Fun event planned for American Legion Post in Wellsville

 

Wellsville: Busy month ahead at Dyke Street Engine Company

Tractor Safety Certification Training & Contests

BELMONT, NEW YORK – Tractor Safety Certification Training & Contests

Lynn Bliven, Agriculture & Natural Resources Issue Leader

Allegany County 4-H and FFA sponsored a Tractor and Machinery Safety Certification Training in June. Training was geared toward youth ages 14-15 seeking work on a farm. This certification is required to legally enable their employment on non-family-owned farms. While the certification is not required for youth working on their family farm, many farm owners seek out the training for their children calling the class a valuable educational experience. As one farmer put it, “maybe a busy working dad isn’t the best one to cover safety training.”

Special thanks to Cuba-Rushford School for hosting part of the program and for providing tractors for students to use during the training. To Genesee Valley, Cuba Rushford, and Fillmore School Districts for support through their FFA programs; providing instruction from teachers Carolyn Wright, Carly Santangelo and Sara Haggerty. Thanks as well to Lynn Bliven, CCE Allegany County for facilitating and teaching during the training.

We were also fortunate to have Jim Carrabba from the New York Center for Agricultural Medicine and Health (NYCAMH) provide demonstrations on the importance of safe operating practices and personal protective equipment. Visual presentations are often more impactful in enforcing how quickly an accident can occur, far more rapidly than humans can respond.

This year we had 10 candidates complete the training. They were then eligible to enter the Tractor Operators’ contest at the Allegany County Fair on Tuesday, July 20th along youth certified in prior years. First place senior at the county level went to Jim Eshelman, 1st place junior was awarded Wyatt Tyler.

Those successfully competing at county level were able to move on to the statewide contest on July 24th at the Genesee County Fairgrounds in Batavia. We had 3 youth choosing to participate in the statewide Tractor Driving Contest. Shane Ploetz was 1st in juniors and high overall for the contest. Mason Findley placed 8th and Conner Armison 9th in the junior division. Contestants are judged on driving a 2-wheel and 4-wheel implement through a course including backing up. Each of these events is timed. They also are tested on general knowledge of tractor safety and identification of tractor parts. The participant with the lowest score, least penalty points, wins the contest. 

Tractor Safety Certification Training is one of many programs offered by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Allegany County (CCE-Allegany). The association is part of the national cooperative extension system, an educational partnership between County, State, and Federal governments. As New York’s land grant university Cornell administers the system in this state. For more information, call 585-268-7644 or visit our website at www.cce.cornell.edu/allegany. Cornell Cooperative Extension provides equal program and employment opportunities.

Wellsville Police Blotter

Date: Wednesday July 31, 2024 

Wellsville Police arrested Rebecca L. Vancise, age 26 of Wellsville, charging her with Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument 1^st (Class C Felony) and Petit Larceny (Class A Misdemeanor).  The charges stem from an incident that took place at 7 Eleven on July 19^th.  Vancise was processed and transported to the Allegany County Jail pending arraignment in CAP Court.  Vancise is due to appear in Wellsville Village Court at a later date.

 

Wellsville Police arrested Kelley A. Chase, age 35 of Wellsville, charging her with Petit Larceny (Class A Misdemeanor).  The charge stems from an incident at Walgreens on July 20^th.  Chase was processed and transported to the Allegany County Jail pending arraignment in CAP Court.  Chase is due to appear in Wellsville Village Court at a later date.

DiNapoli: Local Sales Tax Collections Up 2.2% in Second Quarter...but

But...Allegany County had the steepest decline at -10.1%

Local government sales tax collections totaled $5.83 billion in the second calendar quarter (April-June) of 2024, an increase of 2.2%, or $127 million, compared to the same quarter last year, according to a report released today by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. While this growth was largely driven by New York City, all other regions of the state also saw increases.

“Growth in local sales tax collections has moderated, as both personal consumption and inflation cooled through the second quarter,” DiNapoli said. “New York City was again the largest single contributor to local sales tax growth, and its moderate increase in collections reflects in part a tourism industry that continues to improve.”

Local sales tax growth in the second quarter was slightly stronger than the 1.6% increase seen in the first quarter, still lagging growth rates realized after the first quarter in 2021. However, it was not unusual to see collections increase around (or under) 2%, year over year, in the decade before the pandemic.

In the second quarter of 2024, New York City saw a 3.3%, or $82.4 million, increase in collections, while the counties and cities in the rest of the state, in aggregate, experienced 1.4% growth, year over year. On a regional basis, the North Country, Mohawk Valley, and the Capital District had the highest quarterly growth rates at 6.6%, 4.4%, and 3.5% respectively. Long Island and Mid-Hudson were both nearly flat, at 0.1% growth each.

Over 68% (39 of 57) of counties saw an increase in collections in the quarter, led by St. Lawrence County at 22.5%, and followed by the counties of Livingston (18.5%), Montgomery (12.6%), and Schuyler (11.7%). Allegany County had the steepest decline at -10.1%, followed by the counties of Tioga (-6.7%), Putnam (-6.2%), and Yates (-6.1%).

A majority of cities (13 of 18) outside of New York City that impose their own sales tax experienced year-over-year growth in the second quarter. Ogdensburg had the strongest increase at 17.5%, followed by Johnstown (13.5%) and Saratoga Springs (9.8%). Of the five cities with declines, Salamanca experienced the steepest drop at -14.9%, followed by Mt. Vernon (-14.1%), and Oneida (-2.9%).

Year to date, statewide local sales tax collections are up 1.9%, or nearly $215 million, over the January-June period of 2023.

Obituary: Elaine H. CARLSSON, 83, of Wellsville

 

Elaine H.  CARLSSON, 83, of Wellsville, NY, formerly of Rocky Point, died Tuesday, July 30, 2024 in Maple City Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, Hornell.  Born October 2, 1940, in Morristown, NJ, she was the daughter of Francis Joseph and Helen Hanlon Dacey.  On November 3, 1962, in Lake Ronkonkoma, NY, she married Tage G. Carlsson, who predeceased her on March 28, 2019.  A graduate of Port Jefferson High School, she was employed as a CNA by Sunrest Nursing Home in Port Jefferson for over 40 years.  She loved thrifting and going to the casino.  Surviving are: two sons, Tage G. (Christa) Carlsson, Jr. of El Paso, TX and Terrance G. (Armanda) Carlsson of Pueblo, CO; a daughter, Joellen D. (Michael) Bidzerkowny of Wellsville; ten grandchildren; five great grandchildren; two sisters, Maureen (Charles) Caraftis of Long Island and Bonnie-Jean McIlwrath of Florida; nieces and nephews.  In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by two sisters, Ellen "Jinxie" Nowosielski and Sheila (Louis) Daly; and a brother, Francis J. Dacey, Jr.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11:00 AM, Monday, August 5, 2024 in Immaculate Conception Church, Wellsville.  Entombment will be in White Haven Memorial Park, Pittsford, NY.  Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org/wny.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.wellsvillefuneralhome.com. 

Obituary: William P. Weinhauer, 94, Wellsville

 

William P. Weinhauer, 94, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 29, 2024 at Wellsville Manor, in Wellsville, NY.  He was born May 17, 1930, in Wellsville, the son of the late Paul W. and Genevieve (Graham) Weinhauer.

Dad was a native of Wellsville, graduating from Wellsville High School in 1948.  From 1948 -1950 he was employed by the Weldonian Dairy as a milkman.  In 1950 – 1951 he was employed at Worthington Corporation in Wellsville.  In 1951- 1953 he served in the US Army during the Korean Conflict and in the Army Reserves from 1953 until 1961.  On October 17th, 1953, he married Marlene (Pohl).  In 1953 – 1992 he worked as a machinist for Worthington Corporation, retiring after 40 years.  On September 29, 1973, he married Sibyl Ann (Ackley) Bliss Cutlip.

He was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church of Wellsville, a member of the Wellsville Grand Squares, enjoyed chasing the hot air balloons and loved to rabbit hunt with his beagles Judy & Ginger.  Automobiles were his passion, where he spent countless hours in his garage, and he loved going to all the county fairs. In retirement Bill delivered Meals on Wheels.

Bill is survived by his (2) daughters, Janet (William Sweet) Kemp, Jeannine (Will Smith) Weinhauer of Wellsville, (4) grandchildren, Susan (Peter) Harris, Limestone, NY, Shelley (LJ Sanchez) Golish, Buffalo NY, & Dustin (Danyelle) Feeley, Rochester, NY, Sheila Kemp of Wellsville and several great grandchildren.  He is also survived by a niece Carrie W. (Leon) Smith, (2) nephews Charles D. (Debora) White, Bradley P. (Tracy) White, his stepchildren: Gerald Bliss, Westfield PA, Thomas (Connie) Bliss, Wilmot Township, PA and James (Linda) Bliss, Westfield, PA., a cousin, Lynda [Bill] Rogers.

He was predeceased by his wife first wife, Marlene Rose, his second wife Sibyl Ann Weinhauer, his sister, Jane White, his brother-in-law, Charles White and his grandson, Grant Kemp III.

A special thank you to his caregivers:  Sheila Kemp, Lisa Geffers & Jeanett Cornelius who assisted with his daily care at his home, it was sincerely appreciated.  A thank you to the Wellsville Ambulance Corp., Jones Memorial Hospital, Highland Nursing Home & the Wellsville Manor for their assistance as well.

Friends are invited to attend a visitation on Tuesday August 6th from 11 am till 12 noon in the First Trinity Lutheran Church of Wellsville. The Funeral Service will be held in Church at 12 noon. Burial with full military Honors will be held in Woodlawn Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Wellsville Ambulance Corps. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com

Allegany County pantry coming up in August

 

Allegany County DPW Public Service Announcement - Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day on 09-07-24

Annual Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day on September 7 

 

Allegany County will host its 23^rd Annual Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day on Saturday, September 7, 2024.

 

Since 2010, the Allegany County Solid Waste Department, with the help of all County Residents, has collected and safely disposed of more than 150,000 pounds of Household Hazardous Waste. Some of the most common items accepted include pesticides and insecticides, fertilizers, pool chemicals, cleaning chemicals, and oil-based paints.

 

Additionally, since 2022, in coordination with PaintCare and under the New York State Product Stewardship Plan, Allegany County residents have been encouraged to bring latex and other household paints for proper disposal.

 

This year’s event will be held on Saturday, September 7, 2024, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., pre-registration is required and space is limited. To pre-register or for more information, please contact Tim Palmiter, Allegany County Recycling Coordinator at 585-268-7282 or timothy.palmiter@alleganyco.gov.

North Hornell: Ribbon Cutting for new $1.5 million neurology, rheumatology and infusion center

Jones Memorial Hospital is planning a ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, August 8 at 2pm to celebrate the opening of the $1.5 million neurology, rheumatology and infusion center in the Medical Office Building at 7309 Seneca Rd N in Hornell.

The new clinic offers office visits for neurology and rheumatology as well as infusions for these patients and general infusions with a large, state of art infusion suite including 6 infusion chairs, nutrition center, social worker and on site providers.

The ribbon cutting ceremony and open house will be held at the clinic and is open to the public. Community members are invited to come tour the space, meet the new providers and learn about services provided and how to refer care to the new location.

For more information, visit jones.urmc.edu.

Obituary: Leonora C. “Lee” Irish, 86, Coudersport

 

Leonora C. “Lee” Irish          “beloved wife, mother and fur mom” 

COUDERSPORT, PA---Leonora C. “Lee” Irish, 86, a longtime resident of Coudersport, passed away on Sunday, July 28, 2024, in UPMC Cole, Coudersport, after a short illness. 

Born on Tuesday, April 5, 1938 in Norwalk, Connecticut, she was a daughter of Charles R. II and Celia Barbarosa Pennington.  On October 15, 1960 in Norwalk, she married Ferd W. Irish, who passed away on January 9, 2018.  

Lee was a graduate of Norwalk High School in Norwalk, CT and was a graduate of Yale-New Haven Nursing School in New Haven, CT.  She earned her Master’s Degree in Nursing from Alfred University.  

After her marriage and relocating to Coudersport,  Lee was employed as a private duty Registered Nurse taking care of Charles Cole at the former Potter County Hospital in Coudersport.  She then was employed at the hospital and after the completion of the “new hospital” was head nurse for many years in the Emergency Room.  She was then instrumental in writing the policies and procedures for the Short Procedure Unit (SPU) running that department for many years until her retirement at the hospital.  After her retirement from the hospital, she became Dr. Miller’s nurse at the Potter County Health Center until finally retiring from healthcare.  She had recently served as Sweden Township Auditor.  She, for many years, served as Judge of Elections on the election board in Sweden Township.  It goes without saying that as a potato farmer’s wife, she was there to help her beloved husband in any way possible on the farm.  

Lee was a member of the former St. Bibiana Catholic Church in Galeton and was a member of the Catholic Daughters of America Court Doyle 932 in Coudersport where she had previously served as treasurer.  She was a former member of Potter County Hospice where she also served on the Board of Directors.  She served on many volunteer associations’ Board of Directors, including the Pennsylvania Lumber Museum in Ulysses and also the Coudersport Public Library where she was active in their auctions.  She was a devoted wife, mother and fur mom.  Her compassion covered not only humans but animals of all kinds.  She had a love of all animals.  Lee was a voracious reader. At the age of 55, she proudly completed the NYC Marathon.

 She was a woman of great faith, finding comfort and strength in her beliefs throughout her life. 

Left to cherish her memory are her son, Wayne J. Irish of Coudersport; a brother, Charles R. (Mae) Pennington III of Norwalk, CT; a sister-in-law, Elaine Rife of The Dalles, Oregon; three nieces; and her two cats, Bennie and Samson.

 Lee was predeceased by her parents and husband. 

Friends may call from 9:30am to 11am on Monday, August 5, 2024, at the gathering space of St. Eulalia Catholic Church, 6 Maple Street, Coudersport.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11am in the church with The Rev. Joseph Dougherty, as celebrant.  Burial will be in Sweden Hill Cemetery, Coudersport. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Lee’s name may be made to Teacher’s Pet Rescue, 19 Blackberry Lane, Coudersport, PA 16915 or to the Coudersport Public Library, 502 Park Avenue, Coudersport, PA 16915. 

Lee entrusted her care 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 Lee, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.

Town of Wellsville schedules road paving

For Release: Immediately

Contact: Brian Smith, Highway Superintendent

Dan Pease, Deputy Superintendent

Town of Wellsville Highway will be paving on Niles Hill on August 6th and 7th (in case of rain, every thing will be pushed back a day). Motorists are urged to seek alternate routes. Thank you for your cooperation.

Wellsville business opportunity

 

Cattaraugus County: Sheriff's Office Mourns the Death of Senior Emergency Services Dispatcher Lexer

Senior Emergency Services Dispatcher Timothy T. Lexer answered his final call on July 29, 2024 as the result of a tragic accident. Tim began working with the Sheriff's Office Dispatch Center in 2006, being promoted to Senior Emergency Dispatch Supervisor in 2019.  Tim was the voice on the radio that every law enforcement officer, firefighter and EMS provider wanted to hear knowing that they were in the best hands.  Tim was devoted to his career, his community and most of all his family. Tim exemplified the true meaning of being a kind, caring, giving, devoted and loving human being. He has touched an unimaginable number of lives, not only with his work in the Dispatch Center but also as a firefighter, Fire Chief, EMT, and countless other community activities. His loss will be felt by all that had the privilege to know him, even if it may have only been by voice. 

Tim leaves behind his loving wife Barb, daughters Jessica (James), Heather (Jayson), Bethany, and Gretchen, son Sean (Chalese), sisters Debbie (John) and Tina (Darryle).  Tim was the proud grandfather of three granddaughters Evelyn, Avery and Abigail and three grandsons Owen, Carter and Logan.  

Senior Dispatcher Tim Lexer may you rest in peace, we have it here.  395 clear

Wellsville: Dyke Street Engine preps for Chicken BBQ

The tickets are out and about on sale for our upcoming barbecue! Dinners are $13.00. This will be in the evening Thursday August 22, from 4pm - 6pm. Please contact any member for tickets.

For Immediate Release: Democrats collecting for Salvation Army Food Pantry

Belmont, NY – When the Allegany County Democratic Committee hosts its monthly “Coffee with Democrats” on Saturday, August 10th in Wellsville, they will be collecting non-perishable food and personal care items to be donated to the Salvation Army Food Pantry. Last month the group collected for the Catholic Charities Joyce Family Food Pantry. This is one small way county Democrats “serve our community.”

Specific requests from the pantry include any and all types of non-perishable food, as well as personal care and paper products. They also welcome donations of cash or grocery store gift cards, so they can purchase perishable staples such as milk, eggs, cheese and bread.

The “Coffee with Democrats” event runs from 9:00 to 11:00 am at Democratic Election Headquarters, 84 N. Main St., Wellsville, and is open to all registered Democrats.  Coffee, tea, and light snacks will be served. Sign up here to attend:  https://bit.ly/Coffee-w-Dems

Contact us for details at info@alleganycountydemocrats.org, or 585-610-4321 or on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/alleganycodems) or Threads   (https://www.threads.net/@allegany_ny_dems) 

To learn more, visit www.alleganycountydemocrats.org or follow us on Facebook or Threads. 

Allegany County Press Release: DPW Road Closures on Portion of Co Rd 26 in the Town of Belfast from August 5-8

CLOSURE OF PORTION OF COUNTY ROAD 26 IN THE TOWN OF BELFAST

 

Please be advised County Road 26 from County Road 16 to Van Allen Road will be closed from approximately 7 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. August 5 and from Van Allen Road to Lilly Road daily from 7 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. on August 6, 7, and 8 to replace several culverts. There will not be an on-site detour and motorists are urged to seek alternate routes.  Thank you for your cooperation.

Allegany County Press Release - Meals on Wheels Drivers Needed

The Allegany County Office for the Aging needs a volunteer in the Alfred/Almond and Wellsville area who would be willing to deliver meals to our clients.

The office reimburses for mileage and the volunteer receives a free meal.

If you have about an hour a day and would be willing to deliver meals to elderly friends and neighbors in Alfred/Almond and Wellsville, please call the Allegany County Office for the Aging at (585) 268-9390 and ask to speak to Karen Chamberlain.

Partial Obituary: Eversyn Xavier Lee JONES, infant son, Ulysses, PA

Eversyn Xavier Lee JONES, infant son of Sandra and Patrick Jones of Ulysses, PA, was born sleeping on Friday, July 26, 2024 in UPMC Cole, Coudersport, PA.  Surviving besides his parents are: maternal grandparents, Michael and Angel Wigman, Sr.; maternal great-grandmother, Lucy “Nanny” Heisler; paternal grandmother, Bessie Jones; eight siblings, Arianna Weaver, Cheyanne Jones, Patrick Jones, Jr., Erika Jones, Cayden Jones, Adalynne Jones, Raidyn Jones, and Brisyn Jones; aunts, uncles, and cousins.  He was predeceased by maternal great-grandfather, Alfred “Pappy” Heisler; and paternal grandfather, David Jones, Sr.  Service plans are incomplete at this time.  Arrangements are under the direction of Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses, PA.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.

Fatal crash in Portville

On July 29, 2024 at 4:09 P.M., Troopers out of SP Olean responded to a two-vehicle collision at the intersection of State Route 417 and Fischer Lane in the town of Portville. Investigation determined that a 2008 Dodge was traveling east bound on State Route 417 when a 2014 Kia entered the roadway northernly from Fischer Lane. The Dodge struck the Kia on State Route 417. The operator of the Kia, Clemendina M. Gaylor, 65 of Portville, NY was pronounced deceased at the scene. The operator and passenger of the Dodge were transported to Olean General Hospital in stable condition.

The NYSP Collision Reconstruction Unit and the Bureau of Criminal Investigation assisted in this investigation.