Allegany County Community Source 1/14/22

Murder case headed for trial ........................... 7

Simple ways to save on heating ........5 JANUARY

14 2022

Masks, COVID test kits to be handed out in Allegany County libraries, town halls

Photo by Kathryn Ross Officials are sworn in at the meeting of the Wellsville Town Board Wednesday night. From left are Justice Karl Graves, Councilman Mike Miller, Deputy Clerk Sally Boehl, Acting Town Highway Superintendent Brian Smith and Councilwoman Patty Graves.

Wellsville town appointments approved

BY KATHRYN ROSS WELLSVILLE — With the wind howling outside the hangar at the Wellsville Airport, where the town board holds its regular meetings, quick work was done Jan. 5 when appointees for the new year were approved and sworn in.

At the top of the list was the approval of Karl Graves as town justice. The former legislator was sworn in previously and has already ruled from the bench. Village Clerk Wendy Seeley will act as his

court clerk.

When it came to the supervisor’s assignments for the year, while serving as the fourth man on the board of ethics, Councilman Jesse Case will be working on new assignments due to the 25 anniversary of the Eldred (Pa.) World War II Museum, where he is director.

The supervisor’s appointments approved by the board included one-year appointments to the board of ethics for Ronald Lanphier, chairman, and Mark Johnson,

Susan Goetschius, Case and a fifth person to be determined at a later date.

Sally Boehl will serve as deputy town clerk and deputy registrar. Kathy Faulkner will serve as dog control officer. Town Clerk Danielle Osgood will serve as records manager, registrar of vital statistics as well as payroll clerk. The town attorney is Michael Finn and Ronald Taylor was approved as town historian.

Community Bank was designated the town’s

depository and WJQZ/WLSV is the emergency alert system radio station.

As for additional appointments that did not need to be approved by the board, Council member Patricia Graves will serve as deputy supervisor as well as the delegate to the Association of Towns, as part of the assessor committee, the liaison to the county legislature, Fire and EMS liaison and will continue as liaison to the village

Wellsville Town continued..... page 5

Special Orders Call:

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masks and COVID home test kits available to the individuals living in that township.

Please check with your local library on their website or by calling for times they are open.

Starting Wednesday, towns without libraries — Allen, Alma, Birdsall, Caneadea, Centerville, Clarksville, Granger, Grove, New Hudson, Ward, West Almond, and Willing — will have free masks and COVID home test kits available to the individuals living in that township. If you live in one of these towns, please call or check their website for times and dates their office is open.

This information is available on the Allegany County website at www.alleganyco.com.

Due to the amount of new cases and home test results being reported to the Allegany County Department of Health daily, the ACDOH has implemented an electronic COVID-19 Positive Home Test Reporting Form. The form is to be filled out and submitted by the positive case unless the case is a minor. If the case is a minor, a parent or guardian may submit a form on their behalf. Each positive requires a new form. Once submitted, a member of our

County Test Kits continued ... page 5

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BELMONT — Masks and COVID-19 at-home test kits will be going out to libraries and town halls across Allegany County as the county reported the highest total number of cases in months.

The Allegany County Department of Health reported that the week ending Sunday saw 444 positive cases — up more than double from the 199 reported the week before. County officials did not up the county dashboard with Monday’s case counts, nor an updated total number of cases to date.

However, state Department of Health officials reported 52 cases on Saturday, 48 on Sunday and 31 on Monday. No deaths were reported over the weekend.

MASKS AND HOME test kits will be distributed throughout Allegany County to help stop the spread of COVID-19. Each town will have access to the free mask and COVID home test kits.

Supplies are limited and are distributed based on town populations. The kits and masks will be available to the residents of each town at their local library or town office on a first-come, firstserve basis.

Starting Jan. 11, all of the Allegany County public libraries were to have free

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JANUARY 14, 2022

Cuba Library receives grant from Lions Club CUBA — The Cuba Circulating Library was recently awarded $500 of grant funding by the MD20 Lions S.E.E., Inc. to support the purchase of audiobooks for the library’s collection.

The mission of the Lions Screening Eyes Early program is to decrease childhood blindness through early detection and treatment of the most common vision disorders, insuring that all children of New York state will be able to SEE their future.

“The Cuba Library is pleased to receive this grant award and put it towards the purchase of audiobooks.

Audiobooks are a valuable resource for those members of our community who are

blind, visually impaired, or print disabled.

Aud iobook s are a wonderful and invaluable tool that provides both education and entertainment,” said Tina Dalton, library director.

“It is the Cuba L ibra r y’s mission to serve every member of the community, and we

Lions Club of Cuba Board of Directors member (at left) Norm Ungermann, Brian Loucks, Aren Schenk, Brad Spink, Christopher Saunders and Albert Merrill and Cuba Library director Tina Dalton.

appreciate the Lion’s Club support of these efforts.”

T H E LIBR A RY now has four hearing assistance devices available for com mu n it y members to borrow.

Each kit comes with a PockeTalker Ultra as well as a pair of headphone s and earbuds.

The

PockeTalker is a small device which amplifies sounds closest to the listener while reducing background noise.

These devices can be used for one-on-one conversations, small groups and listening to TV. The devices can be used at the library during meetings or programs.

They are also available for you to borrow for one-week intervals.

If you have a meeting to attend but often have a hard time hearing, stop by the library to check out a PockeTalker. This is a free service, provided by a 2021 Outreach mini-grant from Southern Tier Library Systems.

Wellsville board gets update on Genesee River goals

BY KATHRYN ROSS WELLSVILLE — The village board , in its first meeting of 2022, heard an update on possible plans to take more advantage of the Genesee River as a feature of the village and Allegany County.

Andy Martin of Ingalls Planning and Design, the Rochester firm charged with gathering information for the Local Waterfront Revitalization Program, addressed the board on Jan. 10.

The LWRP was first brought to the board’s attention in 2019. Ten communities along the Genesee River formed a loose coalition with each contributing $5,000 to hire the Ingalls firm to gather information on possible projects for funding under the LWRP. Over the summer of 2021 meetings were held in the villages and towns located along the Genesee River to gather ideas for projects.

The LWRP serves as the state Office of Planning and Development’s primary program for working in partnership with waterfront communities across the state to address local and regional (coastal or inland) waterway issues. The goal is to improve water quality and natural areas, guide development to areas with adequate infrastructure and guide services away from sensitive resources, promote public waterfront access and provide for the development of underutilized waterfronts.

Projects approved and included in the LWRP are more likely to receive both state and federal grant funding.

After the summer town hall meetings, the Ingalls firm compiled a list of 30 projects that would benefit the entire waterfront and specific projects for each town and village. The top 10 regional projects included establishing a Genesee River

coordinating committee.

There were also projects to improve signage along the river, improve trails along the river, add amenities, create areas for access and launch points and the installation of bicycle parking at strategic locations along the trail system.

For the village and town of Wellsville the suggested programs expanded access to the river at Weidrick Road and in Island Park and along the WAG Trail.

A project to improve and expand the village’s waterfront

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was suggested to coordinate with the state Department of Transportation to improve Route 19 conditions for pedestrians and bicyclists along the river. A study was also suggested to determine the feasibility of an outdoor concert structure along the river.

Over the next two months each of the 10 villages and towns included in the LWRP will review the regional projects as well as the individual projects suggested for their areas. In March, the Ingalls firm will again meet with the communities.

The board’s regular meeting was quickly concluded after Martin’s presentation.

Trustee Jeff Monroe requested the acceptance and approval of Kaitlin Mickles’ application for membership to the rolls of the Dyke Street Engine Company No. 2. Her application to the fire department was approved by Chief John Fleischman. It was also approved by the board.

Trustee Ed Fahs requested acceptance of the resignation of Dalton Grimes from the position of line worker and requested approval to seek

applicants to fill the vacated position within the electric crew.

Mayor Randy Shayler said, “We accept your resignation with regret. We have been quite happy with your employment and wish you well.”

At the next meeting of the village board, at 6 p.m. Jan. 24, members will review an application for a new business from Caleb Freeman to establish a retail store at 94 N. Main St. The store will sell nutritional products and is expected to open for business in February.

JANUARY 14, 2022

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Did you know?

rivers who aren’t fond of taking their vehicles in for routine oil changes may want to consider electric vehicles the next time they’re in the market for a new car or truck. According to Kia, electric vehicles, or EVs, do not require oil. Oil is necessary to lubricate the various moving parts in combustion engines. While synthetic oil and other advancements have increased the recommended oil change intervals from the once-standard 3,000 mile recommendation, manufacturers still advise drivers to get oil changes around every 5,000 miles or every six months, whichever comes first. No such maintenance is required with EVs because they consume batteries while running on electric motors.

EV drivers will have to monitor certain fluids, though.

Coolant is necessary to prevent batteries from overheating, and that can be periodically checked at drivers’ discretion and during routine maintenance performed at an auto body shop. Drivers also can monitor and refill

windshield washer fluid as necessary. Brake fluid in EV cars also needs to be replaced periodically, and Kia notes that its EVs need fresh brake fluid after running about 25,000 miles.

Winter tailgating tips

W

inter may chill Tailgating typically takes the winter tailgating season. heat can escape through the things down, but place in the parking lots of Tailgating doesn’t necessar- head, hands, feet, and face. tailgating season is still hot. sports arenas and stadiums ily have to end when Mother Pay attention to these areas While the National Football before and after big games. Nature cools things down. in particular when bundling These winter tailgating tips up, donning heavy gloves, League season gets started Even though weather starts can keep the fun flowing well thick socks, a hat, a scarf, out perfect for tailgating when the leaves still haven’t and insulated boots when events, snow, ice and freez- into winter. changed colors, it runs ing temperatures may make • Don warm gear. Body tailgating. Warming gear through the heart of the win- their presence felt throughout can serve double-duty when ter, with the season culminating on February 13.

But that’s not the only professional sports schedule that dominates the season.

Hockey drops the puck in October and the season extends into the first week of summer.

College and professional basketball also are games to catch during the winter months.

With so much sporting action to enjoy, tailgating season likely won’t stop Photo courtesy of Metro Creative Connection just because the mercury has It may be getting cold, but tailgating season is just heating up. dropped.

ALLEGANY COUNTY OFFICE FOR T H E AG I N G S E N I O R N U T R I T I O N P R O G R A M (585) 268-9390

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it’s emblazoned with team colors and logos.

• Bring a tent. A camping tent or canopy can block wind and offer protection against precipitation. Secure it with bricks or tie it down to something heavy so it won’t blow away.

• Create a barrier.

Styrofoam takeout containers or even broken-down cardboard boxes can be placed underfoot and prevent cold from seeping up through shoes from the chilly ground.

• Snuggle next to the fire.

A propane fire can or a fire pit (if permitted) can provide the added warmth

needed when temperatures plummet. These also can be places to gather around to toast hot dogs or sausages on sticks when the main grill is occupied.

• Use heated accessories.

Electric or chemical hand warmers can provide extra warmth, as can blankets, heated camping chairs and other items.

Tailgating is a popular activity during sports games, concerts and other group events. Winter weather doesn’t have to dampen tailgating efforts when there’s a focus on warmth along with camaraderie.

JANUARY 14, 2022

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Simple ways to save on heating costs this winter

omfort takes center stage each winter. As people look to stay warm, many may be quick to turn up the thermostat so their entire home is toasty warm.

But much like cranking air conditioners during the dog days of summer, turning up the thermostat each time the winter winds begin blowing can prove costly for homeowners.

According to estimates from the National Energy Assistance Directors’ Association, homeowners spent an average of $911 on home heating costs in the winter of 2019-20. The winter of 2020-21 could prove even more expensive, as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to force much of the world to practice social distancing. That means many professionals are still working from home full-time, while even those who aren’t are no doubt spending more of their free time at home.

All those hours spent at home figure to increase reliance on heaters this winter, which means heating bills are likely to go up as the temperatures go down.

Finding ways to save on heating costs will no doubt prove a priority for many homeowners this winter, and the following are some ways to do just that.

• Add insulation. Extra insulation throughout the house can dramatically reduce home heating (and cooling) costs. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, adding insulation in attics, crawl spaces and basement rim joists can help homeowners save as much as 15 percent on heating costs.

• Lower the temperature on your water heater. Another way to trim your energy bill this winter is to lower the temperature on your water heater. The U.S. Department of Energy notes that, for every 10 F reduction in temperature on their water heaters, homeowners can save between 3 and 5 percent on their water heating costs.

• Close the flue on your

fireplace. Fireplaces can keep a home’s inhabitants warm in winter, but only when they’re in use. When they’re not being used, fireplaces can allow heat to escape a home. When the fireplace is not being used, close the flue to prevent heat from escaping the house.

Keeping all windows and doors closed throughout the day is another way to prevent unnecessary heat loss.

• Have your HVAC system serviced before winter begins. Inefficient HVAC systems cost homeowners considerable amounts of money each year. Annual maintenance performed by a certified HVAC professional can ensure filters are clean and operating at peak efficiency, saving homeowners the costly trouble of having to turn up the thermostat to overcome dirty systems.

Home heating costs figure to increase this winter as people spend more time at home.

Various simple strategies can help homeowners stay warm without overpaying to heat their homes this winter.

Wellsville Town

of the water and sewer districts committee, the dog control liaison, the town court liaison, and on the park committee, the community development committee, solar committee, and cemetery committee, Supervisor Shad Alsworth will serve on the water sewer district committee, the assessor committee, the emergency services plan coordinator and as liaison highway and bridge committee, and the park committee. He will serve on the board of assessment committee and as liaison to the YMCA. There has been no action yet regarding the appointment of a fourth person to the town board.

continued from 1 board and will serve on the board of assessment.

Councilman Michael Miller well serve on the airport committee and on the investment committee. He will be the liaison for landfill and for recycling, and he will also serve as the planning board liaison and will serve on the solar and the community development committees.

Case will continue as part

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Christopher Martell was appointed as the emergency management officer while William Day Jr. will serve as deputy officer. Martell will also serve as emergency services plan coordinator with Day as deputy coordinator.

Rich Winslow will serve as building code inspector and will advise on several other committees.

The Wellsville Town Board officially meets at 7 p.m. on the second Wednesday of each month unless otherwise advertised.

County Test Kits continued from 1 team will get back to you for tracing purposes within 3 days. Please use following link to access the form:

ht t ps:// h ipa a .jot for m . com/220054845953155 Those without a computer or internet access may call (585) 268-9250 and leave your name and phone number. Those waiting for

a return call are asked to isolate.

The form can also be found at www.alleganyco. com under the Quick Links heading.

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JANUARY 14, 2022

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JANUARY 14, 2022

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Reed endorses Sempolinski for Congress

U.S. Rep. Tom Reed announced his endorsement Jan. 6 of his former aide Joe Sempolinski for Congress in 2022.

Reed, who announced last year he would not seek reelection following a sexual misconduct scandal, is serving his sixth term in Congress representing the 11-county 23rd District.

Sempolinski, an Elmira native who is the Steuben County Republican Party chairman, was Reed’s district director and later served as director of development for Archbishop Walsh Academy in Olean.

“He would do a great job,” Reed told Elmira television station WETM on Thursday.

“He’s got a great story, I’ve watched him mature into the grown man that he is. He’s up to the task and he’s the guy I’m supporting,” Reed said.

Sempolinski announced his candidacy in July 2021.

He expressed some relief last week when the state’s

Rep. Tom Reed Independent Redistricting Commission sent two partisan congressional redistricting maps to the State Legislature — both of which

included a Southern Tier district. Still, he expects the maps to be thrown out and redrawn at least one more time.

Sempolinsk i is one of four or five Republicans who have expressed interest in running for Congress from the current Southern Tier and Finger Lakes districts.

Cat taraug u s C o u n t y Republican Party Chairman Robert C. Keis Sr. said, “There may be other candidates out there who are more electable and more experienced.” He pointed out the district lines aren’t known yet.

“Tom has the right to endorse who he wants to,” Keis

said. “Joe worked for Tom 20 years, resigned in January for many years. He’s a very 2019 and was named execucompetent assistant and did tive director of the New York a good job for Tom. He’s a per- State Center for Excellence sonal friend of mine.”

Keis has his own candidate he’s been talking up with other county chairmen across much of the 23rd District: former state Sen. Catharine M. Young of Olean.

“Cathy lives in my county where I am Joe Sempolinski chairman,” Keis said. “Cathy is more experienced at raising for Food and Agriculture at funds” and has a sizeable camCornell that March. paign warchest. “I’m going to Reed’s endorsement of support her.”

Sempolinski did not come as a Young, who served in the surprise, Keis said. state Assembly and Senate for

“I hope it doesn’t come down to a primary,” he added.

“Cathy is extremely popular. She is a force to deal with and is well-known across the Southern Tier. Down the road there may come a time for Joe. He’s a good chairman.”

Keis also said it was “premature” of Young to publicly announce plans to run until the boundaries of the district are known.

One map presented to state lawmakers by the redistricting commission had the Southern Tier District swing up into Orchard Park in Erie County, where Rep. Chris Jacobs lives. Keis isn’t sure Young would enter a primary against a sitting congressman.

“She’s experienced. She’s extremely popular.

She won 70% to 80% of the vote when she had an opponent.

Everything she’s done has been in the best interest of her constituents

Prosecutor: Allegany County case of son accused in parents’ murders headed for trial BELMONT — More than two years after a pair of deaths, a fire and a manhunt gripped an Allegany County community, prosecutors said the case is heading to a trial.

Steuben County District Attorney Brooks Baker, appointed as special prosecutor in the case, reported the murder charges against William J. Larson Jr., 19, are proceeding despite multiple delays.

Larson is accused of murdering his parents, William Larson Sr., 67, and Lisa Larson, 49, on Nov. 5, 2019, at their home on Courtney Hollow Road in the town of Clarksville near Obi. On Nov. 21, the younger Larson allegedly lit a fire on a pool table in an attempt to cover up the deaths, later fleeing from law enforcement after firefighters discovered the bodies.

He was indicted in November 2019 on two counts of second-degree murder, a class A-1 felony; third-degree attempted arson, a class D felony; two counts of concealment of a human corpse, a class E felony; and three counts of tampering with physical evidence, a class E felony.

“We are now on the

trial calendar with Judge (Terrance) Parker working our way toward trial on the murder charges,” Baker said.

The case has been delayed several times — first in February 2020 due to the passing of Allegany County First Assistant District Attorney Thomas Fuoco.

In mid-March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic closed down much of the court system statewide for roughly a year. Only in late March of this past year did cases resume, while full court staffing did not return until the summer.

Baker added that a new private attorney recently took over Larson’s defense from the Allegany County Public Defender’s Office, with more delays expected as the attorney goes through evidence presented during the discovery phase of the case.

Baker described the level of evidence turned over as “voluminous.”

Baker said he offered to Allegany County District Attorney Keith Slep to take over the prosecution after Fuoco’s death.

“It’s not an uncommon thing among DAs’ offices,” Baker said. “Weedon

Wetmore from Chemung (County) came in and did a major homicide for me a few years ago when I had a conflict. We help each other when needed and when we can. Keith has covered a number of special prosecutor cases for me over the years both felony and misdemeanor.”

Baker is being assisted by Steuben County ADA Joseph Pelych.

A hearing in the fall led to a ruling that Larson’s statements to police, which were played in court in November 2019 during a preliminary hearing, would be allowed into evidence.

In the interview, Larson told investigators he killed his father, Larson Sr., but he claimed the elder Larson killed Lisa Larson in their home.

In the recording, Larson said he was awakened Nov. 5 by his father “ripping the door off” of his bedroom, his father was high on methamphetamines and had already killed Lisa Larson. With the elder Larson attempting to leave in a Chevrolet Blazer with a box of family valuables, the son claimed he fired a warning shot at the vehicle, striking the dashboard and

windshield. He said he then fired a second shot, killing his father.

The preliminary autopsy report for the elder Larson indicates he was shot in the torso, as well as stabbed in the right lower chest, the middle of the left side of the chest and in the left flank. The cause of death was listed as multiple injuries. The autopsy report for Lisa Larson indicates she died from a single stab wound to the left side of her chest, which severed the pulmonary artery and aorta. She was also shot in the right leg.

Following the discovery of the bodies and contact with law enforcement by firefighters, Larson reportedly fled into the woods on foot.

A manhunt, lasting until nightfall, involved dozens of state troopers, tactical teams, environmental conservation officers and forest rangers. Various techniques were used in the search, including K-9 units, a helicopter with infrared imaging equipment and unmanned aerial vehicles. Just before dark, Larson was picked up walking along a nearby road and was charged a few hours later.

Larson was housed in a juvenile holding facility until he turned 18 in 2020. He

was then transferred to the Allegany County Jail.

He was charged by state police on Nov. 11 with firstdegree possession of dangerous contraband in prison, a class D felony, and fourthdegree criminal possession of a weapon, a class A misdemeanor. The charges

stem from an incident reported July 31 in the Allegany County Jail.

Baker did not offer specifics on those charges, but said that case will head to a grand jury for potential indictment in the near future.

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JANUARY 14, 2022