Obituary: Justin Lee Norton, 33, Belmmont

Belmont - Justin Lee Norton age 33, died unexpectedly on Monday (October 14, 2024) in the Town of Ischua .He was born in Dansville, NY on February 7, 1991 the son of Calvin Samuel Norton and Brenda Wesche Norton. Justin was a proud Semi-Truck Driver and was employed by Kuhnle Bros. Trucking out of Newberry, Ohio. He was a true “grease monkey” who could fix anything and help anyone in need. He loved his profession and his big “Blue Truck”. His family meant the world to him, and he will be truly missed.

He is predeceased by his father Sam Norton.

He is survived by his wife Ashley Woodworth Norton whom he married on June 28, 2015, his daughter Emma Norton, and his son Corbin Norton, his mother Brenda Norton, his grandmother Rosemary Wesche, his brother Jason Norton, his sisters Christine (Matt) Green, Tami Brundage, Tami (John) Osterhaut, Sheri (Justin) Abbey, and Chrissi (Paul) Beil, several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

A Service will be held on a later date at the Brown & Powers Funeral Home in Angelica.

Anyone wishing to help with Funeral Costs can be sent directly to Brown & Powers Funeral Home PO Box 276 Angelica NY 14709, or the Family has set up a Go Fund Me Page.

To send a remembrance please visit www.brownandpowersfuneralhomes.com of on Facebook @ Brown Powers FH.

Obituary: Ruth J. Gerner, 90, Coudersport

Ruth J. GERNER, 90, of Coudersport, PA, died Wednesday, October 16, 2024 in UPMC Cole, Coudersport.  Born February 16, 1934, in Bruin, she was the daughter of Thomas W. and Sara Snow Rodgers.  On November 24, 1951, in Woodstock, VA, she married Charles J. Gerner, who predeceased her on November 16, 2016.  Ruth and her husband owned and operated Gerner Electric and Coudersport Precast for many years.  She served as an EMT with the Coudersport Ambulance Association.  Ruth was a member of Park United Methodist Church.  Surviving are: six children, Terance (Anne) Gerner, Paul (Nancy) Gerner, Kathleen (Mark) Jackson, Richard (Diane) Gerner, Steven (Nila) Gerner, and George (Debbie) Gerner;  14 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; two sisters, Esther Rodgers and Karen Buss; nieces and nephews.  In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by three brothers, Kenneth Rodgers, Clifford Rodgers, and Thomas Rodgers; and a sister, Lillian Fernald.  Services will be announced by Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses, PA.  Memorials may be made to Park United Methodist Church, 15 E. Third St., Coudersport, PA 16915, Coudersport Volunteer Ambulance, P.O. Box 651, Coudersport, PA 16915, or Coudersport Volunteer Fire Dept., P.O. Box 161, Coudersport, PA 16915.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.

Obituary: Jeanne B. Leonard, 81, Genesee, PA

Jeanne B. LEONARD, 81, of Genesee, PA, formerly of Honey Brook, PA, died Wednesday, October 16, 2024 in UPMC Cole, Coudersport. 

Born February 21, 1943 in Berwyn, she was the daughter of Rudolph and Lydia Hayworth Bowman. On November 20, 1995, in Elkton, MD, she married Charles J. Leonard, who survives. A 1961 graduate of Conestoga High School, she was employed as an accounting supervisor by several manufacturing companies. 

Surviving besides her husband, Chuck, are: a stepdaughter, Jacqueline (Richard) DeMarco of Norristown and her three children, Aiden, Olivia, and Samantha; four siblings, James (Alice) Bowman of Lancaster, Thomas Bowman of Port Orange, FL, Ruth (Darrell) Davis of Genesee, and Eleanor (Phillip) DiMarino of Coudersport; nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by two brothers, John Bowman and Rudolph N. Bowman; and a sister, Frances Gimbel. 

Arrangements are under the direction of Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses, PA. Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.

Allegany County Election Alert

 

Obituary: Rose A. Winans, 94, Wellsville

Wellsville, NY – Rose A. Winans, 94, of Seneca Street, passed away on Monday, October 14, 2024, at Highland Park. She was born August 4, 1930, in Pennsylvania, the daughter of the late Samuel and Pauline (Frederick) Vansice. In Alma Church she married Louis Winans, who predeceased her.

Rose was raised in Pennsylvania and moved to Allegany County in the 1950s with her husband Louis. She was employed by Gabriel’s (The Wellsville Motel) as a housekeeper for many years. She was a member of Brookside Wesleyan Church. She loved Halloween, watching television and taking care of her lawn until her health prevented it.

She is survived by her son, Lewis “Hank” Winans of Wellsville. In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by: her father, Samuel Vansice in 1950; mother and step-father, Pauline & William Atkins in 1996 and 1975 respectively; and four brothers-in-law, George, Charles, Jimmy, and Raymond Winans.

A private graveside service will be held later this week in Stannards Cemetery. Please consider memorial donations to a charity of your choice. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com. 

Olean: 11-year-old boy shot while playing outside

From The Olean City Police Department:

Patrols responded to a report of gunshots on the 1300 block of Seneca Ave. Tuesday night at approximately 6: 15 p.m.. Police were notified that a 11 year old child had been struck by a bullet while playing outside. Olean City Fire responded and transported the 11 year old to the hospital for a gunshot wound to his leg. The Criminal Investigation unit is currently working on this incident and we are looking for any information from witnesses or anyone who may know the owner of the truck in this video. Criminal Unit- 716-376-5673, dispatch 716-376-5677.

Allegany County Office for the Aging is taking a step toward Preventing Type 2 Diabetes with the Prevent T2 Program!

Join the Allegany County Office for the Aging’s Prevent T2 Program in learning how to make healthy lifestyle changes! PreventT2 is part of the National Diabetes Prevention Program, led by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Guided by a trained lifestyle coach from the Allegany County Office for the Aging, participants will learn the skills they need to make lasting changes such as losing a modest amount of weight, being more physically active, and managing stress.

People with prediabetes — higher-than-normal blood glucose (sugar) levels — are 5 to 15 times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than those with normal blood glucose levels. In fact, many people with prediabetes can be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes within 5 years.

“One in three American adults has prediabetes, so the need for prevention has never been greater,” said Erika Zerkowski, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist for the Office for the Aging. The PreventT2 Program offers a proven approach to preventing or delaying the onset of type 2 diabetes through modest life-style changes made with the support of a coach and one’s peers.”

Participants learn how to eat healthy, add physical activity to their routine, manage stress, stay motivated, and solve problems that can get in the way of healthy changes. PreventT2 groups meet for a year — weekly for the first 6 months, then once or twice a month for the second 6 months to maintain healthy lifestyle changes. The program’s group setting provides a supportive environment with people who are facing similar challenges and trying to make the same changes. Together participants celebrate their successes and find ways to overcome obstacles.

An informational session will be held on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, at 2:30 p.m. at 6087 State Rt. 19 N, Belmont, NY. The first class will begin on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, at 2:30 p.m. at the same location and is absolutely FREE of charge!

To participate in the PreventT2 program, call the Allegany County Office for the Aging at 585-268-9390.

More Than 100 Attend Western New York Girls in Sports

ST. BONAVENTURE, N.Y., Oct. 16, 2024 – The 2024 Western New York Girls in Sports event, held on Saturday, October 5, at St. Bonaventure University, drew more than 100 girls from Cattaraugus and Allegany counties. 

Funded by the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation and organized by the United Way of Buffalo and Erie County, United Way of Cattaraugus & Allegany Counties, and St. Bonaventure University, the event is designed to inspire young girls to participate in sports.

Throughout the day, the girls had the opportunity to sample a wide range of sports activities including basketball, lacrosse, soccer, and more, all under the guidance of NCAA DIV I student-athletes from St. Bonaventure University. 

University students enthusiastically pitched in, leading the girls through sports drills and teaching them new skills. 

“We are absolutely thrilled with the turnout and the enthusiasm from the girls,” Dr. Paula Scraba, OSF, St. Bonaventure associate professor of physical education, said. “This event is about more than just playing sports. It’s about building confidence and life-long skills.”

In addition to promoting fitness and teamwork, the WNY Girls in Sports program aims to create access and pathways for girls from underserved communities to get involved in sports at various levels, from local leagues to high school and collegiate programs.

The success of this event would not have been possible without the dedication of the St. Bonaventure University students and the support of the Wilson Foundation, whose funding made the event possible.

“We are incredibly proud to be part of an initiative that not only encourages young girls to be active but also empowers them to discover their strengths, both physically and mentally,” said Susan McAuley, United Way of Cattaraugus & Allegany Counties executive director. 

“Events like these align perfectly with our mission to invest in the future of our youth by providing them with opportunities to grow, connect, and develop essential life skills. We look forward to seeing the lasting impact this experience will have on these girls and our community,” Mrs. McAuley added.  

In addition to promoting fitness and teamwork, the WNY Girls in Sports program aims to create access and pathways for girls from underserved communities to get involved in sports at various levels, from local leagues to high school and collegiate programs.

Since its founding in 2006 by Mary Wilson, the Western New York Girls in Sports initiative has worked to expand access to sports programs for girls, particularly those from underserved neighborhoods. 

The United Way of Cattaraugus & Allegany Counties brings people together to build strong communities where everyone thrives. They tackle tough challenges and work with private, public, and nonprofit partners to boost education, economic solutions, and health resources.

For more information on United Way programs or to give, visit www.uwcac.org.

Search warrant leads to drug arrest by Wellsville Police

 

Date: Tuesday October 15, 2024 

Wellsville Police arrested Sarah E. Voccola, age 40 of Wellsville, charging her with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 2^nd – Methamphetamine (Class A Felony).  The charge stems from an investigation conducted by Wellsville Police on a Search Warrant that was executed at 60 North Brooklyn Avenue on August 8^th.  Voccola was processed and transported to the Allegany County Jail pending arraignment in CAP Court.  Voccola is due to appear in Wellsville Village Court at a later date.

Obituary: Larry D. Tucker, 84, Belmont

Belmont, NY – Larry D. Tucker passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, on Sunday, October 13, 2024.

Born on January 27, 1940, in Angelica, Larry was the son of the late Roy I. Tucker and Doris T. Aylor Tucker. Growing up during a time when hard work was not just a value; it was a way of life. Whether it was milking the cow, tending to the garden, or feeding the chickens, those morning rituals were more than tasks; they were lessons in commitment. Alongside the chores were cherished family fishing trips to Canada, shenanigans with family and friends, and annual family corn roasts.

After graduating from Angelica Central School in 1958, Larry mastered several trades before dedicating his career to Belmont BOCES Center, where he served as facility supervisor until his retirement in 2000. As a long-standing member of Melrose Lodge #818, commitment to the values of service, brotherhood, and integrity were evident in everything he did.

A lifelong hunter and sports enthusiast, Larry was known for his passion, determination, and camaraderie. He excelled as a young athlete and could always be found on the field competing with a fierce yet gracious spirit. He became a devoted supporter of his girls, cheering from the sidelines. He also cherished the many moments spent golfing with his son-in-law. Ultimately, he proudly celebrated the accomplishments of his grandchildren, instilling in them the same values and never missing a moment on the sidelines.

Larry had a remarkable gift for storytelling. His tales of childhood and life experiences or humorous moments brought laughter and joy to family gatherings, holidays, and friendly get-togethers. His stories, often delivered with a smile, will be remembered fondly by all who knew him.

In addition to his wife, Daryl, of 55 years, he is survived by his daughters, Pamela (Ron) George, Kimberly (Matthew) Hall, and Tracy (Roy) Petrichick. Together, they built a wonderful life for their family rich in laughter and love.

He is also survived by his grandchildren, Brian George, Taylor Lombardo, Hunter Lombardo, Jared Petrichick, Riley Petrichick, and Thomas Petrichick; his sisters, Marilyn Warner and Janet (Paul) Harrington; brother, Ronald Knox; sisters-in-law, Nancy Tucker and Sylvia Tucker; “sister”, Cheryl (Bill) Steadman; many nieces and nephews; and close friends.

Larry was predeceased by his son, Roy Tucker; brothers, Bruce Tucker and Al Tucker; brother-in-law, Richard Warner; and his parents.

Calling hours will be held from 11 AM to 1 PM on Monday, October 21, 2024, with a service immediately following at Brown & Powers Funeral Home in Angelica, NY. Burial will take place at Forest Hills Cemetery in Belmont.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Riverside Assembly of God Church in Wellsville in Larry’s honor.

Larry will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving him.

To send a remembrance please visit www.brownandpowersfuneralhomes.com or on Facebook @ Brown Powers FH.

Obituary: Stephen Richard Cornelius, 57, formerly of Wellsville

Alger, OH – Stephen Richard Cornelius, 57, formerly of Wellsville, passed away on Monday, September 30, 2024, in his home. He was born June 28, 1967, in Wellsville, the son of Edward and Ruth (Sherman) Cornelius.

Steve was raised in Wellsville and was a 1986 graduate of Wellsville High School. Upon graduation, he enlisted with the United States Navy and served from 1986 to 1994. He was a community minded individual who was very active with the County Line Church of Harod, OH. He enjoyed baking bread and pies for church bake sales, entering his blue-ribbon chili in cooking competitions, and always wanted to help neighbors in need. He loved animals and was affectionately known as The Chicken Man for his 100+ heard of hens. 

In addition to his mother, Ruth, he is survived by: seven siblings, Sheryl “Sherry” Lafferty, Roger Cornelius, Terry (Kimberly) Cornelius, Randy Cornelius, Robert (Janett) Cornelius, Ron (Valerie) Cornelius, and Don (Magdalena) Cornelius. He was predeceased by his father.

Friends are invited to a Celebration of Life on Saturday, October 19, 2024, at 12 noon, in the Willing Town Hall, 1431 NY-19, Wellsville, NY, with full military honors at that time. Burial will be in Yorks Corners Cemetery. Please consider memorial donations to the funeral expenses, c/o Embser Funeral Home, 34 West State Street, Wellsville, NY 14895. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com . 

UR Medicine hospitals pause some elective, semi-elective surgeries

UR Medicine hospitals pause some elective, semi-elective surgeries to conserve IV fluids supply

DANSVILLE -- UR Medicine hospitals will pause some elective and semi-elective surgical procedures requiring IV sterile fluids beginning Wednesday, Oct. 16. This pause will be evaluated daily.

This pause will affect surgeries scheduled at all UR Medicine hospitals, including the Saunders Surgical Center at Noyes Memorial Hospital in Dansville, as well as the Noyes Health Services Same Day Surgery Center in Geneseo.

If you are currently scheduled for surgery or a procedure at one of our locations, you will be notified if your appointment has changed.

Additionally, steps are being taken in the Emergency Department and other units to utilize fluids in relation to need and acuity of illness.  Other options such as oral rehydration may be utilized while managing patients’ symptoms.

Since Hurricane Helene, hospitals nationwide have experienced significantly reduced shipments of IV sterile fluids. The Baxter International Plant, based in Marion, N.C., was severely damaged because of flooding from the September hurricane.

According to the American Hospital Association, the plant makes 60% of the nation’s supply of IV fluids and peritoneal dialysis solutions, amounting to 1.5 million bags daily.

The U.S. government has approved use of fluids from international suppliers, and UR Medicine procurement teams are working to increase supplies from multiple vendors. While shipments of IV fluids have resumed at lower rates than before, and UR Medicine faculty and staff have taken multiple innovative steps to use fluids more efficiently, the incoming supply of IV fluids still does not match the rate at which they are used.

The pause on some elective and semi-elective surgeries will help UR Medicine extend its system-wide reserves of sterile fluids, ensuring consistent patient care across all locations with urgent and emergent cases as priorities. All cases will be reviewed daily to determine urgency and sterile fluid needs and surgeries and procedures requiring little or no IV sterile fluid use will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Patients will be contacted directly if their case must be postponed; they do not need to contact their surgeon’s office.

UR Medicine hospitals will resume full surgery schedules as soon as available resources allow.

Obituary: Jeffrey T. “Jeff” Olmstead, 56, Bolivar

Jeffrey T. Olmstead    “beloved husband, son, father, grandfather, and brother”

BOLIVAR, NY---Jeffrey T. “Jeff” Olmstead, 56, a lifelong resident of Bolivar, passed away unexpectedly in Buffalo General Hospital, Buffalo, with his loving family by his side on Saturday, October 12, 2024.

Born on Tuesday, October 24, 1967 in Wellsville, he was a son of Richard G. and Frances A. Warner Olmstead.  On June 24, 2000, in Bolivar, he married the love of his life and best friend, Amy D. Claypool, who survives.

Jeff was a graduate of Bolivar High School, Class of 1985.  Jeff started his working career as a mechanic at the age of 15 with his “second family” at the former Bob’s Auto Body in Bolivar, retiring when Bob closed the business.  He and the Dean family held a very close relationship.

Jeff enjoyed 4 wheeling, camping, fishing, and spending time with his family, most especially the time he spend with his grandchildren.  He had a very humorous spirit.  His smile lit up the room. His favorite song was Spirit in the Sky by the Kentucky Headhunters.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife; his mother, Frances Webb, of Little Genesee; four children, Tiffany N. (Raymond) Jordan of Fillmore, Brittany M. (Clint) Bedelyon of Friendship, Tabitha A. Main of Bolivar, and D.J. Main of West Virginia; two siblings, Diana M. (Paul) Fenti of Bolivar and Ronald Olmstead of Florida; fourteen grandchildren; a niece, Renea Rhodes; a nephew, Joseph Fenti; several loving cousins; and his three fur babies.

In addition to his father, Richard G. Olmstead, Jeff was predeceased by his stepfather, William L. Webb, whom Jeff considered a second Dad; and a nephew, Matthew Fenti.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Jeff’s Life from 3pm to 7pm on Tuesday, October 22, 2024 at the Richburg Fireman’s Clubhouse, Griffin Street, Richburg.

Flowers are gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to the family to assist with expenses.

Jeff’s family has entrusted his care to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse, PA.

To express condolences, light a candle or share a fond memory of Jeff, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.

Cornell Cooperative Extension Allegany County (CCE Allegany) Annual Meeting DInner

 Cornell Cooperative Extension Allegany County (CCE Allegany) will host its 2024 Annual Meeting Dinner on Tuesday, October 29^th from 6:00-8:00pm at Off Duty 5184 State Route 244, Belmont, NY 14813

 

The highlight of the evening will be a talk by our guest Andy Turner, Associate Dean and Director of NYS CCE. Andy Turner began his term as Director of Cornell Cooperative Extension in December 2023. Andy has worked for Extension in New York State for 35 years, including 9 years in Rockland County, 14 years in Greene and Columbia Counties and most recently, 9 years at Cornell as the NYS 4-H Director. He grew up in the small town of Leicester, NY in nearby Livingston County. His parents, Allan, and Barbara Turner, both worked for Cooperative Extension and their wedding reception took place at the Monroe County Extension office in the early 1960’s. Andy earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Cornell University and a Doctorate in Education from St. John Fisher College in 2016. Dr. Turner’s talk will focus on what he calls the Spirit of Cooperative Extension, an exploration of the people and values that continue to drive the organization forward, keeping it relevant and vibrant in New York State for more than one hundred years.

 

Cornell Cooperative Extension Allegany County provides research-based information and educational programming to ensure the vitality of agriculture, strengthen families, promote health and well-being, responsibly improve home and community landscapes, and enhance our natural environment. Program areas include agriculture education and support, consumer horticulture and gardening, 4-H youth development and nutrition education.

 

RSVP by 10/21  ●  585-268-7644 ext. 10  ●  klb288@cornell.edu

Cost: $26, payable when you register