Longtime Corning Inc Employee Has Passed Away
A former and longtime Corning Incorporated employee, Heath Rutledge, has died at the age of 90. Rutlege worked in the research and development departments at Corning Inc, for 35 years. He even came up with an invention for the company. Rutlege was also the president of the American Baptist Churches of New York State and a Boy Scout Cub Master. Calling hours for Heath Rutledge will be this Wednesday from 7pm to 9pm at the Carpenters Funeral Home in Corning. The funeral will be this Thursday at 11am at the First Baptist Church in Corning.
Fitzpatrick And Lando Hold On To Their Legislative Positions, Horton And Van Caeseele Are Named To New Posts, At This Morning's Organizational Meeting
Kelly Fitzpatrick was renamed Legislative Chair, Jeff Horton was named as the new Legislative Vice Chair, the new county Majority Leader is now Paul Van Caeseele and Hilda Lando was renamed the county minority leader. All four appointments were unanimous voted for.
See full statement below from Eddie VanStine:
The Steuben County Legislature convened a special organizational meeting on Monday, January 5, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. at the Steuben County Annex Building in Bath, New York, formally commencing the new legislative term and reaffirming its commitment to serving the residents of Steuben County with integrity, transparency, and accountability.
During the meeting, the Legislature elected its leadership for the upcoming term:
- Kelly Fitzpatrick (District 3 – Town of Bath) was elected to a second term as Chair of the Steuben County Legislature.
- Jeff Horton (District 8 – Bradford, Campbell, Wayne) was elected Vice Chair.
- Paul VanCaeseele (District 1 – City of Hornell) was elected Majority Leader.
- Hilda T. Lando (District 2 – City of Corning) was elected Minority Leader.
The organizational meeting also included the formal swearing-in of legislators for the new term, administered by Steuben County Clerk Judy Hunter, marking the official assumption of office and continuation of service.
Returning Legislators Sworn In for a New Term
The following legislators were sworn in to continue their service on the Steuben County Legislature:
- Nicholas D. Pelham – District 3, Town of Bath
- K. Michael Hanna – District 5, Prattsburgh, Pulteney, Urbana
- Frederick G. Potter – District 10, Greenwood, Jasper, Rathbone, Troupsburg, West Union, Woodhull
- Hilda T. Lando – District 2, City of Corning
Newly Elected Legislators Sworn In
The following individuals were sworn in as newly elected members of the Steuben County Legislature:
- Daniel Warriner – District 1, City of Hornell
- Debbie Shannon – District 12, Town of Erwin
- Michael Volino – District 9, Cameron, Canisteo, Thurston
- Justin Eberlin – District 13, Caton, Corning, Hornby
The commencement emphasized the importance of collaboration, civic responsibility, and steady leadership as the Legislature begins its work for the new term. County leaders reaffirmed a shared commitment to addressing the needs of communities across Steuben County, strengthening local government, and ensuring responsible stewardship of public resources.
As the Legislature moves forward, it does so with a renewed focus on cooperation, community engagement, and serving the people of Steuben County with professionalism and respect.
Painted Post Man Charged For Allegedly Making False Reports
FROM NYSP: The New York State Police announce the arrest of a Painted Post man following an inquiry into repeated false reports made to emergency services and mandated reporters in Steuben County.
The investigation determined that over an extended period in 2025, the suspect made numerous false reports to 911 and the New York State Child Abuse and Maltreatment Hotline. These reports resulted in repeated law enforcement and child protective services responses and were ultimately determined to be unfounded.
Investigators further determined that the reports were knowingly false and were made in a manner that misused emergency and child protection resources.
As a result of the investigation, Thomas A. Margeson, age 40, of Painted Post, was arrested on January 1, 2026.
Margeson was charged with:
- 18 counts of Falsely Report Catastrophe Or Emergency To Official Agency- 3rd degree (A misdemeanor) in the town of Bath.
- 12 counts of Falsely Reporting Child Abuse Incident to a Mandated Reporter - 3rd degree (A misdemeanor) in the village of Bath.
Margeson was issued two appearance tickets: one for the Town of Bath Court on February 2, 2026, and one for the Village of Bath Court on February 4, 2026.
A School Cancer Awareness Event Is Coming Up In Bath
Sunday Was The 100th Anniversary of Strong Opening
Yesterday was the 100th anniversary of Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester. Strong opened their doors on January 2, 1926. Also yesterday, it was the final Buffalo Bills game played at the “Ralph”. The Bills defeated the Jets, 35-8.
The Region's Federal Lawmakers React To Maduro Arrest
Congressman Nick Langworthy, Congresswoman Claudia Tenney and other House Republicans across the state, including Elise Stefanik and Nichole Molliotakis, issued statements in support of President Trump’s regime change and capture of Maduro in Venezula over the weekend. The House GOP maintains Trump’s move will stabilize the region for the US and improve the lives of Venezualans. Democrat US Senators Schumer and Gillibrand were critical of the capture and questioned where there will be more overthrows in other countries on Trump’s list.
Some Events Coming Up At Local Libraries
Today at 5:30 pm, Dormann Library director, LeighAnn Rumsey, will be presenting a workshop on Leather Stamping. Rumsey says this is a make-and-take program open to ages 13 plus. Also, the Hammondsport Library will be holding a month long series of classes called “Creating Your Forever Home.” The program is centered around helping people age in place with tips and low-cost or no cost home improvements. Classes will be held every Thursday from 2-3pm and will begin Thursday, January 8th and run through Thursday, February 5.
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