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The appeal of a man convicted of murder in Steuben County has gained some traction. Attorneys for 48-year-old Joseph A. Meyers had sought a new trial. He was convicted of murder and arson for killing a man in his Wayland home and then torched it. The Appellate Court called defective transcripts “deplorable.” In addition, the transcription of the testimony of some of the witnesses includes irregularities such as notations stating “omitted,” “untranscribable,” and “blah, blah,” and unintelligible strings of characters that appear to be in code. However, a new trial is premature. In a two-page decision, the appellate division reserved decision and sent to case back to Steuben County court to conduct a reconstruction hearing with respect to missing and irregularities transcripts. You can read the full decision HERE.
Meyers is serving a 23-year to life sentence at Elmira Correction Facility.
****For Immediate Release****
Cattaraugus County Health Department is sad to report the
eighty-third death of a resident of Cattaraugus County due to COVID-19 related
complications. She was a 69-year-old female who developed respiratory failure
and was unable to overcome her illness despite aggressive medical treatment.
We extend our deepest condolences to her family and the
entire Cattaraugus County community.
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo Friday announced that given the continued decline in hospitalization and infection rates throughout New York, closing times for restaurants and bars will be extended from 10 p.m. to 11 p.m. statewide beginning Sunday, February 14.
"Our decisions are based on science and data and we adjust as the virus adjusts. The infection rate and hospitalizations have continued to significantly decline," Governor Cuomo said. "Accordingly, we have adjusted with arena and catering hall openings with rigorous testing and limited capacity indoor dining openings in New York City. We will also move the restaurant and bar closing hour from 10 p.m. to 11 p.m. statewide on Sunday. We will continue to follow the science and react accordingly. If we keep the infections down and vaccinations up, we will continue to stay ahead in the footrace against this invisible enemy."
Laurie S. Rees, 50, of Port Allegany, PA, died Thursday, February 11, 2021 in Sweden Valley Manor, Coudersport. Born November 8, 1970, in Coudersport, she was the daughter of Carol Rees. A 1989 graduate of Port Allegany High School, she was employed by Helpmates. Surviving are: her mother, Carol Rees of Port Allegany; two brothers, Travis Gaines of Port Allegany and Justin (Tina) Rees of Roulette; a sister, Wendy (Tom) Rees Manning of Port Allegany; aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her step-father, Gordon Gaines; and her longtime companion, Shane A. Bailey. Services will be private. Memorials may be made to the family. Arrangements are under the direction of Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses, PA. Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.
ANGELICA - Lynn K. Cline, 67, of Center Street, passed away peacefully on Friday (February 5, 2021) at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, after complications from COVID-19. He was born in Cuba, NY on June 7, 1953, the son of Keith William Cline and Naomi Alice (Patrick) Cline. Lynn was a lifelong area resident, graduating from Angelica Central School. He had worked for Friendship Dairies for several years. Lynn enjoyed playing pranks on his wife and family when least expected. He had a love for the outdoors, vehicles, horses, and NASCAR.
He was predeceased by his parents.
He is survived by his wife Brenda (Merry) Cline, whom he married on October 6, 1979, his mother-in-law Sylvia Merry of Scio, his sister Lori (Doug) Gavitt of Wellsville, his brothers Glen (Pat) Cline of Scio, Stan (Lori) Cline of Belmont, his brother-in-law Roland Faulkner of AZ, his sisters in law Linda Clayson of Scio, and Cathy Merry of Scio, his nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and great great nieces and nephews, and we must not forget his rescue dog Radar.
A Private Graveside service will be held.
To send a remembrance please visit www.brownandpowersfuneralhomes.com or on Facebook @brownpowersfh, the family is being assisted by director Chester A. Gosper IV at the Brown & Powers Funeral Home in Angelica.
Brenda would like to encourage everybody to get the COVID vaccine for the love of your family.
Memorial contributions can be made to SPCA serving Allegany County 5440 State Route 19 Belmont NY 14813 or email them at spcaallegany@gmail.com, or the Angelica Rescue Squad PO Box 154 Angelica NY 14709.
Here is the first post of this emergency. https://wellsvilleregionalnews.blogspot.com/2021/02/man-dog-rescued-from-frigid-waters-of.html
BELMONT - Terrance “Terry” E. Schmelzer, 71, of 40 Milton Street passed away on Wednesday, February 10, 2021 at home following a long illness. He was born August 19, 1949 in Hume, NY, the son of the late Edward and Dorothy A. (Strittmather) Schmelzer. In 1975 he married Gail Guilfoil in Arlington Heights, IL, with whom he had two sons; on May 17, 1993, he married Patricia Austin in Las Vegas, NV, and became the stepfather to three beloved daughters.
Terry was a 1967 graduate of Belmont Central School, and Murray State University in Kentucky. He received his Master's degree from Southeast Missouri State University. He was first employed as an accountant for the Wellsville Flood Project in 1973. He was a Physical Education and Health teacher in New Madrid, MO, and later taught at Belmont Central School. In 1985, he became a Probation Officer for the Allegany County Probation Department, where he was instrumental in developing the Electronic Home Monitoring Program. He retired in 2006.
He was involved in the Belmont Youth Sports Leagues, a member and past President of the Belmont Rotary Club, and a member and past President of the Belmont Central School Board, where he served during the merger of Belmont and Angelica schools into Genesee Valley Central School. He was a member of the Belmont Village Board and served as Mayor of Belmont for 19 years. He was an active member of Holy Family Church and the Allegany County Republican Party, from whom he received the Reagan Award in 2019. He played in the Wellsville Slow Pitch Softball League, the Poor Farmers’ Poker Club, and the Belmont Fantasy Football Leagues. He enjoyed golfing and traveling, winter vacations in Florida, and his time at the family home on Rushford Lake. He also enjoyed collecting and displaying his rock collection. He was an avid Buffalo Bills, San Francisco Giants, and St. Bonaventure Bonnies fan.
He is survived in addition to his wife, Patricia, by: two sons, Blair (Meghan) Schmelzer of Rochester, NY, and Lt. Colonel Bryan (Gopy) Schmelzer, serving in the United States Air Force, Las Vegas, NV; three stepdaughters, Alycia Tracy of Olean, NY, Amanda (Ian) Burt of Clayton, NY, and Abby (Josh) Grump of Jupiter, FL; six grandchildren, Lena, Rohan and Ellery Schmelzer, Olivia and Owen Burt, and Jackson Grump; two uncles, Albert (Peg) Strittmather of Belmont, NY, and Leo (Donna) Strittmather of Vermilion, OH; as well as several cousins. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, Timothy Schmelzer, in 2005.
A private Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the Holy Family Church, Belmont. There will be no prior visitation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial donations to the Belmont Volunteer Fire Department or the Belmont Free Library. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.
BATH – The Steuben County Public Health Department received notification that 11 Steuben County residents tested positive for COVID-19. This brings the total to 5,369 confirmed cases, 180 of which are currently active.
The individuals are residents of the:
· City of Corning (2)
· City of Hornell
· Town of Addison
· Town of Hartsville
· Town of Lindley
· Town of Thurston
· Village of Bath (2)
· Village of Cohocton
· Village of North Hornell
The individuals are isolated and being monitored by the County Health Department. Public Health staff investigated and identified close contacts of the confirmed cases and exposure risks. All those known to have direct contact with the individuals have been notified.
Per CDC and New York State Department of Health guidance, information is collected beginning 48 hours prior to symptom onset or date of test if asymptomatic through the day of the positive test result to identify any potential exposure risks.
The investigations indicate:
· Five individuals had contact with previously reported Steuben positives
· Three individuals are associated with the following schools: Hornell High School, Hornell Intermediate School, VEW Primary School
In addition, the individuals reported visiting the following locations that could pose an exposure risk within their investigation timeframes:
· 2/4 – Luigi’s in Naples
· 2/9 – Steuben County Office Building in Bath
· 2/10 – Hardinge, Inc. in Elmira
Today’s age groups for the positives are as follows:
· 0 – 9 years: 1
· 10 – 19 years: 1
· 20 – 29 years: 1
· 30 – 39 years: 2
· 40 – 49 years: 1
· 50 – 59 years: 2
· 60 – 69 years: 2
· 80 – 89 years: 1
“Many in the community are beginning a long weekend and week off ahead,” said Public Health Director, Darlene Smith. “Please be reminded of avoiding large gatherings and of the travel guidelines. The protective choices we make this week will help keep our numbers in the downward trend.”
All residents should continue to 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.
For the latest Steuben County updates, visit Steuben County’s website at www.steubencony.org or social media pages: www.facebook.com/
BATH – The Steuben County Public Health Department received notification of the death 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 165. Both individuals died while hospitalized. One was a male resident of the Village of Bath who died at age 71 and the other was a female resident of the Town of Cameron who died at the age of 76.
“Steuben County has seen far too many deaths related to COVID for our relatively small population,” said Public Health Director, Darlene Smith. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of those who have lost loved ones. Please continue to follow all prevention protocols to protect our community.”
All residents should continue to 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.
For the latest Steuben County updates, visit Steuben County’s website at www.steubencony.org or social media pages: www.facebook.com/
National Ski Patrol seeking new First Aid Volunteers as skiing gains in popularity
More people are playing in the snow at Swain Ski and Snowboard Center this season. Natural snowfall and man-made snowmaking have given skiers the best conditions in recent years. Recreational skiing and snowboarding can easily be pursued while also maintaining safe social distancing.
Swain Ski Patrol, the safety and first aid volunteers at Swain, will be hosting an Open House on Saturday February 20. Many of the best skiers on the hill belong to the National Ski Patrol. This esteemed national organization was formed in the 1930s to serve the recreational ski industry. The Swain Ski Patrol is seeking new members. Participation in the open house, that includes a free one day lift pass, is by no means an obligation to join Ski Patrol. It is a chance for skiers and snow boarders to have a close up look as to what the men and women in the red coats do.
Suzy Male, Swain Marketing Director, says, “Despite a global pandemic, we have seen huge increases in guest participation. There has been a 50% lift in new skiers engaging with the sport as well as seasoned vets rediscovering our little corner of Allegany County."
To reserve a spot in the open house, or any inquiries about joining Ski Patrol, contact Swain Ski Patrol membership coordinator Steve Walker at 607-382-3195 or by emailing membership@swainskipatrol.org. Participation is limited. A second open house may be scheduled for March.
Press release
ALBANY – Senator George Borrello is calling for the U.S.
Department of Justice and the New York Attorney General’s Office to investigate
Governor Cuomo’s administration after the Governor’s top aide admitted his
administration withheld the state’s nursing home death toll from federal
officials out of fear the numbers “would be used against us.”
“This news is heartbreaking but, sadly, not unexpected.
After months of stonewalling and blaming everyone else for these deaths, we now
know it’s been a cover up all along. This admission by Melissa DeRosa,
secretary to the governor, points to potential obstruction of justice, at the
very least. The families of the thousands of people who lost their lives in New
York’s nursing homes deserve no less than a complete and transparent
investigation into how this happened.”
“It’s shocking to me that the first ever apology from this
administration wasn’t to the families who lost loved ones, or to the New
Yorkers who deserve answers. Instead, the first apology from this
administration was to political insiders for inconveniencing them. That’s just
cold-hearted and it speaks volumes about the character of this governor and his
administration. Clearly they value political expediency over public health and
safety.”
“I’m calling on the New York Attorney General’s Office and
U.S. Department of Justice to investigate the actions of Governor Cuomo, the
Secretary to the Governor and the New York State Health Commissioner that
caused this crisis. Their actions directly contributed to the deaths of nursing
home residents. New Yorkers, especially the families of those who lost loved
ones, deserve to know how this happened and why. This won’t be swept under the
rug. We need an investigation.”
Senator Borrello said Senate Democrats need to stop blocking
attempts to fully investigate the actions of the Cuomo administration.
“I am also calling on my Democratic colleagues to cease
being the political firewall for this administration and stand with us to
demand accountability and transparency. They have a duty to their constituents,
and all New Yorkers, to help lead the effort to uncover the truth. The people
must be assured that their government serves them first and foremost,” said
Senator Borrello.
Working closely with the Allegany County United Way, the
Allegany County Area Foundation served as funding intermediary for a third
round of microgrants designed to support local organizations that are helping
those effected by the coronavirus pandemic. In this latest round, $44,500 has
recently been distributed across 15 county non-profits. The grants came through
the generosity of the Buffalo-based WNY Covid-19 Community Response Fund. More
information on this initiative can be found below.
Prior rounds of Microgrants last spring and summer saw 18
organizations share $34,000 in funds.
Receiving these latest grants are Cuba Cultural Center, YMCA of
Wellsville, Wellspring Ministries, Almond Area Food Pantry, Belfast EMT Squad,
Northern Allegany Connection, Trinity Christian Day Care, DSS Child Advocacy
Center, Fillmore Central School PTO, Cooperative Extension, Salvation Army
Wellsville Corps, Allegany County Mental Health Assn, Fillmore Food Pantry,
Genesee Christian Community Food Pantry, and the Allegany County Office for the
Aging Meals on Wheels program.
Microgrant Committee members included Amanda Joyce-Phelps
(AC United Way), Kelly Dickerson (Clarity Wellness), Bruce Campbell (ACAF), and
ACAF board member Jane Foster (Belfast Central School).
WNY Covid-19 Community Response Fund Microgrant Initiative
The Western New York COVID-19 Community Response Fund was created by the philanthropic community to support nonprofits addressing immediate needs in response to the COVID-19 crisis in the eight counties of Western New York. Recognizing that a lot of the burden of the response is falling on community-based and grassroots organizations, the Fund created a microgrant program to rapidly deploy resources to small urban and rural organizations that provide hands-on assistance to community members. Intermediary organizations in each county that are recognized as trusted voices and partners identified the microgrant recipients for awards that typically ranged from $500 - $2,500.
