Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office warns of phone scams
BY JIM ECKSTROM
LITTLE VALLEY —
The Cattaraugus County
Sheriff’s Office on June 18 issued warnings to residents about two separate phone scams, including one in which callers are stating they are from Publisher’s Clearing House.
The Sheriff’s Office reported that scammers are notifying
individuals that they have won through the Publishers Clearing House sweepstakes and are requesting processing fees. During the conversation, they are arranging an electronic payment or a meeting place to receive a cash payment in person.
“Do not give any personal information over the phone,” the sheriff’s office stated. “If such a call is received,
to call their local police agency.”
Meanwhile, other scammers are reportedly calling family members of incarcerated individuals in the Cattaraugus County Jail, claiming that for a monetary amount, the individual could be released from custody.
“This is a scam,” the sheriff’s office stated. “Do not release any personal information. Do not pay any monetary amount over the phone and do not return any phone calls to the individuals.”
Again, if such a call is received, residents are encouraged to call their local police agency.
Drivers spend a lot of time in their vehicles, and that’s perhaps one reason why new car buyers are willing to spend so much on a new automobile. According to a recent report from Kelley Blue Book, the average transaction price of a new vehicle in June 2025 was just under $49,000. Drivers who have not purchased a new car in a while may be overcome by sticker shock when they start shopping for a new car, but plenty of reliable vehicles can still be had for less than $49,000. Motorists in the market for new vehicles can consider these four tips as they begin their search for a new ride.
1. Consider buying in fall. Fall can be a buyerfriendly time to purchase a new vehicle because many dealerships may be seeking to unload outgoing model
years to make room for the coming year’s models. In such instances, dealerships may sell outgoing model year vehicles for thousands of dollars less than the incoming year’s models. Inventory of outgoing model years may be limited, which can reduce the options drivers have in regard to various amenities, such as vehicle color and accessories. But if such details aren’t high on buyers’ priority lists, then buying in fall can be advantageous.
2. Make a sizable down payment, if possible. Interest rates remain high, so the less drivers will need to borrow when buying a new car, the more money they’ll save in interest charges over the life of the loan. The consumer advocates at Consumer Reports recommend new car buyers put at least 15 percent down and ideally between 20 and 25 percent at the time
of purchase. The higher the initial down payment, the more manageable the ensuing monthly payments become.
3. Get your credit ducks in a row. Of course, the size of the down payment won’t be the only number that determines the amount of a monthly payment. Drivers’ credit ratings affect their interest rates, so it’s best to maintain a good reputation or rebuild a poor one in the months leading up to a new car purchase. Pay off existing consumer debt entirely, if possible. If that’s beyond reason, then make sure to make all monthly payments on time and pay more than just the minimum required each month.
4. Shop for incentives. Consumer Reports notes that dealerships and manufacturers offer a wide range of incentives that can help to reduce the cost of a new vehicle. Cash-back offers and zero percent financing are two notable incentives buyers can shop for. After researching which vehicles to buy, shop around for incentives packages to help narrow down your options. Drivers in the market for a new vehicle can employ various strategies to land a reliable and affordable car or truck.
residents are encouraged
On June 5, deputies arrested two men — both reported to be in the country illegally — who were allegedly involved in scamming a large sum of money from a victim’s bank account.
Deputies were called to the town of Perrysburg to investigate a report of an ongoing scam taking place over the phone. The victim was coerced into withdrawing a large sum of money from a bank account and delivering it to scammers claiming to be investigators with the Federal Trade Commission. The victim was accused of engaging in potential criminal activity and threatened with arrest — the victim
was offered a way out of the charges by making an in-person cash delivery to the scammers.
The sheriff’s office was made aware of the scam and when the subjects arrived to take possession of the money, authorities arrested the two men. They were charged with grand larceny in the second degree and scheme to defraud in the second degree, arraigned and then turned over to federal immigration authorities.
PCH scam particularly enticing AARP reports that the Publishers Clearing House scam has victimized hundreds of Americans — in some cases leading to the loss of
thousands of dollars and, in at least one case, an elderly Oklahoma woman losing her home.
AARP notes that the Publisher’s Clearing House scam can be particularly enticing because of the long history the sweepstakes has of awarding large cash prizes by its “Prize Patrol” — all promoted over the decades with TV advertising.
AARP says to watch for these red flags:
• Requests for money to receive a prize. When winning a prize through a sweepstakes or lottery, a person will be required to pay taxes, but not by the company that issued the prize. And anyone who asks for payment through gift cards is likely a scammer.
• Winning a prize for a contest you didn’t enter.
• Someone claiming to be from Publishers Clearing House who contacts you by phone or email. PCH representatives notify winners in person or by mail.
• Requests for payment to improve your chances of winning. Real sweepstakes don’t charge entry fees, and no one can legally sell you better odds.
• Requests for financial or personal information. Never share your bank account number, credit card number or Social Security number to claim a prize. Don’t click links, respond or provide any information — delete the message.
Whiskey Myers bringing country rock sound to casino event center Oct. 9
See “Out & About” on page 4
Little Valley school reopens for fitness activities, looking to expand
BY DEB EVERTS
LITTLE VALLEY
—
Thanks to three key local organizations, the former Little Valley school building in the center of the village has reopened for public fitness use. In collaboration, the Little Valley Alumni Association, Cattaraugus-Little Valley Central School District and the Village of Knives organization have made it possible for the public to enjoy the gymnasium at the beloved old school once again.
With the building still owned by the CattaraugusLittle Central School District, the gym is now open for local community activities, including fitness activities like basketball and soccer as well as indoor walking for senior citizens, under the auspices of the alumni association.
Alumni member Brad Lockwood, a Little Valley resident and 1988 graduate, said they are starting small with regular basketball and indoor activities in the gym from 4:30-8:30 p.m. every Wednesday and Saturday. In addition, people may enjoy a good walk through the hallways and social time indoors every Monday from 9-11 a.m. No memberships are required.
“Cattaraugus County and the sheriff’s department have offices and training in the school, so we ask that people be quiet and respectful,” Lockwood said. “This is about earning the trust of the school district so we can expand activities.”
“We’re glad to be able to make the Little Valley School available to the community during designated hours,” shared David Foster, Cattaraugus-Little Valley superintendent.
“Our facilities are a community resource, and this is a reasonable way to put them to use while we see how the program develops.” Kevin Andrew, 30-year
alumni association president, said the organization is thrilled to be a part of the reopening of the gym and, hopefully, the auditorium in the fall. He said it means a lot, especially since the building is where their school history took place. He added that the alumni association has a memorabilia room with school artifacts in the building. “It’ll be a good morale boost for the community. The alumni association always wanted to reopen the school,
but we didn’t really know we had an option to help make that happen,” he said. “Brad (Lockwood) was the one who instilled this effort to get it going again, and he’s done a tremendous job.”
THE ALUMNI GROUP is thinking ahead to the future and anticipates the building will soon be open for other community activities beyond physical fitness. Lockwood said, “The wonderful old and huge auditorium will be hosting movies for kids
and adults by late fall.” He said they aren’t limiting the ideas for use, including birthday parties, plays and performances.
Lockwood said a $1 million insurance policy to cover the school, in case of any incidents/accidents, has been purchased. He said it wouldn’t have happened without the generosity of the Little Valley Alumni Association, Little Valley Fund and Village of Knives.
“Liability insurance isn’t cheap, and taking this leap
isn’t without risk to us or the school district,” he said. “I must say the openness of Superintendent David Foster and staff has been huge, and we engaged them as a partnership to help everyone involved.”
BY KELLEN M. QUIGLEY
LITTLE VALLEY
— In honor of the nation’s 250th birthday, the Cattaraugus County Legislature unanimously approved a resolution commemorating the United States Semiquincentennial at its June 24 meeting. The act called the milestone a “once-in-ageneration occasion to pause, give thanks and rededicate ourselves to the principles upon which this republic was founded.”
“We live in an exceptional country, marked by exceptional acts by exceptional people,” Chairman M. Andrew Burr.
“It just goes to show that every day the virtue of our fellow Americans makes this nation the great, safe beacon of the world.”
As part of the resolution, the legislature commemorates and celebrates American independence with “gratitude to God and reverence for those who sacrificed to secure and preserve our freedoms.” The resolution also honors the memory of every “son and daughter of Cattaraugus County” who served in uniform, public life, houses
of worship and in the community to uphold the ideals of the nation.
Also included in the resolution is the affirmation that the unalienable rights recognized in the Declaration of Independence “are endowed by our Creator and cannot rightly be taken away by any government or power on Earth.”
Furthermore, the legislature calls upon the citizens of Cattaraugus County to mark the 250th with prayer, reflection, acts of service and renewed commitment to the civic duties that selfgovernment requires of a free people.
In part, the resolution reads that “the men and women of Cattaraugus County have, in every generation, answered the call to defend and advance the liberties secured by the Founding — from the fields of the Civil War to the beaches of Normandy, from the jungles of Vietnam to the deserts of Iraq and Afghanistan — giving their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor in service to this nation.”
The resolution also states that the spirits of enterprise, faith and community that built this nation is alive in Cattaraugus County — “in the farms and small
businesses, the churches and the families, the veterans and volunteers who carry forward the American inheritance day by day.”
The legislature’s resolution also notes that the history of Cattaraugus County is inseparable from the history and
contributions of the Seneca Nation and Haudenosaunee Confederacy, whose presence and influence long predate the founding of the United States and continue to enrich the civic and cultural life of the region.
Legislator Brenda Hanson of Delevan said that she remembers celebrating the bicentennial when she was 7 years old, and that in the past 50 years, things have not only changed but also accelerated. Hanson said she and her husband recently visited the Glenn H. Curtiss Aviation Museum in Hammondsport and was struck by one of the changes she’s seen.
“There was a time in America’s history of optimism and hope, a youthful time of innovation, risk-taking and the pursuit of excellence,” she said.
“Where once was there was
“I love the availability of the gym. Those of us who grew up in Little Valley have fond memories of high school basketball games coached by Mr. Keenen and Mr. Krug,” she said. “As adults, indoor opportunities for athletic activities bring the community together, especially during the winter months.”
Gloff thinks access to the Little Valley school building can offer a wide variety of opportunities for all who live in the area. She said programs that teach new or refresh skills, allow participants to try out hobbies, or train residents for new careers would be very helpful to area residents and to the region, while stimulating the heart of Little Valley.
“When the notion of a central school serving Little Valley became a reality in 1921, then-school board president Tint Champlin made sure both boys and girls could attend, and occupational programs like accounting and typing were also included,” Lockwood said.
“America is facing an uncertain economic era, with AI and manufacturing job losses, so we need to both educate our children and help adults to find new career paths.
“When a small town loses its school, it loses part of its soul, so I have long viewed reopening Little Valley’s school as a key part of its revitalization as a town,” he added.
The building is located at 207 Rock City St. Lockwood said they are asking for donations to cover the insurance and equipment costs, and anyone entering must sign a simple liability waiver form. For more information, call (718) 2199807.
Carol Gloff, a Class of 1970 alumnus and founder of the Little Valley Fund, said the Little Valley Fund Advisory Committee is very pleased to play a small part in reopening the Little Valley school for the benefit of the community. She said having this location available for social events will benefit everyone in Little Valley, strengthening community connections and broadening social opportunities.
youthful enthusiasm, there now is weariness. Pessimism is displacing optimism. The pursuit of excellence and risk-taking required for such a pursuit all have been shackled with the mediocrity of mandates.”
On the cusp of the 250th anniversary, Hanson asks that everyone look back, through the “fog of modernity,” and see that the founding documents of the nation were exceptional, that the ideals of limited government, separation of powers and of the people and by the people was not the norm — not then nor today.
“As we remember and as we celebrate America’s 250th, may we also look ahead and commit ourselves to this work of shaping her future, to the glory of God and for the benefit of mankind, let freedom ring,” she added.
Photo provided
The Little Valley Alumni Association, Cattaraugus-Little Valley Central School District and the Village of Knives organization have made it possible for the public to once again enjoy the gymnasium at the old Little Valley school. Shown at the gym (from left) are alumni association members Brad Lockwood, Ray Johnson and Kevin Andrew.
