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Hart Comfort House of Allegany County inspired by two mothers how to get started on their new project. Yet, they had no idea how successful that project would become 14 years later. On Jan. 17, the Hart Comfort House will celebrate 14 years of service to the community and giving comfort care to more than 300 people who were at the end of their lives. The Comfort House of Allegany County received its official nonprofit 501(c)(3) status in 2009. The Porters had gathered like-minded friends from both the medical community and the community at large to establish a facility to provide 24-hour care, free of charge, to local people who were terminally ill and living the last three months of their lives. The fledgling group
BY KATHRYN ROSS
WELLSVILLE — They never dreamed it would be as successful as it is but never doubted the generosity of the people of Allegany County and the clubs, organizations, businesses and individuals of Wellsville. During the first decade of the 21st century, longtime Wellsville residents Dave and Janice Porter, like many of their peers, faced the dilemma of dealing with an aging and ill parent. Dave’s mother, not wanting to spend her final days in a nursing home, was living in a comfort house in Wayland. “I didn’t know what a comfort house was,” Dave said. “I’d never heard of such a thing.” At that time in the
Mary Ellen Hart
county there was Hospice Care of Allegany County, which provided nursing care for patients in their own homes, two to three times a week. After Dave’s mother’s passing, the Porters decided more than sporadic nursing care was needed. They decided to create a comfort house to serve county residents. Both the Porters have a long history of community involvement and service and knew
Photo provided The children of Mary Ellen and Gerald Hart donated the home they grew up in to start Comfort House of Allegany County.
house in the county. She talked with her nine brothers and sisters and they decided to donate the house where they had been raised by Mary Ellen to the project. The Hart house was located at 141 E. State St. in the village of Wellsville. Mary Ellen Hart had been a registered nurse
was looking around the county for a house they could rehabilitate for that purpose when they got their biggest surprise. Christy Hart, who had lost her mother, Mary Ellen Hart, in the summer of 2009, had heard about the project to create a comfort
who worked at Jones Memorial Hospital and as a private nurse, teaching her children the value of helping others. After 2 1/2 years of renovation work, with help from Alfred State College students Hart Comfort House continued on PAGE 4
Degnan is acting Allegany County DA, Jones takes seat as judge
Peter J. Degnan
BELMONT — Peter J. Degnan was sworn in Wednesday as acting district attorney of Allegany County, assuming the role following the election of former DA Ian M. Jones to Allegany County Court Judge. Degnan takes office with more than three decades of experience in criminal law, having served the residents of Allegany County and surrounding communities in a variety of legal capacities. His professional background
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includes extensive work as a private practitioner, public defender and conflict defender/assigned counsel administrator. Degnan also has extensive experience in prosecutorial and supervisory roles. Throughout his career, he has been recognized for his commitment to fairness, public safety and the integrity of the criminal justice system. “I am honored by the opportunity to serve as acting district attorney for Allegany County,”
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Degnan said. “I thank Judge Jones for his years of dedicated service as district attorney and wish him every success on the county court bench. “I look forward to continuing the office’s work on behalf of victims, law enforcement and the community,” he added, “while ensuring that justice is administered fairly and professionally.” As acting DA, Degnan will oversee all prosecutorial functions
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of the office, working closely with law enforcement agencies, court personnel and community partners to promote public safety and uphold the rule of law in Allegany County. Jones, a former assistant county attorney in Family Court, served as first assistant district attorney under former DA Keith Slep before running for DA in 2023 upon Slep’s retirement. Jones announced his intention to run for judge early in 2025.
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allegany county Community Source
January 9, 2026
New York to receive $212M for rural health care from Trump administration BY JIM ECKSTROM
New York state will receive $212 million from the Trump administration to support a statewide plan to improve health care access in rural areas. New York will receive the first-year award from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) under the federal Rural Health Transformation Program to implement the state’s transformative strategy to support health initiatives. U.S. Rep. Nick Langworthy, R-23rd District, called the funding “a historic investment” authorized under H.R. 1 and the Working Families Tax Plan to strengthen rural hospitals and health care systems — including those in Western New York and the Southern Tier. “This funding is historic — and it will make a real difference for patients and providers across our communi-
Rep. Nick Langworthy
ties,” he said. The Rural Health Transformation Program represents the largest federal investment in rural health care in American history, the congressman stated. Part of what had been called the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act Act” passed in July, the initiative invests $50 billion over five years to expand access to care, improve outcomes, modernize
health care delivery and support rural providers. “Rural hospitals are the backbone of health care in our communities,” Langworthy said. “For too long, many rural systems have faced mounting financial pressure, workforce shortages and access challenges — forcing patients to travel farther for care. This investment helps change that.” Mehmet Oz, the CMS administrator and former Republican U.S. Senate nominee in Pennsylvania, called the initial funding “an extraordinary milestone for rural health in America.” President Donald Trump’s signature legislation the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” extended sweeping tax cuts, allowed workers to deduct taxes on tips and overtime, increased the child tax credit and other initiatives. Critics of the legislation, however, point to the limit in
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growth of Medicaid by nearly $900 billion over a decade, which they say will increase the number of uninsured and threaten the survival of rural hospitals in New York and across the country. Gov. Kathy Hochul warned in August that the cuts imposed by Washington Republicans would have a nearly $13 billion negative impact on New Yorkers’ healthcare system and that approximately 1.5 million New Yorkers
were projected to lose their health insurance coverage. The funding will be distributed beginning in fiscal year 2026, with oversight to ensure resources are used on measurable improvements for patients and providers. The state Department of Health said it will now work with CMS to finalize the details of the cooperative agreement. New York will then provide additional details to interested stakehold-
ers around the allocation of resources and funding opportunities. “All New Yorkers deserve the right to have access to critical health care services, regardless of where they live,” Dr. James McDonald, commissioner of the state Department of Health, said. To ensure the funding directly benefits rural residents across the state, New York will Rural Health Care continued on PAGE 4
Photo provided Joshua Cole (left), vice president of the Belfast Historical Society, honors Jim and Carol Ace, longtime business owners and generous supporters of BHS.
Belfast Historical Society honors two longtime business owners BELFAST — The Belfast Historical Society recently held its annual Christmas Celebration. The many BHS members and community officials gathered recognize and honor Jim and Carol Ace, longtime business owners and generous supporters. Belfast Historical Society is especially grateful for their support. They have provided
space in their next-door storefront windows to share local history with the community, helping the society bring the stories of Belfast to life for anyone walking by. Since their opening of Aces Country Cupboard Restaurant in 1977, Jim and Carol Ace have always opened their doors and their hearts in support of the community. Because of
Jim and Carol, the society’s work reaches more people. Preservation and educational projects go farther and most importantly local history stays alive to pass on to future generations. BHS thanks Jim and Carol for your decades of hard work your commitment and your unwavering support of the town and its residents.
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January 9, 2026
Friendship Church builds bridges to make big impact FRIENDSHIP — The United Church of Friendship built several new relationships to increase local impact in 2025. Upon reviewing the year, many would be surprised that a small town church could accomplish so much, but that only happened because of the hard work of it’s congregation and the relationships built with other churches and groups. The year started with tragedy in Friendship, with a fire that displaced eight families from an apartment building. United Church quick-
ly partnered with the library, school, legion and other locals to combine efforts and collect immediate relief I the form of clothing and housewares. The efforts also raised over $45,000 in cash gifts that helped families get back on their feet. But that wasn’t all, during the year three Christian music concerts were held at the church, multiple clothing giveaways happened, and family events where the kids of Friendship could make crafts, play games and enjoy snacks were just some of the ways
United Church supported the community. Food assistance has also been a major facet of the missions the church is passionate about. The church hosts a “blessings box” this is a free will give and receive food and hygiene cabinet. Community members are welcomed to visit the blessings box 24 hours a day and receive food, hygiene items, clothing, books and sometimes even toys. This mission has been supported by the generosity of the church members and anonymous community members who leave food and other items either in the cabinet or refrigerator. In 2025, United Church was the recipient of grant funds from the Renodin Foundation to support additional groceries to stock in the blessings box. The Dr. Lyle F. Renodin Foundation and the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany come alongside and support many small missions in Cattaraugus, Allegany and McKean counties helping to maximize impact. This support to the United Church of
Photo provided The United Church of Friendship expanded food assistance in 2025, including preparing and serving 80 Thanksgiving Day meals even delivering some to area families who were homebound or ill.
Friendship allowed the church to expand food assistance with additional offerings, such as having a fill the fridge night where church members prepared and preserved over 50 meals to put into the blessings box, offer a free spaghetti lunch and serve 80 thanksgiving meals even delivering some to local Friendship families who were
homebound or ill. Over the year the United Church of Friendship has also partnered with or supported organizations such as ACCORD, Ardent Solutions, the Friendship Main Street Committee, Mission Agape, the Friendship Alliance of Churches, Gil’s Hills, Wellspring Ministries and others.
The church looks to grow it’s local impact with a thrift store being opened in the parsonage next door, expanding handicap access, and is planning a restoration project to preserve the historic church building. 2025 was a year of exploration and discovery, 2026 is looking to be a year of growth and continued impact.
NY Republicans call for audit of state program spending Following reports of widespread fraud involving taxpayer dollars in Minnesota, members of New York’s Senate Republican Conference sent a letter to Gov. Kathy Hochul urging her to set in motion an independent audit of
programs administered by state agencies to ensure that public funds are being distributed to authorized organizations and individuals. “New York state taxpayers deserve to know, without a shred of doubt, that taxpayer
dollars in this state are being allocated, distributed and spent in the most responsible, effective, legal and accountable ways,” state Sen. Tom O’Mara, R-Big Flats, ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee, said in a
press release. The GOP senators’ letter to Hochul stated that, given that New York administers comparable programs involving billions of taxpayer dollars, proactive NY Audit continued on PAGE 4
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January 9, 2026
allegany county Community Source
State: Counties see more in sales taxes November, cities decline BY BOB CLARK
Local sales tax receipts were mixed in November, the state’s fiscal watchdog reported. Data from the Office of the State Comptroller indicated that counties across the region saw receipts increase in November from the year before. And while the area’s two cities saw monthly declines from a year ago, receipts for the
fiscal years so far have increased. Allegany County increased in November and so far throughout 2025. In November, receipts totaled $2.17 million, up 3.3% from $2.11 million in November 2024. Since January 2025, receipts totaled $27.77 million, up 4.7% from the first 11 months of 2024. The county’s 2025 budget projects $28.5 million in sales tax revenue for the year. The
2026 budget includes a projection for $29 million. Cattaraugus County sales tax receipts totaled $4.02 million in November, up 0.6% from $3.99 million in November 2024. Since the start of 2025, the county received $48.8 million in sales tax receipts, up 5% from $46.49 million in the first 11 months of 2024. The county budget estimated sales tax revenue in the 2025 budget
across three accounts at $36.98 million, flat from 2024. The upcoming 2026 county budget calls for $39.52 million in receipts. In the city of Olean, local sales tax receipts in November totaled $419,386, down 6.4% from the $448,063 recorded in November 2024. Since the start of the city’s 2025-26 budget on June 1, the city has received $2.79 million in receipts, up 2.03% from
the $2.73 million during the first six months of the 2024-25 fiscal year. The city’s budget planned for $5.3 million in sales tax receipts. Across five counties in Western New York, receipts totaled $111.51 million, up 3.2% from $108.02 million in November 2024. Since Jan. 1, 2025, receipts have totaled $1.32 billion, up 4.2% from $1.26 billion in the same period of 2024. Statewide, sales tax
receipts in November totaled $1.97 billion, up 5.5% from $1.86 billion in November 2024. Since Jan. 1, 2025, receipts totaled $22.06 billion, up 4.4% from $21.13 billion in the same period of 2024. Monthly reports are based on estimated receipts, with adjustments made to four months’ disbursements to counties and cities every year to reflect actual receipts — March, June, September and December.
more than 340 residents and their families and friends based solely on need, regardless of age, sex, race, religion, or sexual orientation. While Allegany County residents are its priority, other applicants are considered. The goal of the Hart Comfort House is to provide “a comprehensive and compassionate two-bed home for the dying. It is a true home-
like atmosphere, not a health care facility or a hospital. We ascribe to the hospice philosophy of care that states that all persons have the right to die with dignity, to have enhanced quality of life, and to be as comfortable as possible.” The residents’ primary care physicians may continue to provide for patients, or one of Hart House’s medical directors may assume this
role. Another main goal is to give the resident’s family and friends the needed support through the bereavement process. For more information about Hart Comfort House including applications for care and for volunteers and for donations and support go to the Hart Comfort House of Allegany County website.
➡Hart Comfort House continued from PAGE 1 and grants, donations, countless fundraisers and benefits, Hart Comfort House of Allegany County opened its doors Jan. 1, 2012. “The donation of the Hart House saved us thousands of dollars and along with the grants, the community stepped up as they always do and continue to do so. This is a very generous community,” Porter said. Hart Comfort House is dedicated to Mary Ellen and Gerald C. Hart. Since it started there have been three directors, Scott Swift, Rachel Clark and, currently, Melissa Grantier. Over the decade hundreds of volunteers have been trained to provide care to the terminally ill.
Volunteers also serve in other capacities. Porter says the average age of the volunteers is 70. The former coordinator of volunteers, Cheryl Van Cassele, said, “Some people may, unknowingly, assume that an end of life facility will be a somber place. The Hart Comfort House is anything but. This is one of the happiest, most joyful places in the county.” Dave Porter said, “I always felt that if we built it, they would come, and the community would help us. But we never dreamed it would become as successful as it is.” He serves as the chairman of the board of directors for Hart Comfort House. Janice Porter
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serves as the treasurer of the board, which also includes Cheryl Jackson as vice president, Nora Hart Burdick, Joe Felson, Sue Feldbauer, RN, Joe Fasano, Angela Rossington, Eileen Schaffner, Tehra Soule and Dan Woolston as board members. Since opening, Hart Comfort House has provided 24-hour, warm and compassionate care and support to
➡Rural Health Care continued from PAGE 2 implement a funding distribution process that prioritizes the identified needs of rural populations. Program implementation will be supported by ongoing stakeholder engagement, including feedback from providers, tribal and faith-based organizations, local leaders and community members to target resources where they will have the greatest impact. New York’s Rural Health Transformation Plan includes four key initiatives developed with the input of nearly
170 stakeholder organizations and community providers. These key initiatives and their goals include the following: • Establish coordinated rural health partnerships between rural hospitals and health care organizations will enhance patient access to a wide range of providers across the care continuum to address both health and social needs. • Strengthen rural communities with technology-enhanced primary
care: Improve rural patient access to and utilization of high-quality primary care through the Patient Centered Medical Home model with the incorporation of artificial intelligence where appropriate.
rural communities have continuous access to high quality health care services tailored to their regional circumstances.
• Build a sustainable rural health care workforce: Create a self-sustaining cycle of workforce development and pipeline that addresses both immediate staffing needs and long-term capacity-building, ensuring New York’s
• Investments in technology innovation and cybersecurity enhancements: Expand access to care through telehealth, improving patient outcomes through eConsult partnerships, increasing usable alerts in rural counties and strengthening cybersecurity of rural facilities.
Leader Rob Ortt said Hochul “should be alarmed by what is happening in Minnesota and she should be doing everything in her power to ensure it isn’t also happening here. If nothing is amiss, she shouldn’t be afraid to order the comprehensive, independent audit we are requesting.” O’Mara added that strict accountability, especially for New York’s Medicaid program, “which has been plagued for far too long by abuse, fraud and waste,” is important. “This audit should be one of Gov. Hochul’s top priorities in the new year and it should be done without delay.” O’Mara said cases
of fraud or negligent disbursement of taxpayer dollars include the state improperly paying more than $2.6 billion in Medicaid premiums for people who do not live in New York, $13 million in Medicaid fraud for transporting patients to medical appointments and $7 million in fraudulent Medicaid billing. O’Mara asserted that Republicans have warned of fraud as state spending has ballooned to a budget of $254 billion. He said at the center of the surge is Medicaid, which now costs New York taxpayers approximately $120 billion annually, more per capita than any other state in the nation.
➡NY Audit continued from PAGE 3 measures should be taken to ensure abuses that are alleged in Minnesota are not happening in New York state. The letter stated: “As recently as July, the U.S. Department of Justice uncovered a $68 million Medicaid fraud involving a Brooklyn operator who paid illegal kickbacks through social adult day care centers. There is little reason to believe this case represents an isolated incident. Accordingly, we urge you to immediately commission a comprehensive, independent
audit of New York’s analogous programs to ensure that public funds are distributed solely to eligible families and legitimate service providers.” The New York senators also announced that the conference will introduce legislation to require an independent audit of New York state government programs by a professional third party and to mandate that all findings of fraud or abuse will be referred to appropriate law enforcement authorities. Senate Republican
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January 9, 2026
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home improvement
The basics of basement conversion projects Space is a sought-after commodity in real estate. Buyers prioritize numerous variables when searching for a new home, and square footage is often near the top of their lists. The real estate
market has been highly competitive in recent years, and home prices have remained high as a result. That reality has prompted some current homeowners who feel they have outgrown their homes to look for
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ways to increase the usable space in their existing properties. Basement conversions are one way to add more space. Homeowners mulling a basement conversion project can learn the basics of the project as they try to determine if such renovations are right for them. • Basement conversion projects can be costly. Though the final cost of a conversion project can vary widely depending on the condition and accessibility of the existing space, estimates range from
around $45,000 to as much as $150,000. The home renovation experts at Angi.com note that the average price for excavation is $37,000. Of course, homeowners who are simply hoping to repurpose an existing basement likely won’t need to pay for excavation. Accessibility is another notable variable that can affect the final cost. If the current space is a crawl space, potentially costly structural changes may be necessary to ensure contractors and eventually residents can access the area. Basements that are already easily accessible won’t require such expenditures. • Ventilation is a must. Finished basements must be adequately ventilated so moisture can be controlled. Without sufficient ventilation,
the damp conditions common in many basements can foster the growth of mold. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America notes that inhaled mold spores can trigger allergic reactions in some people, potentially leading to runny nose, postnasal drip, red and watery eyes, and itchy eyes, nose, ears, and mouth,
among other symptoms. Waterproofing systems and adequate ventilation can prevent mold growth in a basement, and these should be integral components of the design. • Permits are part of the process. Basement conversions are considered major continued on PAGE 6
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January 9, 2026
allegany county Community Source
home improvement projects, and thus typically require homeowners and contractors to secure permits before any work is done. Permits may be necessary at various stages of the project. Homeowners who ignore laws regarding permits will have trouble selling their homes down the road, as it can be difficult if not impossible to
secure a certificate of occupancy if renovations were made without securing the proper permits. In addition, securing necessary permits for each phase of the project can ensure final approval of the project. If permits are not secured along the way, local officials may insist work be redone to adhere to local laws, which can make the project
even more costly. • Basement conversions take time. The time a project takes will depend on the condition of the space at the start of the project and various details unique to each conversion. However, various contractors indicate projects take about two to three months once they begin. That timeline does not include the pre-project
process of finding a contractor, soliciting design plans or preparing the rest of the home for such a significant and lengthy undertaking. Basement conversion projects can add significant square footage to a home. Recognition of what such projects entail can help homeowners decide if this is the best way for them to increase livable space in their homes.
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health & Wellness
Vitamin D and its link to cancer prevention Vitamin D, also known as the sunshine vitamin, is crucial for maintaining health. Vitamin D is essential for bone health and immune function. For the last 20 years, researchers have studied vitamin D to determine if it can help to prevent certain cancers. The theory that it may is built
upon the role vitamin D plays in regulating cell growth, proliferation and cell death (apoptosis). Data published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2019 that was based on the largest randomized clinical trials on the topic, the VITAL (Vitamin D and Omega-3 Trial), re-
veals the link between vitamin D and cancer prevention is nuanced. The primary finding was that vitamin D supplementation did not significantly lower the overall incidence rate of invasive cancer in the general population, when compared to the placebo. However, when researchers looked into
specific cancer types, the VITAL study showed a statistically significant 38 percent reduction in total cancer mortality (death from cancer) among participants who took vitamin D for at least two years. Among the more than 25,000 men and women who participated, those who took 2,000 international
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units of vitamin D each day for an average of 5.3 years were nearly 20 percent less likely than those who took the placebo to have an advanced cancer, which is defined as one that metastasized or proved fatal. The risk reduction also correlated to participants being at a normal weight. Researchers didn’t see a benefit in people who were overweight or obese. There has been a compelling trend regarding colorectal cancer and vitamin D supplementation. Data published in JAMA Network Open showed that those who consistently supplemented with vitamin D had a roughly 17 to 25 percent lower risk of developing advanced colorectal adenomas or cancer, suggesting a potential benefit for protecting against gastrointestinal malignancies.
While vitamin D is vital for overall health, it cannot conclusively and universally be recommended as a cancer prevention measure for the general public, based on scientific consensus supported by the National Cancer Institute and other medical organizations. However, given the link between vitamin D and cancer mortality, supplementing with vitamin D is a low-risk measure individuals can adopt. It’s always best to consult with a doctor for more guidance about appropriate supplementation doses and health strategies.