Hornell: Fire destroys half a city block

Photo courtesy of Madonna Figura Simon

Smoke filled an otherwise blue sky Sunday afternoon in the City of Hornell. Hornell firefighters were alerted to a blaze that began around 11 Preston Avenue and rapidly spread to four other homes…perhaps more. Extra help was called in from North and South Hornell, Arkport, Howard and beyond. There were no early reports of injuries, but unconfirmed reported indicted several animals perished. The Hornell High School immediately was turned into an evacuation and shelter center. Canaseraga firefighters were activated to cover Arkport’s jurisdiction. Emergency Services will likely be at the scene through the night.
UPDATE: The American Red Cross confirmed it is assisting 21 people, including eight children. A total of seven homes were impacted by the inferno.

‘All Shook Up’ musical comedy taking place at Alfred State Nov. 21-23

Alfred State College’s Drama Club will present “All Shook Up,” a musical comedy built around a number of songs made famous by Elvis Presley, from Nov. 21-23 at the Cappadonia Auditorium in the Orvis Activities Center.
The show takes place in 1955 somewhere in middle America, where one girl’s dream and a surprise visit from a mysterious leather-jacketed, guitar-playing stranger help a small town to discover the magic of romance and the power of rock ‘n’ roll. Among the 24 songs featured in the score are classics such as “Heartbreak Hotel,” “Love Me Tender,” “Don’t Be Cruel,” “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” and of course the title tune.
Performances are scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 21; 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22; and 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23. All performances will take place in the Cappadonia Auditorium in the Orvis Activities Center.
Tickets are $2 for students and $7 for general admission. They can be purchased at the door, or in advance at the Campus Store, or in the Central Dining Hall from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For more information, contact Tyler Ribble at ribblet@alfredstate.edu.

Bolivar-Richburg school voters head to polls Nov. 19th on $11 million project – CORRECTED

Voters in the Bolivar-Richburg school district will head to the polls Tuesday to vote on a $11.2 million renovation project. The vote will take place in room 113 of the Middle/High school from noon until 8 p.m. District officials say the overall local tax impact of the project is a 0% increase in school taxes. Work includes a variety of projects on both the Bolivar and Richburg campuses. If approved, the year-long construction wouldn’t begin until the summer of 2021. Details on the project are posted on the Bolivar-Richburg school website.

Another China bashing article in CNA

CNA Insider by DerrickA Paulo

China is hungry for food. The Amazon is left counting the cost

The face of Brazilian rainforest is
changing, and China is responsible for that in no small way, with its
newfound love of beef and demand for soya beans….(the bold emphasis is mine, and this is main statement of this article).

MATO GROSSO, Brazil: It is the world’s largest

Obituary: Donna Marie Cardone Almeter, 67, of Canaseraga

Canaseraga – Donna Marie Cardone Almeter, 67, of Canaseraga passed away, succumbing to cancer on November 15, 2019 at The Vincent House, Wayland.  She was born on July 20, 1952 in Fort Indiantown Gap, PA, a daughter of late Mauro and Loretta Christoforetti Cardone. 
She volunteered for many things throughout her life.  Among many other activities, she took care of those dying of cancer at several Hospice locations, including the Batavia Crossroads House, as well as fed and helped the homeless at St. Luke’s Mission of Mercy Catholic Church in Buffalo.  She was President of the Wyoming County Cancer Society for 9 years, and hosted a Family Type Home for Adults, caring for the mentally ill elderly for 21 years in her own home.
Singing was one of her biggest passions in life.  She started the choir at St. Joachim & Ann’s (formerly, St. Joseph’s) Catholic Church and was the music director there for many years.  She professionally sang for numerous weddings and funerals throughout her life, and for 2 years, appeared many times on TV for Fox Network’s televised Masses singing with her sister Maury.
Cosmetology was one of her other biggest passions.  She was well known in the community for her salon, Belladonna’s in Attica.  She learned much of what she knew from her time working at Putting on the Glitz in Warsaw during her 30’s.  She was hired to do hair and makeup for many weddings throughout the course of her life, and taught seminars about makeup at various colleges and universities.  She also ordered and styled wigs for cancer patients, and would do their makeup to feel more dignified.
Ultimately, her greatest passion in life was God.  She got her Certified Religious Education (CRE) certification and taught Catechism at St. Joachim & Ann’s Catholic Church in Varysburg for many years.   During that time, she received a Pastoral Assistant Certification from Christ the King Seminary in East Aurora.  Her love for evangelization touched hundreds of people due to her vast knowledge, ability to convey the teachings of the faith in the most comprehensible way, and by her life’s example.  She gave her faith-filled heart out to everyone she met, no matter whom the person was or the circumstance surrounding their encounter.   Her faith and love of evangelization paid off since her greatest wishes were realized; to receive absolution as well as all of the final sacraments moments before she passed, which were administered by her son, Fr. Cory Mayer, as well as to be surrounded by her children.
Surviving is her fiancé, Chris Green of Canaseraga, her children, Kurt (April) Mayer of CA., Fr. Cory Mayer of FL, Teresa Mayer of Canaseraga, and Jessie Almeter of Saratoga Springs; her grandchildren, Scott Ward of NC, Payton Mayer of CA, her siblings Roseanne (Colin) McGovern of Henrietta, Maury (Mike LaVarnway) Fountain of Attica, Michael (Sydney) Cardone of NC., Dominic (Chris) Cardone of MD., Daniel Cardone of Attica and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
In addition to her parents she was predeceased by a grandson, Anthony Mayer. Family and friends may gather from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, November 22, 2019 at the Kopler-Williams Funeral Home, 21 N. Genesee Street, Fillmore and from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 23, 2019 in St. Patrick’s Church, Fillmore where a Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 1:00 p.m. Fr. Cory Mayer will be celebrant, Fr. Dennis JJ Mancuso, Fr. John Cullen and Fr. Robert Moreno will be concelebrating. Burial will be in Holy Cross Cemetery, Fillmore.
In lieu of flowers memorials if desired to: St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 6 North Street, Canaseraga, NY 14822. 
Special thanks to St. James Mercy Hospital in Hornell and The Vincent House for providing care and aid to Donna in her final months.

Obituary: Rolland L. Fletcher, 70, Houghton

Houghton —Rolland L. Fletcher, formerly of Houghton, went home to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Monday, October 28, 2019 at his residence in Waukesha, WI. He was born on July 6, 1927 in Emily, Minnesota, the son of the late Rev. Lester and Ruth Nee Macy Fletcher. On July 27, 1949 in Billings, Montana he married Alice Betz who survives.
He earned his bachelor’s degree in theology from Miltonvale Wesleyan College in 1949. While singing in the college quartet, he met his wife during a visit to her home church. Rolland was a pastor for 20 years with the Wesleyan Church throughout the upper Midwest. Afterward, he was led to work for Houghton College in New York until his retirement in 1990.
He will be remembered for his pastoral ministry by many parishioners from Minnesota, Iowa, Montana, North and South Dakota, and Colorado, and work colleagues and friends from not only Houghton College, but also Miltonvale Wesleyan College (Miltonvale, KS), Bartlesville Wesleyan College (Bartlesville, OK), and Kingsley College (Melbourne, Australia). He was a hard-working and humble man whose desire was to glorify God with each effort, no matter how large or small. His children rise up and call him Blessed for the godly heritage he left them, of Biblical study, spiritual guidance, prayer warfare, unconditional love and faithful example. 
He will be sadly missed by his beloved wife and best friend of 70 years and their loving children, Diana (Terrence) Stoneberg of Fairfax, VA. Laurel (Jean-Marc) Pinard of Fairfax, VA, Rodney (Joy) Fletcher of Nashville, TN, Wenda (Gerry) Krupp of Mukwonago, WI, eight grandchildren, Richard Stoneberg of Fairfax, VA; Rolland (Marie) Stoneberg of Manassas, VA; Francois (Lisa) Pinard of Redondo Beach, CA; Andre (Gretchen) Pinard of Lisle, IL; Jaclyn Fletcher of Nashville, TN; Geoffrey Krupp of Milwaukee, WI; and Alexander and Allison Krupp of Marion, IN, eight great-grandchildren, Juliana Johnson; Anais, Giselle, Guillaume, and Gavrie Pinard; and Faye, Celeste, and Vincent Pinard, his sisters and brother, Lola Hermann of Marshfield, MO; Albert (Lucille) Fletcher of Fort Wayne, IN; Carol Baas, Esther Vermillion, both of Marion, IN; and Rebecca Engel of Indianapolis, IN, a sister-in-law, Doris Harris of Rockford, IL, a brother-in-law, Burl Baty of Joliet, MT, along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. 
In addition to his parents he was predeceased by his sister, Ruth Baty.
Family and friends may gather on Thursday, November 21, 2019, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in the Houghton Wesleyan Church where a memorial service will follow at 11:00 a.m. Rev. Dr. Wesley Oden will officiate. Burial will be in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Houghton.
Memorials if desired to: Global Partners, Box 50434, Indianapolis, IN 46250.

Meeting minutes – Allegany County Public Safety Committee – November 6, 2019

PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE


November 6, 2019
 

Members Present: D. Healy, W. Dibble, B. Harris, S. Havey, J. Hopkins (absent D. Decker).

Other Present: G. Barnes, A. Bigelow, J. Burdick, P. Curran, M. Evans, D. Fanton, K. Graves, G. Green, R. Hall, C. Ivers, B. Kelly, C. Knapp, J., S. Lanphier, D. Marsh, K. Monroe, B. Perkins, J. Ricci, B. Riehle, D. Root, D. Roberts, K. Slep, R. Starks, P. Stockin, R. Swarthout, B. VanHousen.

Media Present: C. Potter, The Spectator

Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 1:30 p.m. by Public Safety Committee Chairman Dwight “Mike” Healy.  

Approval of Minutes

A motion was made by Legislator Dibble, seconded by Legislator Havey, and carried to approve the Public Safety Committee minutes for October 2, 2019.
 PUBLIC DEFENDER  Public Defender Barbara Kelley attended the meeting and submitted her monthly report to the committee for review.  Re-Appropriation of Grant Money  Public Defender Barbara Kelley requested a resolution to re-appropriate unspent funds in 2018 for the Allegany County Counsel at First Appearance Grant. Approval to apply for the grant was authorized by Resolution No. 24-17, and the funds were accepted by Resolution No. 125-17. The grant was supposed to begin in January 2017; however, that contract was not approved until March 2019. The funds should be re-appropriated as follows:

Appropriations ($36,590)

A 1173-1.01 Regular Pay $ 9,990

A 1173-1.02 Holiday Pay $ 4

A 1173-1.05 Vacation Pay $ 3

A 1173-1.06 Sick Pay $ 3

A 1173-2.01 Equipment $ 4,800

A 1173-4.02 Mileage $ 3,285

A 1173-4.05 Conference $ 1,655

A 1173-4.09 Fees $ 1,600

A 1173-4.16 Cent Serv Telephone $ 870

A 1173-8.02 Retirement $ 2,820

A 1173-8.03 FICA $ 1,345

A 1173-8.04 Workers Comp $ 330

A 1173-8.05 Disability $ 75

A 1173-8.06 Hosp/Med Ins $ 9,810

Revenue ($36,590)

A 1173.3089.FAG State Aid Other – First Appearance Grant $ 36.590
This request was approved on a motion made by Legislator Dibble, seconded by Legislator Harris, and carried. Refer to Ways & Means.



EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT & FIRE
 Emergency Management & Fire Assistant Director Bonnie VanHousen attended the meeting for Director Jeff Luckey who was in a training and submitted the monthly report to the committee for review. Ms. VanHousen briefly highlighted events and meetings that were attended in October. Ms. VanHousen also stated that they are settling into their new office nicely.  Dispatching  Chairman Healy asked if the dispatching issues were cleared up with the Town of Cuba. Ms. VanHousen stated that they met with the Town of Cuba, and it was discovered that both the law enforcement and ambulance were being dispatched simultaneously because there were two different dispatchers working at the same time. This was discussed and the issues are now taken care of.
 STOP-DWI  STOP-DWI Coordinator Brian Perkins attended the meeting and submitted his monthly report to the committee for review. Mr. Perkins briefly highlighted events he attended in the month of October.
SADD  Mr. Perkins reminded all that the SADD presentation is this Friday, November 8, 2019, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Genesee Valley School. The main message of this event will be on seatbelt use and distracted driving, with an afternoon session on the hazards of vaping. Judge Shannon Filbert from West Seneca will be the keynote speaker. Chairman Healy stated that although he would not be able to attend, Public Safety Committe Vice Chairman William Dibble will be in attendance on Friday.
 DISTRICT ATTORNEY  District Attorney Keith Slep attended the meeting and submitted his monthly report to the committee for review. Mr. Slep briefly highlighted his report for the month of October.
PROBATION DEPARTMENT  Probation Director Robert Starks attended the meeting and submitted his monthly report to the committee for review.  Ignition Interlock Device Monitoring Program  Mr. Starks is requesting a resolution to accept the funds from the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee for the Ignition Interlock Device Monitoring Program in the amount of $3,289.65.
These funds are already in their 2019-20 budget under the following budget line items:
 

 

Appropriations A3140.104 Regular Probation Personnel

Revenues A3140.3310.07 Ignition Interlock
 This request was approved on a motion made by Legislator Dibble, seconded by Legislator Harris, and carried. Prepare Resolution.


WEIGHTS & MEASURES  Weights and Measures Director Gilbert Green attended the meeting and submitted his monthly report to the committee for review.  SHERIFF’S OFFICE
Undersheriff Kevin Monroe attended the meeting and submitted his monthly reports to the committee for review. Mr. Monroe stated that the Sheriff’s Office sponsored a Trunk-or-Treat event. It was very well attended, and he thanked all of the departments and agencies that were involved to help make the event a success.
Radio/Tower Project Update
Radio Technician Matt Evans stated that Skyway Communications delivered equipment to seven tower sights. On December 4, Motorola will be here to do all of the electric updates. Chairman Healy asked if the 14 towers will be sufficient for our County. Mr. Evans stated that he thinks there may be a need for one or more towers but will not be sure until all towers are up and running.  911 Enumeration Project  911 Dispatcher Russ Hall gave some statistics about NG911. He stated that about 38 percent of the Country has begun to work with NG911 according to Geo.com. Mr. Hall also stated that we are doing well in comparison to other areas. Mr. Hall also stated that communication with the Towns is really great; they are being very cooperative and helpful. The estimated end date for the initial conversion to NG911 is about two years.  Adjournment
 There being no further business to come before the committee, the meeting was adjourned at 1:50 p.m. following a motion by Legislator Dibble, seconded by Legislator Hopkins, and carried.

Respectfully submitted,

Deborah Roberts, Senior Account Clerk Typist

Allegany County Board of Legislators

Allegany County Personnel Committee meeting minutes – November 6, 2019

PERSONNEL COMMITTEE

November 6, 2019

Committee Members Present: S. Havey, B. Harris, J. Burdick, K. Graves, J. Ricci, D. Root, P. Stockin (Absent: C. Crandall)
Others Present: G. Barnes, H. R. Budinger, S. Decker, W. Dibble, D. Healy, J. Hopkins, C. Knapp, B. Riehle, T. Ross,

Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 2:01 p.m. by Committee Chairman Steve Havey.
Approval of Minutes

A motion was made by Legislator Harris, seconded by Legislator Root, and carried to approve the minutes of October 2, 2019.
Stop Loss Renewal
Personnel Officer H. Robert Budinger distributed quotes received for the County’s Stop Loss renewal. Gerber Life submitted a quote of $567,437, UNUM submitted a quote of $684,174, and two companies declined to bid. Mr. Budinger stated the premium has increased 5.3 percent over the 2019 rate. The quote received is with a no laser deductible. He stated he would like to get the rate locked in as soon as possible. Legislator Graves asked if Mr. Budinger had requested report of loss runs, saying he highly recommends it. Mr. Budinger said that they get data from them often. Legislator Barnes asked if the $175,000 deductible was an annual threshold. Mr. Budinger indicated that it’s an annual amount; If someone has a serious, ongoing issue that carries over to another year, that deductible threshold starts over again the following year. The request to renew the County’s Stop Loss insurance with Gerber Life in the amount of $567,437 was approved on a motion made by Legislator Graves, seconded by Legislator Harris, and carried. Prepare Resolution


4th Assistant District Attorney Position
County Attorney Carissa Knapp presented a request from District Attorney Keith Slep to abolish the part-time 4th Assistant District Attorney position and create a full-time 4th Assistant District Attorney position within the Section IV Salary Plan at an annual salary of $85,000. Legislator Ricci asked if the salary would exceed $85,000. Ms. Knapp stated that the $85,000 will be locked in for the salary schedule. The request was approved on a motion made by Legislator Graves, seconded by Legislator Stockin, and carried. Prepare Resolution to Create Position and Refer to Ways & Means to Fill
Adjournment:

There being no further business to come before the committee, the meeting was adjourned at 2:10 p.m. following a motion by Legislator Graves, seconded by Legislator Harris, and carried.
Respectfully submitted,

Sarah M. Decker, Journal Clerk/Deputy Clerk of the Board

Allegany County Board of Legislators
 

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