GOVERNOR CUOMO ANNOUNCES INSTALLATION OF FINAL STEEL GANTRY AHEAD OF CONVERSION TO CASHLESS TOLLING ON THE NYS THRUWAY BY THE END OF 2020

Governor Andrew Cuomo today announced the final of 70 steel gantries has been erected ahead of the Thruway's conversion to cashless tolling system wide by the end of 2020. The gantry located on I-90 at exit 42 (Geneva) is the final gantry to be installed, marking another significant milestone in the $355 million project. The installation of gantries at 21 over the main highway and 34 on the entrance/exit ramp tolling locations was completed on time and on budget and is part of the first phase of the project to convert the Thruway to cashless tolling.

"This project is transforming New York's transportation system by improving driving experiences, expediting traffic flow, and improving air quality in areas surrounding toll plazas," Governor Cuomo said. "With upgrades like this, we are ushering in a new modern era for traveling across this state which will benefit motorists for decades to come."

Thruway Authority Executive Director Matthew J. Driscoll said, "The Thruway Authority is making incredible progress with the historic conversion to cashless tolling on the ticketed system which will benefit millions of motorists who travel the Thruway every year. As the project continues, we're on schedule for the system to go live by the end of 2020, ushering in a new era of transportation on the Thruway."

Crews are now installing cashless tolling equipment on the gantries, which include state-of-the-art sensors and cameras that read E-ZPass tags and take license plate images. There will be more than 2,000 state-of-the-art cameras affixed to the gantries when completed. The equipment is not currently operational as the system will go live all at once by the end of 2020.

The gantries installed over the mainline highway range from 58 feet to 150 feet in length by 23 feet in height, and weighing between 25,000 and 104,000 pounds. Gantries installed over the entrance/exit ramps range from 48 feet to 94 feet in length by 23 feet in height, and weighing between 33,000 and 74,000 pounds. Gantries were fabricated utilizing approximately 3.5 million pounds of 100 percent American-made steel and hundreds of New York workers in accordance to the "New York Buy American" Act at LMC Industrial Contractors Inc. in Livingston County.

As Governor Cuomo first announced in his 2018 State of the State address, the $355 million investment will transform and modernize the Thruway system for the approximately 267 million motorists that travel the superhighway each year.

Motorists are encouraged to sign up for E-ZPass, which is the most convenient way to pay tolls on the Thruway. E-ZPass tags are sold at retail locations across the state and motorists can also sign up online. For additional information on how cashless tolling works and tips on how to pay bills on time, visit the Thruway Authority's website at thruway.ny.gov/cashless.

Additionally, the Thruway Authority launched a webpage dedicated to the project and its developments. One of the many features on the webpage is the Interactive Map. Motorists can view where the gantries are installed along the system and the progress made at each location. The webpage also features a FAQ section, project gallery and traffic information.

In June 2019, Governor Cuomo announced Cashless Tolling Constructors, LLC (CTC) was awarded the contract to install cashless tolling across the entire Thruway ticketed system by the end of 2020. CTC is a consortium of contractors which is performing work in each of the four Thruway Maintenance Divisions; New York, Albany, Syracuse, and Buffalo. A workforce of more than 800 staff is spread along the I-87 and I-90 corridors, spanning 18 counties.

When cashless tolling is operational on the Thruway's ticketed system and all toll booths are removed, motorists will drive seamlessly under gantries so vehicles no longer have to stop to pay tolls.  Vehicles with E-ZPass tags are automatically charged and vehicles without E-ZPass tags will have their license plate image captured and a toll bill mailed to the registered owner.  As part of the Design-Build project requirements, the switchover to cashless tolling will take place simultaneously system-wide by the end of 2020.

Following the conversion to cashless tolling, the existing toll plazas and barriers will be removed in phases. During the deconstruction phase, drivers will continue to travel through existing toll lanes at reduced speeds without stopping until the booths are removed and road reconfigurations are complete. Drivers will be required to use caution around the toll plazas during this time, as it will be an active construction zone. The posted speed limit when traveling through the toll lanes will be 20 MPH.

New Belmont Fire District halted; petitions force public vote

From the Belmont Fire Department:

Fire District Update:

Yesterday on August 27th 2020 there was a petition filed with the Town of Amity, Town Clerk.

What is being petitioned?

On August 10, 2020, the Town Board of the Town of Amity approved and adopted a Resolution authorizing the establishment of the Belmont Fire District; and that on August 3, 2020, the Village  Board of Trustees of the Village of Belmont approved and adopted a Resolution authorizing the establishment of the Belmont Fire District. This is in protest against the adoption of such Resolutions.

What happens now?

There will be a mandatory referendum to establish such joint fire district, submitted to the qualified property owners of the town and/or village affected, that being the Town of Amity, for their approval or disapproval pursuant to Articles Seven and Twelve-A of the New York State Town Law. A special town election will need to be held not less than ninety nor more than one hundred five days after the filing of such petition.

How does this a effect our fire protection?

The Fire Department will remain under the auspices of the Village of Belmont through at least December 31st 2021. This will mean another year of our fire protection being underfunded. It means another year without needed equipment, another year without reserve funds for fire apparatus replacement, equipment replacement or building replacement. This is a change that needed to happen sooner rather than later.

We appreciate all the support we have had through this process and we hope to see you at the polls in late November/early December.

Thank You,

Dedicated Volunteers of Belmont Fire Company INC.

PA: Gov. Wolf Urges Legislature to Pass Proposals for Safe and Secure Elections

Governor Tom Wolf urged the legislature to quickly pass his plan for safe and secure elections that ensures voters will receive mail-in ballots early, have time to return them, and that counties will have the time they need to quickly count the anticipated historic number of votes cast. The governor also reminded voters that the best way to make sure their vote is counted is to sign up now for a mail-in ballot and return it well before the Nov. 3 election.

“My administration continues to have great confidence in the state’s election system,” said Gov. Wolf. “Regardless of whether you cast your vote from the convenience of home with a mail-in ballot, or in person on election day, my administration has worked hard to ensure that every person has their voice heard and every vote is counted. These proposed reforms will further strengthen our elections, help people to vote safely from home, and assist counties in processing the surge in mail-in ballots.”

The primary in June was the first time that voters could use mail-in ballots after the historic, bipartisan Act 77 of 2019 signed into law by Gov. Wolf last fall. Pennsylvanians overwhelmingly embraced mail-in voting with nearly 1.5 million voters casting a mail-in or absentee ballot, more than half of all votes cast. Despite the record increase in mail-in ballots, and pandemic-related challenges, the primary was administered smoothly with few disruptions.

The Department of State and counties are using experiences from the primary to make improvements for the general election. Many counties, which administer Pennsylvania’s elections, are preparing for millions of mail-in ballots by increasing the use of high-speed scanners and other technology to quicken ballot canvassing and vote counting.

In addition, based on experience in the primary, Gov. Wolf called on the legislature to take immediate action on election improvements including:

• Allowing counties to start pre-canvassing ballots 21 days before the election rather than at 7 a.m. election day to make vote counting faster. Pre-canvassing involves counties scanning and verifying the ballot envelope, matching the voter’s signature to voter rolls, opening the mail and secrecy envelopes, and removing and scanning the ballot. Counties would not tabulate or report vote totals until polls close at 8 p.m. on election day.
• Allowing counties to count eligible ballots postmarked by election day and received by the Friday following election day to ensure that all ballots mailed by the deadline are counted.
• Requiring counties to start sending mail-in ballots at least 28 days before the election rather than 14 days as currently required. The change ensures voters who apply early will have at least four weeks to receive and return their ballot.
• Providing counties flexibility to appoint poll workers to vacant positions earlier than five days before an election. More poll workers are still needed, and the Department of State is encouraging businesses, colleges and organizations to reach out to their county elections office and volunteer at their local precincts.

The governor made the announcement during a news conference at Ridgeway Community Church, which serves as a polling place in Dauphin County. The governor was joined by Centre County Commissioner Chair Michael Pipe.

“If you want to vote by mail, apply now and your county will send you a ballot as soon as it is finalized,” said Gov. Wolf. “When you receive your ballot, complete it and mail it back as soon as you can so your county gets it in plenty of time.”

The Department of State soon will launch a public awareness campaign to inform voters how to apply for a mail-in ballot and will partner with the Pittsburgh Penguins and Allegheny County on voting initiatives.

Eligible voters may apply for their mail-in or absentee ballot online at votespa.com, in person at their county election offices, or by paper forms submitted by mail. Once the county determines the voter is eligible, counties will send the voter a ballot with return postage paid by the Department of State, so casting a ballot is free to voters. Voters have several convenient options to return their ballot by mail, in person at their county election office or at drop boxes, which many counties expect to provide.

Voters may register to vote and apply for their mail-in or absentee ballot online, in person at their county election offices, or by paper forms submitted by mail. The voter registration deadline for the Nov. 3 general election is Oct. 19. The deadline to apply for a mail-in ballot is Oct. 27. Online application for mail-in and absentee ballots are available in Spanish.

Pennsylvania is not automatically sending ballots to voters.

For voters who prefer to vote in person, polling places will be available in all counties on election day, Nov. 3, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

PA Attorney General Shapiro Arrests Father Andrew Kawecki for Sexual Assault of 11 year old altar boy

Father Andrew Kawecki

HARRISBURG – Attorney General Josh Shapiro this week announced the arrest of Father Andrew Kawecki, a Fayette County priest charged with assaulting an 11 year old altar boy multiple times starting in 2004 and lasting until the boy was 14.

Father Kawecki, 65, surrendered to agents from the Office of Attorney General at district court in Fayette County. He was charged with indecent assault and involuntary deviate sexual intercourse. His alleged victim, now in his late 20s, told prosecutors that Father Kawecki had forced sexual encounters with him starting when he was 11 years old. The assaults continued for three years in the back room of St. Cyril and Methodius Church in Fairchance where Father Kawecki prepared for services before mass.

“With the release of our Grand Jury report on abuse two years ago, I promised we would hold anyone who was abusing children accountable, no matter how powerful the institution behind them,” Attorney General Shapiro said. “Survivors experience a lifetime of anguish and trauma trying to overcome the impact of abuse, especially when it is committed by the hands of their own parish priest. No coverup is too long, no institution too powerful to stop us from doing our job. We will not let predators get away with the sexual assault of children.”

Father Kawecki often requested his altar server to work during masses the priest was conducting. All of the assaults occurred in the room where Kawecki prepared for services before or after the morning masses and on Sundays when the boy was dropped off early at church by his parents. These assaults didn’t stop until the alleged victim’s family left the parish in 2007.

Kawecki has been on leave since allegations were made. He most recently served as a trust advisor at Conn-Area Catholic School in Connellsville, and pastor at St. John the Baptist in Scottdale and St. Joseph in Everson. He has served in 15 parishes in the Greensburg Diocese since being ordained in May, 1980.

The release of the Grand Jury Report on Clergy Sexual Abuse in 2018 has generated over 2,000 tips to the Office of Attorney General, including the information that led to this arrest. Anyone with relevant information about Father Andrew Kawecki should contact the Attorney General’s Office using the Clergy Abuse Hotline: 1-888-538-8541.

“Anyone struggling to come forward, know that my office is listening, we are here, and we won’t be afraid to take on tough fights to do what’s right. If you have information, please contact my office at 1-888-538-8541,” added Attorney General Shapiro.

Kawecki was arraigned and released on $50,000 bail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Sept. 9. He has been ordered to have no contact with minors. He also surrendered his passport.

After being ordained in 1980, Kawecki served in the following assignments:

May 1980 – Associate Pastor, Immaculate Conception, Irwin, PA

May 1981 – Associate Pastor, St. John Baptist, Perryopolis, PA

August 1983 – Associate Pastor, St. Mary of Czestochowa New Kensington, PA

June 1990 – Parochial Vicar, St. Sebastian, Belle Vernon, PA

July 1990 – Chaplain, Catholic Daughters of the Americas, Belle Vernon, PA

July 1990 – Chaplain, Knights of Columbus, Belle Vernon, PA

June 1992 – Reverend, St James, Maxwell, PA

June 1992 – Reverend, St Julian, Isabella, PA

June 1995 – Pastor, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Leckrone, PA

June 2002 – Pastor, Church of the Resurrection, Clymer, PA

July 2004 – Pastor, St, Cyril and Methodius, Fairchance, PA

July 2007 – Administrator, St. Hubert, Point Marion, PA

June 2013 – Pastor, St. John the Baptist, Scottdale, PA

June 2013 – Administrator, St. Joseph, Everson, PA

May 2016 – Trust Advisor, Conn-Area Catholic School, Connellsville, PA

Assistant Chief Deputy Attorney General Daniel J. Dye is prosecuting this case. All charges discussed are accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Alfred State recognizes retirees

The list of retirees includes Colleen Argentieri, Joanne Bailey, Robert Bretzin, Barbara Brockway, Donald Catino, Linda Chase, Tammy Conrad, Constance Ehmann, Marsha Goodwin, Garth Grantier, Barbara Greil, Mary Hoffman, Cindy Hogan, Kent Johnson, Patty Lewis-Brownell, Debra Mayes, Martha McGee, Lewis Odell, Karl Perkins, Stephen Perkins, Steven Reynolds, Mary Scholla, Steven Scott, Vanessa Stachowski, Takao Takeuchi, Roger Wilcox, Barry Young, Christine Young, and Karen Young.

Obituary: Clarence E. Cady, 89, Hornell

HORNELL - Clarence E. Cady, 89, of 6835 Upper Glen Ave. died Saturday afternoon (August 22, 2020) at St. James Hospital, following a short illness.

Born in Hornell on December 14, 1930, he was the son of Clarence & Iva (O’Rourke) Cady.

Clarence grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1950).  Following high school graduation, he was drafted in the US Army and honorably served his country in Korea during the Korean Conflict.

Following his honorable discharge from the US Army, Clarence decided to continue his education and enrolled at Alfred State, receiving a degree in Sales and Building Construction. 

He was employed for 37 years at the former Erie Railroad, Erie-Lackawanna Railroad and Conrail, first as a trackman, brakeman, and eventually a conductor retiring in 1991.  Throughout the years, Clarence owned & operated his own 116-acre farm, raising corn, oats & wheat and also raising beef cows.

An outstanding carpenter, Clarence built his own home on Upper Glen Ave., Hornell.  He was a member of the Arkport American Legion and also a member of the Hornell Moose Lodge.  He loved rooting for the Buffalo Bills fan, especially during the Super Bowl Years.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Bertha Hathaway; his half-sister, Dorothy Zalinski.

Clarence was married on May 24, 1958 to the former Joan Sackett who survives.  Also surviving are 2 sons, Roger Cady of Hornell, Greg (Tammy Mead) Cady of Hornell; 1 daughter, Susan Cady of Hornell; 3 grandsons, Jesse Mead, Billy Cady & Owen Cady; several nieces & nephews.

The family of Clarence E. Cady will receive friends on Tuesday from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.  United States Army Military Honors will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 6:00 p.m.  Final interment will be in the Bath National Cemetery, Bath, NY.

In recognition of Clarence’s service to his country during the Korean Conflict, the American Flag at the Dagon Funeral Home will be flown at half-staff.

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

1,222 Tickets Already Issued by State Police in 2020 Under "Operation Hardhat"

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo  announced that the New York State Police have already issued 1,222 tickets during Operation Hardhat, an initiative between State Police, the New York State Department of Transportation and the New York State Thruway Authority, to crack down on work zone violations and highlight the importance of safe driving when encountering construction, maintenance and emergency operations along state highways. With at least three months left in the construction season, this total already surpasses the 1,048 tickets issued by State Troopers during all of 2019.

"Through Operation Hardhat, we continue to aggressively crack down on work zone violators who put our highway workers in harm's way," Governor Cuomo said.  "Essential transportation projects and ongoing maintenance activities to keep our highways safe are underway across New York State, and for the safety of our highway workers everyone is obligated to follow the speed limit in work zones and eliminate distractions on the road." 

Already in 2020, New York State Police have conducted 37 separate details at DOT and Thruway-operated work zones beginning in July that are expected to continue through November. A total of 1,222 tickets have been issued, including:

Speeding - 432

Seatbelts - 112

Cell Phone - 192

Move Over - 68

Failure to Obey Flagger - 2

Failure to Obey Traffic Control Device - 10

DWI - 1

Unsafe lane change - 2

Other violations - 403

Additional "Operation Hardhat" enforcement details are currently being scheduled with State Troopers patrolling active highway work zones throughout at locations along interstates and other state highways where maintenance and construction activities are underway.

Under "Operation Hardhat" State Troopers are present within the work zones, dressed as highway maintenance workers, to identify motorists who disobey flagging personnel, speed through the work zone or violate the state's Move Over Law, which applies to both emergency and maintenance vehicles.

Additionally, the State Department of Transportation has already partnered with five local law enforcement agencies on separate "Operation Hardhat" initiatives in 2020, including the Utica Police Department, the Monroe County Sheriff's Office, Livingston County Sheriff's Office, Wyoming County Sheriff's Office, and the Schuyler County Sheriff's Office.  Separately, these operations have resulted in 180 tickets issued to motorists, including tickets for speeding, seatbelt violations, cell phone/electronic device use, expired inspections, among other violations.

Governor Cuomo Issues Guidance for Infection Rates on College Campuses Following Reports of Students at Large Gatherings

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo Thursday issued guidance for infection rates on college campuses and mitigation actions schools must take when the infection rate rises above certain levels. The guidance comes following reports of students at large gatherings, and experiences in other states with clusters developing with return to in-person classes.

"We've seen troubling reports of students congregating on college campuses, so we are setting a threshold that says if colleges have 100 cases or if the number of cases equal 5 percent of their population or more, they must go to remote learning for two weeks, at which time we will reassess the situation," Governor Cuomo said. "We should anticipate clusters and that's what we're seeing. Be prepared for it, get ahead of it." 

Schools must return to remote learning with limited on-campus activity when that threshold is reached for a two-week period. If after two weeks, the local health department finds the college has demonstrated that it cannot contain the number of cases, then they could continue to require remote learning, or impose other mitigation measures in consultation with the State Department of Health. During that time, athletic activities and other extracurricular activities must be suspended, and dining hall options must move to take-out only.

If clusters of positive cases emerge on particular areas of a campus while still below 5 percent or under 100 students, but strain the college's ability to isolate and contact trace, the college must return to 100 percent distance learning with limited on-campus activity. The local department of health or State Department of Health may order colleges to suspend on-campus activities upon a finding of the college's inability to control the outbreak, even under the metric.

Senator Borrello Calls on State to Release Federal Aid to Support Child Care Providers

Senator Borrello speaks on the importance of the state releasing the CARES Act funds targeted for child care. Behind him are Chautauqua County Executive PJ Wendel and Beth Starks, Executive Director of the Chautauqua Lake Child Care Center

IRVING, NY – Senator George M. Borrello and Assemblyman Andy Goodell called on New York State Thursday to release millions in federal dollars the state received from Washington D.C. to support child-care providers so parents can return to work.

Joined by child-care professionals at the Lake Shore Family Care Center in Irving, Senator Borrello said the decision by Albany to withhold aid from Washington is slowing the state’s economic recovery from COVID-19.

“Child-care workers are essential workers,” Senator Borrello said. “At the height of the crisis, despite the risk to their own families, registered child-care providers continued caring for the children of front-line and emergency workers, so those workers could provide essential goods and services to us and our families.”

In April, New York State received $164.6 million in federal CARES Act funding earmarked to support child-care programs and providers.

Beth Starks, is founder and Executive Director of Chautauqua Lake Child Care Center, Assistant Professor and Early Childhood Education Coordinator at Jamestown Community College, and a member of the Governor’s Child Care Availability Task Force.

Ms. Starks said of the $164.6 million in CARES Act funding given the state, New York has allocated $95 million but has only released $30 million to child-care providers. She said the state should at least release the $65 million in federal funds it has set aside for child-care programs.

"Pre-Covid, child care was in a crisis situation, preventing people from going to work,” she said. “We are in what’s called a child care desert because there isn’t enough child care here in Western New York, or in much of New York State.”

According to the Center for American Progress, 64 percent of New Yorkers lived in a child care desert (before the pandemic), which means that there are either no child care providers or so few options that there are more than three times as many children as licensed child care slots.

Ms. Starks said in the past four months, the situation has gotten much worse.

“Over 50 percent of my colleagues in Chautauqua County have closed their doors,” she said. “Nationally, it is estimated that about half of them never will open again. We cannot re-open New York without child care because there is nowhere for children to go and that includes children from infants all the way up through the teenage years.”

Assemblyman Andy Goodell joined Senator Borrello in asking the state to release the funds.

In a letter he sent Governor Cuomo earlier this year, Assemblyman Goodell asked the governor to follow the recommendations of his own child-care advisors.

Assemblyman Goodell urged Governor Cuomo to release the aid “in a manner consistent with the recommendations of your Child Care Task Force headed by Sheila Poole, Commissioner of the Office of Children and Family Services, and Roberta Readon, Commissioner of the Department of Labor.”

“Today I am joining Senator Borrello and Assemblyman Goodell and officials across the state in the Childcare Day of Action to call on New York State to release the CARES Act funding to local governments and childcare providers,” said Chautauqua County Executive PJ Wendel. “We raised this issue months ago, when Counties were told the Governor was not aware that counties and local providers wanted the CARES Act funding. We requested Chautauqua County’s share of funding at that time, and now it is even more critical that childcare providers have access to these funds as more parents are returning to work, and many schools are returning with instruction models requiring at least some days of remote-learning.”

Senator Borrello said the care provided by professional child care workers is critical to Western New York’s resurgence.

“These businesses are struggling now because their enrollment is down due to the pandemic,” he said. “The state needs to release the remaining CARES Act funding to ensure that our childcare providers are able to deliver the critical service that is the foundation for the resurgence of our economy.”

6th Annual Paint for Prevention

First Place

Alfred, NY – Last Saturday the Allegany Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse, Inc.(ACASA), Alfred University, and Partners for Prevention in Allegany County(PPAC) held their annual Paint for Prevention at Saxon Drive on Alfred University’s campus. The purpose of the event is to give students the opportunity to share their thoughts about alcohol, substance abuse, and other health topics in a creative way. The event was completely free for the students and were supplied with all the chalk, paint, and spray bottles they needed to create their artwork. While the students were creating their chalk masterpieces ACASA and PPAC staff were on hand to talk to the students about an array of topics. The event was able to take place as the artists were spaced out to maintain social distancing and wore masks when they could not socially distance. Sixteen students participated, while many more stopped by and talked at the PPAC tent. One of the main topics of discussion was the increase in substance abuse during COVID-19 and what the students thought about the rise. Many gave positive alternatives to drinking alcohol from sketching to going for hikes to maintaining good mental health. First place went to Shelby Hoffstattev, Second Place went to Josie Fasolino and Third Place went to Amber Taggert. “Even though we hoped for more artists, it was great just to see the students out in the nice weather creating awesome chalk art,” said ACASA Community Educator Ann Weaver. If you would like to see more pictures please visit www.ppaccentral.org/paint-for-prevention/ , you can also follow PPAC on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter on PPAC Central.

Second Place

Third Place

 

Wellsville: Rain doesn't slow down food truck operation

Thursday night's rain storm didn't stop some of the food concessions of A.F. Santillo from setting up and getting ready for Wellsville's Fair Food event taking place this weekend in Island Park from 4 to 9 p.m. Friday and from 12 to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The event is a drive-thru, so roll down those windows to order your food.

NY court rejects appeal from Steuben County murderer

The New York State Supreme Court has rejected the appeal of a man convicted of murder in Corning in 2014. An attorney for now 29-year-old Jacob Andrew Horn appealed on several levels in the Steuben County conviction, however, in an eight-page ruling, the Appellate Division rejected each claim. The case arose from the violent death of an alleged drug dealer and white supremacist from Bath, Phillip Lough, whose body the police found concealed in the cupboard of an abandoned mansion in Corning. A jury found Horn guilty of murder, burglary, tampering with physical evidence and criminal possession of a weapon. Horn was sentenced to 22 years to life in prison. He is currently housed at Green Haven Correctional in Dutchess County. His first parole hearing will be in June 2035. The complete decision is HERE.

NY State Police Blotter

8/26/20 10:45am- State Police arrested Anthony A. Olejniczak, 53, of Hume. He was charged with felony criminal possession of a weapon by a convicted felon and second-degree menacing with a weapon. Bail was set at $2,500.

Rep. Tom Reed "welcomes" initial Justice Department review of New York's nurisng home policies - Title correted

Corning, NY – Today, Rep. Tom Reed released the following statement regarding the Department of Justice requesting data on New York's nursing home fatalities and the announcement it may further investigate the state's nursing home policies:
--

“We welcome the Department Of Justice’s initial foray into the issue of Governor Cuomo’s disastrous nursing home orders and the state’s refusal to share any nursing home fatality data,” said Congressman Reed. 

“We, along with lawmakers at the federal and state level, members of the media, and public health experts, have all been calling for an independent investigation into the state’s horrific errors for months. 

For far too long, Governor Cuomo and the Department of Health have refused to end the charade and own up to their mistakes, instead opting to obfuscate the truth and promote a medically dubious report that declared themselves free of any blame.

Enough is enough. This important first step could finally help New Yorkers who lost a parent or grandparent receive the accountability and transparency they deserve. As we have said repeatedly, getting to the bottom of the state’s ‘must admit’ orders will also help us ensure our nation’s parents and grandparents are never knowingly placed in harm’s way again.”

Wellsville: Annual AMBA Wellness Program

The Rotary Club of Wellsville is especially pleased to still be able to offer this service, even during the year of 2020.  Naturally, social distancing and mask usage will be observed.  We will be unable to offer the traditional doughnuts, but we can offer the continuity of annual testing.

The Rotary Club of Wellsville will be sponsoring the Annual Blood Analysis Wellness Program, as it has for decades, on October 10, 2020 from 6-10 am at Grace United Church, 289 North Main Street, Wellsville.  We are especially pleased to be able to offer this service during the turbulent year of 2020, as the annual tracking of data from these tests provides useful comparative data for your physician.  This blood analysis covers coronary diseases, kidney diseases, anemia, liver diseases, diabetes and assorted other tests.  The cost is $41, and this screening is not covered by Medicare and most other insurance companies.  PHI forms required for patient copies, photo ID required.  Other tests, including prostate Specific Antigen, TSH, Vitamin D, Hemoglobin A1C, and Insure Colon Rectal kit are available for additional fees.  Call to make your reservation today at 1-800-234-8888 between 8:30 am and 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday.  Please have your doctor's name and address available when you call.  Personal physician authorization is required.  A separate physician's order is required for any of the optional tests.  Masks will be required, and the traditional doughnuts cannot be offered, as the precautions of Corona virus dictate.  Checks or money order only will be accepted the day of the program and should be made payable to AMBA Wellness Programs.

Allegany County Community Opportunities and Rural Development: "We're open for service"

We are open for service!

“ACCORD is the designated Community Action Agency in Allegany County, serving approximately 4,000 disadvantaged individuals annually through the successful stewardship of more than $7.5M in federal, state and local grants.” ACCORD has been providing services to individuals, families, and our communities for almost 50 years and we will be here to serve the community through this uncertain and frightening time. We are adapting to the changing needs arising from this pandemic as well as to the expanding and diminishing resources available as a result.

It is well known that the COVID-19 pandemic is having a major impact on all levels of government. The August 13, 2020 press release issued by the NYS Division of the Budget reported a projected a $14.5 billion General Fund Revenue decline. The release notes that NYS has reduced spending in several ways, some of which have resulted in ongoing delays in contracts and payments to our agency and many non-profits across the state.

ACCORD has survived the ups and downs associated with both federal and state funding delays and cutbacks many times. While this pandemic is driving challenges never before experienced, we continue to serve our communities and the most vulnerable among us. We are serving people who have never had the need to reach out before. Please be assured, we are not shutting our doors. We welcome feedback and questions, please allow us the chance to clarify any changes to staffing and services you may have heard about.

Our unity and support of each other is what makes Allegany County a great place to live. We have always relied on your support and assistance and now need you to spread the word:  ACCORD is and will continue to serve those in need and to work with our community partners, volunteers and program participants to get through this time together. 

Find us online at www.accordcorp.org or follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/accordcorp for all the latest updates!

Jobless numbers climb in Allegany County

The New York State Department of Labor released the July unemployment rates this week. In Allegany County, the jobless rate climbed to 12.1% in July…up two percentage points from June. Last month, 100 new jobs were added in Allegany County, but it still lags way behind a year ago. According to the Labor Department, the county employed 18,100 people in July 2019. However, that number declined in July 2020 with 16,900 people employed. According to the monthly state report, there were 2,300 people unemployed in July 2020, up 1.3% from a year ago. 

State audit critical of Town of Corning

A recent state audit of the financial condition of the town of Corning has brought some criticism. The state summary says…Auditors determined the board did not effectively manage the town’s financial condition, which resulted in the town-wide general fund having unassigned fund balance totaling nearly $769,000 as of December 31, 2019, or 79 percent of actual expenditures. In addition, the board did not develop multiyear financial and capital plans or adopt a reasonable fund balance policy. Town Supervisor Kimberly Feehan agreed with most of the report, but not all. She said communities such as the town of Corning that were carrying a little more in Unassigned Fund Balance can weather the storm of reduced revenues and will not need to raise taxes significantly on its residents. The Comptroller’s Office responded by saying the Board’s approach during this audit period and the last audit has resulted in taxpayers repeatedly paying more real property taxes than necessary.

Man faces felony charge for Potter County incident

Coudersport-based Troopers on Wednesday arrested Shawn James Schaar, 31, of Knoxville, PA. He was charged with felony criminal trespass for allegedly breaking into a structure in Hector Township. He was also charged with damaging property. Arraigned in District Court, the judge set bail at $20,000 unsecured. A preliminary hearing will be held September 21st.

Shinglehouse woman faces criminal charges

Pennsylvania State Police Wednesday night arrested Janet Anne Healy, 57, of Shinglehouse. She was charged with simple assault, harassment with physical contact and criminal mischief for allegedly damaging property. At 10:45 p.m. she was arraigned in District Court. The judge set bail at $5,000 unsecured and Healy was released. A preliminary hearing will be held on September 1st.