ICYMI: Howe Library in Wellsville presents special audio drama TONIGHT

4/30:  Dragnet: The Big Small (YouTube/Podcast audio production)

Thursday, April 30th at 7p.m. 

Just because programming within the Nancy Howe Auditorium is temporarily on hold doesn’t mean you can’t be entertained!

The David A. Howe Public Library will be presenting a special audio drama based on the classic 1950s radio program Dragnet. 

Premiering Thursday, April 30th, at 7pm on the library’s YouTube page and podcast feed (soundcloud.com/allthebooks), The Valley Theatre will be performing the Dragnet episode The Big Small, written by John Robinson and originally aired on January 11, 1953. The cast includes Michael Blankenship as Sgt. Joe Friday and David A. Howe Public Library’s own Eric Mikols as Officer Frank Smith. The two are reprising rolls they played in a stage version of Dragnet for a 2010 production directed by Nic Gunning at Houghton College.

This audio episode will be available through the library’s YouTube page as well as in a special episode of the library’s podcast The All the Books Show, available wherever you get your podcasts.

To learn more about the David A. Howe Public Library please visit www.davidahowelibrary.org or our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages!

Michael Blankenship as Joe Friday, Ben Layman as Harry Allison, and Eric Mikols as Frank Smith

 

Partial Obituary: Mark E. Spink, formerly of Portville and Olean

Mark E. Spink, formerly of Portville and Olean, passed away Tuesday, April 28, 2020 in Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, Norfolk, VA from complications of pneumonia. Arrangements are incomplete and are under the direction of the Letro-McIntosh-Spink Funeral Home, Inc.,646 East State Street, Olean. A complete obituary will be published. Online condolences may be made at www.LetroMcIntoshSpinkFuneralHome.com.  

Town of Allen looking to hire Code Enforcement Officer

The Town of Allen is accepting applications for the position of Code Enforcement Officer. Applications may be obtained at the Town Hall located at 4949 Klein Road in Allen. The hours of the town clerk are Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. If you have any question you can call 585-567-8320.
Town of Allen

Alfred State nurses aid communities through volunteer work

In addition to their daily work-from-home assignments of auditing charts, doing inventory, assisting with health forms and immunization compliance, as well as updating medical directives for the Health and Wellness Department, Lynda Merring and Teri Toth-Fleischman, who are both full-time registered nurses, can be found giving back to their communities.

When the directive came to work from home, the ASC nurses were given the opportunity to take on volunteer work to round out their work day. Once that information was relayed, they wasted no time contacting local organizations to offer their time.

In addition to her normal job duties and volunteer work with Steuben County Faith in Action, Alfred State Nurse Lynda Merring can be found making face masks for her co-workers, family, and friends.

Merring connected with Steuben County Faith in Action’s Interfaith Volunteer Caregiver Program under the direction of Executive Director Dick Russell. Her contact, Angela Jenkins, calls her to coordinate weekly shopping trips for groceries and prescriptions as needed for individuals unable to safely venture out.  These individuals, Merring said, are primarily elderly or people with underlying conditions that are at higher risk.  In addition to these folks, Merring also still makes time to assist some elderly relatives of friends, as well.  

Another way that Merring is making a difference is by crafting face masks to be distributed amongst Alfred State employees, family, and friends. She has found her volunteering experiences to be very pleasant and rewarding.

Alfred State Nurse Teri Toth-Fleischman loads one of several coolers filled with meals as part of her volunteer duties with Meals on Wheels.

As for Toth-Fleischman, she started volunteering with Wellsville Emergency Management Services through the Wellsville Volunteer Ambulance Corps & Rescue Squad. This is a new service the squad has initiated in direct response to the COVID-19 crisis.

Through a partnership with Tops, Giant, and Save-A-Lot, the service enables individuals to call in, order items, and pay over the phone. The store then bags the items, calls the service, then Toth-Fleischman or another volunteer picks up the groceries and delivers them to the person’s home. This service has expanded to include Bolivar and Andover due to the high volume of calls.

Additionally, Toth-Fleischman also volunteers with the Office for the Aging delivering Meals on Wheels under the direction of Anita Mattison. These are hot meals provided to the elderly and disabled in Allegany County.

In this experience, Toth-Fleischman has a specific route and uses her own vehicle to deliver anywhere from 18-26 meals daily, driving 50-65 miles per day depending on location. Other assigned duties include grocery delivery, bagging canned/boxed food items, and transporting clients to treatments such as dialysis as needed.

Toth-Fleischman was even asked to conduct a brief teaching session for the other volunteer drivers regarding mask and glove usage and infection control in general. She is appreciative of the opportunity to give back to those in need.

Allegany County COVID-19 update

Press Release

April 29, 2020

COVID-19 Statistic Update and Take Five

In the United States, the COVID-19 virus has infected approximately 1.05 million people, and there have been 60,714 deaths. In New York State, there have been 299,691 confirmed COVID-19 cases, and there have been 17,296 deaths statewide with 330 deaths in the last 24 hours. As of 2:00 p.m. on April 29, 2020, Allegany County’s COVID-19 statistics are as follows:

Confirmed Cases: 33

Recovered Cases: 28

COVID-19 Related Deaths: 1

Total Quarantined/Isolated to Date: 462

Released from Quarantine/Isolation: 420

Currently Quarantined/Isolated: 42

We would like to remind everyone of the Take 5 for New York campaign that was launched on April 1 to encourage Allegany County residents to take five minutes out of each day to call a friend, loved one, or acquaintance who may be alone and feeling isolated during this period of social distancing. This is a very difficult time for many people and we urge you to connect with people in your community who could use it the most.

Obituary: Ernest L. “Ernie” Mahon, 83,

Ernest L. “Ernie” Mahon:  Loving Husband, Father, Grandfather

Ernest L. “Ernie” Mahon, 83, of 4203 Witter Road, Cuba, peacefully passed away Tuesday, April 28, 2020 at home.

Born on November 23, 1936, he was the sixth of nine children born to Alonzo and Gertrude Dow Mahon on the family farm in Austin, Pennsylvania.  On January 7, 1956, in the Coudersport United Methodist Church he married the former Virginia A. “Ginger” Tingley who survives.

Ernie was a graduate of Austin High School Class of 1955.  After high school he worked in the West Virginia Oil Fields.  Returning to the area, he began working for Market Basket Stores as a produce manager. He retired as a Regional Supervisor and Manager in 1998 after 41 years of service.

Ernie left the farm but did not leave his work ethic or green thumb behind.

He loved flower and vegetable gardening, boating and fishing, especially in northern Maine. He also enjoyed tinkering in his workshop, bird watching and was a lifelong Yankees fan.  He and Ginger enjoyed hosting large family gatherings.   Ernie was known as our baby whisperer. Babies were drawn to his calm reassuring presence.

He attended the Cuba First Baptist Church. Surviving in addition to his wife of 64 years Ginger, he is survived by:

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a son Steven Mahon, two grandsons Alexander Kristoff Radloff and Lee Michael Desmond, his brothers Leonard, Fred, and Russell, and two sisters Jean Nasto and Alma Fowler.

Private services will he held at a later date.

Arrangements are under direction of the Mark F. Rinker Funeral Home & Memorial Services, Inc, Cuba.  Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.rinkerfuneralhome.com.  CRCS Outdoors, 5476 Rte. 305, Cuba, NY 14727 or to the Crohns & Colitis Foundation of America at www.CCFA.org.

Steuben Reports Two Additional Deaths Related to COVID-19

BATH – The Steuben County Public Health Department has received notification of the deaths of two individuals who had previously tested positive for COVID-19.  This brings the total number of COVID-19 related deaths in Steuben County to 37.

One individual was an 83-year-old male who died at a nursing home in the Hornell area.  The other individual was a 64-year-old male from the same nursing home who died while hospitalized outside the county. 

“All of the individuals who have passed are meaningful to others.  They are our mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters, grandparents, neighbors, and friends,” said Public Health Director, Darlene Smith.  “We know that many of the Steuben residents who have died are elderly, but that does not offer a whole lot of comfort to their loved ones.  Let’s all prioritize precautions to save lives.”   

All residents should continue to stay home and monitor themselves for COVID-19 symptoms of fever, cough, shortness of breath, chills or repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, and new loss of taste or smell and contact their healthcare provider for instructions if feeling ill.

Wyoming County COVID-19 update

Steuben County Sheriff's Blotter

Steuben County Sheriff Jim Allard reports that on April 25, 2020, deputies of the Steuben County Sheriff’s Office arrested James M. Sick, age 28, of State Route 21, Wayland, New York. Deputies responded to Jacobs Ladder Road, in the Town of Avoca, New York, due to a report of suspicious person trespassing. It is alleged that Mr. Sick entered a barn without permission and then fled the scene when confronted by the property owner. Mr. Sick was charged with Criminal Trespass in the Third Degree, and released on an appearance ticket to appear in the Town of Avoca Court at a later date.

Steuben County Sheriff Jim Allard reports that on April 24, 2020, deputies of the Steuben County Sheriff’s Office arrested Robert C. Thomas, age 38, of Rose Road, Corning, New York. Deputies responded to Rose Road, in the Town of Corning, New York, due to a report of possible animal cruelty. An Officer of the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation had previously responded to the location due to a report of unlawful burning and observed several crated dogs who appeared to be in some state of alleged distress. Deputies observed twenty dogs who were allegedly without adequate shelter, six of which were deemed to be in need of immediate medical attention. It is alleged that Mr. Thomas failed to provide adequate shelter for the twenty dogs. Mr. Thomas was charged with twenty counts of fail to provide Appropriate Shelter for Dogs Stored Outside, a violation of the Agriculture and Markets Law, to appear in the Town of Corning Court at a later date. Deputies will re-visit Mr. Thomas to ensure that appropriate shelter and medical attention has been provided. Sheriff Allard thanks the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, the Town of Corning Animal Control Officer and the New York State Police for their assistance in this investigation.

A plan for moving forward: What patients can expect at Jones Memorial Hospital

WELLSVILLE, NY  – The efforts to flatten the curve during this COVID-19 crisis appear to be working. Social distancing, isolation, and universal masking seem to be making a difference and the number of new COVID-19 patients has stabilized. So Jones Memorial is planning the next steps for our staff, patients, and community. 

“As we slowly and carefully ease restrictions, we will be working with the Allegany County Health Department to monitor for any spikes in COVID-19 in the county,” said Dr. Kevin McCormick, the medical director at Jones Memorial. “It is like we are turning the dial a little at a time, observing to assure no harmful effects, and moving forward gradually.”

This week Jones Memorial has started Phase One of the New Normal. The number of patients being seen in the Jones Memorial Medical Practices has been expanded and the hospital has started scheduling a limited number of elective surgery procedures. “Our patients will notice when they come to the hospital or the medical practices, that it is not business as usual,” said Eva Benedict, CEO at Jones. “Adjustments have been made in every area to ensure the safety or our patients and our staff.”

Here are some of the things you can expect:

•           Universal Screening & Masking: You will be asked questions about possible COVID-19 symptoms. Everyone who comes to the hospital will be provided a facemask if you do not have one. If you have a facemask, please wear it to your appointment.

•           Staggered Scheduling: This will limit the number of patients in an area at one time. In addition, the time for appointments will be expanded to avoid patient overlap and ensure social distancing is maintained. If you arrive more than 15 minutes before your appointment you may be asked to wait in your car. If you are late for your appointment, it may need to be rescheduled.

•           Telehealth: The providers in the Jones Memorial Medical Practices will determine which patients need to be seen in person and which are candidates for telehealth appointments.

•           Registration Changes: In many cases, registration will be done over the phone prior to the appointment with signatures provided upon arrival if needed. For Medical Imaging exams, patients should go directly to the department to register.

•           Limited Support People: We will continue to restrict support people accompanying patients to appointments. If you have a driver, they are asked to remain in the car and will be contacted when you are ready to leave.

•           Additional Restrictions: If your provider, therapist, or technician has additional restrictions, they will call you before your appointment to discuss them.

“It is very likely that COVID-19 will continue to be a part of our lives for some time,” added Mrs. Benedict. “By working together and following these precautions, we can keep our community as healthy as possible.”

If you have questions, please contact your provider’s office or the hospital department where you will be receiving care.

PA House Passes Emergency Legislation Allowing Certain R-Licensees to Sell To-Go Cocktails

Under emergency legislation passed this week in the Pennsylvania House, stores with r-licenses that have lost 25 percent or more of their business during COVID-19 would be permitted to sell to-go cocktails.

“Sporadic e-commerce and limited curbside pickup of distilled spirits are measures that will help alleviate some of the problems caused by Governor Wolf’s decision to close all spirits stores in March, but it won’t solve them,” said David Wojnar, vice president of state government relations at the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States. “Allowing r-licensees to sell to-go cocktails will provide consumers additional convenience they want and deserve. This is a commonsense solution that will help small business owners struggling to cope with the impacts of COVID-19. We are grateful the House recognized the need to take additional steps to support the hospitality industry in Pennsylvania during this time.”

The amendment, introduced by Representative Kurt Masser, passed the House by a vote of 193-9 and now moves to the Senate for a vote.

GOVERNOR CUOMO ANNOUNCES 35 COUNTIES APPROVED TO RESUME ELECTIVE OUTPATIENT TREATMENTS

Amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced 35 counties have been approved to resume elective outpatient treatments. The Governor previously announced that the state will allow elective outpatient treatments to resume in counties and hospitals without significant risk of COVID-19 surge in the near term. The counties now eligible are: Allegany, Broome, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Chenango, Delaware, Dutchess, Essex, Franklin, Fulton, Genesee, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Livingston, Madison, Monroe, Niagara, Oneida, Onondaga, Ontario, Orleans, Oswego, Putnam, Saratoga, Schoharie, Schuyler, St. Lawrence, Steuben, Sullivan, Tompkins, Ulster, Wayne, Wyoming and Yates.

 

Governor Cuomo also announced New York State is now conducting an average of 30,000 diagnostic tests for COVID-19 per day. Last week, the Governor announced the state will work with the federal government to double New York's testing capacity from 20,000 tests per day to 40,000 tests per day over several weeks.

Wellsville Elks Lodge Chicken BBQ-SOLD OUT

WE ARE SOLD OUT. 

We are sorry for those of you who did not get a chance to pre-order. But don’t be discouraged, we hope to do another take our dinner soon.

Don’t forget to pick up your dinner between 12p.m.-2p.m. on Sunday. $10 per dinner. If you ordered multiple dinners, please bring a bag for ease of carrying. Also, please enter only from the Pearl St. Entrance. We will try to accommodate everybody as quickly as possible. We will deliver to your car, no need to get out.

Please be aware of the cars around you as traffic may be heavy at times.

From the members and officers of the Wellsville Elks Lodge, thank you for supporting us.  Elks Care... Elks Share.

Flood Watch issued for Steuben County

Flood Watch
National Weather Service Binghamton NY
224 PM EDT Wed Apr 29 2020

Steuben-Schuyler-Chemung-Tompkins-
Including the cities of Corning, Hornell, Watkins Glen, Elmira,
and Ithaca
224 PM EDT Wed Apr 29 2020

...FLASH FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM THURSDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH LATE THURSDAY NIGHT...

The National Weather Service in Binghamton has issued a

* Flash Flood Watch for a portion of central New York, including the following areas, Chemung, Schuyler, Steuben, and Tompkins.

* From Thursday afternoon through late Thursday night

* Steady, moderate to heavy rain and embedded thunderstorms will spread through the area. Thunderstorms may produce high rain rates, with water rapidly rising especially across urban and poor drainage areas.

Statement from Chancellor Betty A. Rosa, the Board of Regents and Interim Commissioner Shannon Tahoe

Statement from Chancellor Betty A. Rosa, the Board of Regents and Interim Commissioner Shannon Tahoe- 

“The COVID-19 Pandemic has placed a tremendous amount of stress and uncertainty on New Yorkers in every corner of the state. Despite the challenges we are all facing every day, it is time we begin to look at how we can successfully and appropriately reopen our schools.

“Throughout the pandemic, we have seen many examples of how schools across the state serve as the cornerstone of our communities, which is why it is imperative that they are included in any reopening strategy.

“In the coming weeks we will form a statewide task force made up of educational leaders, including superintendents, principals, teachers, parents, school board members and other stakeholders, to guide the reopening of our schools.  By working together with these partners, we can ensure that our children’s educational, developmental and overall wellbeing is considered during this important discussion.

“We look forward to working with the Department of Health and sharing recommendations with Governor Cuomo’s New York Forward Re-Opening Advisory Board."

Pennsylvania Troopers investigate deception case at Reeds Market in Genesee

Pennsylvania Troopers are investigating a crime of deception. It happened at Reeds Market in Genesee. The business said that a man entered the store and cashed a check that he allegedly already cashed by way of a mobile app through his bank. Troopers say the investigation is ongoing.

Obituary: Maria L. Dalrymple, 86, of Gettysburg, formerly of Coneville

Maria L. Dalrymple “Loving wife, mother and grandmother”

GETTYSBURG, Pa.---Maria L. Dalrymple, 86, of Gettysburg, formerly of Coneville, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, April 27, 2020.

Born on Wednesday, January 3, 1934 in Dover, N.J., she was the daughter of Carl E. and America Mitchell Peterson. After graduating High school and attending Bible College, Maria was employed as a secretary by Picatinny Arsenal in Dover, N.J. and the Potter County Probation Department in Coudersport, Pa.

In addition to her parents, Maria was predeceased by a son, Steven W. Dalrymple; and a brother, Carl E. Peterson, Jr. 

She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Everett W. Dalrymple, whom she married on November 26, 1955 in Wharton, N.J. Surviving besides her husband are a daughter, Sharon L. (James) Geleta; three granddaughters, Jamie Faith DeOms, Katie Joy DeOms, and Kacie Hope (Brian) Spearman; and two nephews, Carl E. Peterson III and Rex Peterson.  

Maria attended the Coudersport Alliance Church in Coudersport, Pa. She loved the Lord with all her heart.  Her kitchen table was always open to a friend in need.  She loved antiques, growing houseplants, and most of all spending time with her grandchildren. Her greatest love was her family, especially her grandchildren. 

Private funeral services will be held at the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, 118 South Union Street, Shinglehouse.  Kevin Cornish, assistant pastor of the Coudersport Alliance Church, will officiate. Burial will be in Rathbone Cemetery, Coneville.

A memorial service will be held at her church, the Coudersport Alliance Church, on a date and time to be announced. Memorials in Maria’s name may be made to the Coudersport Alliance Church, 7 Alliance Avenue, Coudersport, PA 16915.

Maria’s family has entrusted her care to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse. To express condolences or share a fond memory of Maria, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.

Scio: Lounsberry Septic Service set to open May 1st

Chris and Paige Lounsberry are pleased to announce the formation of their new business, Lounsberry Septic Service, LLC and it’s opening on May 1, 2020. Allegany County residents now have another option when it comes to having their septic systems pumped! Owners Chris and Paige say that the average residential septic system should be pumped every 3 years to keep the system healthy and to avoid costly repairs. Chris, a US Army Veteran, grew up in Scio, NY and is excited to bring a new business to his small community. Anyone who needs their septic pumped, or who has questions about their system, should call (585)296-9882 or email ChrisLounsberry@outlook.com.  Follow them on Facebook at Lounsberry Septic Service, LLC. for homeowner tips and business updates.

Allegany County: Family says woman who was murdered was victim of domestic violence

Amber Farren

ALLEN - The family of 34-year-old murder victim Amber Farren says she died as the result of domestic violence. Ashley Ryan of Victor, Iowa, Farren's sister, made that claim to Spectrum News. The woman's body was discovered April 24th in the town of Allen when state troopers conducted a welfare check. Police allege that 52-year-old Philip M. Farren of Buffalo shot and killed his wife last week and was dismembering her body when police arrived. He has been charged with murder and manslaughter and is being held in the Allegany County Jail without bail. State Police have not publicly identified a motive, but the victim's family claims it was domestic violence. The family told Spectrum News police were called to Farren's home multiple times, but no action was reportedly taken. Buffalo Police Captain Jeff Rinaldo told Spectrum News they responded to a neighbor trouble call but no crime was reported. Ryan says her sister "could have been saved."
The family has established a GoFundMe account to help with funeral expenses. As of Tuesday evening, $3,361 had been raised. The goal is $5,000.
When it comes to domestic violence, Farren's family says speak up...it could save a life.

Steuben Legislature looks to future funding, progams

BATH -- Accepting federal and public safety grants, efforts to improve the local economy and moving forward on Steuben County Public Works projects were part of a packed agenda when the county Legislature met in regular session during a 10 a.m. Monday teleconference.

The county board accepted more than $158,000 in state COVID-19 funds to pay for various COVID-related expenses. The grant will pay for overtime for county Public Health nurses, medical supplies and mileage, and additional administrative costs, according to county Public Health Director Darlene Smith.

The county also is in line for Federal Emergency Management Agency funds but no amount has been determined.

Other grants Steuben legislators accepted included a $500,000 federal Community Development Block Grant which pays for well and septic, water and sewer, and mobile home needs for qualifying property owners.

The county Sheriff’s Department received a $24,750 grant for a State Farm traffic safety mobile exhibit and a $30,000 matching grant to upgrade its Livescan Digital Fingerprinting equipment.

The Steuben board also is expected to approve transferring $50,000 from the county’s contingency fund to cover additional costs related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The county Legislature also will move forward with Steuben County Public Works projects on the County Route 119 bridge over the Canisteo River in the Town of Cameron and the County Route 66 bridge over the Canisteo River in the Town of Hornellsville. Some 80 percent of the cost of the projects is federally funded.