From the courthouse

    Lori P. Rieman, Cattaraugus County District Attorney, reported the following activity in Cattaraugus County Court on Tuesday, November 29, 2011:

     LOUIS J. EDWARDS, d/o/b 12/27/1980, of Olean, New York, but presently incarcerated in the Cattaraugus County Jail, was sentenced as a Predicate Felon, to a determinate term of three years incarceration in the New York State Department of Corrections for his conviction of Attempted Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, a class C felony.  The incident occurred on or about September 29, 2010, in the City of Olean, when the defendant he attempted to sell crack cocaine.  He was sentenced to a concurrent, determinate term of two years in the New York State Department of Corrections for his conviction of Attempted Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Fifth Degree, a class D felony.  The incident occurred on or about February 23, 2011, in the City of Olean, when he attempted to sell crack cocaine.  He will also be subject to a period of post-release supervision when he is released from prison.

     ERNEST R. WALTERS, III, d/o/b 12/13/1984, of Olean, New York, but presently incarcerated in the Cattaraugus County Jail, was sentenced to a determinate term of two years incarceration in the New York State Department of Corrections for his conviction of Attempted Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Fifth Degree, a class E felony.  The incident occurred on or about February 9, 2011, in the City of Olean, when he knowingly and unlawfully attempted to possess hydrocodone.  He will be subject to a period of post-release supervision when he is released from prison.

KARISSA A. JOHN, d/o/b 10/6/1989, of Ontario, Canada, was sentenced to 30 days in the Cattaraugus County Jail and her license was revoked for her conviction of Driving While Intoxicated.  The incident occurred on or about October 29, 2010, in the Town of Perrysburg, when the defendant operated a motor vehicle in an intoxicated condition, having a .14% BAC.

Truck flips over bridge during chase

Short term forecast-McKean County

SHORT TERM FORECAST
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE STATE COLLEGE PA
538 AM EST WED NOV 30 2011

PAZ004-005-010-011-017-024-033-301400-
CAMBRIA-CAMERON-CLEARFIELD-ELK-MCKEAN-SOMERSET-WARREN-
INCLUDING THE CITY OF...JOHNSTOWN
538 AM EST WED NOV 30 2011

.NOW...
PATCHY DRIZZLE OR SCATTERED LIGHT SNOW SHOWERS WILL BE POSSIBLE
THROUGH THE MID MORNING HOURS.

St. Bonaventure Baseball Inks Eight To National Letters of Intent

St. Bonaventure University Athletic News

November 29, 2011 ST. BONAVENTURE, N.Y. – Head baseball coach Larry Sudbrook has announced the signing of eight players to National Letters of Intent to begin play with the Bonnies in the 2012-13 season. The group who committed to Sudbrook's program are: Dominic Edwards (Cleveland, Ohio/Mentor), Drew Teller (Cleveland, Ohio/Mayfield), Josh Martin (Buffalo, N.Y./Depew), Alex Bell (Pittsburgh, Pa./Upper St. Clair), Steve Klimek (Rochester, N.Y./Greece Arcadia), Sean Sleigh (DuBois, Pa./Treasure Lake), Thaddeus Johnson (Frewsburg, N.Y./Frewsburg Central School) and Tom Styn (East Amherst, N.Y./Williamsville East). Edwards, a right-handed pitcher, earned a 6-0 record last season, threw three shutouts and three complete games in leading his team in wins, strikeouts (37) and saves (three). In 2011, he was the Lake Erie League Player of the Year, an All-Lake Erie League selection, an All-Lake County member and a News-Herald First Team Pitcher. Teller, also a pitcher, has played three years of high school baseball. As a junior, he was a starting pitcher for the varsity team, earning a 3-0 record despite battling mononucleosis. He won the Junior Varsity Team Most Valuable Player Award in his sophomore year. Teller also played high school basketball and soccer. Martin, a catcher, hit .489 with a slugging percentage of .733 in 14 games last year, including a 10-game hitting streak. He has been an Erie County Interscholastic Conference (ECIC) First Team Section 6 All-Star selection for the last two seasons, including a sophomore campaign in which he set school records in batting average (.565), on-base percentage (.633) and slugging percentage (.848). He has been a member of Depew's varsity squad since seventh grade, and is the cousin of current Bonnie pitcher Eddie Gray. Bell, a non-scholarship catcher who has an assured spot on the roster, hit .345 with two home runs in 55 at bats for the Panthers as a junior last season. In his sophomore season at Upper St. Clair, he hit .269 with two RBI. Bell also played for the Mid-Atlantic Canes Under-17 over the summer, participating in several tournaments around the region. Klimek, a corner infielder, hit .510 with nine home runs and 26 RBI in 19 games last season. On the pitcher's mound, he went 5-1 with 51 strikeouts in 47 innings en route to being named the All-Monroe County Division 2 Player of the Year. In his sophomore season, Klimek recorded a 10-0 record on the hill and hit for a .486 average. The Rochester native is currently tied for fifth on the all-time home runs list in Section V with nine. Sleigh, also a corner infielder, recorded 33 hits last season, helped lead his team to the AAAA playoffs and was named to TCS/CE High School Baseball All Star Team. Also a member of the football team, he set the record for career touchdown passes and threw for 3,658 yards this past fall in his senior campaign. Johnson, a middle infielder, in 14 games last season batted .532 with four home runs, 16 RBI and had a 1.37 ERA as a pitcher. He was named Second Team All-State for Class C, First Team All-Western New York, First Team All-CCAA and CCAA Player of the Year. Johnson will be the fifth member of his family to attend St. Bonaventure University on an athletic scholarship. His brother Seth and sister Anneli earned scholarships for swimming, and his two other brothers, Cael and Asa, are both pitchers on the Bona baseball team. Seth is currently the head coach of the women's swimming team. Styn, a non-scholarship infielder who has an assured spot on the roster, was an Erie County Intercollegiate Conference (ECIC) Second Team selection last year, hitting .323 in 62 at bats for the Flames. As a freshman, Styn hit .368 with 20 RBI in 68 at bats. Off the field, the prospective physical education major earned New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) Scholar Athlete honors with a 3.7 GPA in the classroom. The eight new signees will fill spots vacated by six graduating seniors this coming May.

Pennsylvania Hunters Asked to Give Deer to Feed Hungry

The two-week deer hunting season began on Monday, and the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture is encouraging hunters to donate their deer meat to help feed the hungry through the “Hunters Sharing the Harvest” program.
Department spokesperson Samantha Krepps said that there is a real need for the meat. “Nearly 1.4 million Pennsylvanians are at risk for hunger in one of the most productive agriculture states in the northeast,” said Krepps. “So, think about that. That’s about one out of every twelve people in the state that will go without a meal.”
Krepps said that hunters can take their deer to more than 100 participating meat processors in the state and donate any amount of venison they choose. She said that any hunter donating the whole animal is asked to make a minimum $15 contribution to cover processing costs.
Krepps said that this program helps a lot of people. “Last year, this program donated nearly 100,000 pounds of venison to more than 4,000 emergency food assistance agencies throughout the state,” said Krepps. “And this program provides food banks, soup kitchens, and social service programs with more than 750,000 meals.”
She said that hunters interested in donating can visit the program’s website to find participating processors.

Wellsville man charged with Robbery

Wellsville Police arrested Henry R. Farley Jr., age 52 of Wellsville, charging him with Robbery 1^st (Class B Felony) and Burglary 1^st (Class B Felony).  The charges stem from an investigation into a home Burglary reported in August on McDowell Avenue in the Village.  Farley was processed and arraigned before Village Judge O’Connor and committed to the Allegany County Jail on $20,000.00 bail.  Farley is due back in Village court on November 29^th at 5 pm.

SHORT TERM FORECAST
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE STATE COLLEGE PA
744 AM EST TUE NOV 29 2011


PAZ004-005-010-011-017>019-025-026-035-036-291500-
BLAIR-CAMERON-CLEARFIELD-ELK-FRANKLIN-FULTON-HUNTINGDON-MCKEAN-
NORTHERN CENTRE-SOUTHERN CENTRE-WARREN-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...ALTOONA...STATE COLLEGE
744 AM EST TUE NOV 29 2011

.NOW...
SCATTERED RAIN SHOWERS WILL GIVE WAY TO A STEADIER RAIN THIS MORNING.
TEMPERATURES WILL BE UNSEASONABLY MILD...HOLDING IN THE 50S TO LOW
60S THROUGH 10 AM.

UPDATE on Bradford water situation

Information courtesy of the Bradford Era:

A boil water advisory continues for some customers of the Bradford City Water Authority. The advisory was put in place on Nov. 22 for some customers after a water main line break on South Center Street. Authority Executive Director Kim Benjamin said on Monday they are just waiting to receive laboratory test results showing the water is safe before the advisory can be lifted. He said Wednesday will be the earliest that he may receive the results, but added it will probably be Thursday before they have all the test samples back. The advisory was amended on Nov. 23 to exclude many of the outlying areas of the authority’s customer base. The advisory has been lifted for the following customers: those south of Owens Way and U.S. Route 219 to Route 59 including those in Custer City, Minard Run Road, Lewis Run Borough, the Federal Correctional Institution-McKean and Bradford Regional Airport. Also excluded are customers from Stephen Lane to Marilla Reservoir on West Washington Street, those from Harrisburg Run to Olean Road in Derrick City, and those from the intersection of Interstate Parkway and Stone Avenue northwest to Sullivan Road in Bradford Township. All other customers remain under the boil water advisory.

From http://solomonswords.blogspot.com/

Alegany County seeks additional Deputy Sheriff

PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE

November 28, 2011

NOT APPROVED

Committee Members Present:  M. Healy, G. Benson, D. Burdick, T. Hopkins, C. Crandall (Absent:  A. McGraw)

Others Present:  M. Alger, V. Grant, J. Margeson, T. Miner, K. Monroe, B. Riehle, K. Slep, R. Starks, R. Whitney

Call to Order:  The meeting was called to order at 10:03 a.m. by Public Safety Committee Chairman Dwight “Mike” Healy.

Attorney/Client Session

McKean County jail escapee featured on America's Most Wanted

A 2007 jail break in McKean County will be featured on America’s Most Wanted Friday. The show highlights 50 fugitives in 50 states. In Pennsylvania, the show will focus on Joseph Chapman, a convicted child rapist, who escaped from the McKean County jail. State police he remains in northern Pennsylvania. The show will air on the Lifetime network, Friday at 9pm. Chapmans details can be found on our news blog at www.twintiersnewsblog.com

http://www.amw.com/fugitives/case.cfm?id=77464

CONGRESSMAN TOM REED TO HOLD THREE TOWN HALL MEETINGS THIS SATURDAY

Congressman Tom Reed will hold three town hall meetings this Saturday, December 3, in Allegany, Cattaraugus, and Steuben Counties.  

“Our national debt has reached $15 trillion,” Reed explained. “We need to have an honest conversation about how to make significant changes to save money.  I hope that people will take time to join the discussion with their ideas on what our national priorities should be.”    

As of Saturday, Reed will have held 42 official town hall meetings thus far this year. He has also conducted dozens of other public meetings and teletown halls.  

Those unable to attend the town halls can contact Reed through his website (www.Reed.house.gov) or on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/RepTomReed.   Town hall meetings will be held on Saturday as follows:

9:00-10:00 AM             Canisteo Town Hall, 6 South Main St., Canisteo

Noon-1:00 PM              Richburg Fire Hall, Griffin St., Richburg

3:00-4:00 PM                 Yorkshire Town Hall, 82 Main St., Delevan 

Roulette Library seeks assistance

The Roulette Public Library, in conjunction with the Experience Works program, is seeking to hire 3 part time employees to staff the library.

Individuals must be 55 years of age or older to qualify for the program. While it is our preference that our staff reside in Roulette, it is not a requirement. Anyone living close to the area that qualifies for the Experience Works program is encouraged to apply. If this would be of interest to you and you are looking to supplement your income with a little part time work, please contact Louise Wyble at  570-560-6400. to see if you qualify for the program. Louise is the regional Employment and Training Coordinator for the Experience Works program and will be happy to assist you with the application process.

Until we have been able to locate, hire, and train these new individuals the library and recycling hours have changed slightly:

9:00AM to 5:00PM - Except the following:

12/07/11 - 9AM to 1PM

12/14/11 - 9AM to 3PM

12/24/11 - CLOSED

12/25/11 - CLOSED

12/31/11 - CLOSED

If there are any changes to the above schedule we will try to make a public notification as quick as we can.

We apologize for any inconvenience that this may cause to our patrons and look forward to reopening for normal operational hours as soon as possible.

Roulette Public Library

Olean man charged with Burglary in the T/Hinsdale

On Wednesday 11/23/11, The New York State Police in Olean, with the assistance of the Cattaraugus County Sheriff's Department, arrested Joshua P. Tyler, Age 26, of the city of Olean. Tyler was charged with Burglary 2nd Degree and Criminal Possession of Controlled Substance 7th Degree in relation to a residential burglary in the Town of Hinsdale.
Joshua P. Tyler was arraigned in the Town of Hinsdale and remanded to Cattaraugus County Jail on 10,000 bail.

Cattaraugus County court report

Lori Pettit Rieman, Cattaraugus County District Attorney, reported the following activity in Cattaraugus County Court on Monday, November 28, 2011:

     AARON M. RAYNOR, d/o/b 11/24/1987, of Olean, New York, but presently incarcerated in the Cattaraugus County Jail, was arraigned and entered a plea of not guilty to an indictment that charges him with two counts of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Fourth Degree (C felonies) and two counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Fifth Degree (D felonies).  The Indictment charges that on or about January 5, 2011 and January 7, 2011, in the City of Olean, the defendant, along with a co-defendant, possessed and sold Hydrocodone pills.  The matter was adjourned for motions.

     MINDY M. CHMIELEWSKI, d/o/b 12/5/1986, of Dayton, New York, was arraigned and entered a plea of not guilty to an indictment that charges her with Grand Larceny in the Third Degree (D felony).  The Indictment charges that between November 19, 2010 through December 10, 2010, in the Town of Persia, the defendant stole property in an amount exceeding $3,000.00.  The matter has been adjourned for motions.

     BRIAN P. BLASDELL, d/o/b 6/26/1985, of Collins, New York, was arraigned and entered a plea of not guilty to an indictment that charges him with Rape in the Third Degree (E felony) and Assault in the Third Degree (A misdemeanor).  The Indictment charges that on or about November 25, 2010, in the Town of Little Valley, the defendant engaged in sexual intercourse with another person without their consent and recklessly caused injury to another person.  The matter has been adjourned for motions.

     JOSEPH DUHAN, d/o/b 7/14/1989, of Salamanca, New York, and TRAVIS GILBERT, d/o/b 9/13/1988, of Salamanca, New York, were arraigned and entered a plea of not guilty to an indictment that charges them with Burglary in the Third Degree (D felony) and Petit Larceny (A misdemeanor).  The Indictment charges that on or about April 28, 2011, in the Town of Great Valley, the defendants, acting jointly, knowingly entered or remained unlawfully in a dwelling with intent to commit a crime therein and stole property.  The matters have been adjourned for motions.

MILENA SHERWOOD, d/o/b 10/02/1983, of Great Valley, entered a plea of guilty to Attempted Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Fifth Degree (E felony).  The incident occurred on or about October 23, 2010, in the City of Olean, when the defendant attempted to possess Hydrocodone.  Sentencing is scheduled for January 30, 2012.

SHORT TERM FORECAST
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BUFFALO NY
808 AM EST MON NOV 28 2011


NYZ019>021-281515-
CHAUTAUQUA-CATTARAUGUS-ALLEGANY-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...JAMESTOWN...OLEAN...WELLSVILLE
808 AM EST MON NOV 28 2011

.NOW...

THE SHORT TERM FORECAST FOR THE WESTERN SOUTHERN TIER.
SCATTERED SHOWERS WILL MOVE ACROSS THE AREA THROUGH THE MORNING
HOURS. RAINFALL RATES WILL BE LIGHT...ONLY A HUNDREDTH OF AN INCH
OR TWO PER HOUR. IN ADDITION TO THE RAIN...FOG CAN BE
EXPECTED...ESPECIALLY IN VALLEYS. VISIBILITIES WILL BE REDUCED TO
A HALF MILE AT TIMES.

Recycling NY government waste

A New York assemblyman is seeking to make sure the state's old but usable furniture, cars and electronics aren't tossed out. Assemblyman James Tedisco  of Schenectady is introducing a bill that would require state agencies to determine if the material could be sold on the Internet. Earlier this year Tedisco's bill to reduce paperwork in the Legislature was passed after he placed papers more than 2 feet thick for a single day's session on his desk to prove the point.

Emergency landing in Buffalo

An American Airlines plane made an emergency landing at the Buffalo airport Sunday night due to smoke in the cockpit. Flight 177 left from New York's J.F.K. Airport en route to San Francisco. 173 passengers were on born. The N.F.T.A. says the plane landed as a precaution and there were no incidents or injuries. 

Commuter weather

SHORT TERM FORECAST
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BUFFALO NY
505 AM EST MON NOV 28 2011


NYZ019>021-281215-
CHAUTAUQUA-CATTARAUGUS-ALLEGANY-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...JAMESTOWN...OLEAN...WELLSVILLE
505 AM EST MON NOV 28 2011

.NOW...

THE SHORT TERM FORECAST FOR THE WESTERN SOUTHERN TIER.
A LARGE AREA OF SHOWERS WILL MOVE NORTHEAST THROUGH THE AREA THIS
MORNING. RAIN IS EXPECTED TO DIMINISH IN THE SOUTHWEST AROUND 7
AM...ALTHOUGH SOME WIDELY SCATTERED SHOWERS WILL MOVE THROUGH
DURING THE MORNING COMMUTE. RAINFALL RATES WILL BE LIGHT...ONLY A
HUNDREDTH OF AN INCH OR TWO PER HOUR.

Fire destroys McKean County home

The cause of a fire that left a McKean County family of four homeless on Sunday remains under investigation. The fire was reported at 5:20am and destroyed the home of Troy and Katrina Mackey of Olean Road, Foster Township. No one was home when the fire began. Damage has been pegged at $150,000. The cause is being investigated by the Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshall, Foster Township Police and the Derick City Fire Department. 

Cold-Shooting Bonnies Fall To Delaware

St. Bonaventure University Athletic News

November 27, 2011 Watch The Archived Game ST. BONAVENTURE, N.Y. – The St. Bonaventure women's basketball team (4-1) shot just 36.7 percent from the field as Delaware (4-0) defeated the previously unbeaten Bonnies Sunday afternoon, 61-49. Preseason All-American Elena Delle Donne scored 26 points and tied a career high by grabbing 18 rebounds to lead the Blue Hens, who never trailed in the contest.

Travel weather

If your Thanksgiving holiday is wrapping up and you'll be traveling...scroll down...in the right column just above the AccuWeather forecast, listen to The Weather Channel radio network for storm conditions! Another great service of WVTT news radio.

Plane intentionally crashes into Potter County building

Federal investigators say the pilot who crashed his twin engine plane into a Potter County garage earlier this month (November 17) did so intentionally. The pilot and his three Buffalo area passengers, were injured but able to walk away from the crash. An ensuing fire destroyed the plane and building, which housed several classic cars. The National Transportation Safety Board said both engines on the plane stopped producing power. Unable to perform other emergency landing procedures, investigators said the pilot stalled the engines and aimed for the garage to “lessen the impact forces.” The report credited the pilot for employing skillful tactics to minimize loss of life.

Baden police officer, father, 3rd man die in McKean County truck crash

A part-time police officer in Beaver County, his father and a friend died early today when the officers pickup truck crashed into a wooded area along Route 66 in McKean County.

State police are investigating the deaths of Andrew Snarey, 25, of Aliquippa, his father, George Snarey, 60, of Carnegie and Jeffrey Kramer, 28, of McDonald.

McKean County Deputy Coroner Sam Cummings said all three men were killed on impact when Snarey lost control of his Ford F-350 around 1:30 a.m. about one-tenth of a mile north of the Elk County line.

State police said the truck struck some trees and flipped onto its roof.

Snarey was a part-time officer for the Baden, Conway and Harmony police departments.

State police said a third passenger, Todd Kosenina, 42, of Imperial was moderately injured and transported by helicopter to Hamot Medical Center in Erie.

Cummings said the results of a toxicology test will take about three weeks. All four men were wearing seatbelts, police said.

Cummings said the stretch of road where the crash occurred, called James City Hill, is very narrow and the area is heavily wooded.

"It's a bad hill. There's a big S-turn," Cummings said.

By Adam Brandolph, PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW

Burglary of handguns

Kane based State Police are investigating a burglary at 3815 Route 46, Heating township. Troopers said the victim  is Larry Smith, 33, Smethport.
Police said somebody smashed a window to gain entry. Once inside, the following guns were stolen:

• Glock 22
• Glock 26
• Springfield XDM
• Black locked box

Triple fatal accident in McKean County

Three men were killed early today in a single vehicle accident on route 66 in Wetmore township.
Click here for the accident report.

Troopers warn public of scam directed at the elderly

The New York State Police want to remind people throughout the year and especially during the holiday season to be very cautious of telemarketer and on-line fraudulent activity. During the holiday season there are many legitimate worthy causes seeking contributions. Unfortunately there will always be criminals trying to take advantage of peoples kindness and generosity. Prior to making any donation or gift, verify the information.
Another fraud that has been reported time after time and just appeared again is geared at the elderly. The grandparent will get a call from aperson pretending to be in trouble or in jail, needing money wired to get them out of trouble or jail. The caller will even appear to have a legitimate reason for grandma or grandpa not to tell mom or dad because it would upset them too much or I want to tell them face to face. And of course that generation thinks admirably of their grandchild for wanting to own up to what they have done face to face rather than over the phone, so the grandparents believe it.
Recently an elderly couple wired $9,000 cash to what they thought was their grandson. A day later they found their grandson of course was fine and was never in any kind of trouble.
Anyone who may have received any phone calls that sound like this, is asked to call the State Police.

State Police in Painted Post arrest man for homicide in Corning, NY

The New York State Police in Painted Post are currently investigating a homicide that occurred in the Town of Corning, Steuben County. On Thursday, at approximately 7:20pm, Troopers were called to 3445 College Avenue in Corning and discovered the a 53 year old female deceased. Delores A. Warner, was found dead in her residence, by State Police Thanksgiving night.

The body was removed by the Steuben County Coroner and transported to the Monroe County Medical Examiner's Office for an autopsy.

At approximately 3:30pm Friday State Police Investigators located and arrested Joseph Dixon, age 49, Ms. Warner's former live-in boyfriend.

Mr. Dixon was arrested for Manslaughter 1st Degree and arraigned and commited to the Steuben County Jail no bail.

Most Pennsylvania voters polled support Penn State

Even after his fall from grace amid the Jerry Sandusky child-abuse scandal, Joe Paterno is still posting poll numbers most politicians would envy.
More than half of Pennsylvania voters surveyed still have a favorable opinion of Paterno, according to a Nov. 23 poll conducted by the North Carolina-based Public Policy Polling. Only 28 percent of the 500 respondents think poorly of him, with 14 percent not sure.
Penn State enjoys even more support, with 61 percent reporting a favorable view of the university.

Bradford water UPDATE

 A voluntary water conservation request to customers of the Bradford City Water Authority has been lifted, but the boil-water advisory remains in place, said authority Executive Director Kim Benjamin Friday afternoon. The authority asked customers to conserve water after a water main break in Bradford City on Tuesday. The request was lifted Friday because water storage levels have returned to normal, said Benjamin. The boil-water advisory, which is only an advisory and not an order, has not changed since Wednesday, when the advisory was lifted for some, but not all customers. Benjamin said the advisory will be extending into next week, but it is just a matter of awaiting laboratory results at this point. The advisory was lifted for the following customers: those south of Owens Way and U.S. Route 219 to Route 59 including those in Custer City, Minard Run Road, Lewis Run Borough, the Federal Correctional Institute-McKean and the Bradford Regional Airport. Also excluded are customers from Stephen Lane to Marilla Reservoir on West Washington Street, those from Harrisburg Run to Olean Road in Derrick City, and those from the intersection of Interstate Parkway and Stone Avenue northwest to Sullivan Road in Bradford Township. All other customers remain under the boil-water advisory. (Courtesy-Bradford Era)

Vehicle accident in Olean

(Times Herald) Friday, 12:59 p.m., no injuries were reported in a three-vehicle accident at West State Street. As vehicles driven by Lucas A. Resig, 32, of Shinglehouse, Pa., and Garrett T. Lyons, 24, of Allegany, were stopped at a traffic light, a vehicle driven by Joshua E. Dunn, 26, of Arcade, attempted to stop, but its brakes allegedly malfunctioned and struck the rear fender of Mr. Lyons’ vehicle, which then moved forward and struck the rear fender of Resig’s vehicle, police said. Dunn wasissued an equipment violation.

Troopers in Coudersport report...

Click for the latest news from State Police in Coudersport

Cell phone contributes to crash

Click here to read the release from State Police-Kane

Theft at Walmart

Sheriff's deputies arrested 19-year old Matthew Mowery, S 9th Street, Olean. Mowery was arrested at the Allegany Walmart after he set off the Electronic Article Surveillance alarms at an exit. Deputies were already at the store and witnessed the incident. Police they discovered the man had "five pockets literally stuffed with stolen merchandise." Arraigned in court, Mowery was sent to jail on $250 bail. The incident occurred this morning at 1:30 am.

SP Warsaw arrest for Underage Sale

On November 25th Troopers from SP Warsaw conducted an underage drinking detail. This detail consisted of having an underage person attempt to purchase alcoholic beverages at several locations which are authorized to sell these products off premise. Troopers checked 14 different businesses located on the eastern side of Wyoming County. Of the business locations checked, only the Kwik-Fill gas station located on N. Main Street in Warsaw sold to the underage buyer. At this location State Police charged RYAN D. MILLER, 31 years of age of Warsaw with Unlawfully Dealing with a Child 1st (Class A Misd) and Prohibited Sale of Alcohol to a Minor (ABC law Misd). MILLER will appear in the Village of Warsaw Court at a later date to answer these charges. The following businesses did not sell to the underage buyer and the respective clerks should be commended for their diligence in keeping alcoholic beverages out of the hands of minors:

Rite Aid Store on N. Center Street in Perry

Perry Market Place on N. Center Street in Perry

Commodore Wine and Spirits on Main Street in Perry

Silver Lake Country Market on S. Main Street in Perry

Carney’s Country Mart on N. Main Street in Castile

Castile Arrow Mart on S. Main Street in Castile

Keith’s Citgo on ST-19A in Portageville

Pizza Shed on W. Main Street in Pike

Pike Red & White Market on Main Street in Pike

Cook’s Convenience Center on Cummings Ave. in Silver Springs

Silver Springs Liquor Store on Warsaw Blvd. in Silver Springs

Stellar Wine and Spirits on S. Main Street in Warsaw

Warsaw Arrow Mart on N. Main Street in Warsaw

Troopers will continue to periodically check premises where alcohol is sold to ensure compliance with applicable New York State Laws.

Fire destroyed barn in Allegany County

In Allegany County, a barn was destroyed by fire this morning on County Road 23 in Rushford. The alarm was turned in about 1:20am and the initial 911 report indicated there may also have been an explosion. The barn burned to the ground and all its contents were destroyed. Rushford firefighters were short on people and water and help was called in from at least five other towns. Farmersville volunteers stood by in Rushford. There were no reported injuries. Some firefighters were leaving the scene at 4am.

Cattaraugus County man arrested at DWI checkpoint

24 November 2011
New York State Police Sobriety Road Check--

On November 23, 2011, The New York State Police conducted a Sobriety Road Check on State Route 60 & 62 in the Town of Kiantone. More than 120 vehicles passed through the road check and 22 Vehicle and Traffic Law citations were issued. Also arrested was Adam D. Lavere DOB: 6/11/54 of 9725 Pigeon Valley Road, Little Valley, NY for Driving While Intoxicated. Arrested for Unlawful Possession of Marihuana was Larico R. Jones DOB: 1 /29/86 of Jamestown, NY, Joseph Durusky DOB: 1/21/94 of 6688 Holiday Dr. Boston, NY, and Zachary Broch DOB: 6/7/94 of 9070 Boston State Rd. Boston, NY. All defendants were processed and released to appear in court at a later date.

Guys Scream for Justin Bieber in Macy's Black Friday Commercial

Kodak misses the moment

PennDOT Announces 21 Winners of Aviation Art Contest Winning Entries on Display in State Capitol Dec. 12 – 16

News for Immediate Release
Nov. 23, 2011
PennDOT Announces 21 Winners of Aviation Art Contest
Winning Entries on Display in State Capitol Dec. 12 – 16
Harrisburg – Twenty-one students from across the state have been selected as
division winners in the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s aviation art
contest. The contest theme was “Aviation’s Value to My Community.”
“These students came up with very creative ways to show why aviation is important
in Pennsylvania,” said PennDOT Secretary Barry J. Schoch. “Considering we
received more than 900 entries this year, these winners should be extra proud to
be chosen as the best. I thank all of the students, parents and teachers who made
this contest a success.”

Governor Corbett Signs Execution Warrant for Allegheny County Killer

Harrisburg – Governor Tom Corbett signed an execution warrant Tuesday for Kenneth Hairston, who was sentenced to death for killing his wife and autistic teenage son. Hairston, formerly of Allegheny County, was convicted of two counts of first-degree

murder for the death of his wife, Katherine, and their son, 14-year-old Sean, in June 2001. Following the trial in 2002, the jury sentenced Hairston to death. Firefighters found the two badly beaten victims inside the family’s smoke-filled home. Mrs. Hairston was pronounced dead at the scene and Sean died a short time

later at the hospital. Hairston, who was also rescued from the burning home, later confessed to beating his wife and son with a sledgehammer and then setting the house on fire. Hairston, now 60, is a prisoner at the State Correctional Institution at Greene. His

execution by lethal injection is scheduled for Jan. 18, 2012.

This warrant, one of two signed Tuesday, is Corbett’s 10th execution warrant.

Penn State child sex abuse scandal leads colleges to emphasize their own reporting policies

By Elizabeth Gibson, The Patriot-News

It’s tough to imagine a single college leader who isn’t watching the Penn State child sex abuse scandal and wondering.

Wondering if something like that ever happened on their own campus. Or could.

Presidents of midstate colleges said this week that allegations against former Penn State assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky are compelling them to emphasize, and in some cases re-examine, their schools’ policies on reporting sexual abuse.

“In light of recent events at Penn State, we all need to be clear about what we should do if we have suspicions of sexual abuse or if we witness or have direct knowledge about an incident of sexual abuse at LVC,” Lebanon Valley College President Stephen MacDonald said Monday in a letter to the campus community.

He described steps to take, including calling police. He listed local police department phone numbers.

MacDonald went so far as to state, “You should take action to safeguard the victim if circumstances allow.”

Shippensburg University President Bill Ruud’s message was similar.

Olean Police reports

Jordan R. Corbett, 21, 324 N. 11th St., was arrested for petit larceny after he took money from Kmart, his employer, on three separate occasions in an amount totaling $1,040. He was released on his own recognizance and will return to court on Dec. 6.

 The City of Olean Police Department received several complaints Wednesday from residents from the 600 and 700 blocks of Washington Street concerning damage to their vehicles. Residents claim an unknown individual scratched the driver’s side of their vehicles with a sharp object.

Judge tosses Harrisburg bankruptcy

A federal bankruptcy judge on Wednesday threw out a petition by the City Council of Pennsylvania’s debt-choked capital of Harrisburg, saying it had been legally barred by state law from seeking bankruptcy protection and, in any case, had no authority to file it. Judge Mary D. France issued the ruling after hearing more than two hours of arguments by lawyers as to whether the bankruptcy petition, filed last month by a divided City Council, satisfied various legal issues and could move forward despite the objections of the city’s mayor, Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett, Dauphin County, bond insurers and others.

Thanksgiving Day water UPDATE for Bradford

By Ruth Bogdan, Bradford Era

While a boil-water advisory remains in place for many Bradford City Water Authority customers, the restriction has been lifted for other users, said authority Executive Director Kim Benjamin Wednesday. The advisory was put in place after a water main line broke on South Center Street in Bradford Tuesday morning. The authority lost about four million gallons of stored water after the break. The authority and the state Department of Environmental Protection have modified the boil advisory to exclude higher elevations served by unaffected pump stations and water storage tanks. No longer under the advisory are customers south of Owens Way and U.S. Route 219 to Route 59 including those in Custer City, Minard Run Road, Lewis Run Borough, Federal Correctional Institute-McKean and the Bradford Regional Airport. Also excluded are customers from Stephen Lane to Marilla Reservoir on West Washington Street, those from Harrisburg Run to Olean Road in Derrick City, and those from the intersection of Interstate Parkway and Stone Avenue northwest to Sullivan Road in Bradford Township, according to Benjamin. “All other customers remain under a Boil Water Advisory as issued November 22nd until further notice,” he said. 

Rep. Martin Causer's weekly report

Click here to listen to Rep. Martin Causer.

CCCH December events

December 3 - Childbirth Preparation Class. Instructor: Jennifer Middaugh, Certified Nurse Midwife, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Coudersport Wellness Center. Cost: $40. To register call 814-274-7101.

December 7 - AWAKE Workshop. “Sleep Disorders Management” by Beverly Prince, MD, 6 –7 p.m., Charles Cole Memorial Hospital’s main conference room.

December 7 - Community Blood Bank blood drive 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Charles Cole Memorial Hospital’s main conference room. Walk-ins are welcome. All blood donations supply local patients. For more information visit www.fourhearts.org
December 14 - Free Mammograms will be offered for uninsured / underinsured women age 40 and over at the Charles Cole Memorial Hospital Women’s Health Center in Coudersport. The screenings are funded by the Twin Tiers Affiliate Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Call 814-274-8200 to schedule a mammogram.
December 16 - Osteoporosis Heel Screenings 1-3 p.m., Charles Cole Memorial Hospital’s Women’s Health Center in Coudersport. Cost $10. To register call 814-274-8200.

Theft and mischief in Eldred

State police are investigating a theft and act of criminal mischief. It happened at 695 Barnum Road in Eldred. Police said the victim is 47-year old Dale Smith of Eldred. According to troopers, the incident occurred as individual(s) removed a Cuddeback Attack game camera affixed to a tree after damaging the Cuddeback Attack Cuddesafe metal mounting unit from the driveway.

Calf in car. Yes, a calf in a car

State police from Coudersport are investigating an unusual type of criminal mischief. The incident happened earlier this week on Cinder Hill Road in Bingham. According to police, Trisha Thompson discovered that somebody had placed a lie calf inside her car. Yes...a live calf.
If you know anything about this crime...or if you are missing a calf, call troopers in Coudersport: 814-274-8690.

Potter County drug arrest

State police arrested 25-year old Shy-la King, 624 East Main Street, Ekland. She was charged with Possession of Marijuana/Paraphernalia following an incident in Harrison Township. Charges were filed through District Court on Wednesday. 

Cattaraugus County court report

    Lori Pettit Rieman, Cattaraugus County District Attorney, reported the following activity in Cattaraugus County Court on Tuesday, November 22, 2011:

     JONATHAN M. NEISS, d/o/b 2/28/1983, of Olean, New York, but presently incarcerated in the Cattaraugus County Jail, was sentenced to a determinate term of two years with the NYS Department of Corrections, restitution and assessed a mandatory State surcharge for his conviction of Attempted Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Fourth Degree, a class E felony.  Additionally, he will be subject to a one year post release supervision once he is released from prison.   The incident occurred on or about December 15, 2010, in the City of Olean, when the defendant knowingly and unlawfully attempted to sell Hydrocodone pills. 

House fire in Westons Mills

Westons Mills firefighters were called to a house fire on Haskell Parkway just after two this morning. Fire officials told WVTT news radio they" made a quick knock" down of the blaze. The home sustained smoke damage and no injuries were reported. The cause of the fire was electrical in nature. Westons Mills has help from Portville, Allegany, Hinsdale, Town of Olean and Shinglehouse.

Firefighters returned to service just before six this morning.

Majority of State's Fire Districts Failed to Meet Deadline Under Governor's Property Tax Cap Law

Cattaraugus and Allegany are on the list:


More than 56 percent of New York's 882 fire districts recently passed budgets without filing the required tax cap data with the Office of the State Comptroller, according to State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. The electronic filings were due by November 4. State law requires fire districts to file their proposed budget data for review by OSC prior to adoption of their annual budgets to ensure that the districts' tax cap calculations are accurate.
Last week, the Comptroller's office mailed warning letters to 613 tardy districts, following up with telephone outreach to dozens of districts. By Monday, 497 districts remained delinquent. The Governor's Property Tax Cap Law (Chapter 97 of the Laws of 2011), requires localities to report their tax levy data to the Comptroller's office before they adopt their annual budgets to ensure that their tax cap calculations are correct. If a local tax levy is adopted in error, any funds collected in excess of the allowable cap must be placed in reserve and may only be used to offset the tax levy in the ensuing fiscal year.
This is the first round of budgets coming due under the new tax cap. Towns face the next deadline, which is this week, followed by cities and counties by the end of the year, and then school districts and villages in the spring. The Comptroller's office will continue to work with all parties subject to the new law to assist them in meeting their filing obligations.
Comptroller DiNapoli's web page, "Real Property Tax Cap," is available to help localities navigate the complexities of the property tax cap. State law restricts tax levy increases for local governments, most school districts and other smaller independent entities, such as library, fire or water districts, to no more than 2 percent this year.
A list of fire districts which failed to meet the filing deadline can be found here.

Weather ALERT

SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BUFFALO NY
513 PM EST TUE NOV 22 2011

NYZ012>014-020-021-085-230015-
WYOMING-LIVINGSTON-ONTARIO-CATTARAUGUS-ALLEGANY-SOUTHERN ERIE-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...WARSAW...GENESEO...CANANDAIGUA...
OLEAN...WELLSVILLE...ORCHARD PARK...SPRINGVILLE
513 PM EST TUE NOV 22 2011

...PATCHY LIGHT FREEZING RAIN THIS EVENING...

RAIN ADVANCING NORTHWARD FROM PENNSYLVANIA THIS LATE AFTERNOON AND
EARLY EVENING IS FALLING UPON A SURFACE WITH A FEW SPOTS LINGERING
BELOW FREEZING.

INTERIOR SHELTERED AREAS AND VALLEYS HAVE A SHALLOW POOL OF AIR
BELOW FREEZING THIS EVENING...ALLOWING FOR A LIGHT...ICY GLAZE UPON
CARS...AND BRUSH. WHILE ROAD SURFACES ARE SLIGHTLY WARMER...ICY
SPOTS ARE STILL LIKELY ESPECIALLY ACROSS BRIDGES AND OVERPASSES.

MOTORISTS SHOULD BE PREPARED FOR SLICK...ICY SPOTS THIS EVENING
ACROSS INTERIOR REGIONS. TEMPERATURES AT THE SURFACE WILL CONTINUE
TO SLOWLY RISE THROUGH THE EVENING...WITH PLAIN RAIN FALLING
ACROSS THE REGION LATE THIS EVENING AND THROUGH THE REMAINDER OF
THE OVERNIGHT.

$$

THOMAS

Centre County Trial Judges Recuse; McKean County Judge Assigned

The Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts (AOPC) said today that all Centre County Common Pleas Court judges have recused themselves from hearing matters related to the case of Commonwealth v. Gerald Sandusky.

The judges’ recusals are intended to avoid any appearance of conflict of interest due to real or perceived connections to the defendant, the Second Mile charity, or the Pennsylvania State University.

 Because of the recusals, the Centre County president judge has requested AOPC to assign an out-of-county Common Pleas judge to handle forthcoming matters related to the case.  McKean County Senior Judge John M. Cleland has been appointed.

Until Judge Cleland is able to assume jurisdiction, miscellaneous petitions filed by counsel with respect to the Sandusky case will be heard by President Judge Kathy A. Morrow of Judicial District 41 -- comprised of Perry and Juniata counties -- who has been designated for that purpose.

Neither judge has any known connections with the defendant, the Pennsylvania State University or the Second Mile charity, nor any officers or representatives of those entities.

Judge Cleland has been a jurist since 1984.  He has served as president judge of McKean County, and as both an active and senior judge of the Superior Court of Pennsylvania.  Judge Cleland also served as chairman of the Interbranch Commission on Juvenile Justice.

Judge Morrow has been a jurist since 2004, and had engaged in the private practice of law since 1982.

A senior judge is one who has retired from active service but remains available by appointment to hear cases.

Portville hunter dies

A 70-year old Portville man has now died after he fell from a tree stand while hunting.

State Police tell WVTT news radio that  Robert Miller of Portville was seriously injured Saturday in a hunting accident in Livingston County.  The accident happened behind a residence on New Road in the Town of Leicester. Troopers said Miller was injured when he fell approximately 15 feet from his tree stand.

Miller was taken to Strong Hospital in Rochester with broken ribs, a punctured lung, and a laceration to his face. Troopers said  that Miller did not secure a safety strap while hunting, and fell after shooting at a deer. 

AMBER ALERT

AMBER ALERT CANCELLED

UPDATE Randolph School Bus Incident

22 November 2011
UPDATE Randolph School Bus Incident

UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE

State Police and State Department of Environmental Conservation Police report that they have identified the responsible party who fired the round that struck and entered the Randolph School District bus yesterday morning.

The name of the individual is being withheld at this time as the investigation continues.

They anticipate releasing further details tomorrow @ a 10 am joint press conference to be held at a to be announced location.

Additionally, State Police and DEC Officers will incorporate recommendations for hunting and firearm safety in response to the incidents that have transpired in western New York since opening day of shotgun/rifle hunting season on November 19, 2011

AMBER ALERT

...This is an ACTUAL AMBER ALERT...

Audio Recording 

Issued By:  Rochester Police

Affected Jurisdictions:  Allegany, Cattaraugus, Cayuga, Chautauqua, Chenango, Cortland, Erie, Genesee, Hamilton, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Livingston, Madison, Monroe, Niagara, Oneida, Onondaga, Ontario, Orleans, Oswego, Seneca, Steuben, Wayne, Wyoming, Yates Counties

Headline:  Amber Alert: Rochester, NY VEH:Gray Chevrolet Malibu 4-door sedan TAG:NYEUR2895 CHILD:1yrs Black male 23" 18lbs Hr:black Eye:brown CHILD:3y CALL(866)N

NEW YORK STATE AMBER ALERT

***** THIS IS A NYS AMBER ALERT ACTIVATION ***** Activation Date and Time: Tuesday, November 22, 2011 - 12:50 PM

       The Rochester Police has activated the New York State AMBER Alert and is investigating a confirmed child abduction that occurred on Garson Avenue, in Rochester, NY at about 4:00 AM on 11/22/2011.

        The CHILD, Darius  Lee is a Black male, approximately 1 year old with black hair and brown eyes. He is approximately 23 inches and weighs about 18 pounds. Darius was last seen wearing Pajamas.

        The CHILD, Jeremiah  Baker is a Black male, approximately 3 years old with black hair and brown eyes. He is approximately 2 feet 8 inches tall and weighs about 30 pounds. Jeremiah was last seen wearing pajamas.

        The SUSPECT, Kenneth Smith is a Black male, approximately 25 years old with brown hair and brown eyes. He is approximately 6 feet tall and weighs about 190 pounds. He has burn scars on an upper arm.

        The VEHICLE has been identified as a  Gray 4-door sedan Chevrolet Malibu with NY license plate number EUR2895.

         Suspect, no relation to the children, engaged in a physical altercation with their mother then abducted the children.  Suspect has prior criminal encounters and has an active warrant for his arrest.       Anyone with any information on this abduction is asked to call the Rochester Police at (866)NYS-AMBER or dial 911 to provide information on a report or sighting.

BOIL WATER IN BRADFORD

Due to a break in a twenty inch water line in Bradford, a BOIL WATER advisory is in effect until further notice. The break has cause NO to LOW water pressure throughout the water district.

SCHOOL ALERT

Due to a major water leak, the BRADFORD AREA SCHOOLS are closing early TUESDAY 11/22/2011.


ELEMENTARY: 10:30


MIDDLE SCHOOL: 12:30PM


HIGH SCHOOL: 12:45pM

Wellsville Police with the assistance of the Hornell Police Department and the Steuben County Sheriff’s Department, acting on a Bench Warrant issued by the Wellsville Village Court arrested Jason M. Mielke, age 32 of Scio.  Mielke was located in Hornell and taking into custody by Hornell Police.  Mielke was transported by the Steuben County Sheriff’s office and turned over to Wellsville Police.  Mielke was processed and arraigned before Town Judge Walsh and committed to the Allegany County Jail on $500.00 bail.  Mielke is due back in Wellsville Village Court on November 29^th at 5 pm.

USDA designates area counties for relief

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has designated several counties in New York and Pennsylvania as natural disaster areas due to losses caused by drought, excessive heat, Hurricane Irene, Tropical Storm Lee, excessive rain, flash flooding, high winds and hail.

Sheriff reports arrests

An Olean woman was arrested for allegedly possessing a hypodermic instrument at the county building in Olean. 31-year old Sandra Sherlock of Little Valley was arraigned and committed to jail pending further court action.

Sheriff’s Deputies arrested two people for Welfare Fraud in separate incidents. 41-year old Lisa Bhe of Olean faces fraud, larceny and other counts related to her duties as a day care provider. She’s accused of submitting false paperwork to social services for reimbursement.

And 38-year old Frank Sciabarrasi of Dugan Road was charged with fraud, Grand Larceny and other counts for not reporting wages to socials services. Deputies said he improperly received more than $2,100 in food stamps. He’ll answer the charges in city court December 6^th.

Budget hearing today

Cattaraugus County lawmakers will heard from the public later today during a hearing on the proposed 20-12 budget. The plan calls for spending $213 million. It also includes cutting about 80 jobs. The Community Services Department expected to take the biggest hit, losing two dozen positions. The hearing is slated to begin at 3pm.

Man loses court appeal-must report to jail

A Williamsville man must surrender to the Cattaraugus County jail by noon tomorrow to begin serving a 2-6 year prison term. 35-year old Richard Szyzskowski had appealed his sentence after a jury found him guilty 16 months ago of felony counts of drunken driving and possessing a stolen ATV in the Town of Ashford. Szyzskowski learned Monday that the Appellate Division unanimously affirmed his conviction and sentence. He had been granted a stay of sentence pending his appeal. 

Click here to read the Appellate decision

Bonnies Defeat Siena to Retain Franciscan Cup

LOUDONVILLE, N.Y. - Junior guard Eric Mosley scored a career-high 18 points and senior forward Andrew Nicholson posted 14 points and 12 rebounds to lead St. Bonaventure to a 64-58 win over Siena at the Times Union Center. Demitrius Conger scored 11 of his 15 in the first half and hauled in eight rebounds for the game to help SBU to its first lead with a 3-pointer just 2.1 seconds before the break. The triple was part of a 16-5 run that bridged the halftime gap and helped the Bonnies (2-1) keep just in front of Siena (2-1). The Saints cut the lead down to one on consecutive possessions midway through the second half and kept the game tight down the stretch, but SBU, led by Mosley's 6-of-6 outing, went 9-of-10 from the free throw line in the final 70 seconds to seal the win. Siena scored the first seven points of the game and maintained momentum until Matthew Wright sparked the decisive run with one of his two 3-pointers at the 6:12 mark of the first half. St. Bonaventure seized control and led by as many as eight, 38-30, in the final frame before the Saints' 6-0 run made it a two-point game with 14:51 to go. After jumpers from Chris Johnson and Wright staked SBU to a five-point lead, 45-40, Brandon Walters' traditional three-point play and Rob Poole's jumper tied it at 45 with 10:02 showing. Wright's 3 with 9:42 left gave SBU a lead it would not relinquish, although Siena pulled to within one on a layup from Evan Hymes and again on a pair of Hymes free throws with 7:45 left. Hymes totaled a game-best 18 points on 3-of-5 from beyond the arc, but fouled out with 1:10 to go and Siena trailing by three. The Bonnies were clutch from the free throw line from there, claiming the second inaugural Franciscan Cup and 16th win in its last 17 games against Siena. St. Bonaventure travels to Virginia Tech on Sunday. Last season, SBU took VT to overtime before the Hokies pulled away for a 76-68 victory at Rochester's Blue Cross Arena. Game time is set for 6 p.m.   NOTES: Nicholson passed David Vaterpool and Greg Sanders to move into 19th on the career-rebounding list ... he sits just four points behind Rocky Liewellyn (1,572 points) for 12th place on the scoring ledger ... Bonnies' coach Mark Schmidt won the MAAC title and an NCAA tourney trip as an assistant at Loyola the last time he was at the Albany Times Union Center (1994) … St. Bonaventure university president Sr. Margaret Carney O.S.F, S.T.D. was in attendance, along with director of athletics Steve Watson … Yahoo! Sports NBA columnist and 1991 SBU alumnus Adrian Wojnarowski was also at the game … The Bonnies are now 2-0 in Franciscan Cup games.

HINSDALE VETERAN RECEIVES LONG-DESERVED MEDALS POSTHUMOUSLY

PHOTO CAPTION: Senator Young presented the New York State Medal for Merit and the Conspicuous Service Star posthumously recently to the family of Hinsdale U.S. Navy veteran Loreen Briggs at a special ceremony at the American Legion Post in Hinsdale. Serving aboard a tank landing craft, Petty Officer Briggs participated in some of the most grueling fighting in the Pacific Theater including “Operation Iceberg,” the assault and occupation of Okinawa-Gunto.

Pictured from left to right are: Roger & Carol Snyder (son-in-law and daughter), Senator Young and Donna & David Briggs (daughter-in-law and son).

HINSDALE – Senator Catharine Young (R,C,I – Olean) recently awarded a Hinsdale U.S. Navy veteran’s family with the posthumous medals he earned but never received for his bravery and heroism during World War II.

At a special ceremony held at the American Legion in Hinsdale on Saturday, Senator Young presented the New York State Medal for Merit and the Conspicuous Service Star to the family of Gunner’s Mate Second Class Loren Briggs.

"Petty Officer Briggs’ courage is a credit to himself, the United States Navy, and the entire Hinsdale community. It was an honor to present his family with these long overdue awards, he is truly an inspiration," said Senator Young.

The effort to obtain the medals began in July when Petty Officer Briggs’ daughter and son-in-law, Carol and Roger Snyder of Portville, contacted Senator Young’s office to request information about their father’s military service. During the course of compiling the information and gathering discharge papers, her office discovered that Petty Officer Briggs was entitled to the additional medals.

“When we went to see Senator Young hoping to find out more information about my father’s service in the Navy, we never imagined that he may be eligible for this type of recognition. It is better late than never, but I know if anyone deserved these awards it was my father. He was and will always remain a hero in our hearts and it is wonderful for him to be receiving this long-overdue recognition,” said Ms. Synder.

Petty Officer Briggs served as a Navy Reservist throughout the war and was inducted into the U.S. Navy at age 17 under the U.S. Navy’s V6 inactive reserve training program while still a student at Hinsdale Central School.

In 1943, he completed his basic training at the U.S. Naval Training Station in Sampson, NY and later would receive additional specialized joint Navy/Marine training for assault amphibious forces at Camp Bradford at Norfolk Naval Base in Virgina.

Petty Officer Briggs achieved the rank of Gunner’s Mate Second Class and served aboard the USS LST-1022, a tank landing craft ship assigned to the U.S. Navy's Fifth Fleet in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of War.

He participated in “Operation Iceberg,” the last battle of World War II, which involved the capture of Okinawa-Gunto as one battle in the larger operation: the Invasion of Okinawa.

As part of the U.S. Navy's Fifth Amphibious Fleet, Petty Officer Briggs’ landing craft joined an invasion landing force that survived withering fire and suicide attacks by Japanese aircraft and a defending force of 110,000 Japanese soldiers. The assault and capture of this strategic island, located 450 miles from Mainland China, earned his ship a Presidential Unit Citation.

Petty Officer Briggs also served aboard the USS Dorchester, a Benewah-class barracks ship.

After serving for two years, seven months and five days, Petty Officer Briggs was discharged from the U.S. Navy on April 20, 1946 at PSC Lido Beach, N.Y.

He returned to Hinsdale following the War and married Ann “Susie” MacWilliams in June 1946. The couple had three children - Carol, David and Nick.

The Medal For Merit is awarded to current New York State residents, or those who were New York State citizens at the time of their service, who served honorably in the United States Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard or Merchant Marines and whose service was in direct support of combat operations.

The New York State Conspicuous Service Star was created in 1998 to recognize New York residents who served on federal active duty in combat military units which received some type of unit recognition. The medal is available to any New York state resident who can prove their unit earned such an award.

Replacement Food Stamp Benefits

If you are currently receiving food stamps and have lost food due to recent storms and/or power outages, you may be eligible for replacement food stamp benefits for food you lost. It is important to contact your local department of social services immediately to find out if you are eligible. You can call, write to them, or stop by. For more information on replacement food stamp benefits, or for assistance with the process, please contact the Nutrition Outreach and Education Program at:

NOEP

Cattaraugus Community Action

25 Jefferson Street

Salamanca, NY  14779

716-945-1041 Ext. 118

Prepared by a project of Hunger Solutions New York, USDA/FNS, and NYSOTDA.  This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

On Tuesday, December 6, the Ridgway band Program will be holding its annual Christmas Concert.  the concert will start at 6:30 PM and be held in the High School Auditorium.

Performing on the concert will be the 5th Grade Band, Middle School Band, and High School Band.

The Concert is free to the public and all are invited to attend.

The Kane Area High School Competition Cheerleading team participated in the Pennsylvania State Cheerleading Championships this past weekend at the Kovalchick Complex on the campus of the Indiana State University in Indiana, PA.  The team participated in the Small Varsity Division and finished in 8th place in the division.  This was the first competition of the season for the team and they went out there and put their best on the floor. 

Give Thanks, Give Hope, Give Blood this Thanksgiving

The American Red Cross Blood Services – New York-Penn Region is encouraging all eligible blood donors to give blood this Thanksgiving and throughout the holiday season to help maintain the community blood supply. About every two seconds someone in America needs blood, and donors can give someone hope this holiday season by donating blood. 

“By adding blood donation to Thanksgiving traditions, families can help avert a blood shortage and begin their gift giving season early,” said Kay E. Schwartz chief executive officer, New York-Penn Region.  “For those in good health, taking just one hour out of a busy holiday schedule to give blood is an active way of showing thanks.  And, that one hour can give hope to patients who are less fortunate this Thanksgiving.”