GOVERNOR CUOMO DEPLOYS EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM TO BROOME COUNTY AFTER GAS TRUCK OVERTURNS- UPDATED

UPDATE: Media Release
Shortly before 1:00a.m. this morning, the Broome County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to one vehicle accident which was reported to have occurred on Interstate 88 eastbound at Exit 2 in the Town of Fenton, Broome County, New York. The accident was reported to involve a tractor trailer style vehicle bearing a hazardous material placard. The operator of the tractor was ejected from the vehicle and
located a short distance from the tractor, deceased. First responders extricated the driver from the scene and set up a perimeter a safe distance away from the accident scene.
Members of the Broome County Sheriff’s Office, the New York State Police and the Department of Transportation set up traffic control points to limit vehicular traffic in and around the accident scene. Members of the Broome County Sheriff’s Office and local fire department personnel began evacuating all homes located within a quarter mile radius of the accident scene. Those areas included two trailer parks; one located on E. Niles Road and one located on Towpath Road in addition to residential houses located on Niles Road,
Dale Court, Ivan Lane, Chenango Street, Hartley Road and Ritchie Road.
The driver was identified as Jeffrey Lind, 52 years of age of Hallstead, Pennsylvania. He was operating a tractor trailer owned by Xpress Natural Gas which is located in Montrose, P.A. The preliminary investigation and witnesses accounts indicate that Mr. Lind swerved to avoid striking a deer in the roadway. As a result,
he lost control of the tractor trailer, struck the concrete “jersey” barrier dividing the eastbound and westbound lanes, overturned then slid across the eastbound lanes coming to rest against the concrete barrier on the right-hand side of the eastbound lanes. The trailer contained
four tanks each filled with compressed methane gas. Due to the accident, one tank within the trailer was damaged and, as a result, an unknown amount of compressed gas vented into the atmosphere. There is no indication that there were any defects with the tractor trailer, however, it is still under investigation at this time.
Currently, crews are on the scene off-loading the remaining gas onto other trucks. The quarter mile perimeter evacuation is still in effect and surrounding roadways are still closed. Sheriff Harder anticipates that the accident scene should be cleaned up and the area deemed
safe later this afternoon.
The Broome County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the:
New York State Police
NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
Port Dickinson Police Department
Hillcrest Fire Department
Port Dickinson Fire Department
Chenango Fire
Chenango Bridge Fire Department
Five Mile Point Fire Department
Chenango Forks Fire Department
Town of Binghamton Fire Department
Prospect Terrace Fire Department
Port Crane Fire Department
NYS Department of Transportation
NYS Office of Emergency Management
NYS Office of Fire prevention and control
Broome County Office of Emergency Services
Broome County Executive’s Office
Broome County Hazardous materials squad
The American Red Cross
Broome Ambulance Squad
Chenango Ambulance Squad
Superior Ambulance Squad
Broome County Division of Security
Broome County Parks
Radio amateur civil emergency service
Various agencies at the State and Local level who support the Emergency Operations Center
Release prepared by: Captain Kathleen Newcomb
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo earlier today deployed emergency responders from the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, Department of Transportation, Department of Environmental Conservation Spills Response, and State Police to assist with an accident after a truck carrying compressed natural gas overturned on I-88 at Exit 2 in the town of Fenton, Broome County. The accident resulted in one fatality. 

“When serious accidents happen, the state jumps into action to help and our emergency responders move heaven and earth to protect our communities,” Governor Cuomo said. “Earlier this morning I directed state personnel from a number of agencies to go to the scene and provide any assistance necessary to help resolve the situation as quickly and safely as possible.” 
The State Department of Transportation has nearly 50 maintenance and traffic signal staff from Broome and Chenango counties actively responding to the crash. Highway maintenance staff have set up road and ramp closures between the I-88/I-81 interchange and I-88 Exit 6. Six Variable Message Signs (VMS) along Route 17, I-88 and I-81 warn motorists of the closure, and five portable VMS have been deployed to various locations along the detour routes. Regional staff members are on-scene coordinating the multi-agency response, as well as assisting at the Broome County Emergency Operations Center and at DOT’s Regional Operation Center.
Out of an abundance of caution, Broome County has declared a State of Emergency and evacuated a radius of one-quarter mile from the accident. After conducting a full assessment of the situation on the ground, Emergency Services personnel will vent or flare off the gas, which is anticipated to take several hours. Traffic is currently being diverted around the accident and the nearby railroad line. Schools in the area are also closed for the day as a precaution. 
Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) is less volatile than gasoline because of its high ignition temperature—about 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit. CNG has narrow flammability limits; in concentrations in air below about 5 percent and above about 15 percent, natural gas will not burn. The high ignition temperature and limited flammability range make accidental combustion of CNG unlikely. Emergency Services personnel are taking every precaution to protect the public and safely vent the gas to bring this incident to a swift and safe resolution.  The response to this incident is ongoing and additional information will be provided as it becomes available.

Wolf Administration Warns Pennsylvanians Eastern Equine Encephalitis Confirmed in Three Counties

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Departments of Agriculture and Health today warned Pennsylvanians to take precautionary measures against mosquito bites for themselves and their animals – specifically horses – as the rare mosquito-transmitted viral infection Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) has been confirmed in Erie, Carbon, and Monroe counties.
 
EEE is a virus carried by birds. If a mosquito bites an infected bird it can then transmit the potentially fatal virus to humans, horses, and other birds. Because of the high mortality rate in horses and humans, EEE is regarded as one of the most serious mosquito-borne diseases in the United States. Through mid-September, there have been 18 cases reported to the CDC from across the country in 2019, with the majority of the cases in northeastern or Mid-Atlantic states. Several cases have been fatal.
 
When outdoors, people can avoid mosquito bites by properly and consistently using DEET-containing insect repellents and covering exposed skin with lightweight clothing. To keep mosquitoes from entering a home, make sure window and door screens are in place and are in good condition.
 
Homeowners should take steps to eliminate standing water around their property to reduce mosquito populations. Here are some simple steps you can take:
–         Remove tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots, discarded tires or any object that could collect standing water. Drill holes in the bottom of recycling containers left outdoors.
–         Have roof gutters cleaned annually, particularly if leaves from nearby trees have a tendency to clog the drains.
–         Turn over plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use.
–         Do not let water stagnate in bird baths.
–         Aerate ornamental pools or stock them with fish.
–         Clean and chlorinate swimming pools and remove standing water from pool covers.
–         Use landscaping to eliminate standing water that collects on your property.
–         Treat standing water that cannot be eliminated with Bti products, which are sold at outdoor supply, home improvement, and other stores. Bti is a natural product that kills mosquito larvae, but is safe for people, pets, aquatic life and plants.
 
The symptoms of EEE are:
–        High fever (103º to 106ºF),
–        Stiff neck,
–        Headache, and
–        Lack of energy.
 
These symptoms typically show up three to ten days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Inflammation and swelling of the brain, called encephalitis, can develop. The disease gets worse quickly, and some patients could end up in a coma within a week. This disease can also be fatal, as three out of every ten people who get the disease die from it.
 
In addition to taking precautions to eliminate standing water on their properties, horse owners are encouraged to proactively vaccinate against both EEE and West Nile Virus, keep animals indoors at night, and spray for mosquitoes. Vaccines for Eastern, Western, Venezuelan, and Eastern Equine Encephalitis are available from veterinarians.

Allegany County History Week Exhibit – Concerned Citizens of Allegany County

Information provided

CCAC’s Bump the Dump exhibit at the David A. Howe Library in Wellsville is up and it looks terrific!  Special thanks to Fred Sinclair and Jessica Hutchison for all their work on bringing this project to fruition.
Beginning Monday, 9-23, buses of students from across Allegany County are scheduled for tours of the local history exhibits at the library, including ours. We have scheduled volunteers for short shifts (thank you volunteers!) to be present at our display to answer questions, but we have two shifts in need of volunteer coverage.
>>>>>  Wednesday 9-25 — 9:00 to noon  AND Friday  9-27 —  9:00 to noon.

Obituary: Kenneth Leroy Stuck, 89, Bolivar

Kenneth Leroy Stuck “area musician”        

BOLIVAR, N.Y.—Kenneth Leroy Stuck, 89, of Bolivar, passed away at home surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, September 21, 2019, after a long illness.
Born on Saturday, August 9, 1930 in the Town of Wirt, he was a son of Arthur and Gladys Heysham Stuck. On August 22, 1952 in Bolivar, he married Marion J. Rockefeller, who survives.
Kenneth was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force having served during the Korean War in Alaska.  He was a self-employed carpenter and home builder.  He also sold radio advertising for a number of area radio stations. Ken was also a professional musician, performing locally with his country bands and other local bands.  He also played the steel guitar in Florida and Texas. 
He was a member the National Rifle Association and was a strong supporter of the Second Amendment.  He loved his many dogs over the years.
Surviving in addition to his wife are two children, Timithie Stuck of Little Genesee and Dianna Scott of Statesville, North Carolina; seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; four siblings: Joyce Forrest of Olean, Lillian Blouvet of Friendship, Douglas (Linda) Stuck of Friendship, and Fred (Barbara) Stuck of Fillmore; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Kenneth was predeceased by seven siblings.
In keeping with Kenneth’s wishes, there will be no public visitation or funeral services.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the SPCA Serving Allegany County, 5440 NY-19, Belmont, NY 14813.
Kenneth’s family has entrusted his care to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse, Pa.
To express condolences or share a fond memory of Kenneth, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or visit their Facebook page, Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home .

Obituary: Oscar L. Buchholz, 82, Wellsville

WELLSVILLE – Oscar L. Buchholz, age 82, of the Hallsport Road passed away on Saturday, September 21, 2019, in his home surrounded by his family. He was born on January 17, 1937 at home in the Town of Willing to the late Harry and Florence Fanton Buchholz. On June 7, 1958 in Bergholz he married Dianne Stenzel who survives.

Oscar was a former resident of the North Tonawanda area who returned here in 1999 after his retirement from Stone Container after 43 years of service. Along with his friend, Kenny Curry, he shoveled snow at Air Preheater, made maple syrup and cut fire wood. Oscar enjoyed deer season and his many trips from North Tonawanda to his camp in Hallsport that he and Dianne eventually made their retirement home. He was a member of the Whitesville Rod and Gun Club and will be remembered for his love of his family and his willingness to help anyone who needed it.
Survivors include his wife of 61 years and 3 months, Dianne; 3 daughters, Corinne [Ralph] Maday of South Carolina, Brigette [James] Grawe of North Tonawanda, and Donna [Duane] Moderacki of North Tonawanda; 6 grandchildren, Adam, James, Jennifer, Jamie, Jozef and Brett; 11 great grandchildren, Olivia, Addison, Kendal, Carter, Ryan, Ella, Samuel, Brigette, Sophia, Leah and Allie; a brother, Pete [Liz] Buchholz of Wellsville; 2 sisters, Jane [Archie] Kernan of Lindley and Joyce [Larry] Arbogast of Bolivar; several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Oscar was predeceased by his parents and 7 brothers, Jim, Alwin, Erwin, Earl, Mark, Richard and Virgil.
Friends are invited to call on Thursday, September 26, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home, 34 West State Street, Wellsville, New York. A funeral service will take place at the conclusion of calling hours at 1 p.m. in the funeral home. Burial will take place in the Stannards Cemetery and in lieu of flowers memorials in Oscar’s name may be made to your local SPCA. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

The Fassett Greenspace awarded grant to become ADA compliant

WELLSVILLE, NY – You may ask, what is so special about a bunch of bricks? If you go to the Fassett GreenSpace on Main Street in Wellsville, you’ll find the answer. Earlier this year, Art for Rural America was awarded $32,725 for the procurement and installation of over 14,000 permeable brick pavers. This will transform their multifaceted community garden and sculpture park into an ADA compliant, accessible outdoor place for all residents. “These funds are being used to make walking easier for all and to make it possible for those with wheelchairs, strollers and scooters to be in the garden” says Board President, Cassandra Bull. Funding from this grant also allowed the construction of an informational kiosk which now houses a community made mosaic sign.

The Fassett GreenSpace will showcase permeable brick pavers made by Whitacre Greer in Ohio. These are the same pavers that were installed in Alfred State College’s Wellsville Campus at their Zero Energy Demonstration home. The pavers are an especially interesting design, as they create a passive water filtration system in which natural microbes form within the gravel and clean the water as it flows through. Greg Carlin, Wellsville resident and mason with 30 years of experience, was contracted to start installing the pavers in late September. This project is on track to be complete by the end of November.

After many attempts to fund this vital phase of the Fassett GreenSpace project, The Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation Legacy Funds through the Community Foundation of Greater Buffalo saw promise in the project. Art for Rural America was previously awarded $21,000 by the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation in partnership with KaBOOM! in their Play Everywhere Challenge in 2018 to procure an ensemble of six outdoor sculptural instruments.The Legacy Funds fall under four categories: Caregivers, Community Assets, Youth Sports, and Design and Access. Design and Access grants were created to “increase the health and quality of life of WNY residents of all ages by enhancing outdoor activities within the region,” according to the Community Foundation’s website. These funds are distributed in the eight counties of Western New York as well as parts of Southeast Michigan.

Thanks to outside funding from this civic minded foundation, The Fassett GreenSpace will finally get a solid ‘floor’ and be truly accessible to the community. For more information about the project, follow The Fassett GreenSpace project on Facebook or visit their website http://www.ArtforRuralAmerica.org. For more information or to volunteer, email Cassandra Bull at ArtforRuralAmerica@gmail.com.  
(photos provided)

Allegany County Legislature meeting agenda – September 23, 2019

2019

REGULAR SESSION

Allegany County Legislative Meeting

Monday, September 23, 2019 – 2:00 p.m.

Legislative Chambers – Belmont, New York

 

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that in accordance with the Board Rules of the Allegany County Board of Legislators, the second regular scheduled monthly meeting of the Board will be held on Monday, September 23, 2019, at 2:00 p.m. in the Legislative Chambers, County Office Building, 7 Court Street, Belmont, New York 14813.

 

PROPOSED RESOLUTIONS

 

BOARD MEETING              –                      September 23, 2019

 

INTRO. NO.  TITLE                                                                                                                      PAGE NO.

 

227 – 19
APPROVAL OF GRANT APPLICATION FOR NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY 2019 PUBLIC SAFETY ANSWERING POINTS (PSAP) OPERATIONS GRANT BY THE ALLEGANY COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE………………………………….
 
 
 
 
…….  1
 
228 – 19
APPROVAL OF GRANT APPLICATION FOR NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY AND EMERGENCY SERVICES 2019 STATEWIDE INTEROPERABLE COMMUNICATIONS FORMULA-BASED GRANT BY THE ALLEGANY COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE…………………………………………………………………………..
 
 
 
 
…….. 3
 
229 – 19
ACCEPTANCE AND APPROPRIATION OF ADDITIONAL REVENUE FROM THE NEW YORK STATE OFFICE OF ALCOHOLISM AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE SERVICES FOR THE 2019 BUDGET IN COMMUNITY SERVICES……………………………………………………..
 
 
 
 
…….. 5
 
230 – 19
 
ACCEPTANCE AND APPROPRIATION OF FUNDS FOR THE ELECTRONIC POLL BOOKS CAPITAL GRANT PROJECT FOR THE BOARD OF ELECTIONS……………………………………………………….
 
 
…….. 7
 
231 – 19
BUDGET TRANSFER WITHIN PUBLIC WORKS ACCOUNT TO COVER THE COST OF LARGE REPAIRS…………………………………………….
 
 
……. 9
 
232 – 19
BUDGET TRANSFER WITHIN HEALTH DEPARTMENT ACCOUNTS….
……. 11
 
 
233 – 19
 
BUDGET ADJUSTMENT FOR THE CARRYOVER OF REMAINING 2018 FUNDS FOR SFY 2019-20 CONSOLIDATED HIGHWAY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (CHIPS) IN THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS………………………………………………………………..
 
 
 
 
……. 13
 

Crew of NY wildland firefighters return home, including one from Allegany County


Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today welcomed home a team of 20 wildland firefighters from the ranks of New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Forest Rangers and other DEC programs who helped battle and contain wildfires in Klamath and Plumas National Forests in California. The team of firefighters began their assignment in California on Sept. 9 and arrived back in the Capital Region last night.  

“When communities and states need help, New York always steps up,” Governor Cuomo said. “I’m proud to welcome back these courageous firefighters, who helped battle dangerous wildfires in California and who epitomize New York State’s values of sacrifice and service to others.”  
The Lime Fire on the Klamath National Forest in Siskiyou County grew to encompass more than 1,800 acres and took hundreds of firefighters to contain. Officials believe the fire was sparked by a lightning strike on Sept. 4 and spread due to high winds. The Walker Fire also started on Sept. 4 at the Plumas National Forest and was the second fire the crew helped to support with suppression efforts. The fire is currently 97 percent contained and grew to 54,600 acres in size. Since it started, a total of 1,073 personnel has been assigned to the Walker Fire and its cause remains under investigation. Additional information on these and other fires can be found at: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/.  
  • New York State’s crew created control lines with hand tools and chainsaws and used intentional fire to contain the spread of wildfire and protect threatened homes. Responding New York crew members included:  
  • Aimee Bills, Forest Ranger, Otsego County
  • James Canevari, Division of Fish and Wildlife,  St. Lawrence County
  • Joshua Choquette, Division of Fish and Wildlife, Delaware County
  • Shay Faulkner, Division of Operations, Allegany County
  • Rebecca Ferry, Division of Fish and Wildlife, Ulster County
  • Michael Giocondo, Division of Lands and Forests, Lewis County
  • Daniel Kinsley, Division of Materials Management, Onondaga County
  • Stephanie Larkin, Division of Fish and Wildlife, St. Lawrence County
  • Robert Mackenzie, Division of Lands and Forests, Dutchess County
  • Gary Miller, Forest Ranger, Hamilton County
  • Phillip Parlier, Forest Ranger, Orange County
  • Robert Praczkajlo, Forest Ranger, Essex County
  • Scott Sabo, Forest Ranger, Franklin County
  • Matthew Savarie, Forest Ranger, Lewis County
  • Nathaniel Shea, Forest Ranger, St. Lawrence County
  • Kevin Slade, Forest Ranger, Crew Boss, Ulster County
  • Mark Solan, Division of Materials Management, Washington County
  • Timothy Watson, Division of Fish and Wildlife, Fulton County
  • Daniel Welc, Division of Lands and Forests, Chenango County
  • Timothy Yeatts, Division of Fish and Wildlife, Onondaga County
       
DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said, “I commend DEC’s Forest Rangers and staff for their sacrifice and bravery over these past two weeks in helping to contain these wildfires and protect precious natural resources and communities. New Yorkers should be proud of the work our fire crews do to battle these blazes, which gives them expertise to fight wildfire here at home. For nearly 40 years, New York has stood ready and willing to assist our sister states in emergencies.”   
In 1979, New York sent its first firefighting crew to assist western states with large wildfires. On average, one or two crews have been sent as needed to assist with wildfires every year since. In addition to helping contain the national wildfires and minimize damage, these crews also gain valuable experience that can be utilized fighting wildfires and managing all-risk incidents in New York.  
All personnel and travel expenses for the New York crews are either paid directly by the U.S. Forest Service or reimbursed to New York State based on a mutual aid agreement between states and federal land agencies.
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