Former Bolivar Fire Dept. treasurer sentenced to probation after stealing from volunteers

Amy Olmstead

The former treasurer of the Bolivar Volunteer Fire Department will spend five years on probation after pleading guilty to felony grand larceny. In Allegany County court today, 47-year-old Amy Olmstead of Bolivar was also told by Judge Thomas Brown to make $3,000 in restitution, pay a DNA fee and pay a surcharge of $325.
According to the District Attorney's Office, from March to September 2016, Olmstead stole fund raising money and stole money by forging checks totaling over $12,000. Olmstead was the department treasurer during the crimes.
Olmstead was originally charged with grand larceny, forgery and falsifying business records. The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Tom Fuoco. Olmstead was represented by John Cappellini.

Travel Advisory - I-86 Campbell Rest Area Closed Beginning August 7th

The New York State Department of Transportation today announced that, on Tuesday, August 7, 2018, the Campbell Rest Area located on the east bound side of Interstate 86 in the town of Campbell will be closed for replacement of a backup generator. Work is expected to be completed prior to the weekend.

Motorists are reminded that fines are doubled for speeding in a work zone.  In accordance with the Work Zone Safety Act of 2005, convictions of two or more speeding violations in a work zone could result in the suspension of an individual’s driver license.

For real-time travel information, call 511 or visit www.511NY.org. You can also follow us on Twitter @NYSDOTHornell.

Obituary: Nelson C. Heller, 59, of Coudersport

Nelson C. Heller “longtime Coudersport resident”

COUDERSPORT, PA - Nelson C. Heller, 59, of Coudersport, passed away on Wednesday, August 1, 2018, from injuries sustained in an ATV accident.

Born on January 3, 1959 in East Stroudsburg, he was a son of Carl S. and Phyllis “Jean” Plank Heller.  On December 31, 1991 in Coudersport, he married Pamela J. “Pam” Pepper, who survives.

Nelson was a graduate of Pleasant Valley Area School District in Brodheadsville.  He was employed as a mason in the family business, Carl S. Heller and Sons Construction in Coudersport.  At the time of his death, Nelson and his two sons were self-employed in the construction and masonry business.

Nelson was a member of the Sons of the American Legion Post 192, Coudersport.  He was an avid hunter and enjoyed his ATV and snowmobiles.

Surviving besides his wife and his mother of Denver, N.C. are three children, Jesse L. (Brandy) Bailey of Coudersport, Nicole L. (Kevin J. Jr.) Dusenbury of Wailuku, Hawaii, and John C. (Darlene Oltman) Heller of Coudersport; two grandchildren, Mylan Bailey and Harli Heller; a sister, Carla (Rich) Muirhead of Coudersport; two brothers, Dale Heller of Bellefonte and Duane (Melody) Heller of Denver, N.C.; and several nieces, nephews, and many friends.

Nelson was predeceased by his father.

In keeping with Nelson’s wishes, there will be no public visitation.  A celebration of his life will be held at a place and date to be announced.

Nelson’s family has entrusted his care to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

To express condolences or share a fond memory of Nelson, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com.

ATV crash kills Coudersport man

A Coudersport man was fatally injured Wednesday afternoon in an ATV crash on Bowers Road in Allegany Township. Pennsylvania state police said the 4 p.m. crash claimed the life of 59-year-old Nelson C. Heller. According to Trooper Sierra Rose, Heller was traveling south on Bower Road near its intersection with Baker Creek Road when he lost control on loose gravel. Troopers said Heller, who wasn't wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, was ejected and "became entrapped underneath" the ATV. Potter County Coroner Kevin Dusenbury pronounced Heller dead at the scene.

New York State Police Newsroom Notification: Man fatally struck by bull in Wyoming County

NEW YORK STATE POLICE Major Edward J. Kennedy
Troop A Commander

PRESS RELEASE

SP Warsaw- Today at 11:40 a.m. troopers responded to Simmons Road in the town of Covington for a man struck by a bull.  Further investigation revealed that Roy C. Bell, 72 of Perry was moving cattle around the farm. A family member located Bell after being struck by the one-year-old bull. Life saving measures were administered to Bell who was unresponsive.  Bell succumb to his injuries and was taken to Monroe County Medical Examiners Office for autopsy.

Belmont fire, Belmont Amerigan Legion ask flag be returned

This announcement was made on Facebook Thursday:

To whomever stole the state flag of California...
The Belmont Fire Company along with the Belmont Legion have a combined amount of over $2,000 invested in all these flags, brackets, and hardware, hanging up on the bridge over the Genesee River. We would appreciate it being returned along with the missing hardware and there will no questions asked! If it is not returned and the police determine who stole it, there will be criminal charges pressed!

Gov. Cuomo to advance legislation to remove death penalty from state law

GOVERNOR CUOMO TO ADVANCE LEGISLATION TO REMOVE DEATH PENALTY FROM STATE LAW IN SOLIDARITY WITH POPE FRANCIS

 

Governor Cuomo: "Today, in solidarity with Pope Francis and in honor of my father, I will be advancing legislation to remove the death penalty -- and its ugly stain in our history -- from State law once and for all." 

"By declaring the death penalty inadmissible in all cases and working to end the practice globally, Pope Francis is ushering in a more righteous world for us all. The death penalty is morally indefensible and has no place in the 21st century. 

 

"Pope Francis's decision is a validation of my father's principled stand against the death penalty in the face of overwhelming support for capital punishment. My father staked his political career on his opposition to the death penalty and never backed down, saying it 'demeans those who strive to preserve human life and dignity.' 

 

"As Governor, Mario Cuomo vetoed legislation reinstating the death penalty 12 times in 12 years.  He did this because he believed the death penalty was wrong and he had the courage to stand firm in his beliefs -- so much so that he was willing to lose his office rather than capitulate.  Pop was right then, and he is right now.

"The death penalty was reinstated in New York under the Pataki administration but halted by the courts in 2004. In his final years, my father continued to advocate for eliminating the law from the books, calling it a 'stain on our conscience.' Today, in solidarity with Pope Francis and in honor of my father, I will be advancing legislation to remove the death penalty -- and its ugly stain in our history -- from State law once and for all."

Grand Island man arrested for leaving threatening voicemails for two Congressmen

BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Carlos Bayon, 63, of Grand Island, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with interstate communication of a threat. The charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both.  

Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul E. Bonanno, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on June 30, 2018, the Louisiana office of a United States Congressman (Congressman One) received a threatening voicemail. A congressional staff member reached out to the United States Capitol Police to report the threat. The voicemail stated: 

“Hey listen, this message is for you and the people that sent you there. You are taking ours, we are taking yours. Anytime, anywhere. We know where they are. We are not going to feed them sandwiches, we are going to feed them lead. Make no mistake you will pay. Ojo por ojo, diente por diente (This is Spanish for “an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth”). That is our law and we are the majority. Have a good day.” 

The call was traced to the defendant Carlos Bayon.  

Also on June 30, 2018, the Washington State office of another United States Congressman (Congressman Two) received a threatening voicemail with the same message. That call as well was traced to the defendant.  

“Though the government cannot force people to respect one another, the government can force people to respect the rule of law by prosecuting those who break it,” stated U.S. Attorney Kennedy. “If someone disagrees with a law, then the Constitution specifies the means to be pursued to have that law changed. Threats to lawmakers are not an acceptable means to accomplish that objective. Our country and our democracy are founded upon the principle of self-governance. Self-governance, however, is not the same as the unrestrained pursuit of self-interest—that is simply selfishness. These days it seems that too many people are willing to ignore their obligation to obey the laws as they are written. While disrespect for the rule of law can cost individuals, such as this defendant, their liberty, the cost to society can be even greater as it robs us of both the mores and means to be able to govern ourselves.” 

“The Bureau and our federal partners continue to play key roles in combating violent crime and threats of violence in big cities and local communities,” said Gary Loeffert, Special Agent-in-Charge of the FBI's Buffalo Office. “We treat every threat like it's real until we can prove otherwise. Freedom of speech does not include using words to intimidate others -- Constitutional protections do not extend to threatening phone calls.”  

The complaint is the result of an investigation by the United States Capitol Police, under the direction of Chief Matthew R. Verderosa, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Gary Loeffert.  

Ulysses crash injures four, two seriously

Pennsylvania state police say an elderly couple from Georgia suffered suspected serious injuries when the vehicle they were in was struck after failing to yield at an intersection. Troopers said the crash happened at 2:51 p.m. on Tuesday at the intersection of State Route 49 and Gold Road in Ulysses. State police said 80-year-old Marjorie Brent of Hartwell, Georgia failed to stop at a red light and was struck by an SUV operated by Brian Daniel, 49 of Ulysses. Brent and her husband, 83-year-old William were seriously injured. Daniel and a 16-year-old female passenger sustained minor injuries. All four were transported to UPMC-Cole in Coudersport. Mrs. Hartwell was charged with obedience to traffic control devices. Ambulances from Ulysses and Genesee were at the scene as was Tri-Town Fire.

Allegany County DPW Planned Closure of County Route #27B In the Town of Hume

To: Whom it may concern

From: Justin D Henry - Deputy Superintendent II

Date: August 2nd, 2018

Re: Closure of County Route # 27B (Ballard Road) in the Town of Hume.

Please be advised that on Tuesday August 7th 2018 at 7:00 a.m., County Route # 27B (Ballard Road) in the Town of Hume, approximately 1.1 mile northeast of the County Route 4 (Snyder Hill Road) intersection, will be closed for the day to replace a culvert pipe and repair the road. There will not be an on-site detour to accommodate traffic and motorists are urged to seek alternate routes. Thank you for your cooperation.

Allegany County robberies - New information on Lotter arrest

Chase Lotter

PRESS RELEASE
SP Amity- On August 1, 2018 the Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) arrested Chase H. Lotter, 27 of Shawmut Ave., Johnsonburg, P.A. with an Arrest Warrant issued from the town of Amity Court for Robbery in the first degree. He was taken into custody in Rochester, NY. Lotter was also charged with Burglary 2^nd, 3^rd, Grand Larceny 4^th (2 counts).
Lotter was charged after the investigation into a robbery of a Crosby Mart on State Route 19 in the town of Amity, which was reported at 2:33 a.m. on July 30, 2018.  Lotter allegedly threatened the use a gun during that robbery and made off with $189 cash.  Lotter was additionally charged after an investigation into a burglary in the town of Genesee, which occurred on July 22, 2018.  Lotter was charged with Burglary in the second and Burglary in the third degree.  An investigation was conducted after a report of a burglary to a garage in the town of Bolivar on July 30, 2018, which led to Lotter being charged with Burglary in the third degree.  Lotter was charged with Grand Larceny in the fourth degree, after he allegedly stole a golf cart, on July 30^th, 2018, from the Bolivar Country Club.  Additionally on July 30, Lotter allegedly stole a truck from Butternut Brook Road in the town of Genesee, for which he was charged with Grand Larceny in the fourth degree.
Lotter was processed at SP Amity and arraigned in the town of Amity Court with cash bail being recommended by Allegany County District Attorney at $100,000 cash and $200,000 bond.
The Bolivar Police Department has been advised of the arrest and will continue their investigation/arrest in the bank robbery.  Pennsylvania authorities have also been advised of the arrest due to a robbery at a Kwik Fill gas station in Bradford with Lotter as the suspect.
The New York State Police thank the public for all the tips that helped in the investigation and eventual peaceful arrest of Lotter.

Elmira radio personality arrested following child molestation investigation - WENY

ELMIRA, N.Y. (WENY) – A former local radio personality has been sent to jail following an investigation into sexual assault against a child.

According to police, Christopher Luke, 43, was sentenced to 60 days in jail and one year probation for one count of Sexual Abuse in the Third Degree.

Luke will also have to register as a sex offender.

He was reportedly arrested in November and sentenced in Elmira City Court on July 13.

Tower Broadcasting, LLC was able to confirm Luke was known as the on-air personality “Criztian Rock” on 94.3 Rock, an Elmira-based radio station.

This is not the first time Luke has been charged with sexual abuse against a child. According to court documents, he was in arrested Luzerne County, Pennsylvania for similar accusations in 2002.

In 2003, he pleaded guilty to Luring a Child into a Motor Vehicle, Corruption of Minors and Loitering and Prowling at Night Time.

WENY News has reached out to 94.3 Rock for a comment, but we have yet to hear back.

Elmira radio personality arrested following child molestation investigation

Allegany County robbery suspect - Chase Lotter - in custody UPDATED

Click HERE for newly released information (8/2/18 9 a.m.).
Original post: Chase H. Lotter, 27 was arrested tonight on an Arrest Warrant from the town of Amity for robbery in the first degree, class “B” felony.  Lotter was located by the New York State Police in the City of Rochester.  Lotter was transported to SP Amity where he was processed for several charges to include: 

-Robbery in the first degree ,(B) Felony

-Burglary in the second degree, (C) Felony

-Two counts of Burglary in the third degree, (D) Felony

-Two counts of Grand Larceny in the fourth degree (D) Felony

 

Lotter was processed and then arraigned in the town of Amity Court and sent to the Allegany County Jail.  Cash bail recommendation from the Allegany County District Attorney’s Office was $100,000 cash $200,000 property bond. 

 

The New York State Police were assisted by the Bradford Township Police Department (Pennsylvania), the Johnsonburg Police Department (Pennsylvania), Pennsylvania State Police and the Village of Bolivar Police Department. 

Lotter has been implicated in several recent crimes, to include robbing the Steuben Trust bank in Bolivar and robbing the Crosby convenience store in Belmont on Monday. He is also a suspect in a robbery Tuesday night at the Kwik Fill on South Avenue in Bradford.  
In May 2014, Lotter was convicted of robbing a pharmacy in Eldred. He was sentenced to serve 3 1/2 to 8 years in prison but was released earlier this year.

DiNapoli: Strong Growth for Local Sales Tax Collections Halfway Into 2018

Local sales tax collections across New York grew 6 percent in the first six months of 2018, according to a report released today by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. Through June, local collections totaled $8.5 billion compared to $8 billion during the same period last year.
This is the highest half-year increase in the state since 2010 and the fourth consecutive period of strengthening collections. By comparison, growth during the first half of 2017 was 3.3 percent and during the first six months of 2016 it was 1.7 percent.
"Local sales tax growth is showing sustained improvement across much of the state," DiNapoli said. "The upcoming back-to-school and holiday shopping seasons may bolster what has already been a strong start to 2018. But as history has proven, sales tax can be an unpredictable revenue source for our local governments. I urge municipal officials to be cautious if planning for future growth."
DiNapoli's report revealed local sales tax collections in several regions far surpassed last year. Outside of New York City, the highest regional increases in the state were in the Southern Tier (5.8 percent), Mohawk Valley (5.8 percent), Mid-Hudson (5.8 percent), Capital District (5.6 percent) and Long Island (5.5 percent).
Examining sales tax on a county-specific basis, the report shows collections grew in 54 of the 57 counties outside of New York City. The strongest growth was in Hamilton County at 38.9 percent, followed by Sullivan (18 percent), Fulton (14.7 percent), and Tioga (12.5 percent) counties. The report notes that some large increases, such as in Hamilton County, can be due to technical adjustments made in collections.
New York City's sales tax collections grew by $250 million (6.9 percent) in the first half of 2018, its highest year-over-year increase since 2013. This increase accounts for nearly half (45 percent) of the nearly $484 million growth statewide.
Of the 17 cities in New York that impose their own general sales tax in addition to New York City, 14 had increases in collections. Gloversville had the strongest growth at 33.2 percent, which is likely due to a large one-time purchase made by a local business in the first quarter of 2018. The cities of Norwich (12.7 percent), Mount Vernon (10.6 percent) and Saratoga Springs (9.7 percent) also had strong growth. The cities of Oneida, Rome and Salamanca all saw their collections decrease from the same period last year, but this was mostly due to technical adjustments.
Across New York, economic factors that may have impacted collections include continued low unemployment, high consumer confidence and rising inflation. Another major influence affecting sales tax collections at the local level, especially in upstate regions, is the amount generated from the sale of motor fuel. The motor fuel sales tax component increased by 13.9 percent from the first half of 2017, marking the third consecutive half-year increase.

Andover woman charged with assault after tavern dispute

Andover police Tuesday night arrested Carrie Campbell, 31, of Andover. She was charged with assault 3rd. She was processed and released on an appearance ticket for court returnable August 6th. Police Chief Jim Rumfelt said the charge stems from an alleged altercation Saturday night at a local tavern.

Court action pending for Eldred man who allegedly threatened Darien Lake concert

Additional court action is pending for the Eldred man who allegedly threatened concert-goers at Darien Lake last month. Twenty-five year old Seth Kronenwetter was charged with making a terroristic threat and aggravated harassment. He was arraigned Tuesday and released under supervision. The Genesee County Sheriff's Office said the incident occurred July 13th. Other details were not released. Kronenwetter is scheduled to return to court August 27th.

Reed Slams Pardoning Sex Offenders

Press Release:
WASHINGTON –Today, Rep. Tom Reed (NY-23) hammered Governor Andrew Cuomo for his decision to pardon and restore voting rights to more than 24 thousand felons – including 77 sex offenders deemed too dangerous to release back into society.
“We will call out extreme and radical policies when we see them,” Tom said. “We should hold these convicted and dangerous people fully accountable for their acts. To allow sex offenders into our schools with children is downright dangerous.”
A current carve-out in the state's criminal trespass laws allows sex offenders to enter a school for the specific purpose of voting. A fact sheet from the New York School Boards Association explains New York’s sex offenders are eligible to vote at a school if they're no longer on parole, probation or conditional discharge.
“We are drafting legislation to ensure our children’s well-being following this new and extreme sex offender policy,” Tom said.  “Children should not fear about having contact with sex offenders, and extreme policies allowing this to occur must be defeated,” Reed concluded.

Obituary: Thomas N. Hackett, 85, Wellsville

Thomas N. Hackett, 85, of Wellsville, NY, died Tuesday, July 31, 2018 in Strong Memorial Hospital, Rochester.  Born February 5, 1933, in Hickox, PA, he was the son of Harry and Lydia Haskins Hackett. On March 27, 1970, in Wellsville, he married the former OnaLee M. Cook, who survives.  He was employed as a welder by Air Preheater.  Tom loved music and played in local country bands.  He was a member of the Yorks Corners Mennonite Church.  Surviving besides his wife, OnaLee, are seven children, Roy Hackett of Wellsville, Randy Hackett of Andover, Rick Hackett of Dansville, Jacalyn Kemp of Wellsville, Grant (Linda) Kemp of Wellsville, Bonnie Kemp of Wellsville, and Timothy (Brenda) Hackett of Indian Mound, TN; 23 grandchildren;  48 great-grandchildren;  two brothers, Bruce Hackett of Scio and Dale Hackett of Wellsville; nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by a sister, Colleen “Connie” Hallock.  Friends may attend a memorial gathering at the Wellsville VFW on Friday, August 3, 2018 beginning at 3:00 p.m.  Memorials may be directed to Ashlie Tronetti, 2850 Larchwood Dr., Wellsville, NY 14895. Arrangements are entrusted to the Mulholland-Crowell Funeral Home, Wellsville, NY.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.wellsvillefuneralhome.com. 

Allegany County sex offender gets jail time for not registering Facebook, e-mail accounts

A level-2 registered sex offender has been sentenced to one year in the Allegany County Jail for not reporting a Facebook accounts and e-mail address as required by law. Judge Thomas Brown handed down that sentence today to 22-year-old Tristin Weidman of Angelica, who pleaded guilty to failure to register and verify, a class-E felony. The incident occurred May 11, 2018 in the village of Angelica.
On March 9, 2018 Weidman was convicted of two counts of  possessing an obscene sexual performance by a child. He was convicted of a similar but misdemeanor level crime in 2016.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Amanda Finn. Weidman was represented by JR Santana Carter, Assistant Public Defender.  

NY: Attendance at State Parks and DEC Campgrounds Up 8% in 2018

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks) today reminded New Yorkers that the summer is not yet over and there is plenty of time to make lasting family memories by getting outdoors and visiting any of the State's many campgrounds and parks. Campgrounds are open through late summer and many remain open in the early fall.
New York State boasts 119 public campgrounds throughout the Adirondacks, Catskills, Finger Lakes, Long Island, Hudson and Mohawk valleys, Southern Tier, Western New York, and Thousand Islands regions. Check the NYS Parks website for campsite availability this weekend.
Attendance at State Park campgrounds and DEC campgrounds and day use areas is up almost eight percent so far this season, and 2018 looks to be a record-breaking year.
DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said, "Camping is an affordable and rewarding experience that connects families with nature and one another while experiencing the great outdoors. I encourage all New Yorkers, and visitors, too, to make the most of the summer and visit any of the 119 public campground across the state. It's not too late to plan a remarkable outdoor adventure."

PUC’s Annual Electric Service Reliability Report Notes Record Number of Storm Outages in 2017

HARRISBURG – A record-high number of “reportable outage events” impacted electric utility customers across Pennsylvania during 2017, according to the latest Electric Service Reliability Report, just released by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC).
The annual report details performance benchmarks and standards for the state’s 11 electric distribution companies, including Citizens’ Electric, Duquesne Light, Metropolitan Edison, PECO, Pennsylvania Electric, Pennsylvania Power, Pike County Light & Power, PPL Electric Utilities, UGI Utilities, Wellsboro Electric and West Penn Power.
According to the report, there were 50 reportable outage events during 2017 – the highest number since PUC began collecting data in 1993, and a substantial increase from the previous year, when only 20 outage events were reported. The size and scope of those storms is also noteworthy, with 2017 storms disrupting power to 1.3 million customers – which is nearly twice the figure for 2016 and more than double the 2015 total.
Under the Public Utility Code, an outage event is a service disruption involving 5 percent of total customers or 2,500 customers, whichever is less, for six or more consecutive hours.
Nearly all the 2017 outage events were triggered by severe spring and summer thunderstorms, which brought extremely high winds and heavy rain. This is different from previous spikes in outage figures that were driven by a small number of high-impact storms like Hurricanes Irene (2011) and Sandy (2012), or Winter Storm Nika (2014). 
The continuing reliability challenge posed by trees, including trees located outside the utility right-of-way, is noted in the report – as is the impact of increased storm activity.  Overall, approximately 50 percent of the total minutes of service interruptions during 2017 were attributed to fallen trees or tree limbs (400 million customer-minutes of service interruptions, impacting over 2 million customers).
Recommendations offered by the PUC’s Electric Service Reliability Report  include enhanced tree cutting and trimming-related initiatives; the accelerated replacement of aging infrastructure; and implementation of a new formalized and sustainable reliability improvement initiative to promote operational excellence.  This was originally developed successfully for high-voltage transmission system operations in areas such as reliability, resilience, security, human performance, equipment performance and asset management, operating experience exchange and superior practices, and continuous performance improvement processes and training.

Friends of the Allegany Arc: 15th Annual Summer Scramble at the Wellsville Country Club

Friends of Allegany Arc will be holding their 15th Annual Summer Scramble at the Wellsville Country Club on Friday, August 24, 2018. The tournament will be a four-person scramble format (men’s, women’s and mixed teams) with a 1:30 p.m. shotgun start.

“The best thing about a scramble format is that it is a quicker paced tournament and allows for golfers at every level to participate,” said Carrie Redman, Event Chairperson. Ms. Redman continued, “The tournament is fulling up, but we are still looking for a few more teams and accepting donations from local businesses who would like to sponsor our event.”

This year’s Tournament Sponsors are Update Pharmacy and Otis Eastern Service LLC. Other sponsors include, Bonadio & Co. LLP, Acme Business Machines, Dr. Robert Maiden, Hodgson Russ LLP, First Citizens Community Bank, Richardson & Stout, NAPA of Wellsville, Steuben Trust Company and Bokman of Wellsville.

There will be four hole-in-one prize holes; Hole 11 ($500 cash), Hole 14 ($500 cash), Hole 18 ($500 cash) and Hole 3 ($10,000 cash). Friends of Allegany Arc is very excited to have such great prizes available for this year’s golfers.

The cost of the tournament is $60.00 and includes a cart, 18 holes of golf, beverages, and dinner.

“The Friends Summer Scramble is a very fun and beneficial fundraiser,” said Redman. “Event proceeds go directly toward opportunities for people with special needs. Last year’s tournament allowed the Friends Foundation to provide training and educational opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities, practice jerseys, uniforms and travel accommodations for Allegany County’s Special Olympics Teams, and much more.”

For more information or to register for this year’s Summer Scramble, please contact Carrie Redman, Event Chairperson at (585) 593-5700 Ext. 514.  You can also find the registration form online at www.AlleganyArc.org.

GOVERNOR CUOMO ANNOUNCES RESULTS OF SECOND ANNUAL NEW YORK STATE CRAFT BEER COMPETITION

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the results of the second annual New York State Craft Beer Competition, which featured 642 New York State-brewed beers. For the second straight year, Brooklyn-based Threes Brewing took home top honors, winning the Governor's Excelsior Cup. Gold medals were awarded to 23 beers from breweries across the state.

 

"New York's world-class craft breweries are thriving and helping to drive growth in our farms, local economies and tourism industries across the state," Governor Cuomo said. "I congratulate these craft breweries on their success and encourage those interested to experience our state's top-ranking beers at the Great New York State Fair later this month."

 

The New York State Craft Beer Competition is sponsored by the New York State Brewers Association, in coordination with Taste NY, the Raise a Glass Foundation and the Great New York State Fair, and is open to any New York State craft brewer. The competition featured 43 uniquely qualified judges sampling 642 entries from more than 120 breweries in the largest professionally-judged craft beer competition held in New York State. This year, 264 entries were submitted that qualified as a NYS labeled beer or farm beer, meaning they used at least 20% New York State-grown hops and other New York State-grown ingredients in their beers. 

 

Gold, silver, and bronze medal winners were awarded in each of the 24 categories, which include major styles of beer like IPAs and lagers, as well as niche or emerging styles like sours or fruit and spice beers. This year, the competition featured five new categories. The most-entered categories were New England Style India Pale Ale (IPA) and American Light Lager, which received 58 entries each.

 

Gold medal winners by category are: 

• Belgian Farmhouse: Threes Brewing, Passing Time Grisette - Brooklyn
• Amber and Dark Lagers: Blue Point Brewing Company Toasted Lager- Patchogue
• Amber/Red Ale: Bottomless Brewing, Soda Bread Red - Fayette
• American DIPA: Upstate Brewing Company, IPW - Elmira
• American IPA Variations: Great Flats Brewing, Great Flats Raspberry IPA- Schenectady
• Barrel Aged (Non-Sour): Saranac Brewery, Basking in Bourbon - Utica
• Barrel Aged Sour: Brown's Brewing Company, Reprise - Troy
• Belgian Other: Lucky Hare Brewing Company, Anny #2- Hector
• Brown Ale: Roscoe Beer Company, Trout Town Brown Ale - Roscoe
• Experimental: Saranac Brewery, Varick Street Stout- Utica
• Fruit and Spice Beer over 6.0 ABV: Glenmere Brewing Company, Wicked With - Florida
• Fruit and Spice Beer 6.0 ABV and lower: The Peekskill Brewery, Hidden Track - Peekskill
• Golden Blonde Ale: Saranac Brewery, Lake Placid Golden Blu - Utica
• Imperial Stout and Porter: Spider Bite Beer Company, Boris the Spider Russian Imperial Stout - Holbrook
• Light Lager: Bottomless Brewing, Bohemian Pilsner - Fayette
• New England IPA: Prison City Brewing, Control for Smilers - Auburn
• Pale Ale: Naked Dove Brewing Company, Naked Dove What is Batch #2 - Canandaigua
• Porter, (Non Imperial): Glenmere Brewing Company, Box'd Smok'd Porter - Florida
• Strong Ale (Non Belgian): Naked Dove Brewing Company, Naked Dove Barleywine - Canandaigua
• Wild and Sour Ale: Good Nature Brewing, Kung Foeder Series Jackie Batch - Hamilton
• Wheat Beer (American, Wit, Hefe): Brewery Ommegang, Witte - Cooperstown
• New York State Beer: Roscoe Beer Company, Trout Brown Ale - Roscoe

More than 70 medals were awarded to 45 breweries. Top winners in the competition were Peekskill Brewing from Peekskill, Westchester County (1 gold, 2 silver, 1 bronze), and Big Ditch Brewing Company from Buffalo (4 bronze). Lucky Hare Brewing from Hector, Schuyler County, took home three medals (1 gold, 1 silver, 1 bronze), as did Bottomless Brewing from Fayette, Seneca County (2 gold, 1 silver), and Glenmere Brewing in Florida, Orange County (2 gold, 1 silver). Saranac Brewery from Utica, Oneida County also won 3 gold medals.

 

Complete competition results and additional information can be found here.

Travel Advisory - Paving, State Route 63, Wayland to Livingston Co

The New York State Department of Transportation today announced that the first course of a two-part paving project on State Route 63 from the Wayland village line to the Livingston County line will begin Friday, August 3, 2018, weather permitting. The road will be Cold-In-Place Recycled during this first phase.  The second part of the project, a hot mix asphalt overlay, is estimated to start in late August.  A new traveler advisory will be issued at that time. The public should expect delays.

Travel Advisory - State Route 21, Wayland to N Cohocton

The New York State Department of Transportation today announced that the first course of a two-part paving project on State Route 21 from the Wayland village line to the town of North Cohocton will begin Tuesday, August 7, 2018, weather permitting. The road will be Cold-In-Place Recycled during this first phase.  The second part of the project, a hot mix asphalt overlay, is estimated to start in late August.  A new traveler advisory will be issued at that time.

Traffic will be maintained with a one lane, two-way alternating flagging operation and a pilot vehicle. The public should expect delays.

It is imperative that motorists remember to drive carefully through the many highway and bridge construction zones they will encounter this season.

NY State Police Blotter

7/31/18 9:27pm- State police arrested William M. Niedermaier, 52, of Andover was charged with three counts of aggravated harassment - threats.  

Senator Young Heralds Grand Opening of National Comedy Center in Jamestown

JAMESTOWN, NY – Calling it a turning point in the history of Jamestown, New York State Senator Catharine Young (R, C, I, 57^th District) heralded the grand opening of the National Comedy Center, a $50 million non-profit cultural and comedy complex that has been eight years in the making.
Senator Young joined federal, state and local officials and the center’s leadership to cut the ribbon for the new venue Wednesday morning, which received more than $16 million in funding from New York State.
“The National Comedy Center is one of the most ambitious and imaginative cultural endeavors of our time. Designed to be immersive, experiential and individually-driven, this extraordinary venue will attract more than 100,000 people each year, and delight and amaze every one of them,” said Senator Young. “The end result has surpassed our expectations. The National Comedy Center is an economic catalyst for Jamestown and Chautauqua County that will transform the future of this region.” 
Of the $16.6 million in state funding that was invested in the project, $4.7 million came from grant awards from the Western New York Regional Economic Development Council, $6.7 million was proceeds from Empire State Development’s (ESD) allocation in New Market Tax Credits and $5 million was from the Buffalo Billion II in 2017.
Senator Young helped ensure the Comedy Center received the full $5 million allocation in 2017 by securing a line item detailing the full amount in the Senate’s budget proposal after it came to light that NCC’s proposed funding was lumped together with the entirety of projects in the Buffalo Billion II.

In August 2015, ground was broken for the project. Construction encompassed a new 6,000 square-foot building, renovation of the historic Jamestown Gateway train station, renovation of two historic buildings and an exterior film and video screening area adjacent to Comedy Park.
The first non-profit cultural institution and national-scale attraction dedicated to the art of comedy, the facility is built around three facets, including: an immersive exhibit experience, live performances and programming, and education and support of aspiring artists.
Comprised of more than 50 interactive exhibits designed by leading museum innovators, the 37,000 square-foot facility tells the story of comedy from its origins through the present, celebrating the craft and its legendary talents. 
Legendary comedian Lucille Ball provided the inspiration for the Comedy Center. A native of Jamestown, she had a vision for her hometown to become a destination for the celebration of comedy. Those efforts started more than two decades ago with the creation of the annual Lucille Ball Comedy Festival, which is marking its 27^th year, and the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum which opened in 1996. The Comedy Center is the culmination of this vision.
“New York State has supported many wonderful cultural projects over the years, but this one truly stands apart in terms of its scope, innovation and location in Western New York,” said Senator Young. “My thanks go out to Governor Cuomo for his commitment to this project and the future of Jamestown, to the National Comedy Center’s visionary and tireless leaders, and to my fellow state and local officials for supporting, facilitating and assisting this project at every turn. This amazing effort is a triumph of confidence and collaboration and it has launched the start of a new era for our community. The future has never looked brighter.” 

Warsaw Airport to install a weather observing system

U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand Tuesday announced $6,199,493 in federal funding for airports and transportation authorities throughout New York. The funding was allocated through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Some of the funding is headed to Wyoming County. The Perry-Warsaw airport will receive $231,975 to install a weather observing system.
“Investing in local airport infrastructure is critical to New York’s economic development,” said Senator Gillibrand. “With this federal funding, airports throughout New York will be able to invest in projects to expand and modernize their facilities, as well as enhance safety for travelers flying throughout the state.

ROCHESTER MAN PLEADS GUILTY IN A SERIES OF STORE/RESTAURANT ROBBERIES

ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced Tuesday that Fred Swan, Jr., 29, of Rochester, NY, pleaded guilty to Hobbs Act Robbery, Attempted Hobbs Act Robbery, and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence before Chief U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci. The robbery charges carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The firearms charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of seven years in prison, which must be served consecutively to the sentence imposed on the robberies. 

 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Katelyn M. Hartford, who is handling the case, stated that the defendant robbed four establishments at gunpoint between February 11, 2017 and March 24, 2017:

 

o   On February 11, 2017, the defendant robbed the China Star restaurant at 600 West Main Street in Rochester. Swan entered the store and pointed a handgun at a restaurant employee and demanded money. The defendant grabbed approximately $60 cash from the store employee’s hand and fled the restaurant on foot;

 

o   On February 18, 2017, the defendant robbed Alice’s Market convenience store at 1477 South Avenue in Rochester. Swan entered the store, went up to the register, pointed a handgun at the store clerk, and demanded money. The clerk gave the defendant approximately $50 cash from the register. The defendant fled from the store and was driven away from the scene by another individual;

 

o   On February 19, 2017, the defendant robbed the Mobil Quick Mart store at 1810 Mount Hope Avenue in Rochester. Swan entered the store and pointed a handgun at a store employee as he approached the counter and demanded money from the register.  The employee refused to give Swan money. The defendant walked around the counter and struck the employee in the head with the handgun, and the two of them fell to the floor fighting. Swan eventually fled the store without getting any money; and

 

o   On March 24, 2017, the defendant robbed the Fast Mart Inc. store at the Valero gas station at 931 South Clinton Avenue in Rochester. Swan entered the store, pointed a handgun at the store clerk, and demanded money. The clerk handed over $280 cash from the register. The defendant then demanded two packs of cigarettes, which the clerk handed to him. Swan fled the store with the cash and cigarettes.

 

On March 24, 2017, law enforcement officers searched the defendant’s apartment at 229 Meigs Street in Rochester and they recovered the .40 caliber handgun that was used in the Alice’s Market robbery.

 

The plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Gary Loeffert and the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief Michael Ciminelli.

 

Sentencing is scheduled for November 5, 2018, at 11:00 p.m. before Judge Geraci. 

PA: Bradford Kwik Fill robbed

There has been another robbery...this time in McKean County, Pennsylvania. At approximately 10:15 p.m. Tuesday, Bradford Township police were dispatched for an armed robbery at Kwik Fill located at 713 South Avenue. A clerk said a white male brandishing a knife entered the store and demanded cash. The 911 Center said the suspect was wearing a black hoodie, was in his mid 20's and had a short beard. At one point, the suspect pulled the hoodie back enough that a surveillance camera may have filmed his face. The suspect fled the scene on foot. A large police response was in the area to include Bradford Township police, Pennsylvania state police and a K-9 unit.
Shortly in to the search, police were told of a potential, yet unconfirmed connection to two New York State robberies. Chase H. Lotter, 27, of Genesee, is the prime suspect in robberies at Steuben Trust in Bolivar and Crosby's in Belmont. The initial description resembled Lotter. He currently remains on the run. In May 2014, Lotter was convicted of robbing a pharmacy in Eldred. He was sentenced to serve 3 1/2 to 8 years in prison but was released earlier this year. The Bradford area search continues.

Fire convention begins today in Belmont

Belmont Fire Department is hosting the 110th annual southwestern Firemen's Convention August 1st.-4th. A list of events can be found at www.swavf.com. All are welcome to come and enjoy the events! 

Our kick off dinner will be today from 5 p.m.-8 p.m. at the Belmont American Legion Post 808. Dinner will be a pig roast, baked beans, mac salad, roll and dessert for a cost of $10 presale and $12 at the door. For tickets please call Dawn at 585-808-7640. The Belmont Fire Company would like to thank everyone for there continued support and hope you enjoy the Convention.

Chief,

Chris Plummer