No swimming at Wellsville school pool - for students or public

Lady Sea Lions compete in the pool during the regular school year, but the pool is also open to the public

With the summer of 2020 officially on the books, it looks like any swimming taking place in the near future, will not be in the pool at the elementary school.

The pool is usually open to the public for exercise and lap swim under the auspices of the YMCA of the Southern Tier, but not now.

Director of Operations for the Wellsville YMCA Christie Thornton explained that the pool is part of the school district.

“Since the school is officially shut down, that means the pool is shut down too,” she said. “We’re waiting for word from the governor as to when school buildings can open up and we’re working closely with the school district,” said Barb Sweitzer Executive Director of the YMCA of The Southern Tier.

While that leaves people taking a dip in the river, area ponds and backyard pools, Thornton noted that the YMCA pool located in Olean is open to members of the “Y” and to paying customers.

State Police Wall of Honor

NYSP Wall of Honor - Today we remember Trooper Nicholas F. Clark, 29, was killed on July 2, 2018, when he responded to a report of a suicidal male in the town of Erwin, Steuben County. During the incident response, the suicidal suspect exited the rear of the house and fired a shot, striking and killing Trooper Clark.

The suspect was later found by law enforcement in the home, deceased from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Trooper Clark graduated from the 203rd session of the Basic School on September 3, 2015, and was assigned to SP Bath at the time of his death. He is survived by his mother, father and brother.

Allegany County COVID-19 Update

Gov. Wolf Signs Bill to Remove Barriers to Work for People with Criminal Convictions

Building on his criminal justice reforms and fulfilling a recommendation to modernize job licensing, Governor Tom Wolf today signed Senate Bill 637, which removes outdated licensing barriers so skilled workers with criminal records can get a second chance and start good careers. The governor has advocated for sweeping changes to the licensing process for years.

The governor proposed reforms to job licensing requirements and licensing boards to remove barriers to employment so skilled workers can enter the jobs of their choice. In 2017, the governor signed an executive order requiring a review of job licensing with a comparison to other states and a task force appointed by the governor issued a report in 2018 outlining many proposals to cut red tape and modernize job licensing. The reforms included removing outdated criminal record restrictions. One in five Pennsylvanians needs an occupational license from a board or commission to do their job, representing more than one million workers.

“Pennsylvania must be a place where hardworking people can put their skills to work,” said Gov. Wolf. “Arbitrarily denying someone a job license because of outdated rules against criminal records is wrong. This new bipartisan law is a commonsense way to allow people to pursue the American dream and build a better life in Pennsylvania. It’s good for skilled workers, their employers and the economy for all of us.”

The bill makes the following improvements for the 29 occupational licensing boards:

• Boards and commissions can no longer use a person’s criminal history to deny someone a license unless their criminal history is directly related to the occupation in which they are seeking licensure.
• Directs boards to individually consider applications based on the offense, the amount of time since the conviction and the applicant’s personal progress and training, among other factors, before withholding licensure.
• Requires boards to create a public list of criminal offenses that may prevent licensure.
• Allows individuals to get a preliminary decision if their conviction is likely to disqualify them from licensure so they do not waste time and money on training. Individuals can still apply and present evidence to support their licensure.
• Creates temporary licenses in barbering and cosmetology for reentrants trained in a correctional facility who otherwise would be denied a license because of their criminal record. Licensees can work one to two years and demonstrate competency.

Boards cannot issue a license to someone convicted of a sexual offense to practice as a health care practitioner. Boards may not consider juvenile convictions or convictions that have been expunged under the Clean Slate law in determining eligibility. The Department of State and the licensing boards will develop a guide to help people with criminal convictions to apply for a license.

“The Pennsylvania Department of State has been a vocal advocate for professional licensing standards that protect the health and safety of Pennsylvanians and are free of unnecessary or unclear requirements,” said Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar. “We believe this new law is a step forward toward that goal. We applaud the legislature and Governor Wolf for making this much-needed reform in the commonwealth’s licensing laws.”

“Today’s signing of this legislation serves as a hand-up and not a hand-out to many justice-involved Pennsylvanians who have made mistakes, learned from them, and are actively seeking to improve their lives for the better,” said Sec. Flood. “I would like to thank the Governor, the Pennsylvania General Assembly and Senators DiSanto and Schwank for their leadership on this critically important issue.”

Criminal justice reform and occupational licensure reform are both priorities for Governor Wolf. Yesterday was the second anniversary of the governor signing the landmark Clean Slate law, which allows individuals to petition the courts for their records to be sealed if a person has been free from conviction for 10 years for an offense that resulted in a year or more in prison and has paid all court-ordered financial debts.

The Wolf administration also acted in 2017 to “ban the box” to remove questions about criminal histories from state employment applications. Banning the box allows applicants with criminal records to be judged on their skills and qualifications and not solely on their criminal history, while preserving the appropriate evaluation during the hiring process.

The governor also signed HB 364, HB 1003, HB 1185, HB 1188, HB 1379, HB 1405, HB 1457, HB 1510, HB 1564, HB 1597, HB 1710, HB 2018, HB 2171, SB 351, SB 595, SB 842, SB 905 and SB 997.

DEC Issues Fire Danger Warning

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today urged New Yorkers to practice the utmost safety during the upcoming holiday weekend. Dry weather throughout the month of June has increased the risk of fires.

"We were fortunate to see some rain this past weekend, but the majority of lands across the state remain very dry," Commissioner Seggos said. "Recognizing the temptation to set off fireworks this weekend, DEC is encouraging New Yorkers to remember that in addition to being dangerous and in some cases, illegal, fireworks can start wildfires."

There are currently three active wildfires in the state: one in St. Lawrence County; one in Herkimer County; and one in Tompkins County. Collectively, these fires are burning nearly 11 acres of land, and in some cases are 18 inches deep, requiring a pump operation with large volumes of water. Two other fires in St. Lawrence County over the weekend burned another 11 acres of land.

The majority of the state remains at a moderate risk for fires, meaning that any outdoor fire can spread quickly, especially if the wind picks up. Campfires are among the top five causes of wildfires. Fireworks are in the top 12. According to the National Safety Council, each year in the U.S. fireworks are responsible for more than 18,000 fires.

For a safe July 4 holiday, follow these safety tips:

• Never use illegal fireworks;
• Soak spent and unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding; and
• Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don't go off or to use in case of fire.

DEC continues to encourage New Yorkers and visitors to follow the recommendations below to reduce the risk of wildfires.

While camping in the backcountry, New Yorkers are advised to:

• Use existing campfire rings where possible;
• Build campfires away from overhanging branches, steep slopes, rotten stumps, logs, dry grass, and leaves. Pile extra wood away from the fire;
• Clear the area around the ring of leaves, twigs, and other flammable materials;
• Never leave a campfire unattended. Even a small breeze could cause the fire to spread quickly; and
• Drown the fire with water. Make sure all embers, coals, and sticks are wet. Move rocks as there may be burning embers underneath.

Fire safety tips for burning wood or brush:

• Never burn on a windy day;
• Check and obey all local laws and ordinances;
• Burn early in the morning when humidity is high and winds are low;
• Clear all flammable material for a distance of 10 to 15 feet around the fire;
• Keep piles to be burned small, adding small quantities of material as burning progresses;
• Always have a garden hose, shovel, water bucket, or other means to extinguish the fire close at hand; and
• When done, drown the fire with water, making sure all materials, embers, and coals are wet.

Do Not Burn Household Trash:

• Burning trash is prohibited statewide in all cases. Incinerator rules prohibit burning household trash in wood stoves, fireplaces, and outdoor wood boilers;
• DEC recommends recycling all appropriate materials (such as newspaper, paper, glass and plastic) and composting organic kitchen and garden waste;
• Burning leaves also is banned in New York State. DEC encourages composting of leaves; and
• Disposal of flags or religious items in a small-sized fire is allowed if it not otherwise prohibited by law or regulation.

Obituary: Jane S. Cartella, 92, of Eustis, Florida, formerly of Hornell and Arkport

Jane S. Cartella, 92, of Eustis, Florida, formerly of Hornell and Arkport, passed away at her home Wednesday, June 24, 2020. 

She was born in Hornell February 20, 1928, the daughter of Carl Seaman and Wanda (Johnson) Seaman and was a 1945 graduate of Hornell High School.

On August 11, 1949 at St. Ann’s Church in Hornell, she married Joseph John Cartella, who died November 15, 2007.  

Jane was employed as an operator for New York Telephone in Hornell and Olean, retiring in 1982 with over 32 years with the company.  Following her retirement, she worked part-time in the kitchen at The Sunset Inn in Hornell.  For many years, Jane and her husband spent winters in Eustis and summers at their home near South Dansville.  She became a year-round Florida resident in 2008.

She was a member of St. Mary of the Lakes Catholic Church in Eustis, and a former member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and communicant of St. Ann’s Church in Hornell.  Jane will be remembered as a loving and devoted wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, a thoughtful friend, and a fan of classic film noir; one favorite was the 1944 film Laura.  A fine cook, she kept her family well fed, specializing in delicious pies and other desserts. 

Jane had a great love for the City of Hornell and many fond memories of it, last visiting in 2017 when she attended the annual Hornell High School Alumni banquet.  Jane was a generous donor to the alumni scholarship fund.

In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by a son, Joseph Cartella, Jr., in 2003, and a brother, Mark Seaman in 1987.

She is survived by three sons, John Cartella of Hornell, Peter (Leila) Cartella of Dansville, James (Shannon) Cartella of Mount Dora, Florida; a brother, Brian (Vicki) Seaman of Elmira; 7 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

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

At the family's request, there will be no calling hours.  A Memorial Mass will be held Monday at 10:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church on final interment in St. Mary’s Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Hornell Alumni Association Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 135, Hornell, NY 14843.

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

NY State Police Blotter

6/30/20 9:39pm- During a traffic stop on State Route 243 in the Town of Rushford, Troopers arrested Christopher L. Houck, 27, of Farmersville Station. He was charged with two felony counts - DWI and having a BAC above .08%. He was issued appearance tickets for court and released.
6/30/20 11:23pm- After investigating a domestic dispute, State Police arrested Christopher J. Haxton, 42, of Wellsville. He was charged with menacing and unlawful imprisonment. He was initially detained.
 

6/30/20 4:02pm - State Police Tuesday afternoon arrested 37-year-old Robert E. Crowley of Bath. He was charged with felony vehicular manslaughter, DWI, and aggravated DWI. He was detained. Troopers said the charges stem from an incident May 23rd in the Town of Bath.

Obituary: Ernest C. Ludwig, 69, Penn Yan

Ernest C. Ludwig, 69, of Penn Yan, NY, died Saturday, June 27, 2020 in Homestead at Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hospital, Penn Yan.  Born May 24, 1951, in Nunda, he was the son of Arland and Lorma Cromwell Ludwig.  Surviving are:  a brother, Allen (Linda) Ludwig of Richmond;  a niece, Lisa Ludwig of Buffalo;  and his caregiver of nine years, Sharon Swarts and her children of Penn Yan.  He was predeceased by his parents;  and two brothers, David Ludwig and James Ludwig.  

Cremation was held at Olney-Foust Crematory.  A private graveside will be held in Sunnyview Cemetery, Town of Grove.  Memorials may be made to the Humane Society of Yates County at www.yateshumane.org.  

Arrangements are entrusted to Mulholland-Crowell Funeral Home, Wellsville, NY.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.wellsvillefuneralhome.com.

PROBLEM SOLVERS CAUCUS ENDORSES BILL TO PROTECT MILLIONS OF AMERICAN JOBS

PRESS RELEASE

WASHINGTON - Today, July 1, 2020, the Problem Solvers Caucus officially endorsed H.R. 6776, the JOBS Credit Act, a bill that would expand the Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC) to provide struggling businesses with funds to keep workers on payroll and receiving benefits. If passed, the bill could help protect nearly 60 million jobs at 6.1 million businesses by expanding the ERTC.
Problem Solvers, Reps. Stephanie Murphy (D- FL) and John Katko (R-NY) introduced the bipartisan JOBS Credit Act in the House of Representatives. The legislation received the caucus’ endorsement after more than 75 percent of the 50-member caucus agreed to support the bill.

 

“As we continue to fight COVID-19, we must continue to meet the changing needs of our small businesses that are vital to our country’s economy, providing jobs and critical services to millions of Americans,” said Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chair Rep.Tom Reed (R-NY). “I am proud that the Problem Solvers Caucus endorsed the JOBS Credit Act, so we can continue to enhance programs like the Employee Retention Tax Credit that will allow small businesses to pay their bills, retain their employees, and remain ready to open their doors again soon.”

"As we fight to protect the health and safety of Americans during this pandemic, it’s critical that we also continue to protect our small businesses and provide them with the resources they need to get through these challenging times — especially here in the eye of the COVID-19 storm in North Jersey,” said Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chair Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ). “The JOBS Credit Act is a common-sense bipartisan bill that will allow millions of workers to keep their jobs and health care benefits during this economic downturn by expanding the Employee Retention Tax Credit. This is exactly the kind of across-the-aisle collaboration we need to help the American workforce, our families, and our businesses through this.”

 

“I am glad to have earned the support of the Problem Solvers Caucus for bipartisan legislation I introduced with Reps. Murphy, DelBene, Fitzpatrick, and Pappas,” said Rep. John Katko. “In an effort to strengthen the economy and save local jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic, our bipartisan bill takes steps to improve and expand the Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC). Having garnered widespread bipartisan support in Congress and the support of countless business and labor organizations, I urge the House to advance this important measure to protect millions of jobs.”

 

“Our bipartisan bill to expand the ERTC has earned the support of diverse coalitions like the Problem Solvers Caucus because it will help millions of workers and businesses during this crisis,” said Rep. Stephanie Murphy. “Passage of this legislation as part of the next COVID relief package is one of the most important steps Congress can take to help Americans who are suffering economically due to the pandemic. We will keep fighting to enact this pro-worker, pro-business bill into law.” 

“It is incredibly important that as many Americans as possible are able to stay employed and on the payroll during this crisis. We need to continue to support businesses and workers in their time of need,” said Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick. “I am happy to see the Problem Solvers Caucus support this bipartisan legislation, which will bring much-needed clarity and assistance to our workers and their employers.”

“As this health and economic crisis continues, keeping workers on payroll, receiving benefits, and connected to their jobs will be critical not only to their financial security but to our broader economic recovery.  Expanding the employee retention tax credit (ERTC), as the Jumpstarting Our Businesses’ Success Credit (JOBS Credit) Act does, will help families and preserve businesses for tomorrow,” said Rep. Jimmy Panetta. “The JOBS Credit Act improves the employee retention tax credit created by the CARES Act by replacing a greater share of a worker’s wages, increasing the amount of wages covered, and covering a greater number of businesses, so more workers can benefit.  As a member of the Ways and Means Committee, which has jurisdiction over the tax code, I am proud to support this legislation which will help our workers, our businesses, and our economy now and in the future.”

“Small businesses and workers in Southwest Washington have been severely impacted by COVID-19, which is why we must advance solutions to help hard-working individuals keep their jobs and to help employers stay afloat,” said Rep. Jaime Herrera-Beutler. “I’m pleased to support the bipartisan JOBS Credit Act, which will encourage businesses to retain their employees, to keep workers on the payroll, and to position them to revive our economy.”

“These are difficult times and many of our main street businesses have been hit hard by the pandemic,” said Rep. Anthony Brindisi. “Solutions to help get our economy going again should not be hampered by partisan politics and I am happy to see the Problem Solvers Caucus endorsing the JOBS Credit Act. The bipartisan CARES Act established the Employee Retention Tax Credit and this bipartisan bill will make improvements to this crucial program and help workers and employers alike.”

“This bipartisan effort will support both workers – up to 59 million Americans - and employers to continue our strong economic recovery,” said Rep. Bill Johnson. “These important enhancements to the ERTC will provide critical relief to employers, as well as keeping employees connected to their jobs, ensuring they are in a better position to return to normal once they are able.”

 

 "Unemployment is wreaking havoc on the economy and our state unemployment offices are overwhelmed,” said Rep. Jim Costa. “This bill would help both businesses and workers, ensuring that Americans can continue to receive income and health benefits while we figure out the safest way to get employees back to work."

NYSEG and RG&E File Action Plan to Support New York State Climate Goals

BINGHAMTON, New York — July 1, 2020 — NYSEG and RG&E, subsidiaries of AVANGRID, Inc., announced today they have filed their 2020 Distributed System Implementation Plan (DSIP), which presents the companies’ strategy to integrate distributed energy resources (DER) into the New York grid. The plan outlines the framework for how the companies will support New York state energy and decarbonization goals by building integrated planning and interconnection, grid operations and market services functions.

Through execution of the DSIP, NYSEG and RG&E will work to achieve New York’s policy goals, provide customers with greater control over their energy usage and total energy bills and provide developers and other market participants with the information they need to make informed investment decisions.

“The electric power industry is in the midst of unprecedented change, enabled by innovation and advances in emerging clean energy, power delivery, and information technologies,” said Rita King, Senior Director of Smart Grids Innovation and Planning at AVANGRID. “The DSIP provides an actionable roadmap for our companies to support the decarbonization of New York’s economy, including the electrification of transportation and buildings, and will enable the integration of greater amounts of DER within our service areas. Our approach is customer centric, clean, integrated and smart.” 

The five-year implementation plan involves investments in several key areas, including grid automation, energy storage, electric vehicles (EV), smart meter (advanced metering infrastructure) implementation and market services. 

 

Grid Automation

A priority in the next five years is to make significant progress implementing a long-term grid automation program to improve the responsiveness, reliability, and efficiency of the distribution system. Investments will be made in grid devices that measure, monitor and control electric power flows along the network, capabilities that are necessary to accommodate large numbers of connected distributed energy resources and new electricity loads while also enhancing the resiliency of the grid.

Energy Storage

Energy storage, whether connected to the grid or located on customer premises, has the ability to smooth out demand profiles, lower energy costs, and contribute to clean energy goals. The DSIP includes four demonstration pilots being conducted to understand how to integrate storage. The companies’ objective is to proactively support the identification and development of energy storage projects that benefit customers and the grid and are attractive to developers.

Electric Vehicles (EV)

Electrification of the transportation sector will be a major contributor to greenhouse gas reductions and a clean economy. NYSEG and RG&E are supporting the development of the EV market within its service territories through continued development of capabilities, including integrating EV load while minimizing impact on peak demand, supporting EV growth with sufficient charging infrastructure while understanding impact and needs on the system. Additionally, as part of the recent rate case settlement filing, the companies proposed and are preparing to implement a comprehensive EV Program that would accelerate EV adoption throughout its service territories.

Smart Meter Implementation

A key technology project included in the DSIP is smart meter deployment, planned to begin in the spring of 2022, after approval of the recent rate case settlement filing. Smart meters will help customers manage their energy usage, and support time-varying pricing and innovative rate structures. It will also provide operational information such as power outages, voltage and detection of tampering.

Market Services

The DSIP presents the companies’ progress and future implementation plans for market services, including the development of an online marketplace. The platform will empower customers to make better energy management decisions by connecting them to pricing options and programs, as well as to products and services offered by competitive suppliers.

For more details on the 2020 DSIP, read the full report here at nyseg.com and here at rge.com.

Allegany County COVID-19 update

Obituary: Denise M. Rossman, 66, Arkport - formerly from Andover

ARKPORT - Denise M. Rossman, 66, of Sharp’s Hill Road, passed away Sunday (June 28, 2020) at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester.

Born in Dansville, October 21, 1953, she was the daughter of Laverne and Lois Kane Maples.  She spent her early life in Dansville and Hornell. She then moved to Andover, where she graduated from Andover High School, and was employed at the former Joyce Hotel.  It was there that she met Danny Rossman, and they were married on August 24, 1974.

Denise was a graduate of the former St. James Hospital School of Nursing where she received her Registered Nurses Degree. She was employed as a Registered Nurse at the former Bethesda Community Hospital, St. James Mercy Hospital as well as the Hornell Gardens.

She was an active member of TOPS of Arkport and a member of the Arkport United Methodist Church and the Agape Circle.

Denise loved gardening, sewing, handy Craft work, visiting her grandchildren, and especially traveling with her husband.

She was predeceased by her parents, and her sister; Patricia Nevol.

Surviving are her husband Danny Rossman of Arkport, two sons; Eric (Christine) Rossman of Hopewell Junction, N.Y., and Matthew (Jo) Rossman of Hilton, NY, her brother; John Maples of Little Genesee, N.Y. her brother-in-law; Charles Nevol of Andover, NY, her five grandchildren; Lucas Rossman, Zachary Rossman, Graham Rossman, Evan Rossman and Emma Rossman.

To send a remembrance to the family, please visit www.brownandpowersfuneralhomes.com, or on Facebook@brownpowersfh. The family is being assisted by Gerald R. Brown, director at Bender- Brown & Powers Funeral Home of Hornell.

Visitation hours will be held on Saturday (July 11, 2020) at the Arkport United Methodist Church from 11 AM until 1 PM where a Memorial Service will follow visitation hours at 1 PM. Pastor Dena Stevens and Rev. Mark Ball will officiate. Burial will be in Heritage Hill Cemetery, Arkport.

Friends attending Visitation hours and services must wear a mask and practice Social Distancing.

Friends wishing to remember Denise, are asked to consider a contribution to The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Western New York, 1000 Elmwood Avenue,  #900, Rochester, New York 14620.

Wellsville: Pictures from kindergarten parade