Cattaraugus County 4-H opens enrollment for 2025-26 year
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WVCA CARES supports Ashford’s town notification service
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Cattaraugus County 4-H opens enrollment for 2025-26 year
BY KELLEN M. QUIGLEY
ELLICOTTVILLE —
Over 350 youth from Cattaraugus County and beyond enrolled in the 4-H Program for the 202425 year, participating in events throughout the year and showcasing their skills at the 2025 Cattaraugus County Fair.
From making Christmas ornaments and baking pies to selling an animal in the annual 4-H Meat Animal Sale at the county fair, 4-H is a versatile program allowing youth to discover their passions.
While Oct. 1 marked the beginning of the new program year for the Cattaraugus County 4-H Youth Development Program, interested youth still have time to sign up for the new year’s activities. 4-H strives to provide activities for youth ages 5-18, as of Jan. 1, 2026.
Although many people associate 4-H with livestock exhibitions, the program offers many more opportunities, including leadership development and networking for the future. This year, youth have had the opportunity to travel as far as Madison, Wisc., and Louisville, Ky., due to their involvement in the 4-H program.
4-H Members may join one of the many clubs throughout the county based on their interests. Some clubs focus on specific animal science areas, such as horses or market livestock, while
others focus on family and consumer science activities. Many members choose to join clubs, but joining a club is not required. Another option includes becoming a “Lone Member,” which allows youth to experience all the benefits and programming that 4-H offers without the commitment to club meetings and activities.
Enrollment forms may be found on the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Cattaraugus
County website. There is a $10 enrollment fee per youth or a $25 fee for families with three or more youth. Returning 4-H members must enroll for the 2025-26 program year by Dec. 15. All new 4-H members must enroll by May 1, 2026, to be eligible to participate at the 2026 Cattaraugus County Fair. If you are interested in learning more about the Cattaraugus County 4-H Program, contact the 4-H office by calling (716) 699-2377 or emailing
cattaraugus4h@cornell. edu.
CCE welcomes Sustainability Campaign Educator
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Cattaraugus County announces Divine Jones as Sustainability Campaign Educator, effective Sept. 8, 2025. Jones will lead efforts to provide approachable sustainability education and energy savings solutions to residents
across the Southern Tier. Jones brings extensive experience in sustainability leadership from the University at Buffalo, where they held multiple key positions. As Director of Sustainability for the Resident Hall Association, Jones led environmental initiatives that impacted thousands of campus residents. They also served as Vice President of the Graduate Student Association for the Environment and Sustainability Department, fostering
collaboration among graduate students committed to environmental stewardship. Additionally, Jones worked as a student assistant for UB Sustainability’s HIRED Clothing Boutique, promoting sustainable fashion and circular economy practices.
Jones said that they are excited to bring sustainability education to Cattaraugus County in a way that delivers real results for families and individuals. They aim to help community members discover practical ways to save energy and money while making a positive environmental impact in their homes.
In this role, Jones will develop and implement educational programming focused on energy efficiency, cost-saving home improvements and sustainable living practices tailored to the needs of Southern Tier residents. Through workshops, outreach events, and consultations, they will work to make sustainability actionable and accessible for all community members.
CCE invites residents of Cattaraugus County to connect with Divine Jones and learn more about upcoming sustainability programs and energysaving opportunities available through Cornell Cooperative Extension. Call (716) 699-2377 Ext. 109 or email dkj25@ cornell.edu.
Legislature approves new county attorney, reappoints public defender
BY KELLEN M. QUIGLEY
LITTLE VALLEY
— As Ashley Smith prepares for her new role as Cattaraugus County District Attorney in the new year, the legislature has authorized her successor in the county attorney’s office.
Erin L. Whitcomb, currently serving as commissioner for the Department of Social Services, was unanimously appointed Nov. 12 as county attorney, filling Smith’s soonto-be unexpired term, commencing Jan. 1 and terminating Dec. 31, 2027.
“I certainly appreciate your confidence in me,” Whitcomb said, thanking the legislators for their support.
“I look forward to continuing to serve our community.”
Majority Leader Kelly Andreano, who introduced Whitcomb on Wednesday, called
the appointment bittersweet.
“I’ve had the privilege of working closely with her on Social Services, and she stepped up in a big way in a not-sopositive situation,” she said. “You did it with grace and dignity and impeccable work ethic.”
Andreno said many of the Social Service programs are mandated by the state, meaning there are many rules and regulations the county has no control over, but Whitcomb did a great job in the department.
“Morale is up in that department, and you have definitely changed a lot of procedures that have benefited the taxpayers and the people of Cattaraugus County,” Andreano added.
Andreano added that the county is looking forward to Whitcomb bringing her areas of expertise to the county attorney’s office. “We are honored that you are willing to do this,”
she added. Chairman M. Andrew Burr also congratulated Whitcomb, saying the legislators feel a deep debt of gratitude for all the work she’d done at Social Services. He said her efforts and sacrifices have not gone unnoticed.
“We greatly appreciate your public service,
and we’re proud to have you as our next county attorney,” he added. In addition to the county attorney role, Whitcomb will also be responsible for the oversight of the county’s risk management functions and personnel. Meanwhile, Darryl Bloom was reappointed
as Public Defender for the county for a four-year term, commencing Feb. 28 and terminating Feb. 27, 2030. Burr called Bloom an exemplary department head, adding that the legislature appreciates all his efforts in the public defender’s office. Vice Chair Ginger
Schroder, who also works as a lawyer for labor and employment, said Bloom has occupied the public defender’s office with dignity and brought a lot of integrity to the process.
“He doesn’t always have the easiest job, and it’s difficult to go out at night to go to these various courts and deal with the things he and his staff deal with, but they do it with a lot of grace and dignity,” she said. “He brings a lot of honor to the office.” Bloom thanked the legislature for the opportunity to continue serving the community, calling the role a great honor.
“I’m blessed to work with an amazing team in our office to tackle the challenges that we’re presented with,” he added.
Bloom was first appointed to the role in 2018 to succeed the former public defender, who retired.
Photo by Alexandria Vacinek
Cattaraugus County 4-H Members pose with their awards following the 4-H/FFA Dairy Cattle Show at the 2025 Cattaraugus County Fair. Pictured (from left): Kaleb Durow, Caden Herman, Olivia Shawley and Cattaraugus County Dairy Ambassador Kierra Knobloch.
Photo by Kellen M. Quigley
Cattaraugus County 4-H announces 2026 Open Horse show dates
BY BOB CLARK ELLICOTTVILLE
— The Cattaraugus County 4-H Horse Program will once again host its Open Horse Show Series at the Cattaraugus County Fairgrounds in 2026.
After bad weather caused the cancellation of the first of two shows in 2025, the Cattaraugus County 4-H Horse Committee is hopeful for fair weather and large turnouts in 2026. The Fall Classic show held in September, following the cancellation of the spring Bonanza show, saw outstanding numbers, raising funds that will be used to host events and make improvements for the 4-H Horse Program in the coming years. As the shows continue to grow over the years, the
committee elected to add a third show back to the series for the coming year. The traditional Bonanza show will be held on the weekend of May
29-31, 2026, and the returning Fall Classic show will be Sept. 18-20, 2026. The new Summer Bash show will be debuting on July 10-12, 2026.
The Cattaraugus County 4-H Open Horse Show Series is a yearly fundraising effort by the program
committee. The shows not only raise funds for the program but also create affordable opportunities for the 4-H youth to exhibit their horses multiple times per year. Other shows can become costly, but through the help of
volunteers, the 4-H Open Horse Show Series can keep prices low for its youth.
The shows are also open to youth and adult horse enthusiasts who do not participate in the 4-H Horse Program, with stalling and camping on site. All the funds raised are directly returned to the program
and used to host educational clinics, buy new equipment and provide desirable awards for the youth.
“We are quite lucky to have the opportunity to host the show series as a fundraising campaign for our program,” said Courtney Charlesworth, 4-H Youth Development Educator. “Without the help of our dedicated volunteers and the availability of the beautiful horse show facilities at the Cattaraugus County Fairgrounds, we would not be able to host the events. It truly is a team effort.”
Additional information regarding the Cattaraugus County 4-H Open Horse Show Series and how to enter will be available soon on the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Cattaraugus County website. If interested in enrolling in the Cattaraugus County 4-H Program, contact the 4-H office by calling (716) 699-2377 or email cattaraugus4h@ cornell.edu.
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Photo by Alexandria Vacinek
Amelia Savidge exhibits her horse, Lil Miss Impulse, at the 2025 Cattaraugus County Fair 4-H Horse Show.
WVCA CARES supports Ashford’s town notification service
WEST VALLEY
— The West Valley Cleanup Alliance (WVCA), contractor at the West Valley Demonstration
Project, recently donated $1,500 through its WVCA CARES program to the Town of Ashford to support safety in their community.
The donation will be used to cover the cost of CodeRED, a notification service used to quickly send
out alerts about emergencies, natural disasters, evacuation notices or general information related to town activities, for one year. Messages can be sent via phone calls, text messages or email.
“The Town of Ashford extends its heartfelt thanks to the West Valley Cleanup Alliance for their generous support in funding our CodeRED subscription,” said Supervisor John Pfeffer. “WVCA’s contribution plays a vital role in enhancing public safety and ensuring our residents stay informed during emergencies and are
aware of important town activities.”
The WVCA CARES program uses a percentage of WVCA’s earnings to aid local communities. Through its contributions, WVCA seeks to enhance the wellbeing of residents, sustaining a collaborative environment
and an improved quality of life for the community.
“We are proud to partner with the Town of Ashford on this communitywide initiative,” said WVCA President and Program Manager Jason Casper. “It’s important to be a good neighbor and contribute to the well-being of the community.”
Deb Perry
Photo provided
Ashford Supervisor John Pfeffer (front, left) receives a donation from West Valley Cleanup
Alliance President Jason Casper to pay for the town’s subscription to CodeRED, a notification service used to quickly send out alerts about events in the community. In attendance for the donation were (back, from left) town board members Jim Boberg, Collin Proctor and Bill Heim; Highway Superintendent Keith Butcher; and Code Enforcement Officer Larry Feldman.
BY DEB EVERTS
SALAMANCA —
The Salamanca Area Historical Society and Museum has launched its newest project, focusing on the mailorder house kits once manufactured by Sears, Roebuck & Company.
The staff is currently working to identify homes in the city of Salamanca and neighboring communities built from the Sears kits. People who believe they live in a Sears home and would like to share their stories are invited to the museum, where they can look through “Sears Modern Homes” catalogs.
City Historian James Griffith said the project was prompted by a visit to the museum by Lincoln Avenue residents Tom and Lynn Shearman, who own a Sears house. He said the staff was surprised to learn that the catalog mailorder store actually made homes.
“I know of a few on Interstate Parkway going into Bradford and knew of a few others in our city and the county, but the Shearmans came to the museum with pretty positive proof,” he said. “The catalog of homes they brought in had a picture of their actual home in it.”
Griffith said Sears provided mail-order
home plans in a wide range of sizes, from simple cottages to three-story mansions.
All the lumber and materials were delivered to the buyer, usually by train, precut and ready to assemble.
The only thing missing was the masonry — block, brick and cement — and plaster — due to shipping weight — as well as a basement or a concrete slab base.
He said Montgomery Ward and other companies also sold kit houses around the same time, but not on the same scale as Sears.
THE SHEARMANS invited Griffith and the Press to their Lincoln Avenue home to discuss how they came to own the home, and if they knew it was built from a Sears kit when they purchased it.
Tom said they bought the house in 1999, but didn’t move in until 2000.
During that time, his employer, Jerry Collins, told him it was a Sears kit house, as is a two-story house down the street. He said that’s what got him started on the research.
“Jerry brought a book and showed us a picture that looked just like this house,” Lynn added. “Tom was recently looking through the paperwork and found that our house was built in 1920.”
The Shearman home was constructed using blueprints from the “Clyde” design. Tom said the kit sold for $1,666 back then. He has never changed the color and keeps the house the same dark red as when he bought it. Other than the front porch that was dilapidated and had to be rebuilt, he has not made any structural changes to the house, just cosmetic. Tom said some buyers reversed the floor plans to change the location of rooms for a different layout. Showing the original floor plan of his house, he noted that the layout is reversed. The living room is still located in the front,
but the original owners modified the plan, switching the dining room and bedrooms.
Griffith said one way to identify a Sears kit house is to look for stamped lumber in the basement or attic.
Sears marked it with a letter and a number on the ends of the boards for easy assembly. Tom has not been able to get to any identifying letters and numbers because they are covered and no longer visible.
“We have learned that sometimes builders would buy one set of Sears plans and a materials list, then take the list to a lumber yard and order the same items,” he said. “They would often use
the floor plans over and over, so there may be some ‘counterfeit’ Sears homes out there, too.”
In some cases, Sears houses were more modern than the communities in which they were built. According to Cleveland Historical, electricity and municipal water systems were not available in every locale where Sears homes were sold. To meet this need, Sears advertised houses without bathrooms well into the 1920s. For $23, the customer could purchase an outhouse.
The era of Sears Modern Homes quickly declined when the stock market crashed in October 1929, eventually plunging the United States into the Great Depression.
Cleveland Historical said authorities believe less than 5,000 mailorder kit houses have been conclusively identified as Sears homes, meaning at least 70,000 could remain “undiscovered.” Griffith said people are encouraged to visit the museum and look at the catalogs to see if their house is there. He would like to hear the stories and information about their home.
Located at 125 Main St., the museum is open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
ACCORDING TO history.com, Sears began making mailorder house kits in 1908. The kits, offered in their “Modern Homes” catalog, became a big seller and the catalog giant sold between 70,000 to 75,000 homes from 1908 to 1940. Sears offered home mortgages from 1911 to 1933. The initial 1908 catalog offered 44 home designs in various sizes. The kits later came in 447 different designs. Sears discontinued the catalog after 1940, though sales continued into 1942.
Photo by Deb Everts
The Salamanca Area Historical Society and Museum is currently working on a project about the house kits once sold by Sears, Roebuck & Company. Tom and Lynn Shearman are shown sitting on the front steps of their Sears house located on Lincoln Avenue.