Jack Wheeler Presents The Steuben County Budget

Steuben County Manager Jack Wheeler presented the new county budget today.  Wheeler says the proposed budget has the tax levy is going up 1.96%.  The new average tax rate per $1,000 would be $6.09, a decrease of 6% from 2025.  The full county legislature will vote on this, on November 24. 

 

LP Building Solutions Is Doing Very Well 

Finger Lakes 1 reports that LP Building Solutions in Bath is adding paved storage and infrastructure to boost inventory capacity and speed up delivery.  According to Finger Lakes 1, siding sales rose 5% in the third quarter, adding $22 million in revenue.  

Click here for full story. 

 

A New College President For Corning Community 

From The State University Of New York:  The State University of New York Board of Trustees voted today to name Dr. Terence L. Finley as the eighth president of Corning Community College. Dr. Finley -- who is also a SUNY alumnus -- currently serves as Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Harris-Stowe State University. His appointment will take effect on January 2, 2026.
Corning Community College has been led by Administrator in Charge Kim L. Frock since June 2, 2025, following former President William P. Mullaney’s appointment as the ninth president of Rockland Community College.
“I am confident that Dr. Finley’s dedication to student success, retention, and completion, demonstrated through his work at Harris-Stowe State University, will further catapult Corning Community College forward as a regional and statewide leader,” SUNY Chancellor King said. “I want to thank Administrator in Charge Kim L. Frock for her service leading Corning Community College during this leadership transition and for her dedication to the local community served by this essential institution of higher learning.”
The SUNY Board of Trustees said, “We are pleased to welcome incoming President Finley, and we are confident Corning Community College will continue to flourish under his leadership. Dr. Finley’s extensive higher education experience will empower him to lead Corning Community College, and its students, into a bright future. We thank Administrator in Charge Kim L. Frock for her leadership during this transition period.”
Dr. Terence Finley said, “I have dedicated the last 15 years to higher education, championing the principles of access, adequacy, and equity for underserved, underrepresented, under-resourced, and in some cases underprepared student populations. My deep commitment to educational excellence is underscored by my unwavering belief in the transformative power of education to drive societal change, elevate communities, and create long-term impact through student success. I want to thank the SUNY Board of Trustees, Chancellor King, and the SUNY Corning Regional Board of Trustees for this opportunity.”
Chairman of the Corning Community College Regional Board of Trustees Michael J. Wayne said, “We are excited to welcome Dr. Terence Finley back home to upstate New York, as the 8th President of SUNY Corning Community College. His experience as a SUNY (Brockport) graduate and a native of upstate makes him uniquely qualified to manage the opportunities and challenges of our college. His focus on student success and advocacy of non-traditional students will surely enhance the successes we've experienced, at Corning, through the SUNY Reconnect program. We are thankful to our dedicated Presidential search committee for their comprehensive work to bring us to this successful appointment!”
Vice Chair of the Corning Community College Regional Board of Trustees Judy McKinney Cherry said, “The selection of a new campus president is about more than leadership. It’s about passion, vision, and a steadfast commitment to student success, which is why I am delighted to welcome incoming President Finley: an experienced professional who is dedicated to advancing higher education, excellence, and equity. I am excited to see Corning Community College continue to thrive under Dr. Finley’s leadership.”

 

CG Superintendent To Speak At Coopers Plains BOCES

Three Charged In Alleged Animal Cruelty In Big Flats 

FROM THE CHEMUNG CO SHERIFF'S OFFICE:  In October, the Chemung County Sheriff’s Office received a tip from the Chemung County Probation Department about possible animal abuse that had occurred on Antler Road in the Town of Big Flats. During the course of the investigation, the Deputy learned that TRACEY R. ITJEN had force fed a small dog several coins and thumbtacks over a period of time from June 2025 to October 2025. The investigation led to the arrest of TRACEY R. ITJEN, for Aggravated Cruelty to Animals, a Felony. TRACEY R. ITJEN is currently being held at the Chemung County Jail for Violation of Probation and was issued an appearance ticket to appear in Big Flats Town Court at a later date. Upon investigation, DOUGLAS J. ITJEN and DARLENE ITJEN were both arrested for Overdriving, Torturing and Injuring Animals and Failure to Provide Proper Sustenance, a Class A Misdemeanor. DOUGLAS J. ITJEN and DARLENE ITJEN were both issued appearance tickets to appear in Big Flats Town Court at a later date.

Due to the investigation, three (3) dogs were removed from the residence in Big Flats by Southern Tier Animal Control at the insistence of the Chemung County District Attorney’s Office and Sheriff’s Office.

 

A Great New Book About Local History Is Now Out

The Steuben County Historical Society has gotten a book published.  The book is called “Today In Our History”.  It’s based on the This Day In History radio segments, which have aired for years on WVIN Radio.  It costs ten dollars and will is available from both WVIN and the Steuben County Historical Society.