Rt. 83 to be closed beginning Monday

The New York State Department of Transportation said beginning Monday Route 83 will be closed at Route 60 in the town of Pomfret to facilitate culvert rehabilitation work. Route 83 will be open to local traffic only.

Eastbound traffic will be detoured south on Route 60 to Bard Road connecting back to Route 83 in the town of Villenova. Westbound Route 83 traffic will be detoured onto Bard Road to Route 60.

The closure will remain in place for about six weeks but may be delayed in the event of inclement weather.

Motorists are urged to slow down and drive responsibly in work zones. Fines are doubled for speeding in a work zone. Convictions of two or more speeding violations in a work zone could result in the suspension of an individual’s driver license.

DEC rangers take part in training exercise

PERSIA — On Sept. 12 and 13, Department of Environmental Conservation Rangers from Region 9 participated in a two-day training exercise sponsored by the regional tech rescue team. The first day consisted of two rope rescue scenarios in the Zoar gorge, which forced members of different departments to jointly utilize equipment and experience.

On the second day of the training, Rangers reviewed the use of various tools and methods to complete swiftwater rescues. Departments from both Erie and Cattaraugus counties participated, as well as Erie County Sheriff’s SWAT.

VFW sponsoring essay contest

SILVER CREEK — The Samuel Cimino Auxiliary 6472 VFW is sponsoring the Voice of Democracy, a patriotic audio essay competition. Since 1947, the Voice of Democracy has been the VFW’s premier scholarship program. It is open to students in grades 9 through 12, and this year’s theme is: “Is this the country the founders envisioned?” The deadline is Oct. 31, and any interested student is asked to call 934-2450.

Sinclairville Evergreen Cemetery Association to meet

SINCLAIRVILLE — The annual lot owners’ meeting of the Sinclairville Evergreen Cemetery Association will be held on Monday, Sept. 28, at 7 p.m. in the Sinclairville Fire Hall. Two trustees will be determined. CDC guidelines will be observed.