Travel Advisory Issued

 

BATH -- Steuben County has issued a Travel Advisory, effective immediately, recommending NO unnecessary travel in Steuben. Officials also advise residents NOT to call 9-1-1 unless a road is completely block by a tree or if the wires are arcing. 

 

“This is NOT a travel ban, but just an advisory to motorists to use caution while traveling today,” county Sheriff Jim Allard said, Friday morning. “If you must go out for work or an appointment, please use caution and call ahead to make sure the business or meeting place is open.”   

County road crews have been operating since 3 a.m. and are having difficulties due to downed trees and powerlines.  Most roadways are snow-covered and dangerous. 

 

County Emergency Manager Tim Marshall said areas across Steuben received heavy snow this morning and more snowfall is expected this afternoon. In addition, gusty winds are predicted to begin this afternoon, causing significant blowing and drifting of snow with near whiteout conditions, he said. 

 

“If you must travel during the storm we urge motorists to use caution, slow down and leave plenty of room between vehicles,” Marshall said. 

 

Marshall also recommended travelers: • Call ahead to make sure destinations are open.  • Be prepared for delays • In the event your vehicle is stranded, make sure there is an emergency kit in the vehicle, including high energy food like granola or protein bars, water, blanket, extra winter clothing, a shovel and rock salt.

Another Winter Storm

Old man winter has given us another punch as heavy snows and winds are causing problems this morning.  Slippery roads, power outages and strong winds have forced the closing of most schools, caused many cancellations. NYSEG reports over 7,000 customers have lost power. Tree limps are reportedly falling due to the heavy snow. Forecasters say the winter storm warning will remain in effect until 1:00am Sat morning. Expect difficult travel this morning as work crews continue to get streets and roads cleared.  A travel advisory has been issued by Steuben County advising no unnecessary travel

Corning Community College Student Dies of Suspected Overdose:

Corning Community College released a statement Thursday about a medical emergency that claimed the life of a student.  Painted Post State Police are investigating and the college says it is cooperating.  Troopers say that they were called to the campus on a report of two unconscious people.  Naloxone was administered to a 21-year-old woman, and authorities say she regained consciousness.  Naloxone was also give to a 26-year-old man, and CPR was performed, but he was pronounced deceased at a local hospital.

Felony Charges for 14 in "Operation Spring Break":

 At a press conference in Hornell Wednesday authorities announced the arrest of 14 people in what they've dubbed "Operation Spring Break."  The accused allegedly sold different types of drugs, including heroin, cocaine, fentanyl, and prescription pills.  Each faces criminal possession and criminal sale of a controlled substance charges.  One of the accused - Joshua Withrow - is also charged with criminal negligent homicide for allegedly selling drugs that killed someone in an overdose several months ago.  Authorities said that while "Operation Spring Break" was extremely successful, there was one suspect that was not arrested: 63-year-old Hamid Afzali.  They are calling him a person of interest and ask that anyone with information about his whereabouts contact the Hornell Police Department.

More Trouble at Elmira Correctional Facility:

Trouble continues at the Elmira Correctional Facility with more fights between inmates and the seizure of more makeshift weapons by officers in recent weeks.  The first incident occurred on February 7th when two inmates started fighting inside the gym at the prison.  One inmate suffered cuts to his face.  A second fight happened on February 12th when two inmates allegedly attacked another inmate.  Two ice pick-style weapons and a piece of broken glass were found after inmates dropped them to the floor.  All three inmates were taken to the infirmary for treatment.  Officials say more fights broke out over the next two weeks, with several of the incidents needing to be broken up with OC spray.  Seven makeshift weapons were turned over by inmates or were found as a result of searches of the prison.  Inmates involved in the incidents were placed in special housing units and are facing internal disciplinary charges.

 

 

Annual "Check Out Hunger" Campaign Ends Sunday:

 

The annual "Check Out Hunger" fundraising event for the Food Bank of the Southern Tier ends this Sunday.  That will be your last chance to help out by making a donation while checking out at your local Wegmans.  Last year, over $250,000 was donated.  This year, officials have set a goal of $290,000.