Fire on Arkport School Property:
Arkport Fire Chief, Dan Hulbret, says the cause of the brush fire on Arkport Central School property in between the school bus terminal and Lisman Lane is undetermined at this time. The fire was reportedly about half an acre in size and was contained in a matter of minutes. The Chief went on to say that fire conditions are extremely high and that even fire-pit or burning barrels can emit sparks which can cause fires a long distance from the actual source, particularly with the high winds and dry conditions.
Mistrial Called in Case of Former Employee vs. the Elmira School District:
A mistrial has been declared in the civil case of a former Elmira School District employee who was suing the district and two board members for several million dollars. Bob Gosden was suing the district and school board members Dan Hurley and Lynn Grottenhaler for comments they made in the Star Gazette and at a school board meeting in November 2008. He said they broke a confidentiality contract he had with the district and caused him to lose work. He was seeking $4.25 million dollars. The case was thrown out of New York State Supreme Court when the judge said Gosden’s attorney asked improper questions during jury selection.
Congressional Candidates Speak in Elmira:
The three democratic candidates running for the 23rd Congressional seat appeared yesterday in Elmira to answer questions at a public meeting at the Union Hall on Clemens Center Parkway. Following the forum they were asked what the main issue was in their campaign. Melissa Dobson said, “My platform is based on creating job opportunities in this area from white collar to blue collar workers.” Nate Shinagawa responded with, “We need to shift the priorities of Congress. Congress is about enriching millionaires, oil and gas companies, and other corporations. We need to … focus back on middle class people in America.” Leslie Danks Burke said, “I am very concerned with jobs in this region and I’m concerned with the intersection between jobs and education and healthcare.” Yesterday’s event was sponsored by the Chemung County Democratic Committee but the committee did not endorse a candidate.
Corning Inc. Buys Becton in $730M Deal:
The world’s largest maker of LCD glass, Corning Inc. has announced that it’s buying a majority of Becton, Dickinson and Co.’s Discovery Labware division for about $730 million in order to bolster its life sciences offerings. Corning’s Life Sciences unit develops, makes, and supplies scientific laboratory products. Corning Chairman, President, and CEO Wendell Weeks said in a statement that the acquisition will increase Corning Life Sciences’ annual revenue by 40 percent and get it closer to its goal of becoming a $1 billion business by 2014. Following the announcement, share of Corning gained 10 cents to $13.58 in premarket trading while Becton, Dickinson and Co.’s stock added 56 cents to $77.25.
St. Ann’s Officially Closing:
After weeks of hopeful fundraising, Father Peter Anglaaere has announced the closing of Saint Ann’s school in Hornell. For the last 149 years, Steuben County children have been learning at the catholic school, but the Rochester Diocese says financial concerns have forced them to close St. Ann when the school year ends in June. The parish community held a fundraising drive to try and keep the school open, but only managed to raise about $100 thousand of the $250 thousand needed.
County Route 34 Closing:
County Route 34, or Whiskey Creek Road, in Caton will be closing on its northern section on April 16th to all but local traffic. This section of road is just north of the Ginnan Road intersection. It’s expected to stay closed until April 26th in order to replace a box culvert. The County advises using State Route 225 as a detour.
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