Cattaraugus County Source 01-29-2026

Veterinarians and rescue organizations repeatedly stress the significance of having pets spayed or neutered. This process, which is a relatively minor procedure with an excellent recovery rate, renders the animals sterile so that they cannot reproduce. Many animal shelters will not even allow people to adopt pets before the dogs and cats have undergone the spay or neuter surgery. Prospective pet owners may wonder

just why spaying and neutering is so important. Here are a few reasons.

· Increased longevity: A study that focused on Banfield Pet Hospitals‘ database of 2.2 million dogs and 460,000 cats found that, compared to animals which were not neutered or spayed, neutered male dogs lived 18 percent longer and spayed female dogs lived 23 percent longer, while spayed female cats in the study lived 39 percent longer and neutered male

cats lived 62 percent longer.

· Curbs unwanted behaviors: Unaltered dogs and cats may roam to find mates, meow or bark, mark territory, and engage in other unwanted behaviors.

· Prevents litters: Undesired litters of puppies or kittens leads to overpopulation that can result in these animals being placed in shelters or humanely euthanized.

· May prevent cancers: Spaying or neutering can

reduce the risk for certain cancers in animals, such as reproductive system cancer or pyometra. Undergoing the spaying and neutering process increases the liklihood that pets can live longer lives, and also helps reduce medical treatment costs. There are several reasons to neuter and spay pets. Furthermore, it may be possible to find a low- or no-cost spay and neuter clinic to handle the procedure.

1. A defined scope of

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in detail. This portion should include the materials being used, what the homeowner has requested, special details, and who will take care of each facet of the job. For example, if the homeowner will be providing the materials, it should be noted here.

2. Procedure for changes: To be comprehensive, renovation contracts should note the process that will be followed for any alterations or additions to the project.

3. Floor plans: In some instances, the contract will include floor plans, architectural drawings and other details.

4. Indemnity clause: The contract should include a clause that indemnifies the property owner against legal liability should any damages or injuries take place on the property.

5. Work schedule: The contract also should include a work schedule that identifies the requested start time

and estimated end time for the project. Parties should understand that inclement weather or other delays could affect the schedule.

6. Cost: The contract should reference the agreed upon bid price, highlighting the agreements for procedures if additional materials are needed or if the job runs long

7. Warranty: If a warranty is being offered, the details should be included in the contract. Homeowners should

Tesla bringing ‘Still Keepin’ It Real’ Tour to casino event center Jan. 31

See Page 5

MacQueen retires after nearly 50 years in public service

BY DEB EVERTS

EAST OTTO — Local law enforcement officer

Mary MacQueen retired from the Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office on Dec. 31, marking the end of her 23-year career as deputy.

As MacQueen hung up her badge and holster, she said the decision was probably the hardest thing of her life.

“I retired from public service after 48 years of having a job with my name on my shirt,” she said. “I loved every minute of it, and yes, I cried.”

MacQueen, who will turn 69 years old in February, said it was time to move on to other things and focus more on her dogs.

Founder of Kinzua Search Dogs, MacQueen was involved in volunteer search and rescue as a K-9 handler in New York state from 1995 to 2005. During that time, she was called in to assist the sheriff’s office on a search with her cadaver dog, Willow, which was very successful in finding evidence of human remains. She said Willow was the mother of her locally famous Golden retriever, Robin, who was skilled in narcotics detection and was awarded the 2009 AKC Law Enforcement Dog of the Year.

Impressed by the skills of MacQueen and Willow, then-Captain Robert Buchardt asked her if she’d ever thought of getting into law enforcement because they were looking for another K-9 person.

“So, I quit my job at Mercy Flight and started with the sheriff’s office that August,” she said.

MacQueen’s retirement culminates a long career, but she’s very modest about all she has accomplished in nearly five decades.

HER PUBLIC SERVICE did not start and end with the sheriff’s office, where she worked in the K-9 unit since 2003. Long before MacQueen became a deputy, she was serving not only county residents,

but also people in the Salamanca community and communities across the country.

MacQueen began serving the public in 1977 as an EMT/ paramedic with the Seneca Nation Volunteer Fire Department and continued her service through 2007. During those 30 years, she served in the U.S. Army as a medic from 1979 to 1983, and returned to volunteering for the fire department after her discharge.

“During my time at the Seneca Nation Fire Department, I was on the ambulance crew, captain and treasurer for most of the years. Before I went into the Army, the Seneca Nation adopted me into the Hawk Clan, giving me the Seneca name that translates to ‘Bright Star,’” she said. “My volunteer work with them inspired me to go into the Army and become a medic — because I loved it so much.”

MacQueen went on to work for 20 years as a paid EMT/paramedic with ALSTAR and Starflight ambulance services in

Jamestown (1992 to 1997) and Mercy Flight, based in Buffalo (1998-2003), as well as the Salamanca and Bradford, Pa., fly cars.

From 2007 to 2010, MacQueen was a K-9 officer with the City of Salamanca Police Department and was awarded Police Officer of the Year in 2008.

A 30-year member of the National Ski Patrol, she has received a number of awards, including Local Patroller of the Year in 2005, 2006, 2014 and 2015; National Outstanding Nordic Patroller, 2018; Meritorious Service Award, 2024; and Distinguished Service Award, 2025.

In April 2017, MacQueen was accepted into the Nordic Master program, becoming one of 11 Nordic Masters in the country and one of only two women in the nation who had earned the certification. On her Nordic Master journey, she battled the elements on Mount Washington, enduring extreme weather conditions with temperatures dipping to a brutal minus 83 degrees

Fahrenheit with the wind chill and incredible wind speeds up to 115 mph. She liked the Mountain Travel and Rescue and Nordic aspects so much that she cofounded the first Nordic Patrol in Western New York at Allegany State Park (ASP) in December 2002, with Butch MacQueen. As director, she was chosen as the National Outstanding Nordic Patroller for 2018. Under her leadership, the ski patrol has won the National Ski Patrol’s Outstanding Nordic Patrol of the Year award twice.

A licensed New York State Guide for hiking, camping and outdoor skills, MacQueen is also certified by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation as a wilderness searcher and crew boss.

DURING HER MANY years serving the public, MacQueen has touched many lives and has also saved a few that she modestly takes credit for and says it was part of the job.

MacQueen has received a number of awards recognizing her for outstanding service. While serving in the U.S. Army, she received an Army Commendation Medal for lifesaving in 1980. She was recognized for her bravery and dedication again in 1991, when she was awarded Cattaraugus County Fireman of the Year for lifesaving. Other awards include the Indian Health Service National EMT of the Year in 1991 and the Southwestern Fireman Association EMT of the Year in 1992.

“I have saved lives, but it’s kind of like search and rescue. You don’t talk about how many people you’ve looked for or how many you’ve been successful finding,” she said. “When I was in the Army, I received a commendation medal for saving the life of a person in a car accident. The award from the fire service came when I was working at the Seneca Nation and saved a kid from drowning in the Allegany River. That’s two specific events, but along the way, who knows how

many I saved, or didn’t.” Since 2000, MacQueen has served the public as a volunteer therapy and crisis response dog handler and continues her work with the HOPE Animal-Assisted Crisis Response (AACR) organization. She said that it is her big thing right now, and it will take up a lot of her time.

OF ALL THE different volunteer organizations MacQueen has worked with, she said crisis response work has given her the most satisfaction, especially HOPE AACR, which is so rewarding.

As part of an HOPE AACR team, MacQueen and her dog, Paxil, were deployed to Lewiston, Maine, shortly after the mass shooting in October 2023. Along with two other members of the team and their canines, they provided crisis support and comfort for children and staff at several schools in the area.

In January 2025, MacQueen and three other HOPE teams were called to the Los Angeles area with their canines to comfort victims of the wildfires.

Looking back on her paid positions, MacQueen said her K-9 work with the sheriff’s office and the Salamanca police department has definitely been the most rewarding.

“The bottom line is any day I can spend with my dog, whether it be work or play, is the best day ever,” she said.

A lot of “best days ever” are ahead as MacQueen continues to breed and raise her amazing Golden retrievers at her kennel, Nitro Goldens. She trains dogs of any breed in every discipline, from service work and police K-9 to search and rescue.

MacQueen continues to reside in East Otto and, now that she’s retired, she has more time for her favorite activities. People may see her out in the backwoods 4-wheeling in her Jeep.

State aids local projects to improve water quality

BY BOB CLARK

ALBANY — Local projects to improve water quality in streams received a major boost from the state. The state Department of Environmental Conservation announced that the Cattaraugus County Soil and Water Conservation District received $1.22 million for three projects. The awards were among 29 across the DEC’s Region 9, which included more than $37 million in funding. The programs include

the Water Quality Improvement Project, Non-Agricultural Nonpoint Source Planning and Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System Mapping Grants, and Resilient Watersheds Grants. Funding comes from multiple grant programs administered by DEC and the state Environmental Facilities Corporation, as well as and investments from the Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act, Environmental Protection Fund, and other sources. The Cattaraugus

County projects include:

• $805,600 through WQIP for a culvert replacement project in the Town of Hinsdale. The project will eliminate a barrier to aquatic organism passage, connecting approximately one mile of trout habitat.

• $240,000 through WQIP for a salt storage facility construction project in the Town of Humphrey to protect the water quality of Wrights Creek and groundwater.

• $171,768 through WQIP to purchase live-edge plow blades for plow trucks for the Cattaraugus County

Department of Public Works and the Town of Carrollton Highway Department. The new equipment will reduce road salt application, protecting groundwater and drinking water supplies.

“Since taking office, and most recently in the 2026 State of the State, Governor Hochul continues to provide unprecedented resources to invest in climate resiliency and water infrastructure to support communities across the state,” said DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton. “With more than $265

million from multiple programs, including $185 million supporting improvements in environmental justice communities, the awarded projects will help our municipal partners achieve meaningful reductions in flood risk, protect drinking water, improve aquatic habitat, and safeguard residents from increasingly severe weather events.”

“Governor Hochul is investing billions in water infrastructure every year to help local governments affordably advance crucial water quality and resiliency projects,” said EFC President and CEO Maureen Coleman. “By pairing Environmental Bond Act funding with other State program funding to support new and signature programs, every dollar goes further and brings New York closer to a safer, more sustainable future. The new Resilient Watersheds Grant program will jumpstart floodmitigation projects in some of the most at-risk communities while creating good-paying jobs that drive local economies.”

Randolph gets $1M for sewer system upgrades

RANDOLPH — The town of Randolph will receive $1 million in funding for ongoing sanitary sewer system improvements to modernize the town’s wastewater treatment facility and ensure compliance with state Department of Environmental Conservation permit standards.

The funding, announced Jan. 15 by Rep. Nick Langworthy, R-23rd District, supports upgrades to the wastewater treatment system, including the addition of required effluent disinfection, helping protect water quality in Little Conewango Creek.

The town council approved contracts for the nearly $2.25

million project early in 2024. “This is a smart, necessary investment in essential infrastructure that the residents of Randolph rely on every day,” Langworthy stated in a press release.

“By modernizing this facility, we are protecting local waterways, ensuring regulatory compliance and reducing the financial burden on local taxpayers who would otherwise be forced to shoulder these costs on their own.”

The town of Randolph is also preparing to embark on water system upgrades totaling more than $7 million.

Sweet cookies for your sweetheart

Valentine’s Day presents an opportunity to shower loved ones with special gifts, including treats. Dessert is a significant component of Valentine’s Day, as chocolates and cakes are given and consumed in abundance.

French macarons are a great sweet for amateur bakers to add to their Valentine’s Day repertoire. Making macarons often is a labor of love, so offering a sweetheart a plate of these chewy, meringue-based cookies really shows you care. Vary the filling of choice depending on your beloved’s favorite flavors.

Enjoy this recipe for “French Macarons,” which utilizes the Swiss meringue method, courtesy of Karli Bitner and her “Cooking with Karli” blog. Weighing the ingredients produces more reliable results.

French Macarons

Make 20 macarons

100 grams powdered sugar

100 grams superfine almond flour

100 grams egg whites

100 grams granulated sugar Food coloring, if desired

Vanilla buttercream filling

4 tablespoons butter, at room temperature 1 1⁄2 cups powdered sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Food coloring, if desired

1. Measure out all ingredients.

2. Sift together the powdered sugar and almond flour. Set aside.

3. Add 1 cup of water to your sauce pan or to the liner of your Instant Pot.

4. Heat the water over medium heat until steaming.

5. While the water is heating, add the egg and 3 tablespoons of the measured out sugar to the bowl you’ll be using for the double boiler.

6. Once the water is

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and whisk until the egg whites are foamy and white. When they are foamy and white, remove the bowl from the pan or Instant Pot and set on a hot pad on the counter. Turn off the burner or Instant Pot.

7. Add the remaining sugar to the egg whites and mix using an electric hand mixture until the egg whites are white, glossy and can form stiff peaks.

8. Add the food coloring now if you’d like to color your macarons. Mix until combined.

9. Add the powdered sugar and almond flour to the bowl and mix with your mixer for 8 seconds. After the 8 seconds is up, use a silicone spatula to stir and smear the batter from the outside of the bowl towards the center. Turn the bowl as you do this to make sure all of the batter gets stirred equally.

10. Do this until your

batter thins and is able to drizzle a ribbon of batter for a few seconds without it breaking.

11. Transfer the batter to a piping bag equipped with a round piping tip.

12. Pipe equal circles onto a silicone or parchment-lined cookie sheet. Make sure that your piping bag is straight up and down. Apply equal pressure and release pulling straight back up. Repeat with the remaining batter.

13. Bang the pan gently but firmly onto the counter a few times to remove any air bubbles.

14. Preheat oven to 300 F.

15. Allow the macarons to dry out as the oven preheats, for about 20 to 30 minutes. Your macarons should be dry to the touch before going into the oven.

16. Bake for 11 to 13 minutes at 300 F. The macarons should not turn brown.

17. Allow the macarons to cool completely on the pan.

18. When the macarons are completely cool, make your filling.

19. Make your filling by combining all ingredients using either a stand mixer or your electric hand mixer. Slowly add in the heavy cream (you can substitute milk if you’d like) because you want a thick buttercream so it doesn’t squirt out while eating the macaron.

20. Once the buttercream is mixed together and your desired consistency, gently pipe some frosting onto the bottom side of one cookie and then sandwich the frosting with the bottom side of a second cookie to create your macaron.

21. Repeat with remaining cookies.

BY DEB EVERTS

SALAMANCA —

Tesla bringing ‘Still Keepin’ It Real’ Tour to casino event center Jan. 31

Fans will have a rockin’ good time at the Seneca Allegany Event Center when Tesla performs hits from their “Still Keepin’ It Real” Tour 2026 at an 8 p.m. concert on Jan. 31. The multi-platinum rock band finished up their “Keepin’ It Real” Tour 2025 in November and kicked off a second round with their “Keepin’ It Real” 2026 Tour on Jan. 15. Although TESLA was born in the mid1980s, their bluesy, soulful sound is strongly embedded in the roots of organic, authentic ’70s rock and roll. Their sound comes from the same roots that produced bands like The Allman Brothers, Grand Funk Railroad, AC/DC, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Aerosmith. Four decades later, they’re still having fun and connecting with fans.

Tesla originated in Sacramento, Calif., and has been rockin’ for over 40 years. The five-member band includes three original members who have been together since 1983 — Frank Hannon, guitar, keyboards, piano, backing vocals; lead singer Jeff Keith; manager Brian Wheat, bass guitar; and newer members guitarist Dave Rude in 2006; and drummer Steve Brown who joined the band in 2024.

Keith has been with the band since 1983, when he joined Hannon and Wheat in their cover band, “City Kidd.” He said they knew their band name wouldn’t work for success, so they tried to come up with a new name in 1986 while halfway through recording their debut studio album. They weren’t coming up with any good names, so management suggested the name Tesla, honoring

inventor Nikola Tesla, who pioneered all things electrical.

“At first, the name sounded a little quirky, but now it seems so natural. It’s worked out well,” he told the Press in a recent interview. “We used some theories of (Tesla) for names of our first and second records, ‘Mechanical Resonance’ (1986) and ‘The Great Radio Controversy’ (1989). It was a great choice because, rather than just a cool name, it has a whole lot behind it.” Tesla, who had been touring with bands including Def Leppard and David Lee

Did You Know?

Getting out and about is a vital component of many seniors‘ daily lives, but it‘s important that aging men and women recognize how much exercise is healthy for them. The Department of Health & Human Services notes that adults need a mix of physical activity to stay healthy. That mix should be a combination of moderate-intensity aerobic activities, which can include golfing, swimming and even gardening, and muscle strengthening activities like weightlifting that make the muscles work harder than usual. The DHHS recommends adults combine 150 minutes of moderateintensity aerobic activity per week with at least two days of muscle-strengthening activities. The Centers for Disease Control

and Prevention notes that these guidelines are safe for individuals who are 65 and older, generally fit and have no limiting health conditions. Individuals who do not fit that criteria should consult with their physicians before beginning a new exercise regimen, as it‘s possible that they could be putting their health at considerable risk if they attempt to follow guidelines designed for people who are generally fit. It‘s also important that healthy seniors avoid overdoing it in regard to exercise. Though the DHHS suggestions are the minimum recommendations, going too far beyond those guidelines without first consulting a physician could increase seniors‘ risk for injury, illness or even death.

Roth, suddenly earned headlining status and is still going strong. The band’s platinum debut album, “Mechanical Resonance,” included Top 40 hits “Modern Day Cowboy” and “Little Suzi.” 1989’s double-platinum “The Great Radio Controversy” included hits, “Heaven’s Trail (No Way Out)” and “Love Song.” While on tour with Mötley Crüe in 1990, Tesla helped reshape the face of modern rock music with their “Five Man Acoustical Jam,” an informal collection of their biggest hits included rock and roll

classics by the Beatles, Stones and others. The album produced their biggest hit single to date, “Signs.” Other albums from Tesla in the ’90s include platinum-selling “Psychotic Supper and Bust a Nut.” The band continues to record and release material, including nine new albums since 2000, and recently debuted their new single, “Time To Rock!”

Born in Texarkana, Ark., Keith grew up in Northern California and Oklahoma. He comes from a musical family, with his father playing guitar in a band in

Georgetown, California, his hometown. His music career was launched when he started singing at 24 while driving a semi-truck near his home in California. He won a singing contest and was introduced to the band members of City Kidd (that would become Tesla) through some friends who knew the band. Despite his lack of experience at the time, his unique, raspy voice caught the band’s attention.

“I never had dreams of being in a band when I

was younger. I just came out of the blue,” he said. “It’s not the usual way of getting into the rock scene, but it’s worked and it’s still working.”

Some describe Tesla as a heavy metal band, but Keith said he’d call Tesla more of a blue-collar rock band. He said people classify things differently and that’s fine.

“Let them call us heavy metal, but I’d say we are more of a blend of heavy metal with hard rock and blues,” he said. “They can call us what they want as long as we are writing songs from the heart.”

Keith said what makes Tesla unique and sets them apart from other bands in their genre is that they’ve always stuck to their roots, even through the grunge era. They have sung their songs through the heart and that’s what they still do to this day.

“When you see Tesla live, we like to have fun onstage. We feed off each other, and we feed off the audience. It’s pure live and everybody is having fun,” he said.

“We’re just a blue-collar, hardworking rock band that loves to make music and loves to go out and play it live.”

Keith said they have stuck together through the years because they are like brothers. They love each other and they’re keeping it real. He said they’re having a great time writing, singing and playing songs from the heart and people love that.

“We’re starting off the new year with a bang,” he said. “We’re going to have a good time; it’s going to be fun for everybody who comes. It’ll be a great show.”

For more details about Tesla, visit online at teslatheband.com or senecaalleganycasino. com.