Today's Top Stories - Tuesday, April 17th

Investigation Continuing in Case of Body in Car:

Authorities are reporting today that they are, quote, “feeling more comfortable” that foul play was not involved in the death of an unidentified person whose body was found inside a burning vehicle early yesterday morning near Arkport.  Steuben County Sheriff Joel Ordway said “the fire is unusual because cars don’t typically catch on fire by themselves, but if he or she were sitting there idly and just fell asleep, it could.”  Authorities believe the fire started in the engine compartment.  The Monroe county Medical Examiner’s Office is working to determine a cause and manner of death, as well as positively identify the victim.  Ordway added that authorities have talked to the family of the registered owner (of the vehicle) and that he’s not home.

Rochester Mom Admitted to Setting Fire Say Authorities:

Newly released court documents say that 31-year-old Bobbie Kugler allegedly admitted to starting the fatal fire that killed four of her children.  She reportedly told investigators that the fire started when she set pictures of her boyfriend on fire inside her house.  According to The Democrat and Chronicle Kugler told police she tossed the burning photos on a dresser filled with combustible materials.  Kulger was charged last week with arson and four counts of manslaughter in connection with the deaths of her four children.  She’s currently being held the Monroe County Jail on $300,000 bail.

Eric Smith Seeks Freedom Today:

In 1993, at the age of 13, Eric Smith killed 4-year-old Derrick Robie of Savona.  Now, 19-years later, at the age of 32, Smith is seeking parole for the sixth time.  If granted, Smith would be eligible for immediate release, pending a review of his release plan, which includes where he’ll live and what he plans to do to gain employment.  In a 2006 Department of Corrections and Community Supervision report, Smith said he would likely return to Savona if released.  If parole is denied, Smith would remain behind bars for at least two more years.  The parole board’s decision is expected by the end of the week at the latest.

Organizations Receive Funding for Volunteer Week Projects:

As part of New York State’s Volunteer Generation Initiative, the newly formed Regional Volunteer Center of the Southern Tier had made $2,000 donations in the form of grants to local organizations participating in National Volunteer Week.  In Steuben County the money went to: The Almond Twentieth Century Club Library to support a volunteer project that will update the library entrance; the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Steuben County to gather their many volunteers together for the first time, recognize their work, and engage them more; and the Steuben County Retired and Senior Volunteer Program of Bath, to thank their almost 800 volunteers for their service.  To learn more about the Regional Volunteer Center or to search for volunteer opportunities dial 211, or visit http://www.211helpline.org/givehelp.   

Groundbreaking on Hospital Project Tomorrow:

Ground will be broken tomorrow afternoon on the $150 million Corning Hospital project.  Expected to speak at the event is Lt. Gov. Robert Duffy, Guthrie Health President Joseph Scopeliti, Corning Hospital President Shirley Magana, and Corning Hospital Board President Phil Roche.  The ground breaking will be at 3 p.m. at the end of East Corning Road, near Interstate Highway 86.  The project is expected to be completed in July 2014 and it will replace the outdated Denison Parkway facility.

Regional Job Fair Today:

If you’re searching for a new job, get your resume ready – the 2012 Regional Job Fair is today from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Murray Athletic Center inside the Elmira College domes on Route 14 in Veteran.  Around 100 employers and vendors are expected to be in attendance.

Corning Named “America’s Most Interesting Town:”

Corning has won the popular vote for the sixth week of the Reader’s Digest, America’s Most Interesting Town contest.  Each week, from now until May 31^st, an American town will be named Most Interesting Town in America by popular vote at the Reader’s Digest website.  In connection with their win, Corning will be mentioned in an upcoming issue of Reader’s Digest Magazine.  Locals are being encouraged to submit photos and stories about what makes Corning the Most Interesting and one story will be selected by the editors of Reader’s Digest to be featured in the magazine, and the winning author will receive a $1,000 cash prize.  Visit http://www.readersdigest.com/america for more information regarding the contest.