PA: Gov. Wolf Announces Reopening of 24 Counties Beginning May 8

Balancing economic benefits and public health risks, Governor Tom Wolf Friday announced the reopening of 24 counties in the northwest and north-central regions of the state, moving them from red to yellow beginning at 12:01 a.m., Friday, May 8.

“Over the past two months, Pennsylvanians in every corner of our commonwealth have acted collectively to stop the spread of COVID-19,” Gov. Wolf said. “We have seen our new case numbers stabilize statewide and while we still have areas where outbreaks are occurring, we also have many areas that have few or no new cases.”

Counties Moving to Yellow Reopening
The 24 counties that will move from red to yellow on May 8 are: Bradford, Cameron, Centre, Clarion, Clearfield, Clinton, Crawford, Elk, Erie, Forest, Jefferson, Lawrence, Lycoming, McKean, Mercer, Montour, Northumberland, Potter, Snyder, Sullivan, Tioga, Union, Venango, and Warren.

These counties were deemed ready to move to a reopening – or yellow phase – because of low per-capita case counts, the ability to conduct contact tracing and testing, and appropriate population density to contain community spread.

Decision Process
The administration partnered with Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) to create a Risk-Based Decision Support Tool that enables decision makers to strike a balance between maximizing the results of our economy while minimizing public health risks.

The CMU tool looked at the impacts of risk factors such as reported number of COVID cases per population of an area; ICU and medical/surgical bed capacity; population density; population over age 60; re-opening contact risk, such as the number of workers employed in a currently closed industry sector.

The CMU metrics were considered along with the county’s or region’s ability to conduct testing and contact-tracing to first and foremost maintain robust public health.

The Department of Health developed testing and contact-tracing plans that informed today’s decisions and will be used in making decisions moving forward. Factors include: having enough testing available for individuals with symptoms and target populations such as those at high risk, health care personnel, and first responders, and the ability to perform robust case investigation and have in place a contact-tracing infrastructure that can quickly identify a cluster of outbreaks to issue any necessary isolation and quarantine orders.

All reopening decisions follow the six standards outlined in the governor’s plan to reopen Pennsylvania. These include adhering to:

• Data-driven and quantifiable criteria to drive a targeted, evidence-based, regional approach to reopening.
• Clear guidance and recommendations for employers, individuals, and health care facilities and providers for assured accountability.
• Adequate and available personal protective equipment and diagnostic testing.
• A monitoring and surveillance program that allows the commonwealth to deploy swift actions for containment or mitigation.
• Protections for vulnerable populations such as limitations on visitors to congregate care facilities and prisons.
• Limitations on large gatherings unrelated to occupations.

“Our goal since this pandemic was first identified in Pennsylvania has been to save lives while ensuring that the public health system does not become overwhelmed with people suffering from COVID-19,” Department of Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine said. “Our contact tracing and testing plans will ensure that as we begin to resume our daily activities, we can do so safely and without fear.”

While both Gov. Wolf and Dr. Levine cautioned that we cannot be certain of the path of the virus, all decisions on partial reopening are driven first by prioritizing the health and safety of Pennsylvanians.

Defining the Yellow Phase
As regions or counties move into the yellow phase, some restrictions on work and social interaction will ease while others, such as closures of schools, gyms, and other indoor recreation centers, hair and nail salons, as well as limitations around large gatherings, remain in place.

On Monday, May 4, the administration will release guidance for businesses permitted to reopen on May 8 in these 24 counties. The guidance is being developed through collaboration with the affected counties, Team PA, the Department of Health, the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, the Department of Community and Economic Development and the Department of Labor & Industry, among others. Guidance will build on existing safety and building safety orders released in April.

Work & Congregate Setting Restrictions

• Telework Must Continue Where Feasible
• Businesses with In-Person Operations Must Follow Business and Building Safety Orders
• Child Care Open Complying with Guidance
• Congregate Care and Prison Restrictions in Place
• Schools Remain Closed for In-Person Instruction

Social Restrictions

• Stay at Home Order Lifted for Aggressive Mitigation
• Large Gatherings of More than 25 Prohibited
• In-Person Retail Allowable, Curbside and Delivery Preferable
• Indoor Recreation, Health and Wellness Facilities and Personal Care Services (such as gyms, spas, hair salons, nail salons and other entities that provide massage therapy), and all Entertainment (such as casinos, theaters) Remain Closed
• Restaurants and Bars Limited to Carry-Out and Delivery Only

All businesses not specifically mentioned as restricted from reopening may reopen if they follow the forthcoming guidance.

Moving Forward
Gov. Wolf stressed the need for all Pennsylvanians to now, more than ever, take personal responsibility for their actions.

“Every human-to-human contact is a chance for the virus to spread, so more contacts mean a higher likelihood of an outbreak,” Wolf said. “If we see an outbreak occur in one of the communities that has been moved to yellow, we will need to take swift action, and revert to the red category until the new case count falls again. So, Pennsylvanians living in a county that has been moved to the yellow category should continue to strongly consider the impact of their actions.”

Counties that will remain under the stay-at-home order will be considered for reopening in the next several weeks as the state continues to closely monitor metrics and collaborate with CMU, health experts and counties.

The full reopening plan is available here.

Allegany County Republican Committee - New Facebook page and email address

The Allegany County Republican Committee announces a new Facebook page and email address:
https://www.facebook.com/AlleganyCountyGOP/posts/116543630039139
The Committee offers a special thanks to Dylan Foust for setting this up and managing it for us.  We greatly appreciate him volunteering to create and manage the page. 

As we have news to share publicly we will be posting it there as well as sending out emails.  Right now the page is brand new and does not have a lot of posts/information to share but you can be assured we will be sharing upcoming events and items of interest in the near future. 

Dylan has also set up a new email address for the Committee.  This will be the last email sent from my personal email for the committee.  Please note the new email address is:  alleganycountygop@gmail.com.

Obituary: Pamela G. Stuart, 68, Almond

Pamela G. Stuart, age 68, of Almond, NY died peacefully at Strong Memorial Hospital on Tuesday, April 28^th, 2020 after a brief battle with lymphoma.

Born in North Hornell on February 14, 1952, she was the daughter of Gene & Doris (Mann) Norton and the step-daughter of LaVerne Adams. 

Pam grew up in Almond and was a graduate of Alfred-Almond Central School, class of 1970. She excelled at track and soccer while at Alfred-Almond and loved to share stories of her intramural sports competitions. Pam also enjoyed competing with the Alfred Track Club. She was inducted into the Alfred-Almond Sports Hall of Fame in 1995.

She spent time working at Bethesda Hospital, Sun Valley Campsites, and the Alfred University bookstore until her retirement.  Pam devoted most of her life to staying home and raising her four children. When she became a grandma for the first time in 2005, she started a tradition of Sunday dinners that will never quite be the same without her amazing cooking! She also took great pride in having the world’s most perfect left-handed penmanship.
Pam was predeceased by her mother Doris E. Adams, step father LaVerne Adams, and her brother Gary Norton.

She is survived by her Husband, Richard “Dick” Stuart; her children Megan (Philip) Stewart, Jake (Jen) Stuart, Josh (Brigit) Stuart, Jarett Stuart (Emily Nielsen); her grandchildren who were the true joy in her life: Cael Stewart, Tanner Stewart, Owen Stuart, Ryleigh Stuart, Trevor Stuart, Wyatt Stuart, and Levi Stuart; her sister Ami (David) Hunt; and several nieces and nephews.

Per Pam’s request there will be no funeral or burial services.  Her family deeply appreciates any thoughts and prayers you want to send our way.

Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.

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

NYSP Newsroom: Complaint leads to Rushford DWI arrest for Porter man

Fillmore-based Troopers Friday arrested Brandan M. Schmitz, 20, of Porter, NY (Niagara County) for Driving While Intoxicated. Troopers investigated a report of a male drinking alcohol in a vehicle in the parking lot of a business on State Route 243 in the town of Rushford. They determined Schmitz had allegedly been operating a motor vehicle while in an intoxicated condition. He failed standardized field sobriety tests at the scene. Schmitz was then arrested and transported to SP Fillmore, where a chemical breath test revealed him to have a 0.08% BAC. Schmitz was released with appearance tickets for Rushford Town Court, where he is due to appear in June.

Cuba man arrested after disabled vehicle complaint in Franklinville

Machias-based Troopers on Friday arrested Jeffery J. Irvine, 37, of Cuba for Criminal Possession of Stolen Property 4^th Degree and Criminal Mischief 3^rd Degree (felony), Removing a Vehicle Identification Number (felony), and Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle 1^st Degree (felony).
Troopers investigating a report of a disabled vehicle on Cadiz Road in the town of Franklinville determined Irvine was in possession of a stolen vehicle which had its VIN removed.
Irvine was arrested and released with appearance tickets for Franklinville Town Court, where he is due to appear in June.

Two Charged with Murder in Alleged Hornell Overdose Death

Mitrano Highlights Problems Impacting Farmers and Offers Solutions

PRESS RELEASE
Tracy Mitrano, Congressional Candidate for New York’s 43rd District presented the current issues facing our nation, from increasing debt from stimulus programs to the lack of testing as the district contemplates reopening commerce. She also referenced her 5-point critique on the stimulus check (see here).

“Our recovery plan so far, coming out of Washington with the President and with Congressman Tom Reed, is no less politically corrupt than the D.C. government has been before the epidemic,” she stated. “The virus has just made it more obvious and financially, much, much worse.”

Referencing her most recent conversation with farmers, Mitrano presented a few solutions starting with a stimulus plan that would ensure that the farmers would be taken care of first. “The next thing I would do,” she continued, “is have stronger government oversight, starting with the department of justice and the centralization of processing which is hurting the farmers most and has a history of unfair trade practices.”

She criticized Reed for his failure in overseeing these practices and in securing that they do not go unpunished in our district. Mitrano also pointed out how the relief for tariffs ignores the smaller farmers and is only extended to larger, corporate farms who are not as vulnerable. “These stimulus bills have been wrongly considered from the start,” she said. She concluded by further stating that in order to truly stimulate the economy, the relief should serve to help from the bottom up, and not, as has been done so far, from the top with very little left for anyone else. To see the full conversation with the farmers, please visit here. For full audio of Tracy’s statement during the press call go here.

NY Assemblyman Friend Asking for Relief for Firefighters and EMS Fighting COVID-19

Assemblyman Christopher S. Friend (R,C,I-Big Flats), along with his Assembly Republican colleagues, signed a letter to the president and the New York State congressional delegation asking them to include volunteer firefighters and emergency medical service (EMS) personnel in the next round of federal aid relief.  Volunteer firefighters and EMS have been severely impacted financially by the COVID-19 pandemic, namely by the expense of keeping up with personal protective equipment (PPE) costs and the loss of wages at their normal jobs due to exposure to COVID-19 in the course of their volunteer work.

 

“Our volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel have been on the front lines of this battle against COVID-19 and I know our communities are so thankful for their work. These men and women are not only sacrificing their time, but their own safety and health, as well as their financial wellbeing,” said Friend. “Volunteer firefighters and EMS have put in a lot of their own hard-earned money to keep up with PPE costs and others have had to lose time at work because of exposure to the coronavirus. We encourage federal officials to not forget those who always say yes when their communities are in need.”

 

According to the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY), the volunteer system of fire departments saves taxpayers more than $3 billion annually. There are 900 fire districts served by roughly 110,000 volunteer firefighters. The legislators are also encouraging a recovery loan program to be introduced to help volunteer departments, as usual efforts to fundraise are not possible because of social distancing.

NY: School and village elections delayed until June and September

In an effort to keep New Yorkers safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today issued an executive order delaying school board elections and budget votes statewide until June 9, 2020. The school board elections and budget votes will all be conducted by mail and all qualified voters will be sent an absentee ballot with return postage paid. The Executive Order also delays local special district and village elections until September 15, 2020.

 

"We've made great progress to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus, but we still don't know when this pandemic will end and we don't want to undo all the work we've already done to flatten the curve," Governor Cuomo said. "We don't want to put New Yorkers in a situation where they are possibly putting their health at risk, so we are delaying school board elections and conducting them by mail and delaying all local special district and village elections to help limit any unnecessary exposure to this virus among both voters and poll workers."

Genesee: Pennsylvania Troopers investigate alleged knife threat at Reed's Market

Potter County Coronavirus Summary: FRIDAY P.M. Update

Two of Potter’s neighboring counties showed an increase in confirmed COVID-19 coronavirus cases over the past 24 hours, while others in the region held steady. Lycoming County recorded its first fatality as a result of the virus and its confirmed case count rose from 68 to 71. Clinton County had an increase of one case, on the heels of six new cases over the previous three days, for a new total of 32. Holding steady were Cattaraugus County, N.Y., which has had 47 cases and two fatalities; Allegany County, N.Y., 35 cases and two deaths; Tioga, 16 cases with one fatality; Potter (4 cases), McKean (6), Cameron (1), and Elk (3) counties. State health officials also reported on the number of residents who have been tested from each county: Potter 82, Cameron 50, McKean 167, Tioga 251, Lycoming 1,119, Elk 159, Allegany 543, and Cattaraugus 909.

Statewide, there were 1,208 new confirmed cases on Thursday, increasing the overall figure to 46,971. There were 62 more fatalities in Pennsylvania, where the death toll stands at 2,354. Some 180,477 Pennsylvania residents have tested negative for COVID-19.

After announcing the plan to loosen some of the restrictions on business operations and other activity in some parts of Pennsylvania on May 8, Gov. Tom Wolf said Friday that more specifics on moving from the stricter “red” to  the “yellow” (aggressive mitigation) phase in 24 counties will be released early in the coming week. These counties will be first to open under yellow guidelines: Potter, McKean, Cameron, Tioga, Clinton, Lycoming, Centre, Bradford, Clarion, Clearfield, Crawford, Erie, Forest, Jefferson, Lawrence, Mercer, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder, Sullivan, Union, Venango, and Warren. Some businesses that were previously considered non-life sustaining are expected to be able to reopen with restrictions. Additional details on today’s announcement can be found here.

Golf courses, marinas, guided fishing trips and privately owned campgrounds may immediately reopen statewide and are required to follow updated life-sustaining business guidance. Those details are available here. Frequently asked questions are addressed here. Campgrounds in state parks will reopen on Thursday, May 14. Guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on safely visiting parks and recreational facilities is available here.

Potter County officials are continuing to work on a plan to assist businesses that are being affected by the pandemic. An interactive map which shows businesses that remain open under Gov. Wolf’s mandatory closing order can be accessed here. Business owners who want to provide information on special services they are providing, such as early shopping for seniors, curbside pickup, etc. should click here. Another service is the Economic Impact Survey being used to guide county leaders in advocating for local businesses. The link can be found here.

Penn State Extension has stepped up its outreach service to provide the public with easy access to helpful resources during the coronavirus pandemic. A website available here provides access to prevention tips, personal/family resources, food safety/food business resources, assistance for agriculture, business resources, and resources for community non-profit organizations and local governments.

Obituary: Sandra L. Holly, 65, Cuba

Sandra L. Holly - Loving Wife, Mother, Grandmother

Sandra L. Holly, 65, of 8998 Spring Street, Cuba, passed away Thursday, April 30, 2020 at Jones Memorial Hospital after a lengthy battle with cancer.

Born on August 24, 1954, in Olean she was a daughter of William and Felicia Sirianni Fie, Jr.  On November 18, 1983, in Olean, she married Larry Charles “Chuck” Holly who survives.

She was a graduate of Olean High School Class of 1973 and received her Cosmetology Certificate from BOCES.

Sandra had worked for House of Joy Hair Salon and Hairstyling and Counter of Olean and last for Pok’s Salon in Allegany before retiring due to illness.

She enjoyed showing Irish Setter dogs with her daughter throughout the United States, ceramics, and gardening and loved her flower beds.

In addition to her husband she is survived by two daughters, Jenna Holly of Wellsville and Stacey Holly and her fiancé Tim Hanson of Portville; five grandchildren; a sister, Barbara (Joseph) Austin of Cuba; several Nieces and Nephews.

She was predeceased by a sister Gail A. Fie on October 27, 2013.

Graveside services will be held at the convenience of the family when gatherings are able to be held.

Arrangements are under direction of the Mark F. RinkerFuneral Home & Memorial Service, Inc., Cuba.

Steuben Reports An Additonal Death Related to COVID-19

BATH – The Steuben County Public Health Department has received notification of the death of an individual who had previously tested positive for COVID-19.  This brings the total number of COVID-19 related deaths in Steuben County to 38.

The individual was a 98-year-old male who died at a nursing home in the Bath area. 

“We are very saddened to continue to have deaths reported,” said Public Health Director, Darlene Smith.  “Hopefully we’re starting to turn a corner on this pandemic.  We must always remember all of those who were impacted and honor their lives through our actions to protect others.”     

All residents should continue to stay home and monitor themselves for COVID-19 symptoms of fever, cough, shortness of breath, chills or repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, and new loss of taste or smell and contact their healthcare provider for instructions if feeling ill. 

Allegany County COVID-19 update

Wyoming County COVID-19 update

Steuben County committee meets Thursday to consider re-opening buildings

BATH – Legislative review and discussion of the fiscal impact of COVID-19 and planning for re-opening Steuben County offices will be the subject of a special county Legislature Reopening and Recovery Committee set for 9 a.m. Thursday, May 7.

 "We are meeting to discuss a phased approach to reopening the County operations because we want to be prepared once the Governor relaxes the stay at home orders," said county Legislature Chairman Scott VanEtten, R-Caton. "Regarding the fiscal impact, we need to take actions to reduce our County spending for the balance of 2020 to address the reductions in revenues we know will occur."

 In keeping with social distancing regulations while maintaining smooth operations in the county, all committees now meet via teleconference open to the media and the public.

Other committees scheduled to meet in early May include the county Legislature’s Public Works and Public Safety and Corrections committees set for 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. respectively Monday, (May 4).

The county Legislature’s Human Services, Health and Education and Agriculture, Industry and Planning committees will meet at 9 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. respectively Wednesday (May 6); with the special Steuben County Land Bank Corporation also set to meet at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday (May 6).

County legislators will identify themselves when they speak on any issue, for the convenience of the media and public.

 The public and media call-in number is 1-408-418-9388 Access Code: 712 206 793

 

Agendas for each meeting are located at https://www.steubencony.org/ under the "Upcoming Events" calendar.

Public call-in information also is located on the county website at https://www.steubencony.org.  

Gov. Cuomo press release on school closures

Amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced all K-12 schools and college facilities statewide will remain closed for the rest of the academic year and will continue to provide distance learning during that time. The schools will also be required to continue meal programs and child care services for essential workers. The state will make a decision about summer school programming by the end of May.

 

Governor Cuomo is also directing all schools and colleges to create re-opening plans that re-imagine school facilities in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. These plans should consider how schools can monitor the spread of COVID-19; how to reinforce student safety; when and how to resume extracurricular activities; protocols for special student populations; steps to ensure student mental health; alternative academic calendars; among other considerations. All plans will be reviewed and approved by the state.

 

The Governor also announced the state is partnering with the Kate Spade New York Foundation and Crisis Text Line to provide a 24/7 emotional support service for frontline health care workers. Those workers can text NYFRONTLINE to 741-741 to access these emotional support services.

 

The Governor also announced that the State Department of Financial Services will require New York State-regulated health insurers to waive cost-sharing, including deductibles, copayments and coinsurance, for in-network mental health services for New York's frontline essential workers during COVID-19. DFS will also issue an emergency regulation to prohibit insurers from imposing cost-sharing for telehealth and in-person mental health services rendered by in-network providers on an outpatient basis to frontline essential workers eligible to be tested at one of the State's drive through or walk in COVID-19 testing sites.

 

The Governor also announced new targeted efforts to further reduce the number of new hospitalizations per day, which has remained steady at approximately 1,000 over the last several day. This new effort will gather additional information and data from hospitals about the individuals who are being hospitalized for COVID-19, including if they are essential workers, where they work, how they commute, where they live and other demographics. This specific information and data from the hospitals will be used to come up with a new strategy more tailored to the reduction of new daily hospitalizations.

Community Action Network Celebrates 56 years of Service, 48 years in Allegany County

Belmont, NY– 2020 marks the 56th year since the Community Action Network was established to help American families and communities overcome obstacles to poverty. Over 1000 agencies across the country are working every day to create opportunities and transform the lives of their neighbors making communities stronger and helping families across the US thrive. This year, ACCORD Corporation a proud member of the Community Action Network, will also commemorate 48 years of helping families throughout Allegany County.

“Each May, during Community Action Month, we reflect on the impact ACCORD Corporation and our network has had on families,” said Lesley Gooch-Christman of ACCOD. “Last year alone, we served over 4,200 individuals in Allegany County and over 15 million across the country with immediately needed services such as shelter and food, and also long-term solutions like education and job placement.”

Community Action Agencies serve 99% of American counties with life-changing services to help families achieve financial stability. All agencies are locally controlled and represented by the private, public, and low-income sectors of the community. “We are proud of our communities’ participation in the development and oversight of our programs,” said Gooch-Christman. “Their engagement helps us to be more effective in our approach by determining what Allegany County needs. We came together as a community to face the huge challenges of the COVID-19 epidemic and were reminded daily of the unparalleled way that Allegany County comes together in time of need. We are proud to be Allegany County’s Community Action Agency and commit to begin here for our most vulnerable community members and small businesses in the months ahead.

ACCORD Corporation is a member of the National Community Action Partnership and the Community Action Network, which was born out of the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964.

ACCORD Corporation’s mission is, “As a Community Action Agency, we believe in the strength, dignity, and potential of all people. We offer access to opportunities, resources, and services to strengthen individuals, families and communities. We are committed to improving the community's response to rural poverty and giving a voice to the unheard. For more information, please visit our website at www.accordcorp.org.

NY schools will remain closed for the remainder of academic year

Message from Wellsville Central School District:

Good Afternoon. I’m posting because the Governor has just announced that students will not be able to return to our schools for the remainder of this year. While our schools will remain closed, our at-home instruction will continue. Our final day of at home instruction, for both the elementary and secondary school students will continue through Friday, June 19th. While the amount of work we are asking students to complete during this closure has decreased, students do need to continue to show evidence of progress in their subjects in order to receive credit for the year. In other words, we’re not done until after June 19th.

 

To all of our families, I want to say from the bottom of my heart that I am sorry. Please know that there is not a Wellsville employee who doesn’t want to see your children back at school. We have chosen careers to teach children and know that what we have asked of you is monumental.

 

I’m sorry that we have asked you to try to be teachers in your home while you deal with unemployment, sickness, concerns for friends and family, and all of the fears and disruption that this crisis has brought. I’m sorry that your children are not experiencing all of the interactions with their friends, the events, and the celebrations of what they have accomplished.

We are entering a new phase. We have been working to best preserve our end of year celebrations and prepare to deal with the new-normal which will greet us in the Fall. The job of preparing for what comes next is monumental, but we will do it and do it in a way that best balances risk with the benefit of what school should offer. I will continue to communicate with you as details and progress occur. Please continue to remain safe and I wish you all the best. Good afternoon, and have a good weekend.

Dave Foster
Superintendent

Town of Alfred Grievance Day and Hearing of Complaints

COMPLETION OF TENTATIVE ASSESSMENT ROLL (Pursuant to Section 506 and 1526 of the Real Property Tax Law)

HEARING OF COMPLAINTS 

Notice is hereby given that as of May 1, 2020, the Assessor(s) of the Town of Alfred, County of Allegany, has completed the Tentative Assessment Roll for the current year. Due to the COVID-19 epidemic and the Governor’s Executive Order 202.22, the tentative assessment roll may be examined online only. The tentative assessment roll is available for viewing on the Allegany County website- https://allegany.sdgnys.com/search.aspx per requirement of RPTL section 1590(2).

Due to the Covid-19 restrictions I will be available by phone only. Please feel free to call me with any questions or concerns. (716) 557-4362 on the dates noted below. You may also mail any complaint to 1115 Oak Lane, Hinsdale, NY 14743 or email Assessor.Alfred@gmail.com.

Saturday, May 9: 1 pm- 5 pm (phone calls only)

Wednesday, May 6: 4 pm- 8 pm (phone calls only)

Monday, May 11: 9 am- 1 pm (phone calls only)

Wednesday, May 13: 9 am- 1 pm (phone calls only)

Last Day for filing grievance complaints: May 26, 2020.

Grievance Day Hearings will be held by appointment and by phone only. At the very least the Board of Assessment Review will receive all complaints with written material. Please stay safe.

The Board of Assessment

 Review will meet on June 1, 2020 at the following times:

4 pm - 8 pm

Please provide a phone number where you can be reached on your complaint should you require a hearing or if the Board has any questions regarding your application or other materials provided.

A publication containing procedures for contesting an assessment is available at the Assessor’s office or at https://www.tax.ny.gov/pit/property/contest/grievproced.htm.

Dated this 1st day of May, 2020. Bobbi Elderkin - Assessor

Deborah Birx to be Featured Speaker in Houghton College's Virtual Commencement

By Phoebe Mullen, The Houghton Star

Compiled as a mix of live and prerecorded events, both baccalaureate and commencement will take place this year—online. Next week, links to the events will be posted to the commencement website, and the ceremonies will stream at the times for which they were originally planned.

Baccalaureate, a worship service the night before graduation, will begin to stream Friday, May 8th, at 6:30 p.m. EST. The college choir will virtually perform “Anthems of Love” by Dan Forrest, under the direction of Dr. Daniel Black. This performance consists of several components–Dr. Black recorded conducting, accompanist Andrew Reith on the piano, and each choir member recorded singing separately. “Houghton’s AV department and Marcom [will] work together to assemble all of the videos,” says Dr. Black. “Choir members and anyone else will have a nice keepsake in the form of a video they can watch for decades to come.” In addition, Judy Congdon will be contributing recorded organ performances to both Baccalaureate and Commencement.

Rather than the usual longer address, three faculty members will speak during the service for about three minutes each. The senior class nominated Professors Sarah Derck (Bible), Peter Meilaender (political science), and Doug Gaerte (communication). “I feel very honored to be asked to do this, especially this year,” says Gaerte, who has spoken at Baccalaureate twice before. “I think it will be a very meaningful time of worship and reflection and being together as best we can in this moment. The baccalaureate service is a very special time in which we emphasize and affirm our connections as a community of faith.” Derck comments, “I’ve always enjoyed the Baccalaureate service in the past. Being a worship service, and one so heavily shaped by the experiences of the graduating class, it feels like a fitting acknowledgement of their contribution to our community during their time at Houghton… I love reflecting on the students’ growth in Christ during this service.”

In addition to these professors, pastors Bill and Kristen Allen—parents of graduate Emily Allen, as well as Katie Allen (‘22)—will give a parental blessing. Andrew Cahill, custodial manager at Houghton, and Rev. Todd Glendenning, both parents of graduates, will give the opening and closing prayers. “It’s an honor to represent Houghton and the graduates this way,” says Cahill, father of Brennen Cahill (‘20), a fourth generation Houghton graduate. “I think I’ll be significantly less nervous doing it this way (on video) rather than just having one chance at it in front of 1500 people.”

“Covid-19 has uprooted the plans of all of Houghton’s seniors,” says Emily Allen (‘20), who finished her theology degree in December 2019 and went on to TA for the Honors in London program, which was sent home mid-semester. “I would implore Houghton to facilitate an in person meeting at a later date for our class to have a final reunion. Houghton has always been a place that emphasizes the importance of deep fellowship and community, and that convinces me that the move to virtual graduation is one which attempts to remain faithful to this commitment even amidst difficult restrictions.” Allen plans to attend Asbury Seminary in the fall.

Commencement will stream beginning at 10:00 a.m. EST on Saturday, May 9th. Normally, graduates process around the quad, following a bagpiper, before entering the chapel for the ceremony. This year, Benjamin Havens (‘21) recorded bagpiper Alastair Hutton (‘10) on campus, and the recording will be played as the background for a slideshow, compiled of candid photos and videos of the senior class. A faculty member from each department will read the names of that department’s graduates as usual; seniors have been asked to submit photos of themselves to accompany each name as it is read.

Daniel Bussey (‘20), a vocal performance major, will sing “How It Ends,” a song from the musical Big Fish, which he will also be performing in a recorded senior recital. “It’s a piece about how life is a conglomeration of different things, but it all ends well. I think that’s an important message for us to hear right now,” says Bussey.

The president of the graduating class, Alicia Cline (‘20), will present the class gift. The graduates will also hear from Dan Bates, who, according to President Mullen, “will give a word of commendation from the board of trustees.” President Mullen and Dean of the Faculty Paul Young will speak from the chapel stage, and Daryl Stevenson (‘70) will speak on behalf of the 50th reunion class, and present a gift to the Class of 2020.

This year’s commencement speaker is Dr. Deborah Birx, the Coronavirus Response Coordinator for White House Coronavirus Task Force. She is also a 1976 Houghton graduate (the same class as President Mullen). She was scheduled to come speak this year before the coronavirus outbreak and her appointment to the task force, and is miraculously still able to speak despite the crisis. She will provide a prerecorded address.

In place of breakfast with the president, seniors will receive gift boxes from the college including their diploma covers and some fun surprises. And as there can’t be an in-person reception after the commencement ceremony, there will be virtual chat rooms so graduates can converse with their professors, family, and friends. “Each academic department will create a Zoom meeting,” says Michelle Miller, administrative assistant for the president’s office. “The Zoom meeting links will be sent to graduates, faculty and staff along with the PDF of both programs the week leading up to commencement. These virtual receptions will begin at noon, following commencement.”

“Graduation weekend is about four years of hard work and stepping out into a new future,” says Peter Meileander, the third professor asked to speak at Baccalaureate. “I am glad the college is making an effort to celebrate as best we can.”

Hornell Elks Lodge Contributes $2,000 to Purchase Personal Protective

HORNELL -  Patients and staff at St. James Hospital will have access to more safety supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic, thanks to a $2,000 donation from Hornell Elks Lodge 364 to purchase Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). The Hornell Elks recently applied for and received a Gratitude Grant, which has been earmarked for purchasing PPE for St. James.

“We wanted to do something to help meet the immediate needs at the hospital,” said Cindie Harrington, Hornell Elks Lodge Esteemed Loyal Knight and retired St. James employee. “During this pandemic the need for PPE is more significant than ever. I worked in the St. James emergency department for twenty-two years, and understand how important it is to keep patients and staff safe.”

St. James will use the donation to supplement its supply of protective masks, gloves and gowns. The hospital recently implemented “universal” masking, wherein every person who comes through the door must be masked.

“The community’s generosity during the pandemic has been astounding,” said Bryan O’Donovan, St. James president and CEO. “We are so grateful to the Hornell Elks Lodge for directly supporting the safety of our patients and staff.”
“We were pleasantly surprised at how quickly our grant application was approved,” said Cindie. “The grants committee at the national office turned it around within a week, an indication of how the Elks organization has responded to the pandemic and to communities in need.”

Founded in 1868, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the USA is a fraternal organization dedicated “…to promote and practice the four cardinal virtues of Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love and Fidelity; to promote the welfare and enhance the happiness of its members; and to quicken the spirit of American Patriotism and cultivate good fellowship” in their local communities. Lodge 364 has been serving Hornell since 1897.

Complete Obituary: Mark E. Spink, 65, formerly of Portville and Olean

Newport News, VA - Mark E. Spink, of 202 Yeardley Drive, formerly of Portville and Olean, passed away Tuesday, April 28, 2020 in Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, Norfolk, VA from complications of pneumonia. 

Mark was born December 19, 1954 in Geneva and was a son of E. Ray and Roxane A. Miles Spink.  On October 23, 1975, in California, he married Kathleen A. Calvert, who predeceased him on January 7, 1999.  On August 18, 2011, in Yorktown, VA, he married Mindy L. Swyers, who survives.

Mark was a 1974 graduate of Portville Central School, where he excelled in football and partying.  He served during the Vietnam War in the US Marine Corps for 6 years from July 15, 1974 to December 2, 1980.  Mark then enlisted in the US Army for 7 years from September 20, 1981 to August 1, 1989.  He was stationed in various places throughout his service including, Okinawa Japan, California, Louisiana, and twice in Germany.  After his service, he returned to the Olean and Portville area, where he worked at a number of places including Stroehmann's, Cytec, and as a substitute teacher for Arch Bishop Walsh, where he was also an assistant football coach.  He then went to work for the Cattaraugus County One Stop Program, where he worked for a number of years before becoming a disabled veteran and then moving to Virginia in 2011.

Mark was an avid Buffalo Bills fan, and couldn't wait for the NFL draft pick and game days.  He enjoyed reading and was a true history buff, especially while being stationed in Germany and then in living in Virginia.  Mark loved to read about and go to the different war museums and battlefields.  He enjoyed learning and understanding the logistics of the different wars from the Revolutionary War through World War II.  Mark's true love was hunting and fishing as he truly loved the solitude of being outdoors. He will be remembered as a very good cook.  Mark enjoyed cooking spaghetti, chili, and barbecuing for his family and friends.  He was a motorcycle enthusiast, and he really enjoyed riding is trike.  Mark also enjoyed boating, camping, cookouts, and spending time with his family and friends. 

Along with his loving wife, Mark is survived by; his mother, Roxane M. Struchen of Portville; 3 children, Sean M. (Debbie) Spink of Shinglehouse, PA, Kevin J. (Diana) Spink of Jamestown, and Cari L. (Geno) Cummings of Cuba; 3 stepdaughters, Erin M. (Adam) Vogler of Nunda, Jenny R. (Jessica Snyder) James of Suffolk, VA, and Mary Catharin (Steven) Holtz of Newport News, VA; 9 grandchildren, Kyle, Andrea, Brandon, Jalyn, Kylie, Cameron, Chloe, Haley, and Ashton; 3 siblings, Diane E. (William) Hasard of Olean, Lezlee Ann (Frances Patz) Spink of Butler, PA, and Bradley M. Spink of Olean; several step-brothers and step-sisters including, Ron R. (Bonnie) Caskey of Port Allegany, PA, Saralynn (Joe) Keck of Roulette, PA, Don (Joan) Struchen of Portville, and Susan (Paul) Murray of Bethlehem, CT; a sister-in-law, Judy M. Spink of Olean; several nieces, nephews, step-nieces, and step-nephews; and a close friend, Tom Scanlon of Olean.

Mark was predeceased by; his first wife, Kathy; his father, E. Ray Spink on October 24, 2015; his step-father, Frank D. Struchen on April 29, 2009; and a step-brother, Dale R. Caskey on November 25, 2008.

At this time Services will be private.  Burial will be at Mt. View Cemetery.  Full military honors will be accorded by the Allegany American Legion Charles Harbel Post #892 Ritual Team.  Arrangements are under the direction of the Letro-McIntosh-Spink Funeral Home, Inc.,646 East State Street, Olean.  Online condolences may be made at www.LetroMcIntoshSpinkFuneralHome.com.

In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be made to the Cattaraugus County Department of Veteran's Affairs, to be used for the Veteran's Van, 1 Leo Moss Drive, Suite 6510, Olean, New York 14760.

"Restaurants don’t need a bailout, we need a restructuring plan," says Independent Restaurant Coalition

Southern Tier Independent Restaurants, Inc. (STIR) provided this information-

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, thousands of independent restaurant owners and prominent chefs including José Andrés, Nina Compton, Rosa Garcia, Naomi Pomeroy, and Andrew Zimmern joined the Independent Restaurant Coalition (IRC) to call on Congress to create a $120 billion stabilization fund to provide structured relief to the 500,000 independent restaurants across the country struggling to survive the COVID19 crisis. 

“The restaurants we love are hurting and are on the brink of extinction,” said José Andrés, part of the Independent Restaurant Coalition leadership team. “Our industry has faced the steepest job losses of any industry during the COVID-19 Crisis, but have received no direct aid from Congress. Restaurateurs are some of the most creative, inspiring, entrepreneurial people I know and right now they need a little hope that they can continue creating the experiences we cherish for years to come. We are fighting to give our communities a fighting chance at surviving this crisis”  

In a letter to Congress and in a Zoom townhall with thousands of participants from across the country, independent restaurant owners detail plans for a stabilization fund designed to “ensure small restaurants are able to access the resources [they] need to survive.” Independent restaurants directly employ 11 million people, and indirectly contribute to the employment of tens of millions more through the supply chain of farmers, produce distributors, linen services, beer and wine distributors and more. Restaurants contribute $1 trillion to the economy -- or 4% of GDP -- each year.   

Restaurants are low-margin businesses, with on average about 15 days worth of cash on hand.   Due to the COVID-19 crisis, restaurants are the number one contributor to America’s record unemployment.  The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) has not provided the life-line it was designed to give due to stringent requirements around when employees need to be rehired.   Due to the length of the state and municipal closures, restaurants can’t reopen and generate revenue. Those rehired with the loan would only be laid off eight weeks later, making restaurants ineligible for loan forgiveness and saddling them with debt at a time they can least afford it.  Independent restaurants makeup less than 9% of the approved loans despite being the top contributor to the country’s record unemployment. 

The industry faces months if not years of uncertainty and significantly lower sales, projected to drop 50% for at least the next 12-18 months as a result of safety measures like putting six feet between tables, limitations on large groups like weddings and birthday parties, reductions in tourism and business travel and a slow return to normal socialization rates.  The IRC recently conducted a survey with the James Beard Foundation, which found that even after the first round of PPP was distributed to businesses across the country, 80% of independent restaurant owners were not certain they would be able to reopen after the crisis. 

In its letter, the IRC proposes the following principles for a dedicated $120 billion restaurant recovery fund: 

1. No publicly-traded restaurant should be allowed to access the fund – Restaurants do not enjoy the same access to capital as publicly-traded restaurants and their subsidiaries or affiliates.  They are privately-owned by individuals in communities across the country.  
2. No large restaurant chain or franchise should be allowed to access the fund –The IRC wants to ensure franchises and large chains of restaurants are blocked from outflanking small, independent restaurants. They believe that any group of restaurants with more than 20 restaurants under the same name, should be blocked from accessing these funds.
3. Prioritize marginalized communities –  Marginalized communities need to prioritized because they are at the greatest risk. A survey from the James Beard Foundation found  65% of women owners  and 67% of owners of color operated businesses with $1.5 million or less in revenue.
4. The fund should last through 2020 – Grant amounts should be based on the impact to each business, and allow operators to use funds broadly to offset operating expenses and payroll. Government regulations will require restaurants to modify dining rooms to reduce seating, slashing revenue. There will also be new costs for protective equipment and cleaning measures.
5. Bars and wine bars should be allowed to participate – These types of establishments are similarly affected by current and ongoing restrictions on operations.

“Restaurants don’t need a bailout, we need a restructuring plan to give millions of people a fighting chance,” said Andrew Zimmern, a founding member of the Independent Restaurant Coalition, host of James Beard award-winning What’s Eating America and Bizarre Foods; and partner in Lucky Cricket and several other restaurants in Minneapolis. “Right now the over 11 million baristas, servers, bartenders, and line cooks you used to see every week are out of a job. These are the same people you see where you meet your constituents and the same people that have been working– often without pay– to feed students and frontline workers throughout this crisis. They’ve been here for us at our best and worst times and we need to be there for them.” 

Restaurants are uniquely affected by this crisis: according to the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER), restaurants only have a 30% chance of staying open if the COVID-19 crisis lasts four months – that’s lower than any other industry. This is made worse by the reality that even when businesses are permitted to reopen, social distancing guidelines and public hesitation is projected to cut revenue by 50%, making insolvency a reality for hundreds of thousands of  independent restaurants. 

“Even with the Paycheck Protection Program, I have serious doubts I’ll be able to reopen my business,” said Naomi Pomeroy, owner of Beast in Portland, OR and founding member of the Independent Restaurant Coalition. “In order to pay my suppliers–if they’re still in business– and pay for the necessary safety changes to reopen, and rebuild a business model that works at half capacity, I’ll need a jump start. There’s no guarantee I’ll make it through this time, but a stabilization fund will go a long way in giving us the tools to open our doors, generate revenue, and start getting the economy back on the right track.” 

Without our independent bars and restaurants, New Orleans loses its identity,” said Nina Compton, member of the Independent Restaurant Coalition and owner of Compère Lapin and Bywater Bistro in Louisiana. “People travel to New Orleans for our food, generating revenue for hotels, transportation and other businesses up and down the supply chain. Small, predominantly black-owned restaurants like mine have become an indispensable part of our economy and our communities. We need a jumpstart to give my business, and our way of life, a fighting chance.”

“Restaurants aren’t just the lifeblood of our economy, they’re the lifeblood of our communities,” said Rosa Garcia, member of the Independent Restaurant Coalition and owner of Mott Haven Bar and Grill, who is collaborating with World Central Kitchen and The Bronx Community Relief Effort to provide meals to those in need. “When this crisis hit, small restaurants around the country like Mott Haven stepped up to feed those hit the hardest by this pandemic. We are the heart of our communities, and we need Congress to step up and take action to provide direct assistance to our restaurants so we can rebuild what we once were and let millions of Americans get back to doing what they do best — serving our communities.”

The full letter to congress is available on our website: https://www.saverestaurants.com/.

Cattaraugus County reports 37th positive COVID case

Cattaraugus County Health Department was notified of its thirty-seventh confirmed case of COVID-19. The reporting laboratory was Catholic Health System, Sisters of Charity Hospital, Orchard Park, NY.

A female resident who resides in the northwest corner of the county who has no significant travel history, underwent her pre-op exam on April 29th, which included being tested for COVID-19. The results of her test on April 29th indicated that she was positive for COVID-19. She has been asymptomatic (no fever, no cough, no shortness of breath, and no body aches) for the most part, and denies any contact with a positive COVID-19 person.

She and her family have been quarantined and we will monitor their symptoms closely.
The department has begun a thorough contact tracing investigation for those individuals that they have been in contact with and the places that they have visited.

We continue to ask our residents to hunker down, and avoid any non-essential travel, especially to areas where there is community wide spread of COVID-19 otherwise, you place your family and other Cattaraugus County residents at risk. If travel is necessary, please wear a homemade cloth face mask while in public and maintain social distancing, at least 6 feet away from other people.

We would like to reiterate that if any resident experience fever, cough, shortness of breath or whole body aches they should contact their health care provider (avoid going directly to an Urgent Care facility, or the Emergency Room before calling).

New York State home sales decline

(WBNG) -- The National Association of Realtors says home sales have dropped 8.5 percent nationally from February to March. In New York, the numbers are even worse.

The New York State Association of Realtors reports a nearly 15 percent drop in home sales in just the month of March.

"We're unable to do any in-person showings, meaning we can't see or talk to anybody face-to-face," said Robert Farrell, a real estate broker with EXIT Realty Homeward Bound.

Agents are turning to virtual showings, but not seeing a house in-person can be a tough sell.

"We are still selling homes, but the offers are coming in are typically contingent, or based upon a final walk through. That might be the first time they're seeing the house," said Farrell.

Farrell says buying a home isn't a purchase that should be made lightly. He says right now, the key is having patience.

However, there is some good news for home buyers. The New York Association of Realtors says the month of March saw the lowest mortgage rates since August 2016, at 3.45 percent on a 30-year-fixed mortgage.

Farrell says after the pandemic, he's expecting to reach the light at the end of the tunnel.

"I think you're going to see a rush of buyers ready to buy, and sellers ready to sell, because the pent up demand of the spring that should be in full force, has been delayed," said Farrell.