Cattaraugus County Source 08-06-2026

People who spend any measurable amount of time outdoors likely have crossed paths with various flying insects that cohabitate in a typical yard. Some of the most ardent pollinators and pest control agents also have the potential to be dangerous if provoked. While most bees, wasps and hornets are content to go about their business, their stingers can make these insects formidable foes, particularly to those who are allergic.

According to The Best Bees Company, there are more than 20,000 known species of bees and more than 100,000 known species of wasps worldwide. Those who don’t want to get too up close and personal with stinging insects may not know how to tell the different types apart. Bees, wasps and hornets are distinguished by their behavior, waist and body texture.

Bees

If it has a fuzzy body, it’s a bee. Bees tend to be non-aggressive and may be carrying pollen on their backs. They also live in wax hives. You’ll likely see bees flitting from one flower to another in the warmer weather. Honeybees will die after one sting, advises PBS, but bumblebees

The end of summer is bittersweet for many families because it means that the college move-in date is on the horizon. Across most colleges, the academic year begins in August or early September, with schools in warmer climates leaning toward the earlier side. That means that family vacations and other plans will compete with college planning and packing this time of year.

According to the National College Attainment Network, FAFSA applicants increased by 1.6 million incoming students in the 2026-2027 academic

and carpenter bees have smooth stingers that will not get stuck, enabling them to sting again.

Wasps Wasps are stinging insects which can be social or solitary. Wasps have smooth, shiny bodies and narrow waists. They can be bright black and yellow or black and

white. Wasps can sting repeatedly, says The Spruce, but they may not always be aggressive; it depends on the species. Yellowjackets are a type of wasp. They are sensitive to threats and not afraid to use their stingers. Another way to distinguish wasps from bees is that wasps hang their legs down while

College move-in day planning starts now

year. That marked a 52 percent increase from the previous school year’s applicant pool at the same time. NPR indicates college enrollment in the United States continues to rise, which means that scores of students will be spending the final weeks of this summer preparing to begin the next phase of their academic careers. These tips can help families ensure a smooth move-in process.

Coordinate with a roommate College students

can benefit from connecting and coordinating with their roommates before their move-in date. Doing so will help avoid duplicating items that will be shared among the dorm room, such as cleaning supplies, snacks and any allowable furniture or appliances, including mini refrigerators.

Know what is allowed

Students should review the university’s list of banned items, which often include candles, hot plates, halogen lamps, and certain lithiumion battery items. There may be rules regulating which appliances can be brought as well.

Shop sales

Taking advantage of sales when they happen can help students save

money. Most colleges have twin or twin XL beds. Linens may be bought for a discount in bulk, so coordinating with roommates can help everyone score a deal. Invest in a mattress topper, mattress cover, allergyand pest-prohibitive zippered pillow cases, and a cozy comforter.

Label everything Label suitcases and storage bins that can be used for storage so belongings will remain organized. Packing similar items together will make for faster unpacking later on.

Aim for comfort

Bring a fan, air purifier or dehumidifier to help circulate and keep the air in the dorm room fresh. This also can help make the room more comfortable when moving in, as it

flying and bees keep them tucked in.

Hornets Hornets are wasps and tend to be social in nature. They only construct paper nests and can be more aggressive than other types of wasps. The Old Farmer’s Almanac says hornets can be highly defensive with more painful stings, and also may be larger and rounder in size than other wasps. In the United States, the one true hornet species is the European hornet, which nest in trees. It’s impossible to avoid bees and wasps entirely, but individuals can be mindful of where they are making their nests. As these insects are important to the ecosystem, it’s key not to exterminate them haphazardly. If a nest is problematic, it’s best to have a professional come and relocate or remove it safely.

tends to be quite warm on move-in day.

Book the slot ASAP

An earlier slot on move-in day means avoiding peak crowds as well as the heat of the day. Students should regularly check their emails to know when to sign up for a move-in appointment if the school employs this approach.

Plan for food

Some schools will offer refreshments on move-in day or even enable new students (and their families) to try out the dining hall fare free of charge. Otherwise, scout out food options so that no one turns up “hangry.” A meal enjoyed together can be a chance for everyone to say their goodbyes.

Enlist helpers

Move-in day can be chaotic, particularly for freshmen just learning the ropes. Many schools require items be dropped curbside before finding parking. Having one or two able-bodied individuals means someone can remain with the stuff while another parks the car. Then everyone can help move belongings into the dorm room.

College move-in day will be here soon enough. Students can begin their planning early to ensure a smooth process.

West Valley begins demolishing legacy fuel reprocessing facility

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Napoli 4-H youth to show pig, sheep at Cattaraugus Co. Fair

BY DEB EVERTS

NAPOLI — With the Cattaraugus County Fair running Saturday, local 4-H members are excitedly exhibiting the animals they have worked hard with all year.

Among those 4-H exhibitors is Lilly Gaskins of Napoli, a four-year, lone member who will be taking a pig and two sheep to show at this year’s fair.

For her 4-H project, Lilly has been raising two crossbred pigs — Kodak, a barrow, and Lady, a gilt — along with two crossbred sheep — Dior, a ewe, and Gus, a wether. She will show Kodak, Gus and Dior next week.

Prior to the fair, the female pig will go back to the breeder to be bred. Lilly said she just raised her so she would act good for the breeder.

Her mother, Corinne Hallin, said pigs don’t do too well by themselves, so they always get two.

“The breeder offered this one to Lilly and said he’d like to breed her afterward. Maybe she will end up with Lady’s baby next year,” she said.

This is Lilly’s fourth year working with pigs and her first year raising sheep. She likes pigs more right now, since she’s been working with them longer and has the “hang” of how to train them.

“Both sheep and pigs can be difficult to lead or drive,” she said. “In the show ring, you are not supposed to have a halter on the sheep; you walk them around with your hand under their chin. You use a whip with a pig to guide them and keep their head up by tapping.”

Lilly starts training the animals at a very young age, getting the piglets

accustomed to the whip and starting the lambs out with a halter. Then she gradually trains them to walk with her hand under their chin. If she pulls them under the chin a little bit, they usually start walking with her. This technique helps keep the sheep’s head and neck elevated at an athletic angle while walking in the show ring.

She thinks pigs are smarter than sheep. Some

sources, including the National Institutes of Health, say pigs are generally considered remarkably intelligent, probably because they can be trained.

To date, Lilly has shown her animals exclusively at the Cattaraugus County Fair, winning some impressive awards for her showmanship. She began showing in 2023 and was chosen for First Time Showman. In 2024,

she was awarded Highly Commendable Swine Showman and, in 2025, she took Grand Champion Swine Showman. This is her first year showing sheep, and she is hopeful to take home a few ribbons in that category.

The 14-year-old will be entering 10th grade this fall at Gowanda Central School, where her mother is on staff as a special education teacher.

Lilly plans to continue being a member of the 4-H because she likes the learning process and caring for animals. She said everyone is like a community and everybody supports each other.

“If you need help, everybody will just stop what they are doing and help you,” she said.

Lilly will be showing animals at the fair next year and plans to get another pig. She hasn’t decided if she’ll show sheep another year; it depends on how things go in the ring.

It can be emotionally hard for kids to send their animal to market at the end of the fair. The 4-Hers have to learn how to deal with their animals going off to be butchered.

Both Lilly’s pig and sheep are market animals. The male pig is not huge but a nice size, weighing in at 261 pounds.

Lilly will be auctioning off her pig and sheep at the 4-H Meat Animal Sale that will take place Saturday, Aug. 8, beginning at 10:30 a.m. Her animals will be sold in the livestock arena.

The 183rd annual Cattaraugus County Fair runs Aug. 1-8. A schedule of 4-H/FFA shows and events, as well as open shows, demonstrations and contests, is available at cattarauguscofair.com.

Cattaraugus County Museum releases new educational film

MACHIAS — The Cattaraugus County Museum and Research Library has announced the release of a new educational documentary film, “The 154th New York: The East,” now available to view on YouTube.

The film, produced by the museum and made by Museum Curator Brian McClellan and documentary filmmaker John Tomerlin, is the fourth in a series of educational films produced by the museum to be available to local teachers and serves as an introduction to the regiment’s first year of service, covering its organization and the Chancellorsville and Gettysburg campaigns.

The 154th NY was made up largely of men and boys from Cattaraugus County, so its story in many ways is the story of Cattaraugus County in the Civil War. Museum staff had long wanted to take on a project to bring the story of the 154th NY to the public, and in particular into local classrooms.

Kathleen Coulter, a seventh-grade social studies teacher at Olean Intermediate Middle School who participated in the film project, said she finds the film valuable in two important ways.

“First, it brings local history to life for students,” she said. “It highlights how ordinary men and farmers from our communities, many of whom are buried in

local cemeteries, answered the call to serve when our divided nation needed them during the Civil War.”

By connecting national events to people and places students recognize, Coulter said the film makes history more meaningful and personal. Second, she said the film is organized into manageable segments that help maintain student engagement while providing a thorough historical background.

“This format allows teachers to easily incorporate the film into their lessons and follow it with meaningful discussions, activities and critical-

thinking questions,” she said. “The film encourages students to reflect on who these soldiers were, the challenges they faced, and the sacrifices they made,

helping them develop a deeper appreciation for both local history and the Civil War.”

Coulter added that the film does an outstanding job of connecting national history to the local people and places in the greater Cattaraugus County community. By telling the story of the 154th New York through the experiences of ordinary men, she said it helps students see that history happened right in their hometowns.

The museum’s educational films were developed as a branch of the “Our Veterans, Their Stories” oral history project, which began as a way to record and preserve the stories of men and women from Cattaraugus County who had served in the armed forces.

Previous installments in the series include “What A Vet Wants You to Know: Vietnam,” “What A Vet Wants You to Know: 9/11” and “The Journey of the 37th New York Presentation Flag.”

“The 154th New York: The East” and all the museum’s other offerings are available at the Cattaraugus County Museum YouTube channel. For more information, visit www. cattco.org/museum or call (716) 353-8200. Via YouTube

Pretrial, Probation and Parole Supervision Week recognized by Cattaraugus

BY KELLEN M. QUIGLEY

LITTLE VALLEY —

The Cattaraugus County Probation Department joined the more than 90,000 community corrections officers across the country in observing national Pretrial, Probation and Parole Supervision Week, July 19-25.

The Cattaraugus County Legislature presented a proclamation to Probation Department Director Tonya R. Kilby at its July 22 meeting, where Chairman M. Andrew Burr joined his fellow legislators in honoring the probation department for their work and achievements.

“On behalf of the legislature, I’d like to thank you for everything you do for the county residents every day,” he said, presenting Kilby

with a copy of the proclamation.

The proclamation calls community corrections an essential part of the justice system, and its professionals uphold the law with dignity, while recognizing the right of the public to be safeguarded from criminal activity.

Corrections professionals, who are responsible for

supervising adult and juvenile offenders, are trained professionals who provide services and referrals for offenders, the proclamation reads. These professionals also work in partnership with community agencies and groups; promote prevention, intervention and advocacy; provide services, support and protection for victims; and advocate community and

County

restorative justice.

“Community corrections professionals are a true force for positive change in their communities,” the proclamation states, adding, “the Cattaraugus County Probation Department seeks safety, health and wellness for Cattaraugus County, the Probation Department staff and the individuals that are justice involved.”

Kilby thanked the legislature for their support and recognition during this week.

“This department’s focus is first and foremost community safety, organization and working for positive outcomes for the individuals we work with as well as the community we serve,” she said.

100 Years Ago This Month: Historical events from August 1926

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

• A thrown dagger narrowly misses the head of Spanish dictator Miguel Primo de Rivera on August 1 in Barcelona. A 34-year-old anarchist is arrested for the failed assassination attempt.

• The French passenger ship S.S. Lotus strikes the Turkish freighter S.S. Bozkourt on August 2. Eight passengers drown, and the captain of the Lotus is eventually charged with liability for the deaths by Turkish authorities.

• On August 3, the Mount Batur volcano on the island of Bali erupts for the first time since 1917. The village of Karang Anyar is destroyed

during the eruption, but all residents safely evacuate.

• Shortly before noon on August 3, the first traffic lights in London come into operation at Piccadilly Circus.

• Sultan bin Zayed Khalifa Al Nahyan is killed by his halfbrother, Saqr bin Zayed Al Nahyan, on August 4. Four years prior to his death, Sultan bin Zayed had teamed up with Saqr bin Zayed to kill their brother, Emir Hamdan bin Zeyed, and seize the throne of Abu Dhabi.

• Magician and escape artist Harry Houdini survives being sealed in a coffin and lowered into a swimming pool at a New York City hotel on August 5. Houdini, who would die from peritonitis less than three months after the stunt, used controlled breathing to remain

conscious within the coffin for one hour and 31 minutes.

• The first British Grand Prix is held at the Brooklands motor racing circuit near Surrey, England, on August 7. Frenchman Louis Wagner wins the inaugural race.

• A hurricane strikes Nova Scotia on August 10. Two fishing boats capsize during the storm, claiming the lives of 48 individuals.

• Richard Reese Whittemore, the leader of a group of bank robbers active in the mid-Atlantic and eastern United States in the mid-1920s, is hanged on August 13. Whittemore’s wife, Margaret, also was

arrested but was never convicted for her role in the robberies.

• Father Luis Bátiz Sainz is arrested by Mexican government agents in the state of Zacatecas on August 14. The arrest is part of a governmentorchestrated purge of Roman Catholic clerics, and Bátiz is executed by firing squad the next day.

• A coffin brought from Norway arrives in London on August 16. The coffin is believed to contain the remains of British Army officer and colonial administrator Field Marshal Herbert Kitchener, but the coroner finds the coffin contains only tar upon opening it in the

presence of police. The stunt is later deemed a hoax.

• Marshal Józef Pilsudski conducts a purge of the Polish military on August 21. The purge is conducted to remove any potential challenges to Pilsudski’s authority.

• A bloodless coup overthrows Greek dictator Theodoros Pangalos on August 22. The coup is led by General Georgios Kondylis, who places Pangalos on the naval destroyer Pergamos.

• Popular Italian film actor Rudolph Valentino dies in New York on August 23. Valentino, just 31 at the time of his death, underwent emergency surgery for a ruptured appendix eight days prior to his death but was stricken with a case of thenuntreatable pleuritis while convalescing on August 21.

• Forty-four coal miners are killed after an explosion at a Clearfield Bituminous Coal Corporation mine in Clymer, Pennsylvania, on August 26.

• Dutch Levsen of the Cleveland Indians starts and wins both games of a doubleheader against the Boston Red Sox on August 28. Levsen is the last pitcher in Major League Baseball to start and win each game of a twin bill. Levsen, who won just 21 games over the course of his six-year career, also is the last pitcher to throw two nine-inning complete games on the same day.

• The last voting rights of Italians are removed when the Fascist government abolishes the popular elections of municipal officials on August 30.

Ɋ Cattaraugus County Fair continues daily through Saturday, Aug. 8.

Upcoming Events

Ɋ Aug. 7-9 – Taste of Ellicottville throughout the village. A smorgasbord featuring some of Ellicottville’s most delectable flavors. Visit ellicottvilleny. com.

Ɋ Aug. 8 – Fire Tower Saturdays at Allegany State Park.

Meet at Summit Ski Hut parking lot. Explore the last standing fire tower in the park. Join Friends of Allegany State Park for a unique and historic experience. Quarter-mile hike up to the tower. 11 a.m.

Ɋ Aug. 8 –Community Meal at Trinity United Church of Christ, Gowanda. Take-out only. Italian sausage hoagie, mac and cheese, green beans and a cookie. Use Park Street entrance. Drive-thru or walkup. Free. Donations appreciated. 4 p.m

Ɋ Aug. 9 – Red House Sawmill Sundays at Allegany State Park. Meet at the sawmill off ASP Route 1. Uncover the rich history of the park sawmill as knowledgeable tour guides from the Friends of Allegany State Park or the Allegany State Park Historical Society will be on hand to share their expertise and answer questions. 10 a.m.

Ɋ Aug. 10 – Summer at the Stone House at Cattaraugus County Museum, Machias. Presentation from Chris Mackowski on “Independence Day Turns 250.” Free. 7 p.m.

Ɋ Aug. 12 – Silent Book Club at Nannen Arboretum, Ellicottville. Unplug with a book of your choice. Return to nature and take time to socialize. Reception at Arboretum entrance. 6 p.m. arrival/social time; 6:30 reading time; 7:30 social time or keep reading.

Ɋ Aug. 13 – Summer at the Stone House at Cattaraugus County Museum, Machias. Presentation from Dave Ruch on “The

American SongbagTraditional American Folk Songs.” Free. 7 p.m.

Ɋ Aug. 14 – Beach Party at Red House Beach, Allegany State Park. Crafts, family activities, sandcastle contest, beach games, live music and more. Free. 2-6 p.m.

Ɋ Aug. 14-16 –Cattaraugus County Sportsmen’s Rendezvous at Little Valley Fairgrounds. Show features conservation displays, archery, trapping, fishing, big buck club display and live seminars. $5 per person.

West Valley begins demolishing legacy fuel reprocessing facility

WEST VALLEY —

The U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Environmental Management (EM) began the demolition of a facility used in historic nuclear fuel reprocessing operations at the West Valley Demonstration Project.

Crews prepared for the teardown of the nearly 9,000-squarefoot Fuel Receiving and Storage Facility over the past year by isolating utilities, removing hazardous materials and other tasks.

The project comes one year after workers safely completed the largest, most complex demolition of a radioactively contaminated facility at the site — the 35,100-square-foot Main Plant Process Building.

The Fuel Receiving and Storage Facility received and stored used nuclear fuel for reprocessing. The site served as the only commercial used nuclear fuel reprocessing plant in the U.S. from 1966-1972.

Inside the facility is a 100-ton crane that hoisted and lowered used fuel casks into a storage pool. In 2001, crews removed all fuel assemblies from the pool and processed the water.

Crews began the demolition by removing the facility’s metal

exterior. They loaded the debris into intermodal containers for shipment offsite by rail for safe

disposal. Crews safely removed the crane before continuing the demolition of the

Day trips that can make for

The term “road trip” tends to be used to characterize lengthy excursions to faraway places. But the phrase also can be applied to shorter day trips to local attractions.

Day trips can make for an ideal getaway when travelers have a day free. The next time such a scenario unfolds, drivers can consider these fun day trip ideas.

• The big city: Cities offer a wide range of attractions that may be harder to find in the suburbs and rural areas. Many cities are home to a wide range of ethnic restaurants, making a day trip to the city a great way for foodies to spend their free time. Cultural offerings also abound in many cities, which tend to be home to museums, concert halls, art galleries, and other options that

provide a great reason to spend a day in a local city.

• Natural attraction: A day trip to a relatively local natural attraction like a hiking trail with Instagram-worthy views can make for an ideal afternoon. A day spent kayaking on a nearby river, lounging on a beach beside a lake or ocean, or

mountain biking your way through trails also makes for a great day trip.

• Amusement park: Perhaps nothing makes for a more action-packed day trip than an excursion to an amusement park within driving distance of home. Thrill seekers can get their fix on a scream-inducing roller

coaster, soar through the skies on the swings, and go after one another in bumper cars all afternoon.

• Festival: Festivals occur at various points throughout the year and make for a fun and unique way to spend a day. Come summertime, musical acts dominate the festival landscape,

remaining structure.

“Planning and preparation are crucial

to ensuring a safe, compliant demolition,” said Stephen Bousquet, West Valley Project Management Assistant Director. “It is important that our team doesn’t rush any step of the process, so we don’t risk our safety values in any way.”

Bousquet noted that a safe and compliant demolition allows for a safe environment and community. EM implemented a variety of safety measures to protect workers and the environment throughout the removal process.

Machines continuously spray water to help eliminate dust and the spread of any potential contamination.

Barriers and signs help ensure only authorized personnel are on the worksite. Radiation control technicians monitor the work area, including continuous air monitors that detect radioactive activity.

“Our employees have worked hard to reach this point,” said Jason Casper, President and program manager for EM contractor West Valley Cleanup Alliance. “It is exciting to see the workforce approaching another cleanup milestone.”

fun memories

while food- and farmbased festivals tend to draw crowds in the fall. Come winter, holiday season festivals are around to instill the holiday spirit in locals and out-of-town visitors. Spring is the season for festivals that highlight local blooms.

Regardless of what time of year it may be, day trippers can likely find a festival to inspire a day-long getaway. Road trips aren’t exclusive to lengthy vacations. Drivers also can get behind the wheel for a memorable day trip.

The dangers of mold infestation

Whether it’s a fuzzy patch on a basement wall or a dark speckle on bathroom grout, mold might be dismissed as a minor nuisance. But a mold infestation is a serious health hazard and a threat to a home’s structural integrity. When mold spores find moisture and a food source, they can multiply rapidly, quietly compromising both a living space and residents’ well-being.

irritation, and red, itchy eyes.

The most pressing danger of mold is its impact on personal health. Mold releases tiny spores and volatile organic compounds into the air. When inhaled, these particles can trigger respiratory issues, particularly in sensitive individuals, according to the Cleveland Clinic. People with asthma, allergies or compromised immune systems are at the greatest risk of mold-related illness. Exposure often leads to a cluster of symptoms, which include chronic coughing, wheezing, nasal congestion, skin

More concerning is exposure to toxic molds, such as stachybotrys chartarum (commonly known as black mold). These strains produce mycotoxins — toxic substances that can cause more severe neurological issues, chronic fatigue, headaches, and respiratory bleeding in extreme cases, according to WebMD. Because these spores are invisible, inhabitants often suffer from

unexplained illnesses for months before identifying the root cause. Mold also poses a severe threat to homes and other structures. Mold feeds on organic materials like wood, drywall, carpet, and ceiling tiles. As the fungi grow, they secrete enzymes that digest these materials, gradually weakening them. Over time, an unchecked mold problem can rot structural support beams, ruin insulation,

and cause drywall to crumble. By the time mold becomes visible on the surface, it has likely already caused extensive hidden damage inside the walls.

Preventing and addressing mold requires vigilance. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says mold thrives in environments with relative humidity above 60 percent. Therefore, controlling indoor moisture is a very important preventive measure. Fixing leaky

pipes

using exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms, and running dehumidifiers in damp basements can keep spores dormant.

If one discovers a mold infestation covering an area larger than 10 square feet, he or she should avoid disturbing it, as this can launch millions of spores into

Instead, homeowners

into hiring professional remediation services to safely isolate, kill, and remove the mold. Treating mold early protects personal health and can prevent longterm damage to a home.