Wellsville/Political
The Wellsville Village Board's Aug. 10 meeting included an update on the partially collapsed former Phuntner building on Railroad Avenue, which has kept part of the street closed since the building's roof and a wall came down earlier this year. Officials said the site is still awaiting demolition and remains a concern for nearby residents and businesses. The same meeting brought better news, including word that the village has received a state cybersecurity grant and a rundown of plans for that Saturday's America 250th anniversary celebration on the David A. Howe Library lawn. No timeline was given for when Railroad Avenue would reopen to normal traffic.
Ellicottville/Nonprofits
The Bob McCarthy Foundation presented its latest financial support to the Ellicottville Food Bank, continuing a partnership that has spanned more than two decades. Food bank volunteers Pat Kurl, Sherri Barrera and Bob Duke accepted the donation alongside Rev. Ralph Mueller on behalf of the pantry. Beyond its regular quarterly contributions, the foundation has also historically helped fund equipment for the food bank and provided extra support around Thanksgiving and Christmas. The gift is part of the Ellicottville-based foundation's broader mission of quietly backing local charitable causes in memory of Bob McCarthy.
Alfred/Communal
IMPACT: Friends Improving Allegany County Trails, Inc. is hosting its second annual trail walk and run on Saturday, Aug. 29, starting from the NYSDEC Phillips Creek State Forest parking area on Route 244 just west of Alfred. The event routes participants through the Phillips Creek, Turnpike, and Palmer's Pond state forests that make up the West Almond Trail System, with divisions ranging from a 5K walk up to a new 25K trail run for more experienced racers. Members of IMPACT receive a discounted registration rate, and proceeds go toward the group's ongoing work maintaining and improving public trails in Allegany County. Organizers say the growing event reflects rising interest in the county's state forest trail network.