Tag: allegany county ny news

November 7, 2023

Alfred State College officials say that Alfred State students who are in the building trades and heavy equipment programs, assisted the local organization, Friends Improving Allegany County Trails, Inc. by building and placing a new bridge on Trail 2 of Phillips Creek State Forest.

“Getting to participate in projects like this is satisfying in multiple ways,” commented Building Trades Instructor Don Tinder. “Being able to apply skills we learn in the classroom while helping the local community is a double victory. Our students enjoyed being part of the project and are proud of the final product.”

Building trades students built the large timber bridge in the Workforce Development Center on the Wellsville campus.

“This was a different type of building style than most of the students had done or learned about before. With each issue or setback that arose the students, in classic Pioneer style, found a way to accomplish the task at hand.”

When the bridge was completed, heavy equipment students jumped in and helped transport the bridge to Phillips Creek. The bridge was then transported over half a mile to the designated spot and installed. Students returned and installed deck boards and handrails to complete the project.

Glenn Gebhard, President of IMPACT, who served as the project liaison was very appreciative of the combined efforts. “This was truly a community effort from start to finish. Donations from the Allegany County Area Foundation, Community Bank and Saputo Dairy along with a grant from Parks and Trails New York funded the project. IMPACT would like to thank Gregory Muller, NYS DEC Region 9 Supervising Forester for the West Almond Trail System for his support and guidance. The Alfred State College faculty and staff worked industriously for several weeks to make this project a success. We are grateful for all the efforts.”

October 18, 2023

ALFRED, NY – The four gang assault suspects, Eric R Plante, 19, Elmira, Moses N Scharborough, 19, Elmira, Jayson E Lewis, 20, Elmira and William J Blye, 20, Elmira, appeared in Alfred Village Court on Monday evening, before Judge Wende Bush. It began with Assistant District Attorney Ian Jones making a motion for adjournment. Jones asked the judge to delay the court proceeding, because the primary witness, the victim, was hospitalized. The defense attorneys objected, saying that both police and others were present at the incident on Sunday morning, and that the law enforcement and others who were there, would be able to testify. The defense lawyers also argued that in homicide cases, it is standard procedure to move forward without the main witness (and in this case, the victim). Jones then said, “this was not a homicide case,” and explained the victim/witness will eventually be able to appear in court. A defense attorney then told the judge that the Allegany County District Attorneys Office had all the evidence collected, and that defense attorney asked for the court to proceed. Assistant D.A. Jones then stated that just because there was some discussion about discovery, that did not mean that the prosecution wanted to go ahead at this point.

Judge Wende Bush deciced to allow for a short adjournment, and asked Assistant D.A. Jones, how much time would be needed. Jones responded by saying, one week. The four defense attorneys then requested that the judge release the suspects. Judge Bush remanded the four suspects back to the Allegany County Jail. Bail for the suspects, will remain the same as before.

The next court appearance will be on Wednesday, October 25 at 4:00pm.

October 16, 2023

ALFRED, NY – WLEA has been reporting on a story about how an Alfred State College student was the victim of a violent assault in the early morning hours of Sunday by four out of town males, who were not Alfred State College students.

Here is what we know at this point:

The victim is said be, a 19 year old from Pennsylvania, who was seriously injured.

Officials say that the four suspects are in Allegany County Jail on bail, three of them on $25,000 bail, one of the suspects on $10,000 cash bail.

The four suspects will appear in Alfred Village Court Wednesday night, October 18 at 7pm. The suspects claim they were visiting a family member at Alfred State College.

October 15, 2023

STATEMENT FROM ALFRED STATE COLLEGE PRESIDENT DR. STEVEN MAURO: Early this morning, a student was assaulted and seriously injured while walking back onto our Alfred campus. A witness reported the incident resulting in University Police Officers responding within seconds to render aid and take the four suspects responsible, all non-students, into custody. The suspects, who face felony charges, were arraigned before a judge and remanded to the Allegany County Jail in lieu of bail. The investigation is ongoing and additional charges are pending.

Members of the college’s administration are actively in contact with the family as we show support and solidarity for a member of our community. We recognize that any situation of violence is unsettling in our small campus community and village. Staff at Health and Wellness Services can provide support if you feel your own well-being is impacted. You can contact them at 607-687-4200 or by going to T.A. Parish Hall during open hours.

We are grateful to the witness for immediately reporting the incident and to University Police Officers for standing at the ready, both last night and as a normal service 24/7. You can partner in efforts to keep yourself and the Alfred community safe by following these steps:

Have a phone ready, close at hand, to call police at 911 if confronted by aggression.
Be vigilant watching for unknown persons following you onto campus.
Travel in groups of two or more using the buddy system.
Our residence halls are locked 24/7. Upon entering residence halls, make sure doors lock behind you and are never accidentally left ajar.
Once in your room, make sure your door is locked.
Report any suspicious persons or circumstances to University Police immediately – 911 (emergencies) or 607-587-3999 (general #)
While Alfred is a small tight-knit community, do not be complacent about your safety- here, or anywhere.

Our student did not deserve to be assaulted, and no form of violence is ever an acceptable response to anything for any reason. The perpetrators of this assault, like anyone who commits violence, will be held accountable in the criminal justice system.

Collectively, we stand in support of our student, who has been hospitalized and is receiving medical treatment, and support for their family. Out of respect for the family and to cooperate with the ongoing investigation, we are unable to share more information at this time, but we appreciate your prayers to our student, family members, and others who have been impacted by this terrible incident.

Sincerely,
Steven Mauro, Ph.D.
Alfred State College President