New Street Drug, Causing Heart Issues And Wild Behavior

There’s a new street drug that’s now in Steuben County, and it’s apparently showed up lately in the village of Bath.  Bath Police Chief Colin Taft says, this drug's nickname, is "Sugar".  "We believe it's a synthetic drug, which has properties similar to PCP and methamphetamines combined," Taft said.  "The effects are horrible.  People on it, are just out of their minds.  It's one of the worst drugs that we've ever seen," the police chief noted.  Hornell Police Chief Ted Murray says he is also hearing about the presence of this drug, known as "Sugar", in the county.  "We have been made aware that it's circulating in our area," said Murray.  "Some people have been tested at local hospitals for it.  People that the hospitals have treated, have had respitory issues and heart issues, from this particular drug," Murray stated. 
 

BEGWS Is Closed Again Today

Bath Gas Electric and Water is closed again, for the holiday.  Officials say Bath Gas Electric and Water’s office, will reopen on Monday.  "Our Commercial Office will reopen Monday, December 2, 2024, at 8:30am," officials said.  "On behalf of our utility department, we wish you a safe, healthy, and happy Thanksgiving holiday."

Steuben Co Sheriff's Dept Continues Stop DWI Campaign

Palmesano: Lets Back Away From the HALT Act

Corning Republican Assemblyman Phil Palmesano issued a statement recently about violence by out of control inmates against prison guards and against other inmates in New York State.  Palmesano says he’s tried to pass laws before to help stop drugs from being smuggled into jails.  "We should repeal the failed and dangerous HALT Act. New York Democrats must finally see the errors of previous legislation and take significant action to address the violence crisis and rising assaults happening inside our prisons today. We should address the staffing crisis by aggressively increasing the pay and benefits for our correction officers and staff. I was encouraged by the recent contract for our correction officers that included sign-on bonuses to help recruit new officers, but we have much more work to do including implementing other longevity bonuses and benefits to help retain dedicated and hardworking employees. We need to provide our correction officers with important tools and resources, such as body scanners and drug dogs, at every correctional facility to help keep the drugs and contraband out of our prisons, which have contributed to the rising violence and assaults. And finally, it is long past due for this administration and Democrats in the Legislature to treat our correction officers and civilian staff as the professionals they are and with the respect they deserve and have certainly earned. Anything less would be a slap in the face to these dedicated workers."

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand: Pleased That Three US Citizens Are Released By China, In A Recent Prisoner Swap 

Democrat US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand says she’s very happy that three Americans were released by the Chinese government, one of them, Kai Li, whose originally from Shanghai and is now coming back home to Long Island.  Gilibrand says she’s worked for the past several years with Senator Schumer and Kai Li’s son Harrison, to get Kie Lee out of a prison in China.  "I would like to thank Harrison Li and his family for their tenacious advocacy for Kai over the last several years, as well as President Biden, his staff, and personnel across the United States government who worked tirelessly to bring Kai home," Gillibrand said.   "I will continue to work with President Biden and his administration to secure the release of our wrongfully detained individuals across the world, including my constituent, Ryan Corbett, who has spent over two years wrongfully detained by the Taliban, and the return of the innocent men and women still being held hostage by Hamas in Gaza."

Bath Police Release Info About Ambulance Garage Break-In

Bath VA Urgent Care Is Closed Today

Steuben County Sheriff's Dept's Stop-DWI Campaign

Incident At The Bath Ambulance Garage Early This Morning
Bath Village Police Chief Colin Taft tells WVIN News that a male suspect, from outside the area, is said to have been involved in a situation at the Bath Ambulance garage, in the early morning hours today.  According to Chief Taft, the suspect is being released from the hospital and being taken into custody.   The police chief also says he will be issuing a press release with more information, and the suspect's name, sometime soon.

Bath VA Urgent Care's Holiday Hours

The Bath VA Medical Center announces that its Urgent Care facility will be closed on the following holidays:
- Thanksgiving Day (November 28, 2024)- Christmas Day (December 25, 2024)- New Year's Day (January 1, 2025)Except for these dates, Bath VA Urgent care is open 7 days a week from 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Veterans in need of urgent medical assistance during this time are encouraged to utilize the following resources:
Nearest Emergency Rooms: For life-threatening emergencies, please visit your nearest emergency department or call 911.Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1, or text 838255 for confidential support.
Telehealth Services: VA Health, 1-800-877-6976, available 24/7.
 

Tenney Opposes The Proposed OSHA Firefighter Rules

As the OSHA hearings continue online, the new congresswoman for around half a dozen local Steuben County Towns, is Claudia Tenney.  Tenney is strongly opposed to the changes OSHA has proposed to make for all firefighters, including volunteers. "These firefighters know their towns and villages, they know what their obstacales are, they know what their benefits are," Tenney said yesterday.  "We want to leave as much in their hands as possible, while maintaining safety and we think we can do this with some waivers and exceptions to these 'one size fits all' rules that OSHA is putting out.  We think these rules will only place more costs on our emergency service providers and so please reach out to us, if you're a volunteer and let us know what you think," Tenney said.   

Corning Police Arrest A Suspect On Strangulation Charge

FROM CORNING POLICE:  On Tuesday, November 19, 2024, the City of Corning Police Department received a complaint concerning a domestic incident that occurred during the morning hours of November 18, 2024. During this investigation, it was alleged that the suspect held a female victim against her will inside a home and proceeded to impede the victim’s ability to breathe by placing a pillow over her face.

During the domestic case investigation, a separate criminal complaint came to be known involving a juvenile. Members of the City of Corning Police Department conducted a second investigation. This investigation revealed that the suspect engaged in both sexual contact and communication with a 12-year-old juvenile.  As a result of both investigations, Corning City Police arrested:

Vernon I. Vanzile III, 43 years of age of Corning.

Charges:  

    1 Count Strangulation in the Second Degree – D Felony

    1 Count Unlawful Imprisonment in the First Degree – E Felony

    1 Count Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree – D Felony

    1 Count Attempted Predatory Sexual Assault Against a Child – A-I Felony

    1 Count Attempted Rape in the First Degree – C Felony

    1 Count Attempted Criminal Sexual Act in the First Degree – C Felony

    1 Count Sexual Abuse in the First Degree – D Felony 

During the investigations, it was determined that Mr. Vanzile is currently a level 3 registered sex offender in New York State, having been previously convicted of crimes against children. 

On November 19, 2024, Mr. Vanzile was located and placed in custody on the domestic-related felony charges. 

Mr. Vanzile was processed at the Corning City Police Department before being turned over to the Steuben County Jail, where he was held without bail. 

On November 26, 2024, Mr. Vanzile was arraigned in Corning City Court on the charges that evolved from the second investigation involving the 12-year-old juvenile. Mr. Vanzile was again remanded to the Steuben County Jail and held without bail. This is an ongoing investigation, and additional charges are expected to be filed soon.

Man Charged For Allegedly Threatening County Officials

FROM THE SHERIFF;S DEPT:  Steuben County Sheriff Jim Allard reports that on November 25, 2024, deputies of the Steuben County Sheriff’s Office arrested Jeremy P. Wambold, age 43, of Poags Hole Road, Dansville, New York, following an investigation of reported social media threats. It is alleged that Mr. Wambold threatened to kill several members of the Steuben County Government. Mr. Wambold was charged with Making a Terroristic Threat, a class D Felony. Mr. Wambold was arraigned in the Centralized Arraignment Court and released.

Sheriff Allard thanks the New York State Police for their assistance in this arrest.

Avoca Central: Thank You State Police
Avoca Central School officials are publicly thanking the state police, for sending Trooper Klewicki, to come in to classes and talk about the dangers of cyber bullying.

Update On The Sheriff Allard Article 78 Court Case

Statement From Sheriff Jim Allard: 

In September of 2023, members of the Steuben County government passed two resolutions to strip the Sheriff’s liability protections under the Public Officer Law and to cause him to purchase, at his own expense, millions of dollars of liability insurance.  Upon submitting a petition to enjoin (stay) the resolutions to the New York State Supreme Court, the Sheriff was granted a stay of the resolutions until the case could be heard in Supreme Court. The county, prior to the initial hearing, repealed the resolution requiring liability insurance.  On September 10th, 2024, all final statements and submissions were made to the Court.
On November 25th, 2024, New York State Supreme Court Justice Jason Cook issued a written Decision and Order (attached).  The Court, after examining all evidence and testimony concluded that the County had “engaged in multiple questionable practices" and that the discussion and vote held only in executive session of the Public Safety and Corrections Committee regarding legislation to strip the Sheriff of indemnification was “not permissible under the express conditions and enumerated purposes set forth in the statute”.  Furthermore, the court found that “the failure of the legislature to follow the Open Meetings Law irreparably taints the legislature’s actions”. The Court ultimately found that the “indemnification was revoked as an act of bad faith to ‘punish’ the Sheriff, just as the county had previously threatened”.
The Court issued the following Order:
ORDERED, that Local Law No. 11 of 2023 was unlawfully enacted and is deemed invalid, and it is further
ORDERED, that Respondents are enjoined and prohibited from implementing Local Law No. 11 of 2023 in effect, and it is further
ORDERED, that this Decision and Order is without prejudice to the Steuben County Legislature to re-address the issue of the Sheriff’s indemnification, and it is further
ORDERED, that Respondent’s motion for sanctions is denied.

       Throughout this legal fight, the county has used taxpayer monies to both initiate and defend this “bad faith” action.  Steuben County residents have paid for the following outside legal services used to defend the county’s actions:

As of September 2024:   Coughlin and Gerhart LLP:  $66,469.16
       Stephen J. Rehfuss, Esq.:     $10,257.50
                               Total:     $76,726.66

This legislative action commenced in July 2023.  As part of the Executive Session material and debates by the legislature regarding the Sheriff and the Sheriff’s Office, several presentations occurred only in Executive Session by an Attorney from the Philips Lytle law firm.  During this same period the county used taxpayer monies to contract with a professional media consultant to release a video defending the county’s actions.
                               Communications Counsel: $8,941.50

From August 2023 to September 2024 Steuben County residents have paid for the following legal services:
                               Philips Lytle LLP:  $113,079.68

The county has spent almost $200,000 of taxpayer money to initiate and defend their actions.

The Sheriff is thankful that justice has been served.  As always, all Steuben County residents are encouraged to be active in their county government.  The Sheriff and the men and women of the Sheriff’s Office remain committed to their public safety mission, as well as serving the citizens of Steuben County.  For more information about the Steuben County Sheriff’s Office and its various activities, programs, and duties, follow us on Facebook at Steuben County Sheriff’s Office or visit our Steuben County Sheriff’s Office App and website.

Statement From Steuben County Manager Jack Wheeler:

Steuben County is aware of the decision handed down and we are currently evaluating our next steps".

Steuben County Grand Jury News

There’s a grand jury proceeding this morning at 930 am.  The Steuben County Grand Jury will be hearing about a dozen cases and deciding on whether the cases go forward.  Steuben County D.A. Brooks Baker will be putting out a statement at around noon today about actions that the grand jury took last week in regards to a number of cases. 

Steuben County Unanimously Approves The Budget

From Steuben County:

Steuben County has officially adopted its 2025 budget, emphasizing fiscal responsibility, competitive wages, and strategic investments in infrastructure and public safety.
Key Budget Highlights:
Property Tax Levy & Rate: The budget includes a 1.76% increase in the tax levy, half of the allowable increase under New York State’s tax cap. Despite this, the average tax rate per thousand will decrease by 4.71%, marking the 12th consecutive year of reduced tax rates. Over the last decade, the county has reduced the full value tax rate by 27.53%.
Expense Drivers: Major expenses include wage increases and rising Medicaid and Social Services costs. Despite these pressures, the county will continue to support local programs while fulfilling state mandates.
Investments in Public Safety & Infrastructure: The budget allocates funding for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and $9.55 million for road construction projects to improve local infrastructure.
Personnel & Competitive Salaries: To address staffing challenges, the county is prioritizing market-based salary adjustments to attract and retain personnel, especially in critical service areas.
Total Budget: $259,696,215<

Opiod Numbers For October, 2024

Steuben County Public Health says in October, there were 28 overdoses reported, one of  them fatal, narcan was reported as having been used seven times. Also, Public Health Director Darlene Smith says three of the 28 overdoses were opiod related, with 17 of the overdose cases it was hard to tell what the substance was, eight of the cases were something other than opiods. 

Langworthy: A Nice Visit From Watkins Glen High

Republican Congressman Nick Langworthy says, students from Watkins Glen High School visited his office at the capital in Washington recently.  Langworthy says, those students had a chance to see the legislative process and hear about his work for the 23^rd congressional district.

Rep Claudia Tenney Joins GOP Policy Committee

Republican Congresswoman Claudia Tenney, who will be representing Avoca, Prattsburgh, Wheeler and other Steuben County towns in the new 24^th congressional district, has been named to the New York Regional Representative, for the Republican Policy Committee in the House.  Tenney says she’ll be coming up with policies to push back against the far left policies coming out of Albany.

The  Steuben County Budget Has Passed

Steuben County Manager Jack Wheeler tells WVIN that the Steuben County Legislature unanimously voted for the budget this morning.   The budget calls for a tax levy increase of 1.7 percent.   Jack Wheeler also says, the average tax rate will decrease by about four percent.

The State Releases Video Of Allan Hoad's Death

On October 21, in the Steuben County Town of Cameron, Allan Hoad had reportedly been firing shots at and ramming into law enforcement vehicles outside of his home in a standoff.  State Attorney General Leticia James says the Office of Special Investigations recently released the bodycam video footage of Hoad being shot by law enforcement during the standoff, that was after several hours of attempted negotiations and after Hoad rammed into a police car.    Allan Hoad died that same day at a nearby hospital.   State Attorney General Tish James says it’s the policy of her office to release bodycam videos of police involved shootings.  The AG says she does this to increase public trust.

Fire Friday Nigfht In The Town of Thurston

The Campbell Fire Department reports that at approximately 8:45pm Friday they were dispatched along with Painted Post, Addison fire Departments.  Also, Savona and Bath fire departments provided mutual aid to Thurston for the camper fire with exposures. Officials say, the fire was able to be contained to the camper with some heat damage to a shed and house trailer. No injuries were reported.

Meeting Coming Up In The Town Of Campbell

The Steuben County Department of Public Works will be holding a public informational  meeting about the County Road 4 over the Cohocton River Bridge Replacement Project in the Town of Campbell.  The meeting will be,  a week from this Wednesday, on Wednesday December 4th at 6:00 PM. at the Steuben County Highway Shop on Route 415, Campbell.  Officials from Steuben County, the New York State D.O.T., and the project’s consultant, C&S Companies, will be present to provide a brief presentation and to answer questions.

Wreaths Across America Update - One Week To Go

The  Wreaths Across America Truck is coming to Bath on a week from today, on Monday December 2,  between 10:30 and 11am.  The truck will be met and escorted by several law enforcement agencies, fire departments and Patriot Guard Members at exit 39 and then lead through Bath down East Morris Street to the 4-way intersection.  It will then turn left onto West Washington Street to make its way to the back entrance to the VA  facilities. The public is invited to line the streets to welcome the truck as it makes its way to deliver the thousands of Wreaths that have been donated to lay on the gravesites of our Nation's Heroes on December 14th .  Wreath sponsorships are still welcome up until Thanksgiving. To sponsor a wreath visit WreathsAcrossAmerica.org/NYBNCB.

Dundee School Is Closed Today 

Wvin Radio just got a phone call from the principal at Dundee Central school.  They are closed for the day today.

Brooks Baker; Steinmetz Pleads To 2nd Degree Assault 

A 43 year old Addison man avoided a trial by making a guilty plea. That’s because David Steinmetz has entered a guilty plea.   Steinmetz was accused of assaulting a baby.  Steuben County Distrtict attorney brooks Baker also says, that Steinmetz will get two to four years in a state correctional facility.  He will be sentenced on December 23.  Steinemetz’ lawyer was Adam Willman out of Rochester.

Steuben County DPW Is Already At Work

From Steuben Co Spokesman Ed VanStine:

The Steuben County Department of Public Works (DPW) is pleased to announce that winter snow and ice maintenance operations have officially begun on Steuben County roads. With winter weather upon us, the County is fully prepared to keep roadways safe and passable for all drivers. The Steuben County DPW operates a fleet of 50 snow plows , each equipped with the necessary tools to clear snow and apply salt and sand to roads throughout the winter months. The department’s dedicated staff will be working diligently to ensure the roads are as free from snow and ice as possible, promoting safe travel for the public.  "We are committed to keeping our roads safe for all residents and travelers during the winter season," said Eric Rose, Steuben County DPW Commissioner. "Our crews this winter will be out in full force to ensure that snow and ice are cleared quickly and efficiently, but we ask that drivers remain patient and aware while traveling."  The Department of Public Works reminds all motorists to exercise caution and give snowplows plenty of space while they are working.

(Photo From Steuben County Spokesperson Ed VanStine)

Canisteo Rotary Thanks The Bath Rotary Club

On that story about the Bath Rotary Club getting a check, to the Canisteo Rotary Club.  According to Canisteo Rotary Club President Tom Crook, Canisteo Rotarians will assess what the needs are for our residents and attempt to provide any valuable service they may need as they are continuing to deal with the aftermath of the flood.

Wreaths Across America Update  

The Wreaths Across America Truck is coming to Bath on Monday December 2nd between 10:30 and 11am.  The truck will be met and escorted by several law enforcement agencies, fire departments and Patriot Guard Members at exit 39 and then lead through Bath down East Morris Street to the 4-way intersection.  It will then turn left onto West Washington Street to make its way to the back entrance to the VA  facilities. The public is invited to line the streets to welcome the truck as it makes its way to deliver the thousands of Wreaths that have been donated to lay on the gravesites of our Nation's Heroes on December 14th .  Wreath sponsorships are still welcome up until Thanksgiving. To sponsor a wreath visit WreathsAcrossAmerica.org/NYBNCB. 

State Comptroller Dinapoli: Corning Is In Great Shape

From State Comptroller Tom Dinapoli: The City of Corning, home to a Fortune 500 company and serving as a regional hub for art and culture, has avoided many of the challenges faced by other upstate communities in recent years and has plans to generate economic expansion and advance smart growth goals in the years ahead, according to a report released today by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli.  “By many fiscal measures, the City of Corning has effectively managed its resources and has seen substantial increases in property values over the last several years,” DiNapoli said. “The fiscal picture is stable, with the city actively growing its reserve funds and reducing its debt burden. At the same time, Corning has been working to form partnerships with local stakeholders to enhance economic development, build desirable destinations for visitors, and provide a high quality of life for its residents.”

“This “snapshot” of our city is another significant example of how the Office of the New York State Comptroller is prioritizing support for local municipalities,” said Corning Mayor William Boland. “The unvarnished perspective it delivers will be an invaluable reference tool as we continue to implement our economic development strategy. We appreciate the Comptroller’s positive focus on Corning and his office’s contribution to our future economic progress.”

NYSCOPBA: An Elmira Inmate Tried To Grab A Gun

The state prison guards union, NYSCOPBA says, recently an inmate in Elmira, was at the emergency room at Arnot Ogden, and tried to grab an officer’s gun from the holster.  Officilas say that there was a struggle and two injured officers sustained neck, shoulder, and back injuries. The two officers were treated by medical staff at the facility in Elmira.  Officials also say that inmate, refused to get out of the prison’s van when they got back to the jail, and that the inmate put up a fight when the prison guards pulled him out of the van.  The state prison union says there was also an inmate fight between several prisoners the other day in Elmira.  The union blames both of these incidents on the state’s HALT Act, which NYSCOPBA leaders say, makes it very difficult to discipline prisoners.

Gilibrand: Feds Stopped An Attack In New York City

New York Democrat, US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, who is on the Senate Intelligence committee, issued a statement, about the arrest of a Florida man, who federal officials say was planning an attack in New York City:  “An attack on New York City during the holiday season would have been catastrophic. I am grateful to the FBI and local law enforcement for taking quick and decisive action and will continue working closely with the FBI and other intelligence agencies in my role on the Senate Intelligence Committee to keep New Yorkers safe.”

Senior Citizens Being Targeted For Gift Card Scam
Schuyler County officials say, there’s a scam going on.  It’s a gift card scam, targeting senior citizens. The scammers call up and tell the older adults to go out and buy a gift card and then tell the scammers the card number and pin number.  

Deer/Car Accident In Chemung Co, Near Steuben Co Line

Sheriff Jim Allard: Dressing Babies For Car Seats In Winter

In colder weather, parents typically dress their children in winter coats. But it’s important to know that heavy coats can interfere with the proper harness fit on a child in a car seat. When your child will be secured in a car seat, pick thin, warm layers, and place blankets or coats around your child after the harness is snug and secure for extra warmth.

Also, make sure car seats and booster seats are properly installed and that any children riding with you are in the right seat for their ages and sizes. Find additional information on finding the right seat from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or contact Steuben County Sheriff's Sergeant Sorge for assistance with Car Seat Installation/Check at 607-622-3911.

Gillibrand Supports Social Security Legislation

Democrat Senator Kirsten Gillibrand is pushing to get a law passed so that police, firefighters and teachers are not denied Social Security payments after retiring.  From Sen. Gillibrand: 

 Senator Kirsten Gillibrand held a virtual press conference urging the Senate to pass the Social Security Fairness Act, bipartisan legislation that would increase Social Security benefits for 2.5 million Americans, including thousands of police officers, firefighters, teachers, and other government employees who have dedicated their lives to serving their communities. Current law reduces Social Security benefits for workers who receive pensions based on earnings from employment that is not covered by Social Security and its payroll tax, meaning that government workers who hold non-governmental jobs during their careers are unfairly penalized. The Social Security Fairness Act would repeal these provisions that reduce Social Security benefits and would provide retirees with the full payments they are owed.  The bill passed in the House."  Congressman Langworthy and Rep. Tenney were yes votes.

Bath VEW Primary School Schedule For Next Week

Prattsburgh Central Schedule For Next Week
Prattsburgh Central officials say that on Monday, November 25th and Tuesday, November 26th, they are having noon dismissals for all students in grades UPK through 12.  That’s because of parent teacher conferences.  Also, no school on Wednesday, November 27 through Friday, November 29 for Thanksgiving recess.

Prattsburgh Central School Phones Are Not Working 

From Prattsburch Central: Our phones are still down this morning. If you have an emergency and need to reach the student office, please call 607-661-7887. If you need to speak with Nurse Jiusto, please call 607-661-5869. We will notify families when the phones are back in service.

Bath Rotary Gives To The Canisteo-Greenwood School

Recently, the Bath Rotary Club gave a check for flood damage relief, to the Canisteo Rotary Club.  Bath Rotary Club President-elect and former Canisteo resident Eddie VanStine says, supporting our neighbors is not just an act of kindness, it is a way of life.  It was on August 9, that Canisteo and other towns were hit so hard by the remnants of Tropical Storm Deby. 

Campbell Town Hall is Hiring A Court Clerk

The Campbell Town Board is looking to hire a new clerk for their town court.  The job is 32 hours a week, Monday through Thursday 8am to 4pm.  If you’re interested send an email to, projects@Campbellny.com.  The Campbell Town Board is also looking for alternates for the planning board and the zoning board.  If you’re interested please contact the Campbell Town Board. 

Steuben County's Narcan Location Map

Steuben County Public Health, and the Steuben County Opioid Committee are proud to announce the launch of a new Narcan Location G.I.S. Map.  Just go to the county website’s quick Links section and select "Narcan Locations App" to begin a search.   For more information, contact Steuben County Public Health or the Steuben County Opioid Committee.

Update On The Friday Night Gang Assault Case In Corning. A 19 year old Rochester male was arraigned and released A 21 year old  Rochester male was arraigned and released.  The other three, two 18 year olds from the Syracuse area and a Bronx teenage male, have been charged and released.  Troopers reported on Friday night that after the incident, which was said to have happened at a dorm at Corning Community,  an 18 year old female victim was taken to Guthrie.  An 18 year old male who was reportedly also hurt, was said to have refused medical treatment. 

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney Votes For VA Legislation 

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney recently voted for the Senator Elizabeth Dole Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act.  Tenney says, this bill expands home and community based services at every VA, allowing veterans to get more medical care in their own homes.   "This bill expands home and community-based services at every VA center, allowing our veterans the dignity of receiving care in their own homes," Tenney said.  "This bill is a crucial step toward honoring our promise to those who have served, ensuring they receive the timely, efficient, and comprehensive support they have earned."

Public Meeting About A Campbell Bridge Being Replaced

The Steuben County Department of Public Works will be holding a public information meeting on the County Road 4 over the Cohocton River Bridge Replacement Project in the Town of Campbell on Wednesday, December 4, at 6:00 PM. The meeting will be held at the Steuben County Highway Shop located at 9155 NY Route 415, Campbell.  Representatives from Steuben County, the NYS Department of Transportation, and the project consultant, C&S Companies, will be present to provide a brief presentation and accept any questions, comments, or concerns regarding the project.

Steuben Co: Not Quite A Drought Yet, But It's Dry

Here in Steuben County, it’s what the U.S. Drought Monitor calls abnormally dry.  There has been some rain but it’s drier than normal.  It’s also abnormally dry in most of Steuben County’s neighboring county – Allegany County.  However, it’s not as bad in Steuben and other local counties, as it is in the 15 counties and eastern and downstate New York, that are under a drought warning. 

Upcoming Benefit In Horeseheads For Injured Investigator

On March 29, a Chemung County Investigator named Mike Theetge was chasing a suspect in Big Flats, and Theetge jumped on the hood of a getaway car to stop a suspect who jumped on that car.  Nearby in Steuben County, deputies heard this on their police radio and rushed over to help out in Big Flats. 

Both suspects were taken into custody.  The latest is, there’s a benefit coming up on Saturday November 30 in Horseheads to help Investigator Theetge with his medical expenses.

Steuben County's Adoption Awareness Month Statement

From County Public Information Officer Ed VanStine:

Steuben County came together in a heartfelt celebration this month to honor November as Adoption Awareness Month, a time to recognize the families who have opened their hearts and homes to children in need of forever families.

The Conference Center at the Steuben County Annex in Bath, NY was filled with warmth, joy, and the laughter of families as they gathered for a day of celebration and reflection. At 2:00 PM, families gathered in the Steuben County courts where Honorable Judge Chauncey Watches officiated the adoptions in his chambers, marking a momentous occasion in the lives of children and their families.

A highlight of the event was the speech given by Steuben County Commissioner of Social Services, Kathryn Muller. With great emotion, Muller shared, “I have had the honor of serving with you all as Commissioner over the past 24 years. Together, we have celebrated 368 adoptions. Today is a testament to you and to the extraordinary power of love, compassion, and the unbreakable bonds that tie families together.”

Muller also shared the exciting news that by year’s end, Steuben County will have completed 10 adoptions, continuing the legacy of building families through the incredible work of those in the foster care and adoption community.

Also, Kelly Fitzpatrick, Chair of the Steuben County Legislature, who made a proclamation declaring November” Adoption Awareness Month” stating, “The choice to open your hearts and your homes is the shining example of how we should live.”

Steuben County is proud to celebrate Adoption Awareness Month and to honor the extraordinary families who choose to make a difference in the lives of children through adoption. Together, we continue to strengthen the bonds that make us all one big family, supporting each other with love, kindness, and dedication.

Alfred State's Megan Smith, Visits Avoca Central School

Alfred State College Assistant Professor Megan Smith, visited Avoca Central recently, and spoke with Avoca Central students in grades seven through twelve.  Smith talked about her work as a licensed veterinary tech at Alfred State College.

Two Upcoming Visits From Santa Claus, Here In Bath

Flags At Half Staff Today, For 18 Year Old Firefighter

The governor wants flags at half staff today, in honor of Dariel Vasquez, a state parks and recreation officer who died putting out a fire in Orange County on November 11.“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Vasquez family as they mourn the sudden, tragic loss of Dariel,” Governor Hochul said. “Dariel was only 18 years old and had a truly bright future ahead of him that has now been unfairly taken away. I commend his dedication to serving and protecting his fellow New Yorkers and his bravery on the front lines.”

Bath Fire Dept: There Were Two Accidents On Saturday

Saturday was a busy day for The Bath Volunteer Fire Department. They report that they answered six calls which included two car accidents, a brush fire, an EMS assist, a carbon monoxide alarm and a smoke investigation.  The first car accident was at Exit 38.  Four people were in that car, two adults and two youths.  The second accident was on Route 415 just south of Bath, past Quinn Road, where the vehicle reportedly crossed the road and rolled over in the thick brush. The driver was able to get out on his own and refused medical treatment.

Campbell Savona's Capital Project Vote

Campbell Savona Central is having a capital project vote on December 10.^.  Tonight at 7:00pm, Campbell Savona will be having a meeting about this in the Campbell Savona Junior/Senior High School Multi Purpose room.  There will also be a meeting on December 4. 

December 4 at 7:00 pm via Zoom https://cscsd-org.zoom.us/j/92347342202...

Capital Project Vote - December 10 from 12:00-8:00 in the Jr/Sr High School Gymnasium Lobby

Hammondsport School Superintendent Is Retiring 

Hammondsport School Superintendent Kyle Bower will be leaving at the end of June, 2025.  "My 17 years as Superintendent at Hammondsport have been the most rewarding part of my 33-year career in education,' Bower tells WVIN.  "I hope I have made some small difference in the lives of the students that have come through our doors."

Also GST BOCES District Superintendent Stacy Saglibene is assisting the Hammondsport Board of Education with the selection process for a new superintendent.  The application deadline is November 30, 2024 with an anticipated start date of May 2025. "  Interested candidates are invited to apply here.

Steuben Co Public Safety Says: Local Firefighters Are Not Being Summoned To Orange County After All, As The Majority Of The Wild Fires There Are Now Under Control

Last week we told you that it was possible that some firefighters from Steuben County might be called up to go to Orange County, to help fight the wildfires.  This morning, Steuben County Director Of Public Safety Tim Marshall said, that with 85 to 90 percent of the fires in Orange County being contained, it's no longer the case that any Steuben County firefighters will be going to that part of the state.  Tim Marshall says that’s because New York State brought in a special unit from Montana called the Hot Shot crew.  Marshall says this lessened the need for volunteer firefighters from this part of New York State.

The Clean Slate Act Went Into Effect Over The Weekend

Governor Kathy Hochul says her clean slate law went into effect this past Saturday.  The Democrat governor says individuals who have paid their debt to society, stayed out of the criminal justice system and are looking for a fresh start will begin to benefit from this law. 

Republican State Senator George Borrello says the new law will leave landlords and employers out of the loop on important background information. 

Accident In Bath This Morning

FROM JOHN CONRAD, BATH VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPT:

At 8:16 am Saturday morning The Bath Volunteer Fire Department and Bath Volunteer Ambulance Corps. were dispatched for a one vehicle rollover at the I-86 East bound off ramp with four subjects total, two adults and two minors, and the driver possibly pinned in the vehicle. Upon arrival all occupants had exited the car. AMR Advanced Life Support was also dispatched to the scene and assisted Bath Ambulance to evaluate injuries of all four patients. Two were transported to Corning Hospital while the other two refused treatment.
The vehicle was a Chevy Traverse SUV that is owned by the Andover Central School District that came down the East bound off ramp and continued across West Washington Street, through the guide cables and over the embankment. Assisting on scene was the Bath Village Police and New York State Police. The cause of the crash is unknown to us currently.
All Bath Fire Units were back in service at 9:07 am.
 

Accident On Friday In Horseheads

The Chemung County Sheriff’s Office reports that they responded to the scene of a serious motor vehicle/bicycle crash on Grand Central Ave. at Hemlock St. in the Town of Horseheads.

Officials say that preliminary investigation indicates that the vehicle and bicyclist were heading in a northerly direction on Grand Central Ave. when, for unknown reasons, the bicyclist reportredly turned into the vehicles path causing the collision. The bicyclist sustained serious injuries, was transported to AOMC, and then airlifted to Robert Packer Hospital.

Additional details will be released once more information is obtained.

Gang Assault Charges At Corning Community College

State Police report that there was a gang assault on Thursday night at Perry Hall at Corning Community College. The assault victims were both 18, a male and a female.  She was taken to Guthrie Medical.  Troopers say, campus video shows, five males went to a boy’s dorm room.   A 19 year old Rochester male is charged with 2^nd degree gang assault and 2^nd degree harassment.  An 18 year old male from Onondaga County, is charged with 2^nd degree gang assault, 2^nd degree strangulation, criminal obstruction of breathing, 2^nd degree aggravated harassment and 4^th degree criminal mischief.  An 18 year old from the Bronx is charged with 2^nd degree gang assault and 2^nd degree harassment.  And a 21 year old from Rochester is charged with 2^nd degree gang assault and 2^nd degree harassment.  The investigation remains ongoing, and no further details are available.

Bath Central School District Does A Traffic Study

Bath School officials say the school has gotten a traffic study done, to look into the possibility of a combined bus run and change of start and end times, at the Bath School District.

National Adoption Day Is Celebrated Here In Bath

It’s National Adoption Day and Steuben County officials, will today, at 1pm, at the County Annex Building in Bath, meet with children, who have been adopted into families this year, here in Steuben County.  There will also be an adoption ceremony at 1:30 today in Bath. 

Statement From The Village Of Bath/Mossy Bank Park

To the friends and neighbors of Mossy Bank Park, a forestry project to remove dead and dying hemlock trees is underway. Most of the hemlock in the park are being killed or have been killed by wooly adelgid. Please see the kiosk in the park near the large pavilion or the Mossy Bank Park website, mossybankpark.com, under News, for more information about this invasive insect.

In order to promote a healthy forest regeneration, it is necessary to keep the deer out of the cut area. In order to do that, slash walls are being built. One is complete, and a 2nd one is in progress. These walls will be in place for at least 10 years. Unfortunately, these walls block many of the trails. Plans are being made to create new trails that will go around the slash walls. This will take time.

The trees in an area along the main road into the park were cut to be used as a landing for the loggers. Plans for this space, when the project is complete, are being discussed.

When visiting the park BE CAUTIOUS! The trail maps are no longer accurate. The areas where logging is occurring is marked off with flagging. Please stay out of those areas. The park is still open and will be until it snows. Please know that the bathrooms are closed but there is a port-a-potty in the parking area near the gate.

Another safety reminder - the park is open to hunters from October 15th -April 30th. Wear orange!

OSHA's Proposed Rule Changes For Firefighters: Update

The online hearings about the Office of Safety and Health Administration’s proposed changes to fire departments, continue today.  The hearings are called the Emergency Response Rulemaking Team Hearing.  Proposed changes reportedly includes additional costs of $4800 and over a hundred new training hours for all firefighters, per year.  The latest is, US Senator Kirsten Gillbrand does not like what she’s heard about these proposed changes.  "If firefighters are going to have requirements from OSHA, they should be funded," Gillibrand said.  "One thing I really dislike is unfunded mandates from the federal government.  It's not right for the federal government to ask states and individuals to do things and not help them with the resources to do it.   So I'm going to look into whether it can be paired with funding.  I'm also going to look into if any of the requirements are something that can be waived. or are not necessary.  We have a lot of volunteer firefighters in New York State and they do great work.  We don't want to stress them out and undermine their ability to do their work," Gillibrand stated.  

Statement from OSHA:  

What are stakeholders' concerns regarding volunteer emergency responders?

OSHA has received comments in response to the NPRM from many stakeholders, including volunteer emergency responders, fire chiefs, trade organizations, and members of Congress, which raise serious concerns about the economic feasibility of the proposed standard for volunteer fire departments. OSHA takes these concerns seriously. The comments submitted to the rulemaking docket provide crucial information that the agency did not have earlier in the rulemaking process. This new information will help the agency make the necessary determinations about whether the proposed standard is feasible for volunteer organizations. 

Moving forward

OSHA is committed to taking steps in any final standard, consistent with the rulemaking record, to assess and minimize detrimental effects on volunteer fire departments. If supported by the record, this may include excluding voluntary emergency response organizations entirely based on these feasibility concerns.

A New Mural In Avoca, To Be Seen For The First Time
In Avoca, there will be an unveiling of a mural this Friday, the event goes from 2pm-5pm . That’ ll be at 2 South Main Street in Avoca.  "Unveiling of the mural of Avoca painted on the side of the building at 2 S. Main Street, facing Chase St., officially commemorated at 2pm with local dignitaries and artist, Brian Buckley, on site to share details and inspiration of the mural," the Genesee Valley Agency said. "There will be live music from pianist Jeff Cifelli, hot food and drinks, and prints of the mural available at the event."

Steuben Co Statement On The 2025 County Budget

From County Spokesperson Ed VanStine:

Steuben County Manager Jack Wheeler presented the proposed 2025 county budget on Monday, November 12, 2024, in the Steuben County Annex Building Legislative Chambers. The presentation highlighted key fiscal priorities, including competitive wages, capital investment, tourism funding, and a balanced approach to managing local property taxes and sales tax revenue.

Key Budget Highlights:

Property Tax Levy and Tax Rate:

 The proposed 1.76% increase in the tax levy is approximately half of the allowable increase under the New York State property tax cap. However, despite the increase in the levy, the average tax rate per thousand is projected to decrease by 4.71% in 2025, marking the 12th consecutive year of reduced tax rates. Over the past decade, the county has successfully reduced the average full value tax rate by 27.53%, reflecting a long-term strategy to the tax burden on county residents while maintaining services.

Personnel Services: Competitive Market-Based Salaries

 One of the primary focuses in the 2025 budget is a competitive approach to recruiting and retaining personnel. The Steuben County Legislature has expressed a commitment to offering market-based salaries and benefits to attract top talent. Like most organizations, the county has experienced challenges filling vacant positions, and this budget prioritizes wage adjustments to recruit staff that provide critical services to residents.

Expense Drivers:

  The primary expense drivers for the 2025 budget are salary and wage adjustments, coupled with increases in Medicaid and other Social Services costs, which continue to represent significant fiscal challenges. Despite these pressures, the county is committed to maintaining local programs while fulfilling state-mandated services.

The 2025 Steuben County budget focuses on EMS, public safety and public works. After introducing supplemental EMS coverage in June 2024 with temporary part-time EMTs and paramedics, the county plans to transition some staff to permanent positions in 2025. In public works, the county has allocated $9.55 million for road construction projects to enhance infrastructure.

In presenting the budget, County Manager Jack Wheeler emphasized the county's commitment to fiscal responsibility and long-term stability: 

"The tax levy is projected to increase 1.76%, approximately half of the allowable tax cap, while the average tax rate per thousand will decrease by 4.71%. This is a responsible budget that balances the need to support county services and programs with the goal of minimizing the tax burden on our residents."

Total Expenses for 2025 to be budgeted at $259,696,215.

The Governor Enacts A Burn Ban - For All Of New York
Governor Kathy Hochul has got a statewide burn ban that’s in effect until November 30.  The governor says, over 5600 acres have been consumed by wildfires in Orange, Ulster and Sullivan Counties.

Woodhull Supervisor: All Of Our Downtown Is Still Open
Update on Woodhull: where the August Tropical Storm Debby remnants came through and hit Woodhull hard. For the business district things are much better than originally expected.  "The day that Tropical Storm Debby came through and flooded our downtown area, I talked with all the businesses," said Woodhull Town Supervisor Scott Grant.  "That day, I would have sworn that none of them would have come back.   As of today, they are all back and up and running."

Rep Tenney: Mobile Office Hours In Penn Yan
Republican Congresswoman Claudia Tenney is having mobile office hours in Penn Yan, on November 25, from 10am to 1am.  That’s at 417 Liberty Street in Penn Yan.  'During these mobile office hours, constituents can receive one-on-one assistance from members of Tenney’s team of expert caseworkers on issues regarding federal agencies such as the Veterans Administration, Social Security Administration, Internal Revenue Service, or Passport Agency," Tenney stated.  

"If you are interested in attending any of these mobile office hours with members of Tenney’s staff, please schedule an appointment by contacting Tenney’s District Office at (585) 869-2060 or walk in to receive assistance."

US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand: An Update On LIHEAP
Democrat US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand recently helped get $360 million dollars in federal funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. The senator will be holding a press conference today, to talk about the different ways for people to get some of that money.  

FROM BEGWS:  ATTENTION BEGWS WATER CUSTOMERS ON AND OFF WEST WILLIAM STREET WATER UNAVAILABLE INTERMITTENTLY WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2024

HIGH POTENTIAL FOR DISCOLORED WATER

Wednesday, November 13, 2024, we will be repairing a hydrant at the corner of West William Street and Howell Street. As a result of this work, water will be unavailable intermittently throughout the day.

There will also be a high potential for discolored water. We ask water customers to avoid running hot water and/or washing whites until ensuring your water is clear.

Wreaths Across America Asks: Can You Sponsor A Wreath
Coming up on December 14, there will be the laying of the wreaths, on markers at the Bath National Cemetery.  The VA is looking for more people to sponsor a wreath, meaning to pay for a wreath, for a veteran’s grave in Bath.  The wreaths cost $17.00 each.  Here’s the online contact info for sponsoring a wreath:  wreathsacrossAmerica.org/NYBNCB
If you prefer to go through US Mail, call 607 664 2298 and ask for a Wreaths Across America Sponsorship form.  

A Woodhull Firefighter Passes Away

The Woodhull Fire Department says, one of their firefighters, Bruce Morseman, has died.  The Woodhull Fire Department says, Bruce Morseman was an integral part of their fire department and that his contributions and kindness and positive spirit, made a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.    
 

Updated: 12:35pm 

The Steuben County Budget Presentation Will Be Today

Today, the Steuben County Legislature presented the county budget.  County Manager Jack Wheeler says the following:  

"The tax levy is projected to increase 1.76%, approximately half of the allowable tax Cap, while the average tax rate per thousand will decrease 4.71%."

In other news, the Steuben County Administration Committee will be taking another step towards hiring a new county attorney.  Several candidates have sent in their resumes to take the place of Jennifer  Prossick, who resigned in August.  One possibility is making it so the new county attorney does not have to live in Steuben County.  All of these issues will be discussed at today’s county meetings.

Local Firefighters Could Possibly Go To Orange County

Steuben County Public Safety Director Tim Marshall says, fire fighters from departments across Steuben County, might be sent to Orange County, sometime later this week.  Governor Kathy Hochul has sent numerous firefighters, state troopers and Department of Environmental Conservation officers, to Orange County as well as Ulster and Sullivan Counties. 

Kelly Fitzpatrick: DIscussing Public Transportation 

There are several transit systems in Steuben County. There’s the Steuben Transit, the Hornell Area Transit system – known as the HAT Buses, the Corning Erwin Transit system, and Southern Tier Central.  Steuben County Legislative Chair Kelly Fitzpatrick is hopeful about expanding the opportunites for public transportation in all towns across Steuben County.  Fitzpatrick says that this was a major part of the county's comprehensive plan.  "One of the most important elements of the Comprehensive Plan, was looking at the issue of transportation," Fitzpatrick said.   "Steuben County is very big and it is very difficult to function if you don't have a car or access to public transportation.  Part of the Comprehensive Plan, is to look at rural transportation and look at some of the transportation systems that provide rides now, because we need transportation 24-7, 365," said Fitzpatrick.    

Correlle, in Corning, Has Big Plans For January

Steuben County Industrial Development Agency Director Jamie Johnson says, the Correlle Plant in Corning is going to continue to stay there, in Corning.  "It's a one of a kind facility," Johnson says.  ""It's the only place in the world that makes Correlle dishes, and they just got done, investing $60 million dollars in one of their tanks and they expect to fire that off, in January.   So they're making substantial investments and are continuing to grow that facility. The Steuben County IDA is staying very close to them in every way that we can," said Johnson. 

A Fatal Accident In Ontario County

From NYSP:  On November 11, 2024, at approximately 4:55 p.m., troopers from SP Canandaigua responded to State Route 332 in the town of Farmington for a car vs E-bike fatal. 

Preliminary investigation revealed that a 2019 Honda Civic operated by Analise L. Winterberger, age 24, of Rochester, NY, was traveling north on State Route 332 when it struck an E-bike operated by a female crossing the northbound lane. The female was pronounced deceased at the scene. Winterberger was not injured.  This is an ongoing investigation. 

The United Way's Stocking Stuffer Campaign 
Press Release:   You can make the winter holidays brighter for local senior citizens by donating items for United Way of the Southern Tier’s annual Senior Stocking Stuffers Drive.
Corning Meals on Wheels, Meals on Wheels of Chemung County, and Pro Action Meals on Wheels Senior Nutrition Program are seeking the following items for local residents who receive home-delivered meals:
• Small notepads
• Travel-size toiletries
• Travel-size hand sanitizer
• Travel-size hand lotion
• Puzzle books
• Sugar-free cocoa packets
• Chapstick/lip balm
• Eyeglass cleaner/cloths
• Playing cards
The items will be delivered to seniors along with their holiday meals. Items can be purchased locally or through this Amazon wish list. Items must be dropped off at the following locations no later than Friday, December 6:

Bath:
•
ServU Credit Union, 7215 St. Rt. 54, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. M-F (lobby).
•
Subway, 322 W. Washington St., 8 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday; 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday.
•
Pro Action Meals on Wheels, Lakeview Apartments Dining Room, 105 Geneva St., 6 a.m.-2 p.m. M-F.
Corning:
•
Corning Family YMCA, 127 Center Way, 5:30 a.m.-9 p.m. M-F; 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday; 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday.
•
Corning Meals on Wheels, 144 Cedar St., 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m. M-F.
•
ServU Credit Union, 111 Pine St., 9 a.m.-5 p.m. M-F (lobby).
•
United Way of the Southern Tier, 88 E. Tioga Ave., 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. M-F.
Elmira/West Elmira:
•
Meals on Wheels of Chemung County, 409 William St., 7:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. M-Thursday; 7:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Friday.
•
Steele Memorial Library, 101 E. Church St., 9 a.m.-8 p.m. M-Thursday; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday; 1-5 p.m. Saturday.
•
West Elmira Library, 1231 W. Water St., Noon-8 p.m. Monday; Noon-5 p.m. Tuesday & Friday; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Wednesday & Thursday.
Hornell:
•
Hornell Area Family YMCA, 18 Center St., 5:30 a.m.-9 p.m. M-F; 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday.
•
ServU Credit Union, 10 Taylor St., 9 a.m.-5 p.m. M-F (lobby).
Horseheads:
•
Horseheads Free Library, 405 S. Main St., 9 a.m.-8 p.m. M-W; 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Thursday; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday; 1-5 p.m. Saturday.
Painted Post:
•
ServU Credit Union, 87 Victory Highway, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. M-F (lobby).

Veterans Day 2024 Events In Bath Today
At 11am, there will be a special ceremony, honoring veterans.  That will be at the Bath American Legion on West William Street.  State Senator Tom O'Mara, Assemblyman Phil Palmesano, Steuben County Legislative Chair Kelly Fitzpatrick will be attending this event.  There will also  be a concert at the Bath VA Auditorium in Building 92 at 1pm today.  At the Bath V event, there will be 45 minutes of patriotic music from the Commonwealth University Mansfield Mountaineer Brass Band. 

New Technology For Trains - To Be Built Here In Bath

A new type of battery engine for trains is going to be developed over in Bath.  Steuben County Industrial Development Agency Director Jamie Johnson says Alstom has been working on this since May, with NS, that’s Northfolk Southern.   The new batteries will be built, at the Kanona Alstom facility in Bath.  

A Corning Inc Expansion Up In Canton, NY

US Senator Democrat Majority Leader Chuck Schumer says Corning Incorporated has reached a $32 million dollar agreement to expand their facilities up in St Lawrence County, New York.  Schumer says this will lead to a lot of good paying union jobs there from Corning Inc.

Gov Hochul Sends Help To Areas With Wildfires

Governor Kathy Hochul  has sent numerous DEC and Troopers and firefighters to put out fires in Ulster, Sullivan, and Orange counties.   “With recent drought conditions, there have been multiple wildfires ignited across the state, and we have deployed state assets and agencies to coordinate with local first responders in fighting these fires while closely monitoring air quality as a result of them,” Governor Hochul said. “The safety of all New Yorkers is my top priority, and I urge everyone in impacted areas, especially those vulnerable, to stay alert, monitor air quality, and take necessary precautions to stay safe.”

Jury Still Out - On The Larry Schoonover  Case 

The jury in the Larry Schoonover case, went into deliberations yesterday at about 2:30 in the afternoon.  Then the judge sent them home for the night at 5pm yesterday.  The jury deliberations began again, at 1:00 this afternoon. 

Brush Fire In Campbell On Thursday Afternoon

There was a brush fire in the 2:00 hour yesterday afternoon in Campbell.  Officials from the Campbell fire department report that they, along with the Addison Fire Department and the Coopers Plains and Savona Fire Departments, responded.  It turned out that a shed, near a residence was also on fire.  Those fire departments got the fire under control and no injuries were reported. 

DOT Worker Almost Dies In Near-Miss In Broome County

State Police put out a video of a Department of Transportation worker, almost getting struck by a box truck on I-81 yesterday, because the box truck driver ignored the move over law sign.  The box truck also, hit a DOT vehicle.  There were no injuries.  The driver of the box truck was a 36 year old male, from Phoenix Arizona.  That incident happened in the Broome County area.

Veterans Day Weekend Is Here

With Veterans Day coming up on Monday, county buildings in Bath are being lit up in green, in honor of veterans.  This is being done as part of Operation Green Light.  Also, the Corning Museum of Glass is offering free admission for veterans throughout November. Veterans are welcome to bring a guest, who will receive a 15% discount on admission. In addition, on November 9th and 10th, the museum is hosting a free glassmaking experience exclusively for veterans. This one-hour session allows participants to create their own glass pieces and provides a unique hands-on experience.

The Larry Schoonover Case Is Winding Down

Closing arguments are scheduled for today in Steuben County Court, for the Larry Schoonover trial.  Schoonover was charged in August 2023, for allegedly firing numerous gunshots at officers from several law enforcement agencies, outside his home, on Roosevelt Avenue in Bath.  

Cornell Cooperative Extension: The Annual Meeting
Cornell Cooperative Extension officials met for their annual meeting recently.  That was in Savona.  Over 100 people attended.  From Edward VanStine: 

Over 100 community members, volunteers, and local leaders gathered at Mud Creek Bison Ranch to celebrate the incredible impact of local volunteers, organizations, and partners. Highlights included the expansion of the Veggie Van program, a successful Farm Trail Day, and the launch of the Agriculture in the Classroom program, reaching 7 school districts!

The Meeting also recognized outstanding contributors:

Cornell Connection Award: Gen Meredith & Cheyanna Frost (Veggie Van)

Agribusiness of the Year: Damin Farms

Outstanding Youth Award: Caitlyn McKinley

Spirit of Partnership Award: GST BOCES

Outstanding Volunteer Award: Tom Edwards

Friend of Extension Award: Hendershot Haflingers

Corning Incorporated has been recognized by Newsweek Magazine, as one of the Most Trustworthy Companies in America for 2024.

Steuben County Public Works Commissioner Eric Rose says, the transfer station in Erwin, will be closed to commercial users starting Monday November 11.  

Home Heating Finanical Aid Is Available
The county social services office says applications to get home heating financial assistance is now available.  You can apply in person at the county office of social services, 117 East Steuben Street in Bath.   Or you can call, 607-664-2500.

Sheriff Jim Allard: Another Boating Safety Class
There will be a free one-day New York State Boaters Safety Course on Saturday, November 9th4. The class will be held from 8:00am to 5:00pm at the Steuben County Sheriff's Office. You must be at least 10 years old to attend and must pass a written test at the end of the session.

Local Winners From Tuesday Night’s Election:

BATH - Terra Thorpe won the Town Clerk’s race, with 3,127 votes.

CAMPBELL -Patricia Horton wins the town justice race, 1,282 votes for Horton.  In Pulteney, Mary Hope Benedict won the Town Justice race, with 454 votes. 

THURSTON - Sue Conklin won the town clerk’s race, 581 votes.  The winner of the highway superintendent’s race, was Morris Smith, who got 447 votes.  

URBANA - Chris McConnell won the town board seat, getting 867 votes. 

WHEELER - The town board seat was won by Heather Trenchard, who got 371 votes.  The own Highway Superintendent’s race was won by Doug Towner, with Towner getting 377 votes. 

WOODHULL -  in the Town Justice race, Christie Brothers won that, receiving 600 votes. 

PROP 1 - Prop 1, passed last night statewide, but it failed in Steuben County, Prop 1 got 25,960 no votes in Steuben County.  Statewide, Prop 1 had 4.4 million yes votes, over 2.7 million no votes. 

COUNTY RACES:  Republican Matthew McCarthy won the Steuben County And Family Court Judge’s race, 29,940 votes came in for McCarthy.  Also, Christopher Tunney won the Steuben County Surrogate Judge’s race, getting 34,678 votes.   Sheriff Jim Allard won his race unopposed, with over 35,000 votes.  

COUNTY PROPS: 

Pulteney Library Proposition (Vote for 1)
774 ballots (0 over voted ballots, 0 overvotes, 15 undervotes)
Yes 522 ______
No 237 ______
Total 759 ______
Overvotes 0 ______
Undervotes 15 ______
Rathbone Proposition 1 - Highway Superintendent (Vote for 1)
463 ballots (0 over voted ballots, 0 overvotes, 12 undervotes)
Yes 86 ______
No 365 ______
Page: 7 of 8
Statement of Votes Cast by Geography
Steuben County, 2024 General Election, Nov 05, 2024
All Precincts, All Districts, All Counter Groups, All ScanStations, All Contests, All Boxes
UNOFFICIAL RESULTS
Total Ballots Cast: 44710
63 precincts reported out of 63 total
2024-11-05
23:30:37
Choice Votes Comparison
Total 451 ______
Overvotes 0 ______
Undervotes 12 ______
Thurston Proposition 1 - Town Supervisor (Vote for 1)
669 ballots (0 over voted ballots, 0 overvotes, 41 undervotes)
Yes 304 ______
No 324 ______
Total 628 ______
Overvotes 0 ______
Undervotes 41 ______
Thurston Proposition 2 - Town Clerk (Vote for 1)
669 ballots (0 over voted ballots, 0 overvotes, 38 undervotes)
Yes 335 ______
No 296 ______
Total 631 ______
Overvotes 0 ______
Undervotes 38 ______
Thurston Proposition 3 - Highway Superintendent (Vote for 1)
669 ballots (0 over voted ballots, 0 overvotes, 38 undervotes)
Yes 320 ______
No 311 ______
Total 631 ______
Overvotes 0 ______
Undervotes 38 ______
Thurston Proposition 4 - Tax Collector (Vote for 1)
669 ballots (0 over voted ballots, 0 overvotes, 39 undervotes)
Yes 329 ______
No 301 ______
Total 630 ______
Overvotes 0 ______
Undervotes 39 ______
Wheeler Proposition 1 - Highway Superintendent (Vote for 1)
573 ballots (0 over voted ballots, 0 overvotes, 23 undervotes)
Yes 178 ______
No 372 ______
Total 550 ______
Overvotes 0 ______
Undervotes 23 ______
Page: 8 of 8

Winner's In Last Night's National Races 

GOP Congressman Nick Langworthy and Republican Congresswoman Claudia Tenney both claimed victory last night, both with solid leads in the vote count.  Langworthy received 239,037 votes, Tenney got 228,718 votes.   Democrat Senator Kirsten Gillibrand was declared the winner by Empire Report in less than two minutes after the polls closed last night.  Gillibrand had 4,421,396 votes.  

Results From The State Races

Senator Tom O'Mara (R) and Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R)  won their races, both were unopposed.  O'Mara: 109,305 votes, Palmesano: 48,347 votes.   Assembly candidate Joe Sempolinski (R), the former congressman, he brought in 36,613 votes in his race last night.  

The Schoonover Trial Continues Again Today

The Larry Schoonover trial resumes today in Steuben County Court.  The county court was closed yesterday because of the election.    

Replacing Code Red With New York Alert

Steuben County Emergency Services Director Tim Marshall says, the county is looking at the possibility of getting a new way of contacting county residents during an emergency, with a statewide program called New York Alert.

Tuesday November 5th Has Finally Arrived

It’s here – the official election day 2024, Tuesday November 5.  The polls are now open until 9:00 tonight. 

In Bath there's a town clerk's race.  There's a town justice race in Campbell.  There is a town board race in Addison.  A Town Justice seat is up in Pulteney and there are some races in Thurston and four props in Thurston.  There are town board races in Wheeler and Urbana as well.  Ajlso, as you know, there is a lot of talk about the statewide proposition, Prop 1.  

Btw, just in case you're interested, here are the early voting numbers: between October 26 and November 3, there were 1,856 early voters who were Bath residents.  Campbell residents: 413 early voters.   Cohocton: 143 early voters.  Caton: 168 early voters.  Erwin residents: 1,422 early voters.  Wayne 125.  Thurston: 129. Avoca residents: 196 early voters. Addison: 169 early voters.  Prattsburgh residents: 101 early voters.   Cohocton: 143.    In the town of Wayne there were 125 who did early voting.  In Thurston: 129 early voters came out between October 26 and November 3. 

Voting Locations For Today

Avoca - Avoca United Methodist Church

8593 Jacobs Ladder Rd

Avoca, NY

Bath District 1 - Kanona Fire Dept, 5931 Railroad Ave, Kanona

Bath District 2 - Savona Municipal Building, 15 McCoy Street, Savona

Bath District 3 - Bath Bapist Church Fellowship Hall, 14 Howell Street, Bath

Bath District 4 - Centenary United Methodist Church, 3 West Washington Street, Bath

Bradford - Bradford Town Hall,  7625 County Route 20, Bradford

Campbell Districts 1&2 - Campbell Fire Dept, 8766 State Route 415, Campbell

Cohocton 1 - Assembly of God Church, 31 North Dansville Street, Cohocton

Erwin 1 - Local 313 Union Hall, Painted Post

Erwin 2 & 4 - Forest View Fire Dept, 125 Forest Drive, Painted Post

Erwin 3 - Coopers Plains Comm Church, 10 Race Street, Painted Post

Hornby 1 - Hornby Fire Dept, 4838 Horny Road, Beaver Dams 

Lindley - 637 County Route 115, Lindley 

Prattsburgh - 15 Allis St, Prattsburgh

Pulteney - Ross Memorial Library, Pulteney

Rathbone - Rathbone Town Hall, 8088 County Route 21, Addison

Thurston - Thurston Town Hall, 7578 County Route 333, Campbell

Tuscarora – 1 - Tuscarora Town Hall, 1094 Gill Rd, Addison

Urbana - 1 (NEW)   Hammondsport Fire Dept, 8521 State Route 54, Hammonsport

Wayne - Wayne Town Hall, 9772 Silsbee Rd, Wayne

Wheeler - 6429 Gardner Rd, Bath

Woodhull - Woodhull Town Hall - Gym, 1585 Academy St, Woodhull

Ram Mart Is Now Up And Running Here In Bath

The Bath School District announced yesterday that the school’s all new, Ram-Mart, is now open.  Ram-Mart is the school’s new food service, providing food to families in need.  The school says, families may submit up to two orders a week.  The Ram-Mart grocery list form, can be found by clicking here.

Another Bomb Threat Against The D.E.C.

On Monday, Wvin reported that State Troopers said that there was a bomb threat emailed to the D.E.C. Office in Bath.  And State Police in New Paltz New York are saying that a Department of Environmental Conservation office there, got a bomb threat as well.  In that case, as in Bath, no explosives were found in the D.E.C. building in New Paltz  The New York State Police say that investigations into both bomb threats, continue.

Info Released - About Standoff In The CIty Of Corning 

FROM CORNING POLICE DEPT:  On October 31st 2024 at approximately 9:34am, Officers of the Corning Police Department responded to the area of Jennings St. in the City of Corning, for a report of a menacing with a handgun in progress.  Upon arrival it was reported to officers that 53-year-old James M. Feenaughty of Corning NY, had menaced a Corning City resident with an expandable Baton and then a reported handgun before going back inside his residence.  Officers set up a perimeter around the residence and were able to make contact with Mr. Feenaughty via phone.  After a short standoff Mr. Feenaughty attempted to escape out of the rear of the residence, but was met by the officers on the perimeter who placed Mr. Feenaughty in custody without incident.  Mr. Feenaughty was charged with two (2) counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree which are class D felonies and two (2) counts of Menacing in the Second Degree which are class A misdemeanors.  Both weapons were recovered. Mr. Feenaughty was processed at the Corning Police Department and transported to Steuben County Jail for arraignment at Central Arraignment Part Court, where he was released with a return date that was not reported to CPD.  

Chemung County Sheriff: "Peanut" Is Not Our Case

The Chemung County Sheriff’s Department put out a statement saying they’ve gotten a lot of calls about the Peanut the Squirrel case.  The Sheriff’s office there says, that’s a D.E.C. issue and the sheriff’s department in Elmira, has no information about the Peanut The Squirrel and the raccoon, being put down.

A Fatal Accident In Schuyler County Over The Weekend 

The Corning Leader reports that it was 55 year old Donald Lincoln of Horseheads, whose vehicle went off the road and crashed, in Beaver Dams this past Saturday.  Officials say that Lincoln was pronounced dead at the scene.   

A Bomb Threat In Bath 

State Police say that yesterday, they got a call from the D.E.C. saying that a bomb threat was emailed to the Department of Environmental Conservation Office in Bath.  Troopers say they searched the D.E.C. building and found no explosives.  The State Police also say, the investigation continues.
 

The D.E.C. And A Chemung County Pet Owner 

Late last week, the Department of Environmental Conservation did, what’s being described as a five hour raid late last week at a home in Chemung County, and putting down a raccoon and a squirrel named Peanut.  That story has been mentioned by numerous national media outlets and commentators. 

Early Voting Ended Sunday/The Official Election Is Tuesday

Early voting ended yesterday at 5pm.  The official election day is tomorrow, Tuesday November 5.  Voting hours tomorrow, will be 6am-9pm.   

Larry Schoonover Trial Continues In The County Court
The Larry Schoonover trial resumes today in Steuben County Court.    He’s facing numerous charges, including two counts of 1st degree attempted murder of a police officer.

An Apparent Election Related Arrest In Bath

Early Voting Is Winding Down, And A Look At Local Races

Early voting is going on from 9am to 5pm today, tomorrow and Sunday.  On Sunday at 5pm early voting comes to an end.  There are three early voting locations: 20 East Morris Street in Bath, the Community Arts Center On Broadway, Hornell, and inside the Civic Center in Corning.  

There are two candidates running for Bath Town Clerk.  Other local races are: the town justice race in Pultney, a town clerk race and a town highway superintendent race in Thurston, and a town board race in Urbana.  There is a town justice race in Campbell.  There is also a town justice race in Cohocton.  A town board seat is up in Addison.  There is a highway superintendent’s race and a town board race over in Wheeler.  In Woodhull, there’s a Town Justice seat that’s up.   

Also, a major part of this year's elections in New York State is Prop 1: The Equal Rights Amendment.  

Here in Steuben County there is a state assembly race for state assembly, and that’s between Republican Joe Sempolinski and Democrat Dan Brown.  It goes without saying there’s the race for the White House.  There’s also a US Senate Race between Democrat US Senator Gillibrand and her GOP opponent Mike Sapricone.  There are two congressional races in Steuben County: GOP Congressman Nick Langworthy and Democrat opponent Tom Carl are running in the 23^rd congressional district.  Also in Steuben County several towns are in the new 24^th congressional district.  That’s a race between Republican Congresswoman Claudia Tenney and the Democrat candidate David Wagon-Houser.  There are also two state supreme court judge races.  

Steuben County also has a race for sheriff – Sheriff Jim Allard is running unopposed.  And - there is a race for county and family court judge .  Again early voting is over on Sunday at 5pm and the official election day is Tuesday November 5^th.

A Nice Donation Goes To Pro Action Of Steuben/Yates Co's 

Pro Action of Steuben and Yates Counties, has gotten a donation of just over $3600, which will go towards the Pro Action Home Delivered Meals Program. 

Update From The Erwin Transfer Station 

The Erwin Transfer Station will be temporarily closed to all commercial haulers and dump trailers from November 18 through November 23, due to essential site upgrades. They’re going to be doing upgrades.  However, local residents will still be able to use the Transfer for bagged garbage and recycling. County officials also say, things will get back to normal on November 26th.