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Alfred • Allentown • Alma • Andover • Angelica • Belfast • Belmont • Bolivar • Caneadea • Ceres • Cuba • FilLmore • Friendship • Genesee Houghton • little genesee • portville • richburg • Rushford • Scio • shinglehouse • Ulysses • Wellsville • west clarksville • Whitesville
Allegany County MicroEnterprise Grant Program delivers more than $680K to small businesses BELMONT — The Allegany County Industrial Development Agency (ACIDA) highlighted the continued success of the county’s MicroEnterprise Grant Program, which has channeled more than $680,000 into the local economy since its inception in 2021. A partnership between Allegany County and the New York State Office of Community Renewal, the program has become a vital lifeline for the smallest businesses that define the region’s rural character.
“Our local, independent businesses are the heart of our Main Streets and the foundation of our community,” said Craig Clark, executive director of the ACIDA. “This program is more than just a financial transaction; it’s about giving our neighbors the stability and modern tools they need to thrive, hire locally, and keep our rural traditions alive for the next generation.” Adding to this sentiment, Allegany County Legislative Chairman Brooke Harris noted the importance of the
county’s investment in small-scale operations. “The fact that we have seen a 100% business retention rate among our grant recipients proves that when we invest in our own neighbors, the entire county stays stronger,” Harris said. County Administrator Carissa Knapp agreed, highlighting the long-term economic outlook. “By providing the professional training and capital these 24 MicroEnterprise continued on PAGE 2
Photo provided by Josie Kozlowski Jason Milburn (left) and Josie Kozlowski (right), owners of Canaseraga Soup and Coffee Co., stand in front of their original Canaseraga café. Following the success of this flagship location and support from the Allegany County MicroEnterprise Grant Program, the duo expanded their operations by opening a second café in Wellsville.
Wellsville village limits parking on E. Genesee St. WELLSVILLE — In the waning days of 2025, the Wellsville Village Board solved a problem that has been vexing it for the last several months. Over the last few meetings several visitors have approached the board concerning problems with parking on East Genesee Street. Located in the northern section of the village and as a link between North Main and Loder streets, it is a popular parking area for employees of Jones Memorial Hospital and St. John’s Episcopal Church members on its western end.
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The street is not metered. At its Loder Street end there is a large parking lot serving a medical office, which is also used by JMH employees. Poorly parked cars or overparked cars hinder parking for residents and sometimes block entrance and exit to their homes, according to complaints brought to the village board. Several solutions to the problem were investigated including prohibiting parking or metering parking. At its most recent meeting, the board unanimously passed a resolution which went into effect immediately.
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According to the resolution: Upon examination, parking on the south side of East Genesee Street from the North Main Street intersection to the Loder Street intersection is now prohibited, while parking outside of a metered parking space within a parking meter zone, unless otherwise marked, is also prohibited. With that problem out of the way, the board went on to approve a special event request initiated by Trustee Tim Colligan, the newly appointed liaison to the fire department. The board gave its approval
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for the Wellsville Fire Department’s 10th Annual Bowling Tournament. The event will be held Jan. 31 at the Bowl-M-Over Bowling Alley at 64 E. Dyke St., and will be open to the public. It is a fundraiser for the fire department. The board also addressed a situation brought forward at an earlier meeting by resident Stacey Cretekos, who asked that the board minutes of a previous meeting be clarified, concerning a recent police department acquisition. The police department purchased a camera system, to be
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used on public facilities, and the description of the system indicated facial recognition as a feature the camera system offers. However, the village did not purchase that particular feature. The camera system purchased has license plate recognition, as well as regular video camera functions, but no facial recognition. The board approved clarifying the minutes. Before adjourning the last board meeting of the year, trustees got a taste of what is in store for its future when it learned of Department of Public Works Director
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allegany county Community Source
January 2, 2026
Alfred State University Police donate nearly $ 1,900 to Allegany Co. Cancer Services ALFRED — Members of the Alfred State University Police Department donated $1,883 to Allegany County Cancer Services through their No Shave November initiative. Since 2020, the department has solicited donations to support Allegany County Cancer Services. This year’s total donation is the largest ever and raises the overall amount donated to assist those dealing with cancer to over $6,500. Lt. Scott Bingham is proud to team with his department for such a great cause. “We come together for the month to help those in
our community. We have fun with the No Shave November initiative, and we are thankful to all that supported us. Allegany County Cancer Services is an amazing organization that supports families battling in our county,” he said. “On behalf of Allegany County Cancer Services Inc. Board of Directors, I want to extend our deepest gratitude to the University Police Department for their generous support through the years,” said Kathy Hamlin, ACCS treasurer. “Their commitment to our mission in supplying gas cards has made a meaningful difference to our county residents diag-
nosed with cancer. We are truly honored to have you as a valued partner and what your team does inspires us; we look forward to continuing this journey together.” Allegany County Cancer Services, Inc. is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization founded in 2006 that values a community-based response for residents of Allegany County, NY living with a cancer diagnosis. The organization works to increase awareness of early, life-saving screenings and treatment and to assist Allegany County residents with transportation costs related to their ongoing cancer treatment.
Photo provided Members of the Alfred State University Police gathered outside their headquarters to present the Allegany County Cancer Services with a check from funds raised during No Shave November. Pictured (L to R): dispatcher Jaime Howe, Allegany County Cancer Services Treasurer Kathy Hamlin, Allegany County Cancer Services Secretary Missy Nickerson, Lieutenant Scott Bingham, Officer Melinda Rounds and Captain Joseph Histed.
➡MicroEnterprise continued from PAGE 1 local businesses needed to modernize, we aren’t just helping them survive today — we are building a resilient foundation that allows them to scale and contribute to our tax base for years to come,” Knapp said. The program focuses on local microenterpris-
es — small businesses with five or fewer employees. By providing flexible capital ranging from $10,000 to $35,000, the grant has empowered 24 local businesses to modernize, expand and weather economic shifts. Key performance
metrics through December 2025 demonstrate a significant impact: • 33 new jobs created and 46 jobs retained, representing a 72% increase in total local employment among grantees. • A 100% business retention rate among all grant recipients, ensuring that local services stay right here in the county. • 58% of grantees are planning further expansions, signaling confidence in the local market. The grant supports a cross-section of the Allegany County economy, from farm fields to the village storefronts: • Step Ahead (Swain): A local favorite that expanded its customer base fivefold and is now planning
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a move to a larger production facility. • Triple Brew (Canaseraga): This project successfully recaptured revenue previously lost to neighboring counties by creating a highend retail destination that draws visitors into the community. • Living Acres Farm (Alfred Station): Merging traditional agriculture with modern technology, they streamlined operations with a new seedling greenhouse and an online storefront. • Peligan Inspections & Excavation (Bel-
mont): Utlized repeat funding to expand into specialized septic work and lead removal, a move that will create four new local jobs in 2026. Success in a rural economy requires more than just a check; it requires a plan. To ensure longterm sustainability, the program requires all applicants to complete entrepreneurship training through ACCORD Corporation or IncubatorWorks. Expert guidance from The Harrison Studio assists small business owners in navigating the complexities of business plan development and long-term moni-
toring. This hands-on approach ensures that even the smallest operation has the professional backing of a much larger corporation. “Watching these entrepreneurs transform their business models has been incredibly rewarding,” said Mike Zimmerman of The Harrison Studio. “In a rural seting, a single business can be a community anchor. The combination of targeted capital and professional planning doesn’t just help them survive a tough year; it creates a resilient foundation that allows them to scale and contribute to the county’s economy for years to come.”
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First Day Hikes in Allegany County and beyond First Day Hikes have grown in popularity over recent years as people become more health conscious and want to enjoy what nature has to offer. Jan. 1 promises to be a continuation of what Old Man Winter has been shoveling at us for the last few weeks. The temperature is predicted to be hovering in the 15- to 25-degree range with several inches of snow already on the ground. For this area there are scheduled and unscheduled First Day Hikes. At the Phillips Creek State Forest on Route 244 between Belmont and Alfred, starting at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Friends Improving Alle-
Photo provided Hikers enjoy winter on Phillips Creek State Forest hiking and cross-country trails.
gany County Trails, Inc. (IMPACT) will host a First Day Hike on trails 1, 2, 3 and the Beginner Cross Country Ski Trail. Camping headlamps will be provided for the first 50 registrants, and commemorative bandanas are available to the first 70 registrants. There will be a drawing for a $25 gift card, which can be used at DEC campground loca-
tions. Register by going to the organization’s Facebook page. Hikers will head out at 11 a.m. Leashed dogs are welcome to join their owners. For up to date trail conditions, upcoming events, or to join IMPACT and donate volunteer time and/ or funds go to www. impactfriendsgroup.org or email impactfriends-
group@gmail.com Although close to home, any First Day Hikers on the DECowned WAG Trail are on their own. The ungroomed scenic trail which roughly follows the Genesee River, skirts farmland and forests and offers a variety of woodland experiences with an abundance of wildlife. While it is open to hikers, cross-country skiers and snow shoeing, it is also available for snowmobiling. The WAG Trail is a 9-mile multi-use recreational trail and historic transportation corridor in Allegany County that extends between the Village of Wellsville and the Pennsylvania state line following the route
of the Wellsville, Addison and Galeton (WAG) Railroad along the upper Genesee River. The WAG Trail roughly parallels NY Route 19. Parking is available at five locations: Carter Road (off Jack Bridge Road), Mapes Road (off County Route 29), Graves Road and two locations on Hawks Road and at Weidrick Road. Nearby Letchworth State Park offers a variety of organized First Day Hikes start with a 7 to 8 a.m. First Day Sunrise Hike — See the first sunrise of 2026 from the Archery Field Overlook. This easy, 1-mile hike offers wonderful views and great photo opportunities. Refreshments will be provided.
Sunrise Hike meets at Humphrey Nature Center. Later in the morning from 10 to 11 a.m. the Waterfalls Hike gets started at the Humphrey Center for a 2-mile hike along the Portage Canyon trail to Inspiration Point, which includes the Glen Iris Fountain, and Middle Falls. Refreshments will be provided. At the same time from 10 to 11 a.m. there will be a guided1.5-mile Hogsback Overlook Hike along the Highbanks Trail with great views of the Mt. Morris Canyon, a unique geological feature within the park. Refreshments will be provided. The hike meets at Highbanks Recreation Area.
Allegany County to receive $3M for housing project BELMONT — Allegany County will receive a $3 million grant for a housing stock expansion project in the town of Friendship. The county plans to construct a wastewater package plant at the county-owned S-Curves property and to install a wastewater collection system. Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Dec. 24 that
more than $463 million had been awarded statewide through the Regional Economic Development Council initiative, including more than $313 million for 381 projects statewide. About $55 million was earmarked for projects in Western New York and the Southern Tier. In Allegany County, the improvements will enable the construction
of a 220-unit housing development on adjacent property along County Road 20. The future housing development is planned to feature oneto three-bedroom units, addressing the county’s housing shortage and helping attract trained professionals to the region. The application for the funding was developed through collaboration with the Allegany County Administrator’s Office, Office of Economic Development, the Planning Department, the Allegany County Industrial Development Agency and Delta Development Group, Inc. “It’s challenging for rural areas to address their housing needs without support from state and federal part-
ners,” said Allegany County Legislature Board Chairman Brooke Harris. “This funding enables Allegany County to provide the infrastructure necessary to attract private developers and expand the tax base. “Most importantly, it will serve to support high-quality housing that encourages retention of current residents and attracts relocation to our area,” Harris added. He said the county is thankful for the recognition of the need by Hochul and the WNY Regional Economic Development Counci. “After decades of work towards developing the ‘Gateway’ site in Belvidere, we’re seeing meaningful progress,” Harris said.
The governor’s office said the REDC process continues to support and empower counties and municipalities in developing strategic plans and funding priorities that meet local economic needs. To date, through the REDC Initiative, more than $8 billion has been awarded to more than 10,000 job creation and community development projects consistent with each region’s strategic plan. “I remain grateful for everyone involved in advancing the work of the Regional Economic Development Councils,” Hochul said. “Their dedication to this ongoing public-private effort has had a transformational impact in every corner of the state.”
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allegany county Community Source
DEC encourages ice anglers to stay vigilant about safety Ice anglers on winter ponds and lakes are reminded to put safety first when venturing out this season — outdoor enthusiasts considering ice fishing should always be aware of essential safety guidelines and ensure ice is thick enough before heading out. “Ice fishing is a great way to get outdoors, connect with nature, and make the most of the abundant winter fishing opportunities here in New York State,” said State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton. “As with any activity, practicing safety is key, especially when it comes to recreating on ice. With an earlier than usual start to ice fishing season, I urge anglers to practice extreme caution, especially when ice is only just forming.” Before leaving shore, ice anglers are advised to check the thickness of ice. Four inches of solid, clear ice is usually safe for anglers accessing ice on foot. However, ice conditions can vary between waterbodies and even within the same waterbody, increasing the need to ensure ade-
File photo A pair of ice fishermen get ready for a day’s fishing.
quate ice thickness. Anglers should be particularly cautious of areas with moving water and around boat docks and houses where bubblers may be installed to reduce ice from forming. Checking the ice can easily be done with an auger or “spud bar” (a long, metal tool with a chisel on one end) at various spots. Local bait and tackle shops are great resources for finding out where there is safe ice and what anglers are catching. Fishing with
a group is also encouraged for added safety. Those interested in trying ice fishing for the first time should mark the weekend of Feb. 1415 on their calendars. As a designated free freshwater fishing weekend, the freshwater fishing license requirement is waived during these days. Free Fishing Days are also a great opportunity for experienced anglers to introduce someone new to fishing.
For some fish species, ice fishing can be more productive than open-water fishing. Given good ice conditions, anglers normally limited to shore fishing can access an entire waterbody. Beginner ice anglers can download the Ice Fishing Chapter of DEC’s I FISH NY Beginners Guide to Freshwater Fishing for helpful information on how to get started. For a more inter-
active option, DEC released a series of six ice fishing videos on the agency’s YouTube channel. Visit the playlist to check out the brief instructional videos. Additional information, including a list of waters open to ice fishing, can be found on the DEC ice fishing webpage, and also through the Tackle Box feature in DEC’s HuntFishNY app. With the app, fishing regulations, access information, fish species present, and more can be accessed from a mapbased interface, all from the convenience of a smart phone. The use of bait fish is popular when ice fishing and may be used in most, but not all, waters open to ice fishing. For more information on baitfish regulations visit DEC’s website. To protect New York State’s waters from invasive species and the spread of fish diseases, anglers are advised to take these critical steps when using baitfish while ice fishing: Review and follow
DEC baitfish regulations: • Ensure the use of baitfish is permitted in the waterbody by checking the special baitfish regulations by county section of the fishing regulations guide or by contacting your regional fisheries office. • Use only certified, disease-free bait fish purchased from a local tackle store. (Buyers must retain the receipt provided to them while in possession of the baitfish). • Personally collected bait fish may only be used in the same waterbody from which they were caught. • Dump unused baitfish and water in an appropriate location on dry land. DEC reminds anglers to make sure that they have a valid fishing license before heading out on the ice. Fishing licenses are valid for 365 days from the date of purchase.
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automotive Modifiable risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease
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Dementia is an umbrella term used to refer to various illnesses, including Alzheimer’s disease. Dementia is a sinister illness that slowly steals away memories, cognitive function and even personality. According to Alzheimer’s Disease International, as of 2020 there were an estimated 55 million people living with dementia around the world. That number is expected to rise to 139 million by 2050. The organization reports that someone develops dementia every three seconds. Alzheimer’s disease can be challenging for patients and their loved ones. Individuals may wonder if there are any controllable risk factors that can help prevent or delay the formation of the disease. Although risk factors like age cannot be avoided, there are some controllable risk factors for Alzheimer’s.
High blood pressure
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a significant
related cerebral oxidative stress that facilitates Alzheimer’s disease formation.
Head trauma
risk factor for dementia, according to NYU Langone Health. High blood pressure can damage the small blood vessels in the brain, leading to reduced blood flow and oxygen deprivation. Hypertension also may trigger brain inflammation, which can contribute to cell damage and cognitive decline.
Diabetes
Research indicates that type 2 diabetes increases a person’s risk of developing dementia, and is dependent on the length of time someone has diabetes and how severe it is, says the Alzheimer’s Society. Diabetes, like hyperten-
sion, can cause damage to blood vessels feeding nutrients and oxygen to the brain.
Smoking
Smoking is a tricky subject when it comes to Alzheimer’s research. A report published in the journal Alzheimer’s & Dementia in June 2015 indicated cigarette smoking has been linked to both increased and decreased risk for Alzheimer’s disease. However, the study’s findings indicated overall former/active smoking is related to a significantly increased risk for Alzheimer’s disease because of the
The Alzheimer’s Association reports there appears to be a link between Alzheimer’s and serious head trauma, especially when an injury causes loss of consciousness. Taking steps to avoid head injury may be a preventive step against Alzheimer’s.
Alcohol
There is a complex relationship between alcohol and Alzheimer’s disease. BrightFocus Foundation reports moderate alcohol use may accelerate Alzheimer’s disease, while the Alzheimer’s Association says recent research published in the journal Neuropsychiatric Disease has shown moderate drinking (two alcoholic drinks per day) reduces one’s chances of developing Alzheimer’s, while regular heavy drinking can increase the chances by 300 percent.
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home improvement
5 tips for staying safe during a winter power outage (BPT) — Winter is in full swing. It’s a beautiful season, but as the temperature drops and the snow, ice and cold approach, there’s always the possibility of a power outage. When it’s cold outside and your home is plunged into darkness, it can be more than just an inconve-
nience. It can mean not being able to keep your family warm, to work if your power is out, even to get water if your pipes freeze. The best way to get through a winter power outage? Be prepared. A little forethought can save a lot of headaches later. Here are some tips
for handling a winter power outage from Anker SOLIX, the experts in whole-home backup power solutions. Assemble an emergency kit. Make sure you have all the things on hand that your family needs to get through a power outage. You’ll be home, so you’ve already got warm blankets and clothes covered. You’ll also want several gallons of bottled water and food that doesn’t have to be heated up like granola bars, fruit and nuts. Pop some new batteries into your flashlights before you need them, and get a weather radio if you don’t already have one. Also think about getting solar chargers for your phones, some battery-powered candles and hand warmers. Invest in backup power. When the lights and heat go out, you need backup. The Anker SOLIX F3800 Portable Power Station is an accessible whole-home power backup. It’s the first power station to continued on PAGE 6
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home improvement feature AC coupling and support home solar power cycling when paired with the Anker SOLIX Home Power Panel. Easy installation only takes a few hours by a professional electrician, and with a cost-effective price point, the F3800 is the
most accessible home power solution available on the market. The F3800 can provide back-up power for the entire home. It offers 6000W AC power output and 120V/240V dual voltage output, enabling it to simultaneously power high-ener-
gy devices. The AC output power can even be elevated up to 12,000W when two F3800s are combined. At the same time, it boasts a massive 3.84kWh internal battery for extended backup power. With its expandable form factor, users can customize their power storage needs with up to 53.76kWh when combining two F3800s and up to 12 additional batteries, providing up to a week of home backup power.
You can also charge your EVs! For a more compact solution, the Anker SOLIX C300 DC, is a new compact-but-mighty power station. It can power seven devices at once, a space heater and more for shorter periods of time. It recharges via solar energy, so you can power it up again and again. And it comes with a built-in light, which is handy during those dark nights when power goes out.
Make sure the pipes don’t freeze. When the power goes out, open the cabinet doors under your kitchen and bathroom sinks and turn on the faucets, just a trickle. That will help ensure the pipes don’t freeze in the cold. Keep your refrigerator door closed. This will help keep the cold air in, preserving your food. General safety guidelines say your fridge will keep food cold for
four hours during an outage. If the outage lasts longer than that, it’s best to throw away things like dairy, meats, eggs and leftovers. Don’t be tempted to heat with your gas stove. This can cause a backup of carbon monoxide gas, which can be deadly. Thinking about investing in backup power? Contact Anker SOLIX at https://www. anker.com/.
NY State Park Police seeking new officers New guidelines and requirements — including a loosening of age requirements — open the door to more applicants for a new class of Park Police candidates at the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. Applications to join the ranks of police officer protecting visitors to the State Park system will be accepted until Feb. 18. “With updated guidelines and requirements, we are proud to welcome a new generation of Park Police candidates,” said State Parks Acting Commissioner Kathy Moser. “Our Park Police officers play a vital role in protecting the people, places, and experiences that make our state park system so special. As visitation continues to grow, we are seeking dedicated
individuals who are committed to public service and to ensuring our parks remain safe and welcoming for everyone.” Candidates must be at least 20 years of age at the time of hire and must not have passed their 43rd birthday as of Oct. 1, 2026. Previously, it was age 35. OPRHP is looking for candidates with education and experience that includes 60 college semester credit hours completed by this coming June 30, military service or municipal police training. State Parks officials said they maintain a welcoming environment and offers new recruits hands-on field work and classroom education in Criminal Procedure Law, Penal Law, Vehicle and Traffic Law, Park and Recreation Law and criminal investiga-
tions. Recruits receive training in firearms, first response, snowmobile operation, ATV operation, emergency vehicle operation and a wide variety of other law enforcement-related topics and skills. “Park Police are relied upon to help people in need during extreme events across various park environment, which include rushing waterways, high peaks and winding trails,” Park Police Chief Michael Daddona said. “This is a challenging and rewarding career. Candidates will be joining a team of dedicated officers who provide a great public service to all the people of New York State.” Visit the Park Police website for more information regarding the application process, agility test and written exam.
Minimum wage to increase in New York on Jan. 1 New York state’s minimum wage is set to rise on Jan. 1, marking the third straight year of increases. The minimum wage will rise to $17 per hour in New York City, Westchester County and Long Island, while the rest of the state will see
an increase to $16 per hour, the governor’s office said in issuing a reminder about the increase. The adjustment of 50 cents per hour is part of a planned series of increases, which will then be indexed to inflation starting in 2027, according to Gov. Kathy
Hochul’s office. “From the tip of Montauk to Niagara Falls, this increase reflects our promise to put money back in New Yorkers pockets and uplift our hard workers,” Hochul said. “By continuing these investments and indexing
wages to inflation, we’re making sure New Yorkers can keep up with rising costs by taking home more money.” State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon said, “Increasing the minimum wage is yet another way Governor Kathy
Hochul is making New York a more affordable place to live, work, and raise a family. With costs rising, this increase is crucial for workers looking to make ends meet.” As part of New York’s agreement in 2023 between Hochul and the state Legislature, the minimum wage was also boosted by 50 cents per hour in 2024 and 2025. Starting in 2027, the minimum wage will increase annually at a rate determined by the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers for the Northeast Region — “the most accurate regional measure of inflation,”
the release stated. The state Department of Labor offers free educational seminars to help employers better understand labor laws and ensure compliance, the release stated. Employees can visit NYSDOL’s Minimum Wage webpage for more information, including an interactive minimum wage lookup tool to verify their correct pay rate. Those who earn the minimum wage and do not see the increase reflected in their paycheck after Jan. 1 can file a wage complaint online or by calling (833) 910-4378.