A Bad Brush Fire Yesterday In The Town Of Rathbone

The Cameron Fire Department was dispatched to a brush fire Tuesday afternoon in the Town of Rathbone.  Mutual aid was requested from numerous area departments.  Approximately five acres of land and an outbuilding were damaged. The fire was placed under control in about an hour. 

Although the area is getting some well-deserved rain on Wednesday, Tim Marshall, Steuben County Director of Public Safety, states the county is still very dry and urges residents to use caution while burning.  Many of these fires can be avoided if residents would not burn outdoor debris during dry periods.  Marshall also said, If we don’t see a change in the weather pattern, this fall could be dangerous time for wildfires.

 

A.G. Tish James: Shooting In Cameron Was Justified

New York Attorney General Letitia James’ Office of Special Investigation (OSI) has released its report on the death of Allan Hoad, who died on October 21, 2024 following an encounter with members of the Steuben County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) and the City of Corning Police Department (CCPD) in Cameron, Steuben County. After a thorough investigation, which included review of footage from body-worn cameras and a drone, interviews with witnesses and officers, review of written statements from involved officers, and comprehensive legal analysis, OSI concluded that a prosecutor would not be able to disprove beyond a reasonable doubt at trial that the officers’ actions were justified under New York law.

During the early morning hours of October 21, SCSO deputies responded to a 911 call requesting a welfare check for Mr. Hoad at a residence on Angel Road in Cameron. When officers arrived, they attempted to speak with Mr. Hoad, who twice fired a shotgun at officers. A 13-hour standoff ensued, during which Mr. Hoad repeatedly threated to kill police officers and others in calls with 911 operators and SCSO crisis negotiators.

At 2 p.m. on October 21, Mr. Hoad left the residence carrying a long gun and drove his truck through a field to a house on Swale Road. Officers again attempted to get Mr. Hoad to surrender, using their cars to block the roadway. Mr. Hoad then drove his truck in reverse toward the officers with what appeared to be a handgun in his hand and crashed into a patrol car. Officers discharged their service weapons as Mr. Hoad drove at them and got out of his truck, striking Mr. Hoad. Mr. Hoad was transferred to a local hospital where he was later pronounced dead. Officers recovered a shotgun and three imitation pistols in Mr. Hoad’s truck at the scene.

Under New York’s justification law, a police officer may use deadly physical force when the officer reasonably believes it to be necessary to defend against the use of deadly physical force by another. In this case, officers responded to a welfare call and were fired upon, then repeatedly attempted to engage Mr. Hoad as he threatened to kill them and others before he eventually drove his vehicle toward officers while pointing a gun at them. Under these circumstances, given the law and the evidence, a prosecutor would not be able to disprove beyond a reasonable doubt at trial that the officers’ use of deadly physical force against Mr. Hoad was justified, and therefore OSI determined that criminal charges would not be pursued in this matter.

 

Halfway Through Steuben County Fair Week Here In Bath 

The Steuben County Fair continues at the Fairgrounds here in Bath.  Today there are livestock shows starting and 9am and the carnival opens at 2pm.  Wristbands are $35.00 this year.  Tonight’s grandstand event will be Broken B Rodeo – Bulls and Barrels.     

 

Department Of Transportation Work In Wayland Today

The New York State D.O.T. says they will be doing paving work on Routes 21 and 63 in Wayland, starting today and that goes 6am-6pm each day.  Officials say there will be single lane traffic between Southview Drive and Wayland Cohocton High School.  This work is expected to be done by August 19. 

 

Bath Is Having "Cones With Cops" Event Next Week

A week from today the Bath Village Police Department’s Union will be having “Cones With Cops”-that’s an ice cream event with Bath Police on Wednesday August 20  from 6pm to8pm at Scoops And Blooms in Bath. 

 

Rose: Please Dispose Of Pool Chemicals Properly

Steuben County Residents, Eric Rose, Commissioner of Public Works, wants to call your attention to the hazards of disposing batteries and pool chemical in your trash. These items, when improperly handled, have a high potential to cause fires. 

To avoid the potential for fires at the Bath Landfill and the Erwin, Hornell and Wayland Transfer Stations caused by batteries and pool chemicals the County provides the following no charge recycling and disposal services. 

Batteries can be recycled at the electronic waste collection points at the Bath Landfill and the Erwin, Hornell and Wayland Transfer Stations. Additionally, many retailers that sell items with batteries have a collection program that allows for the safe recycling of batteries. You will want to check with the retailer for store policies.

Pool chemicals are a potential fire risk when placed in the trash. It is recommended that pool owners only purchase what can be used for the season. The County hosts two Household Hazardous Waste collection events each year where residents can safely dispose of unwanted pool chemicals as well as other household chemicals. If you are unable to participate in the Household Hazardous Waste collection events and are unable to safely store excess chemicals, please contact the Department of Public Works at (607) 664-2460 for disposal options. 

The Bath Landfill is open Monday – Saturday, 7:30AM – 3:30PM and the Erwin, Hornell and Wayland Transfer Stations are open Tuesday – Saturday, 7:30AM – 3:30PM.

More information on disposal and recycling programs available to residents can be found on the County website: www.steubencountyny.gov or on Face Book:https://www.facebook.com/share/14GXHJuw57c/?mibextid=wwXIfr .

The County’s goal is to provide a sustainable solid waste management program that protects the safety of our residents, employees and the environment. Thank you for your cooperation.

 

Hochul: Free Community College Is Going Very Well

Democrat Governor Kathy Hochul says that over 16,500 people have applied for free community college programs.  The governor says, that’s pretty impressive, considering that the free community college program has only been around for the past few months.

 

Siena Poll Has Gov. Hochul 14 Points Ahead Of Stefanik

A new Siena College Poll has Governor Hochul 14 points ahead of Republican Congresswoman Elise Stefanik.  The Stefanik campaign says that’s because Hochul is losing independent voters.  Also, Governor Hochul is slamming Elise Stefanik – the governor says the congresswoman is more interested in pushing tarrifs to please the president, than Stefanik is in helping working families.