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Monday, August 31, 2020

Obituary: Richard Hollis, Granger - former Allegany County Commissioner of Elections

Dalton --- Richard G. Hollis of Old State Road died Sunday, August 30, 2020 in Noyes Memorial Hospital, Dansville. He was born in 1953 in Rochester, a son of the late Edgar and Lucille Underwood Hollis. He married Kathleen Suda who survives.
Rick graduated from Edison Technical High School. He was employed as a model maker at Eastman Kodak Research Laboratories, as an HEO for the Town of Granger Highway Department and served as Allegany County Commissioner of Elections until his retirement.
He served the community in several organizations: a volunteer firefighter and Safety Officer in the Short Tract Volunteer Fire Company; a trained Certified First Responder with the William P. Brooks Hose Co. Rescue Squad; an elected Town of Granger Councilman and later Town Supervisor; a member of the Allegany County Planning Board holding the positions of Vice Chairman and Chairman; a member of the Allegany County Republican Committee and an elected New York State Republican Committeeman.
In 2013, he became a brother of the Macedonia Lodge #258 of Free and Accepted Masons and was a 17 year member of the Sons of the American Legion Charles Harbel Post #892.
He loved the outdoors, especially hunting and golfing. He was a firm supporter of our Second Amendment being a life member of the NRA and SCOPE (Shooter’s Committee on Political Education).
Surviving in addition to his wife are his siblings, Marilyn (Henry) Andrews, James Hollis, Sr. Elaine Hollis, two sisters-in-law, Carol (Gregory) Lindamer, Rita Suda, his nephews, Michael and Peter Andrews, Matthew and John Lindamer, a great-nephew, Harlow, a niece, Suzanne Andrews and many cousins.
At Rick’s request there will be no visitation. A private funeral service will be held at Kopler-Williams Funeral Home, 21 N. Genesee Street, Fillmore.
Memorials if desired to: William P. Brooks Hose Co. Rescue Squad, Box 238, Fillmore or Allegany County Cancer Services, Attn: Lori Ballengee, 100 South Highland Ave., Wellsville, NY 14895.

NY State Police Blotter

8/30/20 9:44pm- After investigating a domestic dispute, Amity-based troopers arrested Dale L. Comstock, 37, of Belfast. He was charged with assault with intent to cause physical injury and three counts of endangering the welfare of a child. He was released on his own recognizance.
8/31/20 12:45am- State Police arrested John H. Finch, 29, of Wellsville. He was charged with petit larceny, criminal possession of a controlled substance and aggravated unlicensed operation. The charged were filed after Troopers investigated a complaint of a larceny from a building in Amity. Finch was issued appearance tickets for court and released.

Alfred Farmers Market Fundraising for Mascho Homestead Farm


By Mary Gardner-Ruch
ALFRED, NY - On May 4, 2020, Mascho Homestead Farm in Belmont, NY suffered a tremendous loss when fire destroyed two chicken coops containing 60 laying hens and a garage with freezers full of their meat products.  Unfortunately, the insurance did not come close to covering the amount of loss. On May 18th, the Alfred Farmers Market started a Go Fund Me on-line at  https://gofundme.com/f/mascho-homestead-farm-fire-relief-fund. With the help of so many in the community and some time to heal, the Mascho’s are one step closer to normalcy. Around $6,000 has been raised from various markets, those who donated online, and those that gave checks, with a goal of $40,000.  Earlier in August, a check was presented to the Mascho’s by the Alfred Farmers Market Board Members to help defray the cost of their loss.
Supporters and patrons of the farm continue to fundraise, and checks can be mailed to the Alfred Farmers Market at PO Box 142 Alfred Station, NY 14803 with Mascho written on the memo line. The market has been organizing and compiling all donations for the farm in multiple formats. There is a donation can at the Manager’s Tent at the Alfred Farmers Market which meets on Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Alfred University Bandstand at the corner of Main Street and Saxon Drive.  Stop by, meet Danelle and James Mascho and Danelle’s mother Gretchen Vincent, and learn about their farming practices. They sell delicious pasture raised pork and grass-fed beef and have been busy restocking their meat supplies after the fire.
“We feel so grateful that we can help this family in their time of recovery” says Market President Amanda Khodorkovskaya, “They have been a staple vendor at our market for many years and it warms my heart to know that the community has been able to give back to them what they have given to Allegany County”. The Mascho’s participate in local farmers markets and Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Farm to School program, where their beef can be found in multiple local school districts. Their products can be purchased on their farm in Belmont as well as at the Rogue Carrot in Alfred. For more information or to get involved, contact Alfred Market Manager Mary Ruch at marketmanagerinalfred@gmail.com.

ICYMI: Elks Fundraiser

Elks Care...Let’s Share.
On Thursday September 10th, from 4:00 to 6:30 p.m., The Wellsville Elks lodge will hold a drive-thru steak dinner which includes: Rib Eye Steak - cooked to your liking, Corn on the Cob - dipped in butter, Baked Potato, Italian Dressed Tossed Salad, and Crispy Garlic Bread.
Taking reservations at Elks Lodge or by calling 593-5430 after 3:00p.m. any day but Sunday. Must give pickup time, pickup name and number of dinners; also preferred wellness of all steaks. Open to public. Taking reservations until Tuesday, Sept 8th at 5:00 p.m.
$19.00 per dinner and prepayment can be made at the Lodge at time of reservation.
We welcome and thank all of those who can support our lodge.

PA Troopers arrest Little Genesee man for violating protection order


Obituary: Raymond A. “Fritz” Friedl, 84, Austin, PA


Raymond A. “Fritz” Friedl “beloved husband, father and grandfather” 
AUSTIN, Pa.---Raymond A. “Fritz” Friedl, 84, a longtime resident of Austin, formerly of St. Marys,  passed away with his loving family by his side on Sunday, August 30, 2020, in UPMC Cole, Coudersport, after an unexpected illness.


Born on Sunday, June 21, 1936 in St. Marys, he was a son of Charles and Bertha Wonderly Friedl.  On June 4, 1977 in the Austin United Methodist Church, he married Patricia A. Dynda, who survives.

He attended school in St. Marys.  Fritz enlisted in the US Air Force having served honorably during the Korean War.  After serving his country, he moved to Vermont where he drove a milk truck and worked in the farming industry.  He also farmed in the Austin area for many years, while he also drove a truck in the oil, gas, and pipeline industries.  He was also employed by Sylvania in Emporium.

Fritz was of the Catholic faith.  He was a member of Potter Post #192 in Coudersport and a social member of VFW Post #7810 in Austin.  He was an avid gardener, enjoyed hunting, small engine repair and tinkering in his shop.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 43 years; two stepsons, Lyle R. Dynda of Austin and David J. (Paula Roberts) Marsh of Coudersport; six grandchildren, Robert “Bob” (Jennifer Waite) Dynda, Nathan Scott Dynda, Jonathan “Jed” Dynda, Katarina “Kat” Dynda, Josh Marsh, and Travis Marsh; four great-grandchildren, Hailie Marsh, Akacia Dynda, Aizlynn Dynda, and Kaivan Dynda; a sister, Mary (Rod) Saulter of St. Marys; a special cousin, Howard “Pooch” (Laura Newell) Grant of St. Marys; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Fritz was predeceased by three brothers, Herbert, Harry, and infant Earl; and a sister, Elsie.

Currently there are no services planned.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Fritz’s name may be made to the Austin VFW Post #7810, 293 Costello Avenue, Austin, PA 16720 or to Potter Post #192, 2 Buffalo Street, Coudersport, PA 16915.

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

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

Allegany County COVID-19 update - Sunday


Sunday, August 30, 2020

Wyoming County Sheriff's Blotter

On August 15th, 2020, the Wyoming County Sheriff’s Office responded to the report of a landlord that had removed the front door of a rental property. It was reported that Edward G. Schoff, 62 of Warsaw, was the owner of a residence on Hermitage Road in the Town of Wethersfield, and removed the front door of the residence due to the tenants’ lack of rent payment.  Following the investigation, Schoff was charged under the Real Property Law for a Willful Violation of Agreements. It is illegal for a Landlord to remove portions of a home, or to threaten a tenant in order to affect an unlawful eviction. Schoff was issued an appearance ticket returnable to the Town of Wethersfield Court at a later date. Assisting the Road Patrol with the investigation was the Wyoming County Sheriff’s Office Civil Division and Wyoming County Building and Codes.

On August 20th, 2020, at around 6:20pm, a Deputy with the Wyoming County Sheriff’s Office was patrolling westbound on Clinton Street Road (State Route 354), in the Town of Bennington, when a violation of the vehicle and traffic law was observed. Following a vehicle and traffic enforcement stop on the vehicle, the driver was identified as Rebecca L. Bischoff (33, of Bennington).  The Deputy performed a data check on Bischoff’s license which showed she was suspended for failure to pay child support. A search of the vehicle also revealed Bischoff possessed several different controlled substances. Bischoff was then asked to perform Standardized Field Sobriety tests, which she performed poorly and was placed under arrest for DWAI Drugs. Bischoff was transported to the Wyoming County Sheriff’s Office where she submitted to a drug influence evaluation conducted by a NYS Certified Drug Recognition Expert. Following the evaluation, it was determined that Bischoff was under the influence of several different drugs and could not operate a motor vehicle safely.  Bischoff was charged with DWAI Drugs, DWAI Drugs Combo, Aggravated Unlicensed Operation 3rd Degree and three counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 7th Degree. Bischoff was released on appearance tickets and is scheduled to appear in the Town of Bennington Court at a later date.  

On August 19th, 2020, at around 2:03pm, Deputies were operating stationary radar on State Route 246, in the Town of Covington, when a vehicle was observed traveling southbound at a high rate of speed. Following a vehicle and traffic enforcement stop, Derek N. Simons (19, of Tonawanda) was arrested and charged with DWAI Drugs, DWAI Drugs Combo, Speed Over 55mph, Hold Unexpired License in More than One Jurisdiction, and Unlawful Possession of Marijuana 2nd degree. Simons was processed at the Wyoming County Sheriff’s Office and released on appearance tickets and is scheduled to appear in the Town of Covington Court at a later date. 

Man succumbs from injuries in July crash in Wyoming County

On July 24th, at 5:45p.m. the Wyoming County Sheriff’s Office was requested to the Wyoming County Community Hospital for the report of a Motor Vehicle Accident that had occurred shortly before and the vehicle occupants were seeking medical treatment.
Raymond J. Esner, 63 of Lancaster was operating a 2019 Chevrolet Silverado southbound on State Route 19 in the Town of Middlebury. Esner reported that while driving, his right side tire had left the paved portion of the roadway which deterred his vehicle further towards the ditch. Esner drove the vehicle into a drainage ditch and ultimately struck a field access driveway/culvert head on. The vehicle was able to make its way over the driveway and back onto the roadway. Minor damage to the culvert and driveway occurred. The vehicle sustained heavy front-end damage.
Following the accident, Esner’s front seat passenger, Peter E. Haas, 73 of Depew, was observed bleeding from the head. Esner was aware that the Wyoming County Community Hospital was within a few miles and drove directly to the Emergency Department to seek medical attention for Haas.
Once at the Emergency Department, Esner reported the accident with the Wyoming County Sheriff’s Office via 911.
Haas was later transferred to the Erie County Medical Center for further medical assistance.
On August 26th, at 12:27pm, the Erie County Medical Examiner’s Office reported Peter Haas had succumbed to the injuries sustained in the above motor vehicle accident that occurred on July 24th.
The investigation is continuing. 

The Spectator earns AP Award for Preston Avenue fire coverage

The Spectator's Chris Potter, left, and Neal Simon display the New York State
Associated Press Association Award for Best Spot New Coverage. The
Spectator won first-place for coverage of November's fire on Preston Avenue in the City of Hornell

HORNELL — The Spectator took home a first-place award from the New York State Associated Press Association for its coverage of the Preston Avenue fire last November in the City of Hornell.
The Spectator team won first-place in the Spot News Coverage category among Division I newspapers.
“Excellent and complete coverage of a tragic event against difficult circumstances for the newsroom. Excellent work,” noted the judges’ comments.
Regional editor Chris Potter, city editor Neal Simon, sales professional Lynn White and freelance contributor Madonna Figura Simon teamed on comprehensive coverage in the minutes after the blaze erupted on a sunny fall afternoon, Nov. 17.
Reporters were quickly on scene as the fire spread to four homes on Preston Avenue, eventually damaging homes on neighboring Washington Street as well. Through a coordinated team effort, The Spectator soon posted an early story and extensive photo gallery to eveningtribune.com as firefighters continued to battle the blaze. White, a former photographer at The Evening Tribune, put her newsroom skills back in action with several Facebook Live videos to add another element to the online coverage. The videos, totaling about an hour, collectively have 146,000 views.
The team produced multiple stories within hours of the fire, detailing the response by Hornell firefighters and the nearby departments called in for mutual aid, as well as the story of residents and neighbors rushing to help one another as the blaze consumed a large chunk of the street.
Those stories were followed by dozens more in the hours, days and weeks ahead as The Spectator continued to cover the fire investigation and the outpouring of community support for the victims left homeless, their possessions suddenly gone in one chaotic afternoon.
“I will never forget walking into the Hornell Community Arts Center the next day and being struck by the mountains of clothes, toiletries and household items donated by the Canisteo Valley, all of it being folded and sorted by a group of quiet volunteers who would have worked through the night if they’d been allowed to,” Potter said. “It was a privilege for our team to document the brave work of our first responders that day, and shine a light on the selfless way the community rallied in extraordinary circumstances.”
The annual Associated Press awards banquet in Saratoga Springs was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We received roughly 1,300 entries this year, one of the highest levels of participation we’ve achieved in recent years,” said George Bodarky, President of the New York State Associated Press Association.
Potter has won a number of New York Press Association awards in various capacities with The Spectator, including for Best Live Sports Coverage during Wellsville boys basketball’s Section V title run and multiple Best Special Section awards for The Spectator’s annual Great 8 publication.
Simon has been recognized by the New York News Publishers’ Association three times. He received Awards of Excellence for Distinguished State Government Coverage in 2013-2014; Distinguished Headline Writing in 2015, and Distinguished Business Reporting in 2016. He was recognized by Gatehouse Media as an Editorial Writer of the Year in 2014.
Story posted with permission.

Obituary: Dorothy Lee (Stewart) Roe, 88, Canisteo

CANISTEO — Dorothy Lee (Stewart) Roe, 88, of 20 West Main St., Canisteo passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 27, 2020 at the home of her loving son and daughter-in-law, Terry and Patti Roe, in Eustis, Fla. after an extended illness, just short of her 89th birthday.

Dorothy, or as she was known to friends and family, “DL”, was born on September 8, 1931 in Hornell to the late Dr. and Mrs. Harold and Genevieve Stewart (Mike and Peg).

She lived in Canisteo for the majority of her life and graduated from Canisteo Central School in June 1949. After finishing her course work at Hornell Business School, she started working at the former First State Bank in Canisteo.

She married Leroy E. Roe of Hornell in December 1949 and soon after welcomed two sons to the family, Jon and Terry. Roy died in 1978 after a long illness.

In 1982, DL welcomed Dave Oakes into her life and together in 1988 they opened the Captain’s Nook Liquor store in Canisteo where they worked until retirement. Dave passed away in 2003.

After DL’s beloved sister, Joyce McDaniels, passed away in September 2008, the extended McDaniels clan adopted DL as their substitute Mom and she reveled in that duty.

DL was a member of the Canisteo Presbyterian Church for over 60 years and she loved the camaraderie she found there. At times in her life she belonged to the Canisteo Bowling League, Stitchery and Kohoco. She loved to sit on her porch on West Main Street, read a good book and watch the world go by, ready to chat with anyone who happened by. Mostly she loved to be with friends and family. She had an unforgettable joyful laugh that will be missed by all.

DL is survived by her sons, Jon (Gretchen) Roe of Los Angeles and Terry (Patti) Roe of Eustis, Fla.; her brothers, Bill (Jennifer) Stewart of Ocala, Fla. and Jimmy Stewart of Tavares, Fla.; granddaughter, Brandi (Kyle) Hand of Belmont, N.Y., Joyce and Paul “Mac” McDaniels children, P.D., Jeff, Connie, Mike and Tommy, and all their spouses and children. Also, Roy’s sister, Carol (Bob) Dickey of Hornell and sister-in-law, Janet Roe of Endicott, N.Y., and the extended Roe clan in all parts of the globe. Also, special family friends Karen (Dick) Canne, Angie Van Allen and Charlotte Andrews.

DL’s immediate family especially wish to thank Connie and Dick Knight and Mike and Liz McDaniels for their unbelievable love and support during DL’s final months of life. A special mention needs to be made of the love and support of Terry and Patti Roe as they provided a home for DL in Florida so as to escape the harsh winter of the Canisteo Valley.

Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, there will be no calling hours or services at this time.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that a donation be made to the American Diabetes Foundation.

NY State Police Blotter

8/29/20 8:05pm- State Police arrested 25-year-old Kathryn A. Petsch of Willing. She was charged with second-degree reckless endangerment. Court action is pending.

Obituary: Lee W. Behler, 81, of Ulysses


Lee W. Behler “beloved husband, father, and grandfather”
ULYSSES, Pa.---Lee W. Behler, 81, of Ulysses, formerly of Germansville, passed away with his loving daughter, Michelle, at his side at UPMC Cole Skilled Nursing and Rehab Unit, Coudersport, on Thursday, August 27, 2020, after a long illness.
Born on Friday, April 7, 1939 in Nesquehoning, he was a son of Wayne H. and Ellen E. Winsler Behler.  On April 4, 1964 in the Heidelberg Union Church in Slatington, he married Barbara J. Jarrett, who survives.
Lee was a graduate of Northwestern Lehigh High School in New Tripoli.  After high school, Lee enlisted in the US Air Force, serving honorably from 1960 to 1964.  After serving in the Air Force, Lee and his wife, owned and operated the Germansville Garage. He was employed as a welder, carpenter and bus driver.  He was also employed as a custodian at the Coudersport School district before his retirement.
Lee was a member of the St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church in Galeton.  He was also a member of the Brookland Club.  He was an avid hunter and fisherman.  He enjoyed snowmobiling and 4 wheeling.  His greatest love was his family.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 56 years; three children, Lee W. (Colleen) Behler, Jr. of Germansville, Terry M. (Susan) Behler of Orlando, Florida, and Michelle J. (Jeffrey) Sukanick of Schnecksville; and five grandchildren, Jordan Behler, Jarrett Behler, Maya Sukanick, Elijah Behler, and Ainsley Behler.
In addition to his parents, Lee was predeceased by his twin brother, Dale Behler.
In keeping with Lee’s wishes, there will be no public visitation or funeral services.  Burial will be in Heidelberg Cemetery in Slatington at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Teacher’s Pet Rescue, 19 Blackberry Lane, Coudersport, PA 16915.
Lee’s family entrusted his care and cremation arrangements to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.
To express condolences or share a fond memory of Lee, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.

Wellsville Creative Arts Center events



Saturday, August 29, 2020

Allegany County Democratic Party opens 2020 election headquarters in Wellsville – ribbon cutting held Thursday

L-R:  ACDC Chair Mike McCormick, Ms. Mitrano and Mr. Scott perform the
honors
Wellsville, NY— Neither wind nor rain nor construction barricades could keep the Allegany County Democratic Committee (ACDC) from ceremoniously opening its 2020 Election Headquarters on Thursday. 
ACDC Chair Michael McCormick welcomed guests, saying “this headquarters in beautiful historic downtown Wellsville will serve us and the electorate well as we head into this incredibly important election. Our goal is 100% turnout among registered Democratic voters.”
County democrats are on the ballot in several town and village contests. Mr. McCormick specifically mentioned the Democratic candidate for our NYS Assembly seat, Ross Scott, and the Democratic candidate for our NYS Senate seat, Frank Puglisi. 
Ross Scott, candidate for NYS Assembly, Dist. 148
Mr. Scott was the next dignitary to give remarks.  For more than twenty years, he has been a country lawyer dealing mostly with the lives, rights, and problems of rural people. For the preceding thirty years, he had a career as a software engineer, communications engineer, and high technology consultant at all levels of government in areas of energy, environment, national security, and foreign affairs.  
Mr. Scott named specific areas of focus for his campaign. He advocates maintaining strict standards for storage and disposal of nuclear waste at the state’s three power plants and at the West Valley Demonstration Project.  And his scientific background in epidemiology informs his position on the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.  He welcomes inquiries from voters by phone at 607-478-8000 or by email at Ross.Scott.for.Assembly@gmail.com.
Tracy Mitrano, candidate for US Congress for NY23
Mr. McCormick then introduced the Democratic candidate for NYs 23rd District, Ms. Tracy Mitrano, calling her the “greatest candidate.  She ran a beautiful campaign in 2018 and polling shows Tracy has an exceptionally good chance to win her election. That takes footwork.  She’s done it and she’s still doing it.  Tracy is in it to win it, and we’re here to help her.”
Ms. Mitrano then gave brief remarks, thanking the good people of Wellsville and Allegany County who have supported her “in the three years in which I’ve been running. In August of 2017, I predicted it would take two cycles to win this congressional seat.  Allegany County has been helping right at the forefront.  You’re an amazing community.  I am grateful for every moment, every dollar, and every ounce of sweat you’ve given to this effort.”
She mentioned polling showing voter preference for presidential candidate Joe Biden is neck and neck with Trump in our district, a far cry from the 15-point Republican advantage in 2016.  “This shows how Trump’s utter incompetence to establish a federal plan to get out ahead of this virus has played out, among his other failures. My opponent is Donald Trump’s honorary reelection campaign chair for New York State.  Do I need to explain any further about the connection of these two peas in a pod?” 
Mitrano said, “With your help, we’ll continue to let people know what our party stands for and how electing me to Congress supports those values. With Allegany County on our side, we’re going to roll right past my opponent and into Washington.  We are going to win this race!”
After a ceremonial ribbon cutting, candidates, dignitaries and guests traveled to a private event in honor of Ms. Mitrano.  
The 2020 Democratic Election Headquarters is open 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. seven days a week at 94 North Main St., Wellsville.  Drop by, phone 585-610-4321, find them on FB and Twitter, or email info@alleganycountydemocrats.org.

Wellsville Fire Auxiliary Fundraiser

SHOP ON-LINE:        Go to PizzaKit.com


                                      Click on Products, then click on Shop


                                      Select Ship My Order to the Group


                                      Enter Fundraiser ID# 385885


                                      Follow prompts to create your User ID


 PICK UP ORDER:      Date and time will be known after our final order is placed and you will be notified


 Payments are due at time of ordering:


 Please make checks payable to:  “Wellsville Firemen’s Auxiliary”


Thank you for your support

New COVID-19 cases reported in Allegany County

Health officials say there are currently five active cases.

Friday, August 28, 2020

WNY Delegation Members Call for Additional Hospital Funding

(Erie County, N.Y.) – Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) is joined by Congressman Tom Reed (NY-23) and Congressman Joe Morelle (NY-25) in calling on the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Azar to provide additional funds for hospitals from the Public Health Services and Support Emergency Fund (PHSSEF).
 
“Hospitals in our region, such as Thompson Health, have fully complied with all COVID-19 guidelines and served their communities effectively during the pandemic; however, following these guidelines has resulted in drops in inpatient volumes and increased costs for protective equipment and testing,” Congressman Jacobs said. “While they have faced the same challenges and financial struggles as other providers, our hospitals, many serving rural communities, have not received the same amount of federal aid.”
 
“We care about our communities’ access to medical care and the incredible hospitals in our region who provide quality services,” Congressman Reed said. “It is only fair that HHS work with us to ensure bureaucratic classifications don’t prevent medical providers from receiving the federal aid they deserve to continue serving people during this difficult period.”
 
Jacobs, Reed, and Morelle cited Thompson Health and Eastern Niagara Hospital, which have not received any relief funding since the initial round of federal funding distributed on April 10th. Thompson Health serves over 165,000 residents and has more than 1,700 workers. Before COVID-19, 80% of their revenue came from outpatient services – these were halted to focus on the COVID-19 response, and they are now facing $10 million in losses. 
 
Thompson Health and other providers have been without critical funding for over seventeen weeks, despite their continued efforts to provide COVID-19 relief services to our area. Without additional support, they are facing severe financial cutbacks that could have devastating effects on the region.
 
The Representatives are asking for the consideration of a “plus-up” formula for future aid funding. Under this method, each hospital would receive, at minimum, the same percentage of the previous year’s revenue. This would make funding distribution more even, currently Thompson, for example, has received roughly 2% of FY19 revenue, while other hospitals have received up to 50% FY19 revenue.
 
“Healthcare providers have been on the front lines battling this unprecedented global health crisis, yet many smaller providers have failed to receive the support and assistance they deserve,” Congressman Morelle said. “Many are struggling under the weight of financial loss and need our help to continue the essential services they provide for our community. I’m proud to partner with Congressman Chris Jacobs to stand up for these small hospital providers and urge HHS to provide additional relief immediately.”
 
“Throughout the COVID-19 response, our dedicated staff has worked hard to care for our community and to minimize the impact of the significant financial losses suffered due to a drop in revenue and multiple unexpected expenses. As the largest employer in our county, we are cognizant of our role in the local economy. We are imploring our elected officials to assist our nonprofit community health system in moving forward, for the health and well-being of residents throughout our region, as well as for the benefit of our heroic essential workers and the families who depend on them. We are grateful to Congressman Jacobs, Congressman Morelle and Congressman Reed for their support and advocacy on our behalf. We remain hopeful that the federal government will view assisting our health system as essential for the community as a whole as we all continue to navigate this crisis together, positioning ourselves for whatever lies ahead,” Mike Stapleton, President and CEO, Thompson Health said.
 
“Hospitals serving rural communities are, for many, one the of the only sources of quality healthcare in their areas. Ensuring they can continue this vital work is essential to responding to the pandemic in New York State, and it is also essential to the delivery of timely and life-saving healthcare in the future,” Congressman Jacobs said. “I have been a staunch advocate for the needs of our communities here in Western New York, and I will continue to call attention to these needs and to fight for critical funding.”

Mitrano: GOP convention remarkable for the number of “blatant and obvious lies”

PRESS RELEASE
PENN YAN—Reiterating that it was “inappropriate” for Rep. Tom Reed (R-NY23rd) to speculate about who vandalized his Corning headquarters without any information from Corning City Police regarding an investigation or evidence, Democratic candidate Tracy Mitrano has called on—and has faith in—Mayor Bill Boland and Corning police to do a thorough investigation of the August 25 incident and bring the perpetrator to justice.

Reed says the brick that smashed his office window was thrown by extremists. His campaign spokesman called it “another sad example of the radicalism we see every day from our opponents and the far left.” During her weekly press call, Mitrano repeated her condemnation of vandalism and accused Reed of invoking “left-wing extremists” as a straw man, and a way to tar her with the same brush.
“This is McCarthy-like stuff,” Mitrano declared. “We would expect that a congressman would not stoop to such tactics. It was beneath the dignity of his office to make such statements, without any evidence or facts behind them.”
But then, she added, it’s of a piece with what today’s GOP is all about, starting at the top. “We all know this president has an extreme propensity to speak mistruths and utter blatant lies in the face of obvious evidence and facts. It’s not a surprise, but it does continue to dismay.”
Mitrano said the Democratic and Republican national conventions brought that propensity to lie into sharp focus.
“I understand that part of politics is to create a narrative about who you are and what you represent, and it sometimes leads to exaggeration or misleading information,” she said. “I recognize both parties do this.” The striking thing, when comparing the two conventions, “is how much more plain lying went on at the Republican National Convention.” 
As examples, Mitrano cited the oft-repeated lie that Democrats are socialists, and that they want to invalidate the Second Amendment and defund law enforcement. 
“In every instance, the truth lies in the opposite,” she said. “Democrats want a vibrant economy based on fair taxes, to protect all Constitutional Amendments, and to fund law enforcement so they have the support they need and want to protect and serve their communities.
“This congressman has used the same tactic against me, telling bold and blatant lies about me and my positions,” Mitrano said. “As a politician, I may not be perfect, but I will dedicate myself to facts. I will never make a claim about Tom Reed without substantiation. I challenge him to do the same.”

Obituary: Jared Christian Green, 27, Arkport



ARKPORT - Jared Christian Green, 27, of 12 Meadowbrook died unexpectedly Tuesday afternoon (August 25, 2020) at his home.Like so many, Jared fought a long battle with addiction and was finally freed from his demons and called to be with the Lord Jesus Christ in Heaven.
Jared grew up in Arkport and was a graduate of Arkport Central School (class of 2011).  He later graduated from Southeast Lineman Training Center in Georgia and had been employed with Union 1248 as a lineman for about three years, working throughout New York State.  He was later employed at LeChase Construction of Rochester and as a Landscaper for Snow Hill Landscaping of Alfred, NY.  Jared also attended Corning Community College where he was on the Dean’s List.

A talented and gifted basketball player, Jared enjoyed playing for several traveling basketball teams, primarily in the Rochester & Buffalo areas.  He loved the outdoors and the time that he spent camping with his many friends.  Jared had a vast knowledge of music.  He also enjoyed rooting for his favorite NFL team, the New York Giants and his favorite basketball player, the late Kobe Bryant.  Jared took pleasure in cooking and grilling for others, and he would often surprise his mom with a cup of freshly brewed coffee to start her day.
 

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Lon & Ellie Burzycki.
 
Surviving are his son, Xavier Alexander “Zay” Green; his mother, Judith (Dwight Smith) Green of Arkport; his father, John (Sandi) Green of Pittsford; 1 sister, Elanna Green of Brighton; 1 step-sister, Paige Walton of New York City; 1 half-brother, Mitchell Green of Pittsford; his paternal grandmother, Francine Green of Vestal; his uncle, Thomas Green of Vestal; his aunt, Heidi (Jamie) Rankin of Canada; 3 cousins, Hallie Rankin, Kellan Rankin, & Kendall Rankin; along with extended family & friends.
 
There will be no calling hours.  Private services for immediate family will be held at a later date.
 
Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.
 
Jared’s family humbly requests that everyone keep him in your prayers and remember him for his beautiful smile, his sweet soul, and his genuine love of family & friends.  He will be deeply missed!
 
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in his name may be made to any drug rehabilitation program or drug awareness program.  Hopefully, with your donation, someone else’s life may be saved.
 
To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com. 

Allegany County COVID-19 update


One New Case of COVID-19 in Steuben

BATH – The Steuben County Public Health Department received notification that an additional Steuben County resident tested positive for COVID-19.  This brings the total to 326 confirmed cases, six of which are currently active.  The individual is a resident of the Town of Thurston.
The individual is isolated and being monitored by the County Health Department.  Public Health staff investigated and identified close contacts of the confirmed case and exposure risks.  All those known to have direct contact with the individual have been notified. 
Per CDC and New York State Department of Health guidance, information is collected beginning 48 hours prior to symptom onset or date of test if asymptomatic through the day of the positive test result to identify any potential exposure risks.  The investigation indicates the individual is a contact of a previously reported positive individual.  Because the individual has been under quarantine as a contact there are no public exposure risks.  
“Although there are still things we are learning about this novel virus, we do know that coming into contact with a positive individual poses a large risk,” said Public Health Director, Darlene Smith. “Quarantine procedures, along with all the other prevention strategies, work to slow the spread of COVID-19 in the community.  This case proves that when complying with quarantine restrictions, you are greatly reducing the risk for continued exposures and spread.” 
All residents should continue to monitor themselves for COVID-19 symptoms of fever, cough, shortness of breath, chills or repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, and new loss of taste or smell and contact their healthcare provider for instructions if feeling ill.