Extra Patrols Will Be Out For The Upcoming Holiday Period

On New Years Eve and New Years Day, State Police, the Steuben County Sheriff’s Department, Bath Village Police, Hornell Police and other law enforcement agencies will be out late, patrolling to see if there are any impaired drivers. 

 

The Testing Yesterday In Bath Schools, Was Successful

Bath School Superintendent Kelly Houck tells WVIN News that the school’s lockdown testing yesterday morning, went very well.   Houck says as part of their most recent capital project and software updates, they needed to "reset" and test the system with all the new features and upgrades to ensure that it responded appropriately and it performed perfectly.  Superintendent Houck also says they were fortunate to have a holiday break to utilize for testing that allowed us to perform the necessary tests without causing disruption to a school day.

 

On Monday, The County Will Hold Important Meetings

Coming up on Monday, January 5, at the Steuben County Public Safety meeting, officials will be working on possibly getting an agreement for outdoor cameras for the Steuben County Public Safety Building.  That’s with a security camera company called Linstar. At that same upcoming meeting, committee officials will be voting on continuing funding for the county Emergency Medical Services crews.  Also coming up Monday, the Steuben County Legislature will be having their reorganizational meeting.  They’ll be naming replacements for committee assignments for the county legislators leaving office: the newcomers will be  Republican Dan Warriner, Democrat Deborah Shannon, Republican Mike Volino and Republican Justin Eberlin. 

 

Langworthy: Proud To Get $212 Million For Hospitals

Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23) announced that New York State has been awarded $212 million in federal funding for Fiscal Year 2026 through the Rural Health Transformation Program, a historic investment authorized under H.R. 1 and the Working Families Tax Plan, and announced by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

“I’m extremely proud to share that New York will receive $212 million in funding to strengthen our rural hospitals and healthcare systems that serve so many hardworking families in Western New York and the Southern Tier,” said Congressman Nick Langworthy. “This funding is historic — and it will make a real difference for patients and providers across our communities.”

The Rural Health Transformation Program represents the largest federal investment in rural healthcare in American history. Established under H.R. 1 and the Working Families Tax Plan, the initiative invests $50 billion over five years to expand access to care, improve outcomes, modernize healthcare delivery, and support rural providers nationwide.

“Rural hospitals are the backbone of healthcare in our communities. For too long, many rural systems have faced mounting financial pressure, workforce shortages, and access challenges — forcing patients to travel farther for care,” Langworthy continued. “This investment helps change that.”

CMS confirmed that funding will support initiatives such as workforce development, expanded access to primary and specialty care, improved care coordination, and modern health technology investments designed to improve outcomes in rural communities.  “As a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, I was proud to help advance the policies that made this investment possible,” Langworthy added. “This is critical funding to strengthen the rural hospitals and healthcare systems that serve so many residents of New York’s 23rd Congressional District.”  The funding will be distributed beginning in Fiscal Year 2026, with oversight to ensure resources are used efficiently, responsibly, and with a clear focus on delivering measurable improvements for patients and providers.  “This is a historic win for rural healthcare in New York,” Langworthy concluded. “I will continue fighting in Congress to bring home resources that protect access to care, support healthcare workers, and strengthen the communities we serve.”

 

New County GOP Election Commissioner Starts Work Soon

Steuben County Republican Election Commissioner Vicky Olin is leaving her position at the end of January.  Corning Republican Brian Housel was unanimously nominated to take Olin’s place at the county board of elections.  For Housel to take over, this still has to be approved by the full county legislature.