Date: Monday April 7, 2025
Wellsville Police acting on an Arrest Warrant, arrested Amy L. Petrillo, age 45 of Wellsville, charging her with Harassment 2nd (Violation). The charge stems from an incident that took place on March 31st on North Main Street. Petrillo was processed and transported to the Allegany County Jail pending arraignment in CAP Court. Petrillo is due to appear in Wellsville Village Court at a later date.
This past Saturday night, the Whitesville Volunteer Fire Department gathered for our Annual Dinner—a night of celebration, reflection, and appreciation for the incredible dedication shown by our members throughout the year.
We’re proud to officially introduce our 2025 Officers and Chiefs:
Chief (50): Todd Sherman
1st Assistant Chief (501): Josh Kear
2nd Assistant Chief (502): Greg Howe
President: Jim Waite
Vice President: John Kuhn
Treasurer: Roger Easton
Secretary: Mike Hall
Chaplain: Cory Hixson
A huge congratulations to our Award Recipients for 2024:
Top 6 Responders (out of 62 calls):
Todd Sherman - 53
Cory Hixson - 42
Denny Erdmann - 36
AJ Kuhn - 34
Greg Howe - 31
Spencer Mattison - 30
Top Responder Award: Cory Hixson
Top Driver Award: Denny Erdmann
Chief’s Award: Spencer Mattison
Past President’s Award: Denny Erdmann
25 Years - Life Member Recognition: Jason Fry
Over 20 Years of Dedicated Service as a Line Officer: Brad Mattison
We’re incredibly proud of the hard work, commitment, and heart every member puts into serving our community. Here’s to another year of service, strength, and community.
For the 2024-2025 academic year, the Educational Foundation provided $185,000 to support students financially through scholarship awards. This assistance has positively impacted over 1,000 Alfred State students, who are receiving one of the following scholarships: Alfred State Pioneer Awards, Academic Distinction, Phi Theta Kappa, Transfer, or Vocational Excellence.
Sophomore Building Trades: Building Construction major Jack LaRouech benefits from a scholarship he received to attend Alfred State. “It is a really good education. You build so much experience here and just having Alfred State on your resume is big. You get a lot of education and knowledge.”
LaRouech has enjoyed Alfred State so much he is considering pursuing an additional degree. “I have been deeply considering doing a 2+2 program and either getting a construction management or supervision degree. If I get the business knowledge and skills it will help me towards owning my own business.”
Watch Jack’s Pioneer PROfile video
The Educational Foundation of Alfred, Inc. is a private foundation dedicated to improving the college community through the support of educational programs. A board of directors made up of representatives from alumni, faculty and staff, and friends of the college govern the activities pursued by the Educational Foundation of Alfred, Inc.
The Ed Foundation supports learning opportunities for students through scholarships, peer tutoring, and community service projects. The Ed Foundation also funds the Building Trades home construction project.
The Foundation owns and maintains the School of Applied Technology campus in Wellsville. The campus is recognized as one of the best applied technology schools in the nation.
Troopers will be using both marked State Police vehicles and Concealed Identity Traffic Enforcement (CITE) vehicles to more easily identify motorists who are using handheld devices while driving. CITE vehicles allow the Trooper to better observe distracted driving violations. These vehicles blend in with everyday traffic but are unmistakable as emergency vehicles once the emergency lighting is activated.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 3,308 people were killed in the United States in distraction-affected crashes in 2022.
During the April 2024 Operation Hang Up campaign, State Police issued 21,768 tickets, including 4,056 tickets for distracted driving.
To help prevent more tragedies, NHTSA recommends the following for motorists:
Current New York State law includes the following penalties for distracted drivers:
The investigation resulted in the following items being seized as evidence:
As a result of the search and subsequent investigation, Jeremy Wright, age 44, of Reading, NY, was arrested and charged with the following:
Wright was processed at SP Dundee and then transported to Schuyler County Jail for CAP arraignment.
This is an ongoing investigation.
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PRESS RELEASE
The Allegany County Department of Motor Vehicles wants to
remind residents that the REAL ID deadline is just 30 days away. If you plan to
fly domestically or access federal facilities after May 7, 2025, you'll need a
REAL ID-compliant driver's license or ID card, or another TSA-approved form of
identification.
“We want to eliminate any confusion when it comes to what
exactly is needed to board a domestic flight,” said Mandi Joyce-Phelps, Deputy County Clerk III. REAL ID-compliant driver's
license or ID card that have a star (for a Real ID), or a flag (for Enhanced)
will get you on a domestic flight. A valid
U.S. passport is an acceptable alternative. Additionally, an Enhanced Driver
License (EDL) ($30 extra) can be used as identification when traveling across
the border by land or sea to/from Canada, Mexico, and some countries in the
Caribbean.
There is still time to upgrade your license, but don’t
delay. “Our office has been inundated with people wishing to upgrade in time to
fly in May. If you don’t plan to travel any time in the near future though, and
an upgrade is not urgent, we ask that you consider waiting until the deadline
passes to avoid the rush. And, don’t panic! Residents who
don’t have REAL IDs will still be able to drive using current licenses and for
identification purposes other situations,” added Joyce-Phelps.
If you are planning a visit to the DMV, it is important to
be prepared. Be sure you have all required documents with you. You will need one
proof of identity (passport or U.S. birth certificate), proof of legal presence
for non-U.S. citizens, two proofs of New York residency, your social security
card and a current driver’s license. If you have been married, we will need a
certified copy of your marriage license to show your name change. Expired or
outdated documents will not be accepted. Certified copies of both birth and
marriage certificates are accepted.
As always, we are happy to answer any questions you might
have. Feel free to call us at (585) 268-9267.
Opinion: The Electric School Bus Mandate—A Financial Gamble New York Can’t Afford
By Eddie VanStine
As New York moves forward with its ambitious mandate to
require electric school buses by 2035, it is clear that this is a financial
gamble that risks devastating local school districts, particularly in rural
areas. While the intention to reduce emissions and embrace clean energy is
noble, the practical realities of this mandate—especially the costs, technology
limitations, and infrastructure challenges—make it a burdensome, unfeasible
plan. It’s time to hit the brakes on this mandate before it drives local school
districts into financial ruin.
The Eye-Watering Costs
Let’s begin with the numbers. The cost of a single electric
school bus can easily exceed $400,000—a stark contrast to the roughly $100,000
price tag of a traditional diesel bus. For districts across the state,
including rural areas already facing tight budgets, this represents a massive
financial burden. When you factor in the thousands of buses required to replace
New York’s current fleet, we are talking about a price tag of between $8
billion and $15.25 billion—and that’s just for the buses themselves.
This doesn’t even take into account the costs of charging
infrastructure, facility upgrades, and the electric grid improvements
required to support these buses. According to the New York State Energy
Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), even with federal and state
funding, local school districts will be left with a staggering share of these
costs, which will inevitably be passed on to local taxpayers. School districts
simply don’t have the budget to shoulder this kind of financial burden. The
state is forcing districts to make huge, unfunded investments without providing
adequate financial support or infrastructure.
The Infrastructure Deficit
Electric buses are not just expensive—they require a
completely different infrastructure to function properly. The charging stations
alone could cost millions of dollars to install. For rural school districts,
where infrastructure is already lacking, the costs to build out a comprehensive
charging network could run into the billions. These districts already struggle
with outdated facilities and limited resources. Expecting them to develop the
necessary charging infrastructure without significant state support is not just
impractical—it’s nearly impossible.
The New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) has
warned that transitioning to electric buses could place undue stress on the
state’s already overburdened electric grid, especially in rural areas that are
more susceptible to power outages. The grid wasn’t designed to handle this
level of demand, and unless significant investments are made to modernize the
system, the shift to electric buses could exacerbate existing energy
reliability problems.
Furthermore, battery charging times are a key issue.
A standard electric school bus can take 8-12 hours to fully charge,
depending on the power supply. That’s a huge logistical problem when you have a
fleet of buses that need to be ready for morning pick-up and afternoon
drop-off. Rural districts, where distances between schools and charging
stations are longer, are particularly vulnerable to these inefficiencies.
The Technology Isn’t Ready
Electric school buses, while promising, are not yet reliable
enough for widespread use, particularly in rural districts. According to the American
School Bus Council, while electric buses have been successfully used in
some urban areas, rural school districts face unique challenges. Long routes,
steep terrain, and harsh winters all present serious issues for electric buses,
which are known to have reduced battery life in cold temperatures.
In many rural areas, school buses drive 60-100 miles
per day, with frequent stops along the way. During colder months, electric
buses can experience a 40% reduction in range—a substantial issue when
these buses need to cover large, remote areas. The U.S. Department of Energy
reports that, while electric vehicle battery technology has improved, it is
still far from the point where it can consistently meet the needs of rural
school routes without running the risk of running out of power mid-route.
Moreover, the safety and reliability of electric
buses have yet to be proven in real-world, widespread applications. The
National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has not yet conducted
comprehensive reviews of electric school buses, and concerns about their
ability to meet the stringent safety standards of traditional buses remain
unanswered. Given the untested nature of this technology, pushing districts
into adopting electric buses before they’re fully ready puts our children at
risk.
A Strain on Rural Taxpayers
The most pressing concern, however, is the impact this
mandate will have on local taxpayers. As Assemblyman Phil Palmesano has
pointed out, this mandate represents a classic case of an unfunded mandate—a
policy imposed by the state without the necessary funding to implement it. The
cost to implement this mandate will fall on local school districts, which will
be forced to raise property taxes to cover the additional costs. For rural
areas already struggling with high taxes and low resources, this could be the
breaking point.
Palmesano has also highlighted the disparity between
how state agencies and school districts are treated under this mandate. While
school districts are required to transition their fleets by 2035, the state
itself won’t be required to fully convert its own heavy-duty vehicle fleet
until 2040—five years after schools are mandated to comply. This raises
serious questions about the fairness of the mandate. If the state recognizes
that it will take time for its own fleet to make the transition, why should
school districts be forced to lead the charge?
The Need for a Rational Approach
The state’s push for electric school buses, while
well-intentioned, is nothing more than a costly experiment that hasn’t been
properly vetted. We need a cost, feasibility, and safety analysis before
moving forward. The state should not be forcing local districts to take on a
massive financial burden for a technology that is not yet ready to be deployed
on a wide scale.
Instead of rushing into a full-scale mandate, the state
should allow districts to choose when and how they adopt electric school buses
based on their specific needs and resources. Rural districts, in particular,
should have the option to delay adoption until the technology is proven and the
infrastructure is in place to support it. The state should lead by example,
fully transitioning its own fleet first, and only then should local districts
be asked to follow suit.
It’s time to reconsider this mandate. The economic,
logistical, and technological challenges are too great to ignore. Forcing rural
districts to make this transition prematurely will only lead to chaos,
increased costs, and unnecessary risks. We need to slow down, conduct thorough
research, and ensure that any transition to electric school buses is done in a
way that is financially viable and technologically sound—not
based on political ambition.
It’s time for Albany to pump the brakes on this electric
school bus mandate. The children of New York deserve better than to be used as
guinea pigs for an unproven, financially reckless plan.
— Eddie VanStine
Known as the Ding Dong Lady
Caneadea --- Bernice Lucile Perry, a former resident of Caneadea, Rushford and Short Tract, died Saturday, April 5, 2025, in Cuba Memorial Hospital. She was born on September 17, 1928, in the Town of Granger, a daughter of the late Wayne and Gladys Smith Sylor Sr. On Dec. 23, 1948, she married Dewy John Perry Jr who predeceased her on April 26, 2020.
Bernice was a member of the Short Tract United Methodist Church for 70+ years, a founding member of the Short Tract Women’s Volunteer Fire Company and am member of the Ladies Legion Auxiliary Post 1150.
She was a former employee of the Perry Knitting Mill until its closure in 1968, a former employee of the Market Basket in Fillmore, a former employee of Champion in Mt. Morris and a former employee of Munro Games in Arcade. Due to her husband’s declining health they moved to Florida where she was employed by a local TV station and the Naples Dog Tract in Ft. Myers.
Surviving are her children. Loriene Fuller of Caneadea, Rondus Miller of Perry, Lyall (Becky) Perry of Georgia, Kevin (Peggy) Perry of Java Village, nine grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, seven great-great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband and parents she was predeceased by a son, David Perry, a grandson, Scott Fuller, two sons-in-law, Pete Fuller, Paul Miller and three brothers, Wayne Sylor Jr., Norbert Sylor and Adelbert Sylor.
Family and friends may gather from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm on Sunday, April 13, 2025, at the Kopler-Williams Funeral Home, 21 N Genesee Street, Fillmore where a funeral service will follow at 3:00 pm. Rev. James Stevens will officiate. Burial will be in Short Tract Cemetery, Short Tract.
Memorials if desired to: Short Tract Fire Department
Date: Friday April 4, 2025
Wellsville Police arrested Dominic J. Slocum, age 27 of Wellsville, charging him with Assault 2nd (Class D Felony), Menacing 3rd (Class B Misdemeanor) and and Endangering the Welfare of a child (Class A Misdemeanor). The charges stem from an incident that took place on East Fassett Street on March 31st. Slocum was processed and transported to the Allegany County Jail pending arraignment in CAP Court. Slocum is due to appear in Wellsville Village Court at a later date.
What God is DoingTM in Friendship ny Alliance of Churches
WhatGodisDoing@outlook.com | (585) 664-9989
Wellsville Native in Southeast Asia Missions
to Address Friendship Free Luncheon Group
FRIENDSHIP,
NY - A noontime free monthly luncheon group will hear next week from a Wellsville native
and Alfred University graduate, who started Vietnam's first business college
along with a Southeast Asia church.
The What
God is Doing in Friendship NY alliance of churches will host the 12PM third
Wednesday of the month public meal on April 16 at The Mission House outreach
center, site of the former St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, offices and rectory
at 28-32 East Main Street.
Roger Ford and
his wife, Holly, will join the group as they provide personal perspectives on
their years in Southeast Asia.
The couple are
founders and overseers of Isaiah 61 Ministries which functions as a network of
house churches and a mission-sending organization to Southeast Asia.
Roger Ford
received his bachelor's degree in public administration and master's and
doctoral degrees in management from Syracuse University. The former business professor also became a
Fulbright Senior Scholar.
Required
reservations for the free luncheon and further information are available at WhatGodisDoing@outlook.com or at (585) 664-9989 by
providing the name of each attendee, community of residence, email address and
telephone number, including area code.
Parking
and handicapped access are in the rear of the complex.
The
monthly group luncheons are designed to acquaint area residents with various
missions which are occurring from local to international.
Last month, the What God is Doing in
Friendship ny alliance of churches hosted a series of speakers nightly at
participating churches during a Missions Marching Forward Awareness Week
initiative.
New York State Police Blotter – April 6/7, 2025
4/7/25 12:08 a.m.- After being called to a
domestic-family offense in the town of Rushford, state police arrested a
name-protected 18-year-old male from Houghton. He was charged with felony
second-degree assault with intent to cause injury with a weapon or instrument
as well as criminal possession of a weapon with intent to use. At 2:57 a.m., he
was booked in to the Allegany County Jail to await Central arraignment.
On April 5th, 2025, following an investigation by the Cuba Police Department Narcotics Unit, Cuba Police arrested Erica L. Osgood (44) of Cuba, NY. Osgood was arrested on charges of criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th (Misdemeanor), criminal use of drug paraphernalia 2nd (Misdemeanor, 2 Counts), aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle 3rd (Misdemeanor) and consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle (Violation). Osgood was processed and released to appear at a later date. Osgood is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. These charges stem from Osgood allegedly being in possession of methamphetamine.
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.
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Lou was a member of Christian Temple, now Grace United Church, and the VFW Ladies Auxiliary. Surviving are two daughters, Cynthia (Tom) Beckhorn of Rochester and Linda McDevitt of North Situate, RI; a son, Phillip (Agnes) Moore of Ardmore, TN; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; a brother, Dorr Dunbar of Holland; nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by a son-in-law, John McDevitt; two brothers, Robert Dunbar and Phillip Dunbar.
Friends may call at OLNEY-FOUST Funeral Homes & Cremation, Crowell Chapel, 296 North Main Street, Wellsville on Wednesday, April 9, 2025 from 1:00 – 3:00 PM. A graveside service will follow at 3:30 PM in Woodlawn Cemetery, Wellsville. Memorials may be made to SPCA serving Allegany County. A special thank you to Visiting Nursing Services, Donna Jones, Sue Pederson, and Bill Perham. Online condolences may be expressed at www.wellsvillefuneralhome.com.
New York State Police Blotter – April 5, 2025
3/5/25 4:34 p.m.- During a traffic sop in the town of
Bolivar, state police arrested Kelsey O. Bannerman, 55, of Olean. He was
charged with felony DWI and felony driving with a BAC greater than .08%. A
court appearance is pending.
Mrs. Miller was born on October 19, 1942 in Wellsville to Leo A. and Daisy Mae (Glover) DeRemer. She was a 1960 graduate of Andover Central School. On December 5, 1964 at the Andover United Methodist Church she married Douglas D. Miller, who predeceased her on November 24, 2002.
Nancy began her career at Texas Hot in Wellsville, where incidentally she met her future husband. She wasn’t interested but he was persistent. After her first child came along, Nancy became a dedicated stay at home mom tending to the needs of her family. Twenty years later she resumed her career at Alex’s College Spot and later at Pizza Factory, both in Alfred where she was Restaurant Manager; retiring in 1994.
Nancy is survived by five children, Michael (Cathy) DeRemer of Charles City, Va.; Melanie (Greg) Smith of Alpharetta, Ga., Annette (Kevin) Perry of Andover, Douglas Miller, Jr. of Reidsville, N.C. and Eric (Tiffany) Miller of Wellsville; 14 grandchildren, Brittney (Thomas) Bowles ,Michael Robert “Mic” DeRemer, Matthew (Tasha) DeRemer, Alicia (Kinny) Cornelison, Lyndsey (Hunter) Smith, Christopher (Mabelys) Smith, A.J. Perry, Kristin (Craig) Scott, Ian Perry, Cody (Hannah) Miller, Abigail Miller, Ashleigh (Brett Ritter) Miller, Preston Miller and Anderson Miller.
Additionally, she is survived by 18 great-grandchildren, Trey DeRemer, Christian DeRemer, Gennie DeRemer, Tab Bowles, Byron Bowles, Briar Bowles, Kolten DeRemer, Addi Deremer, Fallon Reynolds, Liam Cornelison, Florence Cornelison, Daisy Cornelison, Max Smith, Jarrett Scott, Hailee Scott, Carson Miller, Grant Miller, Everitt Ritter and one great-grandchild on the way; one “adopted son” Jonny Lehman; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
In addition to her husband of almost 38 years, she was predeceased by a sister, Linda Burlingame.
Nancy loved to cook, especially around the holidays. She had a specific meal plan for each holiday, written on note cards and she insisted that she did all the cooking. Nancy was proud of her flower and vegetable garden and enjoyed keeping her shelves well stocked with her summertime canning activities.
Nancy had other pleasures that didn’t involve food. She became an avid reader, especially romance novels. She enjoyed country music with artist Blake Shelton, Carrie Underwood and Jason Aldean as some of her favorites. She liked to take little and big travel trips, usually accompanied by a grandchild or two to places that fancied her interest. Recently she visited Nashville to take in a concert and took a nostalgic trip to Mt. Union, Pennsylvania; boyhood home of her husband.
Known in Andover as “Everyone’s Ma”, Nancy often frequented The Village Pub for their Thursday Social Hour where she would enjoy a drink, listen to music and gather with friends. And as a huge Buffalo Bills fan, would celebrate or commiserate the latest game results. She had an open ear to anybody and could easily converse with friend or stranger. Nancy was direct, witty, loyal, sweet and feisty and was loved for all these things.
Nancy was a longtime volunteer at the Andover American Legion and served with the Andover Firemen’s Ladies Auxiliary.
Per Nancy’s wishes, there will be no prior visitation. There will be a Celebration of Life at the Andover Volunteer Fire Department on Friday (April 11) from 3-6 p.m. Her ashes will be laid to rest beside her husband in Hillside Cemetery at a private family gathering.
Arrangements are under the direction of Baker-Swan Funeral Home in Andover. Online condolences may be offered at www.baker-swan.com.
Memorial contributions in Nancy’s name may be made to SPCA Serving Allegany County, 5440 NY-19, Belmont, NY 14813. © 2025 Baker-Swan Funeral Home.
Frank B. Cole of Route 417, passed away on Thursday, March 27, 2025.
Frank was born on July 8, 1983, in Olean and was the son of John Frank and Marlene Ann Pierce Cole Sr.
Frank graduated from Olean High School. He enjoyed fishing, walking around town, and playing computer games. Frank also loved his cat, Little Frankie Jr.
Frank is survived by his two children, Chaynne Smith of Jamestown and Frank B. Cole Jr. of Bradford, a grandson, a half-brother, John F. Cole, Jr. of Bradford, and Don F. Cole of Olean.
Frank was predeceased by his parents.
Friends will be received at the Letro-McIntosh-Spink Funeral Home, Inc., 646 E. State St., Olean on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, 12:00pm to 1:00pm at which time a memorial service will be held. The Rev. Chuck Maine will officiate. Online condolences may be made at www.letromcintoshspinkfuneralhome.com.
Linda K. WISE, 78, of Greenwood, NY, loving mother, devoted grandmother and great-grandmother, passed away Monday, March 31, 2025 in Jones Memorial Hospital, Wellsville. Born August 10, 1946, in Detroit, MI, she was the daughter of Edward and June Barr Birchall. In 2001, she retired after 25 years with Armstrong World Industries in Lancaster, PA. In her free time, she was an enthusiastic pool and bingo player. She cherished the serenity and beauty of mountain drives. Surviving are: two daughters, Lisa Stuckey of Chicago, IL and Robin Wise of Rexville, NY; two grandchildren, Kayla Lowe and Kyle (Sidney) Lowe; a great-granddaughter, Madison Lowe; a sister, Karen (Douglas) Rohrer of Lititz, PA; nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents; and a brother, Jay Carl. Burial and services will be private. Memorial contributions may be made to The Essa Flory Center – Hospice and Community Care, located in Lancaster, PA at https://www.hospiceandcommunitycare.org/in-honor-in-memory-gifts/. 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.
Alfred State was one of 272 campuses named a Voter Friendly Campus by Fair Election Center’s Campus Vote Project and NASPA – Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education.
The mission of the Voter Friendly Campus designation is to bolster colleges and universities’ nonpartisan efforts to help students overcome barriers to participating in the political process – every year, not just during years featuring federal elections. Universities and colleges selected were evaluated based on a written plan for how institutions planned to register, educate, and turnout student voters in 2024, how they facilitated voter engagement efforts on their campuses, followed by a final analysis of their nonpartisan efforts.
“The Center for Civic Leadership is incredibly proud of all the efforts that helped us successfully live into our action plan to, once again, earn the Voter Friendly Campus designation,” commented Director of Global Engagement and Civic Wellbeing Cyan Corwine. “This designation has been made possible because of engaged administrators, faculty, staff, students, and community partners who are equally invested in helping us support a healthy democracy through nonpartisan voter engagement and resourcing.”
“We are pleased to designate such a wide range of institutions as Voter Friendly Campuses in this cycle,” said Amelia Parnell, NASPA President. “NASPA has partnered with the Fair Elections Center on this work for nearly a decade, and some of these campuses have received this important designation every year since the program began. We look forward to continuing to elevate and support the valuable work of the students, administrators, and faculty whose tireless efforts are an essential part of our democracy.”
“Due to ever-mounting barriers, engaging students in our Democracy is not easy work. However, these schools have taken remarkable steps towards institutionalizing voting practices into their operations, to ensure young people on their campuses are able and ready to fulfill their civic responsibility,” said Robert Brandon, President and Founder, Fair Elections Center. “Fair Elections Center, through its Campus Vote Project and partners like NASPA, remains committed to working alongside universities and providing the necessary tools and resources to support civic education through the Voter Friendly Campus program.”
Corwine continued, “We want to help those who are eligible to vote find the information they need to not only register but to confidently vote based on their personal values.”
The institutions designated Voter Friendly Campuses represent a wide range of two-year, four-year, public, private, rural, and urban campuses, collectively serving over four million students.
NASPA is the leading association for the advancement, health, and sustainability of the student affairs profession. Our work provides high-quality professional development, advocacy, and research for 15,000 members in all 50 states, 25 countries, and 8 U.S. territories.
Fair Elections Center is a national, nonpartisan voting rights and legal support organization that works to eliminate barriers to voting and improve election administration across the United States. Fair Elections Center’s Campus Vote Project works with universities, community colleges, faculty, students and election officials to reduce barriers to student voting and helps campuses institutionalize reforms that empower students with the information they need to register and vote.
Born February 20, 1964, in Wellsville, she was the daughter of Leslie E. Sr. and Mary Knutowicz Jackson. On August 18, 2012, in Bolivar, she married Joseph Washburn, who survives.
A 1982 graduate of Scio Central School, Patti was a stay-at-home mother raising her children. She was a member of Bolivar and Richburg Fire Departments. Patti loved being a first responder, helping people, playing Bingo, crocheting, and spending time with her grandkids.
Surviving besides her husband, Joe, are: three children, Erica Hauschka of Cuba, Eric (Mary Stone) Lananger, Jr. of Bolivar, and Erin (Skyler) Manhart of Wellsville; a stepson, Dale Washburn of TX; twelve grandchildren, Seth & Bre, Lillie, Malakai, Devin, Madisyn, Kendal, Kaelyn, Konnur, Greyson, Brookelyn, Colson; mother-in-law, Eva Jean Washburn of Almond; her former husband and lifelong friend, Eric Lananger, Sr. of Richburg; former mother-in-law, Freda Rankin of Richburg; five siblings, Les (Lori) Jackson Jr. of Wellsville, Teresa Langworthy of Shinglehouse, PA, Lisa Jackson of Wellsville, Denise Jackson of Wellsville, and Mary Jo Buchanan of Bolivar; nieces and nephews; her dog, Shadow; and her grand-dog, Navi.
She was predeceased by her mother; maternal grandparents and paternal grandparents; father in-law, Vernon Washburn Sr.; and former father-in-law, Charles Lananger, Jr.
A gathering to celebrate to Patti’s life will be announced on a later date.
Memorials may be made to Bolivar Fire Department or Richburg Volunteer Fire Company.
Arrangements are entrusted to OLNEY-FOUST Funeral Homes & Cremation, Crowell Chapel, Wellsville. Online condolences may be expressed at www.wellsvillefuneralhome.com.
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Celina Serva aka “Ce Ce”, 26, of Akron, OH, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum of life, and a $10,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Donna Duncan, who is handling the case, stated that on March 28, 2025, the DEA, the Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force, and the Jamestown Metro Drug Task Force began investigating the sale and distribution of narcotics in the Town of Ellicott. The investigation included surveillance and controlled purchases of narcotics. On April 3, 2025, investigators executed a search warrant at a residence in Ellicott, seizing multiple controlled substances, a shotgun, and a large quantity of cash. Subsequent investigation identified Serva as the source of supply. Later in the day on April 3, investigators arrested Serva as she attempted to deliver methamphetamine to the residence. She was found with a total of 975 grams of suspected crystal methamphetamine in her possession.
Serva made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer and was held pending a detention hearing.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank A. Tarentino III, New York Field Division, the Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force, under the direction of Cattaraugus County Sheriff Eric Butler, the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Timothy Jackson, the Lakewood-Busti Police Department, under the direction of Chief Christopher DePonceau, the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff James Quattrone, and the Ellicott Police Department, under the direction of Chief William Ohnmeiss.
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.
