Two Fires At The Same Time Today, In Steuben County

Steuben County Emergency Services Director Tim Marshall says that there was a camper Fire Route 11 at Jellystone Campground in Town of Bath.  That fire was called in just after 12:00 this afternoon.  The Bath VA and Savona and Thurston Fire Departments were called to the scene, Savona and Thurston were later recalled.  That fire was under control by around 12:30PM.  There will also a vehicle fire at the same time, in the Steuben County Town of Dansville.  That was on Bronson Road, in a garage (though the driver pushed the car out of the garage at some point).  That fire happened just before noon.  The South Dansville Fire Dept. handled that fire and mutual aid came in from Perkinsville and Fremont Fire Dept's.  The fire was called in, late in the 11am hour today and was under control by 12:20pm.   The county fire investigation team is looking into the cause of the fire.  Also, no injuries reported from the Dansville fire.

 

Statement From NYSP/Schuyler County D.A.'s Office:

The New York State Police and the Schuyler County District Attorney’s Office announce significant developments in the ongoing joint investigation into allegations of official misconduct involving former Canisteo Police Chief Kyle C. Amidon.  The investigation began in April 2024 after an anonymous letter was sent to the Village of Canisteo Mayor and Board of Trustees.  Following a referral from the Steuben County District Attorney, the New York State Police Special Investigations Unit (SIU) – Rochester initiated a comprehensive investigation. Additional inquiries revealed potential misconduct involving falsified time sheets and irregularities tied to the Canisteo Police Club, which Chief Amidon founded and managed.  Assistance was provided by the New York State Comptroller’s Office, and the case was reviewed in consultation with the FBI and United States Attorney’s Office for potential federal prosecution. Schuyler County District Attorney, Joseph G. Fazzary, was appointed a special prosecutor for the case due to a conflict of interest in the Steuben County District Attorney’s Office. Fazzary evaluated evidence and charges provided by SIU investigators connected to misconduct, financial impropriety, and timekeeping fraud.  As a result of these findings, Chief Kyle C. Amidon resigned his position with the Canisteo Police Department this morning, pleaded guilty to one count of Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the Second Degree, a class A misdemeanor, and was sentenced to a one-year Conditional Discharge by Hon. Medeleine Seaman. He was also ordered to pay the Village of Canisteo restitution in the amount of $13,378.57, which he paid prior to being sentenced. 

 

Statement From Amidon's Defense Attorney

“Mr. Amidon has a track record of selfless public service.  His community’s appreciation and support was on full display outside of the court yesterday.  His resignation is a loss to the Village of Canisteo, but at the end of the day, he had to make the difficult decision to put this charade behind him.  He deeply appreciates the support of his family and many loyal, respected community members.”

 

On Making Technological Upgrades To Courtrooms

The Steuben County District Attorney’s Office is continuing work with the State Office of Court Administration to make Steuben County Court, more high tech.  Steuben County D.A. Brooks Baker and A.D.A. Joan Merry have been working with the state court system to make this happen.

 

Governor Kathy Hochul Signs The New Budget 

From Gov Hochul: District Attorneys, domestic violence survivor advocates, religious leaders and business groups are voicing their support for essential changes to New York’s discovery laws. Included in this year’s Budget, these discovery reforms build upon the record investments in proven crime prevention initiatives, while holding perpetrators accountable and safeguarding the right to a fair and speedy trial in New York State. Especially important...is the state and local tax deduction — and back in 2017, that was eliminated by the president who's in office now; that was a big tax increase for New Yorkers. New Yorkers right now are sending $12 billion because of losing the state and local tax reduction … That's money that you know you should have back in your pocket, not sending to the federal government. And that's something that's really a problem."

 

From Assemblyman Phil Palmesano: 

“The governor will claim her modest discovery reforms will improve public safety, and while they are a small step in the right direction, it is still not nearly enough to offset the dangerous crime caused by failed policies like cashless bail and raise the age.

“Also, once again, this budget authorizes the governor to close even more correctional facilities, up to three, with just 90 days’ notice, another insult to the brave correctional officers who work a very dangerous job to keep us safe. This, at a time when 2,000 correctional officers were fired for their demonstrations as they simply asked for their employer, our state, to have their backs and provide them with proper tools and safety measures in their facilities. Now the governor, once again, has the power to close their places of employment, uproot their families and leave hundreds of staff without a job. This is just wrong.

 

Claudia Tenney: The MOMS Act And Military Mothers Too

Republican Congresswoman Claudia Tenney has gotten a bill passed in the House, which would help get money to pregnant women and young mothers.  It’s called The MOM Act, which stands for More Opportunities for Moms.  Tenney also 

was with President Donald J. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump at the White House for a celebration of Military Mothers yesterday.  Rep Tenney is the mother of U.S. Naval Academy graduate Trey Cleary, who is an active-duty Major in the U.S. Marine Corps.  “Thank you to President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump for welcoming military mothers to the White House today. It is encouraging to see this administration’s strong support for our military and their families, recognizing their sacrifices and ensuring they receive the respect and resources they deserve. As the mother of an active-duty Marine, it is a true honor to stand among so many who share that bond. I am deeply grateful for my son, Trey, and his service to our country,” said Congresswoman Tenney.