WVIN News

Top Stories, March 18, 2024

Two Bath Residents Die In Tragic Accident In Yates Co

From The Yates County Sheriff's Department:

On March 16th at or about 6:12pm Yates County Deputies along with Branchport Keuka Park Fire, Penn Yan Ambulance and Yates County EMS responded to the intersection of Friend Road and West Sherman Hollow Road for the report of a one car motor vehicle accident. Initial investigation revealed Mr. Wolfe was traveling southeast on Friend Road when he failed to negotiate a curve, near Italy Friend Road, the vehicle then rolled several times before coming to rest in the ditch on the south side of Friend Road. Both occupants of the vehicle were pronounced deceased at the scene by the Yates County Coroner’s Office. The accident is under further investigation by the Yates County Accident Reconstruction Unit.

 

List Of Candidates In Local Village Elections Tomorrow

BATH

Michael Sweet        Mayor        
Jeffrey Muller         Trustee     

Karen Causer         Trustee       

Robert Plaskov    Justice      


ADDISON 
Robert Miles Mayor 
Lorne Hults -  Village Trustee
Dennis Rattay - Village Trustee
Bocefus Graham - Village Trustee 
AVOCA
The candidates are:
Mayor-Eric Tyner (Incumbent)
Trustees- Andrew Hubbard (Incumbent)
               Lanny Gay (Incumbent)
 

COHOCTON
Justice – Four Year Term, Robby Anger, Republican

Trustee – Two Year Term, Mathew McCarthy,  (R)                        Trustee - Two Year Term, Kathyrn Gray  (R)                                      

SAVONA
Justice Michael Horton (R) seeking re-election.

 

HAMMONDSPORT 
Elect any two Trustee positions for a term of two years each: 
Democratic Party:   Leah Butler, Deborah Lynch, 
Republican Party:    Deborah Lynch, Leah Butler

 

Sen Gillibrand:  My Law Protects SNAP Users 

Democrat US Senator Kirsten Gililbrand says those whose SNAP card info is stolen by skimmers, those residents can recover what they lost in their benefits, thanks to a law she got passed.  "Thanks to legislation I wrote and passed, families who were victims of SNAP skimming can get their stolen benefits replaced. And NYS extended the deadline to April 1st for certain beneficiaries."

 

O'Mara Slams The State Senate's Proposed Budget

GOP State Senator Tom O’Mara says the one-house budget is, "not the dose of fiscal common sense, discipline, and responsibility that’s called for to get this state back on track. It doesn’t respond to the issues of affordability for everyday New Yorkers.”

Top Stories, March 15, 2024

STATEMENT FROM BATH FIRE CHIEF FIORDO: 

Monday night, March 11, 2024, around 9:02 PM, the Bath Community experienced one of their biggest fires in recent years. With one of the main staples in this beautiful town, the old Babcock Ladder Company building which Clark’s Specialty was currently being ran inside of, suffered major damage due to a fire. As units pulled up heavy fire load was already showing throughout most of the building however with great leadership, fire attack, and 500,000 gallons of water, crews were able to save the office and some buildings on the property.

This feat wasn’t able to be done with just Bath Fire. I would like to issue a huge thank you to the following departments: Bath VA, Kanona, Avoca, Hammondsport, Savona, Campbell, Cohocton, Wallace, Wayland, Canisteo, Prattsburgh, Coopers Plains, Wayne, Tyrone, Painted Post, Gang Mills, Corning Joint Fire District, Greenwood and Penn Yan. I would also like to thank the total of 201 volunteers that were on scene or standing by to cover the rest of Steuben County.

I want to say thank you to the Great Women’s Auxiliary and the workers who helped in the station that provided the food and drinks for the workers, scrambling to get to the stores before they closed to get food just so they have enough, and making sure the coffee never got cold. To the Bath Ambulance Corp, Bath Police Department, Bath Electric Gas and Water, NYSEG, the Sheriffs Dept, New York State Police, Steuben County Emergency Management team, the Steuben County Dispatchers, and Steuben County Fire Investigation team, Steuben County Highway and Fleet pride. I also want to say thank you for the assistance in the aspect of each of your services you provide and looking for the safety of the firefighters working that scene.

Lastly a huge thank you to the people of Bath. All the donations of water, the understanding of the dirty water that was caused due to us using the hydrants, and the support and donations we receive from you that allow us to do our job. Thank you All, Car 5.

 

Bath Police Dept's Lists Of Those Wanted On Warrants 

Bath Village Hall To Stay Under The NYS 2% Tax Cap

Bath Village Mayor Michael Sweet says the Bath Village budget will have a slight tax increase in it.  "The tax increase is going to be less than two percent," Sweet tells WVIN.  "Which means over the last four years we've had less than four percent tax increases, so I'm very happy with that.  It  also calls for some improvements to the village park, we're going to do some work down at the Pulteney Park, and the dog park - we're going to see some improvements there too.  Such as, the Bachi Ball is being put in, the bathroom being installed, and some large trees on Liberty ST., they'll actually be cut down and replaced next Arbor Day, with some smaller trees.  Also, we've had some issues with sidewalks, so that should alleviate that," Sweet said.

Top Stories, March 14, 2024

Allard: An Elkland PA Man Was Arrested In Addison 

From The Sheriff's Dept:  Steuben County Sheriff Jim Allard reports that on March 13, 2024, deputies of the Steuben County Sheriff’s Office arrested Dakota J. Woodard, age 30, of East River Street, Elkland, Pennsylvania following an investigation of a reported wanted person in the Town of Addison.  It is alleged that Ms. Woodard is wanted in the State of Pennsylvania due to an active Parole Violation Warrant based on a previous conviction of a felony.   Ms. Woodard was charged as a Fugitive From Justice, a class E Felony.  Ms. Woodard was arraigned in the Centralized Arraignment Court and held for extradition.

 

The State's Burn Ban Goes Into Effect This Weekend

The New York State burn ban will be in effect from Saturday the 16 through May 14.   

 

From The D.E.C.: 

Open burning is prohibited in NYS, with several exceptions:

  • Camp fires or any other outdoor fires less than 3 feet in height and 4 feet in length, width or diameter are allowed.
  • Small cooking fires are allowed.
  • Ceremonial or celebratory bonfires are allowed. Disposal of flags or religious items in a small-sized fire is allowed, if it is not otherwise prohibited by law or regulation.
  • Only charcoal or dry, clean, untreated or unpainted wood can be burned.
  • Fires cannot be left unattended and must be fully extinguished.

Langworthy's Maple Syrup Law 

Congressman Nick Langworthy is trying to get a law passed so that farmers who produce maple syrup can get their maple syrup to the seniors farmers market nutrition program.  Langworthy’s legislation is called the Maple Syrup Act.  Langworthy says we're not only boosting our regional economy but also ensuring that our seniors have access to nutritious, locally sourced products. 

 

Update On The Cuts At Hammondsport Central School

The cuts being made to Hammondsport’s School District have been in the news a lot, because the cuts are so big.  The latest there is that Hammondsport School Superintendent Kyle Bower says so far, there have been no changes yet to the amount of funding the state is going to give Hammondsport Central School.   Also, in the Village of Avoca, officials continue to work on the budget.  The Avoca Village Clerk says the budget will be finished at the end of this month. 

Top Stories, March 13, 2024

Update On The Babcock Ladder Factory Fire Cleanup

We caught up with Bath Volunteer Fire Department spokesperson John Conrad, and asked him about the fire at the Babcock Ladder Factory.  Conrad says that Tuesday morning the county had some equipment at the scene of the fire.  "Steuben County had some heavy equipment in there yesterday," Conrad tells WVIN.  "The Steuben County Fire Invesigation Team was working with them, to try to work on finding out the cause of the fire and also to get in and help with the overhaul."  
 

Bath Village Hall Continues To Work On Their Budget

Bath Village Hall is working on the village budget.  Officials say budgets for villages are due to be approved no later than April 15.  Also, Bath Village Hall has set the public hearing for their budget, which will be April 1 at 5:00 p.m.  The county government has some involvement in putting village budgets together.  "The county does share approximately 50 percent of the sales tax that we collect with our municipalities," said  Steuben County Manager Jack Wheeler.  "We have agreements with our two cities, which is allowable under New York State law.  We also share with the towns and villages.  Certainly that sales tax helps offset some of the costs that municipalities have and lowers the property tax burden across the board for towns, villages and cities in Steuben County."

 

Community Meeting In Hammondsport At 6pm Thursday

There will be a community meeting tomorrow at 6pm at the Hammondsport Central School cafeteria about the possibility of making improvements to Depot Park.

 

Senator Gillibrand Warns Of Potential For Technology To Be Stolen Again From The United States

At a hearing about cyber security, Democrat U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand spoke about China.  "Today's annual threat assessment shows that China currently lacks behind the U.S. in the development of advanced chips, giving China the cause to steal our technology, which we've seen them do over and over.  I've introduced legislation requiring the Department of Defense to establish a pilot program to enable colloboration between the NSA's Cyber Security Collaboration Centera and the U.S. Semi Conductor Manufacturers, to improve cyber security in the semi conductor manufacturing process."

Top Stories, March 12, 2024

Car Accident This Morning In Bath

The Bath Village Police Dept responded to an accident on West Morris Street this morning.  A source tells WVIN that the accident was near Washington Blvd.  One official said the accident happened around 11am. 

 

BEGWS: Fire Affects Bath Water Supply

Officials from Bath Electric Gas and Water say there is discolored water because of last night’s fire.  Officials say the fire fighting actitivites pulled a significant amount of water from the Bath Gas Elecric and water’s distribution system, causing discoloration. So please run cold water until your water is cleared.  


Full BEGWS statement is below:

DISCOLORED WATER OBSERVED THROUGHOUT DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM

Valued BEGWS Water Customers,

Fire fighting activities for last night’s structure fire on Delaware Avenue pulled a significant amount of water from our distribution system causing discolored water throughout our system. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience but we greatly appreciate patience and understanding.

With that said, this morning we find ourselves extremely grateful. We are incredibly grateful for the first responders and their efforts to contain and control this structure fire and prevent damage to the surrounding areas.

We are also incredibly grateful for our employees.

Our employees responded last night to disconnect electric and natural gas utility services to minimize the potential for additional risks and damage, and monitor our water system and storage tanks.

Our employees also operate, maintain, and improve our Village’s water utility on a daily basis. These efforts efforts allowed our wells and storage tanks to supply the needed water to battle and control this fire.

While we sincerely, sincerely apologize for the inconvenience of discolored water, we are extremely grateful for all those involved in battling and controlling the fire and minimizing the damage to the extent possible. THANK YOU!!!!!!

For those who are experiencing discolored water, we ask that you run cold water, ideally from an outside spigot or fixture closest to their incoming water service line, until your water has cleared.

Thank you!

 

Fire In Bath Last Night 

From The Bath Volunteer Fire Department:  At 9:02 PM on Monday March 11th the Bath Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched for a possible structure fire at the former Babcock Ladder Factory currently owned by Clark’s Specialty Company reported from a passerby located at 36 Delaware Ave, in the Village of Bath. The Bath Volunteer Ambulance Corps and Bath Village Police were first on scene and confirmed flames were through the roof. Bath Assistant Fire Chief David Dowdle arrived immediately afterwards and called for a full second alarm assignment and minutes later calling for a third alarm assignment with heavy fire and smoke conditions.
Fire Departments from all over Steuben County were called in to help fight this large fire. Bath VA, Hammondsport, Avoca, Kanona, Savona, Campbell Painted Post were called initially. About an hour later additional units from Wayland, Corning Joint Fire District, Prattsburgh and Forest View Gang Mills for additional manpower to relieve the firefighters that had been fighting the fire from the beginning. The New York State Police had to send units onto I-86 to keep traffic moving that was stopping along the highway to watch the fire, so an accident did not also hamper things and cause injury.
The fire was called under control at about 12:45 AM with many units still on scene at the time of this release to try to knock down some smaller fires. With the metal roof there will be many places that will remain smoldering through the night and for some time. No injuries have been reported. Currently the cause of the fire is unknown and is under investigation by the Steuben County Fire Investigation Team.

 

One Week From Today Is Village Election Day

Today is Tuesday March 12, we are one week away from the March 19 Village Elections.  

 

Below is the list of candidates running: 

 

BATH

Mike Sweet - Mayor
Karen Causer - Village Trustee 
Jeff Muller - Village Trustee 

 

AVOCA
Eric Tyner- Mayor
Andrew Hubbard - Village Trustee 

Lanny Gay - Village Trustee 


COHOCTON
Robby Anger - Justice 
Mathew McCarthy - Trustee                                                          
Kathyrn Gray - Truste                                                                                       
SAVONA
Michael Horton  - Justice 

 

There is no early voting for the Village Elections, but the Steuben County Board of Elections says there will be early voting for the Democratic and Republican Presidential Primaries.  Early voting for the primaries starts March 23. and goes through March 30.

 

Bath School Board Meets Wednesday Night 

The Bath School Board meets at 6:00pm Wednesday night at the high school library.   On the agenda, discussion on the school district  budget and a vote on the Dormann Library budget.  

 

 

Top Stories, March 11, 2024

Bath Man Facing Charges After Alleged Break-In

From The Sheriff:

Steuben County Sheriff Jim Allard reports that on March 8, 2024, deputies of the Steuben County Sheriff’s Office arrested Michael J. Sestak, age 60, of East Washington Street, Bath, New York, following a report of a domestic incident in Bath.  It is alleged that Mr. Sestak entered or remained in a dwelling without license or privilege, with the intent to commit a crime therein.  It is also alleged that Mr. Sestak stole property, forcibly touched the intimate parts of another person and placed that person in fear of harm.  Mr. Sestak was charged with Burglary in the Second Degree, a class C Felony, Forcible Touching, Petit Larceny and Stalking in the Fourth Degree.  Mr. Sestak was arraigned in the Centralized Arraignment Court and released to appear in the Town of Bath Court at a later date.

 

 

The Next Step In What To Do With $4.5 Million Dollars For Hammondsport/Urbana From The NY Forward Money

We reported last week that the Hammondsport and Urbana areas won $4.5 million dollars in the New York Forward contest.  The Hammondsport Village Clerk says it has not been decided yet what to do with the money they won, but there is a whole process with the planning committee to go through first. 

 

Bath Police To Do A High Visibility DWI Campaign 

Bath Village Police are doing a high visibility DWI campaign from March 15th through the 17th.  This is part of a statewide campaign.

 

A Mossy Bank Park Invitation From The Mayor 

Bath Village Mayor Michael Sweet says the gate at Mossy Bank Park is open daily, and he says to feel free to go out and enjoy the park.

 

The Skills USA Region I Competition At Alfred State 

Alfred State College officials say over 750 high school students the region took part in the 35th annual Skills USA Region I competition held at Alfred State College. Students competed in fifty different competitions held both on the Alfred and Wellsville campuses.  Students involved were from Painted Post, Elmira, Olean and elsewhere around the region.

 

Troopers Report A Dangerous Situation In Allegany Co

State Police in Allegany County report the arrest of a 32 year old male from the Town of Friendship.  The charges are 2nd degree menacing, 4th degree criminal possession of a weapon and 2nd degree obstruction of governmental administration.  It’s alleged that the 32 year old pointed a 9 millimeter carbine at a 31 year old and threatened to shoot.  The suspect was arraigned and released. The incident is alleged to have happened in Clarksville. 

Top Stories, March 8, 2024

More Information Is Out About Arkport Situation

A 13 year old charged is after yesterday’s lockdown at a Steuben County School.  State Police have issued a statement about Thursdays lockdown at Arkport Central.  They say at 2:33pm the New York State Police from SP Wayland, the Canisteo Police Department, and the Steuben County Sheriff's Office responded to Arkport Central School District for a report of a threat on social media.   Troopers say after an investigation, a 13-year-old male suspect was taken into custody without incident.  He was charged with Making a Terrorist Threat (D Felony). The 13-year-old was processed and released on a Family Court Appearance Ticket to appear at Steuben County Probation, on March 14, at 10:00 a.m.

 

A Bath Man Is Facing Arson Charge And Related Charges

Bath Village Police Chief Colin Taft reports the arrest of 26 year old Jordan Jones, of  Bath.  Jones is suspected of causing the structure fire at 3 East William Street in Bath in June of last year.  The charges against Jordan Jones are Reckless Endangerment in the First Degree, Arson in the Second Degree and Criminal Mischief in the Second Degree.  

 

Dormann Library News 

Coming up Saturday, March 9th, 7-9:00pm.  A night of music and fun just for the girls!  Ladies ages 19 to 119 are invited to dance the night away with DJ Ash Cullen.  This will be at The Dormann Library in Bath.  BT W, their project, Discovery Kids "Preschool Classes", has won a 2024 New York State Round 1 Community Arts Grant in the amount of $1,725.00.  With this funding they are offering free monthly preschool classes (for children ages 3-6 years-old) in the areas of Art and Creative Movement (dance). The classes are taught by instructors from their partner, 171 Cedar Arts Center, in Corning, NY. This is part of a larger program that includes Music and Science classes as well. Their goal is to bring unique preschool educational opportunities to the children of our area, that have not necessarily been available before, or may not have been accessible, due to financial or transportation concerns.

Top Stories, March 7, 2024

Bath Police Arrest  An Arson Suspect 

Bath Village Police Chief Colin Taft reports the arrest of Jordan Jones, 26, Bath.  Jones is suspected of causing the structure fire at 3 East William Street in Bath in June of last year.  The charges against Jordan Jones are Reckless Endangerment in the First Degree, Arson in the Second Degree and Criminal Mischief in the Second Degree.  

 

LOCKDOWN TODAY AT ARKPORT CENTRAL SCHOOL

Arkport Central has been under a lockdown today.  State Police are handling the case.  No other information has been released yet.  UPDATE 4:04pm – One Arkport parent tells WVIN News that the students are still inside the school, and have not been allowed to leave the Arkprt Central School yet.

 

Palmesano: Fighting To Keep Funding Going 

Corning Republican Assemblyman Phil Palmesano met with highway superintendents from Steuben and other counties yesterday, and spoke with them about his efforts to get more funding for roads in this area.  “As I have always said, local roads matter and are essential," Palmesano said.  "The CHIPS program is vital to maintaining our local roads, bridges and culverts. It was great to meet with our local highway superintendents who traveled up to Albany from the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes Region to show their support for the CHIPS program and fight back against the governor’s proposed cuts that would be devastating to local municipalities across New York state,” said Palmesano.

 

Van Stine: Transportation Can Be A Life Or Death Situation 

Steuben County Mobility Director Eddie Van Stine appeared on Big Fox TV recently with Frank Acomb.  The two discussed how vital the county mobilty program is for many in this county.  "We had a couple back in September, call the office and said they needed to get to cancer treatment in Pennsylvania," Van Stine said.   "They couldn't afford to make it back and forth any more because of the rise in gas prices.  So they reached out to the Institute of Human Services, and we were able to provide them with a gas card to be able to get to their cancer treatment. If they did not have that resource, more than likely, we've seen that people will give up, and they'll live off the remaining days of their lives," Van Stine explained.   

 

 

 

Top Stories, March 6, 2024

Black Balloon Day Is Today, Wednesday March 6, 2024

Today is Black Balloon Day in Steuben County and across the nation.  Black Balloon Day is when black helium balloons are released in the air, to honor someone who died from an overdose.

 

Bath Police Chief Commends A Bath Police Sgt. 

Bath Village Police Chief Colin Taft is congratulating to Sergeant Megan Cheresnowsky on completing the 40 hour Basic Investigative Photography course last week. The Bath Police Chief says, the sergeant will complete the next phase of her Evidence technician certification next year. Police Chief Taft  says “We are on pace to soon have 2 certified evidence techs for the first time by the state criminal justice standards in a long time.”


A Bridge Closing Is Coming Up This Month

Steuben County Public Works Commissioner Eric Rose says the bridge on Smith Hill Road, Coopers Plains and Erwin area, will be closed from March 18th until November.  This is a bridge replacement project.

 

Tenney Invites A Livingston County Family To Washington
Republican House Member Claudia Tenney invited the family of Ryan Corbett of Dansville to President Joe Biden’s State of the Union.  Ryan has been held hostage for 19 months now in Afghanistan by the Taliban.

 

Top Stories, March 5, 2024

Baker Says Grand Jury Is Likely For Erwin Gang Assault 

Steuben County District Atttorney Brooks Baker tells our news department that the Gang Assault case out of Erwin will likely go before a grand jury before the month is over.  State Police have charged several suspects with gang assault after an investigation into a party which got out of control in the Town of Erwin, in November.

 

New Deputy Receives A Commendation For Saving Lives

Deputy Jeffrey Robinson is a former Corning Fire Department EMT who has joined the sheriff’s office.  Robinson was honored Monday, for saving two lives at the same time, in January, in Bath. 

From Sheriff Jim Allard: 


A Steuben County deputy was commended Monday before the county Legislature Public Safety and Corrections Committee for his life-saving action in late January.  A recent department enlistee from the Corning Fire Department, county Deputy Jeffrey Robinson responded to a residence in the Town of Bath that reportedly contained two persons who had both attempted to commit suicide, Allard told the committee.
Upon his arrival in the evening of Jan. 25, Robinson observed two persons with lacerations to their left arms and retrieved his EMT supplies and began treatment to the female who had lacerated her brachial artery and was bleeding profusely, Allard said.   Robinson applied a tourniquet and packed the wound, while directing another unit on scene to apply pressure to the wound on the injured male, Allard reported.   Both patients were transported to a local medical center by ambulance and survived.  

 

Langworthy Praises Supreme Court For Yesterdays Call

Republican Congressman Nick Langworthy says the Supreme Court’s decision yesterday to rule the Colorado ban against Donald Trump running on the ballot in that state unconstituational, Langworthy says that "was a big victory for the American people."  Langworthy also says it’s "a clear message to activist judges that partisan attacks on the right to vote, don’t work."

 

Chautauqua Co Dem Is Not A Free Trader

Langworthy’s apparent Democrat opponent is Chautauqua County Democrat candidate Tom Carle.  He has been getting political petition signatures recently in Steuben County and Allegany County recently.  Tom Carle says, he supports the idea of fair trade, not free trade.  ,"I think fair trade is more where I would be," said Chautauqua County Democrat Tom Carle.   

 

Schumer: Getting Raises For Fed FIrefighters

Democrat US Senator Chuck Schumer says the bipartisan package the senate is delivering includes a pay raise for federal firefighters.  From SChumer's Twitter page: "The bipartisan package we're delivering maintains the critical pay raise for brave federal firefighters and supports wildfire suppression as wildfire season grows longer and more severe."  

 

GOP State Senator Tom O'Mara on Bail Reform Suspects: They Just Keep Getting Nailed On More And More Charges

Republican State Senator Tom O’Mara says a new study out shows that 66 percent of suspects released on bail reform get arrested again and almost half of that 66 percent get rearrested on charges which are felonies.

News, March 4, 2024

Close Call In Avoca - A Semi, Was Hanging Off An Overpass 

From The Bath Volunteer Fire Department: 

Bath Fire responded to the mutual aid request of Avoca Fire and Ambulance at 4:03 AM for the tractor-trailer accident on the I86 flyover to 390. Bath responded with Rescue 1, Truck 5 and Chiefs 501 and 503. The driver of the truck was trapped in the cab of the tractor and the cab was hanging off the overpass above 390N. Stabilization of the vehicle was provided by Fleetpride. A two-pronged rescue was initiated by members of Baths Rope Rescue team from above and the crew of Truck 5 from below. Extrication was completed when the driver self-extricated onto the aerial platform of Truck 5. He was brought to the highway and care was transferred to the Bath VA ambulance. The truck was carrying bags of mulch.

 

Almost 400 Mayors Send A Letter To The Governor

The New York Conference of Mayors says 370 mayors have signed the NYCOM letter to the governor asking for more state AIM aid.  AIM stands for Aid Incentives for Municipalities. Local mayors who signed the letter are from Bath, Hornell, Alfred, Canisteo, Arkport, Canseraga, Cohocton, Dundee, Elmira Heights, Horseheads, North Hornell and Nunda.

 

Bridge Closing Is Coming Up In Lindley 

Steuben County Public Works Commissioner Eric Rose says there will be a bridge closing March 18 in the Town of Lindley, on County Route 115, over Morgan Creek.  Rose says that this will be for about six weeks.  There will not be an onsite detour. 

Top Stories, March 2, 2024

Hammondsport/Urbana Win The NY Forward Contest 

Yesterday in Binghamton, Governor Kathy Hochul announced the Southern Tier Region winners of the seventh round of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative.  The governor says that Urbana/Hammondsport will receive $4.5 million each as this year’s Southern Tier region NY Forward winners. 

 

Troopers: Horse Loses Control On A Prattsburgh Road 

State Police say there was a horse and buggy accident in the Town of Prattsburgh on Friday.  State Police say that there were no vehicles involved and there were no serious injuries.  According to the NYSP, the cause of the accident was that the horse reportedly lost control.  

 

Feds Say A Suspect Is Charged For Allegedly Threatening To Commit Violence Against The VA Up In Buffalo

US Attorney Trini Ross says that a Buffalo man, 56 year old Demont Coston,has been charged for allegedly leaving a telephone answering machine message which said if he cannot get  any help from the Buffalo VA that he was going to blow it up.  Coston could get, if convicted, five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.  The US Attorneys office also says, this is the second time Coston has threatened to blow up a VA.  The other time it was the Washington VA.

Top Stories, March 1, 2024

It Was 18 Years Ago Today...

Today is the anniversary of the death of New York State Trooper Andrew Sperr.  Sperr was a 33 year old State Police Officer, killed in the line of duty on March 1, 2006, shot by two bank robbers in Big Flats.  Officials say that Trooper Sperr was fired upon as he approached the suspects' vehicle.  Trooper Sperr returned gunfire, hittng both suspects before they left in a second vehicle, which had been left there for a getaway. Trooper Sperr was shot multiple times and was on the ground when the fatal round struck him under his belt and vest.  At the time of his death, Trooper Sperr, a 10-year veteran of the State Police was assigned to SP Horseheads in Troop E.

 

Accident Yesterday On I-86 East In Bath

The Bath Volunteer Fire Department responded Thursday morning to a tractor trailer roll over on I-86 East.  That happened in the middle of a heavy snow squall. The driver was taken by the Bath Volunteer Ambulance Crew to Ira Davenport.

 

Democrats Are Working To Be Running A Chautauqua County Candidate Against House Rep. Nick Langworthy 

Steuben County Democrat Chair Shawn Hogan says Steuben County Democrats recieved petitions last evening in Corning at an event centered on Rural organizing.  The event was attended by 25 persons and 15 via zoom.  The congressional candidate Tom Carle delivered his petitions and addressed the gathering.  Also the Allegany County Democrats are circulating petitions to get Chautauqua County Congressional hopeful, Tom Carle, on the ballot to run against Republican Congressman Nick Langworthy.  Tom Carle says he went to Broome Community College, Geneseo and RIT, and that he’s a retired plant manager.  Allegany County Dems will be trying to get signatures for Tom Carle at their upcoming coffee with the Democrats on Saturday, March 9 in Canaseraga.  

 

Assemblywoman Who Represents Wayland Area Honored

The annual Hornell Lincoln Day Dinner was held last night Assemblywoman Marjorie Byrnes was the Republican of the year.  Republicans Paul Van Caeseele and Mike Palmesano presented award.  Paul Van Caeseele: "Every year we pick someone to honor with the title of Republican of the year.  This person usually has spent many years supporting the cause and proven dedication to republican values.  This year's recipient made their unlikely debut back in 2019.  It is no secret that this person was not very well received among the party at first.  Running against an incumbent in the Republican Party led them off to a rocky start. Let’s face it, it’s not easy to get Republicans to let their guard down. But this person's persistence, caring personality, willingness to work with others in the party on favored legislation and their diligent drive to show their dedication to Republican Values, in the end made that person a respected leader in the community and among the GOP.  In politics, you must see the long game. It’s a game of chess not checkers.  And although this person was met with adversity coming into the game, they stayed humble and used a genius combination of humility and cooperative aspiration to now have become widely respected in the NYS Assembly and among all those she has worked with. That determination deserves respect and recognition. I consider her a great friend and if you remember, we even wore matching blazers last year.  Please put your hands together for the 2024 Republican of the Year Assemblywoman Margorie Byrnes."

Top Stories, February 29, 2024

There Are Many Outages In Steuben County This Morning From Heavy Winds From Wednesday And Today

From Steuben County Deputy Director Of Emergency Services Ken Forrenz:  "The wind event from late Wednesday afternoon through this morning kept Steuben County 911 Dispatchers, local Fire Departments and highway crews busy handling tree and wire emergencies.  Just over 50 calls for service were processed in addition to other emergencies. Hardest hit areas were Prattsburgh, Bath and Thurston.  Electric Utility companies are working to restore the remaining 400 customers without power."

 

Prattsburgh Man Has Been Charged With Arson In Howard

From The Sheriff's Dept:  Steuben County Sheriff Jim Allard reports that on February 27, 2024, deputies and investigators of the Steuben County Sheriff’s Office arrested James R. Lisefski, age 43, of Snyder Road, Prattsburgh, New York, following an investigation of a reported suspicious fire in the Town of Howard in December 2023.  It is alleged that Mr. Lisefski intentionally damaged a building by starting a fire and recklessly created a substantial risk of injury to others.  Mr. Lisefski is charged with Arson in the Third Degree, a class C Felony and Reckless Endangerment in the Second Degree.  Mr. Lisefski was arraigned in the Centralized Arraignment Court and held without bail.

Sheriff Allard thanks the Steuben County Fire Investigation Team and the City of Corning Police Department for their assistance in this investigation.

 

Some Steuben County  Towns Will Be Getting A New Congressional Member To Represent Them 

The new congressional maps have been approved.  Utica Republican Congresswoman Claudia Tenney will be representing Dansville, Wayland, Cohocton, Avoca, Prattsburgh, Wheeler, Pulteney.  Congressman Nick Langworthy will get all other towns, villages and cities in Steuben County on his legislative district map.

 

The latest development in this story is that the Assembly GOP says the assembly democrats want to pass legislation so that the Republicans, if they take any legal action over the new maps, have to file their lawsuit in one of four democrat cities where there are democrat judges.  From Corning Republican Assemblyman Phil Palmesano: "This bill is very similar to the law Albany Democrats passed last year requiring any election law jurisdiction cases to be  challenged only in these 4 Democrat area Judicial Districts of New York City, Albany, Erie or Westchester Counties and now they are doing the same thing,  again, on cases involving reapportionment /redistricting cases simply because they did not like the fact the intitial redistricting case in 2022 was filed in Steuben County where the  Supreme Court Judge (Judge Pat McAllister) invalidated the maps as unconstituional and gerrymandered.  A decision that was ultimately upheld, as the correct decision, by an appellate court and finally the state's highest court , the Court of Appeals."

 

The Mobile Mammogram Center To Stop By Bath 

The Steuben County Public Health Office says that Rochester Regional Health Mobile Mammography Center is coming to The Dormann Library.  That will be Tuesday, March 12, from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm. The mobile unit will be parked in the lot across from the Book Barn.  To schedule ahead, call 585-922-7465 or (toll free) 833-922-7465. You may also register at https://pink.rochesterregional.org/. But please note that drop-ins are welcome.  All are welcome - No appointment, No insurance, No problem.

Top Stories, February 28, 2024

Huge Fire In The Hornell Area Last Night

There were no injuries, as a result of a big house fire just outside of Hornell City Limits last night.  North Hornell Fire Chief Mike Robbins says that the fire was on North Main Street Extension, and that it was called in Tuesday night shortly after 6:00pm. Fire departments from North Hornell, Hornell, Arkport, South Hornell, Canisteo, Almond and Fremont were there.  South Dansville’s Fire Department was on stand by.  Fire Chief Robbins also says the North Hornell Fire Dept. did end up going back in the midnight hour, at about 12:30am early this morning, not long after they had gotten back into service, because of rekindling issues.  On social media last night there were some mentions of the phrase 9th Alarm.  North Hornell Fire Chief Robbins explains, what the 9th Alarm means.  "The 9th Alarm is a tanker task force, so that fire chiefs don't have to call one fire department's tanker at a time.  If a bunch of tankers are needed, the 9th Alarm will get all the tankers in the Hornell area, to the scene of the fire," Robbins explained. 

 

House Fire Tuesday Night In South Corning

Steuben County Emergency Services says that the Corning Joint Fire District was dispatched to a reported house fire on Orchard Drive in Village of South Corning shortly before 7:30PM Tuesday evening.  Corning Joint Fire District was assisted by the City of Corning Fire Department and the Steuben County Fire Investigation Team.  The cause of the fire is under investigation.  There were no reported injuries.

 

Numerous Law Enforcement Agencies Attend A Police Supervision Course Given By Sheriffs Dept And Alfred U

The Steuben County Sheriff's Office and the Alfred University Police Academy hosted a course in Police.  Present for this were members of the Livingston County Sheriff's Office, SUNY Alfred Police, Elmira Police, Bath Village Police, and police officers from Canisteo, Wellsville,  Watkins Glen, Elmira Heights, Hornell City, the Town of Independence Police, Alfred Village Police, State Troopers and Belmont Village Police.

 

Gabe Smalt Appointed To Run Office Of The Aging

Steuben County officials say that Gabe Smalt, the former Steuben Senior Services Fund Full Circle America Coordinator, is taking over for Patty Baroody as the head of the Steuben County Office of the Aging.

 

Steuben County: Get Ready For Congresswoman Tenney 

Albany Democrats came up with a new map which was released to the media at noon today.  On this map, Congresswoman Claudia Tenney will get the Steuben County towns of: 

Dansville

Wayland

Cohocton

Avoca

Prattsburgh

Wheeler

Pulteney

Top Stories, February 27, 2024

Sweet: Working On The Budget For  The Village Of Bath

Bath Village Mayor Michael Sweet says the village board is working on the budget.  Sweet says the Bath Village Trustees have wish lists of things the village needs to buy, like a new Bath Village Police vehicle and some street department equipment.  Among these items on the Bath Village Trustee's wish list are a new vehicle for the Bath Police Department and some equipment for the Bath Village Street crews.  "We will try to buy these things in the current budget, because we don't know how next year will go," Sweet told Dave Taylor Smith on this morning's Community Focus, on WVIN Radio.   

 

The New York State Independent Redistricting Commish Is Throwing A Monkey Wrench Into Congessional Plans 

Collecting political petitions for collecting signatures for local, county, state and congressional races, that process started today here in Steuben County.  The Board of Elections officials in Bath said today that the deadline for filing petitions with the Steuben County Board of Elections is between April 1 and April 4.  Unfortunately for those running for the House of Representatives, yesterday, the State’s Independent Redistricting Commission rejected the latest congressional maps.  "There is limited time for candidates to get signatures and yet the Independent Redistricting Commission is going to be debating another plan for maps, well beyond the deadline for submitting signatures," said Alfred University History Professor Emeritus Dr. Gary Ostrower this morning.  "So, there is going to be a lot of complications."  
 

Steuben Co Public Health: On April 8 - Don't Look Up In The Sky - Unless You Have The Proper Eye Protection 

The Solar Eclipse is coming up April 8.  Steuben County Public Health is reminding people that if you want to look up at the eclipse that day, to get yourself what they call safe eclipse glasses and keep your eyes protected.

Top Stories, February 26, 2024

Committee Assignments For Steuben Co Lawmakers 

The Steuben County Legislature are meeting this morning and at that meeting, County Legislative Chair, Bath Republican Kelly Fitzpatrick is appointing county lawmakers to legislative committees.

 

Congressional Maps Update For New York State

Albany officials are working on new legislative maps for House of Representatives members in New York State.  Steuben County GOP Chairman Joe Sempolinski says we should find out sometime today what the latest version of the congressional maps will be.  As of last week, it looked like the current congressional maps would split Steuben County Congressional control, so that Nick Langworthy would get one half of Steuben County, and Claudia Tenney, the other half of the county.  We’ll let you know what the latest version of those maps are going to be, as soon as we find out.

 

Update On The Case Of Stolen Hornell Vehicles

This morning Steuben County Sheriff Jim Allard announced that the suspects who are accused of stealing several vehicles from Maple City Dodge in Hornell - are 18, 19 and 21 years old.  They are all said to be from Rochester, and one of the suspects, the 19 year old, is alleged to have given law enforcement, a fake name, so he is facing additional charges for that too.  

 

Police In Allegany Co Stopped A Scam In Progress

In Allegany County today, Alfred Village Police Chief Paul Griffith helped an Alfred resident who was being victimized this morning in a telephone and online scam.  "Fortunately, the victim figured out what was happening, in time, and the victim is not out of a lot of money," Griffith said.  "This is a way too common thing that we see anymore," the Alfred Police Chief stated. 

 

Bath Volunteer Fire Fighter Awards
Recently The Bath Volunteer Fire Department held their annual awards banquet. The BathFirefighter of The Year winner is Preston Skillman.  From Bath Fire Dept Spokesperson John Conrad:

“Preston was nominated for firefighter of the year due to the fact that he came to us with no connections, ties, or family in the department and no experience or exposure to the fire service. He has embraced the job, the culture and the brotherhood of the department and has seamlessly become a huge asset. He is consistently in the top 10 of calls responded to and the top 3 in internal and external training attended. He is always willing to lend a hand or help out other members. He manages to juggle a full-time job and even got married in 2023. Preston embodies everything that we look for in a firefighter. “

Firefly of the Year:  Tiffany Fiordo.  "Tiffany has served as President of the Fireflies for the past three years," Conrad said. "She always ensures meetings are entertaining, yet efficient. Tiffany has focused on ensuring the families of the Department and Fireflies have meaningful, engaging activities. She has placed an emphasis on assisting with Department fundraisers to ensure that the Department has funds for its needs. Tiffany is at fundraisers and helps in whatever ways she can. Tiffany pushes to see improvement for both the Department and Fireflies. Congratulations Tiffany on being the 2023 Firefly of the Year.”


Internal Training Junior Firefighters

3rd Dustin Snell – 44.67 Hours

2nd Alexander Snell – 55.67 Hours

1st Matthew Sabins – 74.67 Hours

 

Fire Police 3rd Jason Causer – 41.25 Hours

2nd Greg Glashauser – 42.75 Hours

1st Ron Delio – 43.75 Hours

 

Firefighters 3rd Preston Skillman – 38.25 Hours

2nd Harry E. Keen – 43.75 Hours 1st Coby Causer – 50.25

 

Captains

3rd Curtis Wininger – 32 Hours

2nd Daniel Fiordo – 45.75 Hours

1st – Josh Ames – 53.92 Hours

 

Chief Officers

3rd – Matthew Glashauser – 45.75 Hours

2nd – Michael Fiordo – 45.25 Hours

1st – David Dowdle – 50.25 Hours

Most Calls

Junior Firefighter 3rd – Dustin Snell - 10

2nd – Alexander Snell – 11

1st – Matthew Sabins - 72

 

Fire Police

3rd – Mark Phillipson - 90

2nd – Brent Hockaday - 110

1st – Robin Havens – 191 *192 last year


Firefighters

3rd – Harry E. Keen – 185

2nd – Kyle Prutsman - 207

1st – Austin Wheatcraft – 289

 

Top Responder

Captains

3rd – Joshua Ames – 138 2

2nd – Daniel Fiordo – 207

1st – Curtis Wininger – 243


Chief Officers

3rd – Matt Glashauser - 183

2nd – Michael Fiordo – 194

1st – David Dowdle – 215


Robert and Rita Award for Outside Training – Hours

3rd – Timothy Lamphier – 50 Hours

2nd – Austin Wheatcraft – 56 Hours

1st – Preston Skillman – 92 Hours


Robert Brown Award for Outside Training – Classes Attended 3rd – Tim Lamphier - 1

2nd – Austin Wheatcraft - 3

1st – Preston Skillman – 4

 

Years of Service Awards

5 Years Austin Wheatcraft
15 Years Jason Causer Anthony Barros
20 Years Brent Hockaday Kyle Lisefski Sean Walruth
25 Years Rod Fisher
35 Years Corey Zydanowicz
65 Years John Burdick


1000 Call Milestones 1,000 Calls – Curtis Wininger
Firefly Lifetime Achievement Award

Becky Washburn

Tami Dowdle

Top Stories, February 23, 2024

More Info Is Released About The Murder In Erwin 

Steuben County District Attorney Brooks Baker says the 54 year old murder victim who was died on Wednesday, was the sister of the murder suspect, 59 year old John Marvin Jr.

 

Update On 2019 Allegany County Double Homicide

Billy Larson Jr of the Allegany County Town of Clarksville, he was accused of killing his mother and father in 2019, and he pleaded guilty in October of 2022.  The Allegany County Court Clerk says that the court hearing that was going on last week was about sentencing, and the clerk says the hearing was adjourned until April 16.

 

Hammondsport 's Ice Water Rescue Class Postponed

The Steuben County Office of Emergency Services says the Ice/Cold Water Rescue - Technician class scheduled to be given at the Hammondsport Fire Department next week has been canceled.  That’s because warmer weather is being forecasted and there won’t be a suitable location with ice to have this training session.

 

AntiWar Activists Protest Schumer, Gililbrandm Johnson 

Spectrum News reports that pro-Ukraine war activists protested Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson when Johnson was in Binghamton yesterday. Also The New York Times reports that more than a dozen people were arrested last night during a pro-Palestinian protest inside a Manhattan building where Democrat U.S. Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand have offices.  The Times says the protesters had black T-shirts on that said “Cease Fire Now” and had “stop funding genocide,” signs.  The protesters reportedly blocked the elevators in the lobby and ignored instructions to leave until police officers arrested them.

 

Langworthy Gets A Boost From The Erie County GOP

Republican Congressman Nick Langworthy has been endorsed by the Erie County Republicans, who say Langworthy can stop the Biden agenda and Langworthy can get the country back on track.  The Erie County GOP gave Congressman Langworthy their unanimous support.

Top Stories, February 22, 2024

Palmesano, O'Mara And The Superintendent's Zoom Call

Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R, Corning) has been strongly opposed to Democrat Governor Kathy Hochul’s proposed budget cuts to schools, Palmesano says he and Senator Tom O’Mara recently had a zoom conference call with around two dozen school superintendents.  "They said that this would be devastating to their school districts," Palmesano stated.   "Also it would be devastating to the school district's property taxes and taxpayers would have to make up the difference.  There would be major cuts that would have to happen to school programs, if the budget cuts went through.  Plus, the superintendent's are trying to set their budgets," Palmesano explained.  

 

Who Broke In To Two Allegany County Restaurants?

The Wellsville Sun reports that there were two burglaries in Allegany County two nights ago.  One at the Birdsall Inn and one at the Old Mill Inn in Alfred Station.  State Police are handling the investigations.   

 

A Veterans Event Is Coming Up Monday In Hornell

There is a Haircut Social coming up at Garcia’s Barbershop at 21 Seneca Street in Hornell, on Monday February 26th at 10am.  This is for veterans only.  For more information please call Nichole at (716) 313- 2934.

Top Stories, February 21, 2024

Painted Post  Man Was Charged With 2nd Degree Murder

State Police reported on Wednesday afternoon, that on Tuesday, February 20, in the 5am hour, a 54 year old female assault victim was flown to Sayre Pennsylvania, where she was listed in critical condition.  Then on Wednesday evening, Troopers announced that the 54 year old woman succumbed to her injuries, at Robert Packer Hospital.  Troopers say that the suspect, 59 year old John Marvin Jr. was charged with Murder 2nd (A-1 Felony) and processed at SP Bath and was taken to Steuben County CAP Arraignment at 5:30 p.m. on February 21.  Troopers say that they were assisted at the scene on Tuesday morning, by the Steuben County Sheriff’s Office, Steuben County District Attorney’s Office, AMR Ambulance, Coopers Plains Fire Department, and Guthrie Air/LifeNet.

 

Bath Village Police Sgt. Cheresnowski, Honored By Village 

At last night’s Village Board meeting in Bath, Village Police Sgt. Cheresnowsky was named the 2023 Officer of the Year.  Bath Village Police Chief Taft says Sgt. Megan Cheresnowsky teaches training on investigating animal cruelty and emergency management as well.  "Her steadfast determination to do her best at everything is a great example for others to follow. Sergeant Cheresnowsky is working on her Bachelor’s degree in her free time as well"" said Police Chief Taft.  He also notes that Sgt. Cheresnowsky will also be teaching at the Police Academy later this year. 

 

Broadband Is On Kelly Fitzpatrick's Agenda 

According to Steuben County Legislative Chairperson Kelly Fitzpatrick, a major item of interest for her is, getting more internet access across smaller towns in Steuben County, and Fitzpatrick says, broadband internet is in the comprehensive plan.  "It is number one on my list and it part of the county's comprehensive plan," Fitzpatrick told Dave Taylor Smith on WVIN's Community Focus.  "There are many areas in the county, including the road that I live on, that do not have access to high speed internet.  Well, during Covid, we learned that it is of critical importance for everyone to have access to the internet," Fitzpatrick said.  

 

Interesting Presenation About The 1930's Is Coming Up

The Steuben County Historical Society notes that there is a dam in Arkport and they say that dam was built after the 1935 flood.  It helped keep the flood of 1972 from being even worse than it was.  The dam was part of a construction project built thanks to President Roosevelt’s New Deal program, as was the nearby Arkport Central School. At 4 PM on Friday, March 1st, Steuben County Historical Director Kirk House will present a program, “Our Great Depression, Our New Deal,” and that’ll be free and held at the Bath fire hall.

Top Stories, February 20, 2024

A Close Call In the Town of Bath On Monday Afternoon 

Bath Volunteer Fire Department spokesman John Conrad says the Bath Fire Department and the Savona Fire Department along with Goodrich Auto in Bath, all worked together to save a driver who was trapped inside a Kia Sorrento yesterday.  The vehicle was stuck at the top of an embankment.  Not only did firefighters get the driver extricated from the Sorrento, they were also able to prevent the vehicle from sliding down the embankment.  No injuries were reported. 

 

Corning Inc To Do Layoffs At The Erwin Plant

The Corning Leader reports that Corning Incorporated is laying off 107 workers at their plant in Erwin.  The Leader also says, Corning Incorporated won’t be closing that plant.  The Corning Leader also has a story about how Hickory Hill campgrounds in Bath is being run once again, by the Lehman family.  The Leader reports that Hickory Hill open up again on May 1st

 

Stolen WWII Medal Found By Sheriff's Dept In Orleans Co

Officials with the Finger Lakes VA say that the Orleans County Sheriff’s Department has recovered a stolen WWII Purple Heart medal.  The VA says, the Purple Heart Medal was stolen from the Stanford family.  Officials say that 1st Lt. Herbert Stanford was killed in World War II in 1944 in France.  Officials say Stanford’s plane was shot down by the Germans and that German soldiers stripped his body of any identifiers and dragged his body to the gates of a cemetery there in France.  Tomorrow in Rochester, the VA Finger Lakes Healthcare System will be having a ceremony where they’ll be returning the stolen Purple Heart Medal to Lt. Herbert Stanford’s family. 

 

State Teachers Union Helps Fight Cancer

The New York State Teachers Union is being congratulated for being the number one contributor to the American Cancer Society’s breast cancer campaign.  The state teachers union has brought in over 17 million dollars to fight cancer, since 2002.

Top Stories, Febuary 19, 2024

Company Files A Lawsuit Against The Thurston Town Board And The Town Of Thurston 

The Thurston Town Board and the Town of Thurston is being sued by Casella Waste Systems.  Casella Waste Systems is trying to fight the town of Thurston’s Local Law #3 which reportedly bans putting sewage sludge, or biosolids on the land in Thurston.  In lawsuit filed by Casella it says that the biosolids act as farm fertilizer for some farms there in the Town of Thurston.  We reached out yesterday for a response from Thurston Town Supervisor Michael Volino.  Volino emailed us back saying he has no comment at this time but he did pass along our email to two attorneys involved in defending the Town Board and the Town of Thurston. 

 

The Reasons Behind The Increase In Auto Insurance In NYS

Car insurance.  It’s been going up at all insurance companies in New York State.  We asked Jeff Ryan, owner of the Ryan Agency in Hornell, if that had anything to do with the fact that car theft has been happening more and more across the state.  "The increase in auto and converter thefts has definitely impacted auto insurance rates," Ryan said. "However the cost of vehicles, parts and the time it takes to get those parts has had a greater effect.  Unfortunately right now it's a crazy time for all companies in the auto insurance marketplace.  It's a good time to partner with your agent and consider appropriate deductibles and other strategies to help keep the costs down," Ryan said. 

 

O'Mara Endorses Sempolinksi For Assembly Run

Republican State Senator Tom O’Mara is endorsing Joe Sempolinski for the Assemblyman Joe Giglio seat in the state assembly.  Giglio announced he’s not running on Friday morning.  Sempolinski announced he’s running for the Giglio seat on Friday afternoon.  O’Mara says, "that he can think of no one more qualified for the Giglio Assembly seat than Giglio’s current chief of staff, Joe Sempolinski."

 

Free Snowmobiling Weekend Statewide In March

The governor says there will be two free snowmobile weekends in New York State, for out of staters and Canadians.  That’ll be the weekend of March 1st through March 3rd and March 8th through the 10th

Top Stories, February 16, 2024

County Manager Slams Sheriff In New FB Video

This morning Steuben County Manager Jack Wheeler posted a video on Facebook, about Sheriff Jim Allard and the sheriff's lawsuit against the county, over paying for his own liability insurance.  In the video, Wheeler stated the following: 

 

  • Only the sheriff has had his liability insurance removed.  No deputies have lost their liability insurance.  
  • 17 of the about three dozen lawsuits against the county, were lawsuits filed against the sheriff.
  • The insurance company representing the county says the deductible has gone from $500,000 to $750,000 for each potential claim. 
  • The sheriff paid a loan worth thousands of dollars, without county authorization. 
  • The sheriff violated county policy by investigating his own department's personel issues.
  • The sheriff made false claims about county executive sessions.
  • The sheriff wants lawmakers to talk about executive sessions which were confidential discussions. 

Click here to see Wheeler's Facebook Video.

 

If you don't have Facebook, please click here to listen to the audio of County Manager Wheeler.

 

UPDATE: 12:10PM Steuben County Legislative Chairperson Kelly Fitzpatrick says the following: “The video released by county Manager Jack Wheeler is within his authority as director of county operations. The video does not speak for the Steuben County Legislature and was not approved by the county legislature.”

 

UPDATE 2:46PM - STEUBEN COUNTY SHERIFF JIM ALLARD RESPONDS: "The manager's statement is confusing and misinformed.  It is unfortunate that as we try to move forward with a functional government that the manager still feels the need to issue a statement on something that could have been solved months ago.  I encourage our tax payers to look into the amount of money that the county administration has spent  mischaracterizing the issues to the public."

 

Republican Assemblyman For Jasper, Addison, Greenwood, Joe Giglio Is Not Seeking Re-Election 
The Olean Times Herald reports that Republican Assemblyman Joe Giglio is not going to seek re-election.  There has been speculation that Joe Sempolinski will run for that Assembly seat.  Sempolinski is a former congressman and current chief of staff for Giglio.

 

Sempolinski Announces He Is Running In The 3:00 Hour 

Former Congressman Joe Sempolinski has declared his candidacy for the State Assembly. Sempolinski is a candidate for the 148th Assembly District currently represented by Joseph Giglio, who has announced that he will not be seeking another term. Sempolinski currently serves as the Chief of Staff to Mr. Giglio.
 
“I can be the most effective voice possible for the people of this district” Sempolinski said. “And the people don’t have to take my word for it because I’ve done it already. I represented every piece of the 148th Assembly District during my time in Congress and I was able to be successful despite a shortened term and serving in the minority. This experience, plus my time as Chief of Staff for this very office, means I can deliver for this region in a way no one else could.” 
 
Sempolinski lives with his wife Angie and their two daughters Joselyn and Madelyn in the 148th Assembly District. Angie is a public school teacher in Hinsdale, NY. Earlier in his career, Sempolinski led the New York-based staff for the 23rd Congressional District. 
 
“This district is my home,” Sempolinski stated. “There is no one who can serve this area like I can. I have spent years working with people throughout this district on both the state and federal issues that impact their lives and livelihoods, as a Congressman, staff member and as a private citizen. I can hit the ground running in Albany as no other candidate can.”
 
Regarding the current political situation in Albany, Sempolinski said that “The ultra radical liberal wing of the Democrat Party runs Albany. Our district needs a true conservative to stand up against the madness that we have seen such as the so-called ‘bail reform’, out of control spending, insane energy policies and an extremist far left social agenda. You don’t have to ask how I will vote on these issues because you have seen how I voted in Congress.”
 
Learn more about Joe at JoeSempolinski.com 

 

The New  Maps: How It Could Affect Steuben

The newly proposed state legislative maps came out yesterday.  The proposed maps would have Congressman Nick Langworthy keeping most of Steuben County in his district map, and Congresswoman Claudia Tenney getting the Steuben County areas of Wayland, Cohocton, Prattsburgh and several other towns.

Top Stories, February 15, 2024

GARAGE FIRE IN BATH 

FROM THE BATH VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPT:

At 3:10 AM February 15th the Bath Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched for a structure fire at 6540 Davenport Hill Road just off Mossy Bank Park Road in the town of Bath at the Kevin Mahkne residence. The fire was called in by a neighbor. Assistant Chief David Dowdle arrived on scene to report a 20 by 40-foot garage fully involved. Bath VA for an engine and Kanona Fire for a tanker were called for mutual aid to the scene. The Bath Volunteer Ambulance Corps was also dispatched to the scene to standby.  Bath Chief Mike Fiordo later called for Savona Fire for manpower and for the Steuben County Fire Investigation Team to the scene. The fire was declared under control at 3:48 AM. The were no exposures to the fire and no injuries have been reported. The garage was reported to house a UTV, yard equipment and tools which were a total lost, but was reported to be insured.  The cause of the fire has not yet been determined and is under investigation by the Steuben County Fire Investigation Team. All fire units were back in quarters at 7:10 AM.

 

SUSPECTS CHARGED IN THE CASE OF STOLEN VEHICLES TAKEN FROM MAPLE CITY DODGE 

Steuben County Sheriff Jim Allard says today that several Rochester youths are being charged for allegedly stealing vehicles from Maple City Dodge in Hornell in the overnight hours earlier this month. 

 

VAN STINE: MORE PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION IS NEEDED IN STEUBEN COUNTY

Statement From Steuben County:  Both a recent survey and public input for Steuben County’s comprehensive plan point to an overwhelming need for an improved public transportation system the county. With only 13.6 percent of all county roads covered by public transportation, the need is critical, according to a report by Steuben County Coordinated Human Services Transportation Committee. The report was recently presented to the county Legislature’s Human Service, Health and Education Committee by county Mobility Manager Edward VanStine. According to the report, several transportation providers offer fixed-route services in the county. However, most county residents live outside those fixed, or allowable deviation, route lines. Volunteer driver programs and human service agencies work meet the needs outside those lines for residents who lack a car of their own or face other transportation barriers. The report notes the impact of public transportation on employment, with current transit schedules out of sync with common work shifts. The lack of coordination impacts employers and employees, as well as access to non-emergency medical appointments and other human service and social service programs.  Economically challenged families face serious difficulties in transportation, the report states.
Some 48 percent of the county’s active public assistance caseload live outside the three main transportation hubs while almost 10 percent of those people in public housing units have no access to private transport – above the national average of 7 percent.  

The goals of the committee are highly motivated, far-reaching and include:

To advocate for consistent and predictable funding levels that will sustain public transportation service long-term. Coordination among providers will help keep public transportation services cost effective and resilient.

To encourage and facilitate the most efficient use of all Federal, State and local funds used to provide passenger transportation in non-urbanized areas through the coordination of programs and services.

To improve the delivery of transportation services for the target populations.

To generate operational efficiencies that can lead to increased levels of service.

To encourage cooperation and coordination among transportation providers. “Transportation in Steuben County isn't just a convenience; it’s the very heartbeat of progress. With every bus route mapped and each road paved, we carve out paths of possibility, stitching together the varied corners of our community into a harmonious quilt that shelters every generation,” VanStine said. “Here, we don’t simply move people— we ignite journeys of purpose and possibility. This is my pledge: to elevate transportation into a symphony of community connection, a dynamic force propelling Steuben County toward an inclusive and thriving tomorrow where no one is left behind."

Top Stories, February 14, 2024

Update On The Case Against Terry Long Jr Of Avoca

Steuben County District Attorney Brooks Baker says there is a lot of evidence for both the prosecution and defense to go over, in the case against Avoca shooter suspect, Terry Long Jr.  Long is accused of shooting his girlfriend in the face in Avoca, in mid-December.  "It was one event that happened over a few hours, but we have bodycam videos from dozens of officers," Baker said, in discussing the evidence involved.  "There is also drone footage and hours and hours of interviews with neighbors, and hundreds of pages of reports.  The defense has asked for some additional time to review that, review the law and potentially file some motions.  We already had one set of motion arguments and the judge granted him a hearing on the admissibility of the statements Long made to law enforcement.  Also, counsel asked for some additional time to file additional motions and the judge gave him some time to work through that process.  So we are continuing to work through all of this discovery with the defense counsel, as is our requirement under the new state law," Baker said.   

 

A New Junior Firefighter Program Here In Steuben County

Over in Canisteo, the village board last night approved the request from the Canisteo Volunteer Fire Department to start up a junior firefighter program.  That’s something they’ve had running successfully for years in Bath.  They also have a junior firefighter program in Hammondsport and Corning. 

Campbell Residents Are Invited To A Fire Hall Meeting

There is a post circulating on local fire department Facebook pages, about the Campbell Fire Department’s fire chief stepping down.  In the post it says the Campbell Fire Department is having an upcoming meeting about this.  That will be on March 5 at 6pm at the new Campbell Fire Hall on Route 415.


Sempolinski: The Long Island GOP Candidate Was Micromanaged And Overprotected By Her Handlers

As heard on the national newscasts, Republican congressional candidate Mazi Pillip lost last night , to Democrat Tom Souzzi in the race for the Santos House seat in Long Island and Queens.  Steuben County GOP Chairman Joe Sempolinski says, the big problem with her campaign was, her handlers, would not let Mazi be herself.  "She was very protected," said Steuben County Republican Chair and former Republican Congressman Joe Sempolinski.  "They were holding press conferences where they had other members of congress standing next to her, also taking questions.  She didn't do a lot of interviews either.  It seems like whoever was making the stategic decisions, was very afraid of putting her out there and having her take definitive stances, and I was a little surprised by that," Sempolinski said. 

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