SECOND STATEMENT FROM THE BATH SCHOOL DISTRICT

Please note that due to the lockdown earlier today, school buses are running slightly behind schedule and are currently approximately 15 minutes late. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to ensure a safe and orderly dismissal for all students.

Thank you for your continued support.

 

FIRST STATEMENT FROM THE BATH SCHOOL DISTRICT

Update Regarding Afternoon Lockdown:

At approximately 2 PM, Bath Central School District implemented a lockdown at one of our school buildings in response to a reported threat directed toward the District. The lockdown was initiated out of an abundance of caution and in accordance with established District safety protocols.

The threat was quickly addressed and contained due to the strong working relationship between the District and local law enforcement. At no time was there an ongoing threat to students or staff. All required procedures were followed, and appropriate personnel were engaged to ensure the safety of everyone involved.

The lockdown has since been lifted, and normal school operations have resumed. We appreciate the cooperation of our students, staff, and families as we continue to prioritize safety and clear communication.

As always, we thank you for your continued support of Bath Central School District.

 

A Tragedy In Avoca Last Night 

Officials report that there was a fatal accident on 390 in Avoca last night – it was a tractor trailer and a car accident.  The Steuben County Sheriff’s Department is still notifying the family of the fatal victim, no one has been charged.  So no more information is available at this point.   

 

Ellsessor Is Sentenced In Steuben County Court

32 year old Lukas Ellsessor is in Steuben County Jail without bail.  He’s just been sentenced concurrently to four to twelve in state prison and one year in the county jail in Bath.  He was charged with 2^nd Degree Manslaughter and Recklessly causing death and Driving Under The Influence of Drugs and Alcohol.  Officials say that was because of a fatal accident in Cohocton in 2024. 

 

A Wind Advisory Is In Effect In Steuben County

A WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 7 AM THIS MORNING TO 10 PM EST THIS EVENING...

* WHAT...South winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 45 mph expected. Winds shift to westerly this evening and remain strong with gusts up to 45 mph.

* WHERE...Madison, Northern Oneida, Onondaga, Schuyler, Seneca, Southern Cayuga, Southern Oneida, Steuben, and Yates Counties.

* WHEN...From 7 AM this morning to 10 PM EST this evening.

* IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Strong downsloping south winds are expected this morning and into the afternoon hours. There may be an abrupt

cutoff between the strong south winds over far southern Oneida County versus much lighter east winds funneling down the Mohawk Valley at times. As the front approaches westerly winds will

increase across the advisory area late this afternoon and early this evening.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Use extra caution.

 

A Swearing In Ceremony At The Sheriff's Department 

FROM THE SHERIFF'S DEPT:  On Wednesday, January 7, 2026, Sheriff Allard did hold a swearing in for new members of the Sheriff's Office.

In our Jail Division Officer Collin Cantrell was sworn in as a Provisional Full-time Correction Officer and Officer Steven Cantando was sworn in as Permanent Part-time Corrections Officers assigned to Court Security.

Welcome to the Sheriff's Office family Officers Cantrell and Cantando.

 

 

Governor Hochul Wants To Expand Pre-K Education

From Gov. Hochul:  

The governor's Pre-K plans are to: 

• Make Pre-K truly universal statewide,
• Partner with New York City to launch the new Mayor’s signature 2-Care program and finally realize the promise of universal 3K access in New York City,
• Support other counties in building out new child care pilots that offer high-quality affordable care to families regardless of income, and
• Expand child care subsidies to tens of thousands of additional families.

NYSUT President Melinda Person released the following statement:

“We applaud the governor’s commitment to achieving truly universal Pre-K by expanding access and strengthening the resources that make quality early learning possible. By increasing funding alongside new seats, the state is helping ensure programs are well-supported, embedded within public schools, and staffed by educators with the training and certification children deserve. That’s how we make sure every child enters kindergarten ready to learn. This is what it looks like to put families first and build a future rooted in opportunity and affordability.”

The governor's announcement comes a day after NYSUT, lawmakers and advocacy groups held a press conference at the Capitol calling for universal childcare.

 

Statement From The State Prison Guard Union

The New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association (NYSCOPBA)has issued a statement regarding the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision’s (DOCCS) unilateral implementation of changes to the definition of assault in Unusual Incident reports.

Following recent discussions with DOCCS on updating assault definitions to better align with New York State Penal Law and improve tracking for inmate prosecutions, NYSCOPBA advocated strongly for additional definitions to terms to include menacing and reckless endangerment. These additions were essential to ensure that all disruptive and dangerous behaviors faced by our members are accurately documented and addressed.

NYSCOPBA refused to consent to the assault definition changes without these critical expansions, as narrowing the assault definition alone fails to capture the full realities of the risks our officers encounter daily. Despite our position, DOCCS has proceeded unilaterally to implement the revised definitions effective January 1, 2026, in order to collect a full year of data under the new standards.

Mark our words: A year from now, DOCCS will be touting that the number of assaults has dropped and prisons are much safer when, in reality, it’s because they refuse to acknowledge the harsh reality that our members are facing dangerous situations every day—but those dangerous situations won’t be fully tracked under DOCCS’ new definition. Lowering assault numbers without further defining other dangerous situations run the risk of making it look like the failed policies of the NYS Legislature are working. NYSCOPBA has said time and time again: If they want to make meaningful changes, they must listen to the brave men and women who work in these facilities every day!

Our team fought tirelessly to ensure every dangerous incident gets properly logged for the safety of our members and to support effective prosecutions. NYSCOPBA remains committed to advocating for fair and comprehensive definitions that fully reflect the challenges of correctional work and will continue pursuing agreeable changes moving forward.