ROCHESTER MAN GOING TO PRISON ON CHILD PORNOGRAPHY CHARGE INVOLVING CAMERAS HIDDEN IN A CHURCH BATHROOM

ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Stephen Nicot, 61, of Rochester, NY, who was convicted of receipt of child pornography, was sentenced to serve 144 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr. 

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kyle Rossi and Meghan K. McGuire, who handled the case, stated that between 2012 and 2014, Nicot hid a camera in the bathroom of a church located in the Western District of New York. Nicot positioned the camera so that it would capture video and images of naked individuals using the shower in the church bathroom. He did this knowing some of the individuals would be under the age of 18 and he planned to display the video of the minors. On July 21, 2022, law enforcement executed a warrant at the Nicot’s residence and recovered a memory card and USB drive, which contained videos and images of at least five minor victims using the church bathroom and shower. Two cell phones were also seized, which contained naked images of a minor victim that were recorded by a camera hidden in a bathroom of Nicot’s residence.

The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Todd Baxter and the Federal Bureau of Investigation Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, under the direction Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia.

Obituary: Patricia Lynn Durgan, 57, Wellsville

Patricia Lynn DURGAN, 57, of Wellsville, NY, died Sunday, May 5, 2024 in her home.  Born February 15, 1967, in Sodus, she was  daughter of Edwin and Muriel Olmstead Durgan.  A graduate of Wellsville High School, she attended BOCES for cosmetology.  She was previously the manager at Dollar General in Wellsville.  Patricia loved her grandchildren and was a kind and giving person.  Surviving are: her mother, Muriel Durgan of Wellsville; three children, Kevin Sheridan of Wellsville, Brittany (Andrew) Paddock of Piffard, Ryan Sheridan of Wellsville; six grandchildren, Kaiden, Audrey, Blake, Teagan, Kameron, and Elleanor; six siblings, Tina (Dale) Barnett of Wellsville, Kim (Paul) Oien of South Carolina, Chris George of Calcium, Bruce (Beth) Durgan of Kane, PA, Steve (Heather) Durgan of Michigan, and Jonathan Durgan of Wellsville; nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased her father; and two siblings, Edwin Durgan and Cindy Durgan.  Services will be announced.  Cremation was at OLNEY-FOUST Private Crematory.  Memorials may be made to the family.  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.  

Wellsville Town Board meeting cancelled

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC:

TOWN OF WELLSVILLE REGULAR BOARD MEETING FOR MAY 8, 2024 WILL BE CANCELLED DUE TO LACK OF QUORUM.

A Special meeting will be held on Monday May 13, 2024 at 7PM at the Wellsville Municipal Airport in place of the Regular Town Board meeting. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

 

Danielle Osgood

By order of the Town Board

Wellsville - Balloon Rally poster 2024

Here is this year’s Great Wellsville Balloon Rally poster.

Wellsville: Tuesdays With Grace features Dr. Gary Ostrower

 

Tuesdays With Grace

 

Tuesdays With Grace is a week early this month.  We’re glad we don’t have to wait long to hear Dr. Gary Ostrower, Professor Emeritus of History at Alfred University, talk on What You May Not Know About World War II.  Dr. Ostrower will discuss (and correct) common misconceptions about World War II, including new scholarship challenging the common belief that atomic bombs caused the surrender of Japan.

Join us Tuesday, May 14^th at 12:30 for a light lunch with the program following at 1 pm.  All are welcome, no need for a reservation.

Steuben: Ramp Guys look at 700th

BATH --  A highly successful volunteer program giving elderly residents in Steuben County more freedom to travel outside of their homes expects to complete  its 700th ramp Friday.

Launched 26 years ago in 1998 the volunteers, known as the “Ramp Guys,”  specialize in building handicap-accessible ramp constructed for low- and moderate-income individuals having trouble coming and going from their homes. 

Selected by the Association on Aging in NY to receive the 2018 Volunteer Innovation Award, the program also received the “Shining Star Award” from ProAction of Steuben and Yates, Inc. in 2007.  Former “lead” ramp guy, Glenn Davis, also was recognized for his individual efforts at the state ceremony in 2018.

Typically, ramp construction takes a 10-person crew coordinated by the Avoca United Methodist Church.  It takes roughly 8 hours to build a ramp using recycled and new materials.

Steuben OFA Director Gabe Smalt credits the project’s success to donations from area civic groups and individuals who help to purchase the materials, an annual Steuben County allocation, special funding for caregivers who participate in an assessment, and storage space donated by Hornell SPCA.  Steuben NY Connects aging and disability resource center screen individuals to make referrals for the Ramp Guys program. Credit is also due to OFA accountants Cathy Marlatt and Janet Olin, the Avoca church staff who process the bills, the record-keepers, the RSVP/Senior AmeriCorps staff that recruit and promote the program, the OFA Advisory Council and Steuben Senior Services Fund, Inc. who donate funds, and Steuben County legal and administration officials. 

Wyoming County Sheriff's Office honored

Photo: Sergeant Aaron Chase, Undersheriff Colin Reagan, Deputy Vaughn Collingridge

On May 1, 2024, members of the Wyoming County Sheriff’s Office were awarded by Mothers Against Drunk Driving New York [MADD New York] for excellence in DWI Enforcement.

The awards were based on performance in the 2023 calendar year, and the nominations were submitted by Undersheriff Colin Reagan. The awards were presented at the 2024 Annual New York State Law Enforcement Recognition Event in Albany, NY.

Sergeant Aaron Chase, a three time recipient of MADD New York Awards, has been with the Wyoming County Sheriff’s Office since 2013. Sergeant Chase was certified as a Drug Recognition Expert [DRE] in 2015 and has since completed over 300 drug influence evaluations. Sergeant Chase led the Wyoming County Sheriff’s Office in 2023 with the most DWI arrests in the agency. Sergeant Chase was awarded with a 2023 Recognition of Excellence Award.

Deputy Vaughn Collingridge, who was a first time recipient of a MADD New York Award, has been with the Wyoming County Sheriff’s Office since 2021. Deputy Collingridge was certified as a Drug Recognition Expert [DRE] in March 2023, and he then completed the most drug influence evaluations by any DRE in the agency. Deputy Collingridge was among the top enforcers of DWI in the agency in 2023, and he is also a member of the Crash Reconstruction Team. Deputy Collinridge was awarded with a 2023 Recognition of Excellence DRE Enforcement Award.

Obituary: Michael D. White, 74, Almond

Michael D. White, 74, passed away unexpectedly, but peacefully, on Sunday, April 28, at his home in Almond, NY.

Born to Frank and Wilma (Varnes) White on Feb. 15, 1950, Mike graduated from Hornell High School in 1968 and immediately joined the Navy. After serving eight years he returned to Western New York and embarked on several careers including receiving an AAS degree in Horticulture Studies from Alfred State College in 1986.

Survivors include his wife of 40 years, Linda Z. White; his ‘boys’, Andrew (Angela) Zaruba, Branchport, NY; Brick (Kristen) White, Manassas, VA; Chris (Jeanne) Harding, Canon City, CO; sister Evonne (Donald) Patterson, Stanleytown, VA; brother Christopher (Tammy), Fremont, NY ;grandchildren, Alexander, Kendra, Nicholas Zaruba and Ashley Harding; great grandson, Lennox Harding; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters June and Judith White; Gail Davis; Doris Mills; brothers Kevin, Jerry and Larry White.

Friends and family will best remember Mike as ‘Lord of the Manor’ at his beloved camp, Vandermark Gardens, where he hosted over 30 years of weekend camp outs, family reunions, chicken barbecues, poker parties, birthday, graduation and wedding celebrations along with several memorial services for dear friends, a place where everyone was revered, welcomed and left with a story to tell and a memory to share.

Per Michael’s wishes there will be no funeral service, but a Celebration of Life is tentatively scheduled for Sunday, May 26 at the VFW in Hornell, details to follow.

Wellsville - Elks Spring Day Track Meet

 

Floyd W. Geiger, 92, Andrews Settlement

Floyd W. GEIGER, 92, of Andrews Settlement, PA, died Monday, October 30, 2023.

A gathering to celebrate Floyd’s life will be held Saturday, May 11, 2024 from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM at American Legion Potter Post #192, Two Buffalo Street, Coudersport, PA.  Military Rites will be accorded by members of the Potter County Honor Guard.  Memorials may be made to Teacher’s Pet Rescue, 19 Blackberry Lane, Coudersport, PA 16915.  

Cremation was at OLNEY-FOUST Private Crematory, Ulysses, PA.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.

Obituary: Brian E. Lowry, 69, Bolivar

 

Brian E. Lowry, 69 of 185 Olive Street, Bolivar, passed away Monday, May 6, 2024 at Highland Park Rehabilitation and Nursing Center after a brief illness. 

Born on August 8, 1954, in Islip, New York, he was a son of Robert and Loretto Ann McEvoy Lowry.  On July 23, 2008, in Bolivar, he met the former Peggy A. Nolan who survives and they were just recently married on April 17, 2024. 

Brian was a graduate of Sayville High School.  He then enlisted in the United States Army serving from 1975-79.  He had worked in Air Conditioning, was a painter for 25 years, and when he relocated to Western New York he became a truck driver, driving for different companies until his retirement from Strong Trucking in Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania. 

He was a member and had been a bartender for the Kenyon Andrus Post 772 American Legion, Bolivar.  He loved golfing, was a football fan with his favorite team being the Minnesota Vikings, loved spending time with his grandchildren, and enjoyed practical jokes and making people laugh. 

In addition to his mother Loretto of Sayville, and wife, Peggy, he is survived by

2 Sons                        Timothy (Misty Smith) Lowry                 Olean

                                    Jason (Darcy) Lowry                                  Perry

His Stepchildren      Douglas (Monica) Ward                            Friendship

                                    Amanda Ward                                             Friendship

                                    Rebecca Pangburn                                     Wirt

A Special Daughter-in-law           Samantha (William) Fowler         Bolivar

3 Grandchildren      Greyson and Chaelyn Lowry, and Camryn Lowry

9 Step Grandchildren        MacKenzie and Jarret Ward, Kirsten, Kiley, and Brock Calhoun, and Mark Jr., Zane and Claire, and Piper Pangburn

3 Brothers                 Paul Lowry                           Bolivar

                                    Peter Lowry                         Sayville, NY

                                    Tommy (Annmarie Hamilton) Lowry    Sayville, NY

A Sister                      Loretta Lowry                                  Sayville, NY

Three Sisters in Laws         Janet Lowry                         Blue Point, NY

                                                Gay Lowry                            Holbrook, NY

                                                Jodi (Chad) Adams             Kingston, Georgia

Two Brother in laws           James (Darren) Fisher       Salamanca

                                                Russel (Mirta) Fisher         Salamanca

Father and Mother-in-law           Frank and Alma Fisher                  Salamanca

                                   

Several Nieces and Nephews 

In addition to his father, he was predeceased by a son Eric Lowry and two brothers Kevin and Bobby Lowry, and a sister-in-law Ellen Lowry. 

Friends will be received at the Mark F. Rinker Funeral Home & Memorial Service, Inc., 554 South Main Street, Bolivar, on Wednesday, May 8, 2024 from 11-2 P.M.  Funeral Services will begin in the Funeral Home at 2:00 P.M.  The Rev. David Herne, will officiate. 

Memorials may be made to the Kenyon Andrus Post 772, 387 Main Street, Bolivar, New York 14715.

Village of Wellsville street notice

TO: Residents of Wellsville

FROM: Department of Public Works

DATE: May 6, 2024

RE: Milling and Paving Streets

Our paving contractor is planning to start milling on Wednesday, May 8th, 2024, on the following streets:

Scott Avenue from East Genessee Street to Farnum Street

O’Connor Street from Farnum Street to Scott Avenue

After milling and before paving, manholes and water boxes will be elevated, so please drive carefully. During paving and milling access to these streets will be limited and parking on the street will not be allowed so please plan ahead with parking arrangements to avoid any conflicts.

We thank you for your cooperation and patience. If you have any questions, please call our office at 596-1710.

Bradley J Mattison

Assistant Director of Public Works

Obituary: Emil Laszlo Szabo, 74, of Clearwater, Florida, formerly of Wellsville

Emil L. Szabo, 74 of Clearwater, Florida

Emil Laszlo Szabo, 74, of Clearwater, Florida went to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, April 28, 2024 at the VA Hospital in St. Petersburg after a lengthy illness. He was born in Munich, Germany on January 6, 1950, the son of Laszlo S. and Yolanda M. Szabo.

Emigrating to the United States with his parents and older brother Zoltan in 1951, the family settled in Wellsville, NY where he attended Wellsville Central School, graduating in 1968.

In January, 1969 Emil enlisted in the US Marine Corp and served with honor in the Vietnam War. Honorably discharged on July 17, 1970, he was the recipient of several awards including the National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, RVN Cross of Gallantry Medal and the Rifle Experts Badge.

Settling in Clearwater, Florida, Emil worked as a skilled self-employed Master carpenter. He was an active member of Saint Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, serving as an usher and Eucharistic Minister. Occasionally returning to Wellsville to visit with family and friends, he enjoyed hunting and fishing with his brothers. Survivors include his mother Yolanda, siblings Zoltan, William, Eva, Kathleen and James as well as several nieces and nephews. Emil was predeceased by his father Laszlo.

Funeral and memorial arrangements are incomplete and will be held at the convenience of the family in Florida. Interment will be at the VA Bay Pines National Cemetery in St. Petersburg, Florida with full military honors.

Noyes to hold Breast and Lung Cancer screening event Saturday, May 11

DANSVILLE -- Life gets busy, and sometimes it is difficult to have important, potentially lifesaving screenings, during the weekday.

Noyes understands that, so a Saturday Screening day where Mammograms and Lung Cancer Screenings has been scheduled from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. at Noyes Memorial Hospital, 111 Clara Barton St., Dansville. Appointments can be made by calling 585-335-4235. Walk-in mammograms are also available.

Mammograms

Regular mammograms are crucial for women's health because they can detect breast cancer at its earliest stages, often before any symptoms are noticeable. Benefits of getting a mammogram include:

Early Detection: Mammograms can detect breast cancer early, when it's most treatable. Detecting cancer at an early stage greatly increases the chances of successful treatment and survival.

Screening for High-Risk Individuals: Women with a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors may benefit even more from regular mammograms as they are at a higher risk of developing breast cancer.

Improved Outcomes: Studies consistently show that regular mammograms reduce the risk of dying from breast cancer by detecting tumors when they are smaller and more localized.

Peace of Mind: Even when results are normal, mammograms provide peace of mind and a baseline for future comparisons.

Quick and Easy: Mammograms are generally quick and relatively painless, with the potential to save lives. It's a proactive step toward maintaining good health.

Who should have a mammogram?

Women with average risk are recommended to have a yearly mammogram starting at age 40 (no doctor’s order is required for patients over 40).

You may be at a higher risk if you have:

A first-degree relative who has had breast cancer, or multiple family members who have had breast cancerA history of radiation therapy to the chest

A known genetic mutation, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2

A personal history of breast cancer

Lung Cancer Screenings

Lung cancer screening is the non-invasive process of looking for a disease such as cancer in people who don’t have symptoms. Screening uses a Low Dose CT scan (LDCT) to look closely at the lungs each year. Research has shown that using LDCT scans to screen people at higher risk of lung cancer saves lives.

Referrals are required for Lunch Cancer Screenings. You may be eligible for lung cancer screening if you meet all of the following:

Between the ages of 50 and 80

Currently smoke cigarettes OR quit smoking cigarettes within the last 15 years

Have a smoking history of at least 20 pack-years (this can be further discussed/reviewed upon contacting the Lung Cancer Screening Program)

If you do not meet all of the above criteria for the Lung Cancer Screening Program, we encourage you to please either:

Contact your primary care provider (PCP) to discuss your concerns and alternative options. If you need a primary care physician, call (585) 335-3150 for an appointment

Contact the Pulmonary Clinic at Noyes Memorial Hospital if you would like to schedule a general pulmonary appointment at 585-335-8670.

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Obituary: Michael Alan Schillinger, 54, of Virginia Beach, formerly of Shinglehouse

 

Michael Alan Schillinger  “beloved husband, son, father, brother, and uncle” 

VIRGINIA BEACH, VIRGINIA---Michael Alan Schillinger, 54, of Virginia Beach, formerly of Shinglehouse, PA, passed away on Monday, April 29, 2024 in his home in Virginia Beach. 

Born on Saturday, November 15, 1969 in Bradford, he was a son of Ronald Schillinger and Betty Carlquist Schillinger Whiteman. He married Amy Coatman Schillinger on May 12, 1990. 

Michael graduated from Oswayo Valley High School in Shinglehouse, Class of 1987.  He joined the US Navy on August 24, 1987, retiring on July 31, 2008 as a Navy Chief Petty Officer.  He later worked for the Department of Defense for many years where his ethics and commitment earned him respect and admiration from his colleagues. 

Michael loved his family, fishing, hunting and cooking. 

Left to cherish his memory are his mother and stepfather, Betty and Tom Whiteman of Shinglehouse; his wife, Amy; a son, Joshua Schillinger of Virginia Beach; a daughter, Stephanie (Piyush) Kapoor of Virginia Beach; a brother, Brian (Mikki) Schillinger of Bradford; three sisters, Janelle Shikoski of Watford City, ND, Denise (Brad) Buchholz of Shinglehouse and Sharon (Chris) Cobb of Bradford; an uncle, Bill (Emma) Schillinger of Texas; two aunts. Martha Braund of Bradford and Margaret Carlquist of Ocala, Florida; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

Michael was predeceased by his father; and his grandparents. 

Military honors for Michael will be held on at date and place to be announced. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Michael’s name may be made to the LEEK Hunting and Mountain Preserve, 494 PA -244, Oswayo, PA 16915. 

Locally Michael’s family is being assisted by Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse. 

To express condolences, light a candle or share a fond memory of Michael, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.

GOVERNOR HOCHUL ANNOUNCES $50 MILLION MODERNIZATION PROJECT AT 146-YEAR-OLD GENESEE BREWERY IN ROCHESTER

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced a major revitalization project for the storied Genesee Brewery in the City of Rochester. The 146-year-old facility will undergo a $50 million renovation to transform the building into a world-class packaging facility, increasing the building’s manufacturing capacity and allowing for greater efficiency at the site. The company is planning to create up to 57 new jobs at the facility over the next two years in addition to retaining more than 500 workers in Rochester, and will use the facility to supplement the Canadian production and shipment of its renowned Labatt Blue and Labatt Blue Light lines of beer – making this the first facility to produce these lines in the United States. New York State has offered a $7 million capital grant to Genesee’s parent company, FIFCO USA, to assist with the modernization upgrades.

 

“The Genesee Brewery has been a trusted employer in the Rochester community for well over a century, and this transformative investment will help to keep them in New York State for generations to come,” Governor Hochul said. “New York is experiencing a manufacturing renaissance, with millions of dollars in investment and countless, good-paying jobs coming to our state, and my administration is committed to helping businesses like the Genesee Brewery expand their presence in New York and help move our economy forward.”

 

This project will increase the brewery’s capacity with the installation of new tanks and equipment, following a $50 million Phase One investment in the Rochester facility in 2018. The company opened the Genesee Brew House in 2012, which features an on-site museum, restaurant and pilot brewery that last year attracted more than 400,000 people to the location along the beautiful Genesee River in Downtown Rochester. Genesee Brew House also received three awards in the New York State Craft Beer Competition in 2023 with their Helles beer, a traditional light lager taking the best in show Governor’s Excelsior Craft Beer Cup award.

 

Established in 1878, the Genesee Brewery is New York State’s oldest brewery and one of the oldest continually operating breweries in the United States. The Brewery makes the classic line of Genesee beers, as well as the popular Seagram’s Escapes line, Lipton Hard Iced Tea and several brands for large alcoholic beverage companies across the country.

Democrats collecting for Bolivar's Food Pantry

 

Democrats to Collect for Food Pantry in Bolivar

 

Belmont, NY – When the Allegany County Democratic Committee hosts its monthly “Coffee with Democrats” on Saturday, May 11th in Little Genesee, they will be collecting non-perishable food and personal care items to be donated to the Bolivar Food Pantry located at the Community Center at the Little Genesee 7th Day Baptist Church. The pantry is asking specifically for canned fruit, canned soup, and dry cereal, as these are its immediate needs.

The event runs from 9:00 to 11:00 am at the Genesee Library, 8351 Main St., Little Genesee, NY and is open to all registered Democrats.  Coffee and light snacks will be served. Sign up here to attend.

This is one small way county Democrats “serve our community”.  To learn more, visit www.alleganycountydemocrats.org or follow us on Facebook or Threads. 

DEC Celebrates Air Quality Awareness Week in New York State

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar today announced that May 6 to 10 is Air Quality Awareness Week (AQAW). The public awareness event is held in coordination with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s nationwide campaign to share information about efforts to protect and improve air quality. Throughout the week, DEC is promoting a different air quality topic on its social media platforms and highlight State initiatives and investments to promote clean air. The theme for this year is “Knowing Your Air.” 

“Air Quality Awareness Week helps educate the public about actions they can take to improve air quality, as well as New York’s significant progress in protecting and enhancing air quality statewide,” Interim Commissioner Mahar said. “I encourage all New Yorkers to take part by learning about the pollution that impacts public health, sign up for air quality alerts and newsletters, and check out DEC’s website and social media platforms to better ‘Know Your Air’ this week and all year long.”

Air pollution can harm public health and natural resources in a variety of ways. Hot summer weather sets the stage for two major pollutants of concern for human health: the formation of ozone (O₃) and fine particulate matter (PM_2.5), tiny solid particles or liquid droplets in the air that are 2.5 microns or less in diameter. Fish and wildlife show harmful effects from acid rain and mercury in air. Greenhouse gases in the air are changing the world's climate and contributing to harmful impacts including extreme heat, deadly flooding, drought, fires, rising sea levels, and severe storms.

Air pollutants originate from many human activities. Most pollutants come from:

• on- and off-road vehicles and power equipment;
• power plants that burn oil, gas, or coal; 
• heating and cooling of residential and commercial buildings; and
• industries that manufacture chemicals and other goods.

New York State leads the nation with some of the most stringent air quality guidelines and regulations to help protect public health and the environment. Due in large part to these requirements and the ongoing efforts of DEC’s dedicated air quality staff, statewide emissions of pollutants from major facilities were significantly reduced from 2000 to 2022: 

• Particulate matter (PM) – 88 percent;
• Sulfur dioxide (SO2) - 97 percent;
• Nitrogen oxides (NOx) – 81 percent;
• Volatile organic compounds (VOC) – 67 percent;
• Carbon Monoxide (CO) – 58 percent; and
• Hazardous air pollutants (HAP) - 73 percent.

From 2000 to 2022, monitored ambient levels of pollutants statewide were also reduced:

• Particulate matter less than 2.5 microns (PM 2.5) – 50 percent 
• SO2 – 90 percent
• Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) – 30 percent
• Ozone – 12 percent

Everyone can help significantly reduce pollution by following tips on Living the Green Life.

Air Quality Alerts and Forecasting

DEC’s Division of Air Resources closely monitors air quality conditions statewide and works with the State Department of Health to issue timely public health advisories that millions of New Yorkers depend on each year. Visit dec.ny.gov for updated forecasts and information about air quality index levels, and Department of Health website for information on health risks and precautions related to air quality.

In February, the U.S. EPA announced a final rule to strengthen the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for fine particle pollution, also known as fine particulate matter (PM2.5) or soot. The lower standard may result in more days identified higher on the AQI scale but that does not mean PM2.5 pollution in New York State has gotten worse. The changes to the AQI reflect the latest science on particle pollution and health, and the updates U.S. EPA has made to the annual standard for fine particle pollution. For more on the new standards including a list of commonly asked questions, visit the AIRNOW website.  

Community Air Quality

Residents and community-based organizations often approach DEC when they have air quality concerns. DEC uses existing air quality data, air quality model results, and information on local sources of air pollution to better understand community concerns. In a limited number of instances this has led to DEC conducting a more in-depth air quality study such as in Tonawanda, and Albany’s South End neighborhood. 

More recently the DEC collected air quality data for the statewide Community Air Monitoring Initiative, required by the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. This initiative gathered air quality data in 10 disadvantaged communities across New York.

Air Quality Awareness Week

AQAW provides an opportunity for people to learn about what causes poor air quality and how people can prepare for and respond to events and environments with poor air quality – not just during the month of May, but year-round.

Wellsville fire training

Wellsville Fire Department held a live fire training Sunday afternoon at the Training Grounds. Topics covered was vehicle fires, allowing multiple different burns with the car from last year, and helping clear out the overload of pallets at the training grounds. Wellsville 2 and 3 were on hand for today’s training. The junior firefighters were able to participate as well after their fundraising event.

Obituary: David A. Kinnicut, 62, Wellsville

David A. KINNICUTT, 62, of Wellsville, NY, died Monday, April 29, 2024 in his home.  Born June 20, 1961, in Rome, he was the son of Donald and Cora Jackson Kinnicutt.  He was a graduate of Scio Central School and attended Alfred State College.  He was employed as a truck driver by numerous companies.  David enjoyed riding his motorcycle and spending time with his family.  Surviving are: a brother, George (Brenda) Kinnicutt of Suisun, CA; a sister, Linda Maxwell of Wellsville; nieces and nephews.  In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by three brothers, Ronald Kinnicutt, Terry Kinnicutt, and Gary Kinnicutt.  Friends may call at OLNEY-FOUST Funeral Homes & Cremation, Crowell Chapel, 296 North Main Street, Wellsville, NY on Saturday, May 18, 2024 from 10:00 – 11:00 AM, with a Memorial Service following at 11:00 AM.  Rev. Jon Schink will officiate.  Cremation was at OLNEY-FOUST Private Crematory.  Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org.  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.  

Partial Obituary: Alice J. “A.J.” Stiles, 84, Coudersport

COUDERSPORT, PA---Alice J. “A.J.” Stiles, 84, a lifelong resident of Coudersport, passed away with her loving family by her side on Thursday, May 2, 2024, in UPMC Cole, Coudersport, after a short illness.

Funeral arrangements, entrusted to the care 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.

Angelica-area home engulfed in flames

From Angelica Fire & Rescue:

Saturday night at approximately 9 p.m., Angelica Fire was dispatched to the town of Granger as mutual aid with Short Tract fire for a house fire. Angelica units responded with 8 members. All Angelica units were back in service at 2 a.m. Sunday. Great work and team work by all departments on scene. Along with Angelica there was Short Tract, Houghton, Belfast, Rushford, Nunda, Birdsall, Fillmore, Wiscoy, Fast Team 4, DC1, AL 52, and fire investigators. Thank you Belmont for standing by in Angelica for us.

Cuba: A Walk in the Woods Premieres May 31st