Avian flu concerns delays chicken law in Wellsville
BY KATHRYN ROSS
WELLSVILLE — After few new arguments to the proposed law that will allow for the harboring of chickens in the village, Mayor Randy Shayler tabled the board’s decision for two weeks until the next board meeting, following a Feb. 10 public hearing.
A dozen or so people attended the hearing. Arguments for and against housing chickens were once again offered. This time, one woman stood up and offered concerns over the ongoing avian flu outbreak. She asked if the board had protocols in place to deal with an outbreak of avian flu, and who would be liable if there were to be a significant outbreak locally, chicken owners or the village.
She questioned the wisdom of changing the law to allow chicken coops in the village at this time.
Currently, the harboring of chickens in the village is a violation of village law, but between five and 50 backyard chicken coops exist, according to the village police.
With few new comments offered, the dozen or so in attendance falling silent, Shayler ended the chicken hearing 25 minutes early, saying the village board would make no decision at the following regular meeting.
“We need to look at the bird flu,” the mayor said. “That has been presented at no other hearing.”
Several cases of avian flu, which have killed dozens of Canada and snow geese in
Central New York, the Lower Hudson region and Long Island, have been recorded by state wildlife and agriculture officials this winter.
The federal Center for Disease Control and Prevention has also recorded avian flu in backyard chickens and in domestic and outdoor cats spread by migratory birds.
A brief board meeting followed the hearing. At the meeting:
The board acknowledged the receipt of notice required for a new New York State Liquor License application filed by Kira and Joseph Mariotti for the Wellsville Brewing Company.
• The Barth Consulting Group was approved as the administrator of the $449,000 New York Forward
Small Business Fund under the direction of a local committee.
It was noted that Steven Barth recently acquired a home in the village.
The board approved a special event permit for the third Ancient Order of Hibernian’s Smallest Saint Patrick’s Day Parade to take place from 4 to 7 p.m. March 14 on Main Street between Fassett and Madison streets. It also approved the suspension of the open container law in that area during those specific hours.
The board also donated $1,250 collected from the holiday parking meter suspension, from the end of November through the
Cyr vacates Allegany County Board of Legislators post
BELMONT — An Allegany County legislator is formally out of office after moving,
county officials reported Thursday. The Allegany County Board of Legislators announced that Adam Cyr, R-District III, vacated his office Jan. 1. According to a statement from the board, Cyr vacated the seat “as a result of Mr. Cyr’s self-reported change of both legal address and voter registration from the Town of Wirt to the Town of Andover.”
Andover is in District IV, and under Section 30
of the New York State Public Officer’s Law and Allegany County Local Law 3-93, legislators who change their addresses to outside of a legislative district vacate their positions.
“It’s disappointing that Legislator Cyr is unable to complete his full term on the Board,” said Chairman Brooke Harris in a statement Thursday. “While it’s frustrating that the Board has no influence or recourse in the mat-
ter, we understand and respect the laws that dictate vacancies. Our job now is to ensure that the residents of District III have qualified and legal representation as soon as possible. I want to thank Mr. Cyr for his service to Allegany County and wish him well.”
Harris made a statement during the Jan. 22 board meeting that the county was aware of a legislator’s address change and the
county would not make a determination on the position at that time. He also noted that roll call votes would be taken as necessary, and whether or not that legislator’s votes would be negated would be decided based on legal advice. Cyr was not listed in attendance for the meeting and cast no votes.
Cyr won the seat in 2021 as a Republican, representing the towns of Alma, Bolivar, Genesee, Independence, Scio,
Willing and Wirt. He announced his candidacy for county treasurer in 2024. Cyr was not appointed to any committees in January. According to Local Law 3-93, the vacancy will be filled by majority vote of the board, and will run through the end of the legislative term in December. Officials added they will seek a recommendation for appointment from the Allegany County Republican Committee.
Adam Cyr
Photo by Kathryn Ross
The spirit of Christmas continued at the Wellsville Village Board meeting when Wellsville Mayor Randy Shayler (left) presented a check to Hart Comfort House founder and board member David Porter from the holiday parking meter suspension collection.
Dates set for 2025 Alfred State Police Academy
ALFRED — The Alfred State Police Academy will welcome their seventh class in May. The academy offers both Police Officer and Peace Officer training.
begins on Aug. 18 and runs until Sept. 19.
The Alfred State Police Academy serves as a regional training center to offer high quality training to current and future law enforcement professionals. The Academy directly benefits the Western New York region and provides police departments in Allegany and neighboring counties with high-quality law enforcement training opportunities.
The Police Academy is designed to serve cadets pre-employment (Phase I) and employed (Phase II) while earning the Division of Criminal Justice Service Basic Course for Police Officers Certificate. Phase I of the academy begins on May 12 and runs until Aug. 15. Phase II
In the first phase, recruits learn about New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law, DWI detection, essential response to calls for service and investigative services and much more. Phase two covers qualification courses and requires recruits to have been hired by a police agency. The 179-hour Peace Officer training course will begin on May 12 and run until June 20. Cadets learn the powers of a Peace Officer, NYS Penal Law, NYS Criminal Procedure Law, De-escalation (where they will learn ways to defuse a tense situations), ethics and professionalism, defensive tactics, how to use minimal force to gain compliance without causing injury to either party involved, and use of force. Cadets will also receive instruction on Laws of arrest, inter-
view and interrogation, discretionary powers, use of Narcan for opioid overdoses, fundamental crisis intervention skills, report writing and professional communications.
Academy Director Scott Richardson is excited to work with the next class. “Starting a new class is an exciting time. The growth of these young men and women as they progress through the program is amazing. We are consistently producing high quality police and peace officers that go back and serve their communities.”
Learn more about the 2025 Alfred State Police Academy and the Basic Course for Peace Officer. For more information contact the Office of Extended Learning by email extendedlearning@alfredstate.edu or contact Tammy Edwards (607) 587-4017.
Photo provided by Alfred State College Cadets salute the flag during the 2024 Alfred State Police Academy graduation ceremony.
ALFRED — The Alfred State College (ASC) Culinary Arts department will host a spaghetti dinner on Feb. 27 at the Culinary Arts Building on the Wellsville campus.
Proceeds of the event will benefit the program’s scholarship fund.
The dinner will include all-you-can eat spaghetti with your choice of meatball or house made Italian sausage and your choice of marinara or alfredo sauce; breadsticks; soup: Italian wedding or minestrone; garden salad with house vinaigrette; cannoli;
and tiramisu or Italian lemon cake. The cost of the sitdown dinner is $20.
Call (607) 587-3175 or email ScottKE@ alfredstate.edu to make reservations. Seating times range from 5–6:30 p.m. and there will be no takeout available.
ELMIRA — State Sen. Tom O’Mara, R Big Flats, is seeking nominations for the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame, a tribute to the military service and civilian lives of distinguished veterans.
O’Mara is accepting nominations for the 2025 inductee to represent the 58th Senate District, which includes the eastern portion of Allegany County, at a ceremony in Albany in late May. Nominations will be accepted until March 8. Nomination
➡Avian Flu continued from PAGE 1
first of January, to Hart Comfort House. Founder and Comfort House board member David Porter accepted the check.
The board added five $100 Amazon gift cards that were gifted to the board members to the donation.
The board also revised and approved a previously approved resolution applying for a $4.8 million grant from New York State Energy Research & Development Authority.
Park Avenue (behind the library), West Pearl Street, Railroad Avenue and Wheeler Place.
The cost will be $148,862.24 and will be paid for with CHIPS funding.
The next meeting of the village board will be 6 p.m. Feb. 24 in the village hall.
There was a short conversation regarding the fire protection agreement with the town of Wellsville. The agreement will be forwarded to the fire board and the individual fire departments for approval before the village board signs it.
The board also learned that 5,606 feet of village streets will be repaved this summer, including areas on Brooklyn Heights, Earley Street, Hillside Lane, O’Connor Street,
Alfred State Culinary Arts to host a spaghetti dinner NY senator seeks nominees for Veterans Hall of Fame
letters should include a short biography highlighting the nominee’s military and civilian service, including awards and achievements, and be e-mailed to omara@ nysenate.gov.
“So many veterans served our nation courageously and honorably and then returned home to contribute to the strength of our local communities,”
O’Mara said. “The Senate Veterans Hall of
Fame is just one more way to give a local veteran a well-deserved and well-earned expression of our admiration, gratitude and respect.
The Allegany County towns in O’Mara’s district are Alfred, Almond, Amity, Andover, Birdsall, Burns, Grove, Independence, Scio, Ward, Wellsville and Willing.
The Senate established its Veterans Hall of Fame in 2005.
Photo provided by Alfred State College
A culinary student works on spaghetti sauce in the kitchen. Culinary students and faculty will host a spaghetti dinner on Feb. 27.
home improvement
(BPT) - The psychology of color reveals what most people already know: Color can evoke strong emotions. Members of the design team at Whirlpool Corporation are well versed in how color impacts
mood, which is one of the reasons they spent years researching color trends to identify the best possible choice for the KitchenAid® 2025 Color of the Year: Butter.
“The Color of the Year program is spe-
cifically led by the Whirlpool Color, Finish, and Material team. We spend years analyzing interior design, social, cultural and aesthetic trends to help determine the new Color of the Year - a decision that is often many years in the
Color your kitchen: Butter makes everything better
process,” said Brittni Pertijs, Design Manager: Color, Material and Finish at Whirlpool Corporation. “Color of the Year focuses on a specific colorway to express the emotions people want to feel that year.”
This year’s choice for Color of the Year: Butter
It’s not just for baking anymore! This modern yellow with a creamy, satin finish imparts a uniquely comforting vibe, with a nostalgic aura all its own.
“As a result of our trend tracking, our team saw yellow continually pop up,” said Pertijs. “Knowing we wanted to tap into comfort and nostalgia, this soft, energizing butter yellow felt like the perfect marriage
of all those elements.”
According to a 2024 online Ipsos Survey*, nearly 3 in 4 consumers (72%) agree that a buttery yellow color radiates warmth and comfort, and 67% associate the color with a sense of richness and creaminess - making it a top choice for creating a welcoming atmosphere in the kitchen. More than half (52%) connect the hue with comforting homemade meals, and
BARGAIN BUILDING MATERIALS
the same percentage agree that a buttery yellow color transports them back to nostalgic childhood memories. A majority of consumers (64%) also connect this color to the simple pleasures in life.
“The color yellow has the ability to transport you back in time, evoking some of your warmest memories,” added Pertijs. “The color might remind people of kitchens from the 1950s or 1960s that were decorated with a similar soft yellow color. While it echoes past kitchens, Butter feels fresh and modern, leaning into present-day design trends. It’s a classic neutral that will last over the years.”
Design tips: How to make the most of this year’s color
To maximize the warm, comfy vibes of this year’s Color of the Year, you can choose to upgrade to the new KitchenAid® Stand Mix-
er in Butter. The Butter Stand Mixer works well as a design feature in any style of home, from eclectic and traditional styles to clean and contemporary spaces. It’s also created to fit in perfectly with the latest kitchen designs and finishes.
While some may recall the Majestic Yellow color, “that was developed in 1995, which was reflective of interior trends such as red cherry woods and glossy countertop finishes. The new Butter model represents today’s design
trends, in which woods are more natural and countertops are matte and satin,” explained Pertijs.
For anyone looking to accessorize or update their kitchen this year, the Butter Stand Mixer complements various shades of blue well, including periwinkle blue. If you’re looking to mix and match it with other appliances, Butter looks great with the KitchenAid Blue Velvet colorway, or more muted tones like sage green.
Pertijs also recommends pairing the
Butter Stand Mixer with the KitchenAid® Bread Bowl attachment: “They go together like bread and butter (pun intended)!”
Make your kitchen more cozy, comforting and welcoming this year with the rich color of Butter. You can learn more about this year’s
Village of Wellsville gets National Historic Place listing
BY KATHRYN ROSS
WELLSVILLE —
Formerly listed on the New York State Register of Historic Places, the east side of the village of Wellsville has been officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Mayor Randy Shayler was informed by Megan Klem, director of preservation services for the Landmark Society, that “the village of Wellsville East Historical District has been officially listed to the National Register of Historic Places.”
“This means that all homeowners and commercial property owners within the district are now eligible to use the respective state homeowner and state/federal commercial historic tax credit programs,” Klem explained. “I’m working to update the 60-ish owner addresses that were returned to the state, so that they can get letters out to all property owners in the district letting them
know of the listing.” Klem congratulated officials and residents of Wellsville over the listing.
“This is exciting news and brings additional funding opportunities to the village,” she said.
Wellsville’s East Historic District was officially named to the New York State Register of Historic Districts in early December and was awaiting approval for the National Register.
The East Historic District extends from the east side of the Genesee River to approximately four to five blocks east,
the length of North Main Street, and includes many historic homes as well as Main Street buildings and churches.
Overall, 700 buildings were considered in the study directed by Klem and members of her office over a threeyear period. More than 675 buildings were included in the nomination. Two properties within the boundary of the district were already listed on the National Register of Historic Places — the village’s post office, listed in 1989, and the Erie Depot, listed in 1987.
The East Historic District includes buildings on Central Place, Chestnut Street, Cummings Circle, Loring Avenue, Madison Street, Maple Avenue, Martin Street, Miller Street, North Broad Street, North Main Street, North Park Lane, Oak Street, Park Avenue, Railroad Avenue, Scott Avenue, and South Broad Street.
The majority of buildings within the district were constructed between the mid-19th and mid-20th centuries and represent a wide variety of architectural styles including Greek and Gothic revival, Italianate, Second Empire, Queen Anne, Colonial Revival and many examples of more modest and vernacular frame buildings.
The commercial core is comprised of mid- to late-19th century and early-20th century twoand three-story structures.
“Now that the east side district has been listed, (the State Historic Preservation Office, or
Grant applications available to women in Cattaraugus, Allegany counties
ALFRED STATION
— The Allegany-Cattaraugus-Chautauqua Fund For Women announced the opening of its grant application period for 2025. Grant applications will be accepted through March 15 with award notifications at the end of April.
Grants are awarded based on the demonstration of financial need and the applicant plans
for how the money will be used to facilitate sustained self-sufficiency. Past grant recipients have used funding for business start-ups, business development, or continued business or professional education. The amount awarded may vary yearly, based on the number of applications and funds available, up to $1,000 per grant. Applicants may
apply online at www. accffw.org/grants or by emailing info@accffw. org to request a paper application or individual interview.
The Allegany-Cattaraugus-Chautauqua Fund for Women’s vision is to be a resource that provides financial assistance and opens doors for women who seek continued betterment. The Fund for Women invests in the lives of women in our communities to promote sustained self-sufficiency. Established in 2017, it is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
SHPO) has given me the green light to move forward with the west side district,” Klem said.
“I’ll be working on that over the next several months with the goal to have that submitted by early spring.”
Although the information for the west side district was gathered at the same time as the east side, SHPO asked the Landmark Society to hold off on writing/ submitting the village’s West Historic District nomination until after the east nomination was accepted.
CENTERVILLE — Allegany County Road 36 from West Washburn Road to Pochuck Road was closed Monday to replace a bridge. County officials said there will not be an on-site detour and motorists are urged to seek alternate routes.
Immaculate Conception Church and the former school building in Wellsville.
CA BOCES names Belmont honor rolls for 2nd quarter
BELMONT — Cattaraugus-Allegany
BOCES named its Career and Technical Education High Honor and Honor rolls for the second quarter from CTE Center in Belmont.
HIGH HONOR ROLL
Animal Science – Shelby Murphy, Wellsville; Jordyn Radomski, Cuba-Rushford.
Automotive Technology Alex Hatch, Fillmore.
Carpentry and Construction Trades –Austin Jones, Wellsville; Logan McDowell, Wellsville; Nathan Pentycofe, Wellsville; Matthew Ritter, Wellsville; Adam Torrey, Bolivar-Richburg.
Collision Repair Technology – Logan Callahan, Genesee Valley; Cole Cochran, Genesee Valley; Bryce Conley, Belfast; Damon Potter, Fillmore.
Cosmetology – Mattilyn McCumiskey, Fillmore; Reegan Perkins, Wellsville. Criminal Justice – Leila Balicki, Fillmore; Jordan Boldt, Bolivar-Richburg; Hannah Childs, Scio; Bryce Davis, Genesee Valley; Emilee Dempsey, CubaRushford; Mia Fuller, Andover; Gage Hartman, Fillmore; Ty Hutchison, Genesee Valley; Avery Lamberson, Friendship; Michaela Lewis, Fillmore; Jasmine Outman, Wellsville; Morghyn Ross, Fillmore; Jamie Lee Werner, BolivarRichburg.
Culinary Arts – Shayla Cowan, Wellsville; Hanna Deming, Wellsville; Jenna English, Wellsville; Serenity Gadley, Friendship; Izabella Lindo, Belfast; Alanah Munson, Cuba-Rushford; Kaitlin Troupe, Fillmore; Heavin Warner, CubaRushford; Mackenzie Weinhauer, Wellsville; Destiny Wilkins, Friendship; Mia Wyant, Wellsville.
Early Childhood – Faith Allard, Friendship; Brooklyn Allard, Friendship; Madison Bennett, Wellsville; Brylee Buchholz, Andover; Trinity Button, Bolivar-Richburg; Genevieve Green, Andover; Adalyn Griswold, BolivarRichburg; Chloe Hatch, Cuba-Rushford; Huntar Hint, Friendship; Isaac Mielke, Wellsville; Chloe Wolfe, Fillmore.
Early Entry CTE – Harrison Barber, Elm Street Academy; Clayson Barber, Elm Street Academy; Zeniah Barry, Elm Street Academy; Austin Cross, Friendship; Cameron Keppel, Elm Street Academy.
Heavy Equipment Operations – Terrence Benz, Wellsville; Mason Fanton, Genesee Valley; Lincoln Gayton, Cuba-Rushford; Lakin Ludden, Wellsville; Alexander McLaughlin, Belfast; Devon Osgood, Wellsville; Bryce Rahr, Wellsville; Kaleb Rosier, Fillmore.
Media Communications Tech – Damien Agron, Cuba-Rushford; Jayce Ashton, Fillmore; Janek Bialek, Fillmore; Tayla Brenna, Genesee Valley; Ethan Brundage, Wellsville; Alana Case, Wellsville; Ciarra Delill, Andover; Matthew Donohue, Friendship; Joseph Enzinna, Cuba-Rushford; Jerome Harmon, Friendship; Ella Hill, Wellsville; Zacoby Holder, Friendship; Christina McAuley, Genesee Valley; Dezzarae Mogg, Cuba-Rushford; Chevy Morrison, Bolivar-Richburg; Emily Pierce, BolivarRichburg; Clara Plank, Wellsville; Elijah Strickland, Fillmore; Maewyn Tesson, Scio.
Medical Assisting – Cylie Burrows, Belfast; Makenna Cooke, Wellsville; Alexis Copenhaver, BolivarRichburg; Jocelyn Fowler, Bolivar-Richburg; Ryleigh Goodliff, Fillmore; Meara Kelley, Genesee Valley; Abigail Lanphier, Wellsville; Colton Thomas, Wellsville; Olivia Waters, Andover; Allie Whitesell, Wellsville; McKenzie Wigent, Wellsville.
Natural Resources – Conner Bailey, Olean; Matthew Barren, Belfast; Kalen Beardsley, Fillmore; Logan Burrows, Genesee Valley; Andrew Cox, Wellsville; Joseph Elliott, Belfast; Donivan Fields, Belfast; Zachary Fraser, Fillmore; Carter Getz, Cuba-Rushford; Jaxson Green, Friendship; Breckham Hunt, CubaRushford; Malakai Kreamer, Cuba-Rushford; D’Andre LaClair, Genesee Valley;
Jensen Spicer, Wellsville; Parker Swimline, CubaRushford; Zachary Thomas, Genesee Valley; Ronaldo Vasquez, Andover; Tyler Voss, Fillmore; Brayden White, Cuba-Rushford; Clayton Wright, Belfast. New Vision Health Professions – Ava Aronson, Belfast; Caitlin Bittel, Wellsville; Brayden Cooper, Genesee Valley; Daphne Gugino, Genesee Valley; Jenna Hill, Belfast; Alexis Ireland, Wellsville; Brynn Lavery, Cuba-Rushford; Morgan Mattison, Wellsville; Greta Motil, Cuba-Rushford; Kaylee Oswald, Wellsville; Jasmine Roe, Cuba-Rushford; Danika Scott, Belfast. Pre-Engineering CADD – John Boon, Fillmore; Graham Bradt, Genesee Valley; Benjamin Crawford, Bolivar-Richburg; Marah Mellinger, Genesee Valley; Charles Militello, BolivarRichburg; Azkadellia Mitchell, Bolivar-Richburg. Welding Metal Fabrication – Joshua Anderson, Wellsville; Evan Buchholz, Wellsville; Colton Calladine, Andover; Timothy Corke, Cuba-Rushford; Courtney Dowell, Andover; Aiden Golden, Friendship; Madysen Shields, Wellsville; Jordan Speta, Fillmore; Charles Taylor, Friendship; Ryan Vedder, Fillmore; William Washburn, Fillmore.
HONOR ROLL
Animal Science – Makayla Hutchison, Genesee Valley; Elizabeth Russell, Fillmore; Madison Wendt, CubaRushford.
Automotive Technology – Jacob Bennett, Fillmore; Sawyer Brown, Fillmore; Madison Burch, CubaRushford; Paul Cleveland, Genesee Valley; Caleb Cline, Scio; Lawson Ector, Scio; Willow Everett, Wellsville; Dawson Faulkner, Wellsville; Larry Geffers III, Genesee Valley; Danica Green, Franklinville; Connor Little, Wellsville; Riley Mattison, Wellsville; Heather Padden, Belfast; Samantha Pitts, Andover;
Olivia Shawl, CubaRushford; Tyler Wedge, Genesee Valley. Carpentry and Construction Trades Emma Bolzan, Friendship; Michael Crandall, Wellsville; Logan Estabrook, Belfast; Jayden Marshall, Fillmore; Tristan Meehan, Andover; Colton Skinner, BolivarRichburg. Collision Repair Technology – Karsen Barber, Cuba-Rushford; Andrew Horning, Scio; Brockton Putman, Wellsville; Logan Rice, Genesee Valley; Oliver Smith, Whitesville; Zackery Stage, Andover; William Stout, Bolivar-Richburg. Cosmetology – MacKenzie Button, Genesee Valley; Brinley Goodliff, Fillmore; Emma Halbert, Fillmore; Janessa Hirt, Wellsville; Hannah Mascho, BolivarRichburg; Leanne Pierce, Friendship; Elizabeth Seely, Wellsville; Jadyn Wonderling, Scio.
Criminal Justice – Julie Cavagna, Andover; Ashlynn DeGroff, BolivarRichburg; Gabriel Eveland, Andover; Nathaniel Eveland, Andover; Lyla Fanton, Bolivar-Richburg; Raymond Lance III, Genesee Valley; Gracey Murray, Andover; Hunter Newman, Genesee Valley; Xander Outman, Wellsville; Arianna Robinson, Andover; Jade Sallazzo, Genesee Valley; Cayleigh Shipman, Genesee Valley; Ryan Snyder, Genesee Valley; Seanna Stocking, Genesee Valley; Evan Turybury, Genesee Valley.
Culinary Arts – Tessa Dunworth, Cuba-Rushford; Shaelynn Eddy, CubaRushford; Emma Eddy, Andover; Olivia Green, Whitesville; Ayden Music, Bolivar-Richburg; Westin Nease, Bolivar-Richburg; Edie Pietrkiewicz, Cuba-
Rushford; Ty Potter, Wellsville; Isabella Sheridan, Wellsville; Alexander Stanton, Belfast; Gavin Torres Rivera, Wellsville; Camren Wilber, BolivarRichburg; Regina Willmart, Fillmore; Justine Willson, Genesee Valley.
Early Childhood – Allyson Appleby, Bolivar-Richburg; Natilee Baker, Wellsville; Hannah Blauvelt, BolivarRichburg; Jacoda Carpenter, Bolivar-Richburg; Mikaylah Cobb, Bolivar-Richburg; Savannah Dunham, Andover; Makenah Fanton, Wellsville; Jordan Hamer, Scio; Lily Herrmann, Bolivar-Richburg; Alivia Kiff, Fillmore; Eliza Lewis, Scio; Aleigha Powell, Friendship; Zailey Randall, Elm Street Academy; Halle Shutt, Scio; Cassidy Stives, Bolivar-Richburg; Magdalene Tarr, BolivarRichburg; Willow Worth, Bolivar-Richburg.
Early Entry CTE – Nakota Doberstein, Elm Street Academy; Brayden Poulin, Elm Street Academy.
Heavy Equipment
Operations – David Bower, Fillmore; Tyler Bryant, Bolivar-Richburg; Ethan Davenport, Genesee Valley; Cooper Greenman, Scio; Ian MacKenzie, Genesee Valley; Gary McDowell Jr, Bolivar Richburg; Tristan Metatos, Genesee Valley; David Phearsdorf, BolivarRichburg; Joseph Sadler, Elm Street Academy; Everett Schultz, Fillmore; Harley Wardhaugh, Belfast.
Media Communications Tech – Hayden Bilby, Bolivar-Richburg; Annika Cashimere, Elm Street Academy; Grace Clark, Fillmore; Bryson Covell,
Genesee Valley; Kasey Ganoung, Genesee Valley; Connor Igel, Andover; Richard Lett, CubaRushford; Blake Mattison, Wellsville; Tristan Music, Bolivar-Richburg; Blake Perry, Friendship; Blake Scroggie, Bolivar-Richburg; Joseph Zeh, Cuba-Rushford.
Medical Assisting – Kalissa Briggs, Bolivar-Richburg; Mercedez Fanton, Scio; Montana Gayford, Fillmore; Avery Hoffman, Andover; Aleata Roboski, Fillmore; Daelyn Willetts, Scio.
Natural Resources – Mason Colf, Cuba-Rushford; John Cusker, Cuba-Rushford; Mason Edwards, Wellsville; William Edwards, Genesee Valley; Tate Jenkins, Belfast; Lucas Keiser, CubaRushford; Blaise Richmond, Andover; Scott Stonemetz, Wellsville; Caden Stork, Belfast; Brandon Taylor, Cuba-Rushford.
New Vision Health Professions – Hannah Southwick, Belfast. Pre Engineering CADD – Colston Jefferies, CubaRushford. Welding Metal Fabrication – Rees Baker, Andover; Jasper Burdick, BolivarRichburg; James Cicirello, Wellsville; Brian Dempsey, Cuba-Rushford; Noah Ellsworth, Wellsville; Preston Fuller, Whitesville; Heather Gates, Scio; James Hillman, Fillmore; Dominick Jackson, Wellsville; Conner McKinsey, Elm Street Academy; Maddex Palma, Fillmore; Evan Peterson, Cuba-Rushford; Kadin Pierce, Cuba-Rushford; Liam Smith, Wellsville; Austin Southard,
Wellsville; Colton Updyke, Andover; Sawyer Williams, Scio.
County, municipal offices up for election this year
More than 150 county- and municipal-level posts in Allegany County will be up for election on Nov. 4, according to statements of certification of offices to be elected approved by the county Board of Elections.
The races in the county include: County offices — County court judge, 10 years; treasurer, four years; 15 county legislators, four years.
• Andover village — Mayor, four years; two
trustees, two years.
• Angelica village — Mayor, two years; two trustees, two years.
• Alfred — Supervisor, two years; justice, four years; two town board seats, four years; highway superintendent, two years.
• Allen — Supervisor, two years; town clerk/tax collector to fill vacancy, two years; town board (2), two years; highway superintendent, four years.
• Alma — Supervisor, four years; town clerk/
tax collector, four years; town board (2), four years; highway superintendent, four years.
• Almond — Supervisor, two years; town clerk/ tax collector, two years; town board (2), four years.
• Amity — Supervisor, two years; town board (2), four years.
• Andover — Supervisor, four years; town board (2), four years.
• Angelica — Supervisor, two years; town boards (2), four years.
• Belfast — Supervisor,
Allegany County Grange dinner, dance March 22
BELFAST — Grangers will host a dinner and dance to benefit a local charity in March.
The Allegany County Pomona Grange is hosting a benefit dinner and dance March 22 at the Belfast Fire Hall, 11 Merton Ave. Funds raised at the dinner will benefit the Hart Comfort House in Wellsville, which provides free comfort care for those in their last months of a terminal illness.
“Three years ago the county Grange decided to switch from their longtime Grange banquet to doing a benefit to raise money for an organization in Allegany County,”
said Grange official Jim Dowd. “In 2024, the benefit was for Cancer Services of Allegany County. The Grange was able to raise $1,200 to donate to them. We hope to equal this in 2025.”
The doors open at
5 p.m., with punch served at 5:30 p.m. Dinner will be served at 6 p.m., and includes spaghetti pie, Italian bread, salad and cake. A basket raffle and 50-50 raffle will also be held.
A short program will follow. Dale Olin and his band will be providing music for round and square dancing from 7-10 p.m.
Tickets are $20 per person for the dinner and dance, or $8 per person for the dance at the door. Reservations for the dinner must be made by March 8 by contacting Dowd at (585) 808-8271 or Nancy Weatherly at (585) 3653047.
two years; town clerk/ tax collector, four years; town board (2), four years; highway superintendent, four years.
• Birdsall — Supervisor, two years; town boards (2), four years.
• Bolivar — Supervisor, two years; Justice, four years; town board (2), four years. Burns — Supervisor, two years; town clerk/ tax collector, two years; town board (2), four years; highway superintendent, two years.
• Caneadea — Supervisor, two years; town board (2), four years.
• Centerville — Supervisor, two years; town clerk/tax collector, two years; town board (2), four years; highway superintendent, two years.
• Clarksville — Supervisor, two years; town clerk/tax collector, two years; Justice, four years; town board (2), four years.
• Cuba — town clerk/ tax collector, four years; town board (2), four years.
• Friendship — Supervisor, two years; town clerk/tax collector, four years; town board (2), four years; highway superintendent, four years.
• Genesee — Supervisor, two years; Assessor (1), four years; town board (2), four years.
• Granger — Supervisor, two years; town clerk, two years; tax collector, two years; town board (2), four years; highway superintendent, two years.
• Grove — Supervisor,
two years; town clerk/ tax collector, two years; town board (2), four years; highway superintendent, two years.
• Hume — Supervisor, two years; town clerk/ tax collector, two years; Justice, four years; town board (2), four years; highway superintendent, two years. Independence — Supervisor, two years; town clerk, two years; tax collector, two years; town board (2), four years; highway superintendent, two years.
• New Hudson — Supervisor, two years; town clerk/tax collector, two years; town board (2), four years; highway superintendent, two years.
• Rushford — Supervisor, two years; town clerk/ tax collector, two years; town board (2), four years; town board (1), two years to fill vacancy; highway superintendent, two years.
• Scio — Supervisor, two years; town clerk, two years; tax collector, two years; town board (2), four years; highway superintendent, two years. Ward — Supervisor, two years; town clerk/ tax collector, two years; Justice, four years; town board (2), four years; highway superintendent, two years. Wellsville — Town town board (2), four years.
• West Almond — Supervisor, two years; tax collector, two years; town board (2), four years; town board to fill vacancy, two years. Willing — Supervisor, four years; town clerk/ tax collector, four years; Justice, four years; town board (2), four years; highway superintendent, four years.
• Wirt — Supervisor, two years, town clerk/tax collector, two years; highway superintendent, two years.
Allegany County Sports Hall of Fame announces 2025 inductees
health & Wellness
(BPT)
— As we settle into the new year, many of us are reflecting on our goals we made in January when declaring our New Year’s resolutions. For many, mental health was likely a key focus, continuing the trend from last year when about 40% of resolutions were aimed at improving mental well-being. However, as the novelty of January fades, it’s easy for even the best intentions to slip. Studies have shown that by February, many people have already abandoned their resolutions.
Rather than letting your commitment to
mental health dim, now is the perfect time to renew your focus and keep your mental health a priority.
Whether you’re following through on your resolution to improve your mental well-being or simply seeking to continue your efforts, staying intentional about mental wellness can have lasting benefits for both your emotional and physical health.
Dr. Donald Tavakoli, UnitedHealthcare’s National Medical Director for Behavioral Health, provides the following tips to help you keep your mental health on track throughout the year:
1. Build a supportive network
Surrounding yourself with understanding friends, family and mentors can provide essential emotional support. A strong social network can help prevent feelings of isolation and promote
resilience. Research shows that social support plays a crucial role in mental health. Don’t be afraid to reach out and be open with your loved ones.
2. Emphasize sleep
Adequate sleep is fundamental to mental
The Allegany County Athletic Association will host its 21st annual Sports Hall of Fame banquet at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, March 22 at Off Duty in Belmont with 14 honorees scheduled to be inducted. This year’s inductees are: Matt Shay (Andover), David Spink (Belfast), Kenneth Spink (Belfast), Bill Sortore (Bolivar-Richburg), Aaron Ortiz (Cuba-Rushford), Allison Richter Austin (Fillmore), Cortney Sadler (Friendship), Kari Baker (Genesee Valley), Taylor Kent Duncan (Hinsdale), Wes Crowder (Houghton), Shannon Daugherty (Houghton), Mark Moyer (Scio), Doug McEnroe (Wellsville) and Falyn Lewis-Ellison Kosa (Whitesville).
A reception will begin at 6 p.m. with the ceremony following at 6:30. Tickets may be purchased by contacting the athletic office at your local school or by contacting Jon Beardsley (Fillmore) at (716) 574-9101 or jbeardsley@ fillmorecsd.org. No tickets will be sold at the door. The ticket price for the banquet is $35.. Reservations, with payment, must be received by March 14.
Make mental health a priority in 2025: 5 ways to stay focused beyond resolutions
well-being as insufficient sleep may negatively affect emotional regulation and cognitive function. Prioritize restful sleep by establishing a consistent sleep schedule, creating a calming bedtime routine and optimizing your sleep environment. Proper sleep also benefits your overall well-being.
3. Limit social media: Studies have linked excessive social media use to a higher risk of depression and anxiety, particularly among young people. It’s important to keep in mind that a person’s social feed often doesn’t reflect their entire life story. Instead, try to embrace the ups and downs of life as normal, focus on the here and now, and invest in your offline relationships.
4. Reach out for professional support Don’t hesitate to reach out to your primary care physician (PCP). If you don’t have a PCP, now is a great time to establish a relationship with one. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Your PCP can provide valuable insights and care, and referrals if needed.
5. Utilize your insurance benefits
You might be surprised to learn that your health insurance plan includes mental health benefits which may cover employee assistance programs, virtual therapy sessions, coaching or digital selfhelp tools such as Calm Health. These options make it easy to access the support you need in different ways. If you have mild behavioral health concerns, digital self-help tools and virtual coaching can be a great place to begin. If you have any questions or need more details, simply call the number on your insurance card for assistance. Prioritizing mental health enables you to work toward a more balanced and fulfilling life. By improving your mental well-being, you set the stage for achieving broader goals, including nurturing relationships and fostering personal growth. Make mental health a central focus as you navigate 2025. For more information about mental health resources, visit UHC.com.