I regret to inform you that this site is ending. My health decline began in 2023 and has only deepened. Since July, I have been bounced between the hospital and a nursing home. On Monday I was readmitted to JMH with worsening and now bilateral pneumonia. I’ve got a struggle here that requires my total focus. Thank you to the readers for making this site pop. I’m grateful to you all.
The site serves portions of New York and Pennsylvania. Radio broadcast news award winner in NY & PA. Send news releases to wjqzfounder@gmail.com.
Wednesday, August 20, 2025
Saturday, July 26, 2025
Obituary: Connie J. Coe, 87, of Ceres
Connie was raised in Chaffee, graduating from Sardinia High School in 1955. She was the owner and operator of Connie’s Curling Corner in Sardinia while also raising her three children. In 1980, she and Don moved to Erie, PA, where she was the Banquet Coordinator for the Holiday Inn. She transitioned her employment to Pharmor Pharmacy working as a cashier. In 1995, Don retired, and they moved to Summerfield, FL. After Don’s passing, she moved to Alabama to be near her son Craig and would ‘snowbird’ between Alabama and her daughter Lisa’s home in New York; having stayed in New York the last year. She was a former member of Chaffee Baptist Church and the Chaffee Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary. While in Florida, she was on the Orange Blossom Homeowner’s Association Board and the Red Hat Society.
She is survived by: two children, Craig (Robin) Coe of Huntsville, AL and Lisa (Michael) Freeman of Ceres, NY; 8 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; 12 great-great-grandchildren; as well as several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband of 64 years, Don, she was predeceased by: a son, Mark Coe in 1995; three siblings and their spouses, Jeanne & Clint Salmon, Donna & Dale Blair, and Ronald Hoyt.
A Celebration of Life is being planned for a later date in Erie, PA. Please consider memorial donations to the Alzheimer’s Association, 6400 Sheridan Drive, Suite 320, Williamsville, NY 14221; or to Allegany County Cancer Service, 17 Maple Avenue Box 534, Wellsville, NY 14895. To leave online condolences please visit www.olneyfoust.com.
New York State Police Blotter – July 25, 2025
New York State Police Blotter – July 25, 2025
7/25/25 6:47 p.m. – During a traffic stop in the town of Amity, state police arrested Charles Nielsen Frederiksen, 68, of Wellsville. He was charged with driving while intoxicated. He was sent to the county jail for arraignment.7/26/25 2:53 a.m. – After responding to a domestic
offense in the village of Belmont, state police arrested Jonathan M. O’Shell,
38, of Wellsville. He was charged with felony aggravated family offense, three
counts of criminal obstruction of breathing, criminal possession of a weapon
with intent to use and criminal mischief. He was taken to the Allegany County
Jail for Central arraignment.
Friday, July 25, 2025
Town of Willing news
Hunting Licenses go on Sale August 1st.
Beside the Clerk's normal hours, she
will be in on the following Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
8/9, 8/23, 9/6, 9/20 and 9/27
PennDOT - District 2 News: PennDOT Conducting Surface Treatments in McKean County
Clearfield, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced that surface treatment operations, more commonly known as “oil and chip,” will impact a trio of roads in McKean County next week. This maintenance treatment seals the road surface to keep water out, restores the friction of the surface to enhance traction, and extends the pavement life between resurfacings.
PennDOT McKean County Maintenance crews will apply the surface treatment on Bell Run Road between Route 44 and the McKean-Potter County line in Ceres Township. Monday, July 28, and Tuesday, July 29. Flaggers in the roadway will provide traffic control during daylight hours.
Starting Wednesday, crews will start work on Route 46 starting at the split with Route 446 and continue northbound toward Rew for approximately seven miles the remainder of the week. Traffic control will again be provided by flaggers in the roadway.
PennDOT typically employs surface treatments as a preservation strategy on roads with low traffic volumes and speed limits of 35 mph or slower. This activity extends the life of those roads by keeping water out, which mitigates the damage caused by the freeze-thaw cycle of Pennsylvania winters and delays the formation of potholes and the oxidization process.
In recent years, PennDOT District 2 has expanded its use of seal coating to roadways with higher traffic volumes and speed limits of 55 mph or faster as it strives to effectively manage and preserve its assets while being good stewards of taxpayer money.
PennDOT performs this activity in temperatures greater than 60 degrees, generally between April and September. Crews begin by sweeping the roadway clean of debris. Next, they apply emulsion oil and a layer of stone, which they then roll into place using a roller. Once cured, crews sweep any loose material from the roadway.
PennDOT urges drivers to reduce their speed on roads that have received this treatment during the curing period or to consider alternate routes.
For more information on PennDOT’s Maintenance Activities, visit www.PennDOT.pa.gov/about-us/
Paul Griffith, former Alfred police chief, now leads the Allegany, NY police department
After serving 27-years with the Alfred Police Department,
including his rise to police chief, Paul Griffith of Hornell is back in
uniform. According to a story filed by Brian McCellan of the Olean Times Herald,
the Village of Allegany in Cattaraugus County has a new full-time police chief,
as former Alfred chief Paul Griffith was tabbed to fill the role vacant for the
better part of two years. Griffith was suspended as the Alfred Chief in August
2024. According to WLEA radio, the suspension was apparently triggered by the
Chief’s recommendation that the Village hire a military veteran from the Police
Academy who, if hired, would have become the first African American part-time
police officer in Alfred’s history.
It was the first and only time in his tenure as Police
Chief that the Village Board rejected his recommendation to hire an applicant. In
the hours following their decision, Village officials lashed out at Chief
Griffith, attacking his integrity and demanding his retirement. When he
refused, the Deputy Mayor tried to push him out by placing him in a performance
improvement plan with the duties of a junior patrol officer. When the Chief
still refused to abandon his post, the Mayor placed him on leave.
Griffith told the Times Herald, “I’m just happy to have a
place to land, and this seems a pretty good place for it.”
Griffith new how to connect with the media and college
students. During one Alfred festival, Griffith, in full uniform, broke out his guitar
and jammed with students. He was also excellent at communicating with the
press. He was a frequent guest on WLEA radio in Hornell and this site was a
frequent recipient of press releases. Since his departure in 2024, there have
been few if any releases to the media.
New York State Police Blotter – July 24, 2025
New York State Police Blotter – July 24, 2025
7/24/25 12:14 p.m. – After investigating a dog
complaint, Machias-based state police arrested Renee M. Wahl, 65, of
Franklinville. She was charged with torturing or injuring animals and about 40
counts of neglect of an impounded animal. A court appearance is pending.
7/24/25 10:21 p.m.- Following a complaint of a
domestic dispute in the village of Bolivar, state police arrested Crystal M.
Walden, 43, of Bolivar. She was charged with two counts of seventh-degree
criminal possession of a controlled substance. She was issued an appearance
ticket for court.
7/25/25 2:12 a.m.- During a traffic stop in the city
of Olean, state police arrested John Russell Tucker, 31, of Cuba. He was
charged with DWI and having a BAC above .08%. Court action is pending.
7/25/25 5:11 a.m.- After responding to a complaint in
the town of Genesee, state police arrested Jerald D. Harrier, 52, of Olean. He
was charged with second-degree criminal trespass.
Wellsville Lions Charities, Inc.
PA Gov. talks about Potter County on national TV
Thursday, July 24, 2025
Belmont and Friendship Rotary Clubs Honored for Commitment and Service to Allegany County
Belmont, NY – At the Allegany County Legislative Board meeting held at the Fair on July 17, the Board adopted resolutions recognizing the Belmont Rotary Club and the Rotary Club of Friendship, New York, Inc., for their commitment and service to their community and Allegany County.
The first Rotary Club was formed 120 years ago on February 23, 1905, by Paul P. Harris and is one of the largest service organizations in the world. The Friendship Rotary Club was formed in 1955, and the Belmont Club was formed in 1959. Both clubs serve as pillars of community service, leadership, and fellowship, embodying the Rotary motto of “Service Above Self.”
The Belmont Rotary Club and the Rotary Club of Friendship, New York, Inc., have consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to improving the lives of others through countless acts of generosity, volunteerism, and civic engagement.
The Belmont Rotary Club has implemented, sponsored, or supported local initiatives including the GVCS Interact Club, Belmont Rotary Basketball Tip-Off Tournament, annual 200 Club, Rotary Foundation Dinner, Genesee Valley Rotary Camp for Children with Disabilities, community flower pots, has financed senior citizens meals each month, Belmont Fire Department Gun Raffle with a lottery board, Christmas trees in Rotary Park and decorations in the Village of Belmont, Wreaths Across America, has provided food for Wellspring Ministries holiday dinners, Allegany County National Honor Society Scholarship Fund, Amity Daze, scholarships to GVCS Seniors, and Corning Rotary Scripps National Spelling Bee Regional Competition.
The Rotary Club of Friendship, New York, Inc., has implemented and supported local initiatives including providing snacks and beverages for travelers at the Friendship I-86 rest stop and using donations from those events to help finance sending children with disabilities to summer camp, Community Christmas Sparkle, care of Island Park picnic tables and pavilion, and scholarships for two Friendship graduating seniors each year.
Both groups were recognized for exceptional service, unwavering dedication, and profound impact on the lives of others and commitment to “Service Above Self.”
UR Jones Memorial spotlight
This week, our associate spotlight shines on Angel Veley, Supply Cart Aide - Purchasing for the past 10 months.
“Angel joined Jones Memorial in August 2024. Coming from the manufacturing-sector, Angel brought with her much experience in both inventory and warehouse management. Her experience, as well as her sense of urgency (she’s always hustling), have been great assets to our department, and the hospital. Angel also has a great sense-of-humor and likes to laugh. Given the serious nature of what goes on in a hospital most days, the opportunity to laugh is always welcome. Angel does a great job of keeping day-to-day activities “light,” while making sure the hospital departments get what they need.” - Mark Brophy, Director of Materials Management
What is your favorite part of working at Jones Memorial?
-Meeting people from all departments
What inspired you to pursue working in healthcare?
-The desire to help others
What's the best piece of advice you have ever received?
-Never give up.
Do you have a favorite song, playlist or podcast to get you through your day?
-Upchurch Radio
What is your favorite hobby?
-Spending time with my grandchildren
What's a book, movie or TV show you would recommend to everyone?
-Gift of Valor
What's your dream vacation destination?
-Alaska
What's your favorite quote?
-Live every moment, laugh every day, love beyond words
If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why?
-The ability to take cancer and other sickness away so everyone could be healthy and happy.
Jazz legend Chuck Mangione, known for 'Feels So Good,' dies at 84
NEW YORK (AP) — Two-time Grammy Award-winning musician Chuck Mangione, who achieved international success in 1977 with his jazz-flavored single “Feels So Good” and later became a voice actor on the animated TV comedy “King of the Hill,” has died. He was 84.
Mangione died at his home in Rochester, New York, on Tuesday in his sleep, said his attorney, Peter S. Matorin of Beldock Levine & Hoffman LLP. The musician had been retired since 2015.
Perhaps his biggest hit — “Feels So Good” — is a staple on most smooth-jazz radio stations and has been called one of the most recognized melodies since “Michelle” by the Beatles. It hit No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and the top of the Billboard adult contemporary chart.
“It identified for a lot of people a song with an artist, even though I had a pretty strong base audience that kept us out there touring as often as we wanted to, that song just topped out there and took it to a whole other level,” Mangione told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette in 2008.
He followed that hit with “Give It All You Got,” commissioned for the 1980 Winter Olympics at Lake Placid, and he performed it at the closing ceremony.
Mangione, a flugelhorn and trumpet player and jazz composer, released more than 30 albums during a career in which he built a sizable following after recording several albums, doing all the writing.
He won his first Grammy Award in 1977 for his album “Bellavia,” which was named in honor of his mother. Another album, “Friends and Love,” was also Grammy-nominated, and he earned a best original score Golden Globe nomination and a second Grammy for the movie “The Children of Sanchez.”
Mangione introduced himself to a new audience when he appeared on the first several seasons of “King of the Hill,” appearing as a commercial spokesman for Mega Lo Mart, where “shopping feels so good.”
Mangione, brother of jazz pianist Gap Mangione, with whom he partnered in The Jazz Brothers, started his career as a bebop jazz musician heavily inspired by Dizzy Gillespie.
“He also was one of the first musicians I saw who had a rapport with the audience by just telling the audience what he was going to play and who was in his band,” Mangione told the Post-Gazette.
Mangione earned a bachelor's degree from the Eastman School of Music — where he would eventually return as director of the school’s jazz ensemble — and left home to play with Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers.
He donated his signature brown felt hat and the score of his Grammy-winning single “Feels So Good,” as well as albums, songbooks and other ephemera from his long and illustrious career to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History in 2009.
Six graduate from Peace Officer Academy
A peace officer enforces laws and ordinances. They may also investigate crimes. They can make arrests, conduct investigations, issue citations for traffic violations, and respond to emergency calls such as domestic violence incidents or fires.
The Peace Officer Academy mirrors the first six weeks of the Alfred State Police Academy where cadets learn the powers of a Peace Officer, NYS Penal Law, NYS Criminal Procedure Law, De-escalation (where they will learn ways to defuse a tense situations), ethics and professionalism, defensive tactics, how to use minimal force to gain compliance without causing injury to either party involved, and use of force. Cadets will also receive instruction on Laws of arrest, interview and interrogation, discretionary powers, use of Narcan for opioid overdoses, fundamental crisis intervention skills, report writing, and professional communications.
All six of the graduates have secured positions:
Wendy Clemons: Cattaraugus County Probation
Nicholas Gudyka: NYS Department of Health
Thomas Sellers, Jr.: NYS Department of Motor Vehicles
Janet St. George: Steuben County Probation
Dominic Lucarelli: Chemung County Probation
Cody Schneider: Allegany County Probation
Scott Richardson was proud of the cadets, “These students excelled in the program, and they have gained the knowledge and tools needed to be successful in their positions. I am proud of their efforts and wish them the best in their endeavors.”
The graduation featured opening remarks by Richardson and Vice President for Student and Employee Affairs Dr. Greg Sammons before Probation Supervisors Jessica McKnight and Carey Brown, delivered a keynote address. Richardson recognized each of the graduates and delivered the closing remarks.
Potter County Fair in Millport begins July 27th
Celebrate the county’s agricultural heritage and join the community when the annual Potter County Fair opens on July 27th!
The entire family will enjoy fun features including children’s activities, entertainment, music, commercial vendors selling their wares, crafts, amusement rides, special arena shows, livestock competitions and exhibits, a wide variety of food and attractions.
Cooling Centers in Allegany County
Cooling Centers in Allegany County
| Facility Name | Street Address | Phone Number | Days and Hours of Operation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allegany County Office for the Aging | 6085 State Route 19, Belmont, NY 14813 | 585-268-9390 | Mon-Fri: 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM |
| Almond 20th Century Club Library | 42 N Main Street Almond NY 14804 | 607-276-6311 | Tues-Fri: 2:00 PM - 7:00 PM Sat: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM |
| Andover Free Library | 40 Main Street Andover NY 14806 | 607-478-8442 | Tues: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM Wed: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM Thurs: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Angelica Free Library ( Fan cooled environment | 55 W Main St, Angelica, NY | 585- 466-7860 | Tues: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM Wed: 1:00 PM - 7:00 PM Thurs: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM Fri: 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM Sat: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM |
| Belfast Public Library | 75 Main Street Belfast NY 14711 | 585-365-2072 | Mon: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM Tues: 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM Wed: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM & 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM Thurs: 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM Sat: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM |
| Belmont Literacy and Historical Library | 2 Willetts Avenue Belmont NY 14813 | 585-268-5308 | Mon: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM Tues: 1:00 PM - 7:00 PM Thurs: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM Fri: 1:00 PM - 5:00PM |
| Bolivar Shop 'N Save | 455 Main St, Bolivar, NY 14715 | 585-928-1708 | Mon-Sun: 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM |
| Cuba Circulating Library | 39 E Main Street Cuba NY 14727 | 585-968-1668 | Mon-Thurs: 9:30 AM - 8:00 PM Sat: 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM |
| David A Howe Public Library (Fan cooled environment) | 155 North Main Street Wellsville NY 14895 | 585-593-3410 | Mon-Thurs: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM Fri: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Sat: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM |
| Fillmore Shop 'N Save | 44 S Genesee St, Fillmore, NY 14735 | 585-567-2701 | Mon-Sun: 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM |
| Friendship Free Library (Fan cooled environment) | 44 W Main St, Friendship, NY 14739 | 585-973-7724 | Tues-Sat: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM |
| Genesee Library | 8351 State Rte 417 Genesee NY 14754 | 585-928-1915 | July-August: Mon: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM Tues: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM Wed: 12:00 - 7:00 PM Thurs: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM |
| Richburg Colonial Library | 160 Main Street Richburg NY 14774 | 585-928-2694 | Mon: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Tues: 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM Wed: 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM Thurs: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Rushford Free Library | 9012 Main St, Rushford, NY 14777 | 585 437-2533 | Mon: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Tues: 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM Wed: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Thurs: 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM Fri: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM Sat: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM |
| Scio Memorial Library | 3980 Main Street Scio NY 14880 | 585-593-4816 | Tues: 1:00 PM - 7:00 PM Thurs: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM Fri: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM Sat: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM |
| Whitesville Public Library (Fan cooled environment) | 500 Main Street Whitesville NY 14897 | 607-356-3645 | Mon: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Tues: 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM Wed: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Thurs: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Fri: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Sat: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM |
| Wide Awake Club Library | 22 N Genesee Street Fillmore NY 14735 | 585-567-8301 | Mon: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Tues: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM Wed: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Thurs: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM Fri: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Sat: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM |
New York State Police Blotter – July 23/24, 2025
New York State Police Blotter – July 23/24, 2025
7/24/25 12:48 a.m.- After investigating a menacing
complaint in the town of Hume, Amity-based state police arrested Todd W.
Herring, 61, of Fillmore. He was charged with second-degree menacing with a
weapon, fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon with intent to use,
criminal mischief and reckless endangerment f property. He was taken to the
Allegany County Jail for Central arraignment.
Obituary: Wilma F. Johnson, age 96, of North Hornell
Born on October 13, 1928 in Jasper, New York to Hannah and Lyman Fuhrman, Wilma grew up in Dansville, New York and graduated from Dansville High School
Wilma married John L. Johnson of Hornell, New York, in 1947. In 1963, they bought Waldorf Jeweler’s on Main Street in Hornell, operating it until their retirement in 1990. John and Wilma were active members of the community throughout their lives. Wilma served as the President of the Bethesda Hospital Women’s Auxiliary where she was an active fundraiser for Bethesda Hospital. She was appointed to and served on the Advisory Board to the Healthcare Association of New York State (HANY). Wilma played an important role in the decision to build the new Bethesda Hospital and continued her service on HANY’s Advisory Board concerning the delivery of healthcare to Hornell and other municipalities.
The Hornell Republican Committee honored Wilma with the Lincoln Award for exemplary service. Wilma also served as the President of the Women’s Republican Club.
The Johnson Family belonged to the United Presbyterian Church. Wilma was an Elder on The Session. She served as Treasurer, chaired the Evangelism and Parish Life Committee, and was on the Church’s 150th Anniversary Committee.
Wilma was known for her fashionable style and sharp dress. She was also an accomplished home cook, hosting regular gourmet dinner parties at her home on Seneca Road. She loved to travel, and together with John, drove across the United States. They traveled to England as part of an exchange through Rotary International and hosted exchange students through the Rotary Youth Exchange. Wilma was an avid reader with an interest in American history. She instilled her love of reading in those around her, especially her granddaughter, Sara, treating the completion of each book as a cause for celebration and excuse to get a new book immediately! Wilma, above all, was a patient listener, always making time for anyone who needed an ear and offering sound, impartial advice.
Wilma will be missed by her surviving relatives: her daughter, Pamela Johnson-Koch, of Canisteo, New York; granddaughter, Sara A. Johnson, and great-granddaughter, Charlotte P. Johnson, both of New Orleans, Louisiana; brother, Robert Fuhrman, of Wake Forest, North Carolina; sister-in-law, Ingrid Fuhrman, of Fairport, New York; a niece and four nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband, John L. Johnson; son, Charles P. Johnson; brother, William Fuhrman; and son-in-law, Jack Koch.
There will be no calling hours. A funeral service will be held on Sunday, July 27, 2025 at 3:30 p.m. at the United Presbyterian Church, 150 Main Street, Hornell, New York. Private interment will be at Rogersville Forest Lawn Cemetery, South Dansville.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 (www.stjude.org) or Shriners Hospitals for Children, 2900 N. Rocky Point Dr., Tampa, FL 33607 (www.shrinerschildren.org) or your cause of choice. Envelopes for memorial contributions will be available at the church.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Yvonne Hunt, Faith Rice, Lilli Carpenter, and Deb Hunt for their excellent care of Wilma at home. A special thank you to Beth Tremblay for adopting and caring for Wilma’s cat, George, who passed days after Wilma. Also, to the staff at Houghton Rehabilitation and Nursing Center for their wonderful care during Wilma’s final two months.
The Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home, 285 Main St., Hornell is honored to assist Wilma’s family with the arrangements.

















