Obituary: Roger D. Amidon, 69, Arkport

Roger D. Amidon – 69 – of 7879 State Route 36, Arkport, died Saturday afternoon (July 25, 2020) at his home, following a long illness.

Born in Hornell on April 19, 1951, he was the son of Walter & Tressa (Brown) Amidon.

Roger grew up in Hornell and attended Hornell High School.  Throughout the years he was self-employed, most recently re-cycling scrap metal.  
He was a true outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting & fishing.  He also enjoyed visiting the casinos in Salamanca, playing “Lotto” and rooting for the Buffalo Bills. Roger was preceded in death by his father, Walter E. Amidon; his mother & step-father, Tressa & Paul Muchler; his step-brother, Gene Muchler; his brother-in-law, Wayne C. Woodworth.
Surviving are his son, Zachary Amidon; his daughter, Desi Rae Amidon of Oregon; 2 sisters, Sandra (Bruce) Davis of Michigan & Kay Flaitz of Florida; his brother, Steve Amidon of Hornell; his step-brother, Paul (Mary) Muchler of Arkport; his step-sister, Sandy Falco of Hornell; several nieces & nephews. 
At Roger’s request there will be no calling hours.  A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday at 1:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.

 Please note that everyone entering the Dagon Funeral Home will be required to wear a mask and practice social distancing. 

 Roger’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com

 

 

Obituary: Ginnie L. Davis, 60, Wellsville

WELLSVILLE - Ginnie L. Davis, 60, of 3356 Andover Road passed away on Monday, July 27, 2020 at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester following a brief illness. She was born July 24, 1960 in Hornell, the daughter of Walter J. and Josephine (Bonham) Davis.

Ginnie was raised in Wellsville and was a 1978 graduate of Wellsville High School. She formerly resided in Long Beach, CA, Andover, Hornell, Bolivar, and Harrison Valley, PA.

She started working at the Modern Diner in Wellsville while in high school and at various other times throughout her life. She also was employed at the Iron Kettle Restaurant in East Aurora, and Schoonover's Restaurant in Westfield, PA. In recent years she owned and operated, Rolling Hills Cafe in Bolivar. Ginnie was a very talented artist. 

She is survived by a son, Justin Davis of Wellsville, two brothers, James (Diane) Aldrich of Windsor and Martin Aldrich of Wellsville, two sisters, Roberta Prahler of Lockport, and Jo Anne (Mark Mattison) Fenske of Wellsville, a brother-in-law, James Bundschuh; 10 nieces and nephews, Jamie Lynn Prahler, James Aldrich Jr., Jessica Padua, Sara Leatso, Amanda Aldrich Payne, Donald Fenske, Dorothy Fenske, Brian Fenske, Dylan Davis and Tessa Bundschuh; two aunts, Betty (Carl) Neu of Hammondsport and Barbara McFall of Corning; and a special canine companion, Schooner. She was predeceased in addition to her parents by a sister, Julia Davis-Bundschuh, and a niece Donna Jo Prahler.

The family would like to thank the Palliative Care Unit at Strong Memorial Hospital for their wonderful support over the last few days.

A private graveside service in Woodlawn Cemetery is being is planned for a later date.

Please consider memorial donations to the Palliative Care Unit at Strong Memorial Hospital or the SPCA Serving Allegany County. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

NYS School Boards Association: School board members weigh in on school reopening

A majority of New York school board members would like to see students go back to their classrooms on a full-time or part-time basis in September, but they have reservations about whether they can do that safely without additional funding, according to a poll by the New York State School Boards Association.

Seventy-one percent of board members polled said they felt their district either could not safely open schools in accordance with state guidelines in the absence of additional state or federal funding (44%) or were unsure if they could do so (27%). Twenty-nine percent believe schools in their district could reopen safely without the additional aid.

The poll also found that if cost was not a consideration, three-quarters of school board members support having students return to in-classroom instruction in September full-time (42%) or part-time (34%). Only 15% said students should not go back at all this fall, while 9% were not sure.

"Our poll clearly shows that school board members want to see students back in school, learning in person and gaining all the social and emotional benefits that we know come from interacting with their peers, their teachers and other members of the school staff," said NYSSBA Executive Director Robert Schneider. "But board members also are cautious about the potential health and safety consequences for students and staff, and they are very concerned that insufficient resources will undermine prospects for getting this right."

School board members were split on the question of whether the state guidance they have received is sufficient to ensure that they can complete school reopening plans by July 31.

Forty percent said the guidance is "comprehensive and granular enough" for their district to wrap up reopening plans before the deadline. But 35% said the guidance is not sufficient, and 25% said they were unsure.

Poll results are based on a random sample of 711 school board members surveyed July 22-28, 2020. The poll has a margin of error of +/-3.34% and a confidence level of 95%.

The poll questions and a detailed summary of responses appear below:

Q1. Do you think the guidance issued by the state is comprehensive and granular enough for your district to create school reopening plans by July 31?

Yes 40.1%

No 35.0%

Not sure 25.0%

Q2. Putting aside cost considerations, do you support/not support having students return to in-classroom instruction in September?

Support on a part-time basis 34.0%

Support on a full-time basis 41.6%

Not support 15.3%

Not sure 9.0%

Q3. In the absence of more state or federal funding, do you feel you can safely open school in accordance with State Education Department and state Department of Health guidance documents?

Yes 28.8%

No 44.4%

Not sure 26.7%

About NYSSBA: The New York State School Boards Association represents more than 670 school boards and more than 5,200 school board members in New York. NYSSBA provides advocacy, training and information to school boards in support of their mission to govern the state's public schools.

Recent arrests - Wyoming County Drug Task Force

Members of the Wyoming County Drug Task Force have arrested several individuals accused of selling drugs throughout Wyoming County.

On June 17th, 2020, members of the drug task force arrested and charged STEPHANIE SZABO, age 42, of Arcade, with 2 counts of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance (4th & 5th Degree), and 2 counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 5th Degree. SZABO is accused of selling Methamphetamine and Buprenorphine to an agent of the drug task force in October of 2019 while in the Village of Arcade. SZABO was processed and released pending a future court appearance.

On June 24th, 2020, members of the drug task force arrested and charged JOHNATHON FALK, age 21, of Batavia, with 2 counts of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the 3rd Degree and 2 counts of Criminal Possession of a Criminal Substance in the 3rd Degree. FALK is accused of selling Codeine on two occasions in the Village of Perry in January of 2020 to a member of the drug task force. FALK was processed and released pending a future court appearance.

On June 24th, 2020, members of the drug task force arrested and charged AMBER TALLENT, age 31, of Perry, with 2 counts of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the 3rd Degree, and 2 counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 3rd Degree. TALLENT is accused of selling Cocaine on two occasions earlier this year in the Village of Perry, to an agent of the drug task force. TALLENT was processed and released pending a future court appearance.

On July 8th, 2020, members of the drug task force arrested and charged SHAWN MANG, age 47, of Eagle, with 2 counts of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the 5th Degree and 2 counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 5th Degree. MANG is accused of selling Methamphetamine on two occasions in the summer of 2019 while he was residing in the Town of Eagle. MANG was processed on these charges and he was returned to the Wyoming County jail where he is being held on other charges.

The Wyoming County Drug Task Force consists of members from the Wyoming County Sheriff’s Office, Arcade, Attica, and Warsaw Police Departments. Confidential and anonymous tips can be made to the drug tip line at (585)786-8965.

Schumer, Gillibrand, & Brindisi Announce Six-Figure Grant for Binghamton University COVID-19 Research and Recovery

U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and Congressman Anthony Brindisi today announced a $200,000 National Science Foundation grant for Binghamton University to help bolster their coronavirus research program. Schumer, Gillibrand, and Brindisi secured the funds earlier this year through the bipartisan CARES Act.

The funding is part of the National Science Foundation’s Rapid Response Research (RAPID) grant program, which allows the foundation to promote research that addresses an urgent need, like the coronavirus pandemic.

“The coronavirus pandemic has shown that we must continue to invest in scientific research, especially at our world-class New York universities like Binghamton,” said Senator Schumer. “In order to recover from and prepare for a post-COVID future, we must trust in the science and researchers who are working around the clock to help us better understand the virus and how to keep us safe from it. I will continue to fight tooth and nail for investments into scientific research that bring us closer to beating back the virus.”

 

“In order to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, we have to invest in scientific research that will lead us to effective treatments,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Researchers and scientists at Binghamton University are at the forefront of critical research fighting this outbreak and finding new therapies. I am thankful that this premier institution will continue its important work to help keep New Yorkers and patients across the nation safe.”

 

“The best way to get out of this crisis is by following the science, and that’s why research dollars like these are more critical than ever,” said Brindisi. “From the Upstate manufacturers stepping up to produce PPE for our frontline workers to our incredible research institutions like Binghamton University, it’s all hands on deck during this pandemic. Our communities are working together to take care of each other and I’ll keep working to deliver more relief to New York’s 22^nd District.”

NY State Police Blotter

7/28/20 12:50pm- State Police arrested 20-year-old Cody A. Dick of Scio. He was charged with sexual misconduct. Troopers said the charge stems from an incident in the town of Scio, reported July 16th. He was released on his own recognizance.

On Farm Poultry Processing Workshop - Allegany County

BELMONT, NEW YORK – Cornell Cooperative Extension of Allegany County’s Agriculture Program welcomes you to join us for a zoom presentation on Monday, July 27, 2020 from 1:00-4:00 p.m. This workshop will provide the required training to meet the needs for small-scale poultry producers wanting to process under the NYS 1000 bird exemption.

We will cover the processing of birds and demonstrate proper techniques for dressing poultry along with reviewing requirements for selling poultry under 1000 bird exemption in New York State. Workshop participants will learn to recognize diseases of public health concern, take basic biosecurity measures, write and implement basic Standard Sanitary Operating Procedures, develop Good Manufacturing Practices and an understanding of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point plans, along with properly dispose of offal and management of waste water.

There is a $25 fee per farm, pre-registration is required and space is limited to allow for interaction and engagement of students. To pre-register contact Lynn Bliven (585) 268 7644 ext. 18 or email lao3@cornell.edu. Once registered you will receive the Zoom link and handout materials for the training. Two people per farm may complete the training and receive a Certificate of Completion. At least one should be the primary insurance policyholder for those seeking insurance coverage.

 

This zoom presentation is one of many programs offered by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Allegany County (CCE-Allegany). The association is part of the national cooperative extension system, an educational partnership between County, State, and Federal governments. As New York’s land grant university Cornell administers the system in this state. For more information, call 525-268-7644 or visit our website at www.cce.cornell.edu/allegany. Cornell University Cooperative Extension provides equal program and employment opportunities.

 

Picture provided by: Lynn Bliven

Wellsville Police Blotter

7/24/20 – Wyait P. Crawford, age 26 from Wellsville, was arrested for Petit Larceny and Possession of a Hypodermic Instrument following a complaint from a North Main Street business.  Crawford was issued appearance tickets for Village Court on 9/29/20.

 

7/26/20 – Dakota J. Williams, age 24 from Wellsville, was arrested for two counts of Criminal Mischief in the 4^th degree following a complaint from an incident which occurred at a North Main Street residence.  Williams was arraigned in County Court via Skype, released on his own recognizance and ordered to appear in County Court on 8/3/20.   

 

7/26/20 – John F. Conklin, age 52 from Wellsville, and Daniel E. Fronczak, age 44 from Bolivar, were arrested for Trespass following a complaint from an East Fassett Street resident.  Conklin and Fronczak were both issued appearance tickets for Village Court on 9/29/20.

 

7/28/20 – Andy L. Barrett, age 21 from Wellsville, was arrested for Issuing a Bad Check following a complaint from a North Main Street business.  Barrett was issued an appearance ticket for Village Court on 9/22/20.

ACCORD's Allegany Business Center is still open

Dansville: Noyes Leader Planning March 2021 Retirement

UR Medicine | Noyes Health CEO Amy Pollard to Step Down in March 2021

(Dansville, NY –  Amy Pollard, RN, BSN, MPS, President and CEO of UR Medicine | Noyes Health will retire in March, 2021 after a decade leading Nicholas Noyes Memorial Hospital and its related healthcare entities.  Pollard announced her plans to Noyes staff last week.

“I have been blessed to lead Noyes as it has grown and evolved to meet the needs of the community it serves, and I am forever grateful for the work of my colleagues, and Noyes’ Board of Directors, for supporting my efforts” explains Pollard, “This has been a tough decision, but, at 68, it’s time for me to step aside and think about other ways I can contribute to my community.  With the benefit of an early announcement, I will be able to work with the Board toward a seamless transition toward a new CEO at Noyes.”

Pollard earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the University of Pittsburgh and her Masters in Professional Studies at Alfred University. She brought more than twenty-five years of professional experience with her when she joined Noyes as Vice President of Patient Services in 2007.  In February 2011, she was appointed Interim President of Noyes, and assumed the permanent role of President and CEO 6 months later. 

During Pollard’s tenure, she successfully led a campaign to build the new and expanded Mary Saunders Beiermann Emergency Department at Noyes, shepherded the organization through the affiliation process with UR Medicine, worked to attract new specialists and other providers to the region, and collaborated with UR Medicine’s Wilmot Cancer Institute to build and open the Ann and Carl Myers Cancer Center, a regional hub for medical and radiation oncology treatment. Noyes also expanded Mental Health and Wellness services, and is currently building the new E. Michael Saunders Imaging Center, with PET/CT scanning equipment and an Interventional Radiology suite to provide additional screening for cancer patients.

“We are sad that Amy is leaving, but we appreciate the time she is giving us to find a successor, one who will have very large shoes to fill,” says James Culbertson, chair of the Noyes Health Board of Directors. “Amy has been a tireless champion for Noyes and for this community, and we look forward to being able to celebrate her contributions and many professional accomplishments when the time is right.”

Steven I. Goldstein, president and CEO of Strong Memorial and Highland hospitals in Rochester, and senior vice president of the University of Rochester Medical Center, also praised Pollard’s leadership.

“During Amy’s tenure as CEO, Noyes Health has improved both as the leading care provider in Livingston County and as a valuable component of the UR Medicine system, providing high-quality health care and preventive services to families across upstate New York,” Goldstein said. “We thank Amy for her service and look forward to working with the Board of Directors in the months ahead to find a new CEO who will continue leading Noyes in a positive direction.”

In an email note to Noyes employees, Pollard credited them for the achievements made during her tenure. “The last ten years as CEO have been an incredible experience and the growth and success achieved at Noyes happened because of each and every one of you,” the email said. “When I took this position, I did so because of the people who work at Noyes. I believe in us, and look what we have accomplished.”

Obituary: Robert J. Simmons, 76, Westfield, PA

Robert J. Simmons, 76, of Westfield, PA, died Monday, July 27, 2020 in his home.  Born November 13, 1943, in Brookfield, he was the son of Robert H. and Emma Benson Simmons.  A US Navy Veteran, he served honorably from 1960 -- 1964.  He was married to the former Barbara K. Lee, who survives.  Bob was employed by Ingersoll-Rand and Dresser-Rand in Painted Post, NY, retiring as a Field Representative in 2009.  He was a member of Howard S. Lines VFW Post #6753 in Knoxville and River Valley Country Club in Westfield. 

Surviving besides his wife, Barbara, are:  five children, Trisha (Linda Stephens) Stratton of Granbury, TX, Tracy (Marcelle) Simmons of Fairfield, Tina (John) Huse of Winchester, VA, Troy Simmons of Westfield, and Tara (Charles) Kibbe of Harrison Valley;  nine grandchildren;  a great-granddaughter;  five siblings, Shelva Clark of Knoxville, Ruth Ann (Roger) Tomb of Westfield, Barry (Patti) Whitney of Campbell, NY, Jeff (Missy) Whitney of Painted Post, NY, and Stacey Whitney of Corning, NY;  nieces, nephews, and cousins.  He was predeceased by two grandchildren, Kolby Geffers and Shelby Kibbe;  and a sister, Shelly Simmons. 

A memorial service will be held on a later date.  Burial will be in Champlin Cemetery, Westfield.  Memorials may be made to Guthrie Corning Cancer Center, 2 Guthrie Drive, Corning, NY 14830.  Arrangements are entrusted to Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses, PA.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.  

Celebration of Life: Ellen M. "Granne" Reesher, Ceres, NY

Ellen M. Reesher “celebration of life slated”    

CERES, N.Y---Family and friends are invited to attend a celebration of life for Ellen M. “Granne” Reesher, at 2 p.m. on Sunday, August 2, 2020, at her home, 9450 Route 417 W, in Ceres, New York. Ellen passed away on July 15, 2020. 

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

For further information, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhom.com.

Allegany County COVID-19 Update

Cold Case Tuesday: State Police continue to investigate the 1979 murder of a Steuben County man

PRESS RELEASE

 

Cold Case Tuesday: State Police continue to investigate the 1979 murder of a Steuben County man.

On July 22, 1979, David Dewitt Southard, age 29, was found deceased in his residence located at 9899 Gulf Road # 2, Painted Post, New York. 

Southard was found with four gunshot wounds to his head and the projectiles secured as evidence were .22 caliber.

Southard was known as a local drug dealer and his homicide is believed to be drug related.

State Police Investigators believe this murder may be related to the Luigi Cantineri homicide that occurred on February 9, 1992.

Investigators are asking anyone with information to contact the State Police Major Crimes Unit at (585)-398-4100.  

ICYMI: Blood Drive in Wellsville today

New changes for New York Forward Loan Fund

Obituary: Miranda M. Fanton, 38, Almond

ALMOND - Miranda M. Fanton, 38, of the Paige Road passed away quietly on Saturday July 25, at the University of Rochester Medical Center after an ongoing illness with complications. She was born on January 26, 1982 in Wellsville to Carl and Venus Flint Fanton.

Miranda graduated from Whitesville Central High School in 2001. She enjoyed listening to all kinds of music, especially the oldies, hunting, fishing, camping four wheeling and Double EE Rodeo Ranch. Miranda loved to play softball and couldn't say enough about her favorite football team the Washington Redskins. She worked for ACES at Alfred State College as a supervisor in the cafeteria. She spoke fondly and often of “her kids” that worked under her and how much she loved working with them. Miranda especially enjoyed being with her friends and family on outings along with her nieces and nephews.

She is survived by her fiance` Anthony Fantauzzo; her children Mirissa, Gary and Wyatt Bliss of Ulysses, PA., her mother Venus [Jeff Peet] Nickerson of Wellsville and her father Carl [Kim] Fanton of Wellsville; her siblings, Regina [Chris Peacock] Kemp of Wellsville, a brother Mitchell [Sabrina] Fanton of Germany, Mari-kae [Matt Martin] Fanton , Danielle [Jeremy] Cavagna and Khristy Nickerson all of Wellsville; many grand kids, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. She also survived by her four legged companion “Max “.

Miranda was predeceased by her brother Carl Fanton Jr.

Due to Covid-19 the family is planning a private funeral service at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home in Belmont with burial in Forest Hills Cemetery. A celebration of life will be held for her at a later date to be announced, via Facebook, for all of her many friends and family. Please plan on attending with stories and memories that will be cherished forever. Any memorial contributions may be made to her family members or directly to the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home to help with funeral expenses. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Allegany County: Judge reserves decision on dismissal of murder indictment

BELMONT -  A judge has reserved decision after hearing arguments Monday morning to dismiss a murder indictment against Dylan L. Coomer, 26, of Wellsville. Arguments from the defense and prosecution were presented to Judge Thomas Brown. He said he expects to issue a ruling in a week. Christopher G. Johnson represents Coomer. He filed a motion seeking to have the indictment tossed on the grounds that Coomer was not notified of the right to testify before the grand jury pursuant to the Criminal Procedure Law. Coomer and seven others face a bevy of charges related to the murder of a Wellsville man in his Main Street apartment on March 21st. The victim's body was later tossed in the Genesee River. Four of the eight defendants were indicted earlier this month on charges including murder, manslaughter, gang assault, kidnapping and more. The suspects remain detained.

Murder suspect tracked to Steuben County

A Niagara Falls teenager, wanted for murder, was taken into custody in Avoca, Steuben County. 18-year-old Geoffrey O. Sandiford was arrested by Niagara Falls police and the US Marshal's Fugitive Task-Force. Sandiford was charged with murder and criminal possession of a weapon. Police said the fatal shooting happened last week.

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