Saturday, March 30, 2019
NY State Police Blotter
3/30/19 3:30am- After investigating a domestic dispute in the town of Angelica, state police arrested Jeremy D. Hadaway, 36, of Angelica. He was charged with assault-3rd with intent to cause injury and criminal obstruction of breath. He was released on his own recognizance.
3/28/19 2:08pm- State police arrested Kerri R. Cobb, 30, of Bolivar. She was charged with unauthorized use of a vehicle and aggravated unlicensed operation. She was issued tickets for court and released.
3/28/19 11:25pm- During a traffic stop Peavy Road in the town of Allen, state police arrested Curtis K. Grooms, 48, of Belmont. He was charged with first-degree driving while impaired by drugs. He'll appear in court later.
3/28/19 2:08pm- State police arrested Kerri R. Cobb, 30, of Bolivar. She was charged with unauthorized use of a vehicle and aggravated unlicensed operation. She was issued tickets for court and released.
3/28/19 11:25pm- During a traffic stop Peavy Road in the town of Allen, state police arrested Curtis K. Grooms, 48, of Belmont. He was charged with first-degree driving while impaired by drugs. He'll appear in court later.
Obituary: Chester J. “Jim” Baker, 83, Canisteo
CANISTEO - Chester J. “Jim” Baker, 83, of West Main Street,
passed away Wednesday (March 27, 2019) at Elderwood At Hornell.
Born in Canisteo, February 9, 1936, the son of Charles and
Florence Feenaughty Baker, he had resided in Canisteo most all his life. Jim
was a graduate of Canisteo Central School, Class of 1956, and served his
country as a member of the United States Army from 1956 until he was honorably
discharged in 1958. Jim was employed in the parts department at the former
Elsenheimer Chevrolet and Blovsky Ford and later was employed as a receiving
inspector at Mercury Aircraft in Hammondsport. He enjoyed riding his
motorcycle.
He was predeceased by his parents, his sisters; Jean Baker
and June Knight as well as his brother; Walter Baker.
He is survived by his wife; Elaine Roberts Baker of
Canisteo, his daughter; Judy (Paul Stratton) Hughes of Elmira and his son;
Kenneth (Cindy Harding) Baker of Canisteo, his sister; Jane (Tom) Lioy of
Rochester, four grandchildren; John Hughes Jr, Andrew Hughes, Kelsie (Jeff
Acor) Baker and Callie Baker, 3 great grandchildren; Rylan Hughes, Avery
Hughes, and Oaklee Acor, several nieces and nephews.
To send a remembrance to the family, please visit
www.brownandpowersfuneralhomes.com or on Facebook@brownpowersfh. The family is
being assisted by Gerald R. Brown, Director at Brown & Powers Funeral Home
of Hornell.
The family will be present to receive friends on Friday
April 12, 2019, from 11 a.m. until Noon at the Canisteo United Methodist
Church, 37 Greenwood Street in Canisteo where a Memorial Service will follow
calling hours at Noon with Rev. Beverly Welch officiating. Burial will be in
Woodlawn Cemetery in Canisteo.
Friends may make memorial contributions to the Canisteo
United Methodist Church “Attention Siding Fund” 37 Greenwood Street, Canisteo,
NY 14823.
Obituary: Allie M. Robinson (Converse), 57, Hornell
HORNELL - Allie M. Robinson, 57, of Elizabeth Street, passed
away Thursday (March 28, 2019) at St James Hospital.
Born in Deleware, OH, April 27, 1961, the daughter of
Charles and Lydia Herbert Converse, she had resided in the Canisteo- Hornell
area most all of her life.
She was predeceased by her parents, and her brother; George
Ricky Converse.
She is survived by two daughters; Bobbi (Bradley) Speed of
Hornell and Dorothy Robinson of Woodhull, her sisters; Anna (Wayne) Hoskins of
Canaseraga, Esther (David) Hurlburt of Hornell, Beverly Mead of Hornell and
Karen Rice of Hornell, one brother; Charles L.(Shirley) Converse Jr of Hornell,
6 grandchildren, several nieces and nephews.
To send a remembrance to the family, please visit
www.brownandpowersfuneralhomes.com, or on Facebook@brownpowersfh.
Honoring Allie’s wishes, there will be no calling hours or
services. The family is being assisted by Gerald R. Brown, Director at
Bender-Brown & Powers Funeral Home of Hornell. A celebration of Life will
be held on Saturday April 6, 2019 at 5p.m. at the Southside Tavern on Canisteo
St. in Hornell.
Friends may make memorial contributions to: The American
Cancer Society, 1400 Winton Road North, Rochester, NY 14609 or to Care First,
11751 East Corning Road, Corning, NY 14830.
NYS: Budget agreement would conceal arrest records, mugshots - Times Union
From the Albany times Union:
ALBANY — Legislative leaders and Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo have agreed on budget legislation that would prohibit the release of arrest records and mugshots.
The privacy measure, to be included in the 2019-20 Public Protection and General Government bill, would amend the state's Freedom of Information Law to bar law enforcement and government agencies from releasing the mugshot photos and booking information of those arrested unless disclosure serves a law enforcement purpose, according to an Assembly spokesman.
While the final bill language is not available, the New York Civil Liberties Union issued a policy memo on Thursday opposing the governor's version, noting that it fails to specify what constitutes "booking information."
The NYCLU acknowledges that the arrest records can have lasting consequences on people's lives, but argues the over-broad measure would impede data gathering necessary for police accountability, including by news organizations.
Read More from the Times Union story HERE.
ALBANY — Legislative leaders and Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo have agreed on budget legislation that would prohibit the release of arrest records and mugshots.
The privacy measure, to be included in the 2019-20 Public Protection and General Government bill, would amend the state's Freedom of Information Law to bar law enforcement and government agencies from releasing the mugshot photos and booking information of those arrested unless disclosure serves a law enforcement purpose, according to an Assembly spokesman.
While the final bill language is not available, the New York Civil Liberties Union issued a policy memo on Thursday opposing the governor's version, noting that it fails to specify what constitutes "booking information."
The NYCLU acknowledges that the arrest records can have lasting consequences on people's lives, but argues the over-broad measure would impede data gathering necessary for police accountability, including by news organizations.
Read More from the Times Union story HERE.
Former Allegany County Legislator murdered in Seattle shooting rampage
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| Photo courtesy of KING 5-TV |
The man arrested, who is also accused of shooting a woman in a car and a Metro bus driver in what police say was a random attack, allegedly stole Hassan’s red Prius and led officers on a short pursuit before colliding with another vehicle. The driver of that car, 75-year-old Richard T. Lee, died from his injuries.
The suspected gunman, Tad-Michael Norman, 33, was arrested at the scene on investigation of homicide, assault and robbery.
Born in 1943 in Niagara Falls, New York, Hassan graduated summa cum laude from the University of Pittsburgh with a degree in chemistry. He joined the Navy before attending medical school, also at the University of Pittsburgh, and later served as a flight surgeon in a variety of postings, his brother said.
Friday, March 29, 2019
Wellsville Police Blotter
Date: Friday March
29, 2019
Wellsville Police arrested Charles T. Celentano, age 66 of
Wellsville, charging him with Issuing a Bad Check. The charge stems from a complaint made by the
Giant Food Mart in Wellsville. Celentano
was processed, issued an appearance ticket and released. Cenentano is due to appear in Wellsville
Village Court on April 23rd at 4:30 p.m.
Wellsville Police arrested Michael L. Clark, age 55 of
Belmont, charging him with Petit Larceny.
The charge stems from an investigation into an incident that took place
on February 23rd at the Giant Food Mart in Wellsville. Clark was processed, issued an appearance
ticket and released. Clark is due to
appear in Wellsville Village Court on April 23rd at 4:30 p.m.
Arcade firm Koike Aronson donates water jet cutting device to Alfred University
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| Koike Aronson’s Ron Krasnek explains to mechanical engineering students (from left) Austin Gibson, Noah Briggs and Jaclyn Schnurpfiel how the KoikeJet E60 is used. |
“This is not just a showpiece, it will be part of our curriculum,” said Gabrielle Gaustad, dean of the Inamori School of Engineering. “A lot of people are going to be using this. It will be showcased in our Manufacturing course, and our machine shop is very interested.”
Gaustad said artists have used the equipment to cut materials used in sculptures, and student clubs have used it to cut materials for their projects. Glenn Zweygardt, emeritus professor of sculpture, presented Koike Aronson representatives with a piece of artwork, parts of which were cut on the newly-acquired equipment.
Jim Mighells, technician/machinist in the Inamori School, said the machine, delivered to campus earlier this year, is a welcome addition to the engineering program.
“For five years since I have been here and prior, in senior exit interviews, the students have expressed their desire to have CNC (computer numeric controlled) equipment added to our machine shop,” Mighells said. “Acquisition of this machine is a great opportunity to bring that to reality.”
The KoikeJet E60 water jet machine, located in the engineering labs in Seidlin Hall annex, uses 60,000 pounds per square inch of pressure to cut through a variety of materials, including steel, plastic and glass. CNC technology, in which the machine’s cutting path is mapped out on a computer using specialized software, allows for high-precision cutting.
Koike’s donation was made possible in part by the efforts of Alfred University alumnus Zach Pero, who earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering in 2018. About a year ago Pero, then a member of the Baja SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) Club at Alfred University, approached Koike Aronson, an Arcade, NY-based manufacturer of high quality metal cutting, welding and positioning equipment, to solicit a sponsorship ahead of a competition the club was participating in. In Baja SAE competitions, teams from colleges and universities across the country are tasked with designing and constructing a single-seat all-terrain sporting vehicle. Pero was hoping Koike Aronson would use its equipment to cut some steel to be used on the club’s competition car. A year later, Koike did Alfred University one better, donating the KoikeJet E60 water jet machine.
Already, the Baja SAE team has used the KoikeJet E60 to cut parts for the vehicle that will be used in this spring’s competition. Alfred University’s Design-Build-Fly team, which participates in the spring in a competition sponsored by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, has also made use of the new equipment.
“We are happy to help any other clubs or classes that may need our assistance,” said Mighells, who manages the engineering STEP Lab and serves as advisor to the Baja SAE club.
Ron Krasnek, International Sales and Marketing manager for Koike Aronson, said his company was happy to provide the equipment to Alfred University.
“We are grateful to be able to work with you to educate young students as they come in and grow,” he said. “We’re proud to be able to work with you and do this together.”
In addition to donating the equipment, Koike provided assistance in getting the machinery set up, and has been putting engineering personnel in touch with third party vendors who have provided materials – such as steel, to cut on the machine; blasting media (abrasives added to the water) – as well as computer software.
Mark Zupan, Alfred University president, thanked Koike for its generosity. “We pride ourselves on having a maker culture at Alfred University. This allows us to build on that,” Zupan said.
New four-year agriculture program coming to Alfred State in fall 2019
Classes for the new Bachelor of Technology degree program in agricultural entrepreneurship will begin in the fall of 2019. This new program is designed to provide tomorrow’s agricultural entrepreneurs with the skills to make local agriculture economically viable through the application of traditional production practices and the development of value-added (VA) products.
Students will take production courses to build a strong foundation in agriculture, value-added courses to develop non-traditional agriculture skills, and business courses to understand marketing and financial management.
The program will appeal to both traditional students who come from a farm background, and to those who are new to agriculture. Students will become prepared to be successful in their efforts to improve the profitability of an existing farm, or start a new agricultural venture of their own.
A variety of different jobs will be available for Alfred State agricultural entrepreneurship graduates, including manager or owner of a commercial farm; agricultural credit officer; warehouse manager for farm chemicals, feed, seed, and fertilizers; and more.
Dr. Phil Schroeder, chair of the Agriculture and Veterinary Technology Department and coordinator of the new program, stated, “We are very excited to offer a baccalaureate degree in agriculture and believe it will greatly enhance educational opportunities for students from western New York and beyond.”
Dr. Skip Sullivan, president of Alfred State, said, “Exciting things are happening in our Agriculture and Veterinary Technology Department, from the addition of in-demand majors such as agricultural entrepreneurship, to the diversifying of our College Farm. I thank everyone who made this new program possible.”
Dr. Kristin Poppo, provost at Alfred State, said, “The agricultural entrepreneurship BTech is an innovative new program that prepares students for a wide range of opportunities, from focusing on value-added products on the family farm to being part of the corporate agricultural industry. The college’s largely renovated farm, including an organic dairy and meat production, will provide exceptional applied learning experiences.”
Dr. Daniel Katz, dean of the School of Arts and Sciences, said, “This landmark program enhances Alfred State’s historic mission to support the agricultural economy of our region and beyond as it increases the opportunities for our students. The BTech in agricultural entrepreneurship grounds us in our traditions and highlights the future for the college.”
Steuben: Pinwheels campaign set to begin April 3
BATH – For the seventh-straight year, Steuben County will celebrate children and take a stand to prevent their abuse and neglect.
"Pinwheels and Promises Campaign ...to prevent child abuse," is sponsored by Prevent Child Abuse Steuben, and is slated for 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. April 3 in the Steuben County Office Building Annex Conference Center.
The event features pinwheels – a symbol of carefree children -- and encourages everyone to help prevent child abuse in the county.
"The „promises‟ part of the campaign reminds us all that we can all make a promise to do something to prevent child abuse," said Bill Caudill, county Youth Bureau program coordinator. "The pinwheels are a beautiful reminder, but it is the „promises‟ that make a difference in the lives of children." The event also will include a proclamation from the Steuben County Legislature to recognize April as Child Abuse Prevention Month, as well as information from participating agencies. For more information contact Bill Caudill, county Youth Bureau coordinator, (607) 664-2119, or ask any task force member.
The event features pinwheels – a symbol of carefree children -- and encourages everyone to help prevent child abuse in the county.
"The „promises‟ part of the campaign reminds us all that we can all make a promise to do something to prevent child abuse," said Bill Caudill, county Youth Bureau program coordinator. "The pinwheels are a beautiful reminder, but it is the „promises‟ that make a difference in the lives of children." The event also will include a proclamation from the Steuben County Legislature to recognize April as Child Abuse Prevention Month, as well as information from participating agencies. For more information contact Bill Caudill, county Youth Bureau coordinator, (607) 664-2119, or ask any task force member.
NY State Police Blotter
3/28/19 11:25pm- State police arrested Curtis K. Grooms, 48, of Belmont. He was charged by troopers with first-degree operating a motor vehicle while impaired by drugs. He was arrested on Peavy Road in the town of Allen. He will answer the charge in court at a later date.
3/28 11:17pm- State police arrested Raymond R. Tong, 57, of Addison. He was charged with felony first-degree criminal contempt. He was detained for court action.
3/28 11:17pm- State police arrested Raymond R. Tong, 57, of Addison. He was charged with felony first-degree criminal contempt. He was detained for court action.
Bolivar woman arrested for unauthorized use of a motor vehicle
On Thursday, Amity-based state polie arrested Kerri R. Cobb, 30, of Bolivar, NY for Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle and Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle.
An investigation led Troopers to determine Cobb had allegedly used a motor vehicle without the owner’s permission and while her NYS driver license is suspended.
Cobb was arrested and released with an appearance ticket returnable to Bolivar Town Court where she is due to appear in April.
Press Release- Slow Moving Vehicle Safety a Priority this Spring
As Allegany County welcomes spring, farmers are in high gear preparing for spring planting. Farm equipment is taking to the roadways to get farm land ready and when slow moving vehicles share the road with motorists, the Allegany County Slow Moving Vehicle Safety Committee reminds farmers and motorists to remember the rules of the road to stay safe this season.
“The National Safety Council data show that an accident involving a farm vehicle is about five times more likely to produce a fatality than other types of motor vehicle accidents,” explains Gwen Cooper, Ardent Solutions Mobility Safety Education Specialist. “Therefore, we urge both farm equipment operators and motorists to take a moment to consider safety before you head out on the road.”
The most frequent single-vehicle collisions involving farm machinery are roll overs – usually occurring when equipment travels too far onto soft shoulders. Although it may slow traffic, farmers should drive equipment on the main part of the road, and be sure to share half the road with traffic that is oncoming or following. Motorists are encouraged to have patience and only pass farm equipment when legally allowed.
When it comes to multi-vehicle collisions, motorists often collide with farm machinery that’s turning from a farm road on to a public roadway. Farmers should use lights, taillights and signals to make equipment as visible as possible to other motorists. Additionally, farmers should always display a slow moving vehicle sign prominently on the back of any equipment. Farmers are also asked to take the extra time to wait for an opening onto a main roadway that will give ample time to get on the road and be visible.
Rear-end collisions also make the list of common collisions between farm equipment and motorists. When one considers that a slow moving vehicle sign must be used on equipment travelling less than 40 km/h, it’s not really surprising that motorists often underestimate the size and speed of farm equipment they are following. And that can turn into a rear-end collision.
“We can’t anticipate what other motorists will do, or how they’ll react to sharing the road this spring with farm equipment. So always start with safety,” continued Cooper. “Farmers are encouraged to be alert for drivers anxious to pass you at unexpected times. Use your lights. Share the road. And watch carefully as you turn onto public roadways and make left hand turns across traffic.”
Spring represents the start of a fresh new year on the farm. Allegany County drivers must take the time to put safety first on the roadways, at local farm, and for our families. For further information on Slow Moving Vehicle Safety, please contact Ardent Solutions, Inc., at 585-593-5223; Cornell University Cooperative Extension at 585-268-7644; or visit the Allegany County Sheriff’s Department.
Obituary: Benjamin Basil Bilotta, 34, formerly of Cuba
Benjamin Basil Bilotta- Beloved Son and Brother
Benjamin Basil Bilotta, 34, formerly of 21 Prospect Street, Cuba, passed away unexpectedly, Wednesday, March 27, 2019.
Benjamin Basil Bilotta, 34, formerly of 21 Prospect Street, Cuba, passed away unexpectedly, Wednesday, March 27, 2019.
Born on May 28, 1984, in Olean, he was a son of Joseph E.
and Valerie I. Congdon Bilotta.
Ben attended Cuba Rushford Central School. He worked as a roofer by trade for many
different companies but was currently employed by the Roofers Local 74 in
Buffalo.
He was an avid animal lover and enjoyed raising pit bulls.
He also liked working on and riding motorcycles. He is survived by his parents Joseph and
Valerie Bilotta of Cuba, two brothersNick Bilotta of Cuba and Joseph (Jenny) Bilotta of Cuba; A niece Adalia Bilotta of Cuba;
3 nephews, Preston Bilotta, Holden Bilotta, and Parker Bilotta all of Cuba. Several Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins; His Girlfriend, Jamie Rauber and her children Lexi and Lucas Blasdell; His Extended family, Danny Logue, Tyson Logue, Caleb Logue; His beloved Pit bull, Tech. He was predeceased by his maternal grandparents Basil and Dora Congdon and paternal grandparents Joseph and Elloise Bilotta. The family will receive friends at the Mark F. Rinker Funeral Home & Memorial Service, Inc., 9 Bull Street, Cuba on Sunday March 31, 2019 from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. at which time a memories will be shared. Burial will be private. Online condolences may be sent at www.rinkerfuneralhome.com. Memorials may be made to the SPCA Serving Allegany County or the Cattaraugus County SPCA.
3 nephews, Preston Bilotta, Holden Bilotta, and Parker Bilotta all of Cuba. Several Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins; His Girlfriend, Jamie Rauber and her children Lexi and Lucas Blasdell; His Extended family, Danny Logue, Tyson Logue, Caleb Logue; His beloved Pit bull, Tech. He was predeceased by his maternal grandparents Basil and Dora Congdon and paternal grandparents Joseph and Elloise Bilotta. The family will receive friends at the Mark F. Rinker Funeral Home & Memorial Service, Inc., 9 Bull Street, Cuba on Sunday March 31, 2019 from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. at which time a memories will be shared. Burial will be private. Online condolences may be sent at www.rinkerfuneralhome.com. Memorials may be made to the SPCA Serving Allegany County or the Cattaraugus County SPCA.
Obituary: Jeffrey L. “Jeff” Pearl, 55, Hornell
HORNELL - Jeffrey L. “Jeff” Pearl, 55,
of 213 East Ave., Hornell, died Thursday morning (March 28, 2019) at his home, following a long illness.
Born in Hornell on November
30, 1963, he was the son of Leon & Anna (Rogers) Pearl.
Jeff grew up in Jasper, NY
and was a graduate of Canisteo Central School (class of 1981). Following his high school graduation, he
enlisted in the US Army serving his country from 1981-1984. While in the Army, Jeff was primarily stationed
at Fort Hood, TX.
Following his honorable
discharge from the US Army, Jeff moved to the Canisteo area and has resided in
Hornell since 1987.
Employed as a bartender for
most of his adult life, Jeff tended bar for several years at the Hornell VFW
and later at the Hornell Eagles Club.
For 13 years, he served as a bartender at Muhleisen’s Restaurant in
Almond and most recently at AMVETS in Hornell.
He retired in 2017.Jeff had been a member of the Hornell American Legion and also the Hornell AMVETS. He was an avid comic book collector, having more than 20,000 comic books in his collection. He also enjoyed collecting rare coins.
He enjoyed watching football on TV and was a die-hard Minnesota Vikings fan. He also loved watching the TV show, Jeopardy. Along with his wife, Ginger, Jeff loved spending time at Sugar Creek Glen Campground in Poages Hole Dansville. They also loved going to the annual hill climb at Poages Hole in celebration of their anniversary.
Jeff was married on August 17, 1991to the former Ginger Preston who survives. Also surviving are 2 daughters, Natasha (Michael) Fires of Dansville and Kari (Matt Mills) Pearl of Dansville; 3 brothers, Alan Pearl of Lake Whales, FL, William Pearl of Hornell and Tim Pearl of Hornell; 2 sisters, Denise (John) Pilling of Mansfield, PA and Grace Heckman of Jasper; his granddaughter, Teagen Fires; several nieces & nephews.
At Jeff’s requests there will be no calling hours. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, (April 6, 2019) from 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM at the AMVETS on the Broadway Mall in Hornell where family & friends will have the chance to share stories about Jeff. Also, if possible, everyone is encouraged to wear the color purple as it was Jeff’s favorite color.
Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.
Jeff’s family request that in
lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the Bath VA
Hospital Activities Fund, 76 Veterans Ave., Bath, NY 14810.
To leave an online condolence
or share a memory, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com.
Obituary: Arthur R. Robbins, 74, Scio
Mr. Robbins was born on Sept. 17, 1944 in Wellsville to Alfred and Mildred Louise (Cosner) Robbins. In 1991, Art met the love of his life, the former Marlea G. Dean. On Feb. 14, 2009, Valentine’s Day, they were married, she survives.
Arthur served in the United States Army from 1962 to 1974. In 1965 he served with the 703 Maintenance Battalion in Vietnam and later did two tours of service in Germany. Art was discharged from the Army in 1974 and following in his father’s footsteps, reenlisted in the United States Navy in 1975 where he served until 1983.
In addition to his wife, Art is survived by a daughter, Karen (James) Bergstrum of Colorado Springs, Colo.; one sister, Shirley Garcia of Pine Bush; two brothers, Gerald (Eleanor) Robbins and Frank (Barbara) Robbins, both of Scio; his Uncle George Lattimer of Goshen; many special friends, including Nate and Heather Kruger and Dan Fuller; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his step-mothers, Janice Palmer Robbins and Alice Brown Robbins; his Aunt Marion and Uncle Steve Towner; his Uncle Paul Robbins, Uncle Gerald Robbins and Aunt June Robbins.
Art had a lifelong passion for racing; both as a participant and a spectator. He calls it a ‘thrill like no other”. He loved working on his own cars and trucks in his “Man Cave” or as others would call it, his garage. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and enjoyed riding his four wheeler.
In addition to his proud standing as an American Patriot, Art was also very civic minded. He was a longtime member of the Scio Volunteer Fire Department and also served on the Allegany Town Board of Fire Commissioners, the Volunteer Fireman’s Association of Allegany County, the South Western Volunteer Fireman’s Association and the Allegany County Fire Police Association. He was a life member of the VFW of Pine Grove, Ky. Post 10281.
Per his wishes, there will be no prior visitation. There will be a grave side service with full military honors at Fairlawn Cemetery on Monday (April 8) at 11:00 with Rev. Glen Layfield of the Church of Christ in Scio officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Baker-Swan Funeral Home, 3256 Riverside Drive in Wellsville.
Memorial contributions in Art’s name may be made to Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675-8517 or to Scio Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 231, Scio, NY 14880.
Art wishes to express a special thank you to his wife Marlea and to the VA nurses, Roxanne Conway and Janie Harrington for taking such good care of him while he was sick.
Cuba: Business Owner and Wife Sentenced for Welfare and Home Heating Assistance Fraud While Earning Six-Figure Income
New York State Acting Welfare Inspector General Catherine Leahy Scott has announced the guilty pleas of a western Southern Tier business owner and his wife who stole taxpayer-subsidized home heating aide funds and more than $8,000 in welfare benefits to which they were not entitled by concealing their earning of a six-figure income from their construction and firewood business.
Edward L. Kwiatkowski, 77, and Sheila K. Kwiatkowski, 57, of Lyman Road, Cuba, NY, have both pleaded guilty to Welfare Fraud in the Fifth Degree in the Town of Amity Court and ordered to pay $11,692 in restitution. Both were additionally sentenced to three years of probation.
An investigation by Acting Welfare Inspector General Leahy Scott found that between November 1, 2012, and September 30, 2017, the Kwiatkowskis repeatedly submitted welfare program documents falsifying and concealing more than $350,000 in income from a construction and firewood business owned by Edward Kwiatkowski. That business took in more than $140,000 in 2015 alone while the Kwiatkowskis were fraudulently applying for and recertifying their need for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (“SNAP” also known as Food Stamps) and Home Energy Assistance Program (“HEAP”) benefits. The investigation also found Edward Kwiatkowski received funding from the HEAP program to provide firewood to families in need but never actually provided the critical heating source.
“These defendants’ stole from taxpayers and withheld critical heating fuel from vulnerable New Yorkers through a brazen abuse of the welfare system meant to criminally enhance their lifestyle.” said Acting Welfare Inspector General Leahy Scott. “I will continue to use my law enforcement partnerships and all of the resources of my office to protect the welfare system for those who truly need those benefits, and to pursue anyone who seeks to steal them.”
Acting Welfare Inspector General Leahy Scott thanked the Allegany Department of Social Services for their assistance with the investigation, the New York State Police for their assistance with the arrest, and Allegany County District Attorney Keith A. Slep and his office for their assistance with the investigation and for the prosecution of this matter.
Edward L. Kwiatkowski, 77, and Sheila K. Kwiatkowski, 57, of Lyman Road, Cuba, NY, have both pleaded guilty to Welfare Fraud in the Fifth Degree in the Town of Amity Court and ordered to pay $11,692 in restitution. Both were additionally sentenced to three years of probation.
An investigation by Acting Welfare Inspector General Leahy Scott found that between November 1, 2012, and September 30, 2017, the Kwiatkowskis repeatedly submitted welfare program documents falsifying and concealing more than $350,000 in income from a construction and firewood business owned by Edward Kwiatkowski. That business took in more than $140,000 in 2015 alone while the Kwiatkowskis were fraudulently applying for and recertifying their need for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (“SNAP” also known as Food Stamps) and Home Energy Assistance Program (“HEAP”) benefits. The investigation also found Edward Kwiatkowski received funding from the HEAP program to provide firewood to families in need but never actually provided the critical heating source.
“These defendants’ stole from taxpayers and withheld critical heating fuel from vulnerable New Yorkers through a brazen abuse of the welfare system meant to criminally enhance their lifestyle.” said Acting Welfare Inspector General Leahy Scott. “I will continue to use my law enforcement partnerships and all of the resources of my office to protect the welfare system for those who truly need those benefits, and to pursue anyone who seeks to steal them.”
Acting Welfare Inspector General Leahy Scott thanked the Allegany Department of Social Services for their assistance with the investigation, the New York State Police for their assistance with the arrest, and Allegany County District Attorney Keith A. Slep and his office for their assistance with the investigation and for the prosecution of this matter.
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