D.A. Brooks Baker Says, James Cunningham Has Been Released And The Charges Are Likely Being Dropped

On April 23, we reported that law enforcement arrested 44 year old James Cunningham of Katie Lane, in Painted Post.  The latest in this case is, Steuben County District Attorney Brooks Baker now says, it appears the charges against James Cunningham will likely be dropped.  Baker also says. State Troopers are charging the two people believed to have been victims.  "The folks we thought were victims and witnesses, they are both currently in jail now," Baker tells WVIN News.  "New York State Police continued their investigation and the story has changed dramatically, based upon the facts, physical evidence and other evidence we've been able to develop.  On Wednesday, I made application to Steuben County Court Judge Chauncey Watches, to have Mr. Cunningham released fron Steuben County Jail and he was.  There is still a charge of 1st Degree Assault pending against Cunningham, however, that charge will likely be dismissed," Baker said.  

The district attorney also says that Deion Ross, 24, of the Town of Erwin and Hannah Campbell, 19, of the City of Corning, were remanded to Steuben County Jail, where they are being held on charges of 1st Degree Burglary.  

 

Kuhl Making Another Run For Steuben County Legislature

James Kuhl today announced his pursuit of re-election for the Steuben County Legislature 12th District seat, representing the Town of Erwin, after an impactful first term during which he was voted Vice Chair of the Legislature.

“Representing my community of Erwin for the past three years has been a tremendous privilege and honor. I am seeking reelection to build on my efforts toward a healthy, safe, and prosperous town and region: infrastructure for emergency response; support for law enforcement personnel; programs for local businesses; and resources for veterans, seniors, youth, and others in need. I would be grateful for the opportunity to continue serving my home and neighbors as a County Legislator representing the Town of Erwin and Painted Post,” Kuhl said.

His campaign will host a series of community meet-and-greet events throughout May and June. More details can be found on his Facebook page at www.facebook.com/JamesKuhlforErwin or website www.jameskuhlforerwin.com.

Kuhl’s legislative tenure has included raising pay and retirement benefits for law enforcement, investment in emergency first responders, advocacy for veterans’ services, increased programming for mental health and substance abuse services, and grant funding for youth sports and leadership. He serves as Vice Chair of the legislature’s Human Services, Health, and Education Committee.

He is also advocating for Steuben County programs and resources on a broader scale as Vice Chair of the National Association of Counties’ Education, Children, and Families Subcommittee.

Kuhl also is seeking re-election to the Erwin Town Council. Before taking that office in 2022, he served on the Town of Erwin Planning Board.

Kuhl is a senior business consultant at Salient Management Co., a business intelligence software firm based in Horseheads. Parents to three elementary-school boys, he and his wife Maggie are active with Scouting America, Corning-Painted Post Little League, the Erwin Valley Elementary Parent Teacher Association, and Corning Children’s Center. The family are members at the First Presbyterian Church in Corning.

He can be reached with any constituent concerns or questions through phone (607-368-7165), email (jkuhl@steubencountyny.gov) or his Facebook page.

 

Bath Man Charged By Village Police 

Update On The State Budget And School AId

Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R, Corning) says, he’s concerned about the amount of school foundation aid, that might get cut, in the state budget.  "It can't just be this narrow scope, where it's all based on your enrollment," Palmesano said.  "You have to look at the wealth and the ratio, how many students are on free and reduced school lunch programs, and it needs to be a fair program, not just one that directs funding towards New York City and larger populations.  A lot of schools are concerned about how this is going to play out and I'm concerned."

 

A Controversial Bill Is Getting A Lot Of Attention In Albany 

The assisted suicide legislation in the state legislature has been strongly opposed by all Republicans.  Canisteo Republican, Assemblyman Joe Sempolinski  made a strong argument against the bill, earlier this week.  "For the entirety of civilization, doctor's sole role has been to promote and extend life," Sempolinski said on the Assembly floor.  "Now we are taking that profession and asking it to do the exact opposite," Sempolinski stated.   

Democrat supporters say the legislation is called the Medical Aid In Dying Act, and they disagree with Republicans for calling it, assisted suicide.