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Top Stories, February 28, 2023

Bath Police Chief Colin Taft: Robbery Suspects Caught

From Bath Police Chief Taft: On 12/18/2022 at 2:09 PM, the Village of Bath Police Department was dispatched to a robbery in progress on West Morris Street. Upon arrival, the responding officer located a distraught female victim who advised that two suspects, who were not known to the victim, had fled the scene
prior to police arrival.  Following the investigation into this incident, on 02/17/2023, the Village of Bath Police
Department arrested Michael George, age 53, and Sherri Dixon, age 34, both of Bath, on Superior Court Warrants of Arrest charging both George and Dixon with one count of Robbery in the second degree, a Class C Felony, and one count of Petit Larceny, a Class A Misdemeanor.  George and Dixon are alleged to have forcefully stolen property from the victim’s person.  George and Dixon were processed and transported to the Steuben County Jail to await arraignment in Steuben County Court.

 

Delivery Driver Facing Charges After Accident On Local School Grounds 

From New York State Police:  On February 24, 2023, troopers in Wayland responded to a property damage accident at the Jasper-Troupsburg School in the Town of Greenwood. Troopers learned that a Fed-Ex box truck had driven over the sidewalk and into a tree in the parking lot. Troopers located the vehicle on Andover Street in the town of Greenwood and identified the operator as Michael L. Morgan, age 38 of Elmira Heights. Troopers subsequently arrested Morgan for Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs, Controlled Substance not in Original Container, and Leaving the Scene of a Property Damage Accident.

Morgan was transported to SP Wayland for processing then released with an appearance ticket to appear in the Greenwood Town Court at a later date.

 

Prattsburgh Resident Facing Several Charges

From State Police: On February 24, 2023, troopers in Bath responded to the area of State Route 53 and Reservoir Road in the town of Prattsburgh for a motor vehicle accident.  Troopers subsequently arrested Catherine A. Digati, age 62 of Prattsburgh, for Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs and traffic violations. Digati was transported to SP Bath for processing and released with appearance tickets returnable to the Town of Prattsburgh Court on March 22, 2023 at 7:00 p.m.

 

Painted Post Man Charged After Alleged Hotel Incident

From Painted Post Based State Police: On February 24, 2023, troopers in Painted Post responded to America’s Best Value Inn in Painted Post for a disturbance and report that a subject was damaging property. Troopers located the suspect identified as Erik D. Dann, age 31 of Painted Post. Dann was subsequently arrested and charged with Criminal Mischief 4th Degree, Resisting Arrest, Obstructing Governmental Administration 2nd Degree, all Class A Misdemeanors, as well as Harassment 2nd Degree.

Dann was transported to SP Painted Post for processing, then taken to the Steuben County Jail for centralized arraignment at 5:30 p.m.

 

Bath Suspect Is Facing Numerous Accusations

From Bath PD: On 02/14/2023 at approximately 04:39 AM, the Village of Bath Police Department was dispatched to 17 Liberty Street for a report of a criminal mischief in progress in which the victim reported that a male subject had just kicked in the door to his apartment and fled the scene.  After investigation into this incident, Kenneth Mikko, age 35, of Bath, was located and taken into custody on one count of Criminal Mischief in the fourth degree, a Class A Misdemeanor.  At this same time, Mikko was also taken into custody on the outstanding charge of Criminal Contempt in the second degree, a Class A Misdemeanor. On 02/12/2023, it is alleged that Mikko violated a full stay away order of protection by initiating third party contact with the protected party.  Mikko was processed and transported to the Steuben County Jail to await arraignment.
Mikko is a two time convicted felon, one of which being a violent felony. At the time of these incidents,
Mikko was on pretrial release and has approximately 12 pending felony charges as well as several pending misdemeanor charges from several separate cases.
The Village of Bath Police Department thanks the New York State Police and Steuben County Sheriff’s Office for assisting at the scene.  

Top Stories, February 27, 2023

Eight Point & Baron Wind Continue Construction In Steuben County, While Objections Lessen Over Time

Steuben County IDA Director Jamie Johnson says Eight Point Wind and Barron Wind are continuing to put up projects across the county.  Johnson also says, there are valid concerns about wind projects but also, more acceptance of them.  "I think that there are still some very concerns, that residents are able to address, through the state regulatory process," Johnson tells WVIN.  "I also think that with a more mature renewable industry in our community, that individuals are seeing and understanding better what the impacts may be, because we already have development right here in our county.  There is a growing acceptance of these projects although there are still valid concerns that the state does take a look at, as they are permitting these projects," Johnson said today.   

 

Langworthy: Let The Counties Have The Funding, Don't Keep The Money Intended For Counties, In Albany

Congressman Nick Langworthy says, he and Dutchess County Congressman Mark Molinario, sent a letter to Albany, telling the governor not to take funds sent from Washington, intended for counties, to pay for medicaid.  

 

Governor Hochul: Federal Emergency Management Needs To Help The New York State Counties, Affected By Elliot 

The governor wants FEMA to come up with funding for the New York counties, that were hit by the blizzard, just before Christmas.  The counties the governor is looking to help are Erie, Niagara, St Lawrence and Suffolk.

 

O'Mara: The Budget Numbers Are Going Higher Every Year

State Senator Tom O’Mara says, this year’s proposed state budget from the governor, is seven billion dollars higher than last year’s budget, and that last year’s budget raised taxes by four billion dollars. 

Still Masking Up In Bath Hospitals 

On Thursday we reported that the hospital over in Hornell is still requiring people to wear covid masks, and today, we’re reporting that both Ira Davenport and The Bath VA, are also still requiring masks at this point.

 

Coming Up On Monday At The County Office Bldg...

The Steuben County Legislature meets Monday morning in Bath to vote on a resolution that states the state should not take away funding from Washington, intended for Steuben County, to pay for Medicaid here.  Steuben County officials say, the plans in the proposed New York State budget are to end the federal assistance to counties across the state, helping counties with Medicaid payments.

 

Another Inmate-On-Guard Assault At Elmira Correctional

Officials at the Elmira Correction Facility say that a convicted Murderer doing time there, injured some corrections officers and a Sergeant…officials say the corrections officers are still not working, due to injuries sustained in that assault. The prisoner is serving sentence for a murder in Syracuse.   

 

Close Call - In A Very Dangerous Hornell Area Accident

A Hornell garbage truck driver and his passenger, escaped death and serious injuries yesterday, when the garbage truck they were in, lost power while going up a hill and slid backwards.  The garbage truck went down an embankment for 50 feet, in a dangerous rollover, finally coming to rest on it’s side.  Hornell Police say, the investigation continues.

Top Stories, February 23, 2023

Go Fund Me Page - Its About Halfway There Now

The goal is $10,000.  The goal for the go fund me page for Cynthia Herrington of Bath, who lost her home to a fire earlier this week.  As of today just before 12-Noon, go fund me, is showing that the donations total around $4,000 of that goal. 

 

Patrick Perl Wins Top Award For Nursing Nationwide

Officials at Ira Davenport Hospital in Bath say that Arnot Health’s registered nurse Patrick Perl, was just in Orlando Florida, presented with the organizations "Front Line Nurse of the Year" Award.

 

St James Hospital Is Keeping The Covid Masks On

Over in Hornell, St James Hospital announced, the following rules, because of covid in the county, the hospital is continuing mask wearing for all staff visistors and patients.  Also, visitors that definitely have covid or might have covid, are not allowed inside the hospital.

 

Gov Kathy Hochul Visits Southern Tier Marijuana Dispensery CBS News reports that Governor Kathy Hochul yesterday visited a marijuana dispensery in Binghamton.  Hochul says quote:  I’m proud that New York is building the nation's most equitable and inclusive cannabis industry, and we’ll keep working in communities across the state to help it grow.

 

'Don't Change The Overtime For Farmers'Is The Message That The State Labor Commish Has Decided To Ignore

Upstate Republicans Sen. Tom O'Mara, Sen. George Borrello and Assemblymember Palmesano have sharply criticized state Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon’s decision to finalize controversial regulations lowering the overtime threshold for farm workers in New York State from 60 to 40 hours.   Reardon announced her final action to codify the new regulations yesterday.  New rule goes into effect in the year 2024.

Top Stories, February 22, 2023

A Go Fund Me Page, Is Set Up For Cynthia Herrington, who owns the house which caught on fire yesterday in the early AM.  A friend of Cynthia Herrington, posted the following: 

Hi! My name is Michelle and I am a friend and daycare parent to Cindy Herrington. This morning, 2/21/2023, Cindy and her family faced the unthinkable. They lost their home and some animals to a terrible fire. Not only was this their home, but this was the second home to so many children in our community. Cindy and her mom operated a very successful and respectable Licensed daycare program. Cindy, James, and Korbin have hearts of gold and would give the shirts off their backs to help anyone in need. Now, they are in need and I decided to create this Go Fund Me for them. Please consider donating what you can or simply just sharing the post

 

https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-rebuild-the-herringtons-home-and-daycare

 

In other news, Congressman Nick Langworthy is on a lot of Agriculture Committee subcommittees.   Here's the names of the subcomittees:the subcommittee on commodity markets, digital assets and rural development, and the subcommittee on nutrition, foreign agriculture and horticulture…Langworthy says, he’s thrilled to receive these sub assignments where the mission to promote US Agricturlure on the world stage and ensure that no family goes hungry.  Langworthy says also that he’s excited to start work.

Top Stories, February 21, 2023

Fire This AM - On The Turnpike Road In Bath

This morning at 5:37am The Bath Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to 5458 Turnpike Rd in the Town of Bath for a reported structure fire. Asst. Chief Zydanowicz arrived first on scene to find a 15’ x 24’, 1.5 car, 2 story detached garage fully involved. He then called for a second alarm plus an additional tanker from Howard. The second alarm consisted of Avoca, Kanona, Hammondsport and Howard tankers to the scene for the water supply. Avoca, Hammondsport and Kanona for manpower and Bath VA to the fill site to fill tankers. Painted Post was called for a Fast team and Savona stood by at the Bath fire station for any additional calls.

There was some extension to the home which sustained moderate damage but an aggressive interior attack limited the fire from progressing throughout the home. A 8x16 shed was also completely destroyed. There were no civilian or firefighter injuries or fatalities reported at this time. The property is listed as being owed by Cynthia Herrington and also housed a day care.

The Red Cross is assisting the family. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Steuben County Fire Investigation team with no further details available at this time.

The Gov Gives Almost $6M - To Emergency Services In Bath

From Steuben CO Public Safety Director Tim Marshall:
We are proud to be awarded with more than $5.8M to enhance our communications system and provide for additional interoperability and redundancy working with our regional partners."

 

Consultants Brought  On Board For Steuben CO Comp. Plan

Steuben County’s Legislature, has hired consultants, in order to help out officials here, come up with the best county comprehensive plan that they can.  County Manager Jack Wheeler says, next Monday, the county legislature will get a full report about the comprehensive plan, and in the meantime, individual lawmakers will meet with the comprehensive plan consultants.  He says, the county is having an online meeting where they’ll be taking more suggestions about the comprehensive plan.  That meeting will be on March 16th

 

A Longtime Local Crossing Guard Has Died 

The Bath Police Department, is mourning the death of a local long time crossing guard that was a lifelong Bath and Hammondsport resident, his name was Ronald Deming. 

Deming was 62 years old and died February 17th

Top Stories, February 20, 2023

Noise Complaint In Elmira, Gets Even Worse

Elmira Police report, they got a call about a loud party, and when they got there, had to call in the swat team to get several hostages out.  Police say the hostages were being held in the upstairs of the home, by a suspect that was already wanted on a warrant.  Over a period of hours, the hostages escaped and the suspect was charged.     

 

State Police: Car Rams Into House In Cohocton

State Troopers report that a vehicle crashed into a house on State Route 21 in the town of Cohocton. Troopers identified the operator and subsequently arrested Willis D. Laplant, age 41 of Atlanta, for Driving While Intoxicated, Aggravated Unlicensed Operation 1st Degree, a Class E Felony, and other traffic violations.  Laplant was issued an appearance ticket.

 

Top Stories, February 18, 2023

On February 16, 2023, the State Police responded to a fatal house fire located at 6003 Bonny Hill Road in the town of Bath.  When troopers arrived they made entry, but had to retreat out of the house due to heavy smoke.  One resident, Joyce Kautz, was located in her bedroom deceased after the fire was extinguished.  

Steuben County Fire, the Steuben County Sheriff’s Office, the Bath Fire Department, the Bath VA Fire Department, and Bath Volunteer Ambulance assisted the State Police.  

The investigation is continuing at this time.

Top Stories, February 17, 2023

Fatal Fire Yesterday In Bath

There was a fatal fire in Bath on Thursday.  According to the Corning Leader, the fire was a house fire on Bonny Hill Rd in Bath, and the name of the deceased is being withheld from the media, pending family notification. 

 

County Continues Investigating Two Local Fires From Wed.

Steuben County Emergency Services fire investigator Ed Fitzpatrick tells WVIN News that the cause of the fires in Kanona and Bath, two days ago, are still under investigation.   On Wednesday, there was a grass fire on Nipher Road in Kanona and a structure fire at a mobile home on Emerson Road in Bath.  There were numerous fire departments at both fires Wednesday.  

 

Big Flats Suspect Facing Weapons Charges

Troopers charged a 43 year old Big Flats man, with Grand Larceny in the Third Degree and Criminal Possession of a Weapon.  New York State Police say he was also found to be in possession of a loaded rifle in his vehicle during the investigation.  The Big Flats suspect is in Chemung County Jail, $5,000 bail.


Order A Narcan Kit From Steuben Co Public Health In Bath

Steuben County residents can now get free Narcan kits from the County Public Health Office in Bath.  Narcan kits have Narcan inside them, which is a nasal spray used to reverse opiod overdoses.  To get a Narcan kit from the county public health office, check out today’s news story about the county Narcan kits on this  website: https://www.steubencountyny.gov/696/Opioid-Overdose-Prevention

 

Bath Police Are Thanking Vested Interest In K9's

Village of Bath Police Department’s K9 Bud has received donation of body armor for K9 Bud. It’s a bullet proof and stab proof vest for the Bath Police Dog.  They monetary donation was given to the Bath Police Department by a Massachusetts company called Vested Interest in K9s. 

Two Bad Fires Yesteday, One In Kanona, One In Bath

Fire officials from Bath, report two fires in the area yesterday, a grass fire in Kanona, which numerous fire departments responded to, and a fire in Bath.  The fire in Bath, was a structure fire, of a double wide mobile home on Emerson Road.  There were no injuries reported, and numerous fire departments were at yesterday’s structure fire in Bath. 

 

Former Bath Fire Chief Jim Orme, Has Passed Away

It is with deep sadness we share the news of the passing of past Chief Jim Orm. Jim had over 50 years in The Bath Volunteer Fire Department and was the Chief for many years. It was his ambition to make our Technical Rescue Team the best in the area and instituted the Steuben Regional Technical Rescue Task Force.  Jim's expertise, leadership and most of all friendship will be dearly missed by us all who knew him. We send our thoughts and prayers to all his family and friends.

 

Addison Man Facing Numerous Charges After Alleged DWI

Steuben County Sheriff Jim Allard reports that a 26 year old Addison man was found slumped over in a vehicle in a parking lot in Addison.  The sheriff says, the 26 year old suspect was a drunk driver that did not have the interlock device inside his vehicle, and had an open container inside his vehicle.  The 26 year old Addison man is also alleged to have resisted arrest.  He was ticketed and released. 

Top Stories, February 15, 2023

Langworthy: Opposing Albany, From Washington DC

Republican Congressman Nick Langworthy says, Governor Kathy Hochul is wrong, to want to take the over $2,000,000 million sent to the state by Congress, intended to help pay for Medicaid costs in Steuben County, in order to close a state budget gap.  

 

From Bath Police Chief: Congrats To The Investigator And Sgt

Bath Police Chief Colin Taft is congratulating Investigator Jackson and soon to be, Provisional Sgt. Johnson, on completing the three week course in Police Supervision.  The Bath Police Chief Colin Taft, says it’s vital training in order to succeed and lead, in 21st Century police work.

 

From The Albany Budget Hearings

Republican State Senator Tom O’Mara questioned the head of the New York State Energy Research Development Authority, Chairman Rory Christian yesterday, about the cost of climate change driven changes, which will be made to people’s home heating.  "What's the overall cost going to be?" O'Mara's line of questioning, revolved around that question.  "You don't have any idea of what the cost, what the ultimate impact of this whole thing will be," O'Mara said to Christian.  "What's the impact going to be on the rate payer?"  Rory Christian did not seem to have the answers.  "I do not have that information handy at this moment," Christian said, more than once to O'Mara.  However, when the Elmira Republican stated that there was no cost-benefit analysis, Rory Christian disagreed.  "The climate scoping plan - a cost-benefit analysis has been put forward," Christian explained.   

Top Stories, February 14, 2023

Bath Landlord Is Facing Accusations 

From the Sheriff: 

Steuben County Sheriff Jim Allard reports that on February 13, 2023, the Steuben County Sheriff’s Office arrested Scott M. Wilkins, age 55, of Unionville Road, Bath, New York following an investigation into a reported harassment of a tenant by a landlord.  It is alleged that Mr. Wilkins withheld utilities from a tenant in violation of a Steuben County Court Order.  It is further alleged that when placed under arrest, he physically resisted arrest, causing injury to the deputy arresting him.  Mr. Wilkins was charged with Assault in the Second Degree, a class D Felony, Criminal Contempt in the Second Degree, Obstructing Governmental Administration in the Second Degree, Willful Violation of a Lease Term and Resisting Arrest.  Mr. Wilkins was arraigned in the Centralized Arraignment Court and released.  The deputy was treated at a local medical facility and released,

 

It's The Last Year The Governor Must Provide School Aid

A local school superintendent tells our news department that this is the last year that the Governor has to fully fund foundation aid for schools.  The superintendent says, if the governor doesn't fully fund schools this year, then Hochul would have been in violation of a settlement agreement a few years back.  That school superintendent also says, the concern now is what happens with state aid for the 2024-2025 school year. 

 

Housing Compact - A Part Of The Proposed State Budget

Part of the governor’s proposed budget, is to order all towns, villages and cities, to set up new housing.  The idea has some support in New York City where there are many homeless people.  However in upstate New York, not all mayors like the idea.  In Hornell, Mayor John Buckley maintains, if this is passed in the state budget, it will end the idea of home rule, which allows villages, cities and towns to decide how much housing they have.  However, we’re told it is not like the Urban Renewal programs of the 1970s, which gave eminent domain powers to the state, allowing the state to knock down homes and businesses to put up roads and highways. Officials say, the governor’s plan does not go that far.    

Top Stories, February 13, 2023

Naloxoboxes - A New Thing For Steuben Co

Steuben County officials say there are 21 metal boxes being installed on walls in public places, and places like Corning Community College.  The metal boxes are called Naloxoboxes, and they have emergency supplies of the overdose reversal drug Narcan in them.  The coordinator of the project, Connie Terry, says, these emergency kits being readily available, and is essential to saving lives.  

 

Corning's Charlie McGrady Honored By The County

Steuben County officials are saluting Charlie McGrady of Corning, a 2008 Steuben County Hall of Fame Inductee, who was a Corning native.  McGrady worked for 45 years at Corning Inc, the county is honoring Charlie McGrady as part, of Black history month.  

 

Schumer: Sick Of The Whole Balloon Situation

Numerous media outlets are reporting, that Senator Chuck Schumer is so fed up with China, for sending all of these spy balloons, that Schumer is saying, the U.S. should consider banning Tik Tok.  That move also has Republican support too, from GOP Senator Josh Hawley in Missouri. 

 

Hammondsport Congratulating Blake Wright

Hammondsport Central School officials are saying, congratulations, to Blake Wright on your acceptance to Clarkson University and for being recognized with the Clarkson University Leadership Scholarship. 

 

Academic All Stars Meet Again Tonight In Bradford
Steuben County schools meet tonight at Bradford Central School, for Academic All Stars.  That’s at 615 tonight.

 

Two Steuben Co Men, Facing Drug Charges After Pullovers

After a routine pullover in Tuscarora, a 25 year old Troupsburg man was charged with 7th degree criminal possession of a controlled substance.  That’s according to state police, they also report that a 38 year old Corning man was charged in the Town of Lindley, with driving while ability impaired by drugs.  Both were issued appearance tickets.

Top Stories, February 10, 2023

The State's Covid Mask Mandate, Ends This Weekend

Politico.com reports that New York State Health officials will allow masking requirements in health care facilities to lapse on Sunday, Feb. 12th.  It remains to be seen, Politico says, if all health care facilities will drop the mask mandate on Sunday. 

 

Charges Against Hornell Assistant Principal, Dismissed

The Hornell School District  issued a statement, saying that all the charges against Hornell Assistant Principal Eli Marcus, have been dropped.  Last summer, Marcus was charged with 10 counts of Endangering the Welfare of A Child.  In court this week, Judge Roche dismissed the charges.  The school system officials say they are relieved, and that they can now focus soley on educating the students.

 

NYC State Senator: Judges Need To Study The Law

Empire Report New York and the Daily News are reporting that Manhattan Democrat, State Senator Brad Hoylman, wants a law passed, requiring all judges, to do more studying of the state’s bail reform laws.  Hoylman says, we don’t know if the judges are really following that law. 

 

Alfred Is Ranked As The #1 College Town In The USA

A Washington Post reporter, says Alfred, New York, is ranked number one in his recent nationwide survey, and that reporter says that Alfred, New York, now has, the nickname “College Town USA”.  Alfred as you know, is the home of Alfred University and Alfred State College.

 

Top Stories, Feb 9, 2023

Work Underway On Bath Village Budget 

Bath Village Mayor Michael Sweet tells our news department that the budget process is just getting started for the village budget, which is expected to be passed in May. 

 

The SWAT Team, Vs CERT Team 

In Steuben County, we used to hear about the Sheriff’s Department’s Critical Emergency Response Team.  Now we hear about their SWAT Team.  Sheriff Jim Allard explains that the name change, happened four years ago.  "Four years ago we changed the name to SWAT.  Our SWAT Team is training now with Livingston County's SWAT Team, and the goal of the Steuben County Sheriff's Department's SWAT Team is to get NYS certification," Allard said this morning, to WVIN's Brian O'Neil.      


Like Mom Says, Wash Your Hands A Lot 

Steuben County Public Health officials say that the stomach bug is going around, they say they’re hearing that, from school nurses and the general public.       

 

Congrats To Hammondsport Senior Christopher Hill

Hammondsport Central School student, Christopher Hill, has been accepted by both the University of Buffalo and Clarkson.  According to school officials at Hammondsport, it appears that Christopher Hill will be attending the University of Buffalo.  Hammondsport Central School officials are saying “congratulations Christopher Hill”. 

Top Stories, February 8, 2023

The Verdict Is Not Guilty

A Steuben County Court official has told WVIN News that Prattsburgh resident Dustin Drake has been found not guilty of all the charges against him.  Drake was accused of being the driver in a 2019 accident, that claimed the lives of four area residents.  

 

Schumer's Guests At The State of The Union Last Night

Senator Chuck Schumer’s guests at the State of the Union last night, were from Rochester and Syracuse: the Syrucuse guest was Savion Pollard, a Navy Veteran and the Rochester guest was Kevin Kawalski, a US Army Airborne Veteran that survived pit burn injuries in Iraq. 

 

O'Mara: Potential Future Corrections Officers Are Wary

State Senator Tom O’Mara says the way prisons are being run now, because of the state’s lax disciplinary rules, is not helping corrections officer recruitment.  During a budget hearing at the state capital in Albany, and this was a joint-hearing, O'Mara told the head of the Corrections Officers PBA, that he recently spoke with a young woman that expressed both interest and fears, of getting into that line of work.  "I got a phone call from a young woman from my district, that is sitting for a corrections officer's exam," O'Mara stated.  "Very, very concerned for her safety," was how the senator described the job applicant. 

 

Chemung Co Sheriff's Dept Arrest

From The Chemung County Sheriff’s Office: "The sheriff's dept announces the arrest of 41-year old, Sara Norton of Elmira as a Fugitive From Justice, a Class D Felony offense of the New York State Criminal Procedure Law.  Norton was wanted on an active warrant out of Bradford County, Pa, for meth charges.  Norton was arraigned in Horseheads Court and remanded to the Chemung County Jail without bail awaiting extradition by the Pennsylvania authorities.

 

New Volunteer Fire Fighter For Bath Vol Fire Dept

The Bath fire dept:  “Congratulations to our newest member Zach Briggs who was voted into the Bath Volunteer Fire Department, Zack joins us with training and experience from two other previous departments before moving to Bath. His past experience will be a big asset to our department.”

Top Stories, February 7, 2023

Jury In The Dustin Drake Case Was Sent Home

We checked in with Steuben County Court today and so far there has been no verdict yet, in the Dustin Drake case.  That's because Judge Chauncey Watches sent the jury members home, at 9:30am this morning, with instructions to return tomorrow, Wednesday, February 8th.

 

Opiod Overdose Reports, From Steuben CoPublic Health

Steuben County Public Health reports that there were, in 2022, 289 reported opiod overdoses, 12 fatal overdoses, and 92 times, officials administered Narcan.  So far this year, there have been 22 reported overdoses, one person has died from them, and narcan has been administered seven times.

 

New Rules For The Assembly GOP

The state assembly Democrats are passing new rules for the Assembly.  Under the new rules, each Republican state lawmaker can only get four bills per year, into a committee, for a vote. And that’s before it reaches the floor.  Corning Republican Assemblyman Phil Palmesano is objecting to this, saying the Democrats are not imposing this set of rules on their own party. 

Top Stories, February 6, 2023

Troopers Say A Bath Man Allegedly Lied About His Identity

From State Police: "On Friday February 3rd, 2023, Troopers from SP Bath received information regarding a Criminal Impersonation during a traffic stop that took place January 26, 2023.  On the 26th troopers stopped a motorist who identified himself as his brother and a ticket was issued.  After further investigation, troopers identified the suspect as Dennis A. Crowley, age 37 of Bath."

 

23 Unreported Covid-19 Deaths In Steuben County

Steuben County Public Health Department officials say, they went through death certificates and found that there were 23 unreported COVID-related deaths, between December 4, 2021 and January 12, 2023.   Ten were females and 13 were males, and they were between the ages of 52 and 97.  One person was from Corning, two were from Hornell, six were from Bath, one from Campbell, one was from Urbana.  That’s according to the county public health office.

 

The Potential Cost Of Electric School Buses

Corning Republican Phil Palmesano says if the New York City based, Climate Action Council, gets their way and forces schools statewide to drop gasoline run school vehicles and makes schools use electric buses, it’s going to cost taxpayers.

Palmesano says officials from the Horseheads school district have already done the math on the cost of electric buses, and it's more than $10 million dollars. 

Top Stories, February 3, 2023

Dustin Drake Jury Update

The jury finished up on Friday afternoon, just before 5:00pm, and went home for the weekend.  The jury will return for deliberations on Monday.  Dustin Drake is the Prattsburgh man, accused of being the driver in a fatal DWI in 2019, that claimed the lives of four people in their 20’s, when a vehicle struck a tree.   

 

Drug Arrest In Corning 

Corning Police say that yesterday, after Judge Pat McAllister issued a no-knock warrant, Corning Police, the Steuben County Sheriff’s Department and their SWAT Team, went in to 232 East Second Street in Corning and found meth and money.  38 year old Nathan Andrews was charged with four counts each of 2nd degree criminal sale of a controlled substance and 3rd degree criminal possession of a controlled substance.  Also, Corning Police say 37 year old Kellie M. Kelley, was charged with endangering the welfare of a child.  Kellie M. Kelley was ticketed and released, Nathan Andrews was sent to Steuben County Jail and subsequently released. 

 

Dinapoli: I'm Opposed To Raising Thruway Tolls

State Comptroller Tom Dinapoli says, he’s against the Thruway’s plans to raise tolls, which are scheduled to go up next year.  Dinapoli maintains, the Thruway officials largely caused their own problems, because the Thruway started doing things like Easy Pass, which Dinapoli says, went very badly and the state thruway lost a lot of money.

Top Stories, February 2, 2023

The Monthly Report From Sheriff Jim Allard

Steuben Co Sheriff Jim Allard says in January, his  investigators and deputies were tasked with: three death investigations, five assault investigations, four burglary investigations, one robbery investigation, one rape investigation, five fire investigations, seven welfare fraud investigations, six larceny investigations, two stolen vehicle investigations, eight drug investigations, one harassment investigation, four criminal mischief investigations, seven criminal contempt investigations, one animal cruelty investigation, five sex offense investigations and two menacing investigations.  "Our Patrol Division was tasked with multiple domestic incident investigations along with crash investigations and mental health detainments, including five intoxicated or impaired driving arrests", Allard added. 

 

What We Know About The State Budget So Far

Here's what  Governor Kathy Hochul’s budget says is in it:  $31.1 million for crime reduction programs; $25.9 million for State Police Community Stabilization Units; though we don’t know exactly what those are yet.  There’s also $52 million in aid for prosecution funding for all 62 district attorneys’ offices; and there’s over one billion dollars in tax cuts for the middle class. 

 

Here’s the response about the budget from the state teachers union NYSUT: "The governor’s proposed budget is a step in the right direction," but the teachers union says, they don’t like the part of the budget which would create new charter schools. 

Republican Assemblyman Phil Palmesano says the proposed budget, brings in the climate action council plans to get rid of natural gas in new buildings, and get rid of woodstoves in small towns.  Senator O’Mara says there’s nothing in this plan that seriously addresses the need for lower taxes across the board, senator borrello says this $227 billion budget simply funnels more money into areas of the budget that we know are rife with inefficiency and abuse, such as Medicaid. 

 

NRA Offering Pistol Classes In The Coming Months

The Steuben County Sheriff’s Department says, the NRA is conducting eight hour Basic Pistol Shooting Courses at the Painted Post Field and Stream.  That’ll be on February 12th, March 12th, April 16th and May 21st , 8am - 5pm.  Call 607 731-9193 for more information… 

 

Top Stories, February 1, 2023

Bath Mayor Chides Neighboring Counties 

Bath Village Mayor Michael Sweet says that Yates County and Chemung County are sending Bath parolees that are being housed here in Bath.  "We know who (which suspects) is creating issues in the village," Sweet tells WVIN.  "We're in the process of finding out who coordinates this, it's not right, and I"m going to stick up for the people who live in this community.  They, quite honestly, are fed up with all the crime that's happening in the area as well."

 

Allegations Of Welfare Fraud In Bath

Steuben County Sheriff Jim Allard reports that a 54 year old Bath man, is accused of committing $146 worth of welfare fraud. The suspect is charged with misuse of food stamps and petit larceny. 

 

Know Someone That Belongs In The County Hall Of Fame?

Steuben County officials say the Steuben County Hall of Fame is taking nominations.  Hall of Fame members, from over the years, include former State Senator Bill Smith, former Congressman Randy Kuhl, and former Assemblyman Don Davidson and former Assemblyman Jim Bacalles.

 

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