Two Local Events Tomorrow: One In Bath, One In Campbell

The Bath Village Police Department is having an auction tomorrow.  It’s an unclaimed property auction and they have about three dozen bicycles to auction off.  The Bath Police Auction starts at 10:30 am and is being held behind the Bath Village Police Station.  Also, the Campbell Fire Department is having a chicken barbeque tomorrow, starting at noon at the Campbell fire hall.  Cost for a full meal is $12.00 and drinks are $1.00. 

Three County Meetings Slated For Monday Morning

There are three Steuben County legislative meetings coming up Monday in Bath.  The Agriculture, Industry and Planning, Public Safety and Corrections, and the full county legislative meeting. 

Thanks To A State Grant, We're Getting More High Tech

Sheriff Jim Allard tells WVIN News, that thanks to a new state grant, the Steuben County Sheriff’s Department will be getting 40 new license plate readers that also act as dashboard cameras.  The sheriff’s office will also be getting a new drone and numerous new hand held evidence cameras with that grant money. 

Governor Kathy Hochul's Eurpoean Vacation 
While Democrat Governor Kathy Hochul was in Italy this week the governor announced Solar plans for New York State: electric bill credits for some customers who can get $40 in annual bill credits for using solar energy.  While in Ireland, Hochul worked out a deal with an Irish company so there will be a partnership between the Empire Development Corporation and that Irish business.

Schumer: On Those Ground Rules About A.I. 

Democrat US Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is part of the senate’s Artificial Intelligence commission.  Schumer  says this senate commission is working on ground rules, but he says, there are so many ramifications to A.I. there will be situations that arise that are not covered by the commission.  

Injured Sheriff's Investigator Posts An Update

Chemung County Sheriff’s Investigator Mike Theetge who suffered severe head trauma while he was arresting two suspects in Big Flats on March 29, Theetge put out a statement about his medical condition. The investigator says he’s been released from a Rochester rehab facility, that he still has no hearing in his right ear and that the right side of his body is numb.  Mike Theetge also says he’s very grateful to the Chemung County Sheriff’s Department.

Local Mayor Wants EMS $$$ From NYS Government 

Over in Hornell, Mayor John Buckley is calling on the State Legislature to establish ambulance service as an essential service. He says quote, “It’s shocking the State doesn’t officially recognize EMS as an essential service and provide local governments with direct financial assistance. This is especially true given the statewide EMS crisis municipalities are dealing with.”

Bath Village Board Comes Up With $$$ For Bath Police Dept

Bath Police have gotten a $40,000 state grant to buy a drone, a street camera and two license plate readers.  Bath Police are thanking the village board for investing in the community and the police department. 

Law Enforcement Memorial Service To Be Held Friday

Steuben County Sheriff Jim Allard says there will be a Law Enforcement Memorial Service Friday, May 17, at 6pm at the Steuben County Sheriff's Office Memorial Park, 7007 Rumsey Street Extension, Bath.  "We will remember the fallen heroes and their families who gave all that we could be safe. The Roll of Honor will be read, including all who have fallen in the line of duty from Steuben, Allegany, Chemung, Livingston, Ontario, Schuyler and Yates Counties. Speakers will include Congressman Langworthy, Former Congressman Joe Sempolinski, Assemblyman Palmesano, Assemblywoman Byrnes, Steuben Legislative Chair Kelly Fitzpatrick and Sheriff Allard.  The Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard will present the colors, a Hammondsport student will sing the National Anthem, Taps will be played, a 21 Gun salute will be offered by the Corning American Legion and VFW Ceremonial Drill Team, and Amazing Grace will be played on the bagpipes.  The public is invited and encouraged to attend to support the families and communities of those who protected all of us.

State Police Academy's 2024 Graduation Ceremony

228 new State Troopers graduated from the State Police Academy yesterday.  Superintendent Steven G. James congratulated 228 new State Troopers as they graduated from the 214th Session of the Basic School of the New York State Police Academy. The ceremony was held at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center in Albany. The graduation increases the State Police ranks to 4,977 sworn members.   State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said, “Today’s ceremony is one of our finest traditions and introduces a new generation of highly trained men and women to the New York State Police. These new Troopers will serve New Yorkers with honor, integrity, and bravery, and I welcome them to our ranks.”

Two Upcoming Local School Events Are On the Calendar
The annual Arts Show, is being put on by Hammondsport Central students, on Monday May 20^th from 5:30pm to 7:00pm. The Arts Show will be held at the Fred and Harriet Taylor Memorial Library in Hammondsport.  Also, Prattsburgh Central School officials say the time and date for the Prattsburgh Spring Concert is being moved.  Instead of being on May 21, the concert will be held on Wednesday May 29 at 6:30pm in Burke gymnasium.  

Bath Police: Bath Resident Is Facing Numerous Charges

Bath Village Police report that Keith Frailey, 45, Bath, is charged with Assault in the Second Degree,  Unlawful Imprisonment in the Second Degree, Burglary in the Second Degree, Criminal Mischief in the Fourth Degree and Stalking in the Fourth Degree.  Bath Police say that list of charges comes after a week’s worth of alleged domestic dispute incidents.  Frailey is being held without bail.

Update On Former Addison Village Clerk/Treasurer Case

Steuben County District Attorney Brooks Baker says, there was a meeting between his office and the judge and the defense attorney for former Addison Village Clerk Ursula Stone, who is accused of using her job to steal over a million dollars from Addison taxpayers.  "There were some issues that we needed to work out between defense counsel and the judge and I, and the format of motions and additional information that needs to be shared on both sides before we can go forward.  We adjourned the next court date until June, when there will be a motions hearing, and we'll get that information and make sure we're all on the same page," Baker said this morning.  
 

Langworthy: Some Congressional Members Are Using Migrants To Stack The Deck In The Census Count, To Change District Maps

Republican Congressman Nick Langworthy is supporting what’s called the Equal Representation Act.  Summed up quickly,, the bill requires census takers to find out if the individual being counted is a US citizen.  If the answer is no, then the individual would be counted as a non-citizen and that would not affect the congressional map count. 

See legislation below: 

In conducting the 2030 decennial census and each decennial census thereafter, the Secretary shall include in any questionnaire distributed or otherwise used for the purpose of determining the total population by States a checkbox or other similar option for the respondent to indicate, for the respondent and for each of the members of the household of the respondent, whether that individual is a citizen of the United States.

“(2) Not later than 120 days after completion of a decennial census of the population under subsection (a), the Secretary shall make publicly available the number of individuals per State, disaggregated by citizens of the United States and noncitizens, as tabulated in accordance with this section.”.

SEC. 3. EXCLUSION OF NONCITIZENS FROM NUMBER OF PERSONS USED TO DETERMINE APPORTIONMENT OF REPRESENTATIVES AND NUMBER OF ELECTORAL VOTES.

(a) Exclusion.—Section 22(a) of the Act entitled “An Act to provide for the fifteenth and subsequent decennial censuses and to provide for apportionment of Representatives in Congress”, approved June 18, 1929 (2 U.S.C. 2a(a)), is amended by inserting after “not taxed” the following: “and individuals who are not citizens of the United States”.

(b) Effective Date.—The amendment made by subsection (a) shall apply with respect to the apportionment of Representatives carried out pursuant to the decennial census conducted during 2030 and any succeeding decennial census.

Gillibrand: On Helping Local Fire Departments Get $$$

Democrat US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand is pushing to get fire departments a boost in federal funding from FEMA.  Gillibrand says the funding will be for buying equipment and emergency vehicles and to address staffing shortages.  

From The Senators Office: Gillibrand will hold a virtual press conference to announce her push to provide a boost in federal funding for the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFGP) in the FY25 appropriations bill. The AFGP provides funding for local fire departments to purchase equipment and emergency vehicles and address staffing shortages. As many fire departments across New York State continue to rely on outdated equipment and struggle with staffing shortages, Gillibrand is pushing for additional federal funding for the AFGP to ensure firefighters have what they need to stay safe as they protect their communities. 

Jamie Johnson Playing  A Key Role, For NY Forward Winners

Steuben County Industrial Development Agency Chair Jamie Johnson and numerous other local officials were at Hammondsport Central yesterday, talking about the $4.5 million dollars Hammondsport/Urbana won, in the New York Forward contest.  Johnson is helping advise  a committee on the plans for using that $4.5 million dollars. 

Corning Inc. Is Doing Career Days All Over The U.S.

Corning Incorporated officials say that this year, their facilities in Charlotte, North Carolina; Reynosa, Mexico; and Canton, New York, invited in almost 300 eighth  grade girls to see their facilities and hear about career possibilities.

Mark This On Your Calenders: A Fundraiser For Theetge

There’s going to be a benefit to raise money for Chemung County Investigator Mike Theetge.  That  will be on Sunday June 9 at the Erin Town Tavern, on Breeseport Road in the Chemung County Town of Erin.  Theetge was injured in Big Flats on March 29, while pursuing two suspects outside of Target.  

Update On Alfred Student Who Was Severely Injured 

This morning Alfred State College spokesperson Paul Welker issued a statement about how gang assault victim Derek Correa of Bradford Pennsylvania, visited the college recently.  The four Elmira area suspects who are accused of committing the gang assault in Alfred in October, the four have been in Allegany County Court for numerous hearings recently, including motions.  No word yet on when the trial will be held.   

Governor Kathy Hochul Is In Upstate, Then Off To Europe

Today the governor is in Buffalo, for an event noting that it’s been two years since the shooting at a grocery store there.  After that, the governor is going to Europe.  Hochul will speak at Pope Francis' summit on Climate Change. The governor will be there in Italy tomorrow.  After that hochul goes to Ireland for a similar event about climate change.  The governor comes back from Europe on May 20.

Local Road And Bridge Work Is Going On This Week

The New York State Department of Transportation says, road work is going on in Urbana on Route 54A.  the D.O.T. says that road will be reopened on Sunday May 17.  Also, three bridges are closing today - That’s the Mill Street bridge in Cohocton and that’ll be for four weeks. No on-site detour.  The Bean Station Bridge in the Town of Wheeler will be closed for 12 weeks.  There will be an on-site detour.  The County Road 333 Bridge in Campbell will be closed for about 15 weeks. There will be an on-site detour.

The Week Of May 12 Is National Police Week 

It’s National Police Week.  Officials say that this year, the names of 282 officers killed in the line of duty were added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C.  They say 118 of those officers were killed in 2023.  The names will be read aloud during the annual Candlelight Vigil this evening at 8 p.m. in our nation’s capital.   Here in Steuben County, officials are encouraging people to thank deputies and officers for keeping the public safe.  "We especially want to extend warm wishes and respect to the hard working and dedicated officers of the Steuben County Sheriff's Office who go above and beyond daily for the residents of Steuben County," county officials posted online, on Sunday. 

Sen Gililbrand: Day Care For Cops Kids 
Democrat US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand is working to get grants to police departments so they can set up day care center’s for police officers families.  "Police officers deserve the support and resources needed to do their jobs well, which includes accessible child care," Gillibrand stated.  

Watkins Glen Head, Visits Congressional Office In D.C.

Republican Congressman Nick Langworthy says, Watkins Glen President Dawn Burlew and some of her employees visited the US Capitol recently.  Langworthy says Watkins Glen is great for the southern tier and for motor sports. 

Avoca: Tractors In The Park Will Be Held In August 

In Avoca, they announced yesterday, that they’re having a Tractor in the Park event, that ‘ll be August 25 from noon to 3:00 that day.

Steuben Co Reinforces "Drive Sober" With Local Youth

The message “don’t drink and drive” was taken to Haverling High School in Bath this week.  Steuben County Sheriff Jim Allard says that Investigators, deputies, school resource officers and state troopers, spent some time with the Juniors and Seniors from Haverling High School , talking about the dangers of drunk and distracted driving.  The sheriff also says that students were able to watch simulated impaired driving videos and crash impact videos.   

Langworthy: Getting Insurance For Farmers Is A Priority

Work continues on the farm bill in Congress.  Republican Congressman Nick Langworthy says he’s working on, among other issues, getting an amendment in for insurance for specialty crops like grapes.  "All it takes is a few hours of the cold, freezing temperatures," Langworthy tells WVIN.  "That can result in all those hours of farm work, being wasted.  I'm working to include, in the farm bill, an amendment so there will be more insurance for specialty crops," Langworthy said.  

Statement From Senator Schumer: On Drinking Water

Thanks to our Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we're delivering $3B to identify and replace lead water pipes across America. And I was proud to secure over $129M to get lead out of our drinking water in New York and keep families safe. "Safe water for everyone," Schumer told WKBW TV earlier this week.  

Update On Campus Protest Movement And Fallout From It

EmpireReportNY.com has a link to a story today about how the president Of Cornell University is resigning.  This news follows much controversy over anti-Israel protests at Cornell.  University President Martha Pollack says, she’s stepping down after seven years. This makes the third Ivy League college president resignation, since December.

Tenney: Lets Clean Up Election Process For November

Republican Congresswoman Claudia Tenney is up for election in November and her district will include, after the elections are over, some local towns and villages, such as Prattsburgh, Wayland and Cohocton.  Tenney says today, she’s introducing legislation to prevent big donors from being able to fund election organizations.  Tenney says there’s one organization in particular called the Center For Tech and Civic Life which gave $350 million dollars to election boards in left leaning counties in over half a dozen states.  Tenney says there was no oversight on how the money was spent. 
 

Joe Sempolinski Is Campaigning For Assembly Seat

Former Congressman and current county Republican Chair Joe Sempolinski, is running for the Joe Giglio seat in the state assembly as Giglio is not seeking reelection.  Sempolinski is also Giglio's chief of staff, and Sempolinski says things are going well on the campaign trail.  "I'm very pleased," Sempolinski said this morning.  "I was in the Olean area yesterday, meeting with folks, and I've been all over the assembly district, campaigning hard in all three counties (Cattaraugus, Allegany and the Steuben County Towns of Woodhull, Jasper, Greenwood and Addison).  

Gillibrand: The Senate Dems Farm Bill And Wineries

Work continues on the farm bill in Congress, where the Senate Democrats have succeeded in additional funding for grape growers and dairy farmers.  "It's Protecting New York’s dairy farmers by strengthening the Dairy Margin Coverage Program, which protects farmers from losses when feed and milk prices fluctuate," gillibrand said.  The senator also notes she got increased funding for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, which supports farmers at New York’s orchards and vineyards.

The Ramp Guys - Do It Again!  

The Ramp Guys are building another wheelchair ramp today here in Steuben County.  That’s in Avoca, at Food and Cake, on North Main Street, Avoca. 

Bath Police Have An Upcoming Bicycle Auction 

On Saturday, May 18 at 10:30 am, the Bath Village Police Department will have a “found and unclaimed property auction”.  That will be behind the police department.    Chief Colin Taft says about 30 plus bikes and other items will be auctioned off.

The Education Summit Starts Today At CCC

Corning Community College says Professor Julie Dick & Assistant Professor Jillian Scanlon will be a part  of the Education Summit at CCC that’s today and tomorrow.  The keynote speaker is from Finland, and will be speaking tonight at 7:00 at  Corning Community.  Her name is Jenni Vartiainen Ph.D.

The Ramp Guys Build And Yet Another Wheelchair Ramp

There’s a local volunteer organization known as The Ramp Guys” and they’ve been getting attention in local news lately.  The Ramp Guys, have been around since 1998.  They’re a group of volunteers who build wheelchair ramps here in Steuben County.  tomorrow they are expecting to be completing their 700^th ramp. 

Its National Corrections Officers Week

This week is National Corrections Officers Week.  Sheriff Jim Allard notes that this week is the 40^th anniversary of corrections officers being recognized in this way.  Corrections Officers Week was something that was started by President Ronald Reagan, back in 1984.  

Mock DWI Makes An Impression On Local Students

Recently, students from Prattsburgh Central School and Canisteo-Greenwood, attended a mock DWI accident.  The event was put on by numerous law enforcement agencies and Alfred University acting students.  One of the acting students played the role of the drunk driver, the other, the drunk driver’s fatal accident victim. 

Hochul Attends Trooper Memorial Ceremony

Governor Kathy Hochul spoke yesterday at the State Police Memorial Officers Ceremony.  The governor honored 68 State Troopers, from seven departments.  "Today, we honored 68 fallen officers who lost their lives protecting the people of New York," the governor said.  "Their names are now etched in stone at the Police Officers Memorial in Albany. We will never forget their bravery and sacrifice."

More Cameras For Two Local Police Departments 

The Steuben County Public Safety Committee is working to get a police drone for Corning and a street camera for Bath.  "We received a request from the Village of Bath," Steuben County Manager Jack Wheeler announced on Monday.  "That's for a camera for Bath, because the police there has noticed activity there, and Bath Police say that a camera would be beneficial," Wheeler stated.  

The Steuben County Community Impact Panel 

There is an organization called the Community Impact Panel.  They meet once every three months in Bath.  It’s made up of Sheriff Jim Allard, D.A. Brooks Baker and substance abuse counselor/social worker Julie Haar.  The panel met last night in Bath.  The Community Impact Panel speaks with first time drug offenders, about what can be done to help them get  the help they need, and how to stay out of trouble.

Palmesano: The New Budget And Squatters Laws 

Assemblyman Phil Palmesano says, the new budget includes new laws on squatters, which makes them easier to evict.  However, Palmesano noted that there’s nothing in the new laws to help law enforcement convict the squatters.  "The new law is a step in the right direction, but it could have gone farther in my opinion, in making it possible for police to arrest squatters," said Assemblyman Palmesano.

Want To Be A Part Time Police Officer?

Need a part time job?  The Hammondsport Police Department is hiring.  Interested?  Email PD@Hammondsport.US

Village of Hammondsport Police Department has 1 Part Time Police Officer position available. Submit a resume and cover letter to Police Chief Jason Dininny by the following ways:

Personal delivery of documents by appointment only, Police Department Phone # (607)569-3703
Email: pd@hammondsport.us

Bath School District  Announces Hearing For Tuesday Night

The Board of Education of the Bath Central School District will hold a public hearing about the school’s Code of Conduct on Wednesday at 5:00 p.m. in the Haverling Auditorium.  Immediately following the Bath Board of Education will have a budget hearing.   Then the regular school board meeting will be at 6:00, also in the Haverling Auditorium.  

Palmesano: The Gov Is Allowing State Aid For H-Port

Corning Republican Assemblyman Phil Palmesano says, the governor is backing off her plan to cut state aid to schools like Hammondsport.  Palmesano maintains that Hammondsport was going to be cut more than most schools.  "Hammondsport, I think they were looking at a 30 percent cut," Palmesano said.  "The fact that we were able to get that back in the budget was a positive thing, but we're going to have more work to do, because we know this governor is going to try to revisit this, next year," Palmesano stated this morning.   Hammondsport Central officials will discuss the budget more tomorrow night at 6:00 in the high school library.

Alfred Police Charge Bath Teen After A Recent Incident

A teenage girl from Bath is reported to have been in a big street fight in Alfred.  Alfred Police say the Bath teen and a teenage girl from Wellsboro were both charged with Disorderly Conduct.  The two girls  were ticketed and released.  

Steuben Co Assists Schuyler County In Manhunt Situation

The search continues for 40 year old Rexford Smith.  Officials believer he fired gunshots in the Town of Dix over the weekend.   

approximately 7:45a.m., the Schuyler County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call reporting gunfire at Mill Hill Road in the town of Dix. Law enforcement was dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, officers encountered an ongoing situation, and subsequent information led them to a secondary location on State Route 414 in the town of Catlin.

Protocols to neutralize the situation and ensure the safety of civilians were immediately implemented. Schuyler County Sheriff’s Office, along with the assistance of Chemung County Sheriff’s Office, Steuben County Sheriff’s Office, Watkins Glen Police Department, and the New York State Police, secured the area and initiated an investigation into the incident. Several Fire Departments and Emergency Medical Personnel were also staged at the scene to provide medical assistance.

Anyone with any info, please call the Schuyler County Sheriff’s Office at 607 535 8222.

Hammondsport Is Doing It Again!

Hammondsport officials announced today that the third annual classic boat show will be happening July 20 and 21.  

Rose: Bridge Work Is Coming Up On May 13, In Three Towns

Steuben County Public Works Commissioner Eric Rose says three bridges are going to be closed starting on May 13.  The bridges are:  The Mill Street bridge in Cohocton,  that’ll be closed for a month, and there is not going to be an on-site detour.  Also closing May 13, the Bean Station Bridge in the Town of Wheeler, that’ll be for 12 weeks.  The bridge is located between Muck and Dineharts Crossing roads. The on-site detour will consist of Bean Station Road, Depew Road, County Road 77 and Muck Road…and the County Road 333 Bridge in the Town of Campbell will be closed for about 15 weeks. It’ll be completely rebuilt and there will be an onsite detour.  

Tenney: Bring Ryan Corbett Home To America 

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (R) says Dansville resident Ryan Corbett has been held hostage by the Taliban for over 600 days.  "It's time to bring Ryan home," Tenney said, in a Twitter X post this morning.
 

Outside Company To Help With Some Special-Ed Bus Runs 

Steuben County Manager Jack Wheeler says that New York State law requires counties to pay for pre school special education transportation costs, when pre-schoolers are bussed to facilities outside of school settings.  As such, Steuben County is looking at the possibility of hiring an outside bus company to help do bus runs for Bath, Hornell, and Corning Painted Post schools. 

Sheriff Allard: Bath Woman Charged With Welfare Fraud 

Steuben County Sheriff Jim Allard reports that a 34 year old Bath resident is accused of getting about $3500 in welfare benefits she is not entitled to.  The suspect’s name is Malissa Aldrich.  The charges against her are welfare fraud in the Third Degree and grand larceny in the Third Degree. 

Langworthy: Jewish Students Aren't Safe At Columbia

This morning GOP Congressman Nick Langworthy issued a statement, saying that Jewish students are not safe on Columbia’s campus.  Langworthy says, they’re being blocked from their classes simply for being Jewish. The congressman has  called for the Columbia University Board to remove President Shafik He also says, some of the students should be punished too.

The Fentanyl Fend Off Act , Has Been Passed

From Democrat US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand:

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand held a virtual press conference to announce the passage of the Fentanyl Eradication and Narcotics Deterrence (FEND) Off Fentanyl Act as part of the national security supplemental. The legislation will empower the U.S. government to go after the producers and traffickers bringing dangerous drugs into the country and help end the opioid epidemic. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50 times stronger than heroin and cannot be detected by taste, smell, or sight when mixed with other drugs. The fentanyl crisis has affected nearly every community in New York, and over the past year, Gillibrand has met with families of overdose victims and law enforcement fighting the fentanyl crisis across the state.

Natural Gas Work Has Begun In The Village Of Bath

Work has begun on East William Street in Bath.  Bath Electric Gas and Water says that work will go on until sometime in June. 

State Police : Reporting On A Shotgun Incident In Avoca 

FROM NYSP: On April 29, 2024, at approximately 6:18 p.m., the New York State Police responded to 61090 State Route 415 in the town of Avoca for a third party report that a neighbor just shot their friend.  A preliminary investigation revealed that Willie C. Faniel, age 66, of Avoca, NY, shot a male victim, age 61, of Avoca, NY, with a shotgun. The victim was airlifted to Strong Memorial Hospital for treatment of injuries.  Faniel was charged with Assault 1st (B Felony) and was taken to Steuben County Jail for CAP arraignment. 

DOT Scales Back On Number Of Hornell Roundabouts

The New York State D.O.T. spoke last night at Hornell High School about Roundabouts in Hornell.   In July 2022, the Department of Transportation was speaking about putting about half a dozen roundabouts in the areas near the Walmart/Wegmans Hornell Plaza.  Now the D.O.T. says, they’re planning to put one roundabout near Simmons-Rockwell in Hornell. 

Palmesano: New York State Needs More Organ Donors

Assemblyman Phil Palmesano is hitting the organ donor issue hard.  He held a press conference with county clerks about that in Painted Post yesterday.  The Corning Republican made the following points: there are 103,000 people nationally on the organ donation waitlist; Nearly 8,000 of those are New York state residents…1,100 of them have been waiting for more than five years.