Cornell Cooperative Extension welcomes new 4-H youth educator
ELLICOTTVILLE —
Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at 7:00 pm in
Eliza Schrantz has joined the Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) team in Cattaraugus County as a 4-H Youth Educator.
Schrantz participated in the Cattaraugus 4-H program from the time she was a Cloverbud through high school, participating in every program she could, including horse, sheep and rabbits.
“I want to share my love of 4-H with other kids, helping them have the best possible experiences, just like I did growing up,” she shared. “4-H was a major part of my life. The county fair was always one of my favorite parts of the year. I have so many amazing memories and lifelong friends.”
After 4-H, Schrantz attended Lake Erie College and graduated with a degree in Equine Facilities Management and a minor in English, looking for a job that would engage her and allow her to use her skills. Schrantz has since worked in many areas of the horse industry,
including marketing and media, training and barn management. With CCE Cattaraugus, Schrantz will oversee the horse and dog programs this year while learning the ropes in other areas of 4-H club
management. She will hit the ground running with a horse show scheduled in May as part of the Open Horse Show Series.
For more information about the Horse Show series or to volunteer or participate in other 4-H
programs, contact the CCE Cattaraugus office at (716) 699-2377 or email cattaraugus4h@cornell. edu. The CCE offices are located in the Ellicottville Town Center at 28 Parkside Drive.
Photo provided
Eliza Schrantz has joined the Cornell Cooperative Extension team in Cattaraugus County as a 4-H Youth Educator.
Deep Purple, Kansas to play outdoor casino concert this August
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Clint Black bringing ‘Back on the Blacktop Tour’ to casino Saturday
BY DEB EVERTS
SALAMANCA —
Country music fans are in for an unforgettable night of classic hits and powerful storytelling as legendary artist Clint Black brings his “Back on the Blacktop Tour” to the Seneca Allegany Event Center this Saturday and takes the stage at 8 p.m.
The country music superstar has experienced one of the most storied careers in modern music. As part of the fabled Class of ’89, he hit No. 1 on the charts with five consecutive singles from his tripleplatinum debut, “Killin’ Time.” That was followed by his tripleplatinum, “Put Yourself in My Shoes,” then a string of platinum and gold albums that came out throughout the ’90s.
The Houston-born musician wrote or co-wrote more than three dozen chart hits, including “A Better Man,” “Killin’ Time,” “When My Ship Comes In,” “A Good Run of Bad Luck,” “Summer’s Comin’,” “Like the Rain” and “Nothin’ but the Taillights.”
His most recent album, “Out of Sane,” released in June 2020, demonstrates his continued creativity and passion for music. His 2026 tour blends classic hits with newer material that showcases why he
remains one of country music’s most respected artists.
Black has sold over 20 million records, earning him 22 No. 1 career singles and nearly two dozen gold and platinum awards in the United States and Canada, which made him one of the most successful singer-songwriters of the modern era.
Throughout his remarkable career, Black has been honored with Grammy Awards, Country Music Association (CMA) Awards and Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards. As a longtime member of the Grand Ole Opry, he also holds the distinction of being the fourth country artist to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
With a career spanning nearly four decades, the ’90s country superstar has captivated the world of country music with his many talents and considerable versatility as a singer, songwriter, player, actor, label head and beyond.
According to his website, clintblack.com, his return to extensive touring comes at the perfect time for country music lovers who have been craving authentic, traditional sounds.
Black shared his enthusiasm about returning to live performances in an
announcement he made on TikTok.
“I’m hitting the road in 2026 for the Back on the Blacktop Tour. Can’t wait to get back out there and share the music with you all,” he said. Black wrote his first memoir, “Killin’ Time: My Life and Music,” which will be released in May. Parade magazine describes the publication as a raw and intimate story that traces Black’s rise from struggling songwriter to charttopping superstar and enduring music legend. The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, in Nashville, is set to open a new exhibition, “Clint Black: The Hard Way on Purpose” on April 22. The exhibit tracing Black’s story from a working-class upstart to topping the charts on his own terms will run through Aug. 2027. Black’s influence on modern country music continues to this day. In 2025, he told People magazine that he sees no signs of slowing down anytime soon. As country music evolves, his tour represents a return to the genre’s traditional roots. His sound is timeless and relevant across multiple decades.
For more information, visit online at clintblack.com or senecaalleganycasino. com.
Roswell Park, Seneca Nation partner for lung health education effort
BY BOB CLARK
SALAMANCA — Work is underway to offer lung health resources to Indigenous groups in several countries.
During a press conference Tuesday, March 24, in the council chambers, the Seneca Nation of Indians and Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center announced the start of a three-year program to help workers in Indigenous workplaces across the continent with lung health. The program launched in 2025 with a grant from pharmaceutical firm Eli Lilly, Roswell Park officials said. The program includes five modules that will be provided through workplaces in the community, with topics including cancer screening and early detection, lung health and wellness, resiliency and reconnection, health disparities, stress management and healthy goal setting. The employees will also have access to Roswell Park’s virtual and Indigenous patient navigators, trained community members who can guide them through their lung wellness journey. Rodney Haring, chair of the Department of Indigenous Cancer Health at Roswell Park and a citizen of the Seneca Nation’s Beaver Clan, noted the initiative is the first of its kind in the nation and is being used as a model for other such
programs.
“Our program is effective, efficient and works well because of our partnerships in Indian Country,” Haring said, adding the program blends modern Western medicine with Native American culture and knowledge to
provide a holistic approach to health.
For example, “it ties in ancestral knowledge and diets with healthy eating and exercise,” Haring said. The goal is for workers to “bring that productivity back home” to help their community. “It’s also about
creating health at the community level.”
The program is working with six nations in the U.S., as well as indigenous groups in Canada and Micronesia. SNI Councilor Kevin Seneca noted that data collected by the American Cancer Society and the
American Association of Cancer Research show that Indigenous groups have higher incidence and fatality rates for cancer than other ethnic groups, and have lower five-year survival rates after diagnoses than
partners like Roswell Park,” Seneca said.
Seneca Councilor Todd Gates, who received a cancer diagnosis in 2021, said the cancer diagnosis disparity among Native Americans is not a new problem, or unique to just cancer.
“We see it with diabetes, we saw it with COVID, we see it with cancer,” he said.
Gates backed the effort as an opportunity to help reverse those trends.
“It’s helping native communities be strong, active and be advocates for their own care,” he said, empowering Native Americans in their efforts to fight cancer.
“You are in charge of your own care.”
Gates invoked the Seventh Generation Principle, a principle in Haudenosaunee philosophy that pushes decision-makers to consider how actions will affect descendants seven generations in the future.
“The actions we take here should impact the next seven generations,” he said.
Haring echoed those thoughts.
“It’s really about forward thinking — laying down the future for seven generations ahead,” he said. He noted that not only would health benefit from the program, but also culture, as those with language or traditional skills will remain longer to pass on their knowledge to younger generations.
Photo by Bob Clark
Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center and Seneca Nation of Indians officials announced a partnership for lung health education programming on Tuesday, March 24 in Salamanca.
Photo provided
Country music legend Clint Black is bringing his “Back on the Blacktop
Tour” to the Seneca Allegany Event Center on Saturday to deliver an unforgettable night of his classic hits and powerful storytelling.
BY KELLEN M. QUIGLEY
SALAMANCA —
Deep Purple, Kansas to play outdoor casino concert this August
Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino is inviting live music fans to enjoy the power of classic rock under the night sky when all-time greats
Deep Purple and special guest Kansas perform an outdoor show Saturday, Aug. 22.
Tickets start at $66 and go on sale at 10 a.m. Thursday.
Deep Purple is one of the most influential rock bands of the 1960s and ’70s, filling stadiums and arenas across the globe for more than seven decades.
Considered among the pioneers of heavy metal and hard rock, the band has sold more than 100 million albums and delivered such powerful hit songs as “Highway Star,” “Hush,” “Woman from Tokyo,” “Smoke on the Water” and more.
The group’s 1973 double live album “Made in Japan” is widely considered to be one of the most influential live albums in rock history. Deep Purple continues to tour and release new music, with its last four
studio albums reaching top chart positions across Europe. Joining them at Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino will be classic
rock legends Kansas. Known for timeless hits like “Carry On Wayward Son,” “Point of No Return” and “Dust in the Wind,” Kansas has sold more
Few things are more deflating than finally venturing outdoors after a long winter of cabin fever, only to find that blooming trees and flowers start wreaking havoc with your personal health. Spring allergies, also known as allergic rhinitis, occur when the body’s immune system overreacts to indoor or outdoor allergens, such as tree and grass pollen, mold and dust. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, approximately 25.7 percent of adults and 18.9 percent of children in the United States suffer from seasonal allergies. Allergic rhinitis accounts for an estimated $16 billion in annual health care costs and is a leading cause of reduced productivity while at work.
Identifying the
symptoms of allergies is key to distinguishing them from a cold or another infection and to ensuring fast relief. Spring allergies typically peak from March to May and may even continue into July. Physicians will look for specific physical markers to confirm allergies.
1. Sneezing: Sneezing can occur in rapid-fire patterns, known as paroxysmal sneezing, especially after spending time outdoors. These intense episodes can be tied to allergies or be symptomatic of another condition, says the National Institutes of Health.
2. Itchy, watery eyes: Allergic conjunctivitis is the medical term for this condition, which is a hallmark of spring allergies. Eyes will appear red, feel gritty or drip clear fluid.
3. Nasal congestion/
runny nose: A thin, clear discharge typically is a sign of allergies, whereas any mucus that is thick, yellow or green could indicate an infection. Constant upward rubbing of the nose from allergies (called the allergic salute) often causes a permanent transverse nasal crease at the junction of the nose tip and the bridge, says Healthline.
4. Itchy throat and ears: Pollen may cause a scratchy or tingly sensation in the throat and in the ear canals.
Medical professionals warn that chronic inflammation from allergies is a primary risk factor for secondary bacterial infections that
than 30 million albums worldwide since forming in 1974.
Throughout the 1970s and ’80s, Kansas appeared on the Billboard charts for
over 200 weeks, regularly performing to sold-out crowds across North America, Europe and Japan. The band remains a popular staple on Classic
allergies
can occur in the sinuses and ears. Eustachian tube dysfunction occurs when fluid builds up behind the eardrum because the eustachian tubes become blocked or don’t open properly to let fluid drain to the nose and throat, says the Cleveland Clinic. Pressure imbalances, muffled hearing, popping sounds, and even pain can occur.
5. “Allergic shiners”: Nasal congestion can cause swelling and increased blood vessels to the small veins in the infraorbital area, causing dark, bluish circles under the eyes called periorbital hyperpigmentation, says
Rock radio. This show is for ages 18 and older. Guests under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
In addition to Deep Purple and special guest Kansas, other upcoming performances at Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino include:
• April 11 – Clint Black. Tickets start at $38.50.
• May 2 – Grand Funk Railroad. Tickets start at $33.
• May 22 – Seneca Fight Night: Legacy Fighting Alliance. Tickets start at $45.
• June 13 – Theresa Caputo. Tickets start at $60.50.
Seneca Resorts & Casinos uses all paperless ticketing for all events at all of its properties. Tickets may be purchased online at SenecaAlleganyCasino. com or ticketmaster. com. Tickets may also be purchased in person at The Garden Nook inside Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino or The Logo Shop inside Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino. A secure link, sent by either e-mail or text, allows guests to save tickets to their phone or mobile device.
the Center for Orofacial Myology. This makes allergy sufferers appear as though they have two black eyes.
6. Cough: Post-nasal drip occurs when mucus drips down the back of the throat from the nose. This can cause a persistent, dry cough that’s often worse at night. Post-nasal drip also may result in a sore throat and a “cobblestone” appearance in the back of the throat that’s visible during a medical exam.
7. Fatigue: Insufficient rest due to allergy-related discomfort can cause those with spring allergies to feel fatigued. The constant immune system response to allergies also can lead to daytime tiredness and lack of focus.
Allergic rhinitis is a problem for millions of people each spring. A combination of avoiding triggers and using allergy medications can help calm any symptoms that crop up.
Seneca Café reopens following $2.7 million renovation project
new space.”
BY KELLEN M. QUIGLEY
SALAMANCA — Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino recently unveiled the new and improved Seneca Café, a $2.7 million renovation of the restaurant located on the second floor of the resort.
Seneca Gaming Corporation and Seneca Nation officials gathered March 20 for a ribboncutting ceremony at the restaurant. The finished project features increased seating, a new permanent breakfast buffet, streamlined operating features and Senecainspired design elements.
“With this beautiful redesign, Seneca Café will now, more than ever, deliver an exceptional guest experience that is consistent with our world-class standards as a Four Diamond resort destination,” said Linda Hitchcock, Senior Vice President of Food & Beverage at Seneca Resorts & Casinos.
Designed by the team at JCJ Architecture, the project focused on elevating the overall atmosphere, experience and service guests enjoy at Seneca Café. Overall seating capacity within the restaurant was increased from 153 to 174 seats, creating the opportunity for more guests to enjoy a meal at the
popular dining destination.
A new permanent breakfast buffet area is sure to be a popular spot in the morning. Meanwhile, counter operations at the Seneca Café Express counter were streamlined to allow for more efficient transactions and continued team member-guest interactions for guests looking for a quick cup of coffee or graband-go option, while also creating a more efficient service environment for team members. Senecainspired design elements were also incorporated throughout the space, creating an important connection to Seneca culture.
Kevin Nephew, Seneca Resorts & Casinos President and CEO, said this was the first time Seneca Café had received any renovation work in 20 years, and the results were well worth it. Because of its popularity, he said the work needed to be done the right way.
“Seneca Café is part of the heartbeat of the resort experience at Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino and a staple in the routines of many of the guests who stay with us,” Nephew said. “It’s a vibrant part of our community and a vibrant part of the neighborhood.
Located on the resort’s second floor, Seneca Café opened as part of the permanent casino, hotel and resort complex in 2007 and immediately became a hit with guests, serving delicious and hearty dining options from breakfast through late night. The restaurant typically serves 6,000-7,000 meals per week. Work on the renovation began in December 2025.
“Taking such a vibrant part of our operation offline for three months was no small undertaking,” Nephew said. “We could not be more thrilled with the result, and we hope our guests will be just as excited to experience this beautiful
Allie R. George, SGC Board of Directors chairman, said the timing of the ribbon-cutting with the start of March Madness was fitting because the team that came together from Seneca Gaming Corporation (SGC), the Seneca Nation, the contractors and the crew pulled off something special.
“We saw this in renderings months ago, and as we were looking to approve it, you kind of question if it’s going to turn out the way it looks,” George said. “I can tell you it actually looks better than we saw on paper.”
Hitchcock said for 20 years, the Seneca Café has served guests and patrons morning, noon and night, from a quick coffee to a
hearty lunch and a delicious dinner and everything in between.
“The new production line makes it more streamlined, allowing for more guest-effective transactions,” she said. “It also allows our team a more efficient service environment.”
Seneca Nation Councilor Tina Abrams said she was there May 1, 2004, for the site groundbreaking in the former dairy farm pasture.
To see the resort and casino continue to succeed more than two decades later is overwhelming, she said.
Now that the Seneca Café renovation is complete, SGC is looking ahead to future projects.
“We just keep improving and improving, and it’s such a beautiful location in the hills,” Abrams said.
“We always look at how we can make things even better, and elevate the guest experience even higher,” added George. “If the next few years were a food menu, this beautiful project would be the appetizer. We have a lot of exciting things on the horizon across all three of our properties.”
Seneca Café will initially be open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sunday through Thursday, and 7 a.m. to midnight, Friday and Saturday. The restaurant will transition to an expanded spring/summer schedule on Monday, April 6, with operating hours of 7 a.m. to midnight, Sunday through Thursday, and 7 a.m. to 2 a.m., Friday and Saturday.
For more information, visit senecaalleganycasino. com.
Photo by Kellen M. Quigley
Seneca Gaming Corporation and Seneca Nation officials cut the ribbon, celebrating the completion of $2.7 million in renovations at the Seneca Café in the Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino on Friday, March 20.
Photo by Kellen M. Quigley
Seneca Gaming Corporation and Seneca Nation officials check out the recently renovated Seneca Café in the Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino following a ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday, March 20.