Jones Memorial Hospital recognizes Dr. Gilfert

From Jones Memorial:

Today, we would like to celebrate Dr. Robert Gilfert, podiatrist, who is celebrating 35 years in practice in the Wellsville community. Dr. Gilfert is an exemplary physician who has given wonderful care to his patients throughout his time here. 

Thank you for your amazing contribution and service to our area! Dr. Gilfert sees patients at 4305 Fassett Lane, Wellsville, NY. For appointments, please call 585-593-3900.

Obituary: Linda Zaruba (Schenk) White, 75, Almond

Linda Zaruba (Schenk) White, 75, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, October 26th, joining her husband Michael, whom she lost earlier this year in April. Linda was born on February 6, 1949 in Tonawanda, NY to Helen (White) and Charles "Frank" Schenk, and was a 1967 graduate of Kenmore East High School.

Following high school, Linda's adventurous spirit led her to New York City, where she lived before returning to the Buffalo area. In 1969, she and former husband Douglas Zaruba welcomed their son Andrew into the world.
In the mid 1970s, Linda traveled through Almond, NY, where she was charmed by the town and its people, and she and Andrew moved there soon after. Once in Almond, Linda met and married her husband of 41 years, Michael D. White.
In 1979, Linda began a fulfilling career at Alfred University as a Graduate Coordinator at the School of Art and Design, where she made many life-long friends and was beloved by students and colleagues alike. She loved to travel, and enjoyed attending many NCECA conferences around the country over the course of her career. After retiring from the University in 2011, Linda was awarded the Cité Fellowship, which sent her to the Cité Internationale des Arts in Paris, where she lived for three months.
Linda and Mike welcomed everyone into their home, regularly hosting holidays and parties for decades. They also hosted a multitude of unforgettable weekend camp outs, family reunions, poker parties, birthdays, graduations, weddings, and memorials at their beloved Vandermark Gardens for over 30 years.
She was predeceased by her husband, Michael David White, and parents Helen and Frank Schenk. Linda is survived by her boys, Andrew (Angela) Zaruba and Brick (Kristen) White; stepson Chris (Geannie) Harding; sister Deby Maloney; sister in law Evonne Patterson; brother in law Chris (Tammy) White; grandchildren Alexander, Kendra, and Nicholas Zaruba, and Ashley Harding; great grandson Lennox Harding; and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends that she cherished.
Everyone that knew Linda will remember her as a person that always had a place at her table for anyone in need. She possessed a wonderful gift for storytelling, and her many stories are a comfort and source of joy to everyone she leaves behind.
Please join us for a celebration of life on Sunday, November 24th from 3:00-6:00pm at Muhleisen’s Restaurant, 60 Main St. Almond, NY.
Funeral arrangements are with the Bender-Brown & Powers Funeral Home in Hornell.

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

New York State Department of Labor Announces New Guidance to Protect Outdoor Workers

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 1, 2024  NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR ANNOUNCES NEW GUIDANCE TO PROTECT OUTDOOR WORKERS FROM HEAVY PRECIPITATION AND WILDFIRE SMOKE HAZARDS New Guidance Expands on Recent Extreme Heat Protections for Outdoor Workers Release Coincides with the 12th Anniversary of Hurricane Sandy’s Impact on New York, Highlighting the Continued Importance of Worker Protections During Extreme Weather The New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) today announced the release of comprehensive new guidance to help employers better protect outdoor workers during heavy precipitation events and wildfire smoke hazards. This initiative builds on the Department's ongoing efforts to ensure the safety of outdoor workers in extreme weather, following the recent release of guidelines to protect workers from extreme heat. Historically, New York has experienced extreme weather during this time of year, including Hurricane Sandy, which made landfall in late October 2012. These events underscore the importance of preparedness and protecting outdoor workers from hazardous conditions. Recent hurricanes, such as Helene and Milton in the southern United States, further highlight the critical need for worker protections against the devastating effects of extreme weather. As the frequency and intensity of these events increase due to climate change, it is essential for employers to take proactive measures to ensure worker safety. New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon said, “Protecting workers from the dangers of extreme weather is more important than ever as we face the increasing impacts of climate change. These new guidelines will provide New York businesses with the tools they need to safeguard outdoor workers from dangerous conditions.” The guidance documents outline specific measures that employers should take before, during, and after extreme weather events to protect outdoor workers. These new resources provide critical information on how to address the hazards posed by both heavy precipitation and wildfire smoke, including recommendations on scheduling work, providing proper personal protective equipment (PPE), and developing emergency response plans. Protecting Workers from Heavy Precipitation The precipitation guidance advises employers to: Monitor weather alerts from the National Weather Service. Provide waterproof PPE and adjust work schedules as needed. Ensure rest breaks in warm, dry areas and maintain safety during and after precipitation events. Addressing Wildfire Smoke Hazards For wildfire smoke, employers should: Monitor the Air Quality Index (AQI) and take action when levels exceed safe thresholds. Provide respirators and adjust work plans based on air quality. Train workers on recognizing smoke-related health risks and proper safety protocols. Both guidance documents also emphasize the importance of training and emergency planning, ensuring that employers and workers are prepared to respond quickly to changing weather conditions. Continuing Commitment to Worker Safety NYSDOL encourages all employers to use these new guidance materials in conjunction with the previously released Extreme Heat Guidance to fully protect their outdoor workforce from the spectrum of weather-related hazards. Ensuring worker safety in extreme weather conditions not only reduces the risk of accidents and injuries but also helps businesses avoid increased workers’ compensation claims, insurance costs, and decreases in productivity. For more information, including access to the guidance documents, please visit NYSDOL’s Extreme Weather Guidance page.

Steuben man faces drug charge

INTERSTATE 390- Sheriff Thomas J. Dougherty reports the arrest of a Steuben County resident on felony charges following a traffic stop.

On October 30th, 2024 Deputy Jason Page was assigned to the Sheriff's Office Highway Patrol Unit when he conducted a traffic stop on Interstate 390 in the Town of Groveland for violations of the NYS Vehicle and Traffic law.

During the roadside investigation, contact was made with the operator, 64-year-old John Brown of Hornell, NY. Through further investigation, the Deputy suspected that Brown was involved in drug activity. A search was conducted, and units on the scene located a quantity of crack cocaine. Brown was taken into custody at this time.

Brown was arrested and charged with felony Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Fifth Degree, and several NYS Vehicle and Traffic Law violations. Brown was turned over to Central Booking Deputies at the Livingston County Jail for processing. The District Attorney's Office was contacted regarding bail due to the felony level charges. It was recommended that Brown be held without bail for having two prior felony convictions.

Brown was later arraigned at the Livingston County Centralized Arraignment Part (LC-CAP) at the Livingston County Jail before Justice Love. The Judge did commit Brown to the custody of the Sheriff and remanded him without bail. The Livingston County Public Defender’s Office was present and represented Brown at the court arraignment for his defense. The Livingston County District Attorney’s Office was notified and did appear to represent the People.

Livingston Deputies charge two men with felony drug crimes

INTERSTATE 390 - Sheriff Thomas J. Dougherty reports the arrest of two Livingston County residents on felony drug charges following a traffic stop. On October 28th, 2024 Deputy Jerry Pilkenton was assigned to the Sheriff's Office Highway Patrol Unit when he conducted a traffic stop on Interstate 390 in the Town of Avon for violations of the NYS Vehicle and Traffic law. Deputy Pilkenton made contact with the operator, 67-year-old Dennis Estruch of Mount Morris NY, and passenger, 60- year-old Alan Dale of Dansville NY.

Through further investigation, the Deputy suspected the individuals to be involved in drug activity. A search was conducted, and units on the scene located a quantity of crack cocaine. Both Estruch and Dale were taken into custody. Estruch was arrested and charged with, felony Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Fifth Degree, along with several Vehicle and Traffic Law Violations. Dale was arrested and charged with felony Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Fifth Degree.

Both Estruch and Dale were turned over to Central Booking Deputies at the Livingston County Jail for processing. The District Attorney's Office was contacted in regarding bail due to the felony level charges. It was recommended that Estruch be released on his own recognizance, as the charges do not qualify for bail under the NYS Justice Reform Act. As for Dale, it was recommended that he be held without bail due to four prior felony convictions.

Both Estruch and Dale were later arraigned at the Livingston County Centralized Arraignment Part (LC-CAP) at the Livingston County Jail before Justice Hoffman. The Judge did release Estruch on his own recognizance per the law to return to court at a later date and Deputies did set him free. Dale was committed to the custody of the Sheriff and remanded without bail.

The Livingston County Public Defender’s Office was present and represented both Estruch and Dale at the court arraignment for their defense. The Livingston County District Attorney’s Office was notified and did appear to represent the People.