Sheriff David Cole steps down
There was a special tribute to outgoing Steuben County Sheriff David Cole on his final day on the job. As he left the sheriff department Friday afternoon as area law enforcement officers lined the sidewalk and saluted as the Sheriff left his office for the final time. Cole’s law enforcement career includes 13 years as undersheriff and then sheriff for Steuben County. He has also served with the New York State Police along with Police Department’s in Wayland and Addison. He leaves law enforcement career spans 41 years.
Pa State Trooper Shot
There has been a fatal shooting of Pennsylvania State Trooper Friday night. The trooper has been identified as Landon Weaver who had been a Pa state trooper for about a year. The shooting occurred early evening last night in the small town of Hesston 120 east of Pittsburgh. Authorities have a suspect and are searching for a 32 year Jason Robison.
Minimum increase wage starts
Governor Andrew Cuomo has announced the launch of a new public awareness campaign reminding New Yorkers that the first increase to the minimum wage will go into effect. Earlier this year, Governor Cuomo signed landmark legislation making New York the first state in the nation to enact a $15 minimum wage. The ads will run be featured on television stations across the state. The campaign marks the first benchmark of the phase-in schedule for the minimum wage increase, which will ultimately reach $15 an hour and impact more than 2 million workers in all industries across the state.
Painted Post man arrested
The Steuben County Sheriff’s Department reports the arrest of a Painted Post man for Criminal Trespass in the Second degree and petit larceny. 46 year old Scott Woodhouse was reported in a Victory Highway residence without permission and was taken into custody. He was remanded to the County jail on $2,000 cash bail.
The Flu in New York
The New York State Health Commissioner has declared influenza prevalent in New York State. With this declaration, health care workers who are not vaccinated against influenza must now wear surgical or procedure masks in areas where patients are typically present. Flu season typically peaks in February.
County Prescription Program
An eight-year partnership between Steuben County and the ProAct prescription discount program has saved county residents a total of more than $4 million. Since the program took effect in October 2008, residents have collectively saved an average of 60 percent on more than 101,000 prescriptions. The ProAct card is available to all residents, regardless of age or income, with little or no prescription coverage.
New Laws for New York
Not only is minimum wage going up in New York, but several new laws go into effect in the new year including: Tinted windows on vehicles need to be able to let in 70% of the light to pass inspection. Starting Jan 17th funeral homes will be able serve snacks and non-alcoholic beverages. And people fighting drug addiction will no longer need approval from insurance companies