Gowanda Press — Jan. 13, 2017 Edition

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GOWANDA PRESS Jan. 13-18, 2017

Village forms Gowanda Police Committee Safe Routes to School initiative will continue in ‘17

By Rich Place

Managing Editor

GOWANDA — The village’s Board of Trustees on Tuesday gave the green light for the creation of the Village of Gowanda Police Committee, an organization that will help oversee the village’s police force and provide feedback to the mayor as necessary.

The committee will be comprised of the village trustees, who were each assigned tasks to assist the mayor, and some subcommittees. The mayor serves as

the commissioner of the Gowanda Police Department.

Gowanda Mayor Heather McKeever, in an email to the village board of trustees that she read during the meeting Tuesday, said the goal in forming the committee is to keep the Gowanda Police Department accountable.

“I think it is critical that a Village of Gowanda Police Committee be formed so that the Village Board of Trustees have the ability to assist the mayor in monitoring our police department,” said McKeever.

See Committee, Page 20

‘God is on the Move’ at Gowanda FMC

Press photo by Rich Place

Members of the congregation at the Gowanda Free Methodist Church on Sunday join in worship in the church’s new sanctuary. A combined service was held on Sunday to officially dedicate the new space. Story, page 3.

By Rich Place

Managing Editor

GOWANDA — Following work late last year to improve sidewalks, crosswalks and signage throughout the village, the focus of the ongoing Safe Routes to School Partnership this year will be taking advantage of the more walkable community and continuing to improve safety near school zones.

The five-year grant, a joint effort through the village and its police and public works departments, the state Department of Transportation (DOT), the Gowanda Central School District and Healthy Community Alliance (HCA), is scheduled to conclude at the end of this year.

The village was awarded the $650,000 grant in January 2013 for pedestrian safety improvements and education at the Aldrich Street Elementary School and Gowanda Middle/High School.

“Even though we have these great sidewalks, we have great crossings, we have some great signage,” said Traci Hopkins, program development director at HCA, “we still have some issues on slowing traffic, speed zones, awareness and letting folks not from the community know there’s a school nearby or there are pedestrians in the area.”

Hopkins, along with Sharon Noecker, community programs coordinator at HCA who has led the effort in instituting several of the programs, presented an update on the Safe Routes to School project to the school board last week.

Officials at HCA are working with several government entities to put up additional signage near the schools to inform drivers that pedestrians could be in the area.

See Safety, Page 20

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Jan. 13-18, 2017

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Jan. 13-18, 2017

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Gowanda church dedicates new sanctuary

By Rich Place

Managing Editor

GOWANDA — It was a joyous celebration Sunday at the Gowanda Free Methodist Church as congregants and pastors, joined by the church’s superintendent and bishop, dedicated their new sanctuary and entryway.

“The new addition has been an incredible journey that we have taken together,” said Tim McKeever, assistant pastor at the church, during the service. “The past several years have been a season we have prayed incredibly hard and we have stepped out in bold faith, and as a result we are here this morning as a testimony to God’s faith.”

Church services were held in the new sanctuary, located in the rear of the church’s property on West Main Street, in late December. The former sanctuary had hosted worship in one form or another since the formation of both the church and the Free Method-

ist denomination in the early 1860s.

The new chapter was ushered in officially Sunday with a sermon from the church’s bishop, David Roller, and the prayer of dedication was led in part by the church’s superintendent, Pam Braman.

Roller, who oversees in the ministry of 11 annual conferences in the eastern United States and lives in Maryland, challenged the congregation to push forward and take advantage of the new church building.

“This is a lovely place,” he said in his message. “You have done well, and I congratulate you. But I want to place this building in context to the journey God has each one of us on and the church.

“This is not so we can stay as we are, ministering to those we minister. This is so that we may enter the new adventure which you are already on.”

Dedication of the sanctuary was prevalent throughout the service, including the selec-

Press photo by Rich Place

Bishop David Roller gave the sermon Sunday at the Gowanda Free Methodist Church to dedicate its new sanctuary.

Press photo by Rich Place

Gowanda Free Methodist Church Pastor Jon Horton (left) and Pam Braman, superintendent of the church’s Genesis Conference, lead the congregation in the prayer of dedication for the new sanctuary Sunday.

tion of songs. In homage to the former sanctuary and the style of worship prevalent in the church since its inception, worship started with a hymn, “Great is Thy Faithfulness,” played only on piano.

The worship band led in the singing of the other praise songs during the service, including “God of This City,” “God is on the Move” and “Holy Spirit.”

“We chose the songs we chose this morning because we believe ‘God is on the move,’ we believe he is the ‘God of this city’ and we believe the greatest days for this church have yet to come,” McKeever said. “I don’t think today is the greatest day in the history of the Gowanda Free Methodist Church. I believe this is just the beginning of the next 160 years.”

The new sanctuary of the church, which was nearly full for the combined service, is noticeably different than the church’s former worship space. Among the differences include a larger raised platform in the front for the worship band and a much wider seating area for congregants.

There are also more convenient accommodations for the media team for its computers and sound equipment. A large wall in the front of the sanctuary, which is painted to allow for projections, is able to display lyrics and movies.

It’s also more contemporary in design, featuring chairs instead of pews that expands the seating capacity to about 300.

McKeever, along with lead pastor John Horton, told The Gowanda Press in December

the new sanctuary will cater to the church’s movement in the last several months toward more contemporary music and atmosphere.

“We are trying to be a church that is attractional to the unchurched,” McKeever said in December.

Work on the church building, which also includes a new entryway and gathering area for church attendees to the rear of the sanctuary, began in February.

“Each and everyone of us had some type of role to play, and for that we want to say, ‘Thank you,’” McKeever said.

Plans have not yet been announced for the church’s old sanctuary.

The Gowanda Free Methodist Church hosts services at 6 p.m. Saturday and 9 and 10:30 a.m. Sundays.

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Jan. 13-18, 2017

More tech expected at Gowanda schools

By Rich Place

Managing Editor

GOWANDA — All students in Gowanda Central School could have some kind of personal technology device in their hands next school year.

The district currently has a one-to-one system — one device for every student — for students in kindergarten through eighth grade. School officials are looking to expand the program into the high school this September.

A plan developed by the district technology committee was presented to the school board Jan. 4 by Paula Troutman, director of curriculum and assessment.

The committee recommended the district purchase an additional 550 Chromebooks, which are Google’s branded laptops, at a cost of $151,250. Licensing for Google Chrome, along with cases for each device and 200 extra chargers, would bring the cost up to $188,500.

That money would be reimbursed through the $1.55 million the Gowanda Central School District received through the

Smart Schools Bond Act, a state initiative that authorized more than $2 billion bonds to school districts for technology upgrades.

In addition, the technology committee recommended the district take steps toward iPad replacement at the elementary level by purchasing 120 iPads — along with 120 cases — for $55,200.

The total cost of the proposed technology upgrades is $243,700. Troutman said the plan will be posted on the school’s website, and the public will have the opportunity to comment and offer suggestions at an upcoming board meeting, likely in mid-February.

“We really feel like technology can foster differentiation, critical thinking and allow for more effective communication and collaboration among our students, students to teachers (and) parents to teachers,” Troutman said.

The district had already started putting technology in students’ hands. It purchased iPads for students to use in elementary school and Chromebooks in the middle school that are being used this year.

Troutman said iPads currently used

in the fifth grade will be given to the elementary grades next year and will be replaced by Chromebooks to be more uniform with the middle school.

“The nice thing is that we have the iPads in the elementary school and Chromebooks in middle school and high school,” said Jim Klubek, district superintendent. “They will be subjected to different platforms as well so they won’t be stuck with learning how to use one device and not both. It expands students’ opportunities to use other devices.”

Troutman pointed out the district has not only purchased devices for students to use in the classroom but also invested in taking advantage of the technology by making some of the district’s technology integration specialists to work in classrooms alongside instructors.

At the school board’s meeting in December, Candace Phillips, one of the specialists, gave an update to the board on the inclusion of technology in classrooms.

She said students are “increasingly using them,” and everyone in the middle school “has embraced the technology more than I thought they would.”

Last week, Troutman said a decision has not yet been made by the committee allowing students to take the devices home.

The next step for the committee is to contact schools already allowing students to take devices home and bring it back to the board for further input, she added.

Obstacles standing in the way of students taking the devices home include insurance, paperwork, liability concerns and connectivity, Klubek said.

Projects the school decides to execute as part of Smart Schools must be preapproved by the state and fit into one of six categories, including broadband Wi-Fi, classroom technology devices, high-tech security, transportable classrooms, upgrading prekindergarten classrooms and community connectivity.

Districts must also prove that any projects are sustainable — meaning it can afford to update and provide maintenance on the projects even after being reimbursed.

The public should be able to weigh in at Feb. 18’s board meeting, Klubek said, after changes are made by the committee based on feedback from the board.

Cattaraugus County Legislature reorganizes at meeting

By Rick Miller County Reporter

LITTLE VALLEY — Members of the Cattaraugus County Legislature leadership were sworn in last week at the annual reorganization meeting on Jan. 4.

The leaders are unchanged from last year. Republicans control 12 of the 17 seats.

County Legislature Chairwoman Paula Stockman, R-South Dayton, was re-elected to a second term.

She announced James J. Snyder of Olean would serve again as vice chairman, Donna Vickman of Farmersville would be majority leader, Howard VanRensselaer of Randolph would be assistant majority leader and Robert Neal of Randolph would be majority whip.

Susan Labuhn, the minority leader from Salamanca, said David Koch of Salamanca would serve again as assistant minority leader and John Padlo of Olean would be minority whip.

“A great deal happened in 2016, some good and some bad,” Stockman said in brief

remarks. “I’m sure the same will be true in 2017. I hope we can all work together as we have in the past to insure that the decisions we make and the public money we spend serves all the residents of Cattaraugus County in the best way possible.”

The deaths last year of legislators William Weller of Franklinville and Richard Lamberson of Allegany, as Matthew Keller of Olean, led to three reorganizations of committees, Stockman noted.well as the resignation of The three legislators who succeeded them and won reelection in special elections in November — Robert Breton, R-Franklinville; Dick Giardini, D-Allegany, and Frank Higgins, R-Olean — were sworn in by County Court Judge Ronald Ploetz, along with legislative leaders.

Vickman, the majority leader, said the nursing homes, infrastructure, economic development and the Civil War memorial remain issues again this year.

In her remarks, Labuhn, the minority

Press photo by Rick Miller

County Judge Ronald Ploetz (right), swears in members of the Cattaraugus County Legislature leadership during the 2017 reorganization meeting Wednesday at the Cattaraugus County Center in Little Valley. They include (front row, from left) Majority Whip Robert Neal, R-Randolph; Minority Whip John Padlo, D-Olean; Chairwoman Paula Stockman, R-South Dayton; Minority Leader Susan Labuhn, D-Salamanca; (back row, from left) Assistant Majority Leader Howard VanRensselaer, RRandolph; Majority Leader Donna Vickman, R-Farmersville; Assistant Minority Leader David Koch, See Legislature, Page 21 D-Salamanca; and Vice Chairman James J. Snyder, R-Olean.

Jan. 13-18, 2017

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Perrysburg obtains grants for building work

By Phil Palen Press Reporter

PERRYSBURG — Perrysburg has obtained two grants for building improvements, officials announced at the Jan. 9 town board meeting.

Town Justice Lori Dankert’s application to the state’s Justice Court Assistance Program was approved for $9,834.

This will cover the cost of installing a suspended ceiling in the courtroom and a new exterior courtroom entrance, as well as some furniture and office equipment.

Councilwoman Jennifer Dabolt said the town received a $50,000 state grant for a new roof and windows in the town hall. Bids are being sought from contractors for this work. Dabolt said amenities at the town park such as picnic tables, dugouts and restrooms would be funded using other revenue sources.

The board passed a resolution to expand the territory where the highway superintendent could reside to include the towns of Persia and Dayton as well as Perrysburg. There was a question from the audience as to whether this applies to other elected officials as well.

“We’re only going to do this with the town highway superintendent at this point in time,” said Supervisor Dennis Stopen. “That’s the end of it.”

Highway Superintendent Daniel Stang said New York State has approved a plan for dealing with the ongoing erosion problem along lower Prospect Street near the foot of Indian Hill Road.

He said the town is waiting for approval from the Army Corps of Engineers before the project can proceed. Over the years, Cattaraugus Creek has washed

away more than 11 acres along the south shore of the creek in that vicinity. Stang previously said that work would begin after the end of the current school year in June. The road will be closed during construction.

Clerk Tamara Utley collected $1,550 in fees in December. The town’s share was $965.13. Utley said that for 2016 she collected $31,217.70 with the town share of $13,254.40.

Utley said the 2017 town and county property tax notice has been published in local newspapers. The total tax to be collected is $1,710,412.21. The town amount is $624,288.95, while the county amount is $1,086,123.26. To date $120,174.10 in taxes has been collected

by Utley.

Town Justice Lori Dankert closed 14 vehicle and traffic cases, four penal law cases and two animal control cases in December. A total of $2,702 in court fines and surcharges were collected.

Assessor Bonnie Rae Strickland reported that exemption renewal applications for the 2017 enhanced STAR program are being accepted at her office.

The deadline for applications is March 1.

Mailed applications must be postmarked no later than March 1. She said that if a primary residence homeowner will be 65 years old on or before Dec. 31, 2017, they are eligible for the enhanced STAR program if their annual income is below $86,000. If annual income is greater, the basic STAR exemption will remain in place. Any newly acquired farmland must have a new soil worksheet and long form filed by March 1 to receive consideration for the agricultural exemption. The state will handle all new STAR

Red Kettle campaign raises $2,800 GOWANDA — The Gowanda Salvation Army Unit raised more than $2,800 during its campaign over the Christmas season, organizers recently announced.

The money will be used to help people in the Gowanda area this year. Organizers thanked the volunteers for their donation of time manning the kettles as well as the people in the area who gave generously.

applications, basic and enhanced, for recently purchased property. To register, go to www.tax.ny.gov or call (518) 4572036.

Councilwoman Mary Denea reported on the latest J. N. Adam committee meeting with the state Office of General Services, Empire State Development, and Office for People with Developmental Disabilities. The state agencies are preparing reports on future plans for the J. N. Adam campus, expected to be completed by the end of January. The next committee meeting will be in March.

IN OTHER BUSINESS, the board: n approved payment from the following accounts: General Fund, $3,990.75; Highway Fund, $5,878.41; Gowanda Prospect Street Water District, $8,257.92; Perrysburg Central Water District, $811.68; Versailles Lighting District, $662.40; Special Residential District, including lighting and waste

disposal, $1,320.95; Special Sewer District, $205.41; Versailles Water District, $875.77; and Perrysburg and Versailles Fire Protection Districts, $145,883.

Expenditures for December totaled $167,886.29; n accepted with regret the resignation of Deputy Town Clerk Karen L. Smith, effective Feb. 1. Beth Guzzetta will begin training for the position that pays $11 per hour. Smith will substitute when needed; n appointed Paige A. Sultemeier as court bailiff; and n received word from New York State that a local law imposing a six-month moratorium on commercial solar power installations in the town has been filed in Albany on Dec. 30, 2016.

The next regular Perrysburg Town Board meeting is at 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 13, at the town hall, 10460 Peck Hill Road, Route 58.

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COMMENTARY

Jan. 13-18, 2017

Letters to The Gowanda Press must by typed or printed legibly and be less than 500 words. They must be signed by the author and include that person’s address and phone number for verification. Deadline for the upcoming Thursday edition is Monday at noon. All letters are subject to editing, condensing or rejection. This page is intended to be a forum for local issues.

Climb every mountain with your heart as the compass

By Dr. Robert L. Heichberger Contributing Columnist

Most steep hills, tops of cliffs, and even mountain tops are within reach, but you need to keep climbing, step by step.

I learned this early in my youth, having spent my childhood in the highest location in the Boston Hills. I also learned not to be discouraged with challenges but, to be moved by my dreams.

I have been asked many times by my students what was it in my life that helped me to determine what I wanted to do as an adult. I thought for a bit, when I was first asked that question.

There have been many beneficial learning experiences along the way.

There were hurtles to be mounted and hills to be climbed. I deeply treasure the satisfactions gained from the

“highs,” and the pearls of wisdom gained from the mistakes of the “lows.”

Looking back on my youth, I wanted to be a teacher, a physician, a police officer, a snow plow driver and a farmer.

And then too, I wanted to become a veterinarian, a pilot and to serve in the U.S. Marine Corps. And then there was the time I wanted to become a writer, a radio broadcaster and a news commentator. And, as a teenager, I hoped one day to become a good husband, parent and grandparent.

Recreationally, I wanted to become an accomplished skier, mountain climber and a good horse back rider.

These are just a few of the hopes I wanted to accomplish.

Several of these ambitions I was able to achieve. And the other hopes such as a physician, veterinarian, farmer, pilot, police officer — well, they are hopes dimming quietly in the

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approaching twilight.

Several of my dreams have come to fruition, such as my immediate family, now 12 of us — my wonderful wife, a great son and a fine daughter and each of their thoughtful spouses, and six marvelous grandchildren.

Fulfilled hopes also include 63 memorable years of teaching and educational administration at all levels of the educational spectrum. Also, there was the great military experience serving with the USMC. There was also a bit of broadcasting experience as producer and moderator of “Focus on Education.” And, as the author of four books, hundreds of newspaper columns and journal articles, the desire to be a writer is being realized.

As I have told my students, it is not always easy to find just the right path to pursue when attempting to accomplish the desires of one’s heart.

Thoughtful planning goes into the process. But most of all, wisdom and moral support coming from others; that is a most valued treasure!

Most all of us are the beneficiaries of the mentoring wisdom from those around us. We benefit from the wise guidance of “others” be they our spouse, parents, a teacher, a colleague, or a good friend. They help to nurture within, “something” very special. They instill courage, and a sense of virtuous wisdom which emanates from the heart.

Publisher Jim Bonn Managing Editor Rich Place Advertising Manager Preston Cochran

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And so, in answering the question from my students: ‘what was it that helped me to decide what I wanted to do?’

As I see it, it is the WISE application of what is in ones’ heart. As I see it, knowledge speaks, but wisdom listens. Wisdom uniquely draws from the inner self. Wisdom resides as much in the heart as it does in the mind. It requires one to know oneself and the depth of values for where one stands.

It was Aristotle who said, “Knowing yourself is the beginning of courageous wisdom.” You know, when you know the values for which you stand, no one can make you feel inferior. It was Eleanor Roosevelt who said so brilliantly, “No one can make you feel inferior, without your own consent.” To be sure, that is wise indeed!

And so, when climbing the hills and walking the valleys of life, I have found let you heart be your guide.

When you climb each mountain you encounter with the powerful grip of faith and courage, you will surely find your way. Ah yes, with your heart as the compass, “follow every rainbow, till you find your dream.”

(Dr. Heichberger is the author of a brand new children’s book entitled “We Will Be Friends Forever.” It will be released soon and will be available at Barnes and Noble.com and Amazon. com.)

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Jan. 13-18, 2017

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Zoar Valley Gifts and More open on S. Water St.

By Jason Riley Press Reporter

GOWANDA — Zoar Valley Gifts and More, located at 7 South Water St., opened its doors Dec. 2 and gives customers the opportunity to browse the new storefront before spring’s rushing waters brings an inevitable rush of tourists.

Becky and Jim Grudzien, alongside Patty and Rich Krajewski, opened the storefront to fill a need in the community and to help teach their children the responsibilities of work.

“We wanted them to be able to experience what it takes to build relationships with the people in our community or people who are visiting,” said a statement in the store’s brochure, “and to teach them good customer service skills with values.”

The shop, through its new T-shirts and hoodies which display clever slogans about Zoar Valley activities, give the customer a sense of pride.

“Our store will be a great resource for people coming to town,” said Becky. “I want people to know what else is here in town, to give them a souvenir or keepsake

Press photos by Jason Riley

Zoar Valley Gifts and More, which opened at 7 South Water St. in early December, sports a variety of Gowanda- and Zoar Valley-themed merchandise.

that says ‘Gowanda, NY’ — we’re now on the map.”

Opening just in time for the holiday season appears to have been a wise strategy for the shop.

“When we first opened during the Christmas season, we had our apparel go to Michigan, Oklahoma and Pittsburgh, so our apparel is out there,” said Becky.

“We have bumper stickers that say ‘ZV’ so people can say they have been to Zoar Valley, New York.”

In company with the custom apparel, Zoar Valley Gifts also intends to carry locally made products such as fishing flies and knitted hats. Customers can look forward to an upcoming website as well, giving shoppers across the country an opportunity to show their pride in Zoar Valley.

For now, with few people braving the weather to go rafting, hiking, or fly fishing, the store will only be open on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The gift shop will coincide nicely with Zoar Valley Rafting and other seasonal sportsman as the harsh winter months turn to spring.

Cattaraugus Co. disappointed over veto of defense cost bill

By Rick Miller County Reporter

Any thoughts Cattaraugus County officials had of the state paying for legal costs for the poor were dashed with Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s recent veto of a bill that would

have picked up those costs of the counties.

The bill, which passed with overwhelming bipartisan support, was vetoed by the governor at the last minute.

For Cattaraugus County, which spends more than $2.6 million a year to defend the indigent, is frustrating, said

county Administrator Jack Searles.

“The governor’s veto was disappointing,” he said, adding it it especially stung since the governor had not vetoed it sooner. “It’s exceedingly disappointing for the counties.”

Cattaraugus County receives $465,326 in revenues — including state grants — for the legal defense of the indigent. The amount in the 2017 county budget that is on the tax levy is $2.15 million.

While the program would have been phased in over several years, it would represent one of the few times that an unfunded mandate the state had imposed on the counties would be funded by the state.

Searles said there was some talk that the governor would offer initial funding in his 2017-18 budget.

There is some thought that the $2.6 million budget for the legal defense of the indigent will not be enough with the relaxing of eligibility requirements, Searles said.

“We’re looking at the number of

individuals able to claim this climbing 25 to 30 percent over current levels,” Searles said.

“If there is no relief, that increase is 100 percent on the levy. Instead of decreasing the level of mandates, there will be an increase. It leaves a hole in our budget.”

Cattaraugus County Public Defender Mark Williams said in a statement that the lack of state funding for local public defense programs has created “a patchwork system and an unfair burden on local taxpayers.”

“This is a tragedy,” he said. “We will continue to work to end this injustice.”

He said by vetoing the bill, Cuomo “has turned his back on thousands of people who are denied fair and equal justice due to under-resourced and overburdened public defense attorneys.”

“We are used to working long hours with excessive caseloads for little pay,” Williams added. “Together with the tens of thousands of New Yorkers who support this reform, we will again advocate for its passage and approval,” Williams said.

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OBITUARIES Harlan Thompson

IRVING — Harlan Thompson, 89, of Irving, passed away Monday (Jan. 9, 2017) at Buffalo General Hospital.

He was born July 25, 1927, on the Cattaraugus Indian Reservation, the son of the late Horrace and Ida Kennedy Thompson.

Mr. Thompson was a World War II veteran, having served in the U.S. Navy.

He was a member of the Turtle Clan.

He worked in construction with Laborers Local No. 210 for many years. He was a member of American Legion Post No. 1587 and was an elder at the Wright Memorial Church and the Seneca Singers.

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Jan. 13-18, 2017

GOWANDA — Egon Knips, 74, of Gowanda, passed away Saturday (Jan. 7, 2017) at the Hospice of Buffalo Palliative Care Facility in Cheektowaga.

Born on Oct. 6, 1942, in Bochum-Hovel, Germany, Egon was the son of Heinrich and Elisabeth Nowacki Knips.

Prior to his retirement in 2010, Egon worked for various state agencies including Buffalo State College, Buffalo Children Psychiatric Center and the former Gowanda Psychiatric Center.

His state jobs were in maintenance and he had nearly 30 years employment with NYS. Egon came to the United States from Germany in the late 1960s. He settled in Ellicottville before moving to Gowanda, where he got a job in construction. He also was

Mr. Thompson was predeceased by six brothers, Carl, Charles, Kenneth, Wilbur, Harold and Raymond Thompson; and a sister, Marjorie Standing Cloud.

He is survived by several nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

Friends called at the Mentley Funeral Home Inc., 105 E. Main St., Gowanda, on Thursday.

Funeral services and military honors will be held at 11 a.m. today (Friday, Jan. 13, 2016) at the funeral home.

Burial will be in Pinewoods Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Wright Memorial Church.

a ski instructor at Holiday Valley in Ellicottville and the former Cockaigne Ski Resort.

Survivors include a son, Jason E. (Brandy Wynn) Knips of Blasdell; and a daughter, Elizabeth M. Knips of Hamburg. Egon is also survived by his former wife, Merridy Ames Knips of Hamburg; a grandson, Everett W. Knips of Blasdell; along with family in

Germany.

Egon was preceded in death by two brothers, Karl Knips and Heinz Werner; and a sister, Edith Becker.

Friends called at the Schindler Funeral Home, 44 Center St., Gowanda, on Tuesday (Jan. 10, 2017).

If desired, memorials may be made to the local charity of one’s choice.

OBITUARY POLICY The Gowanda Press charges $55 for obituaries up to 10 inches in length, plus $5 for every additional inch. The deadline for submissions is Wednesday at 10 a.m. for the upcoming Friday edition. Obituaries can be emailed to gowandapress@gmail.com or dropped off at our office, 49 W. Main St. in Gowanda. For additional information, call 241-4268.

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Jan. 13-18, 2017

9

Cattaraugus Co. Legislature 2017 committees named

By Rick Miller County Reporter

LITTLE VALLEY — Cattaraugus County Legislature Chairwoman Paula Stockman, R-South Dayton, announced committee appointments for 2017 on Wednesday, Jan. 4.

There were few changes in the makeup of the committees, which were shuffled three times last year due to two deaths and one resignation.

There are two new committee chairmen. Vergilio “Dick” Giardini, DAllegany, will be chairman of the Public Works Committee, which he headed for years. Richard Klancer, R-Gowanda was named chairman of the County Operations & Public Safety Committee.

Giardini, who retired after a career in construction, replaces Richard Klancer, R-Gowanda, as Public Works Committee

chairman. Klancer remains on the Public Works Committee. Legislator Dan Hale, R-Portville, was moved off the sevenmember committee to make room for Giardini.

Giardini is the only Democrat to head one of the seven standing committees.

Republicans control 12 of the 17 Legislature seats.

Richard Helmich, R-Delevan, was named Public Works Committee vice chairman, replacing Democrat David Koch, D-Salamanca, who remains on the committee.

Klancer was named chairman after the death early last year of William Weller, the Franklinville Republican who served three years as chairman.

Stockman said she appointed Giardini chairman of the Public Works Committee because he is a former longtime chairman and he showed an interest.

Klancer, who was a member of the

Collins Center Seniors News The next meeting for the Collins Center Seniors will be Jan. 23 at the Gowanda American Legion, with a potluck lunch at noon to be followed by a short meeting.

For Christmas, 6,109 letters to Santa were collected locally in just six weeks for the Macy’s I Believe Campaign to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Macy’s donates $1 for every letter to Santa deposited into its special mailbox. They donated $2 million in 2016. The Collins Center Seniors have collected close to 15,000 letters in the five years they been involved in this project.

Seats are available Feb. 21 for a trip to the Seneca Niagara Casino. Payment is due Jan. 23.

On March 21 the group will return to the Seneca Niagara Casino for a Customer Appreciation Day. Seats are available March 31 for coffee and donuts at Kleinhans Music Hall, followed by a performance of “Midtown Men.” Lunch will follow at 716 Restaurant, and the group will stop at Parkside Candies before heading home. A deposit is required to hold a seat, and final payment is due Feb. 15.

Seats are available April 30 for a trip to Shea’s Performing Arts Center for an af-

ternoon rendition of “Cabaret.” Prior to the show the group will enjoy a sit-down lunch at the Pan American Grill and Brewery at the Hotel Lafayette. A deposit is required to hold a seat, and final payment is due Jan. 30.

Seats are available for a trip May 5 to 12 to Savannah, Ga.; Charleston, S.C.; and Myrtle Beach, S.C. The group will stay at top-quality hotels within walking distances of activities in each of the cities. During the two nights in Savannah, the group will enjoy a trolley tour with a guide through the historic district and have hop-on, hop-off trolley privileges for the day and more. The group has scheduled guides for several tours throughout the trip. During the two nights in Charleston the group will take a carriage tour through the historic district and visit plantations, the Battery and The Citadel and have free time at the historic market and more. In Myrtle Beach the group will tour a plantation and gardens and see a show at the Palace Theater and more.

For additional information visit www. knowhowtours.com/collinscenter or contact Irene Pfeifer at 532-4268 or Bridget Farner at 532-9586. Checks can be made payable to Collins Center Seniors, 13851 Quaker St., Collins, NY 14034

County Operations Committee & Public Works Committee last year, will become its chairman. Robert Neal, R-Randolph, the former County Operations & Public Safety chairman, was named vice chairman. He replaces Olean Democrat John Padlo.

The chairmen of the other five committees — Development and Agriculture, Finance, Human Services, Labor Relations and Strategic Planning — remain unchanged.

Committees traditionally do not meet until the first Wednesday in February.

The Legislature’s 2017 committee assignments follow. An asterisk (*) notes the chairman and ** denotes vice chairman. n County Operations & Public Safety — *Richard Klancer, R-Gowanda; **Robert Neal, R-Randolph; John Boberg, R-Delevan; David Koch, DSalamanca; John Padlo, D-Olean; Joseph

Snyder, R-Ischua; Howard VanRensselaer, R-Randolph. n Development and Agriculture — *VanRensselaer; **Padlo, Dan Hale, R-Portville; Frank Higgins, R-Olean; Koch, Joseph Snyder; James J. Snyder, R-Olean. n Finance — *James J. Snyder; **Susan Labuhn, D-Salamanca; Vergilio “Dick” Giardini, D-Allegany; Hale; Richard Helmich, R-Delevan; Padlo; and Donna Vickman, R-Farmersville. n Human Services — **Vickman; **Barbara Hastings, D-Allegany; Robert Breton, R-Franklinville; Hale; Helmich; Labuhn; Neal. n Labor Relations — *Vickman, **Breton, Giardini, Higgins, Neal. n Public Works — *Giardini, **Helmich, Boberg, Breton, Klancer, Koch and Joseph Snyder. n Strategic Planning — *Helmich, **Koch, Boberg, Hastings, Higgins, Klancer and Padlo.

THE GOWANDA PRESS

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POLICE REPORTS

ERIE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

n COLLINS — Ted Greinert, 54, of Collins, was charged with aggravated driving while intoxicated, cellphone usage while operating a motor vehicle, failure to maintain a lane of traffic and no proof of insurance on Jan. 3 after deputies responded to the report of a car in a ditch on Route 39. Greinert, who was not injured, exhibited signs of intoxicated and failed field sobriety tests. He consented to a breath test which resulted in a .27 percent blood alcohol content. Greinert was released with tickets to a sober third party to appear in court at a later date. n IRVING — Kenneth Alexander, 45, of Gowanda, was charged with third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation,

speed not reasonable and prudent and failure to maintain a lane of traffic after deputies a vehicle he was operating for failure to maintain lane of traffic and speed not reasonable and prudent on Jan. 7.

During the traffic stop, a DMV check showed Alexander’s license was suspended. Alexander was released to appear in court at later date. n NORTH COLLINS — A 1997 snowmobile being operated on by the property owner backfired and caused a fire in the carburetor, eventually igniting a barn fire on Sisson Highway on Jan. 8. The cause of fire was determined by the Erie County Sheriff’s Fire Investigation Unit. No estimate of damage was reported.

GOWANDA POLICE DEPARTMENT n Dec. 20, 1 p.m., Jesse Fairbanks, 31, of Cattaraugus, was charged with petit larceny after patrol responded to the report of a shoplifting incident at Shop ‘n Save at 10 Buffalo St. in Gowanda. Patrol was notified store employees had witnessed Fairbanks take merchandise from the store, place it in his pocket and leave. The stolen merchandise was recovered from Fairbanks’ pocket. Fairbanks was then released on an appearance ticket for Collins Town Court. n Dec. 20, 5:30 p.m., Jeremiah S. Burgess, 26, of Gowanda, was charged with second-degree aggravated unlicensed operation and operating a vehicle without a mandatory alcohol interlock device after deputies assisted a parole officer who observed Burgess, who is a New York state parolee, operating a vehicle on Buffalo Street. Per the mandates of his parole, Burgess is not allowed to operate a motor vehicle, according to police. A DMV computer check revealed Burgess’ license was suspended on four occasions from Nov. 3, 2012 to Aug. 23, 2013 for his failure to appear for various traffic violations and his license was revoked on June 4, 2013 after being convicted of aggravated driving while intoxicated. The check also reveal Burgess may only operate a vehicle with an alcohol interlock system when he was again permitted to operate a vehicle. Burgess was arraigned in Collins Town Court and was remanded to the Erie County Holding Center without bail pending a hearing by the New York State Department of Parole regarding his parole violations. n Dec. 21, 11:20 a.m., Eric Kendall, 41, of Gowanda, was charged with second-degree aggravated unlicensed operation and expired inspection after patrol stopped a vehicle Kendall was operating for an expired inspection sticker. During this traffic stop, a DMV computer check revealed Kendall’s license was suspended on four separate occasions from Dec. 19, 2007 to June 18, 2010 for his failure to appear to answer various traffic infractions and for his failure to pay a traffic

fine. Kendall was arraigned in Collins Town Court and was remanded to the Erie County Holding Center in lieu of $500 bail. n Dec. 23, 1 p.m., Carl N. Pivovarnik, 27, and Kristin S. Hahn, 26, both of Gowanda, were charged with criminal mischief after patrol responded to a report of an incident at a Commercial Street residence. Patrol learned Pivovarnik and Hahn had intentionally damaged a doorknob and door lock at a room of that residence. Both subjects were arrested and released on an appearance ticket for Persia Town Court. n Dec. 27, 5:20 p.m., Zebadiah C. Harvey, 30, of Gowanda, was charged with second-degree harassment, criminal obstruction of breathing and criminal mischief after patrol responded to the report of a disturbance at a Walnut Street residence.

Patrol was informed a verbal altercation between Harvey and a female acquaintance escalated into a physical altercation. According to police, Harvey, who appeared intoxicated, hit the female, threw her on the floor, kneeled on her chest and choked her. He also allegedly damaged various property belonging to the female. Harvey was arraigned in Persia Town Court and released on his own recognizance to family members to reappear in Persia Town Court at a later date. The female victim was treated at Urgent Care and transported to Lakeshore Hospital for further treatment. n Jan. 1, 7:49 p.m., a vehicle operated by Kyle L. Bomberry, 18, of Irving, struck a utility pole near 293 Buffalo St. in Gowanda and K.C. Bomberry, 20, also of Irving, was a passenger in the vehicle. Both subjects were treated at the scene

by Gowanda Ambulance Service, then flown to Erie County Medical Center in Buffalo. Both subjects were classified as being in serious condition. The Erie County Sheriff’s Department’s Accident Investigation Unit is assisting the Gowanda Police in the investigation of the accident. The investigation is continuing, and charges may be forthcoming.

Jan. 13-18, 2017

4 overdoses close 2016 in village

By Rich Place

Managing Editor

GOWANDA — The Gowanda Police Department responded to four heroin overdoses within the span of 11 days to close last year, department officials recently announced.

Gowanda police officer-in-charge Steve Raiport said three of the four individuals were acquaintances and blamed the large amount of overdoses on “bad or strong heroin.” Two of the individuals had gone into rehab in the past, he added.

“They relapsed; it happens,” he said.

“Then you come back to the same environment, and those triggers are going trigger back into using again.”

The first overdose took place shortly before midnight Dec. 21, as patrol responded to a village residence for the report of an unconscious and unresponsive 30-year-old male. Narcan, an opioid antidote drug, was administered by a patrolling officer.

Two more overdoses were reported at 3 p.m. and 3:20 p.m. Dec. 23, as patrol responded to reports of an unconscious and unresponsive female and male, respectively, both 25 and at the same residence. Upon authorities’ arrival, both were conscious and responsive, according to police.

A fourth overdose was reported by Gowanda police at 11:33 p.m. New Year’s Eve. This time, a 51-year-old male victim was found unconscious and unresponsive at a village residence and was made alert by Narcan.

Raiport said no charges were filed because of the Good Samaritan Law. “That was the whole gist of the law,” he said. “This way, people would call instead of leaving them for dead.”

In each instance, the victims were transported to Lakeshore Hospital by Gowanda Ambulance Service. Police did not provide names of the victims or the addresses where the overdoses took place.

Jan. 13-18, 2017

THE GOWANDA PRESS

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CATTARAUGUS COUNTY COURT REPORT LITTLE VALLEY — A Delevan man will go to prison for rape.

Brandon D. Root, 29, was sentenced Jan. 9 in Cattaraugus County Court to two concurrent terms of six years in state prison and five years of postrelease supervision for first-degree rape and a first-degree criminal sexual act, class B felonies.

The incidents occurred April 9 in Yorkshire, according to District Attorney Lori Rieman, whose office reported the case Jan. 10 among numerous others that were heard Jan. 9 IN OTHER CASES Jan. 9: n Ryan P. Willis, 33, of Portville, pleaded not guilty to second-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, a class A-II felony; two counts of third-degree unlawfully manufacturing methamphetamines, a class D felony; and second-degree criminal possession of meth-making materials, a class A misdemeanor. Authorities allege the in-

cident occurred July 29 in Portville. The case was adjourned for motions. n Mary P. Erhart, 36, who reportedly has no permanent address, pleaded not guilty to third-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance, a class B felony.

Authorities allege the incident involving a type and quantity of controlled substance unspecified in a report occurred Sept. 17 in Olean. The case was adjourned for motions. n Maurice Arnold, 29, of Hinsdale, pleaded guilty to third-degree attempted criminal sale of a controlled substance, a class C felony. The incident involving an unspecified type and quantity of drug occurred June 21 in Olean, Rieman stated. Sentencing was scheduled for March 13. n Rachel Slawiak, 26, of Olean, pleaded guilty to fourth-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance, a class C felony. The incident involving an unspecified type and quantity of drug occurred Jan. 8, 2016, in Olean, Rieman

stated. Sentencing was scheduled for March 13. n Andrea Stanczykowski, 29, of Olean, pleaded guilty to third-degree attempted criminal sale of a controlled substance, a class C felony. The incident involving an unspecified type and quantity of drug occurred May 31 in Olean, Rieman stated. Sentencing was scheduled for Jan. 18, 2018. n Ryen T. Putt, 25, of Olean, was sentenced to 12 weekends in Cattaraugus County Jail and five years of probation for two counts of fourth-degree grand larceny, a class E felony. Putt stole property consisting of one or more firearms between July 3 and July 13 in Portville, Rieman stated. n Allen E. Brillhart, 30, of Silver Creek, was sentenced to five years of probation for driving while intoxicated, a class E felony, which was a violation of Leandra’s Law. Brillhart drove in an intoxicated state with a child passenger younger than 15 years old on Nov. 9, 2015, in Persia, Rieman stated. n Nathan C. Bilby, 25, of Olean, pleaded not guilty to two counts of fourth-degree grand larceny, a class E felony; and seven counts of petit larceny, a class A misdemeanor. Authorities allege Bilby stole unspecified amounts of property Aug. 20 in Olean. The case was adjourned for motions. n Jeffrey Burney, 22, of Olean, was sentenced to 60 days in county jail and three years of probation for third-degree assault, a class A misdemeanor. Burney and another person, who was not listed in the report, injured another person March 11 in Olean, Rieman stated.

IN JAN. 3 CASES: Peña, 21, of Olean, but currently at Cattaraugus County Jail, was sentenced to one year in jail for third-degree criminal mischief, a class D felony; and second-degree obstruction of governmental administration, a class A misdemeanor. He was sentenced to another year to run consecutively for second-degree attempted assault, a class E felony. Peña attempted to cause serious injury to someone 65 or older March 11 in Olean, according to Rieman. He also intentionally damaged property exn Lenny A.

ceeding $250 and prevented the official function of a public servant April 10 in Olean, according to Rieman. n Amos J. Krause, 32, of Salamanca, pleaded guilty to third-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance, a class B felony, to satisfy a pending indictment and to comply with drug-treatment court.

Krause possessed and sold an unspecified type and quantity of narcotic drug June 29 in Salamanca, Rieman stated.

Sentencing was scheduled for Feb. 5, 2018, pending the completion of drugtreatment court. n Shane Rice, 27, of Olean, a previously convicted felon, was sentenced to 18 months to three years in state prison for third-degree attempted burglary, a class E felony. The incident occurred June 20 in Olean, Rieman stated. n Stephen J. Schindlbeck, 31, of Olean, was sentenced to 18 months to three years in state prison for third-degree attempted burglary, a class E felony.

The incident occurred Sept. 15 in Olean, Rieman stated. n Tina M. Hill, 54, of Gowanda, pleaded not guilty to two counts of fourth-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance, a class C felony; and two counts of fifth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, a class D felony. Authorities allege she unlawfully possessed and sold an unspecified type and quantity of drug Dec. 21, 2015, and Jan. 14, 2016, in Persia. The case was adjourned for motions. n Andrew Robert Stephan, 26, of Olean, pleaded guilty to second-degree rape, a class D felony; and endangering the welfare of a child, a class A misdemeanor. Stephan had sex with a person younger than 15 years old May 1 in Olean, Rieman stated. Sentencing was scheduled for March 6. n Julian M. Roulo, 20, of Olean, pleaded guilty to third-degree burglary, a class D felony; and petit larceny, a class A misdemeanor. The incident occurred Jan. 26, 2016, in Olean, Rieman stated.

Sentencing was scheduled for Feb. 5, 2018, pending the completion of drugtreatment court. n Jachai Turner, 19, of Buffalo, See Court, Page 21

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Jan. 13-18, 2017

Cuomo to ‘double down’ on Buffalo area

By Rick Miller County Reporter

BUFFALO — In his second State of the State Address given in Buffalo on Monday, Gov. Andrew Cuomo declared the area is “stronger than it has been in decades.”

Speaking at the Center for Performing Arts at the University at Buffalo’s North Campus, Cuomo proposed “doubling down” on the Buffalo Billion with another $500 million in the 2017 state budget with a goal of also spreading the job-creating economic development projects to areas north and south of Buffalo.

Cuomo reminded the audience of 1,800 that in the six years he’s served as governor, the state unemployment rate has dropped from 8.4 percent to 5.1 percent. The state’s 8 million private sector jobs is the most ever. Western New York has 23,900 new jobs since 2010.

The governor said he plans to continue to focus the state’s economic development efforts on Upstate New York.

With the state’s $4.6 billion investment in Regional Economic Development Councils with business leaders and educators, 210,000 new jobs have been created upstate.

The governor also touted his proposal to provide free tuition for public colleges in New York for families earning less than $125,000 a year. More jobs of the future will require a college degree, he said.

“That’s why I want to lead the nation on a proposal whose time will come, but New York always gets there first — we should have tuition-free college in New York state for families who are making $125,000 or less because that is the future,” Cuomo said.

“The way we pay for high school we should say, the day has come that we will now pay for college and let New York have the most educated workforce in the country.”

The average student leaves college with a $30,000 debt. Cuomo said an estimated 85 percent of Western New York families would qualify for the tuition-free college.

“This is a game changer,” he said.

Cuomo proposed a 1,000-acre industrial park at the former Bethlehem Steel property in Lackawanna for advanced manufacturing including $10 million for workforce development.

Tourism is another economic driver

Press photo by Rick Miller

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo held one of six State of the State addresses on Monday afternoon at the University At Buffalo’s Center for the Performing Arts, where he said he planned to propose doubling down on the Buffalo Billion and expand job creation projects to other parts of the region

where the state has invested $150 million and reaped $102 billion in tourism spending, Cuomo said. Tourism is up 14 percent, with 18 million people coming into the state last year. Employment in that industry is up 11 percent to 57,000.

Cuomo touted the Riverbend plant in South Buffalo, which will be the largest solar panel factory in North America, and its relation to Tesla and Panasonic.

“The Buffalo Billion is working,” Cuomo said. The question is “where do we go from here?”

Besides building on Buffalo’s Renaissance, Cuomo said he wanted “to make sure that every community is part of this Renaissance.”

The governor said he’s proposing a down payment for a second Buffalo Billion with a $500 million appropriation

in the 2017-18 state budget.

Among the Western New York projects he’s proposing outside Buffalo, Cuomo listed a $5 million contribution to the national Comedy Center in Jamestown and $2.5 million to the City of Jamestown to help regain economic stability.

The governor also called for funding revitalization plans in downtowns in communities like Ellicottville, Gowanda and Alfred.

He also called for a $100 million appropriation for 10,000 miles of road and 2,600 bridges statewide.

“Since 2012, we’ve invested 1.6 billion in western New York infrastructure,” he said.

Those investments include $16.9 million for “the Route 219 Bridge, which we blew up (in June), which was very cool by the way,” Cuomo said with a smile.

The governor is also proposing a $2 billion package for water infrastructure including water lines and upgrades to water treatment plants to filter out dangerous chemicals. It will also include protection of drinking water sources.

Cuomo said the state legislature has not only cut state income tax rates since his election six years ago, but slowed the upward spiral of low property taxes with the 2 percent tax cap. This has saved Western New York taxpayers $1.3 billion, with the typical homeowner saving $2,600 since 2012.

As Cuomo neared the end of his hourlong address, a man rose in his seat and started shouting about corruption, Ciminelli and U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara, who is investigating economic development projects statewide, including Buffalo Billion. He headed toward the exit.

Without acknowledging the protester, Cuomo said, “You ain’t seen nothing yet,” referring to what the next Buffalo Billion could do.

Swim lesson scholarships available for area children

GOWANDA — The Gowanda Central School will host swim lessons under a scholarship recently made available through a private donation in memory of Colin Burr and Joyce Smith.

The donation, earmarked to as-

sist families with children who do not know how to swim, will help fulfill the mission of the GCA Adult/Community Education to educate children on water safety and provide swim lessons to children in the area.

Those interesting in signing up their child to receive swim lessons under the scholarship can call Stefanena Kysor at 532-3638 or Sue Rebmann at 532-3325, ext. 6309 for details.

Jan. 13-18, 2017

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Young takes oath of office, begins sixth full term ALBANY — State Sen. Catharine Young, R-Olean, took her oath of office Wednesday, Jan. 4 to begin her sixth full term in the New York State Senate.

Young, who represents residents of Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua and Livingston counties in the Senate, will again serve as the Chair of the Senate Finance Committee, as well as being an active member on several other committees.

“The 2017 Legislative Session will be a busy and important year, especially since there are so many significant issues that need to be addressed. Our hardworking residents deserve significant tax relief, our business climate needs to be strengthened, and our communities need a strong voice against the tax-and-spend policies being pushed by downstate legislators,” she said.

Young said with state spending staying under a self-imposed two-percent cap last

year, the same goal “will be a priority for me again.”

“We were successful in securing the lowest middle-class income tax rate in 70 years, restoring the property tax rebate checks and increasing support for our local schools,” she added. “I will be working to provide greater relief for our hard working property taxpayers and local governments. I will also be fighting to continue promoting job creation efforts and programs that are putting residents to work.”

Young said she has several legislative initiatives to introduce.

“People need and deserve to have good-paying jobs. Our young people must have career opportunities locally, so they can stay after they graduate. My focus remains on enacting good public policy that provides everyone with the opportunity to succeed,” Young said.

Submitted photo

New York State Court of Appeals Chief Judge Janet DiFiore (left) administers the oath of office to State Sen. Catharine Young, R-Olean, who represent the 57th Senate District, including Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua and Livingston counties.

Submitted photo

Erie County Legislature Chairman John Mills presides over a reorganizational meeting Jan. 5.

Mills re-elected as chairman BUFFALO — The Erie County Legislature re-elected John Mills to serve as chairman during its annual reorganization meeting Jan. 5 at the legislative chambers.

“I believe the work accomplished by this body during my tenure as chairman speaks for itself and I am honored to once again hold the position,” said Mills, R-Orchard Park. “We will face many significant challenges this year and I trust the Legislature will once again work together on behalf of our constituents. We will continue to work with the County Executive when we find agreement, and we will continue to hold him accountable when it’s necessary.”

Also during the annual reorganization

meeting the Republican-aligned Caucus re-elected Legislator Joseph Lorigo, C-West Seneca, as Majority Leader. The caucus is comprised of Mills, Edward Rath, R-Amherst; Kevin Hardwick, R-Tonawanda; Ted Morton, R-Cheektowaga; and Lynne Dixon, I-Hamburg.

“As leader of the Majority Caucus I am focused on doing what is best for the taxpayers of Erie County,” said Lorigo. “The county’s financial stability is paramount, and 2017 may bring tough decisions. The Legislature, led by the Republican-aligned caucus, will continue to fight for lower taxes, reduce spending and smarter government.”

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THE GOWANDA PRESS

Jan. 13-18, 2017

Jan. 13-18, 2017

THE GOWANDA PRESS

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SPORTS THE GOWANDA PRESS

Jan. 13-18, 2017

Press photos by Jason Riley

Geramani Benton (left photo) and Nate Brawdy (right photo) attempt layups on Friday in the Panthers game against Silver Creek in Gowanda.

The pair combined for 66 points in the Panthers’ 74-57 victory.

(Above) The Panthers’ cheerleading squad leads the crowd during a break in the basketball action during the game.

2016-17 Gowanda boys basketball Panthers W 74

Dual threat

By Mark Benton

Sports Correspondent

GOWANDA — Nate Brawdy scored 37 points and Geramani Benton added 29 more in the Gowanda varsity boys basketball team’s 74-57 victory over Silver Creek on Friday, Jan. 6.

The 66-point combined point total for the two Gowanda juniors marked the most points scored by two Gowanda var-

sity players on the Panthers’ home court since the school began playing games at the Prospect Street School in 1957-58.

The most points scored in a varsity game by two players prior to this was accomplished in January 1969 when Mark Jonathan meshed 40 points and Gary “Pizza” Peters netted 20.

This is also the second time in school history that two Gowanda basketball players at any level have combined to

score 66 points in a game. In February 1971, M. “Ace” Benton (39 points) and Kevin Schindler (27), both freshmen, scored a combined 66 points in the final junior varsity game of the season and well before the 3-point line was established.

The Panthers were expected to travel to Allegany-Limestone for a game Tuesday against the Gators, but the game was postponed.

W L L W W W W

70 53 62 70 66 67 74

Jan. 13 Jan. 18 Jan. 20 Jan. 30 Feb. 2 Feb. 6 Feb. 9 Feb. 13 Feb. 16

Roy-Hartland Franklinville* North Collins* Ellicottville at Fredonia at Southwestern Pioneer* Springville* Silver Creek at All-Limestone Randolph at Salamanca Portville at Silver Creek All-Limestone at Randolph Salamanca at Portville Southwestern *tournament game

Opp. 44 cancl.

45 61 75 51 44 40 57 ppd.

THE GOWANDA PRESS

Jan. 13-18, 2017

17

Gowanda girls lose first two league games against Silver Creek, A-L The Gowanda Central School varsity girls basketball team lost their league opener at Silver Creek on Friday, Jan. 6 by the score of 54-47. Alexis Hawkins led Gowanda in both points and rebounds.

On Monday, Morgan Davis’ big game of 30 points and 18 rebounds lifted Allegany-Limestone to its second straight league win, 78-32.

Brooke Giardini added 15 points, and Kiley Kinney posted a solid all-around game of 12 points, seven steals and six assists for the Gators (3-5, 2-0), which led 43-13 at halftime.

Miya Scanlan (16 points) and Hawkins (13) provided most of the scoring for Gowanda, which fell to 1-7 overall and 0-2 in league play.

The Panthers were scheduled to play Randolph on Thursday, which took place after press time for this week’s edition.

(Sports correspondent Mark Benton contributed to this report.)

2016-17 Gowanda girls basketball Panthers L 33 W 53 L 21 L 40 L 43 L 30 L 47 L 32 Jan. 12 Jan. 17 Jan. 19 Jan. 28 Jan. 31 Feb. 3 Feb. 7 Feb. 10 Feb. 13

at Sherman North Collins* Frewsburg* Pine Valley at Franklinville Catt-LV at Silver Creek All-Limestone at Randolph Salamanca Portville Franklinville Silver Creek at All-Limestone Randolph at Salamanca at Portville

Opp. 49 28 87 43 86 32 54 78

*tournament game

Press photo by Jason Riley

Alexis Hawkins moves the ball upcourt during the Panthers’ game against Allegany-Limestone on Monday. Gowanda lost the contest, 78-32, and fell to 0-2 in league play.

Gowanda Sports Report

By Mark Benton

Sports Correspondent

Gowanda Central School senior Dave Poff brought home a first place trophy in the 120-pound weight class at the Niagara County Officials tournament held Jan. 6 and 7 at Niagara Community College.

On Wednesday, Jan. 4, Poff defeated Jacob Bartlett from Olean during the Panthers dual meet with the Huskies. It was the second time this season that Poff had defeated Bartlett in a close match.

With the loss, Bartlett's overall record this season dropped to 20-4. Jacob Bartlett is the son of Gary Bartlett, a 1977 Gowanda

Central School graduate and Walter C. Peters trophy winner as the school's outstanding football player in the fall of 1976. n The Gowanda junior varsity wrestling team traveled to Franklinville on Saturday, Jan. 7 for a tournament. Kiefer Austin emerged as the champion in his weight class. Second place finishes were recorded by Matt Wargo, Domanik Rodriguez and Andrew Musacchio. Everette Golden brought home a third place medal while Charles Pasternak placed fourth. The GCS wrestling team traveled to Falconer on Wednesday, Jan. 11 for a match which ended after press time.

n The Gowanda boys varsity basketball team defeated Silver Creek, 74-57, in Gowanda on Jan. 6. Game story, page 16. The team’s game against AlleganyLimestone, scheduled for Tuesday, was postponed. n The Gowanda girls varsity basketball team lost their league opener at Silver Creek on Friday, Jan. 6, 54-47, and lost their second league game to AlleganyLimestone, 78-32, on Monday. Game stories on this page. The Lady Panthers were expected to travel to Randolph on Thursday.

See Sports, Page 21

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Jan. 13-18, 2017

History of Gowanda wrestling

By Mark Benton

Sports Correspondent

The Gowanda Central School varsity wrestling program has featured several good teams over the past 50 seasons. However, no team has won a Section VI title since the 1965-66 season.

Coming off their only losing record (1964-65) in the program's first 11 seasons, the Panthers had their work cut out for them once the 1965-66 campaign began. However, the team quickly re-established their dominance in the Southern Tier circuit by winning all of their dual meets until a late season encounter with Southwestern on their home mat. And although Gowanda had won six Section VI titles over the last eight seasons, the Trojans were always one of their toughest foes.

And sure enough, once the matches began, the visiting team from Lakewood again proved to be a tough out.

The entire meet was close throughout but the Trojans prevailed by the score of 25-24. When the final Southern Tier Conference standings were released, Gowanda found themselves in second place behind Southwestern.

During the first week of March, however, Gowanda would have the chance to get their revenge at the Section VI meet that was held at Southwestern. And after a full day of competition against all of the Class B schools, it was determined that Gowanda and Southwestern had the same amount of points and were tied for first place. There was even a facetious comment made that the Section VI trophy would be taken down to the school's metal shop and cut in half.

In the meantime, Gowanda senior wrestler Dave Josephson — who would later become an actuary — was peering through all of the matches that had taken place that day. And there it

Photo courtesy Gowanda Area Historical Society

The 1963-64 Gowanda Central School wrestling team won the Southern Tier Conference championship. These were the seniors on the squad. (Front row, from left) Sidney Brooks, Howard Gabel, Frank Marrano, John Skye, William Glass; (back row, from left) Coach Ernest Bareham, Jeff Bush, Robert Thompson, Alan Josephson, Philip Beck and Jare Ferry.

was, a mistake that the honor student caught and presented to the official scorer. Gowanda was then awarded the title outright by a mere one point. The Panthers did indeed get their revenge and brought home their seventh and last Section VI wrestling trophy. And their final record was 14 wins and one loss by one point. Their "B" team coached by Dennis Crouse also had a

terrific season and went undefeated.

The top wrestlers for Gowanda in 1965-66 included: Loren Stafford, Paul Phillips, Mike Miller, Ken Phillips, Howard Parish, Wayne Hall, Don Bray, Dave Josephson, Tim Witherell, John Benton, Joe Gernatt and Kerwin George. Eight of those wrestlers placed in the Section VI tournament. Miller, Gernatt and Parish who were all mem-

Visit us online — gowandapress.com

bers of the last Section VI title team still attend GCS wrestling matches.

As for the late Coach Ernie Bareham, he guided the varsity wrestling team for two more seasons but no more titles of any sort were recorded.

Bareham was also inducted posthumously into the New York State and Western New York Wrestling Hall of Fame.

Jan. 13-18, 2017

THE GOWANDA PRESS

GIRLS BASKETBALL

Franklinville tops C-LV

By Sam Wilson Sports Editor

CATTARAUGUS — Leading 31-19 at halftime, coach Allan Dunlap wasn’t satisfied just two days removed from his Franklinville girls basketball team’s first loss.

So the Panthers tightened up defensively, only allowing 4 points to Cattaraugus-Little Valley in the third quarter and pulled away in a 70-33 win in both teams’ CCAA East II opener Monday.

Freshman guard Dani Haskell scored 30 points with seven steals and her sister, junior Ally Haskell, tallied 18 points and eight rebounds. Ally missed the last four minutes of the third quarter after taking a hard fall, but returned and hit a pair of three-pointers in the fourth.

“I was just talking with her dad (Jeff) and he felt it was more of a shock more than hurt, I guess,” Dunlap said. “She’s fine, she’s in good spirits and she came out and stuck two threes and played well.”

The Panthers responded to the brief scare ripping off a 13-0 run through Ally’s return.

“I think it inspired her sister,” Dunlap said. “It was a heated play and we were already playing hard at that point but it magnified the situation a bit and our kids even turned it up another notch. And I don’t know where Dani’s ceiling is, I really don’t. I think sometimes she’s playing as best as she can possibly play and then she does something else to make you think, ‘Who knows?’”

Abby McCoy had 11 points and four steals and Katie Michaelis and Amy O’Neal marked seven rebounds each. As a team, Franklinville (7-1) hit 13 treys in bouncing back from a 51-46 loss to Fredonia.

“Our last six quarters up to halftime, we’ve been my word in the locker room was indifferent defensively,” Dunlap said.

“I was OK with 31 points, I wasn’t OK with their score. That was my problem, figuring out a way to not be indifferent and play with a sense of urgency. In the second half we played harder, we played faster and because we played harder and faster, that’s when shots are going to fall.”

Katie Jones led C-LV (4-4) with 15 points while Kayla Cannon had eight rebounds and Taylor Stockman six rebounds and three blocks.

“I think we played hard the whole game,” said C-LV coach Mike Jones.

“They started making a lot of shots, more shots in the second half and we just got tired. A positive takeaway is we played good defense in the first half and made some shots. They’ve got quick guards, very quick and they turned us over 18 times in the first half.”

Franklinville (70) Nugent 1 0-0 3, Pfeiffer 1 0-0 3, Smith 1 0-0 2, Michellis 1 0-2 2, A. Haskell 7 0-2 18, D. Haskell 11 4-9 30, McCoy 4 0-0 11, O’Neal 0 1-2 1. Totals: 26 5-15 70.

Cattaraugus-Little Valley (33) B. Gostomski 1 0-0 2, Cannon 2 0-0 4, Stockman 1 1-4 3, Ryan 2 0-0 4, Aokai 1 0-0 3, Johnson 1 0-0 2, Jones 5 5-5 15. Totals: 13 6-9 33.

Franklinville 16 31 49 70

WNYPGA Junior Golf Tour opens registration for 2017 Registration is open for the 2017 WNYPGA Junior Golf Tour.

Membership Registration opened Tuesday, Jan. 3, and tournament registration opened Monday, Jan. 9. The WNYPGA Junior Tour is open to Juniors residing within the boundaries of the WNYPGA Section who have attained an age of 10 years but not to have reached their 19th birthday before Aug. 8, 2017.

Juniors will be separated by their age on June 30, 2017 into the following divisions: boys aged 16-18, boys 13-15, girls 16-18, girls 13-15, boys 10-12 (9 Hole)

and girls 10-12 (9 Hole).

The WNYPGA Junior Golf Tour provides an opportunity and atmosphere for juniors to enjoy the camaraderie, friendship and sportsmanship of competitive golf at a series of premier venues throughout the Western New York Section of the PGA of America. Players in all divisions will compete in a season long points race to qualify for the season ending Junior Golf Tour Championship.

For membership information, visit westernny.pga.com and click the Junior tab.

19

THE GOWANDA PRESS

20

Jan. 13-18, 2017

FROM PAGE 1 Committee from Page 1

a valuable asset to our community,” said McKeever, “and its purpose is to improve the quality of life for our residents and business community by provision of the highest quality of police service.”

The formation of the Village of Gowanda Police Committee comes less than three weeks after the board of trustees met in a special meeting Dec. 22 to address a resignation letter submitted by Steve Raiport, officer-incharge.

The meeting — which did not adhere to the 24-hour notice of its convening

due to its urgency, according to village officials — spanned a half hour.

After conversation amongst Raiport, the mayor and village trustees, Raiport rescinded his resignation.

McKeever noted during the meeting on Tuesday that the village board of trustees does not have the authority to supervisor or direct subordinate village officers or employees but can assist the mayor in monitoring the department.

The board of trustees was assigned a group of seven tasks — such as monitoring the budget or community police efforts, for example — and two trustees

were assigned to supervise each such task.

The code enforcement and PAARI program division of the committee were also assigned subcommittees. For code enforcement, the sub committee is comprised of a member of the Gowanda Area Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Gowanda Fire Department and a member of Neighbor Watch. The Community Connections group makes up the subcommittee of the PAARI program.

Raiport declined to comment Wednesday on the institution of the committee and its responsibilities.

Safety from Page 1 letter to send to the jurisdictions as a formal request to develop and improve awareness and speed control surrounding In a school district like Gowanda, which is located in two counties, the pro- these areas, said Hopkins.

Also on the agenda this year is some cess of obtaining signage is complicated, kind of sidewalk mapping system to alsaid Hopkins. For example, one of the primary concerns for officials overseeing low community members to take better advantage of the many new sidewalks the grant is what they feel is a lack of and crosswalks found throughout the vilsignage on Perrysburg Hill on Route 39 lage courtesy of the grant. near the middle and high school com“We have five beautiful parks in this plex. community,” said Hopkins. “We re“We feel that is a huge issue and problem still so we are going to be work- ally want to map out walking routes, distances, how many calories you can ing with the New York State DOT on burn if you walk this one to this one and that,” said Hopkins. what kind of creative activities you can Meanwhile, obtaining more signage engage in while you’re there.” for Prospect Street is under the town She said Noecker is working with of Perrysburg’s jurisdiction while Erie Southern Tier West, which has GIS (geoCounty is responsible for Aldrich Street, graphic information system) capabilities, which runs past Gowanda Elementary to develop the map and highlight various School, she said. areas in the community.

HCA officials will be authoring a

Some attention will also be spent developing a bike recycling program that could allow students to learn to repair abandoned or broken bicycles and reuse them. HCA has already purchased repair kits and obtained a curriculum and is currently working on a location, potentially in the school’s basement, to repair the bicycles.

Bikes would be obtained from the local police department, which routinely collects stolen or abandoned bikes, Hopkins said.

“If you could get a child or a student or a club to repair that bike and make that bike something cool for some other child who doesn’t have a bike, what a great program and what a great way of giving back,” she said.

Community members may also become more familiar with Zoey “Z” the Zebra, a mascot unveiled last year that will continue its pedestrian safety campaign this year. There will also be a concentrated effort by police to monitor crosswalks as part of an aspect of the project called Operation Pedestrian Safety and various events, like bike-toschool days, walk-to-school days and bike rodeos, are expected to return.

the grant, said Hopkins.

“The village of Gowanda worked with the Department of Transportation to reallocate those funding sources and that dollar amount (from the potential creek walk) so we could do more sidewalks, more pedestrian safety, with the funds that we had,” she said.

Construction on the infrastructure improvements as part of the grant began late last year and focused on sidewalk replacement, crosswalk improvements and additional signage near school and pedestrian zones.

Meanwhile, HCA implemented many of the non-infrastructure requirements in a separate contract that was finalized in February 2015. They led efforts to host multiple events like wellness walks, walk-to-school days, bike rodeos and bike-to-school days.

Hopkins said over 160 people took part in the multiple bike-to-school days.

“Every time we did it the bike racks were full,” she said. More than 100 helmets have also been distributed to students, who also have participated in projects like the production of three pedestrian safety videos.

The Safe Routes to School grant funding had to be used on public rightof-ways within two miles of a school and was intended to enable and encourage children to walk or bicycle to school and live a more healthy and active lifestyle.

She said duties include maintaining and updating current standard operating procedures; developing policy as needed; monitoring employee performance and new hires; working with the code enforcement division, PAARI, and the Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force; overseeing community policing efforts; assisting in the police department budget; and monitoring police officer training and certifications.

“It is our agreed upon vision that the Gowanda Police Department is

ALTHOUGH THE GRANT was awarded in early 2013, plans for its implementation were not finalized until spring 2015. The delay came partly because of discussion — and eventual elimination – of the creek walk aspect of

Jan. 13-18, 2017

THE GOWANDA PRESS

21 Sports from Page 17

Legislature from Page 4 tion to the Finance, Labor Relations and County Operations committees. The cost would have come from the county’s contingent fund.

Other resolutions included an acceptance of a $555,000 Community Block Grant award from the state Division of Homs and Community Renewal to assist Ellicottville Brewing Co., toward building a $5.5 million brewery and brew pub on Second Street in Little Valley, as well as a resolution accepting a $350,000 Community Development Block Grant to replace failed water and sewer systems in rural areas of the county.

Also accepted through a resolution was $127,445 from the state Snowmobile Trail Grant Program for distribution to nine snowmobile clubs with trails in

pleaded guilty to fifth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, a class D felony, to satisfy an indictment and to comply with drug-treatment court.

Turner and another person, who was not listed in Rieman’s report, possessed an unspecified type and quantity of a narcotic drug — with the intent to sell it — and marijuana April 26 in Olean, Rieman stated. Sentencing was scheduled for Feb. 5, 2018, pending the completion of drug-treatment court. n Robert J. Deppa, 32, of Red House, pleaded guilty to fifth-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance, a class D felony. He sold an unspecified type and quantity of narcotic drug Jan. 15, 2015, in Salamanca, Rieman stated. Sentencing was scheduled for March 6. n Fallon M. Smith, 30, of Delevan, pleaded guilty to fifth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, a class D felony. Smith possessed an unspecified type and quantity of narcotic drug June 9 in Olean, Rieman stated.

Sentencing was scheduled for March 6. n Robert L. Nelson, 47, of Portville, pleaded guilty to attempted menacing of a police officer, a class E felony. Nelson attempted to place a police officer in reasonable fear while displaying a knife, damaged property and resisted arrest May 16 in Olean, Rieman stated. Sentencing was scheduled for March 6. n Aaron Diers, 41, of Gowanda,

pleaded guilty to two counts of thirddegree attempted unlawful manufacturing of methamphetamines, a class E felony.

Diers possessed lab equipment and precursors needed to make meth April 9 in Persia and Dec. 3 in Salamanca, Rieman stated.

Sentencing was scheduled for March 6. n Rosemary McKay, 54, of Randolph, pleaded guilty to first-degree attempted reckless endangerment and third-degree attempted unlawful manufacture of methamphetamines, both class E felonies. The incidents occurred Sept. 24, 2015, in Randolph and June 6 in Little Valley, Rieman stated. Sentencing was scheduled for March 6. n Stormy D. Foster, 50, of Olean, pleaded guilty to fourth-degree grand larceny, a class E felony. Foster stole property exceeding $1,000 in value Sept.

1 in Allegany, Rieman stated. Sentencing was scheduled for March 6. n Brad M. Clayson, 29, of Olean, was sentenced to five years of probation, 240 hours of community service, driver’s license revocation for one year, a $1,000 fine and one year of ignition interlock device use for driving while intoxicated, a class E felony. Clayson drove with a blood alcohol content of 0.20 percent July 17 in Olean, Rieman stated. n Lisa E. Murphy, 44, of Salamanca, pleaded not guilty to aggravated driving while intoxicated and DWI, class E felonies; and failure to keep right, failure

n Gowanda’s co-ed varsity bowling teams were idle over the Christmas recess. Their match during the first week n Ashford Snowmobile Club, West of January was also cancelled due to Valley, $9,540. inclement weather. Both teams remain n Elibomwons Inc., Randolph, $23,955. in second place as the season continues n Enchanted Mountains Border Ridthis week. ers, Westons Mills, $4,275. n The Gowanda Recreation Learn to n Franklinville Snow Sled Club, Ski program at Holiday Valley began Franklinville, $18,355. on Sunday, Jan. 8 with a total of 24 n Portville Snowmobile Club, $10,260. skiers/snowboarders and four chapern Snow-Bounders Inc., Cattaraugus, ones. The program will continue for $38,575. the next seven consecutive Sundays n Southern Tier Snow Drifters, North at Holiday Valley. The bus leaves each Collins, $7,945.

Sunday from the front circle of the high n Tri-County Drift Hoppers, Sanschool at 1:15 p.m. and returns at 8:30 dusky, $10,830. p.m. n Western New York Snowmobile n Special thanks to the Gowanda Club, Boston, $3,710.

Kiwanis Club, Slovenian Club of Gowanda and Pioneer Credit RecovCourt from Page 11 ery for their monetary donations to the Gowanda Recreation youth winter program. Besides the Learn to Ski program to stop at a stop sign and refusal of a at Holiday Valley, the recreation departscreening test, violations. Authorities alment sponsors roller skating for students lege Murphy drove with a blood alcohol content of 0.18 percent Sept. 14 in Olean. in kindergarten through eighth grade and co-ed basketball for students in grades 3 The case was adjourned for motions. through 8. n Arthur J. Kendall, 30, of Bradford, n Roller skating for students in Pa., pleaded guilty to driving while kindergarten through eighth grade intoxicated, a class E felony. Kendall drove with a 0.14 percent blood alcohol will continue on Monday, Jan. 9 at the content Aug. 15 in Olean, Rieman stated. Academy Place from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

The cost that includes skates remains Sentencing was scheduled for March 6. at $2 per night. The program will not n Jason C. Ingalsbe, 32, of Grand Island, pleaded guilty to driving while in- be held on Monday, Jan. 16 due to the toxicated, a class E felony; and second- observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. degree aggravated unlicensed operation Day. of a vehicle, a misdemeanor. He drove in a drunken state when his license was suspended or revoked April 24 in New @gowandapress Albion, Rieman stated. Sentencing was scheduled for March 6. n Ricky L. Armstrong, 37, of Salamanca, was sentenced to time served for second-degree criminal contempt and /gowandapress resisting arrest, both class A misdemeanors. The incidents occurred Jan. 7, 2016, in Salamanca, Rieman stated. n Ricky L. Perry, 25, of Buffalo, but currently at Cattaraugus County Jail, pleaded guilty to seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, a class A misdemeanor. He then was sentenced to six months in county jail.

He possessed an unspecified type and quantity of drug April 11 in Ellicottville, Rieman stated.

Cattaraugus County. The grant will be divided as follows:

THE GOWANDA PRESS

leader, said the new year will “no doubt bring change to all of us on the heels of what we all witnessed as an unprecedented presidential election.”

“We have shown that we can and have been able to meet these uncertainties and in some instances we were able to not only minimize tax increases, but lower taxes in most communities in the county,” Labuhn added.

Legislators raced through a 47-resolution agenda, which included mostly contracts and appointments.

A resolution was considered that would have authorized the four county coroners to participate in the county health insurance and dental insurance plans at a cost of $51,109. Snyder, the vice chairman, moved to refer the resolu-

Pick us up for free at businesses throughout the Gowanda area!

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22

Jan. 13-18, 2017

Old Times Remembered...

Gowanda Glen Dick Westlund’s article about the Gowanda Glen in last week’s issue referred to a boardwalk and Horseshoe Falls in Grannis Brook. These historic photos show both. The Glen was a popular destination for both local residents and tourists. The Erie Railroad ran excursions from Buffalo to Gowanda well before 1900. There was a dance pavilion in the Glen. Sunday picnics drew hundreds into the gorge.

Photos courtesy of the Gowanda Area Historical Society

THE GOWANDA PRESS

Jan. 13-18, 2017

COME TO WORSHIP GOWANDA

Gowanda Assembly of God 78 Allen St. | gowandaassembly.com Pastor: David Gabel Sunday Worship: 10 a.m.

CATTARAUGUS

Cattaraugus United Methodist 53 Washington St. | 257-3583 or 257-9398 Pastor: Becky Ward Sunday Worship: 10:30 a.m.

Gowanda Free Methodist Church Roberts Memorial Free Methodist Church 149 West Main St. | gowandafmc.org 111 South St. | 257-3326 Pastor: Jon Horton www.robertsfmc.org Assistant Pastors: Tim McKeever, Chris Landon Pastor: Rev. Mike Jones Worship Times: Saturday, 6 p.m. and Sunday, 9 and Sunday Worship: 10:30 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

Victory Tabernacle First Presbyterian Church of Gowanda 254 South Main St. | 257-9638 64 E. Main St. | 532-4292 Pastor: Michael Winder Pastor: Rev. Donna Lewis Sunday Worship: 10:30 a.m.

Sunday Worship: 10:30 a.m.

Gowanda United Methodist Church 30 North Chapel St. | 532-4092 Pastor: Chris Klimecko Sunday Worship: 10:30 a.m.

St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church 36 Washington St. | 257-9351 | stmaryscatt.org Pastor: Rev. Joseph Porpiglia Sunday Mass: 11:15 a.m.

Immanuel Lutheran Church 40 South Chapel St. | 532-4342 Pastor: Travis S. Grubbs Sunday Worship: 8:45 a.m.

St. John’s United Church of Christ 26 Ellicott St. | 257-9287 or 257-5315 or 257-3606 Pastor: Rev. Harland J. West Sunday Worship: 9 a.m.

St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church 26 Erie St. | 532-5100 | sjcgowanda.org Pastor: Rev. Joseph Porpiglia Worship: Saturday, 4:30 p.m.; Sunday, 8 & 9:30 a.m.

East Leon Wesleyan Church Corner 42nd Street & Leon/Mosher Hollow 257-9082 or 257-6081 | hischild2660@gmail.com Pastor: Rev. Karen Cleveland Sunday Worship: 10:30 a.m.

St. Mary’s Episcopal Church 76 Center St. Pastor: The Rev. David Noves Sunday Worship: 10 a.m.

COLLINS

New Hope Baptist Church Trinity United Church of Christ 13861 Route 62 near Richardson Road 30 Erie Ave. | 532-3004 | trinityuccgow@yahoo.com Pastors: Jack and Micah Seiler Pastor: Rev. Suzanne Hodges Worship: 10 a.m. Sundays; 7 p.m. Wednesdays Sunday Worship: 10:30 a.m.

Special Notes: Free community meal, second Saturday of the month from 4 to 6 p.m., January through November

THE GOWANDA PRESS

23

The Gowanda Press provides church listings to religious establishments in the Gowanda area free of charge. To submit a listing, email gowandapress@gmail.com or call 241-7267. Please include church name, address, phone number, website, pastor’s name and worship times.

EAST OTTO

United Methodist Church 7896 East Flats Road | 257-9452 Pastor: Wesley Tessey Sunday Worship: 9:45 a.m.

Free Methodist Church East Otto Road at Brooklyn Corners | 257-3253 Pastor: Raymond Start Sunday Worship: 11 a.m.

IRVING

Pleasant Valley Baptist Church 12557 Route 438 Pastor: Rev. John Proios Sunday Worship: 11 a.m.

LITTLE VALLEY

Wesleyan Church 704 Erie St. | 938-6190 Pastor: Rev. Buck Hall Sunday Worship: 10:30 a.m.

First Congregational Church 301 Rock City St. Pastor: Rev. Sue Fish Sunday Worship: 10 a.m.

United Methodist Church 109 Court St. | 938-6150 Pastor: Nathan Lange Sunday Worship: Traditional, 9 a.m.; Contemporary, 11 a.m.

Grace Bible Baptist Church & Grace Christian Academy 201 Rock City St. Pastor: Rev. Rich Godinez Sunday Worship: 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Valley View Baptist Church Routes 242 & 353 at the Y Pastor: Rev. Ken Doyle Sunday School: 9:45 a.m.

Sunday Worship: 10:50 a.m. & 1:30 p.m.

MANSFIELD

Solomon’s Porch Ministries 7705 Toad Hollow Road | 257-9138 Pastor: Gail McCory Worship: Saturdays, 7 p.m. & Sundays, 10 a.m.

OTTO Immanuel Lutheran Church 9027 East Otto Road | 688-5194 Pastor: Rev. Howard Warner Sunday Worship: 10:30 a.m.

PERRYSBURG

United Methodist Church Main Street near Peck Hill Road Sunday Worship: 9:30 a.m.

VERSAILLES

Versailles United Methodist Church Main Street Pastor: Dave Rood Sunday Worship: Sunday, 10:30 a.m.

WESLEY

Wesley United Methodist Route 353 near Markham Road | 257-3583 Pastor: Becky Ward Sunday Worship: 8:30 a.m.

This page is dedicated to the building of a more spiritual and greater church-going community. Area businesses who desire to see more people attend the church of their choice can show support by sponsoring this page.

For additional information, call 945-1644 x. 305.

THE GOWANDA PRESS

24

THE

Jan. 13-18, 2017

GOWANDA PRESS Deadline: Monday @ 10 a.m.

Display Deadline - Monday @ 5 p.m. — Legal Ads Deadline - Monday @ 5 p.m.

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Legal Notices

COLLECTOR’S NOTICE Notice is hereby given that I, the undersigned, collector of taxes in and for The Town of Napoli, County of Cattaraugus, State of New York, have received the warrant for the collection of the taxes of the said town for the present year, and that I will attend at the place and dates named below, for thirty days from the date VIAGRA ANd CIALIS USERS! Cut your drug hereof, from 3:30 PM until 5:30 PM for the purpose of receiving costs! SAVE $$! payment of said taxes.

50 Pills for $99.00. FREE Shipping! 100% guaranteed Further, take notice that taxes and Discreet. CALL 1-800- may be paid on or before January 31, 2017, without charge of 425- 0211 interest. On all taxes collected after such date there shall be added Legal Notices interest of one percent for each month until the return of the un3032 PENN LLC, paid taxes is made to the Cata domestic LLC, filed with the taraugus County Treasurer on SSNY on 10/27/16. Office locathe 1st day of April, 2017. tion: Cattaraugus County.

Place: Napoli Town Hall SSNY is designated as agent Dates: Jan., Feb. & Mar.; Mon, upon whom process against Wed., & Thurs. the LLC may be served. SSNY Dated: 7:00 pm the 29th day of shall mail process The LLC, 36 December 2016.

Main St., Attica, NY 14011.

Victoria L. Bedell, general purpose.

Collector MINERAL PROjECT MANAGEMENT LLC. Filed 11/30/16.

Office: Cattaraugus Co. SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail to: 11090 Scott Hollow Rd, Cattaraugus, NY 14719. Purpose: general.

FIGS LOGGING, LLC. Filed with SSNY on 10/21/16.

Office: Cattaraugus County.

SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail to: 3679 Bozard Hill Rd. great Valley NY 14741.

Purpose: any lawful activity.

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A LIMITEd LIABILITY COMPANY (LLC): NAME: ELLEN FENTON & COMPANY, LLC, Articles of organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 11/28/16.

Office location: Cattaraugus County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: Ellen Fenton & Company, LLC, 5688 Bonn Way E, great Valley, NY 14741. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Latest date upon which LLC is to dissolve: No specific date.

NOTICE OF ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION ON OCT 12, 2016 MAGhNUS TRANSPORT, LLC Filed with the NYS Department of State its Articles of Organization. The Office to be located in Cattaraugus County.

A+ Agents of Process, INC is designated as agent with FMCSA of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. Registered Agent to whom process to be mailed to: David Cohen 19E Shore Dr. Niverville, NY 12130 The purpose of the business is to engage in any lawful activity for which limited liability companies may be organized.

NOTICE OF FORMATION of GORNC OPERATING LLC. Arts of Org. filed with NY Secy of State (SSNY) on 9/6/16 Office location: Cattaraugus County. SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 25 Robert Pitt Dr., Ste 204, Monsey, NY 10952. The name and address of the Registered Agent is Vcorp Agent Services, Inc., 25 Robert Pitt Dr., Ste 204, Monsey, NY 10952. Purpose: any lawful activity.

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF GORNC REALTY LLC. Arts of Org. filed with NY Secy of State (SSNY) on 9/6/16 Office location: Cattaraugus County. SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 25 Robert Pitt Dr., Ste 204, Monsey, NY 10952.

The name and address of the Registered Agent is Vcorp Agent Services, Inc., 25 Robert Pitt Dr., Ste 204, Monsey, NY 10952. Purpose: any lawful activity.

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF ShAMROCK FOUNd FARM & STABLE, LLC

Legal Notices Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of NY on 11/17/2016. Office location: Cattaraugus County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 4179 South Nine Mile Rd, Allegany, NY 14706.

Purpose: Any lawful activity.

NOTICE OF SUBSTANCE OF ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION On 11/28/2016, KPK PROPERTIES, LLC filed with the NYS Department of State its Articles of Organization. The office to be located in Cattaraugus County.

The NY Secretary of State is designated as agent for service of process. The mailing address for the LLC is 2254 Johnson Road, Olean, NY 14760.

The purpose of the business is to engage in any lawful activity for which limited liability companies may be organized under Section 203 of the Limited Liability Company Law. SUPPLEMENTAL Index No.: 84989 Date of Filing: December 14, 2016 SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF CATTARAUgUS HSBC BANK USA, N.A., Plain-

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Jan. 13-18, 2017

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tiff, -againstDANIEL g. RUHLAND, if living, or if either or all be dead, their wives, husbands, heirs-at-law, next of kin, distributees, executors, administrators, assignees, lienors and generally all persons having or claiming under, by or through said DANIEL g. RUHLAND, by purchase, inheritance, lien or otherwise, of any right, title or interest in and to the premises described in the complaint herein, and the respective husbands, wives, widow or widowers of them, if any, all of whose names are unknown to plaintiff; "JOHN DOES" and "JANE DOES", said names being fictitious, parties intended being possible tenants or occupants of premises, and corporations, other entities or persons who claim, or may claim, a lien against the premises, Defendants.

TO THE ABOVE-NAMED DEFENDANTS: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the complaint in this action and to serve

a copy of your answer, or, if the complaint is not served with this summons, to serve a Notice of Appearance on the Plaintiff's attorney(s) within twenty (20) days after the service of this summons, exclusive of the day of service, where service is made by delivery upon you personally within the State, or within thirty (30) days after completion of service where service is made in any other manner, and in case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the complaint.

NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANgER OF LOSINg YOUR HOME If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home.

Speak to an attorney or go to

the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property.

Sending a payment to your mortgage company will not stop this foreclosure action.

YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVINg A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTgAgE COMPANY) AND FILINg THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. YOU ARE HEREBY PUT ON NOTICE THAT WE ARE ATTEMPTINg TO COLLECT A DEBT, AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. TO THE ABOVE-NAMED DEFENDANTS: The foregoing summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an Order of the Honorable Michael L. Nenno of the Supreme Court of the State of New York, signed on December 7, 2016, and filed with supporting papers in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Cat-

taraugus, State of New York.

The object of this action is to foreclose a mortgage upon the premises described below, executed by DANIEL g. RUHLAND to MORTgAgE ELECTRONIC REgISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC., AS NOMINEE FOR HSBC MORTgAgE CORPORATION (USA), ITS SUCCESSORS AND ASSIgNS bearing date September 20, 2006 and recorded in Instrument No. 64257-003 in the County of Cattaraugus on September 21, 2006.

Thereafter said mortgage was assigned to HSBC BANK USA, N.A. by assignment of mortgage bearing date June 29, 2012 and recorded in the County of Cattaraugus in Instrument No. 179942-001 on July 3, 2012.

Said premises being known as and by 9956 SKYLINE DRIVE, DELEVAN, NY 14042.

Date: November 2, 2016 Batavia, New York Andrea Clattenburg, Esq. ROSICKI, ROSICKI & ASSOCI-

ATES, P.C. Attorneys for Plaintiff Batavia Office 26 Harvester Avenue Batavia, NY 14020 585.815.0288 Help For Homeowners In Foreclosure New York State Law requires that we send you this notice about the foreclosure process.

Please read it carefully. Mortgage foreclosure is a complex process. Some people may approach you about “saving” your home. You should be extremely careful about any such promises. The State encourages you to become informed about your options in foreclosure. There are government agencies, legal aid entities and other non-profit organizations that you may contact for information about foreclosure while you are working with your lender during this process. To locate an entity near you, you may call the toll-free helpline maintained by the New York State Banking

Department at 1-877BANKNYS (1-877-226-5697) or visit the Department’s website at www.banking.state.ny.us.

The State does not guarantee the advice of these agencies.

AARP driving course to be held Jan. 24, 25

GOWANDA — The Gowanda Free Methodist Church will host an AARP Driver Safety Course from 6 to 9 p.m. Jan. 24 and 25.

Topics of the Smart Driver course will include current rules of the road, defensive driving techniques and how to operate your vehicle more safely in today's increasingly challenging driving environment.

Course participants may be eligible to receive a discount on auto insurance premiums and a reduction of up to four points on their driving record.

The cost to register is $20 for AARP members and $25 for non-members. For more information, call Laurie, course administrator, at 532-5441.

Lost & Found MISSING SINCE 12/28/2016 Vicinity of East Jefferson Street in Salamanca, 10 year old yellow Lab Mix, Answers to Buddy, may be wearing red collar.

Dog requires daily seizure medication. Please call DCO at 716-474-5976 or Salamanca Police with 945-2330

any information or if you see this dog.

GOWANDA PRESS

(716) 241-4268

Fax: (716) 241-7267

Stomach bug more present than flu

By Kate Day Sager Special to The Press

While the influenza virus has been on the rise in the Twin Tiers, the real culprit in recent weeks has been the dreaded stomach virus, causing vomiting and diarrhea.

Dennis McCarthy, vice president of marketing and communications for Upper Allegheny Health System, the parent company of Olean General Hospital and Bradford (Pa.) Regional Medical Center, said last week he reached out to infection control officials for an update on seasonal illnesses.

“We have had one case of influenza at (Bradford Regional), but no other cases” reported at that facility or Olean General, McCarthy said.

Both hospitals have seen

plenty of people sickened by stomach viruses, with complaints of vomiting, diarrhea, cramps, chills and dehydration. McCarthy said it is very easily spread through contact with someone who has the illness and is seen commonly from November through April.

“The most common cause of gastrointestinal illness is the norovirus,” McCarthy explained. “We have seen an increasing number of GI illness in our ERs.” Susan Andrews, registered nurse and director of patient services with the Cattaraugus County Health Department in Olean, noted many areas of the state — including Cattaraugus County — are seeing norovirus outbreaks.

“Things kind of come and go in waves,” she continued. “And

there is a lot of it in assisted living and nursing homes.”

Andrews said the influenza virus has also increased across New York state to the degree that health care workers were asked last week to get flu shots or wear masks when around patients.

The influenza virus is also widespread across Pennsylvania, according to the Pennsylvania Health Statistics website. The highest activity for the virus was recently reported in the southwest region of the state.

The norovirus isn’t airborne, but it is highly contagious. As a precaution, people should wash their hands after touching doorknobs or any other surfaces commonly touched by others, Andrews said. Food can also be contaminated by an ill person.

“People who are sick shouldn’t be preparing food

for other people and going to work,” she remarked.

The illness can last two to three days, and treatment includes staying well hydrated.

“It sounds kind of old and tired about washing your hands, especially with friction and open water, but it is one of the best things you can do,” Andrews advised.

The illness can be troublesome, and serious, for the very young and very old, who are more susceptible to dehydration.

As it is still early in the influenza season, flu shots are still recommended for those who haven’t been immunized, McCarthy said. There are still some flu vaccine shots available at the agency’s three Cattaraugus County offices, but those interested are advised to call ahead of time, Andrews said.

THE GOWANDA PRESS

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OUT & ABOUT n Jan. 13, 10 to 11 a.m., Preschool Storytime, Concord Public Library in Springville. Free program for ages 3-5.

For more information or to register, call 592-7742. n Jan. 14, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., HarleyDay Valley at Holiday Valley Resort in Ellicottville. Sponsored by Gowanda Harley-Davidson. Live music, food and drinks, and the Jumpstart will be available. Visit gowandaharley.com. n Jan. 14, 4 to 6 p.m., Free Community Meal, Trinity United Church of Christ, 30 Erie Ave. in Gowanda. All are welcome. n Jan. 14, 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., Community Service Fundraiser Dinner, Gowanda Moose Lodge 1382. Spaghetti and meatballs dinner and basket raffle.

Cost $8. Call 532-4882. n Jan. 15, 8 to 11 a.m., Pancake Breakfast, Perrysburg Fire Hall. All you can eat breakfast hosted by Perrysburg Fire Company Auxiliary. Cost $8 adults, $4 for children ages 5 to 12, under 5 free.

Jan. 13-18, 2017

To submit an event or happening for Out & About, email event details to gowandapress@gmail.com, send via mail to 49 W. Main St., Gowanda, NY 14041 or call 241-7267. Please be sure to include date and time and any cost associated with the event. Out & About listings are free of charge.

n Jan. 15, 2 to 5 p.m., United Heritage Fiddlers meet at North Collins Center Senior. All acoustic instruments are welcome to participate. Weather permitting. Refreshments provided. Open to the public. No charge. n Jan. 18, 4 to 7 p.m., Gowanda Fire Department Spaghetti Dinner, Gowanda American Legion. Cost $8 adults, $5 children. Take outs available. n Jan. 18, 7 p.m., Paint Night at the Tamarack Club at Holiday Valley. Paint a masterpiece and enjoy a beverage at the same time. Visit holidayvalley.com. n Jan. 19, Discover NY Ski Day, Holiday Valley. Purchase 8-hour lift ticket through Ski areas of New York for $24. Visit iskiny.com. n Jan. 20, 10 to 11 a.m., Preschool Storytime, Concord Public Library in Springville. Free program for ages 3-5.

For more information or to register, call 592-7742. n Jan. 21, 1 p.m., Benefit Pool Tournament, Gowanda American Legion.

Chinese auction and 50/50 raffle. Benefits Jerry Rizzo. Signups start at noon.

Entry fee $20. Call 517-7756 for more info. n Jan. 21, 7 p.m., Jamie Haight, Red House Administration Building, Allegany State Park. Part of the park’s “Music By the Fireside” series. Call 354-9101 x.

236. n Jan. 20-22, Winter Blues Weekend in downtown Ellicottville. Blues music scattered throughout village during the weekend. Visit ellicottvilleny.com for complete schedule. n Jan. 21 & 22, Olean Area Outdoor and Rec Sports Show, Good Times of Olean. Latest hunting and fishing gear and more. Hours, Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call 372-4433. n Jan. 26-27, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Your Turn Women’s Ski Clinic, Holiday Valley. Led by Lisa Densmore Ballard. Cost $290 includes coaching, demo equipment, some meals. Call (800) 323-0020. n Jan. 27, 10 to 11 a.m., Preschool Storytime, Concord Public Library in Springville. Free program for ages 3-5.

For more information or to register, call 592-7742. n Jan. 28 & 29, USASA Boardercross Weekend, Holiday Valley. A weekend of 4 USASA Boardercross events with competition to be held on Moonshadow course. Visit holidayvalley.com. n Jan. 28, 7 p.m., Kris Kristofferson, Seneca Allegany Event Center, $25. n Jan. 29, noon to 6 p.m., Aspire Ski the Valley, Holiday Valley. Benefits children and adults with disabilities in

Western New York. Music, basket raffles and more. Visit aspirewny.org. n Feb. 3, 10 to 11 a.m., Preschool Storytime, Concord Public Library in Springville. Free program for ages 3-5.

For more information or to register, call 592-7742. n Feb. 3 & 4, AMSOIL Championship Snocross racing at the Seneca Allegany Resort and Casino. The national snowmobile racing tour returns for its fifth stop on its schedule. More information as the event nears. n Feb. 11, 7 p.m. Blood, Sweat and Tears featuring Bo Bice, Seneca Allegany Events Center, $15.

Collins Public Library COLLINS — Upcoming events taking place at the Collins Public Library: n Monday, Jan. 16, the Library will be closed for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. n Thursday, Jan. 19, 5:30 p.m., Family Movie Night. “Finding Dory” starring Ellen DeGeneres, Albert Brooks, Ed O’Neill. n Monday, Jan. 23, 11 a.m., Book Club. Group will discuss Alexander McCall Smith’s “The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency.” All are welcome. Call the library to signup. n Library hours: Monday, 2 to 8 p.m.; Tuesday, 2 to 8 p.m.; Wednesday, 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursday, 2 to 8 p.m.; Friday, 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Closed Sundays. For more information, call 532-5129.

Jan. 13-18, 2017

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Songs of Hope Press photos by Bill Peglowski

(From left) Josh Seiler, Eric Stratton and Joe Ells performed Friday at the Historic Hollywood Theater on Main Street in Gowanda. The trio of lifelong friends performed as part of the “Songs of Hope” music night at the theater.

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THE GOWANDA PRESS

Jan. 13-18, 2017