Functionality is important when designing the interior spaces in a home. Homeowners who redesign their interior spaces can emphasize functionality to help reduce clutter and create a more efficient and even calming space.
Laundry rooms may not be the most glamorous rooms in a home, but they do get lots of usage, particularly in homes with children. Because laundry rooms tend to be well trafficked areas, it makes sense for homeowners to make them as functional and user-friendly as possible. With that in mind, homeowners can consider these tips to make laundry rooms more functional spaces.
• Purchase laundry pedestals with storage capacity. Laundry pedestals make useful additions to a laundry room. Many homeowners place their washing machines and dryers on top of pedestals with storage drawers, which can be used to store everything from dryer sheets to clothes irons to stain removal kits. Pedestals can be particularly useful in cramped laundry rooms where the only means to adding storage is to go up and not out.
• Install a freestanding laundry sink. A laundry sink also adds function to a laundry room by enabling homeowners to hand wash certain clothes and apply stain removal products in the same space where the rest of their clothes are being cleaned. Installing a laundry sink is a relatively inexpensive job, but the cost may go up if new plumbing, venting or electrical work is necessary.
• Add a countertop work space. If you already have
ample storage and won’t be placing the washer or dryer atop a laundry pedestal, then installing some countertop above the appliances can add function and aesthetic appeal. A countertop workspace above a dryer provides an accessible space to fold laundry the moment it dries, reducing the likelihood that clothes will become wrinkled and ensuring you won’t put off folding. • Install floating shelves. Floating shelves won’t cost a lot of money, but they can be ideal in cramped laundry rooms. Shelves provide a space to store detergent
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Franklinville’s Knobloch named NYS Associate Dairy Ambassador
BY DEB EVERTS
FRANKLINVILLE — For
the second year in a row, a high school student from Cattaraugus County will be promoting the dairy industry throughout New York state.
The American Dairy Association North East (ADANE) named its 2026-27 New York State Dairy Ambassador Team during a ceremony Feb. 21 at the Craftsman Inn in Fayetteville.
Kierra Knobloch of Franklinville was selected as one of two NYS Associate Dairy Ambassadors, receiving a $1,500 scholarship. As an associate, Knobloch will assist the new Dairy Ambassador with training, appearances and other duties.
The Dairy Ambassador this year is Hannah Wieboldt, of Orange County, who will receive a $2,000 scholarship and an internship opportunity with ADANE.
As state Dairy Ambassador, Wieboldt will serve as a spokesperson and advocate for dairy farmers by attending special events to engage with and educate consumers on the nutritional benefits of milk and dairy foods, how farmers care for their cows and their land to produce a sustainable product and the importance of the dairy industry to the state economy. Wieboldt is the 63rd dairy promoter selected to represent New York state’s dairy industry, a distinction that dates back to 1963.
Christiana Borst of Cortland County was also selected as an Associate Ambassador, also receiving a $1,500 scholarship.
Knobloch said she hopes to accomplish her mission by making a connection and finding a similar interest
Associate Dairy Ambassador position for Catt. Co.,” she said. “These opportunities helped me educate and guide others.”
Although she did not grow up in the dairy industry, Knobloch has gained experience working with animals as a member of the FFA, showing the Catt-LV FFA Chapter Lambs for two years in a row at the county fair, and while working at Hills Valley Farm, a local dairy farm in Cattaraugus.
“They are amazing people that educate me on everything and tell me all the opportunities to reach for,” she said. “They allow me to work with all ages of the Brown Swiss, Holstein and Jersey cows on the farm.”
During high school, Knobloch has been taking a number of college credit classes at Jamestown Community College. She plans to further her education at the State University of New York College of Agriculture and Technology at Cobleskill for Dairy Science and Management in the fall, with the goal of being a dairy scientist.
with consumers to make sure they understand the dairy industry. “Public relations and speeches will definitely help bring awareness, but I think having hands-on experience or more eye-catching activities will attract the youth,” she told the Press in a recent interview.
Prior to Knobloch’s title as the state Associate Dairy Ambassador, she served as a Cattaraugus County Associate Dairy Ambassador in 2024 and the county’s Dairy Ambassador in 2025. “In the Cattaraugus County Dairy Ambassador program, you have to serve as an Associate Dairy
County
Ambassador before you can run for Dairy Ambassador,” she said. “To qualify to run for a state position, you have to be a current county ambassador, so I served as both.”
Knobloch is the daughter of James “Jim” Knobloch and Danielle Knobloch. She has a younger brother, Bennett Knobloch, and an older sister, Skylar HardmanKnobloch.
Currently a senior at Franklinville Central School, Knobloch previously attended Cattaraugus-Little Valley Central. She loves to play sports year-round and has participated in soccer and softball for both
schools. She bowled for Cattaraugus-Little Valley for a few years and, after moving to Franklinville, she decided to play basketball. She has also been very active in FFA for five years, which, she said, “has pushed her to participate in many contests to practice and improve her skills.” She said the competitions were somewhat out of her comfort zone because she didn’t grow up in the dairy industry.
Agriculture Teacher and FFA advisor Katie Mitrowski encouraged Knobloch to step outside her comfort zone by competing in contests, serving as a chapter officer and encouraging other youth
to step out of their comfort zone, which helped her develop skills in leadership and public speaking.
According to Knobloch, she also took many agriculture classes that widened her knowledge and allowed her to advocate for the dairy industry. She said FFA has also shown her that farming isn’t all about just raising livestock or growing crops; it’s also about management, business and the challenges that are faced regularly.
“My experience in FFA expanded my knowledge and gave me confidence in the dairy industry, qualifying me to run for the
The New York State Dairy Ambassadors were selected based on their communication skills and knowledge of the dairy industry. The Dairy Ambassador program aims to build critical professional skills and confidence in young individuals who are passionate about the dairy industry. The ambassadors will be involved in statewide promotions and events. Individuals will gain experience collaborating with a team, knowledge of ADANE promotion and marketing programs, and will participate in sessions led by experts in public speaking, social media, team building and leadership.
BY KELLEN M. QUIGLEY
LITTLE VALLEY — The quick thinking and selfless actions of a Cattaraugus County Department of Public Works driver saved the life of a New Albion resident in February. Adam Chudy, a Class A driver for the county and a Weston Mills firefighter, was recognized Feb. 25 by the Legislature for his life-saving actions on Feb. 11 when he helped a New Albion resident out of his burning house.
“A member of the Cattaraugus County DPW engaged in some very heroic and fantastic action that very well saved the life of another,” said Chairman M. Andrew Burr.
“Adam, thank you for your great service.
We appreciate all that you do, and this one act is a great case study of all the great things you do every day.”
Chudy was operating a snowplow on the New Albion Road when he noticed flames coming out of the roof of a residence and stopped his plow to call 911. Upon further investigation, he discovered that a resident was still inside the home. Chudy then knocked on the door, spoke to the man inside, confirmed that no one else was inside the home
“It’s great to be a leader of a department with the employees who have the integrity and call for action when it’s needed, and we should all be very proud,” said Michael Prinino, Commissioner of Public Works.
Additionally, Prinino was officially appointed Commissioner of
working with all of you to serve the community we all live in.”
Also, James E. Adsit was reappointed Director of the Department of Buildings and Grounds for a four-year term commencing April 1 and terminating March 31, 2030.
“I’d like to thank everyone for their confidence in reappointing me to the director of buildings and grounds,” Adsit said. “I’m looking forward to continuing to work with everyone.”
Photo by Kellen M. Quigley Cattaraugus County Department of Public Works driver Adam Chudy
Photo provided
Kierra Knobloch of Franklinville has been named a New York State Associate Dairy Ambassador for 2026-27. Shown (from left) are Knobloch, Cattaraugus County; Dairy Ambassador Hannah Wieboldt, Orange County; and Associate Ambassador Christiana Borst, Cortland County.
BY BOB CLARK
Seats up for election at all levels of government this November
Political offices from the halls of Congress to the local town hall will be on the ballot Nov. 3, the local county boards of elections reported. Only one set of federal elections will be held in New York this year, as neither of the state’s Senate seats is up for election this year. All 26 seats from the state to the U.S. House of Representatives are up for election this year.
Cattaraugus County is in the
23rd Congressional District. At the state level, executive, legislative and judicial races will be seen. A four-year term for governor and lieutenant governor will be up for election. Other executive seats for election this year include the office of the state Comptroller and Attorney General. All of the races are for four-year terms. In the state Legislature, all 63 state Senate seats are up for new two-year terms. Cattaraugus County is in the 57th Senate District. All 150 state Assembly seats are also
up for new two-year terms. Cattaraugus County is in the 148th Assembly District. The Eighth Judicial District will see a single fouryear seat for a judge on the ballot.
CANDIDATES BEGAN circulating petitions to get on the ballot for a party nomination this week. Completed petitions are due back to the governing county board of elections between March 30 and April 6. Petitions require a number of signatures equal to or greater than
5% of the active enrolled voters of the party in the political subdivision. Lists of registered party members will be available from the county board starting Feb. 20. Independent nominating petitions begin circulating April 14 and are due back to the county between May 19 and 26. Independent petitions require a number of signatures equal to 5% of the total valid votes cast for governor in the last election in the political subdivision.
THE CATTARAUGUS County Board of Elections reported four county-level races this year, as well as a number of city and town races.
Countywide, a judge position, the county clerk’s post and a county coroner position will be on every ballot. Residents of District 2 will also vote on one county legislator to fill a vacancy. The district covers more than a quarter
of the county and includes the towns of Ashford, East Otto, Ellicottville, Farmersville, Franklinville, Freedom, Great Valley, Ischua, Lyndon, Machias and Yorkshire; the Oil Springs Reservation of the Seneca Nation of Indians; and the villages of Delevan, Ellicottville and Franklinville.
Both cities in the county will also see several races. In the city of Olean, the Common Council seats for the First, Third and Fifth wards are up for twoyear terms. In the city of Salamanca, the mayor and all five council seats are up for election.
Town races include:
• Allegany – Supervisor.
• Ashford –Councilmember to fill vacancy.
• Conewango – Clerk to fill vacancy, councilmember to fill vacancy.
• Red House –Supervisor, Clerk, Highway Superintendent, and two Justices.
• South Valley –Supervisor, Highway Superintendent.
• Yorkshire – Justice.
Did You Know?
Pickleball is an American original. The popularity of pickleball has risen sharply in recent years, and a recent report from the Association of Pickleball Professionals indicated more than 36 million people played the sport across the United States in 2022. But pickleball is much older than its recent participation boom suggests. According to USA Pickleball, the
sport is the brainchild of U.S. congressman Joel Pritchard and businessman Bill Bell. In 1965, Prichard and Bell arrived at the former’s home on Bainbridge Island in Washington to find their families lounging around. Pritchard’s property had an old badminton court, but no equipment. So the players improvised, using ping pong paddles and a perforated plastic
ball. The net, initially around 60 inches high, was lowered once the players realized how well the ball bounced on the asphalt playing surface. The following weekend Pritchard introduced the game to another friend, Barney McCallum, and the two men and Bell soon created rules for the game that is now known as pickleball.
The Cornell Cooperative Extension of Cattaraugus County announces that two new workshops planned for this spring are currently taking registrations.
A hands-on lamp repair workshop is set to take place from 9:30 a.m. to noon on Saturday, March 28, at the CCECattaraugus office in the Ellicottville Town Center, 28 Parkside Drive.
This interactive workshop offers community members the opportunity to learn how to safely repair and restore their lamps while promoting sustainability and reducing waste.
Instructors will guide participants through the basics of lamp wiring,
socket replacement, switch repair and troubleshooting common electrical issues.
Whether it’s a cherished vintage piece or a modern fixture that’s stopped working, attendees will gain practical skills to bring their lamps back to life. Bring a lamp from your home or thrift something to rewire and make safe. Come prepared to have fun and learn how to save energy and make something old useful again.
“Many lamps are discarded due to simple wiring issues that can be easily fixed,” said Kelly McDonald, Executive Director of CCE-Cattaraugus. “This workshop empowers people with the knowledge and confidence to repair instead of replace, saving
money and supporting environmentally responsible practices.”
The workshop will include step-by-step demonstrations by an experienced instructor; safety guidance on handling electrical components; handson repair time with expert supervision; tips for maintaining and upgrading lamps;
and energy savings and efficiency.
Participants should bring their own nonworking lamps for repair. Basic tools and materials will be provided. No prior experience is necessary. Cost is $25 per participant/lamp.
Payment for the workshop can be paid at the event. Cash and personal checks made out to CCE-
Cattaraugus are accepted. Spaces are limited, and early registration is recommended. Register at https://reg.cce. cornell.edu/LampRepair Workshop2026_258.
THEN ON May 15, CCE-Cattaraugus and the Cattaraugus Soil and Water Conservation District invite participants to discover the many benefits of installing a rain barrel at this hands-on workshop.
Led by CCE Cattaraugus Climate Stewards and Cattaraugus Soil and Water, this interactive event will teach participants about water conservation and stormwater management while building rain barrels to take home. Whether looking to conserve water, reduce stormwater runoff or
provide a sustainable source of water for the lawn and garden, a rain barrel can make a meaningful difference.
During the workshop, participants will construct their own rain barrel, learn about stormwater management and best practices for homeowners, explore the anatomy of a rain barrel, review maintenance tips and receive guidance on properly connecting a barrel to a downspout. Participants are asked to bring appropriate transportation to take the rain barrel home. Barrels are HDPE, food-grade and BPA-free, measuring 23.3 inches in diameter and 34.9 inches in height. Barrels typically fit in the cargo space of most SUVs. This workshop will take place from 4:306:30 p.m. Friday, May 15, and is open to all interested individuals. Cost is $65 each, cash or check payable to CCE-Cattaraugus, in advance or at the event. Register at https://reg.cce. cornell.edu/RainBarrel_ May26_258. For more information on these and other offerings from CCECattaraugus, contact Kim Oudemool, Natural Resources Educator, at (716) 699-2377 ext.106 or email kkr35@ cornell.edu.
