Obituary: Gerald Broughton, 88, Canaseraga

Gerald Broughton, 88 a resident of North Church Street, passed away Saturday (April 20, 2024).

Born in Canisteo, June 20, 1935, he was the son of Nathan and Margaret Miller Broughton. He had resided his early life in Birdsall, New York, but the greater part of his life in Canaseraga. He had been employed at the former Foster Wheeler Corporation in Dansville, retiring after 34 years of service.
Gerald had proudly served his country as a member of the United States Air Force from 1954-1958. He was a member of the Canaseraga American Legion Post, the Hornell Chapter of AMVETS, and the Hornell Association.
He was predeceased by his parents, his wife, Catharine Broughton, his daughter, Amy Ellis and his son Gregory Broughton, as well as his sister, Regis Glover and his brother, Duane Broughton.
Surviving are his sons, Loran Broughton of Cuba, and Brian (Pat) Broughton of Honeoye, one brother Loran (Jacklyn Hunt) of Canaseraga, three grandsons, Gregory Thomas, Shawn Serra, and Zack Broughton, several nieces and nephews.
Honoring Gerald’s wishes, there will be no calling hours. Family and friends are invited to a graveside service with military honors at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Canaseraga on Friday May 3, 2024 at 11:00 AM.
The family is being assisted by Gerald R. Brown, Director at Bender-Brown & Powers Funeral Home of Hornell.

Mercy Flight mourns loss of pilot

Today marks two years since we lost our pilot, Jim Sauer, in a tragic training accident. Jim was not just a skilled aviator, but a cherished friend, mentor, and family member to many of us.

Though he may no longer be with us, Jim's spirit continues to inspire us each day. Let us take a moment to honor his memory.

#gonebutneverforgotten

Complete Obituary: Steven J. “Steve” Neefe, 70, a lifelong resident of Coudersport

Steven J. Neefe “loving father, brother, fiancé, and grandfather” 

COUDERSPORT, PA---Steven J. “Steve” Neefe, 70, a lifelong resident of Coudersport, passed away unexpectedly with his loving family by his side on Thursday, April 25, 2024, in UPMC Williamsport. 

Born on Friday, February 26, 1954 in Coudersport, he was a son of James G. and Charlotte A. Prindle Neefe.  

Steve was a graduate of Coudersport High School, Class of 1973.  He drove for many trucking companies throughout his career.  He was also a farmer.  He loved his cars and his animals, but his greatest love was his family. 

Left to cherish his memory are his fiancee, Theresa I. Cline of Coudersport; a son, Steven E. (Misty) Neefe of Coudersport; three grandchildren, Branden, Jorden, and Hayden; twin siblings, James A. (Julie A. Herzog) Neefe of Boiling Springs and Julie A. (Ronn) Page of Auburn, Indiana; two nephews; and a grandnephew. 

Family and friends are invited to attend a graveside funeral service at 11am on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, in Sweden Hill Cemetery, Coudersport with the Rev. Scott Odgen, officiating. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Steve’s name may be made to Teacher’s Pet Rescue, 19 Blackberry Lane, Coudersport, PA 16915. 

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

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

Spectrum internet outage impacts area

Wellsville Central School District is being impacted by the regional internet outage. Our telephone services have not been interrupted. At this time, Spectrum is estimating to have this repaired by 6:30 pm.

Engineering students from Alfred University went to Alfred-Almond Central School

A group of undergraduate engineering students from Alfred University went to Alfred-Almond Central School this week to talk about engineering and give a presentation on electronics. Engineers worked with elementary students to assemble simple robots called Bristlebots, and explain how electronics work to power motors. Once put together, the Bristlebots were let loose!.

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Organized by the University’s chapter of the Society of Women Engineers

#AlfredMentorship, #AlfredExperience, #AlfredIntersections, #NewYorkStateCollegeofCeramics

All reactions:

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Partial Obituary: Lois L. Hicks, 91, a longtime resident of Coudersport

COUDERSPORT, PA---Lois L. Hicks, 91, a longtime resident of Coudersport, went to be with the Lord on her birthday, Friday, April 26, 2024, in the Buffalo General Hospital, Buffalo, NY, with her loving family by her side.

Funeral arrangements, entrusted to the care of Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse, are incomplete...

Complete obituary: Roger W. Hanson, 77, of Shinglehouse

Roger W. Hanson “In Memoriam” 

SHINGLEHOUSE, PA---Roger W. Hanson, 77, of Shinglehouse, formerly of Barkeyville, Pennsylvania, passed away on Monday, April 22, 2024 in UPMC Cole, Coudersport, after a long struggle with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and pneumonia. 

Born on February 17, 1947 in Philadelphia, PA he was the son of Kenneth Wright Hanson and Cornelia “Connie” Hanson, and step-son of Marvin Savidge Reitz, all of whom preceded him in passing. 

He was a graduate of Pennsauken High School in NJ, and a graduate of Slippery Rock University in PA, where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Archaeology. Roger was a US Army veteran, having served in the Vietnam War where he attained the rank of SP5. 

Roger was a lifelong wine enthusiast and eventually opened and operated the Dancing Rabbit Winery in Barkeyville, Pennsylvania. He also worked as a case manager for troubled youth, a department store manager, and auto mechanic. 

Roger had an eclectic array of hobbies and interests. Some particular interests included robotics, woodworking, gardening, homesteading, entomology, coin collecting, and the histories of the American Civil War and Native American peoples.

 He is survived by his daughter, Tara Parkinson of Florida; his son, Kenneth R. Hanson and Amanda L. Sikirica of Laramie, Wyoming; his three grandchildren, Fiona, Falon, and Ronan Parksinson of Florida; his sister, Carole Hansen of Sheridan, Wyoming; his half-sister, Lisa and Carl Craft of New Jersey; his step-brother, Marvin and Kathleen Reitz of Derwood, MD; and his step-brother Don Reitz and Linda Ford of Shinglehouse, PA. 

In keeping with Roger’s wishes, services will be private. 

The family requests that memorial donations be sent to the Shinglehouse Volunteer Ambulance Association, PO Box 98, Shinglehouse, PA 16748. 

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

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

Obituary: Thelma R. Smith, 73, Westfield, PA

Thelma R. SMITH, 73, of Westfield, PA, died Thursday, April 25, 2024 in her home.  Born January 12, 1951, in Potter Brook, she was the daughter of Cleo Joseph and Gladys Onalee Houghtaling McCaslin.  On February 27, 1971, in Potter Brook, she married Norman R. Smith, Jr. who survives.  She was employed by Valley Dollar Saver and K&W Medical / MedPlast.  Thelma was a member of the People’s Church of Potter Brook and the Potter Brook Happy Hour Club.  Surviving besides her husband, Norman, are: three children, Cory (Veronica) Smith of Keeneyville, Heather Taggart of Wellsville, NY, and Erin (Joel) Deaven of Duncannon; ten grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; a sister, Joy (Duane) Stiles of Westfield; nieces, nephews, and cousins.  She was predeceased by five brothers, Harvey McCaslin, Frederick McCaslin, Lyle McCaslin, Joseph McCaslin, and Erwin McCaslin; and five sisters, Ila May Smith, Nancy Cook, Candy Dunn, Ada R. Reynolds, and Mona Silsby. Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses, PA.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.

St. Bonaventure University honors three faculty members at annual Excellence Awards program , including former Andover teacher

(Photo: Mr. Warner) ST. BONAVENTURE, N.Y., April 26, 2024 — Three St. Bonaventure University faculty members were presented with awards of excellence at the university’s annual Staff & Faculty Excellence Awards celebration on Thursday, April 25.

Dr. José Manuel Medrano, assistant professor of Spanish in the Department of World Languages and Cultural Studies, received the Junior Faculty Award; Dr. James Pientka, professor of Physics and department chair, received the Professional Excellence in Teaching Award; and Jeffrey Warner, adjunct instructor of Spanish, received the Adjunct Faculty Award.

Medrano, who joined the SBU faculty in 2019, “excels in every category as a faculty member,” said Dr. David Hilmey, provost and vice president of Academic Affairs, one of a number of colleagues to recommend him for the honor. “We often see faculty excel at teaching, research or service; on occasion two of those three categories. Very rarely does a faculty member achieve outstanding performance in all three,” Hilmey said.

His scholarship is prodigious, Hilmey added. “In his short time at SBU he was able to publish a book chapter and four peer-reviewed articles. He was the keynote speaker in Colombia at an international conference, and he has also presented at 12 different national and international conferences in his time at SBU, and his work continues on this amazing pace.”

Medrano’s consistently high evaluations from students are impressive, even remarkable, said Dr. Robin Maria Valeri, professor of psychology. “It is obvious from student comments that they enjoy Dr. Medrano’s classes and feel that they learn a great deal.”

Equally impressive is Medrano’s service to the university, from serving on committees to volunteering at SBU’s Warming House soup kitchen, Valeri said.

Medrano earned a bachelor’s degree in Spanish from UCLA, as well as a master’s in Spanish and a Ph.D. in Latin American Literature from the University of California, Riverside. Before he arrived at SBU, he was a visiting assistant professor of Hispanic Studies at Pacific Lutheran University.

While at SBU, he has received the Good Shepherd Award from University Ministries, the Leo E. Keenan Jr. Faculty Appreciation Award, and the 2016-17 Outstanding Teaching Award.

In nominating Pientka for the Professional Excellence in Teaching Award, Dr. Maureen P. Cox, associate professor of mathematics, noted Pientka’s love of physics and his “unfailingly enthusiastic” approach to students. “He makes physics fun, while maintaining a high standard for conceptual and mathematical understanding, by creating engaging classroom activities using physical demonstrations and animations,” Cox said.

Benjamin MacConnell, a 2022 SBU graduate who is a second-year student in the Medical Physics Ph.D. program at the University of Massachusetts, Lowel, called Pientka “the best professor I’ve had in my educational experience, from high school to undergraduate and even graduate school.” He credits Pientka, his academic and research adviser at SBU, with paving the way to his acceptance at UMass.

“The best” is a common term used in student evaluations of Pientka, said Dr. Jerry Kiefer, retired professor of physics. “Dr. Pientka conveys to the students his genuine enjoyment of the course subject matter and his desire that they enjoy it, too. He welcomes questions and comments. Students are impressed by his mastery of the subject matter of every course.”

Many of Pientka’s former students “have raved about his teaching to me,” said Dr. Christine Uhl, associate professor of Mathematics, adding his love of teaching extends beyond the classroom. “I have also observed the very important ‘outside of the classroom’ aspect of his teaching: students in his office asking questions, students completing tutorials with him, students doing research with him. Dr. Pientka is extremely student-focused,” she said.

Pientka earned bachelor’s degrees in Physics and Adolescence Education from Canisius University and a Ph.D. in Physics from the University at Buffalo. Before his arrival at SBU in 2014, he taught physics at Canisius, UB, and Erie Community College. He serves on several SBU committees and as the science representative on the Faculty Senate. He is the adviser to the university’s ORION Astronomy Club.

Adjunct Faculty Award winner Warner, a retired high school Spanish teacher, “has been sustaining a pattern of excellence his entire career,” said Dr. Leigh Simone, assistant professor of Spanish and chair of the Department of World Languages and Cultural Studies.

“Because of his experience, Jeff knows what works,” Simone said. “He is detailed, organized, precise, and disciplined. His students will tell you he is comical, inventive, and gets the message across even if it means jumping up and down to make a point.”

Several students supported Warner with letters of recommendation.

“He is a truly amazing, interactive, and passionate professor who strives to keep his class lively and interesting,” said Ciara Pine, a senior Health and Society major. “He is always there to help students, available for a visit to his office, or a quick email almost 24/7.”

Delaney Mazza, a junior Inclusive Childhood and Early Childhood Education major, said Warner teaches with infectious passion and enthusiasm, and that his classes are as welcoming as they are educational. “His ability to make every student feel appreciated and valued created a dynamic and supportive learning environment that encouraged us to engage deeply with the subject matter,” Mazza said.

Warner graduated from St. Bonaventure with a bachelor’s degree in English in 1985, earned a master’s in curriculum and instruction from Gannon University in 2004, and took master’s level Spanish for professional certification courses from Elmira College.

He taught Spanish for 15 years at Andover Central School, and before that taught Spanish at four other schools in Cattaraugus and Allegany counties. He has also been an adjunct instructor at Corning Community College.

Hornell man faces charges in Potter County, PA

Hornell man faces charges in Potter County, PA

Pennsylvania State Police have now filed seven charges against 57-year-old Jeffrey C. Meyer of Hornell. The charges include three counts of driving under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance, marijuana possession, possession of drug paraphernalia, disregarding traffic lane and careless driving. A preliminary hearing is set for May 17^th at 10:15 a.m.

Partial Obituary: Steven J. “Steve” Neefe, 70, a lifelong resident of Coudersport

COUDERSPORT, PA---Steven J. “Steve” Neefe, 70, a lifelong resident of Coudersport, passed away unexpectedly in UPMC Williamsport, on Thursday, April 25, 2024.

Funeral arrangements, entrusted to the care of Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse, are incomplete and will be announced with a full obituary.

Obituary: Anne Gail (MERRICK) Torrey,72, Almond

Anne Gail (MERRICK) Torrey of Almond, NY passed away peacefully Saturday April 20, 2024 at Highland Hospital in Rochester, NY.

Born March 5, 1952 in Wellsville, NY. Anne was predeceased by her parents Moses E. and Pauline M. (BIXBY) Merrick, Step-mother Verna (GOOD) Merrick, Brothers: James, Lynford, Stephan, sister Mary Good, and son Bryan Adams.

Anne is survived by her loving husband of 45 years, Richard M. Torrey, daughter Katri J. Adams (Jay White). Grandchildren: Andru J. Russo, Katilea M. Adams, Heath White (Macenzie), Shawn White (Kayla), Michelle White (Billy), Celab and Kyler White, Chilaleah Ormsby and Annastazia White, various Uncles, Aunts, cousins, and grandchildren.

surviving siblings Roger Merrick, Janice Ireland (Dana), John Merrick, J. Clifford Good (Veronica), J. Willard Good, Carol Kelley, Phillip Good (Kathy), Diane Nolt (Ben), Joel Good (Barb), J. Loren Good and Andrew Good and grandchildren, cousins, nephews, nieces and their families.

A 1970 Whitesville School graduate, she played in the school band and was a cheerleader for the sports teams. Anne was an active member of the Almond Community Church, a lifetime member of the Almond Fire Department, Keuka Lake Amateur Radio Association, a volunteer reading tutor, and served on the board at the Allegany County ARC.

She enjoyed camping, yard sales, gardening, crafts, sewing and reading. Most of all She loved spending time with family and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday May 4, 2024 at 1pm at the Almond Community Church in Almond NY with burial to follow at the local Fairview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family asks that you send a donation to the Almond Community Church.

Allegany County buys Wellsville business property

Allegany County approves purchase of Wellsville property

The Allegany County Board of Legislators has formally approved the purchase of the Employee Assistance building at 55 Chamberlain Street in Wellsville. The property sold for $270,000. The county will move its Community Services program, now located on North Broad Street, to the newly acquired property. The vote was 13-1 with one absent. The dissenting voted said the move would ruin the Chamberlain neighborhood. 

The property is assessed at $241,000 and consists of 1.87 acres of land. 

Wellsville/Andover lawmakers Steve Havey, James Rumfelt and Gary Barnes all voted to support to purchase. 

 

Obituary: Douglas J. Osgood, 82, Richburg

Douglas J. Osgood:  Loving Husband, Father, Grandfather

 Douglas J. Osgood, 82, of 2604 State Rte. 275, Richburg, passed away Wednesday, April 24, 2024 at Olean General Hospital after a short illness. 

Born on September 6, 1941, in Olean, he was a son of James B. and Gowanda R. Densmore Osgood.  On July 23, 1965, in the Bolivar United Methodist Church, he married the former Carolyn B. Sharp who survives. 

Douglas served with the 78^th Engineer Battalion in the United States Army from 1959-62. 

He had owned and operated Supervac Septic Service, the Hole-in-One Golf Game that he traveled to Fairs with, and was still operating Bluchers Custom Graphics with his wife.  He had also worked as a laborer for the Town of Wirt, but retired as Highway Superintendent in 2006. 

Douglas enjoyed riding horses with his brother when he was younger. 

In addition to his wife, Carolyn, he is survived by

2 Sons   Cory (Heidi) Osgood  Richburg      

 Kirk (Teresa) Osgood  Summerville, South Carolina

A Daughter Kellee (Ray) Nowak,                Wellsville

His Grandchildren  Kori (Tyler) Radcliff  Friendship

Madison and Taylor Osgood Summerville, South Carolina

A great grandson  Ryland Radcliff                               

A Great Granddaughter   Scarlet Radcliff

A Sister Cindy Dick                                        Wellsville

Several Nieces and Nephews 

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a granddaughter Gracie Ann Marie Dorrough, his grandfather Archie (Ada) Densmore who was a very special person in his life, a brother James Osgood, a niece Dawn Pennypacker, and two cousins Gary and Randy Coykendall.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. 

Arrangements are under direction of the Mark F. Rinker Funeral Home & Memorial Service, Inc., Bolivar.

Allegany County District 3 legislators to meet with local government and residents

TO:      TOWN SUPERVISORS AND TOWN CLERKS – Towns of Alma, Bolivar, Genesee, Independence, Scio, Willing & Wirt.

 

VILLAGE MAYORS AND VILLAGE CLERKS - Villages of Bolivar & Richburg

 

 

District III Legislators have scheduled their district meeting for Thursday, May 16, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. at the Independence Town Hall, 887 Marietta Ave, Whitesville, NY.

This meeting is being held for general discussion of mutual problems and interests. If there are any specific topics you would like to have addressed, please let one of your District III Legislators know, and they will try to provide a speaker for a future meeting.

Please give notice of this meeting to your town and village board members, as well as to members of the public, and encourage everyone to attend. Everyone is welcome to attend even if they do not live in District III.

 

District III Legislators:

 

Adam B. Cyr

Dwight Fanton

Debra Root

Dansville men busted on Meth charges

The Livingston County Drug Task Force reports the arrest of a two Dansville residents on multiple felony charges following an investigation into methamphetamine sales in the Village of Dansville. On April 18th, 2024, members of the Livingston County Drug Task Force, Livingston County Sheriff’s Office and the Dansville Police Department executed a search warrant on William Street in the Village of Dansville. Seized during the warrant was approximately one ounce of methamphetamine. Steven A. Osborn, age 22 from Dansville NY, was arrested by members of the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office and the Dansville Police Department. Osborn was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree (a class B felony) and Conspiracy in the Fourth Degree (a class E felony). Gavin Lynch, age 22 from Dansville, was also arrested by members of the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office and the Dansville Police Department. Lynch was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree (a class B felony), Criminal Nuisance in the First Degree (a class E Felony), Conspiracy in the Fourth Degree (a class E felony) and Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia in the Second Degree (a class A misdemeanor). Lynch and Osborn were processed by the Dansville Police Department. Both were issued appearance tickets, as the offenses did not qualify for bail to be set under the NYS Justice Reform Act. The Livingston County Criminal Investigations Division and the Forensic Identification Unit (FIU) assisted with the investigation. The Livingston County Drug Task Force is comprised of members of the following agencies, the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office, the Avon Police Department, the Caledonia Police Department, the Geneseo Police Department, the Dansville Police Department, the Mount Morris Police Department, the Nunda Police Department, the State University of Police at Geneseo, and the Livingston County District Attorney’s Office. If you have information regarding illegal drug activity in or around Livingston County, please call us on our tip line at 844-LCSO-TIP or online at www.livingstoncounty.us/sheriff under the TIP LINE. You may remain anonymous.

Elmira prison attacks - WETM

This story is courtesy of WETM-TV

ELMIRA, N.Y. (WETM) — Three correctional officers and a sergeant were injured while breaking up an inmate fight in a stairway at Elmira Correctional Facility last week, NYSCOPBA says.

According to NYSCOPBA, two inmates were fighting in the stairwell leading up to their cell block after they were let out of morning programs on Monday, April 15. An officer saw the fighting and ordered the inmates to stop several times before they complied. One of the inmates returned to his cell as instructed, and the other refused.

NYSCOPBA says that the officer approached the inmate, and the inmate started to run up the stairs. The officer confronted the inmate, and the inmate lunged at him, struck him, and caused him to fall down the stairs. The inmate then fell on top of the officer. Two COs who responded to the incident grabbed the inmate in a body hold when he attempted to stand up. The inmate was forced to the floor and remained combative.

While on the floor, the inmate struck one of the officers in the face and bit another on the back, according to NYSCOPBA. A third officer was able to get handcuffs on the inmate in front of his body during the struggle. The inmate was then brought to his feet and remained combative. A sergeant responded to the incident, and the inmate struck the sergeant in the face while still cuffed. The officers then placed the inmate in body holds again and forced him to the floor. He then became compliant and was escorted away from the cell block.

Medical staff at Elmira Correctional Facility treated the three injured COs and the sergeant. One of the officers was transported to Arnot Ogden Medical Center and treated for a fractured heel. The officer who was bitten was transported to Guthrie Medical Center and treated for a lip laceration and knee and shoulder injuries. The sergeant was also transported to Guthrie Medical Center and treated for head and face abrasions and a fractured metacarpal bone in his hand. The third injured officer was treated at the facility for forearm abrasions and knee pain, and he remained on duty.

The 34-year-old inmate is currently serving a 12 to 15-year prison sentence after being convicted of second-degree arson and second-degree assault in Erie County in 2017. After the attack, he was transferred to Five Points Correctional Facility.

The New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation responded to Elmira Correctional Facility to investigate the attack.