Steuben County flooding update

States of Emergency and Travel Advisory remain in place for the Towns of Canisteo, Jasper, Greenwood, Troupsburg, Woodhull, and Cameron.  Residents should avoid unnecessary travel to allow highway crews to continue cleanup efforts.

 

The following roads remain closed as of press time:

 

State Roads

•        State Route 417 from SR 36 to SR 248 (Jasper to Greenwood)

•        State Route 36 – From Canisteo (CR119) South to Gravel Run (Town of Canisteo)

County Roads

•        County Route 119 from CR 128 to SR 36 (Canisteo)

•        County Route 14 from CR 119 to Puffer Rd (Canisteo/Howard)

•        County Route 31 from CR 63 to SR 36 (north intersection) (Jasper/Canisteo)

•        County Route 84 from Hillard Rd to Tombs Rd (Troupsburg)

•        County Route 28 from CR 64 to SR 248/Greenwood St (Hartsville/Canisteo)

Town Roads

•        Bush Hill Rd (Canisteo)

•        Red Spring Run Rd (Canisteo)

•        Drake Hill Rd from SR 36 to Dennis Rd (Jasper)

•        Harder Rd (Woodhull)

•        Hardscrabble Rd from CR 81 to Derby Hill Rd (Rathbone)

•        Merring Rd from CR 21 to Williams Rd (Rathbone)

•        Hungry Hollow Rd from CR 13 to Two Rod Rd/Dinehart Rd (Wheeler/Urbana)

•        E Union Rd from CR 11 to Bonny Hill Rd (Bath)

•        Windfall Rd from Unionville Rd to Coss Corners Rd (Bath)

•        King Hill Rd (Greenwood)

•        Norton Hollow (Greenwood)

•        Banks Hollow (Greenwood)

 

Help is on the way!

Steuben County has been working with local, state and federal agencies to provide support to the affected areas.  Volunteers from The Southern Baptists Disaster Relief, the United Methodist Committee on Relief, The Mennonite Disaster Services, and the American Red Cross will team up to provide support to residents affected by this devastating storm.  These specialized disaster trained teams will assist residents with mucking out the mud and cleaning up homes. 

 

Individuals with damages needing assistance should call 211 Helpline by dialing 2-1-1 or 1 (800) 346-2211 and providing their address, contact information and type of damages.  Individuals will be connected with the appropriate community service organization that can assess with their needs.

 

This is still an active Disaster Area…  Please refrain from driving into this area unless you have specific business.  Allow the road crews and organized volunteers to do their work.

 

United Way of the Southern Tier is collecting monetary donations to the “Steuben County Flood

Relief Fund” to assist non-profit agencies that are helping local flood victims.

 

Donations can be sent to:

United Way of the Southern Tier

P.O. Box 284

Elmira, NY 14902

 

Make checks payable to “UWST Steuben County FRF.”

 

All donations to United Way of the Southern Tier for the Steuben County Flood Response Fund will be fully invested in flood relief with no monies withheld for administrative costs.

Obituary: Beatrice I. “Bea” West, 92, of Millport

MILLPORT, PA---Beatrice I. “Bea” West, 92, of Millport, left this earthly journey and entered her heavenly rest on Saturday, August 10, 2024, in the Olean General Hospital, Olean, NY.

Born on Friday, December 18, 1931 in Rixford, she was a daughter of Clayton and Helen Holcomb Lawton.  On August 16, 1958, she married her beloved husband, Burdett E. West, who passed away on March 18, 2009.

Bea was a graduate of Shinglehouse High School, Class of 1949 and a graduate of Arnot Ogden Hospital School of Nursing in 1952.  Bea worked for several years as an industrial nurse prior to returning to her hometown.  She later worked for the former St. Francis Hospital in Olean and for the Olean General Hospital, ending her nursing career at Hewitt Manor Nursing Home in Shinglehouse.  She also worked for many years beside her husband in establishing the West Brother’s family business, Gas Field Specialists, where she was the office supervisor until her retirement.

Bea was currently a member of Hebron Union Church.  She had in the past taught Sunday School and was also a youth leader.  Bea loved working with people in the church and community.  She most especially loved playing with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She also loved cooking, baking, reading, sewing and family gatherings.

Bea is survived by her six wonderful children and their families, Cheryl (Doug) Taylor, Rodney (Loraine) West, Bradley (Dixie) West, Gregory (Chris) West, Scott (Diane) West, and Jeffrey West.  Also surviving are twenty grandchildren; thirty-four great-grandchildren; a great-great-grandson; a sister, Edith “Edie” Freaney; a niece, Tammy (Raleigh) Allen; and three nephews, Gary Lawton, Danny (Vicki) Lawton, and Steve Landries.

In addition to her parents and husband, Bea was predeceased by a grandson, Justin West; two brothers, Manford “Boe” Lawton and Robert Lawton; and a sister, Margaret Sisson.

Family and friends may call from 10:30am to 12:30pm on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, at Hebron Union Church, 1149 SR 44N, Coudersport, where funeral services will follow at 12:30pm. Pastor Hank St. Amour and Pastor Roger N. Hain, will officiate.  Burial will be in the Pauline M. West Cemetery, Millport.

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

Bea’s family entrusted her 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 Bea, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.

Obituary: Berdina M. Dunn, 70, of Shinglehouse

Berdina M. Dunn “beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and sister”

SHINGLEHOUSE, PA---Berdina M. Dunn, 70, of Shinglehouse, passed away on Saturday, August 10, 2024, at Sena Kean Manor, Smethport, after a short illness.

Born on Wednesday, December 9, 1953 in Cuba, NY, she was a daughter of Malcolm and Marjorie Burch Woodkirk. On December 16, 1979 in the Shinglehouse United Methodist Church, she married Arthur M. Dunn, who survives.

Berdina was a graduate of Oswayo Valley High School in Shinglehouse. She was first employed at Galeton Production in Galeton and later by the former Market Basket in Shinglehouse. She retired from Northwest in Shinglehouse where she served as a bank teller for almost 30 years.

Berdina was a member of the Shinglehouse Methodist Church where until her illness had served as choir director. She had also previously been a Sunday school teacher. She enjoyed reading, sewing, knitting, embroidering and her flower gardens. Her greatest love was her family and her pets throughout the years, including her current fur baby, Murphy.

Left to cherish her memory are her husband; two daughters, Shelby L. (Daniel) Gangloff of Bradford and Katie (Preston) Lotter of Portville, NY; a granddaughter, Macy L. Lotter; a sister, Brenda Michaelson of Norfolk, VA; a niece, Blair Michaelson; and several cousins.

Berdina was predeceased by her parents.

Family and friends may call from 11am to 12 noon on Friday, August 16, 2024, at the Shinglehouse Methodist Church, 201 North Lincoln Street, Shinglehouse, where a Celebration of Life will follow at 12 noon in the church with the Rev. Russell J. Horning, of Shinglehouse, officiating. Burial will be in East Sharon Cemetery, Shinglehouse.

Flowers are gratefully declined. Memorials in Berdina’s name may be made to the Shinglehouse Methodist Church, PO Box 296, Shinglehouse, PA 16748 or to the Oswayo Valley Memorial Library, PO Box 188, Shinglehouse, PA 16748.

Berdina’s husband entrusted her care and cremation arrangements to Kevin J. Dusenbury, Funeral Director/Owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.

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

Allegany County Annual Household Hazardous Waste Collection

 

Events for Wellsville American Legion

Morrison Hayes Post 702 Wellsville American Family is announcing upcoming events.

Events benefitting Post 702 Building project --August 16^th Pizza available to purchase from 5-8 pm and Parking Lot Party with DJ Roy from 7-11 pm.  Open to the public. 

 

Wellsville AL Riders are raffling off a 3-part Fire Ring drawing September 1^st, 2024.  Tickets available at the Post.

 

Wellsville AL Riders sponsoring two events with a Dice Run and basket raffle this Saturday August 10^th and a Chicken BBQ September 8^th, 2024, tickets are limited and available from any Legion Rider or at Post 702.

Obituary: Harold J. OUTMAN, Sr., 82, of Genesee, PA

 

Harold J. OUTMAN, Sr., 82, of Genesee, PA, died Saturday, August 10, 2024 in UPMC Cole, Coudersport, PA.  Born April 29, 1942, in Coudersport, he was the son of Hubert and Nettie Button Outman.  He was employed by a dairy farm in Geneva, NY.  Surviving are: three daughters, Brenda Davenport of Genesee, Tammy Outman of Wellsville, NY, and Christina (Ken) Fenstermacher of New Cumberland; three sons, Harold Outman Jr. of Genesee, John Outman of Eldred, and Christopher (Victoria) Outman of Etters; 13 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; a sister, Pauline (James) Haskins of Parker, FL; two sisters-in-law, Esther Outman and Shirley Outman, both of Wellsville; nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by two grandchildren, Jason Davenport and Elizabeth Outman; seven sisters, Anna Miller, Helen Outman, Genevieve Outman, Ava Hawks, Gladys Jeffers, Mary Jean Stone, and Alberta Grover; and four brothers, Raymond Outman, Jesse Outman, Edward Outman, and Urvil Outman.  Friends may call at Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Cremation, Crowell Chapel, 296 North Main Street, Wellsville, NY on Wednesday, August 14, 2024 from 10:00 – 11:00 AM, with Funeral Services following at 11:00 AM.  Rev. Jon Schink will officiate.  Burial will be in Yorks Corners Cemetery.  Memorials may be made to Genesee Volunteer Ambulance, P.O. Box 9, Genesee, PA 16923.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.

Obituary: Shad Ryan Baldwin, 46, Wellsville

Wellsville, NY - Shad Ryan Baldwin, 46, of Bolivar Road passed away on Saturday, August 10, 2024, at Strong Memorial Hospital, after years of struggling with Behcet’s and Crohn's disease. He was born November 24, 1977, in Wellsville, son of Jacalyn Ann (Kemp) Baldwin and Roger Harvey Baldwin. On November 24, 2006, in Scio he married Carrie Prokopchuk who survives.

Shad was raised in Wellsville and attended Wellsville High School. He was formerly employed by Baldwin Forest Products Inc., until he was rendered disabled. Working and providing for his family meant everything to Shad! He enjoyed hunting, fishing, sitting by the pool, splitting firewood, camping, bonfires, and family get-togethers. But mostly, he loved the peace and serenity that the beautiful outdoors brings, and the “Joy” he shared with those he cherished the most!

He is survived by his wife Carrie Baldwin, his mother Jackie Kemp, his father, Harvey Baldwin, maternal grandmother Onalee Hackett, three children Erik, Kendall, and Kyle Baldwin, a stepson, Kameron Baldwin, a grandson, Bellamy Bagley, maternal siblings, Tracey Hunt of Slidell, LA, Dusty Green of Whitesville, Ashlie Tronetti of Wellsville, Alexis (Jake) Way Warren, PA, and Casey Green of Jamestown, paternal siblings, Ticia McGean of Albany, Todd Baldwin of Farrell, PA, and Harley Baldwin of Wellsville, as well as several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was predeceased by maternal grandfathers, Grant Kemp Sr., and Thomas Hackett, and paternal grandparents, Robert Baldwin Sr. and Jesse (Wondering) Baldwin.

Friends are invited to a celebration of life on Friday, August 16, 2024, beginning at 4pm, at the Wellsville Moose Lodge #601, 242 Maple Avenue. Please consider memorial donations to www.behcets.com/ or www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

“Live life to the fullest, you never know what the tomorrow may bring!”

A note from Wellsville Regional News

Some of you may have observed that there hasn't been a story posted on this site since August 10. The answer is very simple, but I won't offer extreme details. On August 11th, I suffered a medical emergency, was taken to the ER and later admitted to U of R Jones Memorial. I was discharged around noon today. The recovery should be fine, but I'll have to accomplish several steps. Thanks for your patience. 

Flooding swamps Potter County, PA funernal home - Olney-Foust

We have sustained flood damage to our building in Ulysses. THANK YOU to the many friends and family that have come to our aid in the clean up process. It means more than we can express. Our office and conference room were not damaged. The crematory building was not damaged. While repairs are being made, visitations and services will need to be held at alternate locations. We will strive to serve to the best of our ability. Thank you for your kindness, patience, and understanding.

Sincerely,

Benjamin R. Olney

Dylan P. Foust

Dale R. Howell

Steuben County EMERGENCY update

 

Press Release

08/10/2024 10:45 a.m.

 

Updated road closures from Tropical Storm Debby

 

The following roads in Steuben County remain closed to traffic at this time:

·         County Route 14 – From Cochrane Road to Turnpike Road and from County Route 69 to County Route 119

·         County Route 119 – From County Route 10 to County Route 27 and from County Route 128 to State Route 36

·         County Route 31 – From State Route 36 (northern intersection) to County Route 63

·         County Route 71 – All

·         County Route 28 – From State Route 248 to County Route 64

·         County Route 84 – From Hillard Road to Tombs Road

·         County Route 129 – County Route 82 to Washington Street

·         County Route 21 – From County Route 102 to Hubbard Road

·         County Route 126 – From State Route 417 to Reiman Road

·         State Route 248 – From Slate Creek Rd to Fall Creek Rd

·         State Route 36 – From Canisteo (Willow Bend) South to Gravel Run

·         State Route 417 - At Bordens Bridge

A travel advisory remains in place for the Towns of Canisteo, Jasper, Greenwood, Woodhull, and Cameron, and residents must avoid unnecessary travel in these Towns.  Emergency responders, public works, and cleanup crews are actively working in these areas.

New York State Police Blotter

New York State Police Blotter

8/9/24 7a.m.- After investigating a complaint in the town of Grove, state police arrested Mason R. Arnold, 20, of Bronx. He was charged with felony grand larceny involving a credit card and invalid use of a credit card with fraud. He was detained.

8/9/24 5:15 p.m.- State police arrested a name-protected 18-year-old from Wellsville. The teen was charged with assault with intent to cause physical injury and child endangerment. The subject was detained for arraignment.

Obituary: Sherrill Ann Ralyea, 90, formerly of Angelica

Sherrill Ann Ralyea, formerly of Angelica, NY

Sherrill Ann Ralyea, 90, died on August 9, 2024 at the Hart Comfort House in Wellsville, NY. She was the daughter of Laverne and Marion (Warner) Southall of Batavia, NY. She was married to Paul Ralyea who preceded her in death in 1990. She is survived by her brother James Southall of Godfrey’s Pond, NY and by her children, Susan (William) Hebert of Friendship, NY, Brenda (Dean) Weaver of Belfast, NY, Wes (Cheryl) Ralyea of Belmont, NY and Lori (Rod) Ballengee of Wellsville, NY. Grandchildren, Amy and Kevin (Sarah) Child, and Ashley Ralyea. Great grandchildren Gavin and Gracelynn Weaver, Owen Armison, Brody Ralyea, Charlotte Child and several nieces and nephews.

Sherrill was a graduate of Batavia High School and earned a B.S. degree in Physical Education and Recreation at Brockport State College. She received a Masters degree from Geneseo State College and also did additional graduate studies at Ithaca College. During her college career she played volleyball, softball and basketball. After graduation she played three years as a catcher in the Women's Professional Softball League in Batavia, New York. Sherrill earned numerous awards during and after college including the Babe Ruth Sportsman Foundation Award and the SUNY Brockport Outstanding Coach of the Year. She began her career teaching Physical Education at the Arkport Central School for fourteen years. During her tenure at Arkport Central she started the girls interscholastic sports program. At that time there were no sports programs in Steuben County for girls. Working with fellow educators from Steuben County, the beginning of the girls sports programs as is known today was established.

As a coach of girls softball, basketball and soccer at Arkport Central School, Sherrill’s teams won several County championships and Section V championships in all three sports. Altogether the girls that she taught and coached won nine Section V championships. She always felt blessed to have such talented, dedicated athletes, their supportive parents and the support of the Arkport community.

In addition to her family, Sherrill enjoyed reading, playing piano, writing music and words for songs and poetry.

Calling hours will be 4-7pm on Monday, August 13, 2024 at the Brown & Powers Funeral Home in Angelica, NY. A celebration of her life will be held at her childhood home at the family’s convenience. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Hart Comfort House, 141 East State Street, Wellsville, New York.

Bath: Steuben water team responds

With the disastrous flooding today in Steuben County from Tropical Storm Debby emergency crews from all around the area were very busy. Bath was obviously no different. The Swift Water Rescue Team from the Bath Volunteer Fire Department were deployed to the southern Steuben County area to help where it would be most needed.

The team made two successful rescues today. One was in the town of Jasper near State Rt. 36 and County Rt. 21 for a single person was trapped in their house and was taken to safety. The second was in the Canisteo area on County Rt. 119 near the County Route 14 intersection. Three people were on top of their submerged pickup truck but managed to get to the bank along County Rt. 119 where the Bath Swift water Rescue Team were able to pick them up and take them to safety as well.

The Bath Swift Water Rescue Team are all professionally trained by the State and other professional instructors to read the water and to handle themselves both in a boat and without a boat, which is extremely dangerous.

Untrained persons should never attempt to navigate fast moving water in these conditions. Just a couple feet of fast-moving water can move a vehicle. Remember to “Turn around, Don’t drown”!

Steuben County Travel Restrictions

 

Steuben State of Emergency - Evacuation of hamlet of Woodhull

 

Press Release

08/09/2024 12:45 p.m.

 

Evacuation of hamlet of Woodhull along tuscarora creek

 

Steuben County has issued a State of Emergency with an Emergency Order for the evacuation of the hamlet of Woodhull along the Tuscarora Creek.  Flash flooding upstream has damaged property and will threaten the safety of residents downstream.

All residents should head to higher ground immediately.

Flooding - Steuben county declares State of Emergency

 

NO unnecessary Travel Till Further Notice

 

Due to widespread flash flooding, Steuben County has declared a State of Emergency.  Residents throughout the County must avoid all unnecessary travel until further notice.  There are multiple roads that are unpassable and emergency responders are handling dozens of calls at the present time.

The Town of Greenwood has also declared a local State of Emergency prohibiting all traffic.

Residents should stay off the road until further notice, unless absolutely necessary, to ensure that emergency vehicles and public works equipment can respond to the emergency.  Highway and Fire Officials are out and working.  Please do not call 911 unless it is for a true emergency. 

This State of Emergency will remain in effect until further notice.

Fassett Lane Lumber July winner

Dan Wuster of Wellsville  is our July 2024 Merchant

Giveaway winner. Dan has won a $50.00 Gift Certificate to The Shop On Main.
Katie's.

FASSETT LANE LUMBER - JULY 2024 CUSTOMER APPRECIATION WINNER

 

Rushford man accused of sexually assaulting a child under age 11

New York State Police Blotter

8/8/24 11:50 a.m.- State police investigated an alleged sex crime in Rushford. It was reported July 20th. Troopers later arrested Matthew A. Preen, 36, of Rushford. He was charged with felony first-degree sexual abuse involving a child under 11 years old, forcible touching and child endangerment. He was detained.

Several arrested following stabbing in Wellsville, large amount of drugs seized

Wellsville Police arrested James M. Lee, age 28 of Wellsville, charging him with Assault 1st (Class B Felony), Criminal Possession of a Weapon 3rd (Class D Felony) and Tampering with Physical Evidence (Class E Felony).  The charges stem from a stabbing incident that took place at 60 N Brooklyn Avenue.  Wellsville Police executed a search warrant at 60 N Brooklyn Avenue and also arrested: Deonte D. Smith, age 41 of Wellsville on a Bench Warrant out of the Village of Wellsville Court, Devon C. O’Hara, age 30 of Wellsville on a Bench Warrant out of the Village of Wellsville Court for a Violation of Probation and Wade D. Wilkerson, age 28 of Bolivar for Obstructing Governmental Administration 2nd (Class A Misdemeanor).  Wellsville Police were able to seize a large quantity of drugs from the home, and additional charges are pending on multiple people living at this address pending lab analysis on the controlled substances.  Lee, Smith and O’Hara were transported to the Allegany County Jail pending arraignment in CAP Court. Wilkinson was issued an appearance ticket and released with a Court date of August 20th at 4:30 pm.  Wellsville Police were assisted by the Allegany County Sheriff’s Department and the New York State Police.

Obituary: Betty S. Collins, 93, formerly of Portville

Betty S. Collins, 93, formerly of Portville, New York passed away Thursday, August 8, 2024 at the Pines Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center, Olean after a lengthy illness.

Born on September 12, 1930, in Farmersville, she was a daughter of Arthur and Clara Sherwood Burrows.  She was married to Harvey Collins who predeceased her in 1994.

Betty was a member of the Portville Baptist Church and enjoyed sewing, crocheting, hand embroidery, and quilting.

She is survived by three sons  Kenneth (Sandy) Collins of Georgia, Donald Forrester of Franklinville and Neil (Eileen) Collins of Portville; a daughter Sharon (Howard) Carrier of Cuba; several grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; two sisters, Clara Brown of Cuba, Shirley Jones of Alabama, Christine Williamson of Georgia; a cousin Carol Sampson of Farmersville; Several Nieces and Nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by an infant son Billy Forrester and her siblings Barbara, Jimmy, Arthur, Ralph, Alfred, Richard, Leah, and Genevieve.

Friends will be received at the Mark F. Rinker Funeral Home & Memorial Service, Inc., 9 Bull Street, Cuba, on Monday, August 12, 2024 from 10-11:00 A.M.  A Funeral Service will begin at 11:00 A.M.  Pastor David Elliott will officiate.

Burial will be in Pleasant Valley Cemetery, Olean, New York.

Online condolences may be sent at www.rinkerfuneralhome.com.

Cuba Police charge man with arson

*** Press Release ***

On August 2nd, 2024 at approximately 7:30 PM, Cuba Police arrested John W. Green (66) of Homeless. Green was arrested on charges of arson 5th (Misdemeanor), attempted arson 2nd (Felony) and criminal mischief 3rd (Felony). Green was arrested, processed and sent to the Allegany County Jail to await arraignment. Green is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Allegany County Board of Elections: Election Inspectors Needed

 

New York State Police Blotter

New York State Police Blotter

8/7/24 9:14 a.m.- State troopers arrested Christopher L. Graves, 42, of Wellsville. He was charged with felony tampering with physical evidence, private firearm sale violation and criminal possession of a weapon as a prior felon.

Wellsville Lions Club Monthly contributions to the community

 

The Wellsville Lions Club is dedicated to serve the greater Wellsville Community in keeping with Our Motto: “We Serve.”  One of the ways we do this is through donations in response to requests.  If anyone is in need of our services or financial help, please contact any Lions Club member or visit us on Facebook. 

Here is the latest contribution to the community for the month of July. 

$100 donation to the Wellsville Little League in memory of Terry Loucks 

Ed Tezak

PR Wellsville Lions Club

Wellsville Police Blotter

Date: Wednesday August 7, 2024 

Wellsville Police arrested Jason T. Mandell, age 44 of Wellsville, charging him with Criminal Contempt 2^nd (Class A Misdemeanor).  The charge stems from an incident that took place on South Brooklyn Avenue on July 30^th.  Mandell was processed and transported to the Allegany County Jail pending arraignment in CAP Court.  Mandell is due to appear in Wellsville Village Court at a later date. 

Wellsville Police arrested Christopher L. Digiacomo (Conklin), age 30 of Wellsville, charging him with two counts of a Sex Offender Registry Violation for failing to provide a photo being a Level 3 Sex Offender, and failing to provide social media address information (Class E Felony’s).  Digiacomo was processed, issued an appearance ticket and released. Digiacomo is due to appear in Wellsville Village Court on August 20^th at 4:30 pm. 

Wellsville Police arrested Mark W. Girton, age 30 of Wellsville, charging him with Petit Larceny (Class A Misdemeanor).  The charge stems from a complaint made by Park Plaza Liquors.  Girton was processed, issued an appearance ticket and released.  Girton is due to appear in Wellsville Village Court on August 20^th at 4:30 pm. 

Wellsville Police arrested De Q. Yang, age 40 of Flushing, NY, charging him with Grand Larceny 3^rd (Class D Felony), Conspiracy 5^th (Class A Misdemeanor), Attempted Grand Larceny 3^rd (Class D Felony) and Attempted Conspiracy 5^th (Class A Misdemeanor).  The charges stem from two incidents that took place on West State Street on August 5^th and August 7^th.  Yang was processed and transported to the Allegany County Jail pending arraignment in CAP Court.  Yang is due to appear in Wellsville Village Court at a later date.

Obituary: Helen M. Mathews, 79, Ulysses

Helen M. MATHEWS, 79, of Ulysses, PA, died Tuesday, August 6, 2024 in her home.  Born December 19, 1944, in Wellsboro, she was the daughter of John J. and Dora H. Davis Shaffer.  On July 12, 1968, she married Truman R. Mathews, who predeceased her on June 12, 2004.  A 1962 graduate of Northern Potter High School, she was employed for 40 years by Galeton Production and Truck-Lite in Wellsboro.  Helen was a member of the Women of the Moose in Elkland.  Surviving are: three sons, Rick (Tracy Gerken) Mathews of FL, Randy Mathews and Gary Mathews, both of TX; a daughter, Robin Louwerse of Genesee; eleven grandchildren, Brandon, Brittney, Chad, Dakota, Cheyenne, Aaron, Devin, R.J., Ayrianna, B.B., and Clint; eight great-grandchildren; a sister, J. Jones of Mills; nieces and nephews.  In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by two brothers, Gary J. Shaffer and Paul E. Shaffer.  Friends may call at OLNEY-FOUST Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses, PA on Sunday, August 11, 2024 from 2:00 – 3:00 PM with Funeral Services following at 3:00 PM.  Rev. Michael Culver will officiate.  Burial will be in Ulysses Cemetery.  Memorials may be made to Volunteers that Care, P.O. Box 750, Coudersport, PA 16915.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.

Obituary: Adalgisa Maria “Mary” Valentin LOZADA, 70, of Wellsville

Adalgisa Maria “Mary” Valentin LOZADA, 70, of Wellsville, NY, passed away Tuesday, August 6, 2024 in her home.  Born September 12, 1953, in the Dominican Republic, her family moved to New York City when Mary was 10 years old.  She met the love of her life, Eric W. Lozada, when she was 16.  They married on May 29, 1971, in the Bronx.  She was employed by the pediatrician in Easton, Dr. Victor Rodriguez, and then the Port Authority.  Mary loved spending time with her family and taking care of them all, especially cooking for them.  Mary was well loved by many and was always caring for anyone she met.  She will be missed, but her memories will be carried on.  Surviving besides her husband of 55 years, Eric, are: three children, Eunice (Walter Jack) Nary, Eric (Elizabeth) Lozada, Jr., and Esther (Lonnie) Parker; nine grandchildren, Ashley Lozada, Felicia Amidon, Alex Parker, Karina Lozada, Demetri Watson, Jazmin Ayers, Eric Lozada, III, Natalie Parker, and Sydney Parker; five great-grandchildren, Kaylee, River, Amelia, Alister, and Cassidy; six siblings; many nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by her mother, Nereyda Almonte Valentin, and two brothers.  Services will be announced.  Cremation was at OLNEY-FOUST Private Crematory.  Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org.  Arrangements are under the direction of Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Cremation, Crowell Chapel, 296 North Main Street, Wellsville, NY. Online condolences may be expressed at www.wellsvillefuneralhome.com.

Obituary: Julia A. Brush, 84, Wellsville

Wellsville, NY – Julia A. Brush, 84, of Jefferson Street, passed away on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, at the Hart Comfort House with her family by her side. She was born June 23, 1940, in Wellsville, the daughter of the late Henry and Finola (Wiles) Hart. On June 9, 1962, at the Immaculate Conception Church in Wellsville she married James Alfred Brush, who predeceased her February 19, 2017.

Judy attended the Immaculate Conception School through the 10th grade and was a 1958 graduate of Wellsville High School. She continued her education at Canisius College and graduated with her bachelor’s degree from the Mercy Hospital School of Nursing in 1961. She began her career at Jones Memorial Hospital, she was Dr. Harkness’ nurse for 15 years, and taught Nursing at Alfred State College. In 1981, she and her beloved friend, Jeanne Finn became the owners and operators of Silvers Men’s Shop in Wellsville. She was a life member of Gamma Pi Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, the Downtown Merchant Association, the Wellsville Chamber of Commerce, the Immaculate Conception Church, and was the treasurer of the Allegany County Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired for fifteen years.

She is survived by a son, Kevin Brush; and a daughter, Mary Elizabeth Brush both of Wellsville; two grandsons, Matthew and Jeffrey Brush; a brother-in-law, Tom (Agnes) Brush of Scio, as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends. In addition to her parents, and husband, she was predeceased by siblings, Jean Hanks, Gerald (Mary Ellen) Hart, William Hart, and Esther (Clint) Adams as well as two nephews and a niece.

Friends are invited to call on Monday, August 12, 2024, from 4:00 to 7:00 pm, at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc., 34 W. State Street in Wellsville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, August 13, at 11:00 am, at the Immaculate Conception Church in Wellsville. The burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery. The Rosary will be recited Monday at 3:30 pm in the funeral home. Please consider memorial donations to the Hart Comfort House, 141 East State Street, Wellsville, New York 14895, or the Allegany County Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired, 26 Jefferson Street, Wellsville, NY 14895.To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Wellsville has a new interim school superintendent

From Wellsville School - Let's give a big Wellsville Lions welcome to Dr. Colleen Taggerty who was appointed as our interim superintendent at tonight's regular board meeting. Her first day with us will be Monday, Aug. 26. The school board will begin its superintendent search immediately, but in the meantime, Dr. Taggerty said she's "excited for this opportunity to work with Wellsville’s students, families, and staff during this time of transition." She is the former Olean City School District superintendent, where she served from 2008 to 2017. Most recently, she was the president of Archbishop Walsh and Southern Tier Catholic Schools in Olean and before that did an interim superintendent stint at the Fredonia Central School District. She has extensive administrative experience with local BOCES systems and has been an adjunct faculty member at several area colleges and universities.

Master Gardener Volunteer Article: What’s Up with the Earwigs?

BELMONT, NEW YORK (August 7, 2024) -- Cornell Cooperative Extension is excited to announce:

 

Master Gardener Volunteer Series: What’s Up with the Earwigs?

By Carol Sitarski, Master Gardener Volunteer Cornell Cooperative Extension Allegany County

 

Have you noticed a larger-than-normal number of earwigs this year? Well, it’s not only your house, there’s a surge of them this year because of the mild winter weather we recently had, paired with a large amount of rain this Spring and Summer, it has been earwig’s heaven to reproduce.

Did you know there are twenty-two species of earwigs in North America? twelve of which were introduced into the country around 1900 and only four or five of them will invade homes. In this article, we will be learning about the European earwig which is the most common in our area.

Earwigs are about five-eighths of an inch long (around 15 mm), sort of carrot-shaped, dark brownish red in color, yellowish legs, forceps in the rear, and nocturnal habit. The male’s forceps are curved inward, and the females are only slightly curved. These forceps are used for protection from predators and to obtain food. But don’t worry, their muscles are not strong enough to hurt you. Females are excellent mothers collecting the eggs into a nest, cleaning and protecting the young as they go through their instar cycles. Also, there is usually only one brood a year.

     Their preferred habitat is damp and dark places such as wood piles, piles of vegetation on the ground, inside corners of homes and basements, old newspaper piles, etc. No, they do not bite and do not crawl into your ear to eat your brain, that is only an old European superstition. Their diet varies from arthropods, plants, pollen, and decaying vegetation to food products in the home pantry. If you see damage to plants, make sure it is not from slugs as it looks similar.

Controlling earwigs is simple, with no chemical use required. Since they are nocturnal, place a piece of damp cardboard or a board on the ground in your garden and leave for a few days. In the early morning pick up the cardboard, scooping up any you see, and either squish them or put them in a jar with soapy water. If you have poultry, they will love them for a snack; chickens and ducks are natural enemies of earwigs, they can help you control earwigs from the garden.

New York State Police Blotter

New York State Police Blotter

8/6/24 10:50 a.m.- State police say one person was injured in a single vehicle collision on State Route 305 in New Hudson. Troopers listed the driver as Jacob P. Cornelius, 32, of Belfast. He was charged with driving while intoxicated and aggravated driving while intoxicated.

8/6/24 8:36 p.m.- After investigating a domestic dispute in Belfast, state police arrested Samantha M. Dersam, 23, of Fillmore and was charged with criminal contempt for allegedly disobeying a court order.

8/6/24 3:44 a.m.- State troopers investigated a one vehicle crash on Crabb Hollow Road in the Town of New Hudson. After investigating, troopers arrested David C. Benson, 55, of Cuba. He was charged with driving while intoxicated and having a BAC above .08%.

Wellsville Police Blotter

Date: Tuesday August 6, 2024

Wellsville Police arrested Rafael Cabeza-Fernandez, age 43 of Wellsville, charging him with Criminal Mischief 4th (Class A Misdemeanor) and Harassment 2nd (Violation).  The charges stem from an incident that took place on Farnum Street on July 27th.  Cabeza-Fernandez was processed and transported to the Allegany County Jail pending arraignment in CAP Court.  Cabeza-Fernandez is due to appear in Wellsville Village Court at a later date.

AC Dems Endorse Harris and Walz

Allegany County Democrats Make an Endorsement 

BELMONT, NY — The Allegany County Democratic Committee heartily endorses Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as our candidates for President and Vice President of the United States of America.  We will marshal our considerable resources in support of their campaign and look forward to celebrating their inauguration on January 20, 2025.

Master Gardener Volunteer Article: Growing Cold Hardy Succulents

BELMONT, NEW YORK (August 6, 2024) -- Cornell Cooperative Extension is excited to announce:

 

Master Gardener Volunteer Series: Growing Cold-Hardy Succulents

By Carol Sitarski, Master Gardener Volunteer Cornell Cooperative Extension Allegany County

 

Have you ever thought of growing succulents in your garden all year round? It sounds like an impossible task, but it’s possible!

Probably you know about houseleeks (Sempervivum), they are the perfect example for cold hardy succulents, but I’m not talking only about houseleeks, we have more options for upstate New York. The ones I am writing about in this article are sedum, euphorbias, and even cacti which can take our cold winters.

              I started a large succulent garden two years ago and am amazed at the changing colors and plant shapes every day. The reason I did it was my concern for global warming and water conservation. Another nice thing about succulents is that they are slow growers, and they don’t get too tall either. Some varieties can even grow in Zone 4 (in case you want to know your zone, search online “USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map”). My plants include Euphorbia Bonfire, Sedum Thunderhead, and Sempervivum Golden.

Succulents are extremely draught-tolerant and not easily attacked by garden pests. Right now, the colors in my garden go from deep purple to bright green, yellow, almost chocolate, and chartreuse. When the weather gets cold the colors will change again which is another plus, especially when most plants are finished for the year. 

Gold nugget, Big Wheely, plus two cacti, Opuntia (prickly pear), and Echinocereus (hedgehog cactus) flower in late spring and are slow spreaders. Another plus is pollinators flock to the flowers.

Caring for them is simple, no need to spray pesticides, and no need to fertilize often, only during their active growing season, use slow-release fertilizers high in potassium, such as tomato fertilizer or a specialist cacti fertilizer. Why potassium? A moderate potassium level is important to support the succulent's ability to withstand drought conditions and maintain a good balance of water in its leaves.  

Succulents are not picky, they just need a few requirements, one of them is good drainage with some gravel or sand added to the soil and small stone or pebble mulching around the plants, but no winter covering is necessary. You can obtain them through garden catalogs, online, and some garden nurseries are now offering them. Check plant information to make sure plants are for at least Zone 4 - 5. 

I do have a word of warning which I learned the hard way about planting cacti. Make sure to wear garden gloves and use kitchen thongs while handling them or you will get lots of almost invisible glochids (tiny spines) in your skin which are difficult to remove, these are not the larger spines easily seen. 

               If you are looking for xeriscaping (water-conserving garden) or just bringing succulents to your garden, these cold-hardy succulents are a great way to start. If something goes wrong with your garden or for more gardening information on this or other gardening questions, contact your local Cornell Cooperative Extension office, the educators and Master Gardeners will be happy to help you.