Allegany County Community Source 12-9-2022

allegany county

Cicirello taps longtime colleague for Allegany County

BY KATHRYN ROSS

ANDOVER — Newly elected as Allegany County sheriff, Scott Cicirello selected retired New York State Police Trooper Walter Mackney to serve as the Allegany County undersheriff when the new sheriff’s term begins in January.

Cicirello said they are still working on a date when the two will take their oaths of office in the chamber of the county legislature, but he expects it will be at the legislature’s reorga nizational meeting on Jan. 3.

“There will be some kind of brief ceremony. We’re still working on the details,” he said.

Mackney joined Cicirello at Tuesday night’s Legislative District IV meeting in Andover and briefly introduced himself to those in attendance saying.

Mackney has spent 37 years in Andover raising his son, Corwin, and daughter, Amanda, with his wife, Deb. They moved to the town from Cuba where he served on the municipal police department in 1985. He worked as a state trooper from 1984 to 2014, which is how he became acquainted with Cicirello, a 30-year law enforcement veteran.

“I’m honored and humbled to be selected by Scott. Hopefully, we can do some great things together,” Mack ney said.

Mackney, who actually has been in law enforcement longer than Cicirello, had a long and storied career as a trooper, also serving as the commander of the Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force.

He is certified as a polygraph operator, cri sis/hostage negotiator, fire and arson investiga tor, firearms instructor and an instructor of ci vilian response to active shooter events.

Since retiring from the state police, Mack ney has served as a patrolman for the Cuba Police Department. He also is the Narcotics Task Force coordinator for the Steuben County district attorney’s office in Bath.

In his brief com ments to those attending

the district meeting, Cicirello indicated he will utilize Mackney’s experience to find solu tions to the county’s law

enforcement problems.

“We have a big problem with drugs in this county,” he stated, going on to relate, “I

have three drug dealers that live in my neighbor hood” in Wellsville.

The new sheriff said that some of the other law enforcement prob lems he will work on include welfare fraud, defining for residents the state’s changing requirements for pistol permits and quali ty-of-life issues.

“I want to get the bad guys off the street,” he said.

Addressing estab lishing a sheriff’s road patrol, the subject of a recent local poll in which 24% of nearly 1,000 responders sup ported it, Cicirello said, “This is something that comes up with every new sheriff, but with the state troopers and local police department pa trols there is no need for it at this time. It is not

even being discussed.”

Some New York counties, like Cattarau gus, have deputy sheriffs on road patrol.

However, Cicirello told the District IV legislators that he would like to see a central booking site established in Belmont. He maintains that with the current system, it would be a very lowcost change that would help police departments across the county.

Cicirello, son of the late James Cicirello, chief of the Wellsville Police Department, was elected on Nov. 8 after running unopposed. He has been serving as undersheriff for retiring Sheriff Rick Whitney since August 2021. He began his law enforce ment career in 1994 with the Wellsville Police Department.

Trio of historic Allegany County properties to receive aid

BY BOB CLARK

LITTLE GENESEE — Three Allegany County buildings will receive aid thanks to state Historic Preserva tion Grants.

The Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation announced Wednesday that 12 historic rehabilitation projects in rural Western New York will be supported by more

than $470,000 in federal grants and local match ing funds, including three in Allegany County.

Genesee Library will receive $50,000 to up date the 1903 building’s heating system, miti gate water and flooding issues, and add insula tion to prevent frozen pipes. The building is eligible for inclusion in the State/National Reg isters of Historic Places

and a nomination will be prepared as part of this project funding.

Architectural Rescue LLC will receive $50,000 for window restoration and weatherization work at the Wellsville Creative Arts Center, a beloved communi ty space located in a ca. 1860 commercial building. The building is eligible for the State/ National Registers of Historic Places as a

contributing structure to the Wellsville Com mercial Historic District and the project will significantly add to the historic character of the property.

The Friendship Free Library will receive $9,000 for ADA up grades to commonly used spaces, including widening doorways, installing a ramp, and

Photo by Kathryn Ross

Incoming Allegany County Sheriff Scott Cicirello (left) shakes hands with his appointed undersheriff, Walt Mackney.

Historic

➡Historic Properties

improving a restroom. The library building was constructed in 1912, is listed on the State/ National Registers of Historic Places and is one of the only commu nity gathering spaces in town that is open to all. The funds will help the facility become more ac cessible and welcoming.

“These business owners, nonprofits, and local government units are deeply connected to the economic health of their rural communities, and all have historic as sets that need support,” said Erik Kulleseid, Commissioner of the Of fice of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preserva tion. “We are thrilled that these projects aim to increase accessibil ity and sustainability through preservation efforts and welcome the opportunity to demon strate that investments in local historic resourc es can have a powerful impact for New York’s rural communities.”

The Genesee Valley Rural Revitalization Grant Program is sup ported by a $750,000 award made to State Parks by the Paul Bruhn Historic Revitalization Fund as administered by the National Park Service. Another $43,250 in matching funds were provided by the Roch ester Area Community

Foundation, Letchworth Gateway Villages, and the Landmark Society of Western New York.

Created in 2018, the Paul Bruhn Historic Revitalization Grants Program supports rehabilitation of historic properties as part of economic development in rural communities for properties either listed on the state and national Registers of Historic Places or expected to be listed. This program

funds preservation projects for historic sites, including architec tural and engineering services, and physical building preservation.

For more informa tion about the GVRR grant program, contact mklem@landmarkso ciety.org or visit www. landmarksociety.org/ GVRR. For more infor mation about current grant projects, contact Christina.Vagvolgyi@ parks.ny.gov.

Allegany Co. Sheriff’s Office contributes to Shop with a Cop

BELMONT — The Allegany County Sher iff’s Office personnel have once again grown beards to support the Allegany County Area Foundation’s Shop with a Cop Christmas Program.

For the past 11 years officers have contrib uted to the program in exchange for the privilege of growing a beard during the fall hunting season, and female officers con tribute through a 50-50 raffle.

This year the sheriff’s office raised

$1,763 ($1,520 through the beard for bucks program, $80 from the female officers and $163 from the TRIAD program).

“This is a great program for our area,” Sheriff Rick Whitney said. “It gives under privileged children a chance for the Merry Christmas that they might not otherwise have.”

Since the inception of the program in 2012, members of the sheriff’s office have raised and contributed $11,510.

‘Santacon’ set for Saturday in Wellsville

WELLSVILLE — If you want to be Santa yourself and are up for a bit of a challenge, the Wellsville Area Cham ber of Commerce is hosting Santa Sprint, a “Santacon” for all those who wish to dress up in their finest festive garb.

Registration for the lighthearted race begins at 4 p.m. Saturday at the fire hall on Main Street. The kids’ march will

head up Main Street to Pearl Street at 4:30 p.m., followed by the adults division at 4:40 p.m.

Open to all ages, prizes for best dressed and first place finishers in each division. Sign up today with the regis tration for attached and return it to the Wells ville Area Chamber of Commerce or email to msc@wellsvillearea chamber.com.

Photo provided

Allegany County Sheriff’s Office Corrections Officer Robert Brooks (left) and Undersheriff Scott Cicirello (second left) are with Bruce Campbell (third from left), executive director of the Allegany County Area Foundation. Continuing from left are Sheriff Rick Whitney, Lt. Andrew Bigelow and Jail Administrator Chris Ivers.

Giglio glad to see he’s still in 148th Assembly District in draft map

GOWANDA — As semblyman Joseph Giglio squinted at the roughly drawn draft map of the proposed 148th Assembly District released Thursday by the state’s Independent Redistricting Commis sion.

Did the small inden tation in the northwestern corner of Cattaraugus County include his residence just south of Gowanda in the town of Persia? It was hard to tell from the crude map. Upon further review

and inquiry, Giglio, a Gowanda Republican, said it looks like Persia will remain in the 148th Assembly District, but the towns of Perrysburg and Dayton would become part of the 150th Assembly District represented by Andrew Goodell of Chautauqua County.

The draft map of the proposed 148th District shows the loss of sever al northern tier towns in Allegany County to the 147th District represent ed by Assemblyman David DiPietro, R-East Aurora.

Giglio’s district extends further into Steuben County, includ ing the city of Hornell, to make up for the loss of towns in Cattaraugus and Allegany counties.

Proposed bipartisan Assembly maps issued by the commission are just the beginning of a process to overcome judicial objection in June to the 2022 Assem bly redistricting plan, Giglio said Friday

The draft maps issued by the commis sion were not a surprise to Giglio. It’s all part of a plan to get them rejected so the Demo crat-controlled Assem bly “can do what they want,” he said.

Courts rejected earli er State Senate and congressional maps drawn by the state legislature as gerrymandering. The Assembly maps were also challenged, but later, and they were not ruled unconstitutional

until June when it was too late in the election cycle to change and candidates ran in the old districts. The 2024 election will include the new Assembly districts.

Giglio, who was first elected in a special election in 2005, said the current process is being followed to avoid a lawsuit and a special

master being appointed by a judge to draw new lines.

“We’re here because they didn’t follow prop er procedures,” he said.

“This is their first draft. We have until April to vote on it.”

Extending the 148th Assembly District to Hornell is a good pick as far as Giglio is con cerned.

“I’m already repre senting the small cities of Olean and Salaman ca. It’s a good fit,” he said.

He recalled an earlier version of the 148th District included a number of Southern Erie County towns.

“I still don’t put too much weight into it yet,” he added.

The Independent Redistricting Commission released a draft map Thursday of proposed Assembly Districts including the 148th District in Cattaraugus, Allegany and Steuben counties.

Lymphedema treatment now available at Jones Memorial

WELLSVILLE — A lymphedema treatment program is now avail able at the Jones Memorial Hospital Rehab Department, making it the only lymphedema treatment program in the area.

“There is no cure for lymphedema and management is the key to avoiding complica tions,” said Catherine Zacher, director of rehab services at Jones Memo rial.

Certification by the Academy of Lymphat

ic Studies requires 45 hours of online precourse work followed by a 9-day, 135 hour, in-person courses, which are held throughout the country, Zacher said.

“The rigorous testing involves a written exam, hands-on assessment, and treatment of a live patient via a case study,” she said. “Simply put, this is not an easy certifi cation to earn.”

Lymphadema is caused by a breakdown in the body’s lymphatic system. The network of vessels that carries pro tein-rich fluid through out the body is part of the immune system. The fluid is pushed through the vessels by muscle contractions and is drained through the lymph nodes. If the lymph nodes are dam aged, the fluid cannot drain so it collects in the tissue of the arms or legs, in the chest wall, abdomen, neck, and genitals, causing painful swelling.

The most common

causes of lymphedema are traumas to the lym phatic system including cancers that block the lymph nodes, radiation treatments for cancers, and surgeries involving the lymph nodes and other parts of the lym phatic system.

“Managing lymphedema focuses on reducing the swelling and preventing complications,” explained Jessica Hammers, the lymphedema therapist at Jones Memorial. ”Left untreated, the trapped fluid provides a fertile ground for germs and the smallest injury to the arm or leg can be an en try point for infections.”

Lymphedema complications can include cellulitis, sepsis, fungal infections, leakage through the skin, and skin changes.

Hammers is certified in manual lymph drainage and complete decongestive therapy She decided to go for the training and certifi cation for lymphedema treatment to help people around this area who have been diagnosed with this condition.

“There are not many providers locally who can give this type of treatment so to be able to provide this service to the community is really rewarding,” she said.

For more informa tion, call (585) 596-4011.

Jessica Hammers

home improvement

There’s no place like home, especially when that home is a comfort able and safe haven. One of the ways residents find comfort in their

homes is by maintaining the right indoor tempera tures, which fluctuate along with the seasons. While there is much to be said about opening windows and doors to let Mother Nature do her thing, indoor comfort is often maintained with an HVAC system.

HVAC stands for heating, ventilation and air conditioning. It can include heat pumps, fur naces and air conditioning units. It is an automated system that works by adjusting a thermostat to regulate air temperature, and sometimes humidity, in the home.

According to Enviguard, a commercial contracting provider, HVAC systems also may be used to im prove indoor air quality through filtration and oxygen replacement.

As with any mechanical device, an HVAC system has a life span that must be considered. Should any of the following conditions be present, it is likely time to consult with an HVAC technician to see if repairs or replacement of the entire system is warranted.

1. Age

If the HVAC system is more than 10 years old, it could be time to begin budgeting for a new unit. Many modern, efficient systems may last 12 to 14 years with routine main tenance. But it’s good to keep an HVAC system’s age in mind so you can readily recognize when it might start to fail.

2. Longer or constant running times

An efficient, properly

working system will quickly heat or cool the home and then turn off. A system that is turning on repeatedly or having to run for awhile before the set temperature is reached could be nearing the end of its utility.

3. Strange noises Groaning, banging or loud humming noises should be addressed. While these noises may indicate that certain components need main tenance or replacement, they also could be symp toms of age and a system nearing failure.

4. Frequent repair visits

Knowing the HVAC company’s repair person by name is a sign that the system has required too much work in recent months. Repeated issues and repairs are proba bly signs that it’s time to consider a system replacement.

5. Higher bills Sticker shock when receiving electricity or gas bills likely mean the HVAC system isn’t work ing efficiently and might need to be replaced.

6.

Poor indoor air quality

If the home is dusty or humid or even if allergies seem to have cropped up out of nowhere, this could indi cate a poorly functioning HVAC system.

HVAC systems are vi tal to keeping indoor environments comfortable and safe. Such systems may exhibit certain signs that indicate they need to be replaced.

home improvement

automotive

Unforeseen situations can crop up at any time. Anyone who has had a roadside breakdown in their car understands this. A flat tire or an engine malfunction is something no driver wants to experience, but those with a wellstocked vehicle emer gency kit and breakdown strategy can get through most situations rather easily.

A 2017 survey from AAA found that 40 percent of drivers in the United States are not ready to handle a typical roadside emergency breakdown. The organi zation estimates it helps some seven million motorists get back on the road each summer. A well-equipped roadside emergency kit may help drivers get their vehicles back on the road on their own.

• First aid kit: The first aid kit will celebrate its 133rd birthday in 2021. The Johnson & Johnson company be gan commercializing first aid kits in 1888. Having a first aid kit in the car to treat minor injuries can be helpful in the event of an accident or even after injuring oneself during a breakdown.

Fire extinguisher: Cars are full of vari ous mechanical parts and are susceptible to catching on fire. The National Fire Protection Associa tion says vehicle fire extinguishers need to be rated for Class B and C fires.

• Jumper cables: A weak or dead battery is often the culprit in breakdowns. Jumper cables enable drivers to get a charge from another motorist, and may help get a per

son back on the road quickly. If possible, get a set of cables that also comes with safe ty gloves and heavy duty clamps, offers Defensive Driving Online, a defensive driving course.

• Mobile phone/char ger: A mobile phone is essential for calling for assistance, but the phone is only useful if it’s charged.

• Blanket: Keep a blan ket in the trunk or another storage area. Should the vehicle die in cold weather, that blanket can help keep passengers warm until assistance arrives.

• Basic tools: Tools like a screwdriver, ratchet set and wrench may enable drivers to complete minor repairs. Tools also should include tire-changing gear, such as a jack and lug nut remover.

• Traction aid: Non-clumping kitty litter or sand can provide the traction needed to get off of a slippery area of roadway.

• Flashlight: A flash light can help keep you visible and able to see your surround ings in dark conditions.

• Flares: Should a breakdown occur in the dark, flares can alert other drivers.

• Snacks and water: Water and food that

stores well, such as emergency rations, granola bars or trail mix, can quell hunger pangs and provide an energy boost while

waiting for help.

• Rope/bungee cords/ tarp: These items can be used in various situations to secure a vehicle.