Tuesday, January 30, 2024
Monday, January 29, 2024
Obituary: Keith Clayton Folts, 97, Fillmore
Keith was a graduate of Whitesville Central School, class of 1945, and later received his Associate’s Degree from Alfred Ag in 1947. Afterward he began working for Whitesville Milling Co. until he was drafted into the United States Army in 1950. He served until 1952 and was discharged as a Corporal after spending a term in Korea.
Later he went to work for the First National Bank of Whitesville and drove school bus for Whitesville Central School. In 1959 he started working for the State Bank of Fillmore until a merger with First National Bank of Wellsville in 1980 and continued working for the new merged bank, Security Trust Co. of Rochester, until his retirement in 1984.
During his time in Fillmore Keith was a 70-year member of the D. Victor Thomas American Legion Post 1155, a 65-year member of the Free Masons, currently was a member of the Pike Lodge and a member of the Brooks Hose Fire Department and the Fillmore Rescue Squad for 50 years. Keith also was involved with the Office of the Aging as a tax consultant for 30 years and was a member of their board and other committees. He also participated in several Methodist volunteer missions to various states which included, New York, North Carolina, Kentucky, Pennsylvania and Alaska.
Surviving is his children, Cynthia (David) Wind of Lancaster, Janet Folts of Fillmore, Gregory (Lynette) Folts of Hume, Sandra Juengel of Fillmore, five grandchildren, Kristyn Wind, Kathryn Wind, Michael (Casey) Wind, Matthew Juengel, Ashley Juengel and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his wife and parents he was predeceased by his siblings, Donna Ellison, Stewart Folts and Walter Folts.
Family and friends may gather from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm on Sunday, February 4, 2024, at the Kopler-Williams Funeral Home, 21 N Genesee Street, Fillmore where a funeral service with Masonic and Military Honors will follow at 1:00 pm. James Stevens, pastor of the Caneadea Methodist Church, will officiate. Burial will be in Mt. Hope Cemetery, West Valley.
Memorials if desired to: Fillmore Rescue Squad, PO Box 53, Fillmore, NY 14735
Partial Obituary: Erika Lentz, 95, Coudersport
 | Erika Lentz COUDERSPORT, PA---Erika Lentz, 95, of Coudersport, passed away in her home with her loving family by her side on Sunday, January 28, 2024, after an illness of several weeks. Funeral arrangements, under the care and direction of Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse, are incomplete and will be announced with a full obituary. |
Cuba Police arrest
*** Press Release ***
On January 28th, 2024 at approximately 11:44PM, Cuba Police arrested Katherine M. Loomis (35) of Cuba, NY. Loomis was arrested on an active bench warrant issued from the Cuba Town Court and a warrant issued from Allegany County Probation. Loomis was processed, placed in front of a judge and sent to the Allegany County Jail on a warrant for violation of probation. Loomis is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The Cuba Police Department was assisted by the New York State Police and the Allegany County Sheriff’s Office.
Cornell Cooperative Extension Gardening Article
Growing Without Soil: Hydroponic Gardening
By Joyce Ziembo, Master Gardener Volunteer Cornell Cooperative Extension Allegany County
In this ever-changing world, our population exploding, and our seasons becoming unpredictable, hydroponic gardens are becoming more popular over the years. They are grown both commercially and in our homes. Hydroponic comes from two Greek words “hydro”, meaning water, and “pono” meaning labor, it is a method used to grow plants in water.
This is another way to grow nutritious food and/or beautiful flowers without the use of valuable land (soil). Plants can be grown indoors, if desired, where heat and light can be regulated, and since the plants are not directly exposed to the environment, the use of pesticides can also be eliminated, or replaced by organic alternatives.
Although, it is older than you may think, never proven, but archeologists believe that the famous Hanging Gardens of Babylon from around 600 BCE were hydroponic gardens. But they are "new" to us, as scientists have been studying hydroponics more intensively in recent years.
How would you like to have fresh lettuce all winter long, or maybe your favorite herb to pick when needed? How about a blooming flower sitting on your desk even in the coldest month of the year? Sounds like a dream, but it’s totally possible! Growing a small hydroponic garden in your home is easy and can be a fun hobby, especially during the gray and cold months. If you miss gardening when summer ends, this could fill that void; and just think, there is no weeding necessary!
For the novice gardener, kits are available for purchase, these kits usually contain what you would need for a startup. Based on what you order, they may include a growing container system, seeds for planting, artificial lighting, and a fertilizer with all the nutrients needed to prepare the water for the plants. It may seem a little costly in the beginning, but once you have the equipment it can be used many times for a variety of plants.
But even with one of these kits, hydroponic gardening does require some time and effort to learn about what is required to maintain a healthy crop. All plants need water, air, light, nutrients, and warmth, and getting everything in balance can sometimes be a challenge. Some examples of this would be the source of your water, or how much light the plant needs each day, etc. Your plant will always show you if it is doing well or not.
When you first try hydroponic growing, it is best to start with using purified water. Tap water is filtered and treated with chemicals, this process can change the way the nutrients react with the plants. As you become more familiar with the process, adjusting your tap water to the quality you need can sometimes be very simple. Checking and adjusting the PH level in the water will also help with the nutrient intake to the root system.
Plants, in general, require seventeen nutrients, of which carbon, oxygen and nitrogen come naturally, all the other nutrients will come from the fertilizer that is added. It is important to know how much to add for each type of plant that you wish to grow. Therefore, it is difficult to have a variety of fruits or vegetables in one container.
Since hydroponic gardens are moist and warm, they also encourage the growth of algae and bacteria. It is always necessary to properly clean the equipment before and after each use.
When food is grown in water, the root system is thick and able to absorb the nutrients into the plant. So, the food that we eat from hydroponic gardening is very nutritious, it is even being tested and used for astronauts who spend extended time in outer space.
Would you like to learn how to start your own hydroponics at home? The master gardeners of Allegany County will be holding a clinic on hydroponics in the Spring 2024. Whether you are starting or improving your current hydroponic skills, this could mark the beginning of an exciting chapter in your gardening journey. Are you ready to give hydroponic gardening a try? Stay tuned to the gardening events from Cornell Cooperative Extension Allegany County.
O’MARA, SENATE REPUBLICANS UNVEIL LEGISLATIVE PACKAGE TO KEEP EDUCATION A PRIORITY FOR ALL NEW YORKERS
Albany, N.Y., January 29—State Senator Tom O’Mara (R-C, Big Flats) today joined his colleagues in the Senate Republican Conference to unveil a legislative package aimed at keeping education a priority for all New Yorkers.
Key among the plan’s provisions is reversing the devastating cuts to schools that Governor Kathy Hochul included in her recently proposed 2024-25 state budget. Republican senators said that Hochul’s proposed elimination of the “hold harmless” provision of the state education aid formula, which provides critical stability to local school districts, is a glaring example of Albany Democrats’ misplaced priorities. They added that the governor’s bloated, $233-billion proposed budget siphons state aid away from local schools while, for example, dedicating $2.4 billion in taxpayer dollars to provide services and other assistance to a surging number of migrants coming into the state over the past few years, bringing the total to $4.3 billion in targeted aid to the migrant crisis.
O’Mara and his colleagues charged that the migrant crisis continues to get worse because the Democrats refuse to put an end to sanctuary city policies.
O’Mara said, “We desperately need to get New York State’s fiscal house in order. But it’s outrageous for Governor Hochul to target small, largely rural school districts, with small tax bases and overburdened property taxpayers, across my legislative district and throughout the Upstate region as a way to redirect millions of dollars to close budget gaps of the Democrats’ own making and keep funneling billions of taxpayer dollars to the Albany Democrats’ far-left, largely New York City-based agenda and migrant crisis. That’s not an answer to this state’s deep-rooted fiscal irresponsibility. It’s just redirecting misguided priorities that won’t move us any closer to fiscal stability, taxpayer relief, or long-term affordability and sustainability for most New Yorkers.”
Senate Republicans said that education should always be among the state’s top priorities and they are committed to ensuring that New Yorkers' hard-earned tax dollars help schools obtain the resources they need.
They added that their legislative package will keep students safe and improve educational outcomes in schools throughout New York. It includes proposals to:
- reverse misguided changes in the state’s education aid formula proposed in Hochul’s Executive Budget that, if enacted, will take resources away from local schools;
- close the pandemic learning loss gap by utilizing unspent federal emergency relief aid to support academic recovery programs, expand state grant funding, create an office in the state Education Department to track outcomes of such programs and focus on future aid increases for early education to ensure students are provided a solid foundation for future academic challenges;
- prohibit the housing of migrants in K-12 schools or on school grounds throughout the state (S.7391, sponsored by Senator Alexis Weik); and
- commit greater resources for school building security by creating a school resource officer program to permit the employment of retired law enforcement officers and provide grants to school districts and non-public schools (S.4985, Senator Oberacker).
O’Mara said that the Senate GOP legislative package outlined today is the first in a series of comprehensive proposals that will be put forth by the Republican Conference this session to try to ensure that education will remain a top priority.
Earlier this month, Senate Republicans unveiled their 2024 legislative agenda, “A New Hope for the Empire State,” prioritizing issues impacting everyday New Yorkers and focusing on affordability, public safety, and overall safer and stronger communities.
Obituary: Ronald William Hall, 74, Independence
Ron graduated from Whitesville Central School in 1968, he then went to work for Joyce Pipeline Company. When that job came to an end, he started working for the Town of West Union plowing snow and doing road work. In 1971 he was offered a job one night when he was at the “Cow Palace” to become a “worm” for a drilling company that was drilling near home in Arkport, NY. This country boy took the leap, not knowing it would take him to multiple states, and often several hours from home. This decision was the beginning of an almost 50-year career in the oil and gas industry. Working for multiple companies, such as Delta Drilling, Fairman Drilling, Nabors, Lang Brothers, Union Drilling, East Resources, JKLM, and the Hall Group. He started as a worm and worked every position on the drilling rig. He hired many guys from his hometown area, several made a career out of it, and Ron always prided himself on opening doors and helping others get their foot in the door.
In 1983 he purchased a farm in Whitesville. This was a prideful moment for Ron. He was a farmer at heart and valued his upbringing on a farm. He wanted his kids to have the same experience as he did. His parents and a couple of his beloved nephews spent a lot of time helping to build this dream Ronald had. He had a huge heart when it came to animals and was an excellent herdsman. He loved that his son continues to farm on the property and is raising his children there. Three generations of Hall’s on this farm felt like a huge accomplishment for Ron.
In 2019, Ronald retired as a consultant for the Hall Group and spent his days farming, hunting, driving around the countryside, often hauling the Amish, and spending time with family and friends, helping as many people as he could. Ronald spent most of his retirement playing a large role as a grandpa. He was “Bop Bop” to Vanessa, Gage, and Laura and “Big Papa” to Sulivan. Jake just called him “Ronnie.”. He was a devoted son, husband, dad, uncle, and grandfather. Ronald and Arlene opened their home to many people over the years, sometimes these stays added up to years and sometimes months, however long their home was needed or wanted there was a place to stay. Two of these long-term stayers are his relative Bruce Stevens and his granddaughter Christy Lee. Bruce and Christy and therefore their families, have had a special relationship with Ronald.
An avid hunter, throughout his childhood and adult years, he loved to hunt small and big game, but white tail deer and coyotes were his favorite. He loved watching college and professional football on tv and was a die-hard Bills fan. Known for his own basketball skills, when his playing days were over, he loved watching basketball. He instilled this love for basketball in both of his kids and for years watching college basketball on TV has been a bond they share. He was so proud to watch his granddaughter Vanessa in her first year of college basketball. He was an incredibly giving person, truly the type of guy that would give the shirt off his back to anyone. He loved adventure, spending time with people, had a great love for music, was a huge jokester who was always up for a fun time, and he always wanted to make life better for others.
He is survived by: two children, William (Jane) Hall and Hollie (Todd Nelson) Hall; four step-daughters, Diane (Kellogg) Bledsoe, Shirley (Kellogg) Cramer, Patricia (Kellogg) Johnson, and Nancy (Kellogg) Whatley. He had 13 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren; four great-great grandchildren; sister, Donna (Wayne) Stebbins; brother, Garry (Lynn) Hall; sister-in-law, Cindy Hall; as well as several close loved ones. In addition to his parents and wife, he was predeceased by: his brother Roger Hall, his sister Nancy (Hall) Coleman, brother-in-law Hugh Coleman, nephew Thomas “Tommy” Coleman, and great nephew David Stoddard.
The family will hold a celebration of life for Ronald at a later date. There is no doubt that the world lost a great man, and his family wants to take time to grieve before celebrating his life and who he was for so many people. Please consider memorial donations to Allegany County Cancer Services, P.O. Box 534, Wellsville, NY 14895; and/or The Greenwood American Legion, 2642 Main Street, Greenwood, NY 14839. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.
Lieutenant Commander Rebekah Fleming, U.S. Navy named missile defender of the year
LCDR Fleming is a native of Angelica, New York. She graduated from the University of Rochester, where she commissioned from the Naval ROTC program with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology in May 2013. She completed her first department head tour as a Weapons Officer aboard USS CARNEY (DDG 64), where she is currently serving as a Combat Systems Officer. She was also a 2009 graduate of Genesee Valley school.
CARNY’s success while deployed to the C5F area of operations is no secret due to the efforts of LCDR Rebekah Fleming. She is devoted to the command’s success whether it is downing Houthi Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and Land Attack Cruise Missiles (LACM) in the Red Sea, training junior officers, or ably guiding the ship through BMDEX certification. She will continue to develop future teams in the areas of Integrated Air and Missile Defense.
As a Tactical Action Officer (TAO) LCDR Fleming had the watch during multiple of CARNEY’s Red Sea engagements. She can claim credit for a total of five UAS/LACM kills utilizing five SM-2s and 24 rounds of HE-MMFF ammunition. Her actions have contributed to the overall safety of shipping in the Red Sea and Bab Al Mandeb Strait while ensuring the safety of CARNEY and her crew.
When not TAO, she has selflessly contributed to the fight by serving as the TAO’s right hand for off-ship communications. Feeding the ever-increasing demand for information, she manned chat rooms and VOSIP phones to allow the on-watch TAO to focus on the tactical situation and not be distracted making reports off-ship. These actions further contributed to CARNEY’s 36 total UAS and LACM kills as of 16 Dec.
LCDR Fleming was one of the key planners for CARNEY’s SWATT in the Spring 2023. SWATT was combined with a Live Fire with a Purpose event, during which she served as TAO for the successful intercept of a sub-sonic target drone. Little did we know then that she was setting the stage for CARNEY’s future 36 successful engagements in the Red Sea.
CARNEY’s success in the Red Sea is well known at this point, but LCDR Fleming’s role in setting the groundwork for that success is only beginning to become known. Now close to three months into deployment, LCDR Fleming is a tireless advocate for continued vigilance and watchstander proficiency.
New York State Police Blotter
New York State Police Blotter
1/28/24 2:28 p.m.- State Police report the arrest of Matthew
S. Claire, 30, of Alma. He was charged with second-degree menacing with a weapon
and criminal possession of a weapon (intent to use). He was released on a court
appearance ticket.
Wellsville Police Blotter
Date: Saturday January 27, 2024
Wellsville Police
arrested Sarah L. Saintilus, age 22 of Wellsville, charging her with Criminal
Contempt 2nd (Class A Misdemeanor).
The charges stem from an incident that took place on Trapping Brook
Road. Saintilus was processed and
arraigned before Wellsville Village Justice Thompson. Saintilus was committed to the Allegany
County Jail on $2,500.00 cash bail or $10,000.00 property bond or $20,000.00
partially secured bond. Saintilus is due back in Wellsville Village Court on
February 6th at 4:30 pm.
Date: Friday January 26, 2024
Wellsville Police arrested Sarah L. Saintilus, age 22 of Wellsville, charging her with Menacing 2nd (Class A Misdemeanor), 2 counts of Criminal Mischief 4th (Class A Misdemeanor) and Endangering the Welfare of a Child (Class A Misdemeanor). The charges stem from an incident that took place on Trapping Brook Road. Saintilus was processed and arraigned before Wellsville Village Justice Thompson. Saintilus was released and is due back in Wellsville Village Court on March 5th at 4:30 pm.
Obituary: Bernard A. “Bernie” Hawks, 76, of Cuba
Bernard A. “Bernie” Hawks: Beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather
Bernard A. “Bernie” Hawks, 76, of Cuba, passed away Saturday, January 27, 2024 at home with family by his side after many years of related illnesses to Agent Orange he lost his battle to pancreatic cancer.
Born on January 31, 1947, in Wellsville, he was a son of Robert E. and Isabelle Linza Hawks. On February 22, 1969, in Friendship, he married the former Julie A Graves who survives.
Bernie was a graduate of Richburg Central Schools Class of 1966 where excelled in sports. He served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War from 1966-68. For his service he received the Vietnam Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with Bronze Service Star, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device 60.
His entire working career was in Tire Sales, but retired from Valley Tire Co., in Olean after 40 years in the tire industry.
Bernie was an active
member of the Cuba Methodist Church where he served in many board positions and
the Cuba American Legion Post 655. He
had coached the Cardinals Little League Team during his son’s youth and was a
basketball referee for many years. He
was well known in the area for selling tires and attending sporting
events.
In addition to his parents,
he was predeceased by his sisters, Laura Sloan, Marion (Mead) McCollister, and
Marlene (Milton) Rogers and a brother-in-law Jan Clement.
Friends will be received at the Mark F. Rinker Funeral Home & Memorial Service, Inc., 9 Bull Street, Cuba, on Wednesday, January 31, 2024 from 1-3 P.M. at which time a Celebration of Life Service will be held. The Rev. Rebecca Worth, will officiate.
Bernie will be laid to rest in Bath National Cemetery, Bath New York. Online condolences may be sent at www.rinkerfuneralhome.com.
Sunday, January 28, 2024
The Palmer Opera House
The Palmer Opera House
The Palmer Opera House is a vintage theater located in Cuba, New York. This historic theater is steeped with rich character and details of another era. The Palmer was built in 1867, and after a long and rich history fell into disrepair and restoration began in 2006. Much of the theater had to be restored but it still retains much of its original character.
Saturday, January 27, 2024
Wellsville Elks Club initiation
Congratulations and welcome to our newest Elks initiated tonight.
L-R: Exalted Ruler Greg Howe, new members Travis Middaugh, Alex Emery and Elizabeth Toporas.
Obituary: Robert L. Layman, 64, Scio
Robert was a 1978 graduate of Scio Central School. He began his career as a pipeline employee for Dan Deming of Andover, he later was a logger for Mike Ward Logging of Andover, and a carpenter for Bill Lynch Andover Wood Products, until his medical retirement. He enjoyed tinkering in his garage and spending time with his siblings and extended family.
He is survived by his mother, Donna Layman of Scio, three daughters, Renee (Jeremiah Pizarro) Layman of Wellsville, Amelia Johnson and Crystal Johnson both of Andover, a son, John (Cara) Johnson of Wellsville, 10 grandchildren, Destiny, Naudia, Zander, Mylah, Aliza, Trinity, Adalynn, Holden, Jasper. and Eliana, who will be arriving in June, a brother, Jeff (Tonya Armstrong) Layman of Scio, two sisters, Darlene (Gary) Gilliand of Bolivar and Judy (Gordon Hadsell) Layman of Belmont. as well as several nieces, nephews, and friends. He was predeceased by his father, Thomas Layman, and two brothers, Thomas, and Douglas Layman.
A celebration of life is being planned for a later date. The burial will be in Knights Creek Cemetery. Please consider memorial donations to Allegany County Cancer Services, PO Box 534, Wellsville, NY 14895. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com
National Weather Service posts winter weather advisory for Allegany County
NYZ012>014-021-280345-
/O.NEW.KBUF.WW.Y.0012.240128T1200Z-240129T0900Z/Wyoming-Livingston-Ontario-Allegany-
Including the cities of Warsaw, Geneseo, Canandaigua,
and Wellsville
236 PM EST Sat Jan 27 2024
...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 7 AM SUNDAY TO 4 AM EST
MONDAY...
* WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 3 to 6 inches
across the higher terrain, and 1 to 3 inches in the valleys and
lower elevations.
* WHERE...Wyoming, Livingston, Ontario, and Allegany counties. The greater snow amounts will focus across higher terrain, with
lower accumulations in the valleys.
* WHEN...From 7 AM Sunday to 4 AM EST Monday.
* IMPACTS...Plan on snow covered, slippery road conditions along
with reduced visibility. This will be a very wet, slushy snow which will weight down trees and powerlines and may result in
isolated power outages.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Periods of snow will result in snow covered roads and limited visibilities. Slow down and use caution while driving.
New York State Police Blotter
New York State Police Blotter
1/26/24 11:44 a.m.- State Police arrested Richard J. Jakubowski,
56, of Centerville. He was charged with felony second-degree criminal possession
of a loaded firearm and criminal possession of a weapon-convicted felon. He was
detained on cash bail.
Friday, January 26, 2024
Obituary: Lacey L. Ehler, 41, Canaseraga
Lacey was born on June 28, 1982 in Olean to Matthew L. Ehler and Teresa A. (Gascon) Moore. She attended Wayland Central School and later Genesee Valley Central School.
Lacey worked most recently for Dunkin Donuts in Belmont and in Hornell. Previously she was a kitchen helper and food server for Swain Resort.
Lacey is survived by her five children, Angel Bajus of Rochester and Ariel Bajus, Annebelle Bajus, Gary Bajus and Samuel Bajus, all of Canaseraga; her mother, Teresa (Dana) Moore of Angelica; her father, Matthew Ehler of Las Vegas, Nev.; two brothers, Kajon Moore of Belmont and Matthew Ehler of Calif.; one sister, Morgan Moore of West Almond; her grandmother, Lois Gascon of Canaseraga; her Aunt Debbie Schoonover of Canaseraga, Aunt Susan and Uncle Larry McKinney of Dansville, Uncle Marty and Aunt Daisy Gascon of Wiscoy, Uncle Cory Gascon of Canaseraga and Aunt Lisa Gascon of Springwater; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was predeceased by her Uncle Shane Gascon.
Lacey loved the outdoors. She enjoyed horseback riding, motorcycle trips and taking hikes. She had a knack at growing things and took a great deal of pride in her garden with its many plants, herbs and vegetables.
Lacey had a real gift when it came to home interior design. She wasn’t afraid to take out interior walls and remodel rooms to transform her living space. She was also quite experienced as a bulldozer operator as well.
Lacey was a wonderful mom, sister and daughter. She was quick to reach out to others. Only a few knew the emotional struggles she was battling and nobody knew the extent of them. Mental illness affects people in different ways and it is imperative to seek help. Help is available by calling 988.
There will be a time of visitation at the Dansville Foursquare Church, 49 West Avenue in Dansville on Saturday (February 3) from 1-3 p.m. A Celebration of Life will take place at the church at 3:00 p.m. immediately following the visitation with Pastor Shawn Harnish officiating.
Arrangements are under the direction of Baker-Swan Funeral Home. Online condolences may be offered at www.baker-swan.com.
Obituary: David J. STONEHAM, Jr., 43, Wellsville
David J. STONEHAM, Jr., 43, of Wellsville, NY, died Wednesday, January 24, 2024 in his home. He was born November 1, 1980, in Wellsville. Dave was a 1999 graduate of Wellsville High School. He enjoyed helping DJ Jazzy Jeff, The Music Alley, ZOAR, and his good friend, Tim Whitesell. He was part of the Green Machine bowling team and loved spending time outdoors hunting and fishing. David touched many lives in the community. Surviving are: a daughter, Abby Stoneham of Wellsville; a sister, Joni (Donald Aber) Stoneham of Wellsville; a brother, Terry Stoneham of Wellsville; his father, Wayne P. Reed of Friendship; maternal grandmother, Marguerite Halladay of Wellsville; an uncle Maxwell Halladay, Jr. of Wellsville; an aunt, Sara (Ronald) Phippen of Leola, PA; nieces and cousins. He was predeceased by his mother, Susan L. Reed; maternal grandfather, Maxwell Halladay, Sr.; and a cousin, Virginia Halladay. The family will hold a memorial gathering on a later date. Burial will be in Yorks Corners Cemetery. Cremation was at OLNEY-FOUST Private Crematory. Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association or SPCA serving Allegany County. Arrangements are under the direction of Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Cremation, Crowell Chapel, 296 North Main Street, Wellsville, NY. Online condolences may be expressed at www.wellsvillefuneralhome.com.
DiNapoli: Livingston County Woman Arrested for Theft of Deceased Mother's Pension Payments
New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, Livingston County District Attorney Gregory J. McCaffrey, and the New York State Police today announced the arrest of Patricia Chatley, 59, of Nunda, New York for allegedly stealing over $34,500 of her mother’s public pension payments after she died in January of 2020.
“Ms. Chatley allegedly concealed her mother’s death to steal tens of thousands of dollars she was not entitled to,” DiNapoli said. “Thanks to my investigative team, the State Police, and District Attorney McCaffrey, she is being held accountable for her actions. My office will continue to work with law enforcement agencies across the state and country to protect the New York State pension system from fraud.”
“We are thankful for the diligent and thorough investigative work of the State Comptroller in bringing this fraudulent conduct to our attention. Fraudulent conduct against those who are most vulnerable in our community or in this case, fraudulent conduct against the New York State Pension system have not and will not be tolerated. We look forward to our continued work with both the New York State Comptroller and the New York State Police.” Stated District Attorney Gregory J. McCaffrey.
New York State Police Acting Superintendent Dominick L. Chiumento said, “I commend our State Police members and partners from the State Comptroller’s Office and the Livingston County District Attorney’s Office for their steadfast work on this investigation. Ms. Chatley corruptly took advantage of her deceased mother’s hard-earned pension to support her own acquisitive needs. The State Police will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to hold accountable those who carry out such deliberate acts.”
The arrest came as a result of a joint investigation by the Office of the New York State Comptroller, the Livingston County District Attorney, and the New York State Police. Chatley’s mother, Janet Chatley, worked for the Livingston County Department of Social Services and retired in 1994. Upon her retirement she received monthly benefits of approximately $1,000 which should have ceased upon her death. Janet Chatley died on January 5, 2020.
DiNapoli’s Division of Investigations became aware of Janet Chatley’s death after receiving an anonymous complaint. According to the investigation, between January of 2020 and June 30, 2022, Chatley allegedly collected a total of 30 unauthorized payments that were meant for her deceased mother totaling $34,548.
Chatley, who works for the Dalton-Nunda Central School District and is a New York State and Local Retirement System (NYSLRS) member, failed to notify the bank or NYSLRS of her mother’s death and continued to collect and transfer the pension fund payments to her personal account. Forensic auditors traced the stolen money from the bank accounts, which Chatley held jointly with her mother, to her personal account, from which she withdrew it and spent it.
Chatley was arrested on Grand Larceny in the 3rd Degree charges. She was issued a desk appearance ticket and must return to court on February 12, 2024.
The charges filed in this case are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
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