Belmont/Communal
Measles Outbreak Spreads Beyond New Hudson as County Confirms Third Case
The Allegany County Department of Health, based in Belmont, confirmed a third lab-positive measles case on Aug. 18, marking the first time the monthslong outbreak has been tied to a town outside New Hudson. Officials said the new case is located in the town of Independence, meaning risk is no longer confined to a single community, though they described overall countywide exposure as still low. The department now counts three confirmed cases alongside at least 14 presumed positive cases tied to the same investigation. Health officials continue urging residents to check their MMR vaccination status and to call ahead before visiting a doctor's office if they suspect exposure.
Belmont/Communal
Measles Cases Climb to 12 as Allegany County Traces Outbreak to New Hudson
The Allegany County Department of Health, headquartered in Belmont, reported August 15 that its measles investigation has grown to two lab-confirmed cases and ten presumed positive cases, up from the single confirmed case and two presumed cases reported earlier in the month. Officials say all current cases remain localized within the town of New Hudson and that broad community risk across the rest of the county remains low. The department has shared information with local health care partners in the area to coordinate educational guidance, support services and easier access to MMR vaccination, and says public health nurses have already administered 87 MMR doses countywide since the outbreak began. Residents are urged to confirm their vaccination status and to call ahead before visiting a doctor's office if they suspect exposure.
Belmont/Communal
Two More Presumed Measles Cases Emerge Among Allegany County Contacts
The Allegany County Department of Health, based in Belmont, says two more people are presumed positive for measles after developing symptoms consistent with the disease, a reversal from its August 5 update that had reported no new infections. The department, which has now identified 45 direct contacts of the original confirmed case through contact tracing, says the two additional individuals have not been lab-confirmed but are being treated as positive based on their symptoms. Health officials are continuing to work with area health care facilities and community partners to monitor those exposed and limit further spread. The original case, involving an unvaccinated resident with recent travel to Ohio, was first confirmed August 2.
Belmont/Communal
Allegany County Health Officials Say Measles Patient Recovering, No New Cases Found
The Allegany County Department of Health, based in Belmont, provided an update on the measles case it confirmed earlier this month, reporting that the unvaccinated resident is recovering and that no additional infections have turned up. Health officials say none of the individuals identified as having had contact with the patient during the infectious period have since developed symptoms. The case, linked to recent travel to Ohio, prompted the department to notify potentially exposed locations and contacts after the diagnosis. Officials continue to urge residents with measles symptoms to call ahead before visiting a doctor's office in person.
Belmont/Communal
Allegany County Confirms Measles Case in Belmont Resident
The Allegany County Department of Health is investigating a confirmed measles case involving an unvaccinated Belmont resident who began showing symptoms on August 1 and tested positive the following day. The individual reported recent travel to Ohio and is isolating at home until no longer contagious. County health officials are working to identify locations where the public may have been exposed and are contacting people known to have had contact with the resident during the infectious period. Measles is highly contagious, and officials are urging anyone with symptoms or possible exposure to call ahead before visiting a doctor's office in person.
Belmont/Nonprofits
Belmont-Based Foundation Awards Over $380,000 in Scholarships to Allegany County Students
The Allegany County Area Foundation, headquartered in Belmont, announced it is distributing $387,240 in scholarships to local students for the 2026-2027 academic year. Recipients come from nearly every school district in the county, including Alfred-Almond, Andover, Belfast, Bolivar-Richburg, Cuba-Rushford, Fillmore, Friendship, Genesee Valley, Scio and Wellsville, plus Houghton Academy, area homeschool families, and Allegany County students attending Portville schools. The foundation runs more than 50 individual scholarship funds through a single online application, supporting students headed to four-year colleges, two-year programs, trade schools and shorter credential programs. Foundation staff credit decades of donor support for making the awards possible each year.
Belmont/Schools
Rooted in Nature Launches Forest School Program in Belmont
Rooted in Nature NY, led by New York State certified teacher and certified Forest School director Rebecca DePue, is opening a Forest School offering child-led, nature-based learning at its outdoor site in Belmont. The program lets children climb, explore, solve problems and gather around a campfire as a hands-on alternative to a traditional classroom. Families can preview the approach at an 'Explore Rooted' open house on August 13, where they can meet DePue and tour the forest learning space. Early Bird registration for the fall Forest School season is open through August 15.
Belmont/Political
Belmont Voters Re-Elect Mayor DeTine, Choose Two New Trustees
Village of Belmont voters returned Mayor Raymond DeTine to office for another four-year term in the March 20, 2026 village election, with DeTine defeating a handful of write-in votes. In the race for two open trustee seats, Republican Linda Healy and Democrat Shannon Harding won four-year terms, edging out fellow candidate Vince Evans. The results keep continuity in village leadership in Belmont, the seat of Allegany County government, as officials continue work on infrastructure and economic-development priorities for the coming term.
Belmont/Nonprofits
New Allegany County Development Corporation Launches From Belmont
The Allegany County Industrial Development Agency announced the formation of the Allegany County Local Development Corporation, a new nonprofit headquartered at the Crossroads Commerce & Conference Center in Belmont. The ACLDC will offer low-interest gap financing, generally between $30,000 and $100,000, to complement traditional bank loans for local businesses looking to expand or retain jobs. ACIDA Executive Director Craig Clark and Board Chairman Judith Hopkins framed the corporation as a step toward strengthening the county's business-financing toolkit. The nonprofit operates under New York's Not-for-Profit Corporation Law and is intended to fill financing gaps that conventional lenders often won't cover.