Cattaraugus County Source 03-05-2026

Did You Know?

Soyfoods

protein

animal-based products.

For those looking for healthier alternatives to meat or dairy, soy can be a good thing. However, soy has been studied in the past in relation to cancer

Kitchen renovations continue to top the list of improvements that offer a high rate of return on investment. Buyers pay attention to kitchens, which undoubtedly affects the ROI of kitchen renovations. According to the Journal of Light Construction’s “Cost vs. Value Report 2025,” a minor kitchen remodel offers an ROI of 113 percent, while a midrange remodel offers an ROI of 51 percent. Replacing a kitchen countertop can help homeowners see improvements to the functionality of their spaces and improve the value of their homes.

According to data from Grand View Research, the U.S. countertops market is projected to reach $35.57 billion in 2026, driven by homeowners who desire high-value renovations over relocating. Those thinking about overhauling their spaces with new countertops can consider the leading materials and how they rank in cost, maintenance and durability.

Engineered quartz

The National Kitchen & Bath Association reports that 78 percent of design professionals expect quartz to be the preferred countertop material over the next several years.

Quartz is non-porous, so it will resist stains, scratches and bacteria infiltration without having to be sealed. Unlike natural stone, quartz offers pattern uniformity, which makes it easier to map out seamless transitions. Quartz costs between $50 and $150 per square foot installed.

Granite Granite still holds a

considerable chunk of the countertops market and remains a solid standard for those who value a one-of-akind look of natural stone. Granite has exceptional heat resistance and adds significant resale value. However, it requires periodic sealing to maintain its good looks. Costs range from $40 to $190 per square foot.

A rundown on countertops

printing technology enables porcelain to mimic rare marble and other stone with superior accuracy.

Porcelain Porcelain tiles and slabs are projected to become the fastest-growing segment in the ceramic tiles market, according to reports from Yahoo Finance. High-precision

Porcelain is even harder than granite and effectively impervious to UV rays. This makes the material a solid choice for outdoor kitchens. Plus, at a cost of $60 to $120 per square foot, it is competitive with other similar materials.

Butcher block

Those who appreciate a soft, organic texture and “warmth” in their spaces can look to butcher block. Wood is making a comeback, as many homeowners are moving away from stark, white

designs. Butcher block is self-healing, meaning scratches can be sanded out. Butcher block costs between $50 and $150 per square foot.

Laminate

Laminate is a budgetfriendly option for homeowners at $20 to $80 per square foot, but is not as durable as other materials. Some laminates mimic the look of high-end materials, and they don’t require much maintenance.

Countertops affect the look and feel of kitchens and other interior and exterior spaces. Choosing materials comes down to cost, durability and maintenance.

causation, notably breast cancer due to soy isoflavones that can act as estrogen in the body. Increased estrogen has been linked to certain types of breast cancer. But the American Cancer Society says a large body of evidence supports the safety of soy as part of a healthy diet. In fact, studies have found consuming soyfoods is associated with a decreased risk or no change in risk for cancer. Past studies featured mice and rats, which break down isoflavones differently than humans. Also, the doses that elevated breast cancer risk in the rodents were much higher than in studies conducted in people. Human studies have found the estrogen effects of soy seem to have no effect at all and may even reduce breast cancer risk.

Sempolinski talks local, statewide concerns at Salamanca town hall meeting

See page 6

‘March

BY DEB EVERTS

RANDOLPH

Chase

—

the winter blues away at the “March Into Randolph” craft and vendor fair Saturday, March 7, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Randolph Fire Hall and the Community Room at the municipal building, located at 72 Main St.

Hosted by the Randolph Area Community Development Corporation (RACDC), the free, public event will bring together a vibrant mix of talented local artisans, small businesses and craft enthusiasts. RACDC

Director Deb Miller said residents and visitors alike are encouraged to come out to the event to shop local, discover new favorites and enjoy a festive start to the spring season.

Attendees will enjoy browsing booths showcasing a wide variety of items brought to the show by both new and returning artisans, including handmade goods, unique gifts, seasonal décor and specialty items that are perfect for shoppers who are looking to support local vendors and find one-of-a-kind treasures.

Miller said there will be quite a few new artisans and vendors offering more items such as puzzles, glass art, suncatchers, jewelry and more. Although a list of participating businesses and organizations was not available by press time, Miller said she expects around 40 vendors, like last year, that will be set up at both the fire hall and the municipal building next door.

At 10 a.m., the Randolph Library will host the first of its Bicentennial Speaker Series when Town Historian and Genealogist Nancy Olejniczak will present “Discover Your Roots: Genealogy 101.” This workshop will

Into Randolph’ and town bicentennial kick off March 7

explore the basics of genealogy research with an emphasis on the local area and free resources. Participants will learn how to trace the roots and branches of their family trees, discovering more than just names and dates to understand where their ancestors came from and when they arrived in New York, Cattaraugus County or Randolph. In tandem with the March Into Randolph event, Miller said many downtown businesses will be offering specials and discounts throughout the day, including wine tasting all day at

Countryside Wine & Spirits on Main Street. After shopping, they might grab a bite to eat at one of Randolph’s eateries.

“March Into Randolph is the first sponsored event of 2026 for RACDC and one of the first craft and vendor shows in the area,” she said. March 7, 2026, marks the 200th anniversary of the organization of the town of Randolph by a group of pioneers who moved into a largely undeveloped section of New York state.

At 1 p.m., residents, town, county and state officials will gather at the town courtroom in the municipal building

for the Bicentennial Kickoff Proclamation and Celebration, recognizing the 200th anniversary of the first town meeting held March 7, 1826.

The first town meeting was the result of an Act of the New York State Legislature one month earlier, Feb. 1, 1826. The act divided the town of Conewango, creating the town of Randolph, which also included the current town of South Valley at that time.

Some of the founding fathers who are credited with establishing the town of Randolph at the first meeting include Benjamin Clark, Thomas Harvey, Jeremiah

York and Andrew D. Smith.

On Oct. 30, 1821, prior to the creation of the town, Edmund Fuller and four other men completed the first land purchases in the future town of Randolph with the Holland Land Company. “The History of Cattaraugus County, New York,” published in 1879, states that Fuller “made the first settlement in 1820 on lot 31, building a log house which stood near where the cemetery now is.”

Otis Hitchcock and Solomon Nichols arrived about 1823, with David Salisbury and Clement Russell arriving soon after, about 1824. Other early

settlers that made Randolph their home included Joel Scudder, Timothy Torrence, Benson Archer, Benjamin Chamberlain, Addison Crowley, Chauncey Helms, Joseph Weeden, Fred Larkin and Albert Dow.

These pioneers and many others are still in evidence in Randolph today, with current roads and streets bearing their names, including Archer, Bowen, Bush, Caswell, Crowley, Sample and Torrance. These and other families cleared land for their homes and farms and established the first businesses, including sawmills and public houses or taverns. The early sawmills developed into a thriving timber and lumber industry. By 1826, about 30 to 40 families had purchased land and settled within the boundaries of the future town of Randolph. Many of these early settlers who developed homesteads were present at the first town meeting and have descendants living in the area today. Others stayed briefly and moved on to new opportunities in the west.

When the first census of the Town of Randolph was taken in 1830, the town had grown to about 135 households with a total population of 776 people. Children were educated at district schools, and more development quickly followed. The 1840 census shows that the population had grown to 1,282. In 1847, the town of Randolph was divided, with the southern half becoming the town of South Valley.

Many of RACDC’s events this year will include special activities in observance of the town’s 200th anniversary. For updated information, visit Enjoy Randolph’s Facebook page.

Steady snow, frigid temps boost local business from snowmobilers

BY DEB EVERTS

Snow — love it or hate it — has a big impact on the economy everywhere it falls, including Cattaraugus County.

Adequate snow on the ground for snowmobiling means a boost in business for local restaurants, bars and gas stations along area trails, but it’s all at the mercy of Old Man Winter.

This year’s season officially opened Jan. 2 and, with very few breaks, area snowmobilers were able to enjoy about six solid weeks of sledding. Lake effect snowstorms and a steady deep freeze kept the trails open for the best riding in several years. Then, due to warmer temperatures and rain, clubs were forced to close down their deteriorating trails Feb. 15, bringing the sledding to a screeching halt.

Crystal Abers, director of Economic Development, Planning & Tourism, said it’s been a great snowmobile season for riders and it’s been great for area businesses.

“We got a lot of snow that stayed. It’s been good and cold, so it’s been perfect for snowmobiling,” she said. “Thanks to the many people who participated in snowmobiling, tourism was boosted this year.”

The Elibomwons Snowmobile Club in Randolph had about six solid weeks of supreme riding. Club President Dustin Hale said the riding was pretty good last year and the year

approximately 80 groomed trails. Bedell said the Snow Bounders had especially nice trails this year and they got big compliments on how nice the riding was in their area.

“We kept our trails as flat as the main highway, most all winter. We didn’t get a ton of snow, but it was adequate,” he said. “It was just cold enough to maintain the snow we did get.”

Randolph Brewing Company in East Randolph is a “hot spot” for snowmobile traffic because it’s located close to the main trail. Owner Ken Hettenbaugh said this was a really good season, and it was not unusual to see over 100 sledders come and go in his parking lot in one day.

Hettenbaugh, who is a snowmobiler himself, said snowmobiling is amazing when the ground is frozen like it was the past weeks. He said it’s a great pastime but the season is never long enough.

said about 60 riders stopped in while on the club’s Dice Run.

before, but it’s been a long time since they’ve had a season as good as this.

“Having the low temperatures really helps us freeze-in a base with no water,” he said. “Everything was frozen solid, so we didn’t have to worry about anything. It was easy to smooth the trails out.”

According to Hale, the Elibomwons maintain nearly 100 miles of trails. He said their trail system touches about 400 different property parcels and over 300 different landowners located along their trails.

“We owe a lot of these opportunities to our hardworking volunteers and our awesome land owners,” he said.

The Elibomwons hosted their “Ride Your Snowmobile to School Day” Feb. 6, with assistance from the Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Department. The ideal condition of the trails also made it possible for the club members to do some fundraising with a Dice Run on Feb. 7. Hale said some 50plus participants patronized about 10 different places along their trail system.

Craig Bedell, president of the Snow Bounders Snowmobile Club in Little Valley, said he thinks his club lost only nine days of riding for the season, so far.

“This is the first good year of sledding in the past few years. It was pretty nice to be able to ride anywhere in our area, including any local business that’s along the trail,” he said. “You could also go into Pennsylvania and anywhere in New York state that you wanted to go.”

According to the club’s website, snowbounders. com, the club maintains

“The mid-90s were some of the best years I can remember for snowmobiling,” he said.

“Winters were different. We had three months of sledding then. I remember putting 6,000 miles on a sled in one winter — right here in New York.”

One new Elibomwons’ trail goes right through the backyard of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6533 in East Randolph. Commander Nathan Milford said the snowmobile club just created the trail last summer, which has increased business. He

“We’re definitely pleased to be involved in the Dice Run and throughout the winter season. I don’t know any exact numbers of the riders passing through, but we’ve had a pretty good handful,” he said. “It’s always a pleasure to have people coming in, getting warmed up, and we appreciate it.” According to the county’s tourism website, enchantedmountains. com, there are over 450 miles of snowmobile trails in Cattaraugus County, including 74 miles of trails designated for snowmobiling in Allegany State Park. In addition to snowmobiling, Allegany State Park is home to the Art Roscoe Trail System, considered some of the best cross-country ski trails in Western New York and Northeastern Pennsylvania. There are approximately 24 miles of trails that are groomed on an as-needed basis, all of which begin at the Summit Warming Hut on ASP Route 1. To find out where the snowmobile trails run throughout Cattaraugus County, a trail map may be downloaded from enchantedmountains.com. For a list of clubs registered in Cattaraugus County, visit the New York State Snowmobile Association online at nysnowmobiler. com. More details about each club can be found on their Facebook page.

Ellicottville resident shares winter encounter with barred owl

— Bailey Schroeder of Ellicottville shared a photo and a story from a recent winter evening that, in her words, “was emblematic of winter life in our region — quiet, wild, and unexpectedly intimate.”

Just before 7 p.m. Jan. 31, after putting her son to bed, she glanced outside and noticed what appeared to be a large, round shape moving slightly in the snow about 15 feet from the house.

Schroeder’s narrative of the encounter continues:

I grabbed my binoculars and realized — almost unbelievably — that it was a barred owl.

I bundled up, set my camera on a tripod, and stepped outside as quietly as possible. It was one of those bitter cold nights — around 3 degrees—and I stayed outside for a couple of hours simply observing. The owl had taken down a large rabbit and was perched directly over it, feathers fluffed, still and patient.

I later learned that this is common barred owl behavior in cold conditions: they’ll mantle, or sit, over their prey to protect it, insulate it from the elements, and guard it from scavengers, often returning over multiple nights to finish

to “cache” prey, meaning they’ll return repeatedly to feed, especially when the prey is large. Given the size of this rabbit, we assumed it could be a multi-day feast. Sure enough, on (that) Sunday evening, she returned and resumed her ritual: sitting over the rabbit for long stretches, eating some, flying off, and returning again. On Monday morning around 6:45 a.m., she was still there, calmly munching, before eventually dragging the rabbit back near the car and flying off — what I’ve come to recognize as her way of signaling that she’ll be back later. On Monday evening, just after 7 p.m., she returned again. I had moved the rabbit slightly farther from the front door and closer to the edge of the snowbank, hoping to give her more cover and space. She settled in and fed for hours. As I’m writing this, it’s 11:30 p.m., and she’s still there.

I’m sharing one of the photos from the weekend in case it’s of interest. It felt like a quiet reminder of how closely we live alongside wildlife here — and how, if we’re lucky and patient, we sometimes get a front-row seat.

100 Years Ago This Month: Historical events from March 1926

The month of March has been home to many historical events over the years. Here’s a look at some that helped to shape the world in March 1926.

• The first volume of the Great Greek Encyclopedia is published on March 1. The encyclopedia would ultimately contain 24 volumes featuring 280,000 articles and 37,000 images, paintings and maps spread out across 23,000 pages.

• After a six-day trial, Anthony Bimba wins an acquittal in a Brockton, Massachusetts, courtroom on March 1. Bimba is the last person in the United States to be charged with the crime of blasphemy.

• Assistant Secretary of War Hanford MacNider formally rejects New York watchmaker Oscar M. Lazarus’s offer to design and install a wristwatch on the Statue of Liberty on March 2.

• Zizi Lambrino files a lawsuit against Prince Carol of Romania on March 4. The lawsuit claims Lambrino, who is seeking 10 million francs, was still legally married to the Prince and entitled to financial support for herself and their son, Carol Lambrino.

• The government of French Prime Minister Aristide Briand falls after failing to pass a financial bill on March 6.

• The first wireless trans-Atlantic telephone call is made from New York to London on March 7, which also marks the fiftieth anniversary of the patenting of the telephone by Alexander Graham Bell.

• Bertha Knight Landes becomes the first woman to be elected as mayor of a major American city on March 9. Landes defeats incumbent Edwin J. Brown to become the mayor of Seattle.

• The first issue of the science fiction magazine Amazing Stories hits newsstands on March 10.

• Éamon de Valera resigns as the leader of Sinn Féin on March 11. De Valera had proposed a motion for the party to have representation in the bicameral parliament of the Irish Free State and the Parliament of Northern Ireland, but

ceded leadership when the measure failed.

• The Savoy Ballroom opens on the famed Lenox Avenue in Harlem on March 12.

• Aviator Alan Cobham completes the first voyage by air from the British colony of South Africa to Great Britain on March 13. Cobham lands at Croydon and is welcomed by King George V.

• The cartoon character “Reddy Kilowatt” is introduced in an advertisement for the Alabama Power Company on March 14.

• British driver Henry Segrave reaches a speed of 152.33 miles per hour in Southport, Lancashire, England on March 16, breaking the record for the fastest speed for an automobile.

• Czechoslovakia Prime Minister Antonín Svehla and his cabinet resign

on March 17. The mass resignations occur after Svehla was unable to get parliamentary approval to raise wages for government employees.

• Chinese government troops shoot and kill 47 unarmed protesters on March 18. The tragedy becomes known as the March 18 Massacre. The protesters were speaking out against unequal treaties with foreign powers.

• On March 18, Second Lieutenant of the U.S. Army John Sewell Thompson becomes the first American military officer executed in peacetime. The 25-year-old Thompson was hanged at Fort McKinley in the Philippines after being convicted of murdering his teenage fiancee.

• The New York Police Department arrests seven members of the Whittemore Gang on

March 19. The arrests mark an end to a string of bank and jewelry robberies committed by the gang.

• Kálmán Tihanyi of Hungary receives a patent for the charge-storage television tube on March 20.

• More than 100 people are killed when the Brazilian passenger ship Paes de Carvalho catches fire and sinks in the Amazon River on March 22.

• A manifesto drawn up by Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria in April 1914 is published on March 28. Franz Ferdinand, who was assassinated in June 1914, had planned to transform the Austro-Hungarian Empire into a nation of self-governing states but was killed before ascending to the throne.

• The U.S. government grants permission to two breweries to make 3.76 percent alcohol “malt tonic” on March 29. The finished product could be sold at drug stories without prescriptions.

• Despite previous assertions that it would close down the colonial prison on Devil’s Island, the French government ships 340 convicts to the island on March 30.

Setting a new standard of excellence at the West Valley Demonstration Project

WEST VALLEY — All hands were on deck recently for a unique site-wide training focused on conduct of operations, which establishes the core standards and operating philosophy that drive excellence across the West Valley Demonstration Project and broader U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Environmental Management (EM) complex.

The message from the training was clear — every employee contributes directly to operational integrity and mission success.

A conduct of operations program consists of formal documentation, practices and actions implementing disciplined and structured operations that support mission success and promote worker, public and environmental protection, according to DOE.

The training for the West Valley team reinforced the critical role conduct of operations plays in ensuring safe, compliant and highquality cleanup work. While often associated with nuclear operations, conduct of operations principles extend across maintenance, engineering, environmental services, quality control, procurement, accounting and all other disciplines at the site.

The training also demonstrates how EM leverages the best of American industry to run the largest environmental cleanup program in the world, safely meeting DOE’s legal cleanup responsibilities to ensure American communities are safe and prosperous.

“When faced with the cleanup work we perform, following our training is key,”

workforce’s understanding and application of conduct of operations. In doing so, we continue our efforts as a learning organization — one that is committed to growing, improving and achieving excellence in safe and compliant operations.”

A key takeaway for Lester was newer employees sharing real-world personal experiences and examples of events where various aspects of conduct of operations failed. That’s when you know they understand how conduct of operations can affect us all, whether at work or at home, he noted.

said Jason Casper, president and program manager for EM cleanup contractor West Valley Cleanup Alliance (WVCA). “This is what directs and guides us to a better outcome without sacrificing safety, compliance or quality. Conduct of operations

training reinforces this concept of leading with safety while sustaining operational excellence.”

Developed in-house, the training draws on decades of site experience, global incidents and benchmarking from other DOE locations.

WVCA Conduct of Operations Program Specialist Barry Lester designed the program to strengthen awareness, improve implementation and deepen employees’ understanding of how their daily actions support the broader mission.

“This class is about creating awareness of how this program applies to each employee and how they can contribute to its success,” Lester explained. “We’ve hired many new employees over the past few years, and it was the right moment to reinforce the

The training incorporates hands-on exercises and group discussions to reinforce key concepts and encourage practical application. A final exam helps measure knowledge retention and identify opportunities for continuous improvement. To maintain a high level of readiness and ensure new employees receive consistent instruction, conduct of operations training will be offered every two months at West Valley. Refresher sessions will also remain available for employees seeking to strengthen their understanding and performance.lagoon protected by a coral reef, Bora Bora is an indulgent place to visit. At the island’s center rises Mount Otemanu, a dormant volcano that adds to the tropical and mysterious atmosphere. No matter where couples go, the key to a memorable anniversary excursion lies in shared experiences. Taking the time to travel together is a unique way for couples to bond and celebrate their relationships.

& Sporting Supplies Get Back to the Hunt

Sempolinski talks local, statewide concerns at Salamanca town hall meeting

BY KELLEN M. QUIGLEY

SALAMANCA — Assemblyman Joe Sempolinski answered questions and addressed the concerns of his constituents Feb. 17 at the Salamanca Municipal Building.

About two dozen Salamanca area residents gathered in the city courtroom to discuss local and statewide issues with the Republican assemblyman, now in his second year representing the 148th Assembly District, which comprises Cattaraugus and Allegany counties and parts of Steuben County.

“It takes about two hours to drive from one end of my district to the other,” Sempolinski told the crowd. “We have very unique issues here. What is an issue or a problem in Salamanca might be an issue or problem in Olean or Wellsville, but maybe not.”

As an assemblyman, Sempolinski said he looks at his duties as two jobs — a lawmaker who works on legislation and budget decisions in Albany, and, what he says is the more important role, being a representative for the people where he lives and helping where he can.

“That is definitely the more satisfying half of the job compared to what banging your head against the wall in Albany is like,” he said.

The first question of the evening asked what the top three things Sempolinski has learned since taking office in January 2025. The assemblyman, using a baseball metaphor, said hitting singles — getting successes and small victories, even if they aren’t home runs; second, that a lot of downstate folks don’t fully understand the rural areas of upstate, and part of his job is to effect legislation that helps his district’s

unique needs; and third, that New York is a big state.

“I have to sometimes remind people of goodwill that not everything is set up as densely populated as New York City,” he said. “I’ve had the opportunity to go not just to Albany, but for either political or governmental reasons, to go all over the state.”

Sempolinski sits on six committees — Education, Higher Education, Environmental Conservation, Labor, Mental Health and Peoples With Disabilities — which he says are a nice mix of areas that impact people across the state and are important to him in the district.

“I’ve had to deal directly with the (DEC) Commissioner herself, whether it’s flooding in Steuben County, the issue of stuff going in the Allegheny River from Olean and flowing this way or the fish kill in Ischua Creek,” he said.

As a father of a daughter with down

syndrome, he said sitting on the Peoples With Disabilities committee was important to him, adding that it’s a nonpartisan topic that the members — Republican or Democrat — get along much better on compared to others that often see more debate.

WITH THE 148th District also including the Seneca Nation’s Allegany Territory, Sempolinski said he has a good relationship with the Seneca Nation, noting the cultural and economic impact it has on this region of the state. He also noted his concern about the lack of progress on a new gaming compact between the Nation and state, even noting as such following Governor Kathy Hochul’s State of the State.

“I tailored it a little bit to my constituency, and I got good feedback from my constituents,” he added.

Another attendee expressed frustration

with rising utility bills in the state, especially recently during the colder months.

Sempolinski said while customers are mad at the bills from the energy companies, it’s the state’s energy policies that are the real problem.

“I certainly hear people’s concerns about making sure the bill is accurate, but in many ways the utility is the middleman, where they are so heavily regulated and have to comply with state law,” he said. “The state law is forcing particular actions, or particular changes to the economy or particular goals that need to be met.”

However, Sempolinski said the reality of the situation will catch up with the state’s energy goals, and some of the policies — such as the overhaul move to renewable energy and requiring electric school buses for all districts — could see more push back and changes.

Concerns with the

state’s bail reform law, implemented in 2020, and the effects it has had on the Salamanca community, particularly with illegal drug activity, were another topic broached by the public. Sempolinski said he would have voted against and would like to see it changed or even repealed and start over again. He said one of the main purposes of government is to keep people safe and hold those who make others unsafe accountable.

“No matter what your economic status, no matter what your racial background, whether you live in a rural or urban area, no matter your political affiliation, you want your family to be safe,” he said. “I’m hoping that eventually there will be enough of a political will to change (bail reform).”

On concerns with drug activity and mental health, Sempolinski said there’s been a bipartisan push to break down the barriers between certain illicit activity,

untreated drug addiction and mental illness to get people who need help the help they need.

“You can’t really treat one without treating the other,” he said. “If somebody has an issue, whether it’s drugs, whether it’s a disability, whether it’s mental health, I want to see that person get help. That’s in the best interest of that person, but it’s also in the best interest of the state of New York.”

Attendees also noted their need for preschool and daycare services for families in the region, noting Hochul’s proposal for universal childcare. Sempolinski said that’s become another area where both sides of the aisle agree there is a problem, but now it’s up to which side’s solution — and how to pay for it — will get implemented.

“I think you’re going to see more childcare bills come to the floor because the current situation is just not sustainable, especially with both parents working,” he said.