Troopers Release the Name of Man Found in Hornell Reservoir 

State Police have now released the name of the 79-year-old man whose body was discovered in the Hornell Reservoir earlier this week, as Randie Brewer, of Hornell. The body was found by two fishermen. Troopers say there were no signs of foul play observed. An investigation is ongoing. 

 

E-Waste Recycling Event in Corning

Join Senator Tom O'Mara, Assemblyman Chris Friend and Assemblyman Phil Palmesano for an Electronics Recycling Event this Saturday, September 27th from 8;30am to 12 noon.  This event will take place at Corning Incorporated, 271 County Road 64 in Big Flats.  Cellphones, Computers, TV's and Monitors, Small Devices, Printers and more will be recycled at this event and Pre-registration is required. Below is the link for signups.

https://form.jotform.com/Sunnking/EObigflats2025

 

Watkins Glen & Bradford exploring merger 

Watkins Glen school officials are exploring a possible merger with the Bradford school district. This week, the school board gave the green light to begin formal discussions. Leaders say the move is driven by declining student enrollment and potential incentives from the state. The aim is to protect student programs while reducing costs for local taxpayers. Any merger would be a long process, involving detailed studies, multiple approvals, and ultimately, a public vote

 

Benefit for Sept. 19th Penn Yan House Fire Victims’ Family 

A fire in Penn Yan last week sadly claimed two lives... twelve-year-old Ethan Parker and his grandmother, 78-year-old Patricia Stenz.  There is a benefit planned for Beth Russell, Ethan’s mother and Pat’s daughter, on October 11th at the Valley Inn Restuarant in Branchport.  

 

Upcoming Hammondsport Oktoberfest 

This coming Saturday, Hammondsport will kick off their 2nd Annual Oktoberfest. Deanna Tompkins Hammondsport Chamber of Commerce President and Christina Morgan, their new Office Director, were on WVIN’s Community Focus this morning to explain this Saturday's exciting celebration. Oktoberfest will take place at the Hammondsport Carnival Grounds on Route 54 and will be this Saturday from 1-5pm. 

 

Scam Alert from Steuben County Sheriff Jim Allard 

Scammers are stepping up their game—and they’re targeting everyone, not just seniors. Sheriff Jim Allard says these criminals are impersonating law enforcement officers, calling people with fake claims about missed court dates, warrants, or sex offender violations. They demand payment through gift cards or wire transfers and threaten to release personal information if you don’t comply.  “These scammers prey on fear and confusion,” says Sheriff Allard.  The Sheriff also states that “It’s important for the public to understand that law enforcement will never contact you by phone to demand payment of any kind.” If you get a call like this, hang up and report it to local law enforcement or the Internet Crime Complaint Center at iC3.gov. 

 

Pro Action of Steuben and Yates Celebrating 60 Years of Service 

Pro Action of Steuben and Yates is celebrating 60 years of service, helping over 13,000 residents annually overcome poverty and build brighter futures. On September 24th, local leaders Assemblyman Philip Palmesano and Senator Tom O’Mara honored the milestone with a proclamation at Pro Action’s Bath headquarters. CEO Laura Rossman says the organization remains a beacon of hope, offering programs from Head Start to Meals on Wheels. Learn more at proactioninc.org or call 607-776-2125 

 

Guthrie Performs First In-Region Procedure for Aortic Aneurisms 

Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital has performed a groundbreaking vascular procedure using the FDA-approved TAMBE (TAM-BEE) device to treat a complex aortic aneurysm. The minimally invasive surgery saved a patient who wasn’t eligible for open repair, thanks to advanced imaging and a 15-member surgical team. Dr. Amber Hussain called it “a major leap forward” for regional care. This follows Guthrie’s earlier success with another first-in-region aortic procedure, placing the hospital at the forefront of innovative vascular treatment. Learn more at Guthrie.org/TAMBE 

 

Bath Man Arrested in Underage Sex Sting 

A Bath man is facing serious felony charges after allegedly trying to meet someone he believed was a 15-year-old girl. Police say 45-year-old Michael Harold Ellis chatted for weeks with a decoy from a predator-hunting group, expressing sexual intent and even plans to get her pregnant. He was arrested September 16th at a Brookville Pennsylvania gas station and later confessed. Ellis is being held on $50,000 bail and is due back in court Monday, September 29th.