Saturday, September 29, 2018
Attorney General Nominee Letitia “Tish” James Calls for Investigation into Facebook Hack
NEW YORK -- Yesterday, Facebook announced that a cyber attack exposed nearly 50 million users’ account information. In response, Democratic Attorney General nominee Letitia “Tish” James called for New York State Attorney General Barbara Underwood to open an investigation into the company.
“The scale of this hack is breathtaking, and as this week’s settlement between Uber and states’ attorneys general demonstrates, data breaches are serious infractions with real consequences.
“Protecting New Yorkers’ privacy is one of my top priorities. While Facebook claims it has fixed the issue and informed law enforcement, lawmakers, regulators, and consumers in a timely manner, we must be sure. In order to reassure Facebook’s millions of users that their information is safe, I am urging New York Attorney General Barbara Underwood to immediately open an investigation into this breach. We must establish that the company is sharing everything it knows, that it followed all applicable laws, and that it promptly informed both users and authorities about the breach.”
“The scale of this hack is breathtaking, and as this week’s settlement between Uber and states’ attorneys general demonstrates, data breaches are serious infractions with real consequences.
“Protecting New Yorkers’ privacy is one of my top priorities. While Facebook claims it has fixed the issue and informed law enforcement, lawmakers, regulators, and consumers in a timely manner, we must be sure. In order to reassure Facebook’s millions of users that their information is safe, I am urging New York Attorney General Barbara Underwood to immediately open an investigation into this breach. We must establish that the company is sharing everything it knows, that it followed all applicable laws, and that it promptly informed both users and authorities about the breach.”
Staff changes in Potter County Government
The following business was scheduled for the Potter County Commissioners meeting on September 27, 2018:
Allegany County Sheriff's Blotter
Allegany County Sheriff Ricky L. Whitney reports that
on September 27, 2018, with the assistance of the Wyoming County Sheriff’s
Office, Deputies arrested Lea M. Falcone, 34, of Silver Lake, on an Allegany
County Family Court Warrant.
Falcone, who was being released from the Wyoming County Jail, was processed and transported to the Town of Hume Court where she was arraigned and remanded to the Allegany County Jail on $1,000 bail or $2,000 bond. Falcone will reappear in Allegany County Family Court at a later date for additional court action.
Falcone, who was being released from the Wyoming County Jail, was processed and transported to the Town of Hume Court where she was arraigned and remanded to the Allegany County Jail on $1,000 bail or $2,000 bond. Falcone will reappear in Allegany County Family Court at a later date for additional court action.
Motorcyclist dies in Olean crash
A Motorcyclist was killed Friday afternoon after being struck by an SUV at the intersection of Route 16 and Fairview lane. The motorcyclist was pronounced at Olean General Hospital. The driver of the other vehicle sustained minor injuries and was treated at the hospital. In a press release this morning, the Sheriff's Department did not release the identities of those involved.
Bliss man arrested for impaired driving in Centerville
Early Saturday Fillmore-based Troopers arrested Cameron W. Alvey, 25, of Bliss, NY for Driving While Intoxicated and Unlawful Possession of Marijuana.
During a traffic stop on Lost Nation Road in the town of Centerville, Troopers allege Alvey had been operating his vehicle while in an intoxicated condition. Police said Alvey was also found to be in possession of approximately 13 grams of marijuana. He was arrested and transported to SP Fillmore, where a chemical breath test revealed him to have a 0.15% BAC
Alvey was processed and released with appearance tickets returnable to the Centerville Town Court in October.
Obituary: Mary Ellen Zacher, 75, Friendship
ry Ellen Zacher Loving Wife,
Mother, Grandmother
Mary Ellen Zacher, 75, of 33 Sunnyside St., Friendship,
passed away Thursday, September 27, 2018 at Rochester General Hospital after a
lengthy illness.
Born on March 3, 1943, in Cortland, New York, she was a
daughter of H. Dana and Penelope Morgan.
On July 12, 1969, in Cortland she married William F. Zacher who
survives.
Mary Ellen was a graduate of St. Mary’s High School in
Cortland, and later received her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from
Cortland State University.
She started teaching in Greece and then was hired at
Friendship Central School where she taught Elementary Education for the next 33
years. While she was at Friendship, she
was very involved in her children’s and students’ lives whether it was being a
Class Advisor, running time clock for sporting events, or organizing the St.
Jude’s Mathathon.
Mary Ellen was a member of Holy Family Church in Belmont,
the Friendship American Legion Post 1168 Auxiliary, and a member and past
president of the Ladies Ancient Order of Hiberians.
Always proud of her Irish Heritage she was a devout Norte
Dame fan and enjoyed spending time with her family and grandchildren.
In addition to her husband she is survived by two daughters, Catherine (Tom) Talbett of Friendship
and Christine (Todd) Ward of King Ferry, NY; 4 Grandchildren, Maura Talbett,
Christopher Talbett, Brady Ward, and Jack Ward; two brothers, Stephen (Doreen)
Morgan of Loudonville, NY and Thomas
(Kim) Morgan of Ocean Park, Maine. She was predeceased by her parents and a
brother Joseph Morgan. Friends will be
received at the Mark F. Rinker Funeral Home & Memorial Service, Inc., 9
Bull Street, Cuba on Monday, October 1, 2018 from 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated
on Tuesday, October 2, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Family Church, 5 Milton
Street, Belmont, NY 14813. The Rev.
Robert Agbo will be the celebrant. Burial will be in Maple Grove Cemetery,
Friendship, NY. Memorials may be made to
a charity of the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be sent at www.rinkerfuneralhome.com.
Friday, September 28, 2018
DiNapoli: Calls to Investigate Violations of Do Not Call Law Going Unanswered
Do Not Call registry complaints by New York state residents have more than doubled since 2014 to more than 450,000 annually, but only two cases were referred for enforcement action in 2016 and 2017 combined, according to an audit released today by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli.
"The Do Not Call Registry was created to help consumers avoid unwanted, nuisance calls from telemarketers, but requests to investigate violations of the law are going unanswered," DiNapoli said. "Without enforcement of the law, telemarketers will continue to bother people who do not want calls, attempt to steal personal information or take money from the unsuspecting. Officials at the state's Division of Consumer Protection need to do a better job putting unwanted calls on mute."
The New York State Do Not Call Law allows consumers to register their mobile and landline phone numbers on a national registry to reduce unsolicited telemarketing calls. The Department of State's Division of Consumer Protection is responsible for enforcing the 2001 law. Initially, New York consumers registered their phone numbers on a statewide registry. Then, in 2003, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Federal Communications Commission together created the National Do Not Call Registry. As of Dec. 31, 2017, more than 14 million New York phone numbers were on the registry.
DiNapoli's auditors found the number of Do Not Call complaints by state residents more than doubled from 217,031 in 2014 to 454,100 in 2017, but the number of cases referred to legal counsel at the division fell from 15 to one over that time period. The amount of fines levied dropped from $1.9 million to $44,000. In 2017 and 2016 combined, the division referred only two cases to legal counsel for further enforcement, versus 29 in 2015 and 2014 combined.
New York's Do Not Call program has five staff including a clerk and an investigator devoted full time to Do Not Call. It also has some shared investigative and legal staff. Auditors found personnel turnover and vacancies in key positions at the Do Not Call program hampered its effectiveness. The position of director of investigations, which supervises the Do Not Call unit and decides whether to move forward with a case or close it, had been vacant for approximately 18 months beginning in November 2016. Department officials said the position was filled in May 2018.
As of July 2018, the position of program attorney, responsible for prosecuting alleged violators in administrative hearings and pursuing negotiations, had been vacant nearly a year. Department officials said they have been interviewing to fill the position, which has duties outside Do Not Call as well.
The division director, who is responsible for providing Do Not Call oversight, including assigning cases to an attorney, had been promoted from the attorney position in August 2017 and was performing the functions of both jobs.
DiNapoli's auditors found that the data maintained by the division to document its Do Not Call enforcement efforts was sometimes inaccurate, incomplete or was inconsistent with other information it maintained. In addition, there were no written procedures that provided direction on how to record and maintain the data. Further, the data was not set up to facilitate meaningful analysis, such as year-to-year comparisons or the timeliness of investigative steps.
Division personnel did not maintain a complete and accurate list of active Do Not Call cases and their status. Instead, they maintained multiple spreadsheets of case-related information. In reviewing Do Not Call statistics for the period Jan. 1, 2014 through Sept. 19, 2017, auditors identified conflicting and sometimes missing data.
For example:
DiNapoli called on the Division of Consumer Protection to:
Read the report, or go to: https://www.osc.state.ny.us/audits/allaudits/093018/sga-2018-17s55.pdf
"The Do Not Call Registry was created to help consumers avoid unwanted, nuisance calls from telemarketers, but requests to investigate violations of the law are going unanswered," DiNapoli said. "Without enforcement of the law, telemarketers will continue to bother people who do not want calls, attempt to steal personal information or take money from the unsuspecting. Officials at the state's Division of Consumer Protection need to do a better job putting unwanted calls on mute."
The New York State Do Not Call Law allows consumers to register their mobile and landline phone numbers on a national registry to reduce unsolicited telemarketing calls. The Department of State's Division of Consumer Protection is responsible for enforcing the 2001 law. Initially, New York consumers registered their phone numbers on a statewide registry. Then, in 2003, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Federal Communications Commission together created the National Do Not Call Registry. As of Dec. 31, 2017, more than 14 million New York phone numbers were on the registry.
DiNapoli's auditors found the number of Do Not Call complaints by state residents more than doubled from 217,031 in 2014 to 454,100 in 2017, but the number of cases referred to legal counsel at the division fell from 15 to one over that time period. The amount of fines levied dropped from $1.9 million to $44,000. In 2017 and 2016 combined, the division referred only two cases to legal counsel for further enforcement, versus 29 in 2015 and 2014 combined.
New York's Do Not Call program has five staff including a clerk and an investigator devoted full time to Do Not Call. It also has some shared investigative and legal staff. Auditors found personnel turnover and vacancies in key positions at the Do Not Call program hampered its effectiveness. The position of director of investigations, which supervises the Do Not Call unit and decides whether to move forward with a case or close it, had been vacant for approximately 18 months beginning in November 2016. Department officials said the position was filled in May 2018.
As of July 2018, the position of program attorney, responsible for prosecuting alleged violators in administrative hearings and pursuing negotiations, had been vacant nearly a year. Department officials said they have been interviewing to fill the position, which has duties outside Do Not Call as well.
The division director, who is responsible for providing Do Not Call oversight, including assigning cases to an attorney, had been promoted from the attorney position in August 2017 and was performing the functions of both jobs.
DiNapoli's auditors found that the data maintained by the division to document its Do Not Call enforcement efforts was sometimes inaccurate, incomplete or was inconsistent with other information it maintained. In addition, there were no written procedures that provided direction on how to record and maintain the data. Further, the data was not set up to facilitate meaningful analysis, such as year-to-year comparisons or the timeliness of investigative steps.
Division personnel did not maintain a complete and accurate list of active Do Not Call cases and their status. Instead, they maintained multiple spreadsheets of case-related information. In reviewing Do Not Call statistics for the period Jan. 1, 2014 through Sept. 19, 2017, auditors identified conflicting and sometimes missing data.
For example:
- The dates that cases were referred to legal counsel were left blank in most instances;
- Of the 31 cases labeled as open, 14 were actually settled or otherwise closed;
- For seven of the 14 settled cases, settlement information, such as the amount, was missing; and
- According to the 2016 annual report, staff investigated 92,391 complaints and collected $351,007 in penalties. However, the staff was unable to provide support for how they arrived at the number of complaints investigated. Other internal reports indicated only 82,472 complaints were investigated in that reporting period.
DiNapoli called on the Division of Consumer Protection to:
- Assess current and planned Do Not Call enforcement activities to determine appropriate staffing levels, identify timing benchmarks for key enforcement efforts, and identify improvement opportunities;
- Develop, implement, and communicate written procedures to division staff that address the accuracy, completeness, and comparability of internally maintained Do Not Call information; and
- Evaluate the potential for using FTC resources and strategies and consumer-friendly alternatives to notarized affidavits to enhance the Division's Do Not Call enforcement capabilities, and document the resulting decisions.
Read the report, or go to: https://www.osc.state.ny.us/audits/allaudits/093018/sga-2018-17s55.pdf
Boyde to release tentative 2019 Allegany County budget on October 3rd
The Committee of the Whole of the Allegany County legislature will convene October 3rd in Belmont. Below is the meeting agenda:
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
AGENDA – October 3, 2018
1. Establish Salary Increases for 2019 for Employees in the
Non-Unit Salary Plan
2. Master Resolution Authorizing the Payment of Salary
Increases Under the “County Unit Salary Plans” Pursuant to Contractual
Agreements in the AFSCME, NYS Nurses’ Association, Allegany County Deputy
Sheriff’s Association, and the New York State Public Employees Federation
Unions, as well as the “County Non-Unit Salary Plan” for the Non-Unit and
Section IV Employees
3. County Administrator/Budget Officer Tim Boyde Releases
2019 Tentative Budget
4. Presentation of Shared Services Plan
5. Old Business
6. New Business
7. Good of the Order
8. Questions from the Media
9. Adjourn
MEMORANDUM OF EXPLANATION
COMMITTEE: Committee of the Whole DATE: October 3, 2018
With assistance from the Center for Governmental Research
(CGR), Allegany County completed a County-Wide Shared Services Tax Savings
Plan. The nearly two-year process engaged twenty-nine (29) towns and ten (10)
villages; only two villages opted to not participate in the process from the
onset. A formal panel vote comprised of the County Administrator, Town
Supervisors, and Village Mayors was held on September 25, 2018, and resulted in
the plan being ratified by a majority vote (23 ayes, 1 opposed). The Shared
Services Tax Savings Plan represents a tremendous amount of time, effort, and considerable
resources put forth to accomplish the task. It is important to note that plan
savings components do not necessarily apply to all of the participating
municipalities. Potential areas for tax savings and the projected annual savings
estimates are detailed below.
Anticipated Savings:
1. Healthcare Consortium $ 180,000
2. LED Lights $ 100,000
3. Group Purchasing of Electricity and Gas $ 30,000
4. Online and County Supported Tax Collection $ 25,000
5. Centralized Bulk Purchasing $ 240,000
6. Joint Tax Assessment and Property $ 70,000
Total Anticipated Savings: $ 645,000
FISCAL IMPACT: The projected annual savings estimates total
$645,000.
Potter County Artisan Center Fall Open House
Coudersport-The Potter County Artisan Center will host a
Fall Open House Friday, October 5, 2018, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
The Open House will showcase the work of the members,
comprised of local fine artists and master craftspeople, which is available for
sale. There will be special live music
along with delicious homemade snacks and treats. “Susabella Passengers,” (Judy Bolton
fans) will be hosting a book signing during the open house. Margaret Sutton,
author of the popular series was a Potter County native. She died in 2001 but
her legacy continues through her daughter, Linda Stroh, and fans.
The Open House will give residents and visitors an
opportunity for some early holiday shopping and is being held in conjunction
with a number of events that weekend. “Judy Bolton Days” will take place in and
around Coudersport and Austin. Potter County Habitat for Human Humanity’s Falling
Leaves Festival and Outdoor Show will be held Friday and Saturday on the
courthouse square, across the street from the Artisan Center. The annual Antique and Collectible Show and
Sale will be held Saturday and Sunday at the Pennsylvania Lumber Museum on
Route 6 between Coudersport and Galeton; The annual Black Forest Conservation
Gun Show will be located at the Roulette Firemen’s Building and Cherry Springs
State Park will conduct a free Night Sky
Tour Saturday night.
The Potter County
Artisan Center is located at 227 N. Main Street, Coudersport. It is open Noon
to 4:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; 9:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. Friday and 9:00 a.m.
to 5:00 p.m. Saturday. For more information call 814-274-8165.
DEC Reminds Hunters: Deer Management Permit Application Deadline Draws Near
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos reminded hunters today that the deadline to apply for deer management permits (DMPs) is October 1, 2018.
"Deer Management Permits are DEC's most effective wildlife management tool, and help balance deer herds with available habitat," Commissioner Seggos said. "I encourage all Hunters to apply by October 1st and help us advance our deer management goals."
Licensed hunters may apply for up to two deer management permits in specified Wildlife Management Units (WMUs). Hunters will know immediately whether or not they are selected to receive their deer management permits.
Sporting licenses and permits for the 2018-19 license year have been available since Aug. 1, and can be obtained at any one of DEC's 1,300 license issuing outlets, by phone at 866-933-2257, or online through the DEC website. Hunters must apply for DMPs by Oct. 1, and should review their chances of selection before applying. The application fee for deer management permits is $10. The fee is waived for junior hunters and Lifetime License holders that purchased a Lifetime (Sportsman) License prior to Oct. 1, 2009.
"DEC's automated licensing system (DECALS) website is now mobile-friendly making it easier than ever to purchase licenses and permits," Commissioner Seggos said. "Sporting license customers can purchase licenses, privileges, and permits directly from their mobile device, as well as any computer or tablet."
Hunters should allow two weeks for delivery of their license and carcass tags when purchased online or by phone.
Take It, Tag It, and Report It
DEC encourages hunters to use the new e-license and game harvest reporting tool HuntFishNY. Through this mobile app, hunters, anglers, and trappers can access an electronic version of their licenses and privileges, and report the harvest of deer, bear, and turkey immediately while afield on their mobile device. Sportsmen and women can download this exciting new feature from the DEC's official mobile app, NY Fishing, Hunting & Wildlife by Pocket Ranger, which is available from either the Apple App or Google Play stores.
Harvest reporting is required and is critical to wildlife management. Wildlife managers use data supplied by hunters in their calculations for future harvest management quotas. For more information on reporting your game harvest, visit DEC's website.
Hunters are reminded to be a "Habitat Hero" this fall, by purchasing a $5 Habitat & Access Stamp. Donations help fund projects to protect and improve fish and wildlife habitat, and to improve public access for fish- and wildlife-related recreation. This year's stamp features a barred owl and is available through all license issuing outlets. Purchasing a Habitat & Access Stamp is the perfect way to contribute to healthy and sustainable fish and wildlife resources and habitat.
"Deer Management Permits are DEC's most effective wildlife management tool, and help balance deer herds with available habitat," Commissioner Seggos said. "I encourage all Hunters to apply by October 1st and help us advance our deer management goals."
Licensed hunters may apply for up to two deer management permits in specified Wildlife Management Units (WMUs). Hunters will know immediately whether or not they are selected to receive their deer management permits.
Sporting licenses and permits for the 2018-19 license year have been available since Aug. 1, and can be obtained at any one of DEC's 1,300 license issuing outlets, by phone at 866-933-2257, or online through the DEC website. Hunters must apply for DMPs by Oct. 1, and should review their chances of selection before applying. The application fee for deer management permits is $10. The fee is waived for junior hunters and Lifetime License holders that purchased a Lifetime (Sportsman) License prior to Oct. 1, 2009.
"DEC's automated licensing system (DECALS) website is now mobile-friendly making it easier than ever to purchase licenses and permits," Commissioner Seggos said. "Sporting license customers can purchase licenses, privileges, and permits directly from their mobile device, as well as any computer or tablet."
Hunters should allow two weeks for delivery of their license and carcass tags when purchased online or by phone.
Take It, Tag It, and Report It
DEC encourages hunters to use the new e-license and game harvest reporting tool HuntFishNY. Through this mobile app, hunters, anglers, and trappers can access an electronic version of their licenses and privileges, and report the harvest of deer, bear, and turkey immediately while afield on their mobile device. Sportsmen and women can download this exciting new feature from the DEC's official mobile app, NY Fishing, Hunting & Wildlife by Pocket Ranger, which is available from either the Apple App or Google Play stores.
Harvest reporting is required and is critical to wildlife management. Wildlife managers use data supplied by hunters in their calculations for future harvest management quotas. For more information on reporting your game harvest, visit DEC's website.
Hunters are reminded to be a "Habitat Hero" this fall, by purchasing a $5 Habitat & Access Stamp. Donations help fund projects to protect and improve fish and wildlife habitat, and to improve public access for fish- and wildlife-related recreation. This year's stamp features a barred owl and is available through all license issuing outlets. Purchasing a Habitat & Access Stamp is the perfect way to contribute to healthy and sustainable fish and wildlife resources and habitat.
Steuben History Week begins Monday
War for children during the first half of the 1900s meant days-old news, weeks-old mail and daily changes in the way they lived. There were few phones, no television, no world wide web. "The first priority in the U.S. was to feed, arm and clothe the soldiers," said county Historian Emily Simms. "Some foods and items that we regularly imported from other countries, were suddenly not available, like sugar, coffee, tea, rubber for tires and gasoline. Factories that made clothes, shoes and cars began making items needed for the war so those items were nearly impossible to buy. Housewives had to learn to cook meals with fewer ingredients and worked in factories. "Children planted gardens and saved what they could to support the soldiers and sailors, many of whom were their fathers, brothers and neighbors." Exhibits will show the history of World War I – which marks the 100th anniversary of the war-ending Treaty of Versailles Nov. 11 – and World War II, Simms said. "So many of the people who lived here during the two world wars are gone now," Simms said. "We hope these exhibits and stories touch the imaginations of all the children, and all the adults, who visit the exhibits next week." The free week-long celebration will be capped off with a 3 p.m. presentation Oct. 7 at the VFW by Kirk House, "Over Here: The Great War In Our Area," followed by a "USO"-styled concert at Haverling High School.
** Steuben County History Week
• VFW, State Route 54, Bath
• School tours (by appointment): 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday-Friday
• Open to the public: 2 – 6 p.m. Tuesday-Friday; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday
• "Over Here: The Great War In Our Area" presentation: 3 p.m. Sunday
Steuben Youth in Government tours Emergency Services
BATH - Members of the Steuben County Youth in Government class toured the county Office of Emergency Services Tuesday, learning more about how the county responds to natural disasters. The 30-year-old Youth in Government Program provides high school students across the county with a solid grounding in county operations, including the legislature and civil departments. The program includes a simulated legislative session during which students present and vote on resolutions.
College Factual Ranks Houghton College Among Top 2% in Nation for Value
HOUGHTON, NY - September 28, 2018 – Houghton College has been named a Best College for the Money by College Factual, ranked among the top two percent of schools across the country and top one percent in the Middle Atlantic region.
Of the 1,508 universities included across the nation for undergraduates, Houghton was ranked 19th for value. In addition, the college placed second among 290 schools in the Middle Atlantic region, and was listed as 17th among 116 schools in New York State for value.
College Factual’s 2019 ranking report evaluates higher education institutions in categories such as value for the money, quality, diversity, and international value. All colleges in the Best College for the Money ranking have been judged on their ability to provide “quality education and economic value.”
Several academic programs at Houghton received honors in the report for providing a high-quality education at an affordable price. Houghton’s communication, music, and psychology programs ranked in the top one percent for best value, with biology and fine/studio arts within the top two percent.
To learn more about Houghton’s rankings, visit https://www.collegefactual.
Of the 1,508 universities included across the nation for undergraduates, Houghton was ranked 19th for value. In addition, the college placed second among 290 schools in the Middle Atlantic region, and was listed as 17th among 116 schools in New York State for value.
College Factual’s 2019 ranking report evaluates higher education institutions in categories such as value for the money, quality, diversity, and international value. All colleges in the Best College for the Money ranking have been judged on their ability to provide “quality education and economic value.”
Several academic programs at Houghton received honors in the report for providing a high-quality education at an affordable price. Houghton’s communication, music, and psychology programs ranked in the top one percent for best value, with biology and fine/studio arts within the top two percent.
To learn more about Houghton’s rankings, visit https://www.collegefactual.
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