DOWNLOAD THE OLEAN TIMES HERALD MOBILE APP NOW!
Alfred University leads development of battery storage, microgrid control system
SCAN THE QR CODE
community
AUGUST
14 2026
allegany
FREE
to begin reading the Olean Times Heald on your mobile device.
PAGE 2
county
Alfred • Allentown • Alma • Andover • Angelica • Belfast • Belmont • Bolivar • Caneadea • Ceres • Cuba • FilLmore • Friendship • Genesee Houghton • little genesee • portville • richburg • Rushford • Scio • shinglehouse • Ulysses • Wellsville • west clarksville • Whitesville
Wellsville’s 250th Celebration set for this Saturday of the 56 patriots who signed the document. At the signing, Franklin realized the gravity of the act and probable consequences of failure and declared, “We must indeed hang together or most assuredly we shall all hang separately.” Wellsville’s event will emphasize what life was like in the 13 colonies in 1776. There will be demonstrations of the skills needed for the time, such as basketry, weaving, spinning, sewing and knife making. Learn what a tussy mussy is and what they were used for, along
BY KATHRYN ROSS
WELLSVILLE — What is a tussy mussy, and who signed the Declaration of Independence? Learn, see, hear and taste what life was like in 1776 when Wellsville hosts its America 250th Anniversary celebration Saturday at the David A. Howe Library. The event will get started at noon on the library lawn when Benjamin Franklin opens the event with a ceremonial reading of the Declaration of Independence followed by a recitation of the names
with use of herbs for medicinal purposes, cooking and pleasure at the herb tent. Colonial-era firearms will be on display and there will be a cannon. In the children’s tent provided by Maple Moon, an outdoor education program, children will learn how to make ink and quills for writing. There will also be colonial games and stories. The Daughters of the American Revolution will celebrate the county’s patriots and copies of their colonial cookbook will be available. A revolutionary food tent will offer samples
of colonial foods such as Boston brown bread, succotash, peapod and salt pork stew and more. The Genesee Valley Chorus, which was founded for the bicentennial in 1976, will perform a patriotic concert at around 1 p.m. Some of the original members are still singing with the group. Afterward, the Rev. Dan Kenyon will offer a historical sermon, “Sinners In The Hands of An Angry God.” Learn firsthand from the venerable patri-
Photo provided Benjamin Franklin will be at Wellsville’s America 250th Anniversary celebration on Saturday.
Wellsville’s 250 Celebration continued on PAGE 4 th
Partially collapsed building still a concern in Wellsville BY KATHRYN ROSS
Photo provided A collapsed part of the Phuntner building on Railroad Avenue in Wellsville.
WELLSVILLE — Good news about Saturday’s 250th celebration and the receipt of a state cybersecurity grant took second place Monday evening during the village board meeting to concerns about housing and the partial collapse of the Phuntner building. Part of the old Phuntner building on a Railroad Avenue collapsed in April, causing the closing of part of that street. The street is still closed pending demolition of part of the building. Village trustees expressed their con-
cern that the promised demolition of that part of the building hasn’t yet taken place. While a skid steer has been in place for several weeks there has been no progress on the demolition, and building owner Sherry Jacques of Bolivar has been increasingly hard to contact, the board learned. Police Chief Tim O’Grady said, recently, the glass entry door in the front of the building has been shattered. It hasn’t yet been determined whether the damage was caused by vandals or the building shifting, he told the board. Residents are
complaining about the street still being closed, Mayor Ed Fahs noted. trustees determined that if no significant change in the matter has taken place by their next meeting (Aug. 24) the board will take action. If the village is forced to secure the collapsed portion of the building, the building owner would be held liable for the demolition and all associated costs. Trustee Tim Colligan reported on the monthly activities of MACE, the village’s code enforcement office. He said that the house at 60 N. Brooklyn Ave. is still secure and listed as an unsafe structure and no
See Insert in this Paper for Our Full Sale Ad Lean
Ground Chuck 99
3
PER LB.
FAMILY PACK!
Boneless Country Style
ground fresh!
Grade A Frozen
Chicken Wing Portions Sold in 3LB Bag for 4.98
Save up to $501
PER BAG
Boneless Center-Cut
Pork Chops 49
2
PER LB.
Save up to $2 50
PER LB.
California Red & Green
Grapes 99
1
PER LB.
California
Plums or Nectarines 99
1
PER LB.
Bowl & Basket Potato Chips 8 oz. • Several Varieties Excludes Kettle Cooked
3 5
PER LB.
PER LB.
3 day $ale FAMILY PACK!
USDA Choice Boneless
Grade A Boneless, Skinless
Beef Chuck Roast 99
6
Save up to $4 00
PER LB.
Save up to $4 00
Porterhouse or T-Bone Steaks 99
11
PER LB.
Chicken Breast
1
99
5 LB. Bag
2FOR$5
PER LB.
Save up to $2 00
PER LB.
Yoplait Yogurt
4 - 6 oz. • Several Varieties
2FOR$1
We Love Our Customers!
Enter Win a 55” TV! Visit the store to enter and for details for your chance to
Blue Moon or Leinenkugel
Labatt Blue or Labatt Blue Light
12
1699
99
Plus Deposit
12.99 after $7 digital rebate 19.99 minus $7 = 12.99
PER LB.
Red Potatoes
Powerade
28 oz. • Several Varieties
5FOR$5
FOR$
12 Packs • 12 oz. Bottles
PER LB.
USDA Choice
FAMILY PACK!
fresh cut!
While Supplies Last
fresh cut!
2
Save up to $2 50
August 14 • 15 • 16
FAMILY PACK
Pork Ribs 49
fresh cut!
Save up to $3 00
PER LB.
Collapsed Building continued on PAGE 4
Ad also Available online at GiantFoodMart.com
PER LB.
166
further action has been taken. He added that a house at 313 Scott Ave. has been condemned and that MACE is looking into the condition of other properties on the street. Fahs announced that the village has received a grant, not to exceed $50,000, through the state’s New York State Strengthening Essential Cybersecurity for Utilities Resiliency office. The funds are to be used to assess the cybersecurity needs at the water treatment plant. Resident Stacy Cretekos expressed her concern over the village’s
Budweiser or Bud Light
30 Packs • 12 oz. Cans
30 Packs • 12 oz. Cans
Plus Deposit
16.99 after $8 digital rebate 24.99 minus $8 = 16.99
14.99 after $10 digital rebate 24.99 minus $10 = 14.99
CUBA • 72 GENESEE ST • 585-968-2333 | WELLSVILLE • 44 PARK AVE • 585-593-3354
1499
Plus Deposit
2
August 14, 2026
allegany county Community Source
Alfred University leads development of battery storage, microgrid control system the New York Battery and Energy Storage Technology Consortium (NY-BEST). The Alfred University-Ranial partnership was among four in New York state to share in a combined $315,000 funding awarded through the most recent round of NENY’s Technical Assistance Program. The program is designed to advance new battery technologies and expand the growing energy storage innovation ecosystem in upstate New York by supporting startups and small businesses in their efforts to de-risk
ALFRED — Alfred University is partnering with clean-tech startup Ranial Systems Inc. to develop an artificial intelligence-assisted controller for power grid-scale battery storage, commercial and industrial microgrids, and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) integrations. The project, a collaboration between Alfred’s Inamori School of Engineering and Ranial, started the week of June 29 and is supported by funding from New Energy New York (NENY), a Binghamton University-led partnership with
PICTURE PERFECT, NOW
YOU TASTE IT Butcher’s Classic Pack SAVE 60%
4 Butcher’s Cut Filet Mignons (5 oz.) 4 Air-Chilled Boneless Chicken Breasts (5 oz.) 4 PureGround® Filet Mignon Burgers (6 oz.) 4 Gourmet Jumbo Franks (3 oz.) 4 Individual Scalloped Potatoes (3.8 oz.) 4 Caramel Apple Tartlets (4 oz.) 1 Omaha Steaks Seasoning (3 oz.) 8 FREE Omaha Steaks Burgers (4 oz.)
12999
81081XEL separately $323.93 $ SPECIAL INTRODUCTORY PRICE
Scan Now To Order
OmahaSteaks.com/ClassicPack7399
OmahaSteaks.com/ClassicPack7399 | 1.833.897.4133 Ask for your FREE burgers with offer 81081XEL
Savings shown over aggregated single item base price. Photos exemplary of product advertised. 8 free 4 oz. burgers will be sent to each shipping address that includes 81081. Limit 2. Standard S&H added per address. While supplies last. Items may be substituted due to inventory limitations. Some products may not be available for sale in your area. Sales are subject to OmahaSteaks.com/terms-of-use. Expires 12/31/26. 25M8931 | Omaha Steaks, LLC
technology, scale, and advanced manufacturing readiness. Ranial develops CognitEMS, a patented edge-AI platform that unifies battery and energy management for distributed energy resources. The project with Alfred will develop a next-generation System-on-Chip EMS/ BMS (energy management system/battery management system) controller powered by an advanced hardware technology. The controller will be validated through hardwarein-the-loop testing at Alfred University’s GE Vernova Advanced Power Grid Lab and Edibon Power Systems Simulation Lab, both located in the Inamori School’s McMahon Engineering Building. The Alfred-Ranial project will receive $65,000 in funding and is expected to be completed in November. Chandan Kumar, assistant professor of computer science, is the principal investigator for the project; Xingwu Wang, professor of electrical engineering, serves as co-principal investigator. Jannatun Naiem, a master’s degree student in electrical engineering from Bangladesh, is assisting Kumar with the project. Kumar said Naiem is actively supporting the project across multiple workstreams, including hardware setup, sensor integration, and hardware-in-the-loop testing. “This project provides an excellent opportunity for hands-on
FOR HIRE
classifieds
training in cutting-edge energy systems research, bridging the gap between academic learning and real-world industrial application,” Kumar said. “Her involvement ensures that the work also contributes to building the next generation of engineers equipped to tackle challenges in intelligent energy infrastructure.” Alfred University continued on PAGE 4
Photo provided by Alfred University Jannatun Naiem (foreground), a master’s degree student in electrical engineering at Alfred University, and Chandan Kumar, assistant professor of computer science in the university’s Inamori School of Engineering, collect data from a battery sensor which will be run on Ranial Systems Inc.’s AI models for machine learning. Kumar is principal investigator on a New Energy New York (NENY)-funded research collaboration between Alfred University and clean-tech startup Ranial.
35th annual Kids Fishing Contest set for Aug. 15 at Andover Ponds
File photo Winners pose with their trophies during last year’s Kids Fishing Contest at the Andover Ponds.
The Andover Wetlands Project will host the 35th annual Kids Fishing Contest on Saturday, Aug. 15, at Andover Ponds on Route 21, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Registration begins at 7:45 a.m., with trophies awarded at 2:45 p.m. There is no entry fee. Age groups are 5 and younger, 6-8, 9-11 and 12-15. Trophies go to the top three finishers in each age group, along with awards for smallest fish, largest fish and most fish caught. Additional trophies will be given for largest bass and largest carp. A special award, given in memory of Senators Jess Present and Pat McGee, longtime supporters of the Wetlands Project, recognizes a participant who displays perseverance, dedication and persistence — characteristics the senators were
allegany
county
639 NORTON DRIVE • OLEAN, NY 14760
ADVERTISING EDITORIAL DEADLINE MONDAY 12:00 PM DEADLINE FRIDAY 5:00 PM
TO SUBMIT EDITORIAL: news@oleantimesherald.com
known for. Drawings and raffles for door prizes will also be held, and refreshments will be provided free of charge. Volunteers are
VISIT WWW.OLEANTIMESHERALD.COM TO VIEW THE ALLEGANY COUNTY COMMUNITY SOURCE ONLINE
needed to help with the contest. For more information or to volunteer, call 585-593-1624 or 585-610-2241, or visit andoverwetlandskidsfishingcontest.com.
FOR ADVERTISING CONTACT: Deb Perry - 716-372-3121 x257 dperry@oleantimesherald.com
allegany county Community Source
3
August 14, 2026
ACAF awards more than $380,000 in scholarships BELMONT — More than 200 students will receive Allegany County Area Foundation support for pursuing higher education and career training. This fall, students from nearly every corner of the county will take the next step toward their educational goals. Some students will attend community colleges; others will enter four-year universities or technical training programs. Thanks to
the generosity of local donors, ACAF awarded $387,240 in scholarships to support these students during the 2026–27 academic year. Belfast Central School counselor Teresa Heaney said ACAF’s scholarship program has become an essential resource for local students. “If there is only one scholarship application
I encourage my students to fill out each year, it is always the ACAF application,” she said. Recipients represent graduates from nearly every school district in the county, including Alfred-Almond, Andover, Belfast, Bolivar-Richburg, Cuba-Rushford, Fillmore, Friendship, Genesee Valley, Scio, Wellsville and Whitesville.
Additional recipients graduated from Houghton Academy, local homeschool programs or are Allegany County students who live and study in the Portville Central School District. In total, 230 scholarships have been awarded through ACAF’s 65 Scholarship Funds. ACAF Scholarships continued on PAGE 4
dining & Entertainment
Friends of Allegany Arc Foundation plans golf tourney for Aug. 21
Gargoyle Park • Olean, New York August 28th & 29th, 2026
All day and night Celtic Music • Highland Games Irish Dancers • Vendors Selling Celtic Items Authentic Food • Irish Beers (and domestics) Kids Club & Games • Celtic History Lessons Pipe Bands • Henna Artists and Facepainting Also: The Irish Lassies, The Bog Drivers, PA Line, Tom Keefer and Celtic Cross
Featuring
Ally the Piper
Event Tickets: Adult $20 • Senior $15 Kids 18 & under are Free
Tickets at the gate are more. Folding chairs, wagons and water are allowed. No pets or outside food will be allowed on festival grounds.
More details at oleanceltic.com irish imports A Irish Knit Sweaters & Tweed Hats A Emerald Isle Wool Vests A Fragrances of Ireland – Inis A Nora Fleming Stoneware A Unique Gift Ideas A Belleek
A Clothes: Newborn - 4T A Kids 3-11 A Women - Small-2x A Men’s Small-3x A A A A A GIFT CERTIFICATES A A A A A
Owners: Jerome & Nancy Hart | fromthehartstore.com 108 N. Main St. Wellsville, NY, 14895 • 585-593-2017 Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri 10 - 5 • Thur 10 - 6 • Sat 10 -3
WELLSVILLE — Golfers from across the region are invited to tee off for a great cause at the Friends of Allegany Arc Foundation’s annual Summer Scramble Golf Tournament on Aug. 21 at the Wellsville Country Club. The tournament will feature a 1:30 p.m. shotgun start and a traditional four-person scramble format. Men’s, women’s and mixed teams are all encouraged to participate in an afternoon of friendly competition and community support. Golfers will have the opportunity to compete for team prizes, enjoy multiple prize holes and take their shot at winning $10,000. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Friends of Allegany Arc Foundation, helping to fund programs and services that benefit people supported by the Arc Allegany-Steuben throughout the region. “We’re excited to welcome golfers of all skill levels for a fun afternoon on the course while raising funds that directly support our mission,” said Paula Bernstein, director of development for Arc Allegany-Steuben. “Community events like the
FULL SERVICE FOR Radio Controlled Cars • Trucks • Drones
585-593-8749
2495 Andover Road Wellsville, NY
store@ inspirecraftsandhobbies.com
Art Supplies •Red Heart Yarn •Kids Crafts •Craft Basics
www.inspirecraftsandhobbies.com
Summer Scramble help ensure we can continue providing meaningful programs and services that make a lasting impact.” Teams can register online at charitygolftoday.com/friendsgolf26.
Sponsorship opportunities may also be available for businesses and organizations looking to support the event while gaining community visibility. For more information, call (585) 808-2311.
4
allegany county Community Source
August 14, 2026
➡Wellsville’s 250th Celebration continued from PAGE 1 ot, inventor, printer, newsman and historian, Franklin, what the Founding Fathers risked — their lives, reputations and livelihoods in their quest for independence from England. Witness Betsy Ross sewing the 13-star flag that became the symbol of fledgling country. See the relics from before the founding of Wellsville, some forged
by the hands of the area’s first settler, Nathaniel Dike, when the curators of the Nathaniel Dike Museum, the Thelma Rogers Genealogical and Historical Society, display their treasures. See the tools and arrowheads left behind by the indigenous tribes who hunted and camped in Pigeon Woods. The event will end with a Historical Trivia
game for prizes. The Wellsville America 250th Anniversary celebration is free to the public. Along with the displays and demonstrations there will be giveaways and a raffle to help defray the cost of the event. Please attend and learn about life in 1776 and honor the semisesquicentennial of these United States.
➡Collapsed Building continued from PAGE 1 acceptance of grant money from the state or federal government. Before the beginning of the business part of the meeting, she told the board, “As soon as you take any money from the government you have to comply with their rules.” Fahs explained that the village is required to do cybersecurity and that the grant funding is to assess the needs
at the water treatment plant. The village has until the end of the year to decide whether to take the funding. “We’ll look into it,” he said. Cretekos replied, “I’m not fond of taking everything (the government) gives you. There are always strings attached.” Concerning the use agreement with the Babcock Theater Preservation Society, Fahs
reported that the matter is still in the hands of the attorneys and the document will be ready by the next board meeting to be discussed by the board and the BTPS board. Before adjourning, the board approved hiring Dylan Dunbar as a water/wastewater maintenance worker for the Department of Public Works.
manage and protect our energy systems.” The Advanced Power Grid Lab at Alfred University was launched in 2024 as part of a workforce development initiative that will prepare students for careers in the growing renewable energy industry. It is supported by a $466,853 grant from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and $2.8 mil-
lion in software licenses donated by GE Vernova. The facility will benefit students in Alfred’s Renewable Energy Engineering and Electrical Engineering programs by providing them with access to state-of-the-art equipment and training. Located on the second floor of the Inamori School’s McMahon Engineering Building, the Edibon Lab houses a microgrid control center and a DERs (distributed
energy resources) command center to be used as a training resource. Software provided by GE Vernova will facilitate training in power grid planning and operations. NYSERDA funding will support student internships and a program that provides short course training for renewable energy engineering students and workers in the electric utilities field.
help ease the financial burden of earning a degree. “Being able to apply easily for future years is extremely helpful, as students often get many first-year scholarships and then struggle to [find opportunities] in future years,” Heaney said. For Heaney, the
value of ACAF’s scholarship program extends beyond the counseling office. As the parent of three ACAF scholarship recipients, she has watched its impact unfold in her own family. “As a parent, I am extremely grateful to the Foundation for all of their efforts to support Allegany County stu-
dents in their pursuits of higher education,” she said. To learn more about supporting students with scholarships through ACAF, visit alleganycountyareafoundation.org or contact executive director Bruce Campbell at (585) 2965616 or director@acafny. org.
➡Alfred University continued from PAGE 2 Over the course of five months, Kumar’s team will lead a multipath hardware and software development effort that includes AI model development and validation, sensor integration, and rigorous hardware-in-theloop testing using the university’s state-of-theart power grid simulation infrastructure. The GE Vernova Advanced Power Grid Lab, located in McMahon
Engineering Building, has Advanced Energy Management System (AEMS) and Advanced Distribution Management Solutions (ADMS) software platforms will support real-time simulation and benchmarking throughout the project. “We see this collaboration as a meaningful opportunity to translate cutting-edge machine learning research into a commercially de-
ployable, domestically developed solution with direct relevance to New York State’s clean energy goals and the broader national push toward resilient, intelligent energy infrastructure,” Kumar commented. “What excites me most about this work is that we are bringing unsupervised learning out of the research lab and into the power grid, where it can make a real difference in how we
➡ACAF Scholarships continued from PAGE 3 These funds have been created through direct gifts and estate plans by generous donors who believe in investing in the future of Allegany County’s students. This year’s ACAF scholarship recipients are pursuing more than 60 fields of study, including nursing, education, engineering, ag-
riculture, skilled trades, psychology, computer science, architecture, public health, communications, and the arts. Nursing is the most common field among this year’s recipients, followed by education. The skilled trades this year’s recipients are pursuing include welding, HVAC, electrical
work, building trades, heavy equipment operation and agricultural equipment technology. Unlike many scholarship programs, ACAF’s support doesn’t end after a student’s first year. Students are encouraged to reapply throughout their educational journeys — even into graduate school — to
automotive
Don’t let a $100 mistake become a $50,000 problem BY RAY MAGLIOZZI
Dear Car Talk: I recently took my 2025 Kia Telluride in for its very first oil change. I inadvertently had them put conventional oil in the engine rather than synthetic. Other than it not lasting as long and having to return earlier than I normally would for my next oil change, will there be any detrimental effects to my car with conventional oil? — Derek Well, Derek, the engine is not going to suddenly seize up in a cloud of blue smoke tomorrow, if that’s what you’re worried
about. Nor will you get pulled over by the Oil Police. But this car’s manufacturer, Kia Motors, specifies synthetic oil for your Telluride for a reason. Synthetic oil has fewer impurities in it, and it provides superior lubrication to all the key parts of this engine. Honestly, it’ll be nearly impossible to tell exactly what effect running the Telluride on conventional oil for the next 3,500 miles will have down the road. If the engine lasts 160,000 miles, would it have lasted 180,000 had you not made this mistake? It’s possible. What I can tell you is that if this were my
One Tough Animal
Precision Auto Choice 5685 Tuckers Corners Road Belmont, NY 14813 (585) 268-8077 www.precisionautochoice.com Monday–Friday 8am–5pm
Servicing Cars & Light Duty Trucks both Foreign & Domestic
car, Derek, I’d drain that oil out tomorrow and refill it with the specified synthetic oil. It’s a brand-new car. It probably cost you more than $50,000. And you’re probably hoping to keep it for many years. And yet, here you are, taking
Compact & Utility Tractors — Zero Turn Mowers
Refinance your Auto Loan to ALco and get 1.00% OFF your current interest rate.
a long-term risk with your engine over a $100 mistake. And here’s another thing to consider: If you ever have any problem with the engine under warranty, Kia could ask for proof that you’ve kept up on your maintenance.
And I don’t know if they would, but they could challenge your warranty coverage based on your use of the wrong oil. The risk of engine damage is small. But I still don’t think the risk is worth taking on a brand-new car. So,
I’d get the correct oil in as soon as possible. And then, on the way home, stop at an office supply store, buy a Dymo Label Maker, and make yourself a label that says “synthetic oil only,” and affix it to the middle of your steering wheel.
allegany county Community Source
August 14, 2026
5
In exchange at event, Gies challenges Langworthy to more debates BY JIM ECKSTROM
Aaron Gies, Democratic candidate for Congress in New York’s 23rd District, on Sunday personally called on incumbent Rep. Nicholas Langworthy to participate in more live, in-person debates in front of voters across the district. Gies made the challenge face-to-face with Langworthy, a Republican who lives in Niagara County, in an encounter before the Eden Corn Festival parade in Erie County, simultaneously video recorded by members of each campaign. “People in this district deserve to hear directly from the people asking for their vote,” Gies said Monday. “This district is too big, and the issues facing our communities are too important, for voters to be kept at arm’s length from their representatives.” A spokesperson for Langworthy called Sunday’s exchange a “pathetic stunt from (Gies’) floundering campaign,” with an accompanying video edited to omit Gies “being taken to task for his radical leftist views that are out of touch with the Southern Tier.” In the Gies campaign’s video on
Aaron Gies for Congress / Facebook In this screen grab from video, Democratic congressional candidate Aaron Gies (right) challenges incumbent Rep. Nick Langworthy to agree to more public debates in their 23rd District race. The exchange, recorded by both campaigns, occurred Sunday before a parade in Eden.
Facebook, the candidate asked Langworthy, “I just wanted to ask you if you might be open to doing a few more debates?” Langworthy responded he could be up for more debates hosted by broadcast media — the two have thus far agreed to one televised debate hosted by WETM 18 of Elmira, set for 7 p.m. Oct. 6. Gies asked, “Are you open to doing anything with an audience where they could maybe have
questions?” suggesting debates in public venues, possibly hosted by local newspapers like the Olean Times Herald. Langworthy reiterated he would consider broadcast debates. “No one in person, no voters?” Gies asked, with Langworthy responding he possibly could agree to a live studio audience. A video from Langworthy’s campaign of the exchange, sent to the OTH, continues with the congressman saying, “I know what you’re try-
ing to do; it’s cute. I’m not going to try and run your campaign for you, though.” Langworthy added, “You’re way out of line. Your values are way out of line for this district. You don’t realize that because you only surround yourself with your own supporters.” Langworthy accused Gies of aligning with the Democratic Socialists of America, which the challenger denied, saying he’s running for the “common good” of the
district and, aside from the Democratic Party, he’s endorsed by the Working Families Party. Gies, a theology professor on leave from St. Bonaventure University, said, “I think we should both get out of our bubble a little bit and take questions before a live audience.” In the Langworthy video, the two eventually shook hands and exchanged a bit of small talk about the Eden event. On Monday, Gies pointed to Langworthy avoiding in-person town halls with constituents and questioned why the incumbent would be reluctant to participate in a live debate where voters could hear directly from both candidates. “For me, this is not about putting on a show or scoring political points,” Gies said. “It is about accountability. If we are asking our neighbors to trust us to represent them in Washington, then we should be willing to stand in front of them, answer their questions, and defend our records.” Langworthy, seeking a third term, has said he reaches constituents — and takes pointed or even critical questions — during his monthly phone conferences while his offices stand ready
to assist constituents on any matter they face. Gies expressed his belief that debates in communities across the district are important in connecting residents with those who would represent them. “NY-23 is not one community,” he said. “It is hundreds of communities, from the Southern Tier to the Pennsylvania (line) and everywhere in between,” he said. “Voters in Jamestown deserve the same opportunity to hear from their candidates as voters in Elmira, Hamburg, Corning, Owego, Wellsville, or anywhere else in this district.” On Thursday evening in Jamestown, Gies kicked off a planned districtwide, 100-townhall tour leading up to the election, contrasting it with a private gathering hosted for Langworthy on the same day in the same city. Gies said subsequent dates will be announced as they are planned and organized For Langworthy’s part, campaign spokesperson Jessica Proud, said, “The Congressman looks forward to his agreed upon televised debate where he will contrast his record of common sense results with the Professor’s extreme vision to remake America.”
Outdoors
Food plot preparation — and challenges
BY WADE ROBERTSON
By some remarkable convolution of time, it’s August 2026. Just where the previous months went, I’m not sure, but the days are growing shorter and archery season is less than two months away. I wish time would take its foot off the gas pedal and slow down a bit; my mind is having difficulty keeping up. Suddenly, it’s time to plant our food plots and, as it always does, time seems to compress as the events grow closer. Initially, planting seems far away, but looking ahead, you purchase fertilizer, lime and seed just to be safe and not panicked — as has occasionally happened in the past. July rolls around, always a busy month, and with only one week remaining, things have to be done, now! Immediately, a problem looms. The weed sprayer’s feed line is leaking. Wonderful! That sets you back a day or two for repairs. You’ve just begun and are already behind. Repairs completed, never trouble free, the lines replaced and spraying begins. Of course, it takes some time for the weeds
to die off. You could have used this time to top cut the clover but the brush hog’s wheel mount cracked badly last use and needs welded. Remove the brush hog and attach the rototiller. The brand-new shaft for the power takeoff is an inch too long for easy attachment, limiting its travel and lining the attachment points up, keeping them perfectly level is extremely frustrating, but finally accomplished. Whew. The heavily weeded fields have died off by now and dried; time to burn. Burning old weed growth is a very good thing. First, tens of thousands of weed seeds are eliminated. The ash the burn produces creates a great mineralized natural fertilizer. Burned fields always produce superior crops with less weed growth. Close examination of the older clover game fields revealed center sections with heavy, healthy clover still growing thickly in three of them. It’d be silly to kill off those portions of the field but wise to plant the surrounding overgrown sections with turnips. So those overgrown, weedy sections surrounding the clover centers were sprayed and then burned if necessary. Now we’re making progress and keeping costs down since only half those fields need to be replanted with Brassicas. Deer usually eat clover first, then move to the turnips. Surprisingly, the rototiller churns up the soil in every food plot
Photo by Wade Robertson Food plots don’t plant themselves and the equipment used only once a year is often broken or compromised in some way after a long winter and summer. But, the only thing you can do is work through the problems and challenges you encounter. It’s all worth it, though, when the bucks start coming and the excitement begins to build as archery season approaches.
without any mechanical issues and the fields are now prepared for planting. We seed first for two reasons. First, pressing the seeds into the soil prevents birds from eating 90% of it and aids the germination process. Once the seeds are distributed, we lime and fertilize the field with our side by side, driving over the field twice more, the wheels pushing the seeds down into the earth. By watching those tracks in the tilled soil you can cover it completely. Brassicas, turnip seeds, are very small. We use a hand spreader for this. This year’s model was battery powered. It really threw the fine seed quickly even at its lowest setting, forcing Jim Acker to actually run through the fields to attain the correct density. Running through soft, giving soil for long
distances is no fun when you’re 84! Amazing he can do so! Seeding completed, it’s time to lime and fertilize using the old spreader. The word “old” may make one apprehensive, it should. The first field we filled the spreader with 15-15-15 fertilizer. The proportions here represent the ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in the mixture, 15% of each. Nitrogen promotes green leafy growth and chlorophyll production. Phosphorus supports root development, flowering and fruiting. Potassium enhances overall plant growth, stress tolerance and disease resistance. The even balance of these nutrients make it an excellent all-purpose fertilizer for many types of soil conditions. It became immediately apparent the spreader was on the fritz. First,
the tires were leaking. Great. We refilled them and prayed they’d hold up. Next, we discovered the right-hand side emptied quickly, the left very slowly. That it was working at all was good news. So many bad things can and do happen that 50% efficiency is acceptable with Murphy lurking in the background ready to pounce at any instant. Closer examination showed many of the fins on the rotating feed bar were bent almost completely over, years of use slowly thinning
and weakening them. Also, many of the feed holes were partially or fully clogged. Additionally, the seat holding one end of the shaft was completely rusted away, the shaft wandering where it may. That it was working at all was a victory of sorts. We cleaned the holes, straightened and washed the fins, refilled the hopper and continued. Our field maintenance helped quite a bit. The bad side improved a good 50%. Once the field was fertilized, it was time to spread lime. We preferred the pelletized lime to powdered. With the acid rain we receive it’s almost impossible to over lime a field. Those last three days were frantic ones. With heavy rain predicted that Sunday we desperately wanted every field ready. Last year’s drought made us very apprehensive, it was critical that every planted field receive a good soaking to start them off properly. The rains came as predicted, and I’m so very happy to relate that the fields are beautiful! The adversity, labor and cost well worth it. (Email Wade Robertson at wadewrites3006@gmail.com.)
6
August 14, 2026
allegany county Community Source
Sales tax receipts up across region in June, first half of 2026 BY BOB CLARK
Local sales tax collections were generally up across the state and region for the first six months of the year, the state’s fiscal watchdog reported. State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli reported that local sales tax receipts statewide totaled $2.61 billion in June, and $12.68 billion since the start of the year -- up 6.8% from the first six months of 2025. “New York’s local sales tax collections grew significantly in the first half of 2026 compared to last year, but this rate of growth may not last,” DiNapoli said. “This growth is due in part to higher prices for goods and services as a result of higher tariffs and global conflicts. “Local officials should be cautious in estimating future revenue amid the current
economic uncertainties and harmful federal policies.” Cattaraugus County receipts for June totaled $5.64 million, up 3% from June 2025. To date, the county has received $28.23 million, up 8% from the first half of 2025. City of Olean receipts in June totaled $561,903, up 10.9% from June 2026. June was the first month of the city’s 2026-27 fiscal year.
Mother and child, 6, die in ATV accident in Wellsville WELLSVILLE — A woman and her child were killed Aug. 6 in an ATV rollover accident in Allegany County, the New York State Police reported. Troopers responded at 2:30 p.m. Thursday to an ATV rollover with possible fatalities on Niles Hill Road in the town of Wellsville. Investigation determined a 2003 Polaris Trail Boss four-wheeler operated by Ashley R. Robichaud, 38, of Wellsville, with her two children, aged 6 and 3, were traveling the fence line in the pasture. When the Polaris was
at the lowest point of elevation in the pasture it reportedly overturned, pinning the mother and the 6-year-old, Emersyn E. Robichaud, underneath. Authorities said Ashley and Emersyn were pronounced deceased at the scene. The 3-year-old was transported by Mercy Flight to Golisano Children’s Hospital in Rochester for non-life-threatening injuries. NYSP Collision Reconstruction Unit and the Bureau of Criminal Investigation assisted in this investigation.
City of Salamanca receipts totaled $85,595, down 7.3% from June 2025. The decrease was the largest in the Western New York region for the month. Allegany County receipts for June totaled $3.57 million, up 14.5%
from June 2025. To date, the county has received $16.17 million, up 6.9% from the first half of 2025. Western New York receipts totaled $152.55 million in June, up 9.4% from June 2025. Niagara County saw the largest increase, with a 19.2% increase. Receipts for the first half of the year totaled $747.29 million, up 5.8%. Statewide, receipts totaled $2.61 billion in June, up 10.8% from June 2025. The first half of the year saw receipts of $12.68 billion, up 6.8% from the first half of 2025. Across the state, 52 of 57 counties saw increases in receipts in the first
NYDOT plans I-86 ramp closings in Allegany County Several closures of Interstate 86 on- and offramps in the towns of Friendship and Belmont were planned for paving projects. Each planned ramp closing will be 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Subsequent closings will be as follows: • Aug. 14, westbound off-ramp at Exit 30 (Belmont) • Aug. 17, westbound on-ramp at Exit 30 (Belmont) Variable message signboards have been positioned to alert motorists ahead of the closures, the DOT said. Motorists are advised to follow the posted detours and anticipate travel delays during this time or seek alternate routes, as necessary. Construction activities are weather dependent and subject to change based on condi-
tions, the DOT added. Motorists are urged to slow down and drive responsibly in work zones. Fines are doubled for speeding in a work zone. Convictions of two or more speeding violations in a work zone could result in the suspension of an individual’s driver license.
Closures on County Road 31 The Allegany County Department of Public Works announced it will continue weekday closures on County Road 31 until Thursday, Aug. 20, to replace numerous culverts. Work was to begin in Friendship and end in Scio at County Road 9. CR 31 was to be be opened each night and on weekends. There will not be onsite detours and motorists are urged to seek alternate routes.
half of the year, while five counties saw decreases. Seneca County saw the highest growth in the first half with a 16.5% increase, while Sullivan County saw the largest decrease at minus 5.3%. Across the state’s 10 economic regions, Long Island saw the largest increase at 7.1%, while the North Country saw the smallest increase at 2.8%.
Monthly reports are based on estimated receipts, with adjustments made to four months’ disbursements to counties and cities every year to reflect actual receipts -- March, June, September and December. In addition, a major driver of sales tax revenue is fuel prices, which were up an average of 50 cents a gallon statewide in March due to conflict in the Middle East.
Right Thinkers to host GOP candidate for NY attorney general The Right Thinkers, an Olean-area platform dedicated to political dialogue, will host Saritha Komatireddy, the Republican candidate for New York state attorney general, as the featured panelist on Aug. 17. The monthly panel discussion will examine the challenges facing New York and the ideas shaping the 2026 elections. Komatireddy will discuss public safety, government accountability, the rule of law and her vision for restoring confidence in New York’s justice system. The panel, free and open to the public, will be hosted by Connie Wolfinger and Nate Smith, founders of The Right Thinkers, at The Hall, 80 N. 4th St., Allegany, from 5 to 8 p.m. State Attorney General Letitia James, a Democrat and high-profile legal foe of the Trump administration, is the incumbent seeking her third term. Komatireddy is a former federal prosecutor and former chief of staff at the U.S. Drug Enforce-
ment Administration who was also is a former law clerk for Justice Brett Kavanaugh before he was named to the U.S. Supreme Court. During her career, she prosecuted terrorists, violent criminals, organized crime, drug traffickers and complex financial crimes. A daughter of parents who emigrated from India, she is a graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Law School and is running for attorney general on a platform centered on restoring public safety, combating fraud and corruption, supporting law enforcement and supporting crime victims. “We are excited to welcome Saritha to our Aug. 17 panel,” said May Fay, coordinator for The Right Thinkers. “Her experience as a former federal prosecutor and law enforcement leader will bring an important perspective to the conversation about the future of New York and the role of the attorney general.”
health & Wellness
How to simplify medication discussions with your physician Effective communication is vital in a good relationship, and that includes the dynamic between seniors and their physicians. According to Caring Senior Service, adults age 65 and older see seven different health care providers each year, and that figure is potentially even higher for the millions of seniors dealing with chronic health issues like diabetes and heart disease. In addition to seeing multiple physicians in a
typical year, seniors are taking a number of medications. According to a February 2026 report on WorldHealth.net, 42 percent of adults 65 and over are taking five or more medications. With so many different doctor relationships to manage and pills to take, it can be easy for seniors to feel a little overwhelmed when the time comes to speak with their physicians. These strategies can help such discussions go smoothly. • Prepare a list of your
medications and take it with you to each appointment. It’s not uncommon for patients to feel rushed when visiting their doctors, even if they have a years-long and cordial relationship with those physicians. When patients feel rushed, it’s easy to overlook certain things about their health, including which medications they’re taking. While some physicians have digital access to a patient’s medical history, including which medications a patient is taking, that’s not always the case. So seniors are urged to maintain an up-todate list of their medications, which they can share with their physicians when an
appointment begins. This can eliminate any roadblocks to effective communication, including a language barrier or nervousness on the part of patients who feel rushed. • Keep a medication diary between doctor visits. A medication diary can be a helpful
asset for any senior who is concerned about overlooking a detail regarding their prescriptions and any side effects that appear while taking them. Use the diary to document any adverse reactions; suspicions about a given medication, including any thoughts about interactions with other medicines; questions about dosage; and additional thoughts or questions about your prescriptions. Take the diary with you to each appointment, perusing it before every visit to remind yourself of any issues you think merit discussion with your doctor. • Take a spouse or family member along with you. Having someone there with you to act on your
behalf or to help bridge any communication barriers can be a helpful step. Many adults experience hearing loss as they age, and a family member can ensure a doctor’s responses are heard loud and clear. This can be particularly important in relation to discussions regarding medication, as one unheard or misunderstood statement could jeopardize a patient’s overall health. It’s not always easy to discuss medication with a physician, particularly for seniors taking multiple prescriptions at once. But various strategies can simplify such discussions and ensure seniors’ voices and medication-related concerns are heard and communicated clearly.
allegany county Community Source
August 14, 2026
7
home improvement
Signs suggesting doors and windows need air sealing When pondering projects around a house, it’s easy to overlook small tasks and direct your focus toward more significant undertakings. Small projects might not generate the reactions that larger projects do, but even the simplest tasks can go a long way toward making a home more comfortable. Sealing leaks around windows and doors is unlikely to make any
homeowner’s list of dream projects. However, as the moderate temperatures of fall give way to harsh winter weather, homeowners who seal leaks around their doors and windows may be surprised by how effective this simple project can be at reducing energy costs and making a home more comfortable. In fact, the U.S. Department of Energy notes
that sealing inefficient windows and doors can reduce annual utility bills by 7 to 15 percent. That’s a potentially significant cost savings, particularly in an era marked by rising utility costs. Before homeowners seal their windows and doors, they can first look for signs that these areas are allowing outdoor air in. The United States Environmental Protection
Agency notes there are some obvious signs that a home has leaks around the windows and doors. Those signs include: • Drafts: If you place your hand around closed windows or doors but can still feel drafts, then there are leaks that will need to be sealed. • Gaps: Gaps around windows and doors that are letting outdoor air in typically are noticeable to the naked eye. You might see light coming in through small cracks on a sunny day. These gaps may only be in one or two places, but that’s enough to adversely affect energy bills. • Unwelcome guests: Pests or insects may be another indicator that there are gaps around windows or doors. If you consistently see insects near continued on PAGE 8
ARE YOU PAYING OVER $1.999 A GALLON TO HEAT YOUR HOUSE WITH PROPANE? CALL TPS TODAY (TOLL FREE) 1-(877)-893-4328 EXT. 2080 *TPS Guarantees to Always Provide the Lowest Price in Your Area
FIRST FILL $1.999
TPS = TRUE PRICE SAVINGS • Refer a Friend Credit • Lowest Price Guarantee • Free Tank Installation • Auto Delivery Available
• Flexible Payment Options • HEAP accounts welcome • Residential, Commercial, Agricultural • No Additional Fees
8
August 14, 2026
allegany county Community Source
home improvement a particular entryway or window, or signs of pests near doorways, that’s likely because there’s a gap or hole in these areas that’s enabling them
to access the interior of your home. • Odors: It’s not only your sense of vision that might detect leaks, but also your sense of smell. If you
notice exterior odors inside your home even though doors and windows are closed, then leaks around these areas may be the culprit. • Peeling paint or wallpaper: Peeling paint or wallpaper is another potential indicator of a leak around a door or
window. This can occur when water is entering the home through the leak. Over time, wet paint or wallpaper dries and can begin to peel. This is a potentially significant issue because it can lead to mold infestation and even structural damage to a home.
The EPA characterizes sealing behind windows and doors as a moderate to difficult project. If leaks are detected, homeowners can benefit from hiring a professional to do the job quickly and correctly. Leaks around win-
dows and doors can prove costly if they’re not addressed promptly. As winter approaches, investigating for leaks and addressing any that are found can save money and ensure a home stays comfortable when the temperatures drop.
Call Corey at
(585) 808-5577 or contact our Facebook for a FREE quote.
JW TRUSS
Allegany County IDs more direct contacts with measles case BELMONT — The Allegany County Department of Health reported Aug. 6 that a county resident with a confirmed case of measles is “recovering well,” but health officials added that two individuals exposed to the first case were presumed to be positive for measles. The department said, through contact tracing, public health staff identified 45 direct contacts and provided them with guidance and monitoring instructions. Among these contacts, two individuals exposed during the infectious period are
now presumed positive. This status indicates they have developed symptoms consistent with measles, though laboratory testing was not performed. ACDOH said it is “collaborating closely with healthcare facilities and community partners to monitor these individuals and contain further spread.” The department
said risk to the general public remains low, particularly for individuals who are fully vaccinated against measles or were born prior to 1957 (and are presumed to have natural immunity).
tion records: Ensure you and your family are up to date on the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine. Two doses are 97% effective at preventing measles.
Key symptoms to watch for:
Guidance for residents:
• Call ahead before seeking care: If you develop symptoms consistent with measles, stay home and call your healthcare provider, urgent care or emergency room before arriving. Pre-notifying the facility allows medical staff to implement isolation precautions to protect other patients and staff.
• Check immuniza-
ACDOH reoported
• High fever, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes. • A red, blotchy rash that typically starts on the face and spreads downward three to five days after initial symptoms begin.
Aug. 1 it was investigating the confirmed case of measles in an unvaccinated resident who recently traveled to Ohio. The resident began showing symptoms on July 31 and was isolating at home until no longer contagious. To protect the resident’s privacy, additional details were not be released, the county DOH stated. The number of measles cases at the end of July in the United States had already surpassed the 2,289 reported for all of 2025, according to statistics compiled by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention. Both figures represent the highest annual number of cases in the nation since 1991. Measles cases have been reported in New York state, Pennsylvania and Ohio as well as several other states. The U.S. was declared measles-free in 2000 but appears likely to lose its measles elimination status later this year, when officials with the Pan American Health Organization review transmission data. For additional information on measles, visit the ACDOH website at alleganyco.gov or contact the department at (585) 268-9250.