Eric Jones wraps up pumpkin carving season with national tour, Olean display
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county
Cold, snow moved Wellsville’s Veterans Day service indoors
BY KATHRYN ROSS
WELLSVILLE —
During World War I on the Western Front in the winter of 1917-18, soldiers — including U.S. soldiers and Marines — endured unusual bitter cold and snow in the trenches.
In World War II, during the Battle of the Bulge in Belgium in December and January 1944, soldiers moved from foxhole to foxhole in abnormally frigid winter weather.
In 1950, at the Battle of Chosin Reservoir during the Korean War, the temperature fell to minus 25 degrees as soldiers fought in the
frozen hills.
In Wellsville, on Nov. 11 — at 11 a.m. on Veterans Day 2025 — a limp flag hung from a pole over Veterans Memorial Park, where 4 to 5 inches of snow had been removed from the memorials and the sidewalks. The temperature was 30 degrees.
Because of the weather, organizers of the annual Veterans Day Memorial Service chose to move the event indoors at the American Legion. The move inside was to accommodate the elderly crowd that normally turns out to pay their respects, but the thoughts of many of them were on the
conditions endured by soldiers fighting our country’s wars, and who are the grandchildren and the sons and daughters of veterans who faced difficult conditions while they were serving.
One of the featured guests, Wellsville Town Supervisor Shad Alsworth, said prior to the service, “As I was driving over here, I couldn’t help but think of the conditions our soldiers endured and fought in, and the irony of paying our respects to them by moving this service indoors, and what it says about us.”
Allegany County to market parcels for business development
BY JIM ECKSTROM
CUBA — Allegany County’s Office of Economic Development will focus on marketing parcels in the county to potential businesses, providing more support for retention and even expansion of existing businesses and encouraging more housing development in the coming year.
Ashley Smith, director of the office, laid out several goals for 2026 and beyond
Monday evening during the Second Annual Economic Development Summit for Allegany County, held at the Palmer Opera House on Main Street. About 75 business, county and municipal leaders as well as residents were in attendance.
She said her office is partnering with the county’s Industrial Development Agency and county planners, legislators and municipal leaders to lay the groundwork on several
initiatives for site development in the hopes of attracting investment.
“We’re going to be working on identifying parcels of land that can be developed to a shovel-ready state, which is a very fancy way of saying it’s ready for construction,” Smith said.
“The significance of that is having land that is adjacent to existing infrastructure because, at the end of the day, this is what businesses that are
Photo by Kathryn Ross
District IV County Legislator Steve Havey speaks at Veterans Day service in the American Legion in Wellsville.
Wellsville’s Veterans Day continued on PAGE 2
Photo by Jim Eckstrom
Ashley Smith, director of economic development in Allegany County, speaks Monday evening during the 2nd Annual Economic Development Summit in the Palmer Opera House in Cuba. Assemblyman Joe Sempolinski speaks during Allegany County’s Economic Development Summit.
Holidays, signs and bulky trash discussed in Wellsville
BY KATHRYN
WELLSVILLE —
Holiday traditions topped the regular village board meeting Monday night.
Mayor Ed Fahs started the meeting by addressing the annual holiday parking meter hiatus and donation.
Each year, coins placed in parking meters between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day are donated to a local nonprofit designated by the village board. In 2024, a total of $1,239.24 was inserted into the parking meters. The village board brought the total up to $1,250, which was given to Hart Comfort House.
Since 2014, a total of $19,334.26 has been donated to a charity, with the Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign receiving the most, $2,800 in 2019.
The Chamber of Commerce will place a notice on each parking meter notifying the public that parking is free from Thanksgiving to New Years Day and that any coins inserted in meters will go to charity.
Over the next couple
of meetings, the board will select a charity to receive the funds. Suggestions will be considered.
In addition to the Salvation Army and Hart Comfort House, the Wellsville Development Corporation, Allegany Cancer Services, ACCORD, The Thelma Rogers Historical Society, Howe Library, Allegany County TNR and the SPCA have been recipients over the last several years.
The board also approved two holiday special event requests, the Chamber’s Hometown Holiday events including a Santa Parade at 4:30 p.m., and fireworks at 6:30 p.m., on Nov. 29. The parade will travel north on Main Street from State Street to Pearl Street and stop at the Fassett Green Space to light the Jingle and Glow display. The parade will continue to Pearl Street and Santa will light the Lions Club’s annual Fantasy of Lights on the library lawn.
The board also approved a special event permit for the Wellsville Fire Department’s 10th Annual Holiday Ex-
travaganza at the Main Street Fire Headquarters from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 29. The event raises funds for the fire department.
Good news was also on the table when the board learned that the state approved the village’s request for unused funds from the New York Forward Grant be reallocated to the New York Small Project Fund.
A total of 16 projects, narrowed down from 22 applications, were recently awarded grants from Wellsville’s New York Small Project Fund.
Last year the New York Forward Grant awarded $150,000 for One project proposed renovating the former municipal building into a restaurant. The project has been abandoned, leaving the $150,000 funding in limbo.
Earlier in the month the state Department of Homes and Community Renewal informed the village that the Department of State had approved the request. The $150,000 will be redirected to Wellsville’s New York Forward Small Project Fund under the direction of the 449 Committee. ($449,000 was originally allocated for the Small Project Fund.)
Tim Colligan opened a discussion concerning signage and the possibility of enforcement. Prompted by the plethora of signs at the intersections at Colligan Park and at the Arterial and Bolivar Road, his concern involves leftover signage from political campaigns, events and fundraisers and advertisements for rummage and garage sales and the lack of taking the signs down and cleaning up afterwards.
between churches or organization’s signs, I don’t like any of them (signs).”
The board will take the matter under consideration.
The 449 Committee will decide whether to award the funding to applicants who have already submitted plans, or to start a Phase II of the Small Project Fund. The 449 Committee is made up of local individuals and business people.
During the regular trustees’ business part of the meeting, recently appointed trustee
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Currently, there are only laws prohibiting placing signs on utility poles. There is no local law regarding the placement of signs at intersections. Colligan said that in response to a recent concern he published, people wondered where else can they advertise their events?
“These signs take away from the beauty of the village,” Colligan said. “I’m hoping to raise some awareness. I don’t discriminate
The board will also be looking into bulky trash pickup as was suggested by a visitor at a recent meeting. The board tapped newly reelected District IV Legislator Kevin LaForge of Laforge Disposal for suggestions. He was in attendance to meet with the board. LaForge said that a bulky trash pickup could cost the village as much as $30,000. The village contracts with LaForge for garbage pickup. LaForge said that for a fee, individuals can contact his business and arrange for a bulky trash pickup.
The board will be looking into the matter in the future.
The board will also be looking into a request from Marshall Green who has recently
Wellsville’s Veterans Day
Legion Commander
Yvonne Simmons, a Marine, started the service with a prayer by the Post Chaplain Tina Jackson at 11 a.m. Simmons said, “Today we come together to honor the men and woman who
have put on the uniform to serve this country.” She was followed by Greg McAndrew, commander of the Wellsville VFW, who noted, “This is a time to reflect on and show our gratitude to those who stepped up and put on the uniform.”
District IV County Legislator Steve Havey addressed the crowd saying, “Our veterans showed us that bravery isn’t loud or boastful. It’s a steady heartbeat of someone who chooses duty over comfort, service over self and honor over hesitation. Their courage teaches us that valor isn’t found in being unafraid. It’s found in pressing forward, even when fear walks beside you.
“So, today, we don’t just thank our veterans for their service, we thank them for showing us what true courage looks like. In a world that often confuses bravado with bravery, they remind us that real strength is quiet, enduring, and deeply human.”
developed four apartments on Main Street and who has three in development. He asked the board to look into its prohibition on overnight parking on Main Street during the winter months. “I know the reason for it is because of snow plowing but it’s the number one problem I have in developing new apartments. Maybe something like alternate night parking could be developed,” he suggested.
The board agreed to look into the matter with Department of Public Works Director Dean Arnold sitting in on the discussion at his request, “I have some ideas,” he commented. Before adjourning, the board approved adding Kevin Kellogg to the rolls of the Grant Duke Hose Company #1 Inc.
The next meeting of the board is scheduled for 6 p.m. Nov. 24 in the village hall.
Memorial wreaths from the VFW, American Legion, town and village and the Elks Club were displayed on tripods in front of the Veteran’s Brick Wall Memorial that supports the
Legion. A 21-gun salute was fired from the parking lot and the service ended with a prayer. Outside, the flag of the United States at the Legion’s front door was lowered to half-staff.
File photo
Funding once awarded by the state for renovation of the Municipal Building will be allocated for other local projects.
Photo by Kathryn Ross Veterans wreaths were displayed in front of the American Legion’s Memorial Brick Wall on Veteran’s Day.
Jones Memorial announces 2025 Auxiliary Royal Court winners
WELLSVILLE —
The Jones Memorial Hospital Auxiliary hosted the annual Gala & Silent Auction fundraiser Nov. 8 at the Wellsville Country Club. Kennedy Perry, representing the
looking to come into our county are looking for.”
She hinted that discussions are ongoing on at least a few potential development projects in the county, but it’s
Hemlock Twig, was announced as Auxiliary Queen. Perry sold the most tickets to the grand raffle. Runners up were Lane Joyce, representing the Rotary Club, and
still too soon to publicly discuss specifics. Smith said her office will also work with the IDA to identify potential brownfield sites that can be made ready for
Lexi Aftuck, representing Wellsville Investment Group. In total, royal court members sold more than $15,000 in support of the auxiliary’s fundraising efforts.
development through grant funding for planning and site preparation as well as potential cleanup. She explained that brownfield development can involve empty parcels but it can also involve the revitalization of existing structures — all of it with the goal of fostering opportunities for development or expansion. She noted there can also be tax incentives available as well.
Grand raffle winners included Jered Muoio, Carol Gardner and Patrick Vance. Fundraisers such as the annual gala allow the Auxiliary to support the hospital. Over the past 12 months, the Auxiliary has made morew than $60,000 in purchases to support the hospital, including the final pledge on the capital campaign, new wheelchairs, a bariatric recliner in the medical/ surgical unit, an ice machine in the rehab gym and many other wishlist items.
The Auxiliary is looking for new members to help support Jones Memorial’s mission. Members can be found
workers to an area. She said the need is great for new housing, which could have a positive ripple effect in the overall housing market in the county, including in affordability.
in many areas of the hospital from managing the gift shop to making sure patients get where they need to be. Outside of the hospital, they can be found organizing successful fund-raising activities in the community. For more information on membership or joining the organization, contact Sylvia Masin, membership chair, at (585) 593-4168.
tients; in FY 2025, that number increased to more than 3,600.
In FY 2021, the total number of outpatient services was 96,000; in FY 2024 the total was 162,000.
but nothing has been set.
NY LAWMAKER’S OUTLOOK
Smith said her office and partners in the county will also work to establish new initiatives that provide incentive and support for new and small business development as well as expansion.
In FY 2021, the hospital’s payroll expenditures were $26 million; in FY 2024 the figure was $31 million.
Meanwhile, she said the county will embark in 2026 on a comprehensive study of infrastructure needs, which can be tied closely to preparing property sites for development. One project that is in the works, she noted, is the expansion of water and sewer infrastructure in the area of the junction of Route 19 and Interstate 86 near Belmont to make way for the long-envisioned goal of a hotel, restaurant and cultural center.
JONES MEMORIAL HOSPITAL
An ongoing success story in Allegany County was highlighted by Jim Helms, CEO of Jones Memorial Hospital.
In FY 2021, the economic impact of JMH in its community and the county as a whole was $90 million; in FY 2024 the number was $147 million.
Assemblyman Joe Sempolinski, R-Canisteo, expressed his ongoing concern that his 48th Assembly District in the Southern Tier, which runs close to the Pennsylvania state line, is handicapped in terms of economic development by what he believes is over-regulation and bad energy policy in Albany.
COMMUNITY BANK Regional officials of Community Bank, who were on hand for the summit, were asked what services they might still be able to offer for residents of the Belfast area, where the bank’s branch office was recently closed. Belfast is just under 10 miles from the Belmont branch of Community Bank.
Overall, Smith said much of the focus on infrastructure needs and potential development will be on Route 19 and County Route 20 corridors “because those are the gateways to our county.”
She also noted that county economic development officials and planners will work with developers and builders to increase new housing, something that is critical to recruiting new businesses as well as
One of the largest employers in the county, with roughly 560 employees, Helms noted the hospital has steadily increased its reach with several satellite offices and clinics — from Olean to Hornell — while JMH is the only birthing center in a 50-mile radius of Wellsville. He also emphasized that JMH has significantly increased its certifications for various fields and levels of care while earning a four-star rating for the second year in a row from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
Some figures shared by Helms:
In fiscal year 2022, Jones provided surgical services to 2,792 pa-
One questioner in the audience noted that many older residents have not transitioned to online banking and such options — which are part of what is driving branch closures in rural areas — do them no good.
A CB official said the bank is exploring the possibility of ATM/deposit drop-off service in Belfast as well as other communities where branches have closed,
“I certainly want to encourage anyone to invest in New York,” he said, “but at the same time that can be particularly difficult in our district. We have competition from Pennsylvania. … Business owners and manufacturers can very easily decide to do their business in Pennsylvania rather than in the Empire State.” Sempolinski said the ruling New York Democrats’ fixation on renewable energy is driving up costs and limiting options for consumers and businesses alike. He noted the ban on gas appliances for new-build housing in the state takes effect Jan. 1, and while the Hochul administration is giving school districts the option to delay the purchase of all-electric school buses for two years, that increased cost for districts — and their taxpayers — remains on the horizon.
Photos provided
Members of the Jones Memorial Hospital Auxiliary Royal Court are (front row, from left) Madison Wulf, Ryan Sturm and Lydia Brockway; and (back row, from left) Raegan Vogel, Brody Vance, Lane Joyce, Ella Green, Emma Bentley and Lexi Aftuck. Not pictured, Mia Gesek.
Kennedy Perry is the Jones Memorial Hospital Auxiliary Royal Court Queen.
county Community Source
home improvement
weeks of enjoyment.
orange color. It’s a fun choice for Thanksgiving tablescapes or festive room decor throughout the holidays.
Shape brings new life to tradition
While still clearly recognizable as poinsettias, many of the newer options play with the shape and texture of their leaves and blooms, offering even more visual interest and variety.
Starry days and nights: If you love the festive star-like look of the Sky™ Orange poinsettia, explore other colors in the same eye-catching pattern, such as Sky™ Fantasy, a red speckled poinsettia that shines in any holiday display.
Southern favorite: The Christmas Beauty™ series is known to be long-lasting for many
The Christmas Beauty™ Prince poinsettia features a subtle mottled red color and smaller, slightly rounded foliage, offering a classic yet refined look for an elegant tablescape.
Not a creature was stirring: For a fun and playful shape that may especially appeal to the youngest members of your household, the Christmas Mouse® poinsettia features charming rounded leaves that resemble little mouse ears. Available in pink or red, this whimsical plant is sure to bring smiles and stand out as a festive centerpiece.
No matter which colors or shapes you choose for your holiday floral displays, you’ll find plenty of different options in the latest poinsettia varieties to enhance your home throughout the winter months.
You can purchase these and other poinsettia varieties for your holiday decor, or as gifts, at your local garden centers and floral retailers. Visit Ball Horticultural to learn more.
BY KATHRYN ROSS
CUBA — The five members of Team Commitment all deal with children, so it was an easy concept for them to come up with a fundraiser that would benefit kids.
Rockin’ Out For Kids, organized by Team Commitment, will take place from 4 to 10 p.m. Nov. 22 at the Palmer Opera House and will raise funds for the Allegany County Department of Social Services Foster Care Program and the First Step Family Resource Center. The concert/ dance will feature three popular bands — The Chillbillys, the Chumps, and Hintz of Thunder, an all-female country rock band.
Tickets are $10 per person. Food will be sold during the event and there will be a cash bar.
Team Commitment is part of the Leadership Allegany Program, nine months of sessions
designed to develop leadership skills among adult professionals in the county, fostering community engagement and positive change. It was initiated in 1997 by the Allegany County Chamber of Commerce and has graduated over 575 individuals to date.
The five members of the team have been engaged in leadership classes and visiting local businesses and organizations twice a month since April. They will graduate in February.
Heather Forness Thomas, who is in HR, coaches soccer in Cuba and headed up the organization of the Rockin’ Out For Kids, said the group naturally gravitated toward doing some sort of a fundraiser for children.
“Brent Shafer works for the sheriff’s department, and he sees first-hand the needs of children in the county,” she said. “We learned about it from him and when we toured the Allegany County Jail. We
know that if you want to have any impact on kids, you have to start when they’re young. That is why the foster care program is important.
“They are always in need of help and funding, so they seemed to be the right place for us to start,” she said.
Team Commitment has the needs of children covered from birth through college. Team member Amanda Green is head of the OB/GYN Department at Jones Memorial Hospital, while Jessica Burdick works with Head Start and Meredith Field is a professor at Alfred University.
“When you look at them. this group has some pretty impressive credentials when it comes to dealing with kids,” Thomas said, adding, “it was natural that we would want to do something to help kids.”
And they’re not the only ones who are taking part in the fundraiser who are helping out.
WELLSVILLE —
Two Steuben County teenagers were killed and four other young people were injured when a small SUV struck a utility pole early Nov. 8 in the town of Wellsville.
Amity-based state police said the crash took place at about 2:24 a.m. on Tarantine Boulevard in the town of Wellsville.
Troopers reported that a 2020 Buick Encore was eastbound on Tarantine Boulevard when it went off the
Although they have a budget, so far it remains unused because everyone involved in the Rockin’ Out For Kids fundraiser — the Palmer Opera House, the three bands, Audiotrax West and others have donated their time.
north shoulder of the roadway on a curve and struck a utility pole on the driver’s side.
State police said Derrick J. Smith, 17, and Gavin Odell, 18, both of Canisteo, were pronounced dead at the scene of the crash.
Troopers said Smith was riding in the tailgate area of the SUV, while Odell was sitting behind the 17-year-old driver.
Troopers said autopsies to determine the exact cause of death are scheduled.
The driver, a 14-year-
Thomas said 100% of the proceeds from Rockin’ Out For Kids will go to children. The event will also include 50/50 drawings, raffles and a basket auction.
Team Commitment plans Rockin’ Out For Kids
“All of us realize that the best time to help children is when they are young, and we want our kids to know that we care about them,” Thomas said.
Two teens killed, four hurt when SUV strikes utility pole in Wellsville
old front passenger, and 16-year-old and 15-yearold rear passengers sustained minor injuries. The four teens were transported to Jones Memorial Hospital for treatment.
Troopers said the driver showed no signs of impairment. The crash remains under investigation.