Obituary: David Wade Garland, 48, Shinglehouse

David Wade Garland  “beloved father, son, and brother”

SHINGLEHOUSE, PA---David Wade Garland, 48, of Shinglehouse, passed away on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, in Buffalo General Hospital, Buffalo, NY.

Born on Thursday, July 17, 1975 in Olean, NY, he was a son of Donald Wade and Jacqueline D. “Jacqui” Jones Garland.

David was a graduate of Bolivar High School in Bolivar, NY.  He attended and graduated from Finger Lakes Community College.  He next attended The Ranger School in Wanakena for two years. David completed his Bachelor’s degree in Forestry at the State University of NY College of Environmental Science and Forestry. 

David worked in construction in Bolivar, Shinglehouse, and Geneva, NY.  He was a talented roofer.  After graduating from The Ranger School and SUNY College of ESF, David was an expert timber value specialist.  After completing his college degrees, he worked for LandVest Forestry in Vermont,  Western Massachusetts, and Eastern New York State.  Sadly David suffered a massive heart attack ending his career as a forester. 

He was a member of the Portville Baptist Church and a member and officer of the Petersburgh Rod and Gun Club. His passion for the outdoors did not start, or stop, with forestry.  David was an enthusiastic fisherman, hunter and hunting lease manager.  He lovingly shared much of his knowledge and skills with his son, Dylon.

Surviving are his son, Dylon L. Garland of Schuylerville, NY; his father, Wade Garland of Shinglehouse; a sister, Wendy D. Garland of West Deer Township (near Pittsburgh); a niece, Heather L. Learish; a grandnephew, Levi Learsish; and several aunts and uncles.

David was predeceased by his mother, Jacqui, on September 20, 2013.

To pay respects to David and his family, calling hours will be held from 4pm to 7pm on Friday at the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, 118 South Union Street, Shinglehouse, PA and from 10am to 11am on Saturday, January 20, 2024, at the Portville Baptist Church, Temple Street, Portville, NY, where funeral services will follow at 11am in the church, with the Rev. Mark Beckwith, pastor, officiating.  Burial will be in the Maple Grove Cemetery, Shinglehouse.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Oswayo Valley Memorial Library, PO Box 188, Shinglehouse, PA 16748; to the Shinglehouse Volunteer Ambulance Association, PO Box 98, Shinglehouse, PA 16748; or to the Nature Conservancy at www.preserve.nature.org. 

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

To express condolences, light a candle or share a fond memory of David, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.

Obituary: Harold G. "Stub" McCutcheon, 82, Westfirld, PA

Harold G. “Stub” McCUTCHEON, 82, of Westfield, PA, died Wednesday, January 17, 2024 in his home.  Friends may call at Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses, PA on Monday, January 22, 2024 from 12:00 – 2:00 PM, with Funeral Services following at 2:00 PM.  Rev. Timothy H. Miller will officiate.  Burial will be in Whites Corners Cemetery.  Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.  A complete obituary will be announced.

Obituary: Dale R. Kemp, 77, Belmont

Belmont, NY – Dale R. Kemp, 77, of Park Circle, passed away on Saturday, December 23, 2023, at Jones Memorial Hospital after a short illness. He was born on December 30, 1945, in Wellsville, the son of the late Jay B. and Ruby (VanCuren) Kemp. 

Dale was raised in Belmont and attended Belmont Central School. He enlisted with the United State Navy and served in 1964. After his time in the service, he returned to Belmont and was employed in a myriad of places, including Worthington, the Village of Belmont, and owning & operating his own Lawn Care business. Outside of work, he enjoyed working on small engines and lawn mower repairs and loved to fish. He was a member of the American Legion Post 808 of Belmont. 

He is survived by six children; siblings, Beverly (Curtis) Burnell, Richard (Marylou) Kemp, Lois Eck, Wayne (Sandra) Kemp, Rosalie Taylor, and Carl (Linda) Kemp. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a sister, Barbara Kemp. 

There will be a Memorial Service held on Saturday, February 3, 2024 at 11 am at Knight’s Creek, 2987 County Road 9, Scio, NY 14880. Burial will be in Bath National Cemetery. Please consider memorial donations to the Herbert DeLong American Legion Post 808, 23 Schuyler Street, Belmont, NY 14813. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Alfred State Earns Second Place For The NADIIIAA Special Olympics Award

Alfred State has been selected as the runner-up for the National Association of Division III Athletic Administrators (NADIIIAA) Special Olympics, Community Service Award as announced by NADIIIAA today.

Each of the selected institutions has been recognized for the impressive community service projects performed by its student-athletes during the 2022-23 academic year.

The awards recognition took place at the NADIIIAA in conjunction with the NCAA Convention on Friday, January 12, 2024, in Phoenix. In addition to presenting commemorative awards to the three winning institutions, NADIIIAA made up to a $1,000 contribution to the general scholarship fund at each of these institutions.  

The NADIIIAA Community Service Awards program, established in 2001, is intended to recognize the many contributions Division III student-athletes regularly make to their campuses and local communities. Recognition is given for projects in three categories: One-Time Activity, Special Olympics Activity, and Community Partnership Award.

In addition to the winners, each category had a runner-up and third place finisher(s). The Alfred State Athletic Department's annual Special Olympics event was recognized as the runner-up in this year's awards ceremony.  This is the fourth time Alfred State has received Runner-Up recognition for this event. 

The Alfred State College Special Olympics Spectacular is an annual event held at Pioneer Stadium on Alfred State College's campus. Run by the Alfred State athletics department administrators, coaches, and student-athletes, it has impacted the community in more ways than anyone can quantify. The student-athletes, coaches, and administrators of all the teams at Alfred State look forward to putting their time towards a great cause every year. Over 380 student-athletes, students, along with faculty and staff members participate in either the set-up, running, or break down of the event. Alfred State hosted one of the largest outings to date last spring, hosting over 280 Special Olympic athletes, from 14 different schools districts.

Director of Athletics Jason Doviak added, "We are very proud to sponsor this event and partner with Special Olympics of Western NY. This event has evolved into one of the premier Special Olympics activities sponsored by a NCAA Institution. The number of individuals who contribute and participate is extraordinary and we look forward to continuing this relationship and event for years to come."

O’MARA, SENATE GOP UNVEIL 2024 LEGISLATIVE AGENDA

Albany, N.Y., January 17—State Senator Tom O’Mara (R-C, Big Flats) and the New York State Senate Republican Conference today unveiled their 2024 legislative agenda, “A New Hope for the Empire State,” highlighting the conference’s top legislative priorities including addressing affordability, strengthening public safety, and sparking economic growth.

O’Mara said, “We face an affordability crisis. We face a border crisis. Law and order are in free fall. The Albany Democrat direction for New York simply fails to produce any hope for a long-term, sustainable future for communities, families, workers, businesses, industries, and taxpayers. New York is a state in decline that continues to become less safe, less free, less affordable, less economically competitive, less responsible, and far less strong for the future. We are at a dangerous crossroads and we must enact an across-the-board agenda to cut taxes, address affordability, and rebuild stronger and safer communities.”  

 

Senator Republican Leader Rob Ortt said, “New Yorkers are deeply dissatisfied with the direction of our state and our Conference is here to provide an alternative path forward. I have traveled throughout the state and people are tired, frustrated, and angry. They feel forgotten. Over the course of the year, we have seen crimes and costs rise. Antisemitism is infiltrating our schools and communities and has become the norm. The migrant crisis has only gotten worse because New York City politicians continue to push their feel-good policies, but it is these radical policies that are driving New Yorkers out. As the Leader of this conference, I will not take a back seat to the progressive agenda destroying our state. Our Republican Conference will fight to give hope to those New Yorkers who feel they have no alternative but to leave our state. Our commonsense agenda provides solutions to build a greater New York for future generations.”

 

“A New Hope for the Empire State” is a comprehensive legislative agenda for 2024, which will be outlined in more detail in the coming weeks, and will focus on priorities including:

Ø  Increasing Affordability for all New Yorkers by taking specific actions to reign in out-of-control state spending including:

 

n  enacting a state spending cap;

n  rejecting tax increases and unfunded state mandates on local governments and school districts;

n  providing across-the-board tax relief;

n  rejecting extreme, mandated climate proposals;

n  increasing affordable housing options;

n  making child care more accessible and affordable; and

n  improving the state’s business climate by protecting small businesses and farms by reducing regulations, and lowering taxes and unfair costs.

 

Ø  Improving Public Safety for all New Yorkers by prioritizing actions to combat rising crime and lawlessness statewide, including:

 

n  protecting New Yorkers from antisemitism and other hateful violence by making any antisemitic behavior a hate crime, making all hate crimes bail eligible, protecting hate crime victims and houses of worship, and implementing financial penalties on both college universities and students who condone or engage in antisemitic behavior while receiving state aid;

n  rejecting any efforts to make New York a sanctuary state;

n  reversing failed criminal justice policies that have made our communities less safe, including bail reform, discovery reform, and others;

n  rejecting policies that put criminals above victims and law-abiding New Yorkers; and

n  providing more services and funding to address mental health crisis and substance abuse disorders.

GOVERNOR HOCHUL ANNOUNCES NEW EFFORT TO GET MORE SCHOOL BUS DRIVERS ON THE ROAD

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced a plan to remove barriers for perspective school bus drivers applying for a commercial driver license. At the Governor’s direction, the DMV has implemented a federal waiver that allows school bus driver applicants to skip the engine compartment component, also called the “under the hood” component of the commercial driver license road test. This will make it easier to get a commercial license at a time when school bus drivers are desperately needed and is the latest in a series of actions directed by Governor Hochul to address the critical shortage of truck and bus drivers. 

 

“The job of transporting and caring for our children is so important, and the need for more drivers throughout New York State is very real,” Governor Hochul said. “This simple change will encourage more New Yorkers to become school bus drivers – a chance for many to be a positive influence and help support our students, without sacrificing safety.”  

 

DMV Commissioner Mark J.F. Schroeder said, “Bus drivers are such an important part of our school system. Not only do they have the incredible responsibility of getting our children to and from school safely, but they’re also often the first friendly face a student sees outside of their family as they begin their day. New York State values and appreciates our school bus drivers and hopes this step will help more people qualify to take these jobs and help shape the future of New York’s children.”  

  

Representative Joe Morelle said, “It is critical that we address the shortage of school bus drivers to ensure we can safely transport our children to school. That’s why I have worked closely with federal partners at the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to successfully provide a waiver allowing more people to apply for bus driver positions — and I’m thrilled to see New York taking advantage of these resources. I’m grateful to Governor Hochul for her partnership and applaud this decision that will ease the burden on our communities, provide parents with much-needed peace of mind, and support our students.”

   

The "under the hood" exemption is allowed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to help States hire more bus drivers without sacrificing safety, as existing school bus inspection and maintenance standards continue to apply. During the road test, applicants are still required to perform the remaining elements of the Commercial Driver License (CDL) vehicle inspection skills test. This new CDL classification, which is set to expire November 27, 2024, will restrict licensees to driving only school buses and only in New York State.  

 

The steps interested New Yorkers should take to get a School Bus Only CDL are as follows:  

• First, you must have a New York State driver license (Class D, Class E, or Non-CDL C);  
• Study the New York State Commercial Driver’s Manual;  
• Apply for a commercial learner permit (CLP) at a DMV office. You must pass a written knowledge test to receive a CDL permit with the school bus and passenger endorsements;  
• Schedule entry level driver training. Read the Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) FAQ for more information;  
• Prepare for your road test and practice with a supervising driver;  
• Schedule your “Limited School Bus" road test (online or by calling the DMV Contact Center);  
• Pass your “Limited School Bus” road test;  
• Go to a DMV office to amend your license to reflect “S1” (school bus only) and “K” (intrastate only) restrictions.    

 

At the Governor’s direction, in 2022, the DMV launched a program authorizing third parties to conduct commercial road tests, which has significantly increased the capacity for these types of road tests statewide. There are currently 27 third-party entities conducting commercial driver license road tests throughout the State. In addition, through cooperation with county-operated DMV offices, the State also increased testing capacity for written commercial permit exams across the State.

 

Learn more about how to become a school bus driver. Read a step-by-step guide to get a CDL.

Partial Obituary: David Wade Garland, 48, Shinglehouse

SHINGLEHOUSE, PA---David Wade Garland, 48, of Shinglehouse, passed away on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, in Buffalo General Hospital, Buffalo, NY.

To pay respects to David and his family, calling hours will be held from 4pm to 7pm on Friday at the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, 118 South Union Street, Shinglehouse, PA and from 10am to 11am on Saturday, January 20, 2024, at the Portville Baptist Church, Temple Street, Portville, NY, where funeral services will follow at 11am in the church, with the Rev. Mark Beckwith, pastor, officiating.

A complete obituary will follow.

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

To express condolences, light a candle or share a fond memory of David, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.

HORNELL RESTAURANT OWNER SENTENCED TO TAX CHARGE

ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Theodore LaFrance, of Hornell, NY, who was convicted of aiding or assisting in the preparation of a false or fraudulent tax return, was sentenced to serve two years’ probation, to include six months of home detention, by Chief U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford. LaFrance was also ordered to pay restitution totaling $36,040 to the IRS.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan K. McGuire, who handled the case, stated that LaFrance, who owned and operated T&J Country Kitchen Inc. in Hornell, hired Staff Leasing Inc. to provide payroll services for his business. Between 2014 and 2018, LaFrance provided false information to Staff Leasing Inc. regarding the wages T&J Country Kitchen Inc. paid to its cooking and cleaning staff. LaFrance did not report the wages that were paid in cash to staff members. As a result, Staff Leasing Inc. used the false information to complete and file quarterly Forms 941 on behalf of T &J Country Kitchen Inc. IRS. Between 2014 and 2018, T&J Country Kitchen’s 941s did not include a total of $235,560.42 in wages, which resulted in a tax loss of approximately $36,040.74.

The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, under the direction of Thomas Fattorusso, Special Agent-in-Charge.

STEUBEN COUNTY MAN GOING TO PRISON FOR POSSESSION OF CHILD PORNOGRAPHY

ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that John Buckley, 61, of Wayland, NY, who was convicted of possession of child pornography, was sentenced to serve 10 years in prison by Chief U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle P. Rossi, who handled the case, stated that between August and December 2021, Buckley used his cellphone to take sexually explicit photos of a minor female. On August 30, 2022, the FBI executed a federal search warrant on the cellphone and recovered 31 images containing child pornography, including images of the minor female. 

The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia. Additional assistance was provided by the FBI Chicago Field Office and the Joliet, Illinois Police Department.

Wellsville Police Blotter

Date: Tuesday January 16, 2024 

Wellsville Police arrested Dana R. Beckhorn, age 49 of Friendship, charging him with Harassment 2^nd (Violation).  The charge stems from an incident that took place on Pleasant Street in December of 2023.  Beckhorn was processed and arraigned before Wellsville Village Justice Thompson.  Beckhorn was released and is due back in Wellsville Village Court on February 6^th at 4:30 pm.

Regents Actions in 51 Professional Discipline Cases and 1 Restoration Petition

Regents Actions in 51 Professional Discipline Cases and 1 Restoration Petition

The Board of Regents announced disciplinary actions resulting in the summary suspension of 1 license, revocation of 2 licenses, surrender of 17 licenses, and 31 other disciplinary actions. The penalty indicated for each case relates solely to the misconduct set forth in that particular case. In addition, the Board acted upon 1 restoration petition.

Nursing

Sarah Ann Rene Preston; Licensed Practical Nurse; Hornell, NY 14843; Lic. No. 329523; Cal. No. 33780; Application for consent order granted; Penalty agreed upon: Indefinite actual suspension until fit to practice, upon return to practice, 2 years probation, $500 fine.

RESTORATION

The Board of Regents voted on January 9, 2024 to deny the application for restoration of the registered professional nurse license of Mellissa L. Thompson, Poughkeepsie, NY 12605.  Ms. Thompson’s was revoked on November 16, 2010.

Obituary: Ann C. ‘Maude’ Margeson, 86, Wellsville

Wellsville, NY - Ann C. ‘Maude’ Margeson, born on February 24, 1937, to Leo V. and Lillian (Trahey) Ludden, peacefully passed away on January 15, 2024. She was the cherished wife of Terry Margeson, and together they shared a life filled with love and companionship.

Ann Margeson was a proud alumna of Immaculate Conception School and the class of 1954 Wellsville High School. She dedicated numerous years to volunteering at Immaculate Conception Ann C. ‘Maude’ Margeson School during her children and grandchildren’s time there. Ann also worked at the family-owned Ludden’s Shoe Store for many years. Her spirit was felt (and heard) in various organizations, including the Lioness Club, where she found great joy in preparation for the annual Minstrel Shows. Her passion for service extended to BPOE 1495, and Gamma Phi Sorority, where she formed lasting connections as a life member. Maude may be best remembered by her notorious laugh.

Ann leaves behind a legacy of family and her memory will forever be cherished by her devoted children: Stephen (Deb) Margeson, Linda Guido, Robert (Laura) Margeson, Susan (Kim) Margeson, and Mary (Dean) Piscitelli. Her grandchildren, Katy Ferguson, Kyle (Ashley) Margeson, Timothy (Jess) Margeson, Michael (Jenny) Guido, Robby (Chandra) Margeson, Sam (Hastee) Margeson, Kailey Flanders, Nathaniel (Grace) Piscitelli, and Jonathan Piscitelli, also a beloved great-grandmother to Leah, Carter, Camryn, Corbin, Adrian, Terrance, Micah, Rhiannon, and Jahnaan. Many special nieces and nephews whose lives were brightened by her warmth, wisdom, and affection.

Ann is also survived by her loving sister Regina McGinnis, Bob and Shirley Margeson and many special nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by Brother Donald Ludden, Helen Andrews, Lois (Jerome) Sullivan, Margorie (Leo) Finn.

Friends are invited to call from 5-7pm on Friday January 19, 2024, at J.W. Embser Funeral Home, 34 W State St. Wellsville, NY 14895. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, January 20, 2024, at 11 am in the Immaculate Conception Church in Wellsville. Burial will take place in Sacred Heart Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Wellsville BPOE 1495 Scholarship 77, E Pearl St. Wellsville, NY or Friends of the David A. Howe Library, reflecting Ann’s lifelong dedication to the Wellsville community. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

May Maude rest in eternal peace, and may her family find solace in the beautiful memories and enduring love and laughter she shared with them.

Statement by Senator George Borrello on the Executive Budget

STATEMENT BY SENATOR GEORGE BORRELLO ON THE EXECUTIVE BUDGET

“While we will be delving into the details of Governor Hochul’s $233 billion spending plan in the coming days, my first reaction is that it’s a missed opportunity to tackle New York’s biggest problems and put us on a stronger course for the future.

There is nothing in here that will slow or stop New York’s worst-in-the-nation outmigration of residents, such as income or property tax cuts. There is an alarming proposal to close five prisons, which will exacerbate the crime crisis. There is a threat of our rural schools losing crucial aid. And there is a proposal to plant thousands of trees at taxpayer expense even as thousands of mature trees are cut down as part of the state's green energy boondoggle.    

Most concerning is the allocation of $2.4 billion in funding for Democrat’s self-created migrant crisis, which has already consumed $2 billion in taxpayer funds over the past year. Governor Hochul’s budget remarks cast our state as an innocent victim in this catastrophe. Nothing could be further from the truth. The sanctuary policies put in place by Democrats are the defacto ‘welcome mat’ that has encouraged this influx. Allowing these policies to stay in place and expecting hardworking New York taxpayers to simply pay the bill is shameful and another reason for people to leave.  

New York State is at a crossroads. If we are to reverse New York’s downward spiral, we need a major change in priorities. As this process moves forward, my colleagues and I will be advocating for our rural and suburban communities and advancing proposals to put our state back on the right track.”

Steuben's December Overdose Update

BATH, NY – The Steuben County Public Health Department and partners are sharing updated overdose data for December: 27 overdoses were reported, 0 fatalities were reported, and 10 instances of Narcan administration were cited.

 

“Opioid use in Steuben County continues to be a concern,” said Public Health Director, Darlene Smith. “Steuben County Public Health and our partners strive to provide accessible and equitable resources for all residents. We remain committed to reducing substance use within the county.”

 

In December, three of Steuben’s overdose records cited opioids as a suspected drug causing the overdose. Six overdose records did not note a specific substance or were not able to be accessed for a full review, and the remaining 18 records indicated another substance was suspected to be the cause of an overdose. Other reported substances included alcohol, methamphetamine, prescription drugs, and others.

 

Narcan training is available at https://www.steubencountyny.gov/narcan or in-person training can be scheduled by calling Steuben Public Health at 607-664-2438 or reaching out to the Steuben Prevention Coalition’s Opioid Committee.

 

Local support is available. Steuben County Substance Abuse Services (SCASAS) offers outpatient services in Bath (607-664-2156), Corning (607-937-6201), and Hornell (607-324-2483) as well as after-hours services (607-937-7800). CASA Trinity in Hornell (607-282-5200) and Ira Davenport Memorial Hospital in Bath offer detox and inpatient services as well. Residents are also encouraged to call 211 for other local support.

 

For the latest Steuben County updates, visit Steuben County’s website at https://www.steubencountyny.gov/ or Public Health’s social media pages: www.facebook.com/SCNYPublicHealth and www.instagram.com/SteubenPublicHealth.

Allegany County: Wind Chill Advisory

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE

National Weather Service Buffalo NY

Allegany- Including the city of Wellsville

530 PM EST Tue Jan 16 2024

...WIND CHILL ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 1 AM TO 10 AM EST

WEDNESDAY...

* WHAT...Very cold wind chills expected. Wind chills as low as

  15 to 20 below zero.

* WHERE...Allegany county.

* WHEN...From 1 AM to 10 AM EST Wednesday.

* IMPACTS...The cold wind chills could result in hypothermia if

  precautions are not taken.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

This is a potentially dangerous situation to be outdoors. If you

must be outside, be sure to cover all exposed skin. Frostbite can

occur in 30 minutes or less with apparent temperatures of

15 below zero or colder.

Alfred University update

Dear Alfred University alumni, families, and friends:

 

Happy New Year! Here is hoping that you had a wonderful holiday season and enjoyed your time with friends and family.

 

On Monday, we honored the important role Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. played in advancing civil rights in America. His vision is reflected in our University’s ongoing commitment to inclusivity. The importance of this commitment is highlighted by the challenging problems presently at the fore in our country and in the broader world.

 

The start of a new year and semester provides an ideal time to reflect on where we have been and where we are heading as a University. Here are just a few examples of some noteworthy recent accomplishments:

 

• Our University has seen a significant increase in enrollment this academic year, with 519 new undergraduate students joining our Main Campus, an increase of nearly 30 percent in such matriculants over the prior academic year. Enrollments in our AUNY programs also are trending above projections.

 

• In the Fall, our Board of Trustees approved moving forward with a $30 million project to construct a new sports and recreation facility on 200 acres atop Jericho Hill in the town of Alfred—pending securing $10 million in philanthropic support for the endeavor (a target which we shortly anticipate surpassing). The Saxon Hill Sports Complex, which is set for completion in the Fall of 2025, will significantly enhance our student enrollment and retention efforts. The Saxon Hill facility will include fields used by new intercollegiate baseball and women’s and men’s rugby teams. Varsity baseball, which launches this Spring semester, will play home contests at Saxon Hill beginning in 2026. Women’s and men’s rugby will play as club teams initially, with women’s rugby set to become an intercollegiate sport next academic year.

 

• We continue to offer new academic programs. Over the last year, we have gained New York State approval for new Bachelor of Science degrees in equine business management, physics, and astrophysics. In addition to these new degree programs, the University has added Bachelor of Science degrees in data analytics and business analytics, as well as in biochemistry, biology, chemistry, and mathematics. We have also reintroduced our computer science and electrical engineering majors. In the Fall, New York State approved our proposed concentration in equine-assisted psychotherapy within the Division of Psychology.

 

• Registration is open for Alfred Summer Arts 2024, scheduled to run from June 24 to July 19. The program features workshops in a variety of media areas designed for participants working at all levels: artists, high school students, teachers, community members, and visiting professionals. In addition to workshops, high school institutes and courses for credit will be offered.

 

• We received a $467,000 grant from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) which will benefit students in our renewable energy engineering and electric engineering programs by providing them with access to state-of-the-art equipment and preparing them for jobs in the growing renewable energy industry. General Electric Digital funding of $786,000 will provide grid planning and operations software in support of the NYSERDA project. EPRI, an independent, non-profit research and development organization, will subcontract with our University to conduct industry-standard training short courses for our students.

 

As the spring 2024 semester begins, let us remember the role we all play in advancing our University’s mission: helping students realize their purpose.

 

Fiat 2024!

 

Mark

O’MARA: ‘SPEND, SPEND, SPEND’ REMAINS THE FOCUS OF HOCHUL’S MASSIVE BUDGET PLAN

Albany, N.Y., January 16-—State Senator Tom O’Mara (R,C-Big Flats), Ranking Member on the Senate Finance Committee, today said that Governor Kathy Hochul’s proposed 2024-2025 state budget calls for another record-breaking, $233-billion state spending plan that “downplays the fiscal realities facing this state, ignores the burdens being shouldered by middle-class taxpayers, and refuses to take the steps needed to address affordability.”

O’Mara said, “It remains mind boggling. This state already faces multi-billion-dollar deficits far into the future because the Albany Democrats can’t stop spending and Governor Hochul still proposes a spend, spend, spend strategy. The Albany Democrat appetite for spending over the past several years has been a one-party smorgasbord gobbling up billions of taxpayer dollars. It’s been uncontrolled spending to the point that having put in place massive, long-term spending commitments -- and with massive commitments looming in the Democrats’ pursuit of a radical climate agenda and the provision of untold services to an ever-surging migrant population -- New York State taxpayers already face multi-year, multi-billion-dollar deficits. It ignores the reality that New York remains one of America’s highest-taxed, least- affordable, most debt-ridden, and overregulated states that leads the nation in population loss. There’s nothing in this plan that seriously addresses the need for lower taxes across the board, less regulation, debt reduction, mandate relief, or any of the other strangleholds on state and local taxpayers, small businesses and manufacturers, and continually hard-pressed upstate communities, economies, and workers.”

Like he did following Hochul’s State of the State message last week, O’Mara warned that the state’s Democrat leaders, like they have for the past several years while increasing state spending by $60 billion, are once again eyeing even more long-term commitments for higher spending. Last year’s final $229-billion spending plan left New York with the nation’s second-highest state budget, behind only California.

O’Mara predicted that Hochul and the Democrat-controlled Senate and Assembly will enact a final budget that significantly increases New York’s spending again this year – including a starting point of an additional $2 billion to address a surging migrant crisis statewide -- and leave state and local taxpayers shouldering a long-term, unsustainable burden.

He stressed that the governor’s proposed executive budget already calls for increasing the current state budget by more than $4 billion even before final negotiations with the “biggest-spending Legislature in state history.”

The governor’s fiscal plan admits that the state continues to face multi-year, multi-billion-dollar budget deficits, including $5 billion next year, $5.2 billion the following year, and nearly $10 billion by 2027.

O’Mara said that joint Senate-Assembly budget hearings are scheduled to begin next week.

Causer, Dush Announce Nearly $475,000 in State Grants

Causer, Dush Announce Nearly $475,000 in State Grants 

 

HARRISBURG – Rep. Martin Causer (R-Cameron/McKean/Potter) and Sen. Cris Dush (R-25) today announced nearly $475,000 in state grants have been awarded for projects in Eldred, McKean County, and Galeton, Potter County. 

 

“These grants are important investments in the safety and quality of life for our residents,” Causer said. “I was pleased to advocate for these projects and bring this money back to our district.” 

 

“Improving public safety by way of flood mitigation and upgrading outdoor recreational opportunities for our children are proven pathways for the continued advancement of economic growth and job creation all throughout our region,” said Dush. “With so many hard-working families struggling with ever-rising costs and inflation, I am pleased to have played a role in securing this highly competitive funding for the citizens I serve in McKean and Potter counties.” 

 

Galeton Borough was awarded $250,000 for the addition of a splash pad at John J. Collins Memorial Park. The splash pad will be an outdoor play area with sprinklers, fountains, nozzles and other water features to encourage outdoor recreation for local children and visitors to the area. The facility will have a closed-loop design to conserve water usage. Additional park improvements are planned in the future.  

 

Eldred Borough was awarded $224,400 toward its flood levee recertification project. Ensuring the levee is recertified by the Federal Emergency Managements Agency (FEMA) is important to the health and safety of community members, the local school and business district.  

 

The grants were awarded Tuesday by the Commonwealth Financing Authority. The funds for Galeton were awarded through the Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program. The funds for Eldred were awarded through the Flood Mitigation Program. Both programs are funded by natural gas impact fees authorized under Act 13 of 2012. 

NY state police blotter

New York State Police blotter

1/15/24 10:34p.m.: Amity-based troopers arrested Christopher D. Vargas, 25, of Wellsville after investigating a domestic dispute. Vargas was charged with criminal mischief and endangering the welfare of a child, both misdemeanor counts. Court action is pending.