court order. A court appearance is pending.

PA: Man, child killed-2 other children badly hurt in Route 6 crash involving a school vehicle

 

Alfred State and Alfred University Announce The Alfred Cup Competition

Today, the Alfred State athletic department and the Alfred University athletic department introduced ‘The Alfred Cup’ ahead of the 2025-26 competition season. 

Video: Alfred Cup Press Conference
Video Recap of Alfred Cup Press Conference
Photos: Alfred Cup Photo Gallery

The Alfred Cup, sponsored by the Power and Construction Group, Inc. and SERVU Credit Union, will be an annual competition between Alfred University and Alfred State athletic teams. The Alfred Cup will highlight the unique setting of two NCAA Division III members located in the same upstate New York town. 

In a Washington Post ranking of the Ultimate College Town, Alfred was ranked number one and reporter Andrew Van Dam called Alfred “the collegiest”, a term he coined. In the data analysis by Van Dam, the Alfred community, with a population of 4,026, was shown to be made up of 85% college students.  As Van Dam described, “If you go left at the town’s only stoplight, you’re on one campus. Turn right, you’re on the other. Now that’s a college town.”

The competition, set to begin this fall, uses a point-based system that awards two points for a win, one point for a tie, and zero points for a loss in head-to-head matchups or predetermined meets amongst varsity intercollegiate varsity programs.  

Associate Vice President for Student Experience, Athletics & Recreation, Deb Steward from Alfred University and Director of Athletics, Jason Doviak, from Alfred State collaborated to create this unique competition.

“As part of The Alfred Cup, besides outstanding competition, supporting our Alfred community will be an important aspect of this initiative,” Steward said. “From our football teams’ commitment to the National Marrow Donor Program to our other teams supporting families during the holidays and food drives, we are committed to The Alfred Cup making a positive impact on our community. We are also thrilled to partner with the Power and Construction Group to design and build the traveling trophy. The Power and Construction Group installed the infamous lone traffic light in Alfred which is located at the intersection of our two campuses. We are grateful for their shared excitement in The Alfred Cup.”

With its roots in Western New York, the Power and Construction Group is a well-established utility services company that was founded in 1970.

"The Alfred Cup represents more than just competition—it’s an opportunity to celebrate the uniqueness of our community where two NCAA Division III Institutions sit across the street from one another,” Doviak said. “This competition will bring out the best in our student-athletes and create lasting moments for our campuses, community, and fans. We’re excited to launch this annual tradition and look forward to the energy, excitement, and camaraderie it will bring to our village."

The sports eligible for The Alfred Cup competition are men's and women's cross country, football, men's and women's soccer, women’s volleyball, football, men's and women's basketball, men’s and women’s swimming & diving, baseball, men's and women's lacrosse, softball, and men’s and women’s track & field. 

For the football head-to-head matchups, Alfred University and Alfred State will additionally compete for the ‘Traffic Light Trophy’, which will be up for grabs each fall moving forward. Beginning in the fall of 2025, Alfred State will compete as an Empire 8 affiliate member in the sport of football. 

The points will be tracked throughout the fall, winter, and springs seasons and after competition concludes, a winner will be determined based upon the total amount of points earned.  A trophy, designed to mirror the stoplight that separates both institutions on Main Street, will be presented to the winning institution annually in May. 

New Carnegie Honors Prove Alfred State is #1

Alfred State College (ASC) earned a No. 1 ranking in the US among colleges and universities through analysis of a coveted dual recognition from the Carnegie Foundation’s newly expanded classifications. The two designations are for career-readiness with applied learning and for offering a combination of high student access with exceptional graduate earnings.

Only three public schools across the country received both the prestigious designations of “Applied and Career Studies” and “Opportunity College and University: Higher Access & Higher Earnings” while also being recognized by Carnegie for offering a choice of two-year associate and four-year bachelor’s degrees. Alfred State not only earned both Carnegie designations but also scored highest among the three institutions, demonstrating the college’s commitment to student success and social mobility.

“For years, universities have taken great pride in Carnegie Classifications for excellence in research,” said Dr. Steven Mauro, President of Alfred State. “We’re thrilled that Carnegie now recognizes what we’ve always prioritized, life-changing outcomes for students and a return on investment for families. We’re proud that ASC stands out nationally.”

Alfred State is the only public college in New York to be recognized for the “Applied and Career Studies” special focus. ASC qualified for the honor by offering a wide variety of associate and bachelor’s degrees with a strong focus on real-world, hands-on education, including high-demand skilled trades.

In addition, Alfred State’s designation as an “Opportunity College and University” places the college among just 16 percent nationally, and one of only seven State University of New York (SUNY) campuses with this distinction. To earn placement on this elite list, universities and colleges must:

• Provide greater economic mobility measured by the number of Pell Grant recipients served and other signs of inclusion.
• Deliver exceptional median earnings eight years after graduation, compared to peers with only a high school diploma.

“Our students are supported by what we call the ‘A-Team’ for a full network of wraparound services that extend from academic and financial guidance to health, safety, and career services,” said Dr. Carrie Cokely, VP of Academic Affairs. “At the heart is our Center for Academic Resources and Excellence (CARE). The dedication by our faculty, tutors, and staff to assist students shows how we truly care from your first year through graduation.”

Among the three public institutions recognized for both designations and offering two-year and four-year degrees, Alfred State led in access and earnings:

College	Classification	Degrees	Student Access & Earnings	Access Score	Earnings Score	Pell %
Alfred State College - SUNY	Applied and Career Studies	Assoc. & Bach.	Higher Access & Higher Earnings	2.14	1.49	45%
Public Tech School in Washington State	Applied and Career Studies	Assoc. & Bach.	Higher Access & Higher Earnings	1.47	1.35	33%
Public Tech School in Pennsylvania	Applied and Career Studies	Assoc. & Bach.	Higher Access & Higher Earnings	1.00	1.44	32%

A score of 1.00 indicates that a college is average for its region. ASC’s access score of 2.14 means that the college offers access that is more than double the socio-economic composition of the region. The 1.49 earnings score means median earnings of graduates are 49 percent more than high school graduates aged 22-40 in the region. 

College leaders believe Carnegie’s classifications affirm Alfred State’s national leadership in hands-on, career-focused education, while providing both opportunity and outcomes. 

More information regarding ASC honors is available at www.AlfredState.edu/rankings. 

About the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching: The mission of the Carnegie Foundation is to catalyze transformational change in education so that every student has the opportunity to live a healthy, dignified, and fulfilling life. Enacted by an act of Congress in 1906, the Foundation has a rich history of driving transformational change in the education sector, including the establishment of TIAA-CREF and the creation of the Education Testing Service, the GRE, Pell Grants, and the Carnegie Classifications for Higher Education. Carnegie Classifications Database

About the American Council on Education: ACE unites and leads higher education institutions toward a shared vision for the future. With more than 1,600 member colleges, universities, and associations, ACE designs solutions for today’s challenges and advances public policy to support a diverse and dynamic higher education sector. www.ACEnet.edu

Details of Alfred State Analysis: A focused comparative analysis searched for key performance data from the Carnegie Foundation’s newly expanded classification system to highlight Alfred State's national leadership. This evaluation examined three critical measures of an "Opportunity College and University:" the Access Score, which reflects how effectively a college enrolls students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds; the Earnings Score, which compares graduate income to regional norms for high school graduates; and the percentage of Pell Grant recipients, a strong indicator of support for low-income students.

Among thousands of US institutions listed by Carnegie, only three public colleges in the nation met all the following criteria:

1. Recognition as an Opportunity College or University with Higher Access and Higher Earnings,
2. A special focus on Applied and Career Studies,
3. A commitment to offering bachelor’s degrees and associate programs.

Alfred State not only earned this rare distinction, but it also led the group to rank number one in each key performance indicator. This demonstrates a powerful combination of access, outcomes, and hands-on career readiness that is unique to ASC.

The next Carnegie Classifications will be released in 2028. 

Obituary: Diane F. Maynard, 74, of Belmont

Diane F. Maynard, 74, of Belmont, passed away on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at Jones Memorial Hospital with her family at her side. She was born October 6, 1950, in Wellsville, the daughter of the late Arthur and Audrey (Johnson) Fuller. On May 15, 1971, in Rochester she married John Maynard who survives.

Diane was a 1968 graduate of Belmont Central School and 1970 graduate of the University of Rochester Medical Center at Strong Memorial Hospital School of Radiology. She was previously employed at Strong Memorial Hospital, Highland Hospital, and Westfall Medical Center. She moved back to Belmont in 1980 and with her husband, co-owned and operated Maynard’s Groceries and Gas for 20 years. She was a member of Holy Family Parish, the American Legion Auxiliary Unit #808, and a former member of the Genesee Valley Chorus.

She enjoyed her grandchildren, summers at their cottage on Rushford Lake, singing, bowling, gardening, playing cards, and spending time with friends.

In addition to her husband, John, she is survived by a son, Alan (Christina) Maynard of Lebanon, NH; a daughter, Sarah (Mark) Hunter of Belmont; 4 grandchildren: Dahlia and Payton Maynard, and Nolan and Finn Hunter; 3 brothers,: Daryl (Mary) Fuller, and Douglas Fuller of Belmont, and Darren (Ruby) Fuller of Gautier, MS; and several brothers and sisters in law; as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by two brothers: Duane Fuller and Duncan Fuller.

Friends are invited to call on Friday, May 2, 2025, from 2 – 4 pm and 6 – 8 pm, and Saturday, May 3, from 1 – 3 pm, at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home of Belmont, 17 Schuyler Street. A Private graveside service will be held in Forest Hills Cemetery. Please consider memorial donations to 1Voice Foundation, 1935 Camp Florida Road, Brandon, FL 33510, https://1voicefoundation.org/. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Obituary: Joyce Marie KENYON, nee Lockwood, 65, of Olean

Joyce Marie KENYON, nee Lockwood, 65, of Olean, NY, passed away on April 28, 2025 with family members in Alfred Station, NY after a long illness.  Joyce was born on November 2, 1959, in Cuba, NY.  She attended Franklinville School.  In 1976, he married Randy W. Kenyon (subsequently divorced), and they had seven children together.  She was a devoted and loving mother and grandmother.  She spent much of her life as a dedicated nurse and truly loved caring for others.  She enjoyed gardening, sewing and quilting, cooking, and crafts, and found joy in family and the blessings in everyday life.  Joyce's life was built upon a foundation of strength, kindness, compassion, and faith.  She was a beautiful soul who is remembered for her kindness, grace, and ability to smile through adversity.  Joyce was predeceased by her parents, Nancy Smith Lockwood and Adelbert “Jim” Lockwood; her brother, Daniel Lockwood; her son, Randy J. Kenyon; and a great-grandson. Holden Perry.  Joyce is survived by her granddaughter, Gabrielle Kenyon, whom she loved dearly, cared for, and adopted; her children, Jean Marble, Bambie (Jason) Knouse, Fawn (Matthew) Lauber, Tiffany Close, Joyus (Kenny) Moule, and Shane (Claudia) Kenyon; as well as five siblings, Sandra (Lee) Kenyon, James (Deborah) Lockwood, Laurie (Arnold) Jimmerson, Michael Lockwood, and Dawn (Robert) Brown; 24 grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hinsdale United Methodist Church, 3838 Church Street, Hinsdale, NY 14743.  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.olneyfoust.com.

OLEAN WOMAN ARRESTED, CHARGED WITH MULTIPLE DRUG AND GUN CHARGES FOR HER ROLE IN OLEAN DRUG RING

 BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Janine McKenney, 42, of Olean, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine, which carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, and a maximum of life, and being a felon in possession of a firearm, which carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey E. Intravatola, who is handling the case, stated that on February 17, 2025, Erie County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a report of a female slumped over in a vehicle at a gas station in Springville, NY. When deputies arrived, the female had departed the gas station. A short time later, they located the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop. During the traffic stop, the driver, later identified as McKenney, provided a false name to deputies. She was detained after a deputy observed a glass pipe designed for smoking crack cocaine in the. While exiting the vehicle, McKenney appeared to be attempting to conceal a suspected crack cocaine rock, which came to rest on the driver’s seat of the vehicle. During a search of the vehicle, deputies discovered a quantity of narcotics, including methamphetamine. The following day, on February 18, 2025, deputies conducted an intake search of McKenney at the Erie County Sheriff’s Office Holding Center and discovered three bags of suspected narcotics on McKenney’s person.  A subsequent search of McKenney’s cell phone various photographs of ledgers, firearms, and suspected narcotics that appear to be packaged for sale.

Later in the evening on February 18, 2025, investigators executed a search warrant at McKenney’s Olean residence. McKenney utilized her residence while engaging in drug trafficking activities. During the search, quantities of suspected cocaine, morphine pills, and drug paraphernalia were recovered. In addition, three loaded pistols, ammunition and $2519.00 in cash was also recovered. Two of the three pistols were previously reported stolen. In November 2014, McKenney was convicted of a drug felony in New York State Court and is legally prohibited from possessing a firearm.

The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Safe Streets Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff John Garcia, the Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Eric Butler, the Olean Police Department, under the direction of Chief Ron Richardson, and the New York State Police, under the direction of Amie Feroleto.

The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.     

Severe Thunderstorm Watch for Allegany County

 

Radar valid at 329 pm EDT, Apr 29th 2025

NYC003-009-011-013-029-037-045-049-051-055-063-069-073-075-117-
121-300200-
/O.NEW.KBUF.SV.A.0191.250429T1928Z-250430T0200Z/

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAS ISSUED SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH
191 IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 PM EDT THIS EVENING FOR THE FOLLOWING
AREAS

IN NEW YORK THIS WATCH INCLUDES 16 COUNTIES

IN CENTRAL NEW YORK

CAYUGA JEFFERSON LEWIS
OSWEGO

IN WESTERN NEW YORK

ALLEGANY CATTARAUGUS CHAUTAUQUA
ERIE GENESEE LIVINGSTON
MONROE NIAGARA ONTARIO
ORLEANS WAYNE WYOMING

THIS INCLUDES THE CITIES OF AUBURN, BATAVIA, BUFFALO,
CANANDAIGUA, FAIR HAVEN, GENESEO, JAMESTOWN, LOWVILLE, MEDINA,
NEWARK, NIAGARA FALLS, OLEAN, OSWEGO, ROCHESTER, WARSAW,
WATERTOWN, AND WELLSVILLE.

EMS plans in NYS state actually changed in 1994

Michael Baldwin - I caused a major change to EMS volunteer response operations in NYS in 1994. Tired of a flashing Green/Blue light, stuck at a traffic signal as a baby choked...I used my political skill to affect change. I first reached out to (then) and now the late NYS Senator Pat McGee. She heard me, understood me and jumped into action with instructions. She directed the matter to an attorney for the DMV. This was the response: (below)Within a few months of debate, New York agreed with me that volunteer EMS needed to arrive at the scene of a life-saving event...a tad quicker. I am a Dem...Pat was a Rep.---we worked together for the community good. (God, I miss those days).

Obituary: Dennis Zielinski, 76, Cuba

 

Dennis Zielinski:  Beloved Father, Grandfather, Friend

Dennis Zielinski, 76, of 3 Barnes Court, Cuba, passed away Saturday, April 26, 2025 at his sons home surrounded by family after a battle with cancer. 

Born June 24, 1948, in Cheektowaga, New York he was a son of Edmund and Helen (Kochanski) Zielinski.

He was a graduate of Cheektowaga Central School.  He then served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War from 1967-70.

He worked as a mechanic for McKean Machinery, Witherell’s Garage, and then worked for Dresser Rand as a Machinist starting in Olean and finished his career in Wellsville after 32 years.

He was a member of the Cuba American Legion Post 655, Shawn M. Clemens Memorial AmVets Post 1 of Cuba, and the Cuba VFW Post 2721.  He enjoyed fishing, local dirt track racing, NASCAR, watching the Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres with his two sons, but loved attending all of his grandchildren’s concerts and sporting events.  He always looked forward to daily visits with his friends at Haskins Garage and attending the auto auctions.

He is survived by 4 sons, Toby (Cheryl) Zielinski of Lampasas, Texas; Keith (Pamela) Zielinski of Eldred, Pennsylvania; Jason (Lillian Mahon) Zielinski of Cuba and Brian Zielinski of Texas; His Grandchildren Brenden, Jacob, Joshua, Tenley, Katie, Kellie, and Jennifer; Several Great grandchildren; A Sister Carole Bodge  of Daytona, Florida; A niece of Dori Campo of Palatka, Florida; 2 Nephews, Wade Caster and Kevin Caster; Several other nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a granddaughter Cassie, a brother Edmund Zielinski, and a sister Rita Caster.

Friends will be received at the Mark F. Rinker Funeral Home & Memorial Service, Inc., 9 Bull Street, Cuba, on Sunday, May 4, 2025 from 1-3 P.M. at which time a Memorial Service will be held.  Pastor Claudia Little, will officiate.  A Celebration of Life will be held at the convenience of the family. 

In lieu of flowers, Memorial may be made to the Kevin Guest House, 782 Ellicott Street, Buffalo, New York 14203., passed away Saturday, April 26, 2025 at his sons home surrounded by family after a battle with cancer. 

Born June 24, 1948, in Cheektowaga, New York he was a son of Edmund and Helen (Kochanski) Zielinski.

He was a graduate of Cheektowaga Central School.  He then served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War from 1967-70.

He worked as a mechanic for McKean Machinery, Witherell’s Garage, and then worked for Dresser Rand as a Machinist starting in Olean and finished his career in Wellsville after 32 years.

He was a member of the Cuba American Legion Post 655, Shawn M. Clemens Memorial AmVets Post 1 of Cuba, and the Cuba VFW Post 2721.  He enjoyed fishing, local dirt track racing, NASCAR, watching the Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres with his two sons, but loved attending all of his grandchildren’s concerts and sporting events.  He always looked forward to daily visits with his friends at Haskins Garage and attending the auto auctions.

He is survived by 4 sons, Toby (Cheryl) Zielinski of Lampasas, Texas; Keith (Pamela) Zielinski of Eldred, Pennsylvania; Jason (Lillian Mahon) Zielinski of Cuba and Brian Zielinski of Texas; His Grandchildren Brenden, Jacob, Joshua, Tenley, Katie, Kellie, and Jennifer; Several Great grandchildren; A Sister Carole Bodge  of Daytona, Florida; A niece of Dori Campo of Palatka, Florida; 2 Nephews, Wade Caster and Kevin Caster; Several other nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a granddaughter Cassie, a brother Edmund Zielinski, and a sister Rita Caster.

Friends will be received at the Mark F. Rinker Funeral Home & Memorial Service, Inc., 9 Bull Street, Cuba, on Sunday, May 4, 2025 from 1-3 P.M. at which time a Memorial Service will be held.  Pastor Claudia Little, will officiate.  A Celebration of Life will be held at the convenience of the family. 

In lieu of flowers, Memorial may be made to the Kevin Guest House, 782 Ellicott Street, Buffalo, New York 14203.

Obituary: Rebecca A. Webster, 68, of Scio

Rebecca A. Webster, 68, of Scio, passed away on Friday, April 25, 2025, at Olean General Hospital family by her side. She was born on February 12, 1957, in Olean, the daughter of the late Gordon and Jean (Keesler) Eck. On September 17, 1977, in Scio, she married George Webster, who survives.

Becky was a graduate of Richburg High School. Upon graduating, she joined the workforce and was employed by several local organizations, such as: Friendship Dairies, McDonalds, and Scio Central School for many years. Outside of work, she enjoyed playing bingo, fishing, hunting, playing cards, going to the casino, dancing, and camping.

In addition to her husband of 47 years, George, she is survived by: four children, Shane (Ahsley) Eck of Washington State, Don (Jean) Webster of Scio, Bill (Chasity “Button” Rowland) Webster of Shongo, and Jennifer Webster of Belmont; six grandchildren, Dean Becker, Caleb Webster, Dakota Clark, Jordyn Webster, Jerred Eck, and Lelynn Kane; two brothers, David (Debbie) Eck of Friendship and Daniel Eck of Scio; as well as several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by: a granddaughter, Krysta Kane; a sister, Juanita Eck; two brothers, Michael Eck and Brete Eck; and a nephew, Cory Eck.

Friends are invited to call on Saturday, May 3, 2025, from 1 – 3 pm at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home of Wellsville, 34 West State Street. Her funeral will follow at 3 pm in the funeral home with Rev. Carl Kemp presiding. Please consider memorial donations to the Scio Volunteer Fire Department, 4359 County Road 10, Scio, NY 14880. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com. 

Sheriff: 3rd Annual ACSO Awards/Promotion Ceremony