Sweet Announces He's Running Once Again

Bath Village Mayor Michael Sweet says, there’s a Republican Caucus on January 22 at 6pm at the village hall.  Sweet also says, he’s running again for mayor.  "I'm very happy with the accomplishments: our tax rates remain steady under my leadership," Sweet tells WVIN Radio News.  "Most importantly, we've seen over $100 million dollars being invested in the community.  That's from the utility company, to renovations at the Dana Lyons School and of course the New York Forward money, which is $12.5 million dollars.  All of that New York Forward money will start flowing into the village this year.  So,k I want to see that through.  I've always said that I will continue to be mayor until I don't see change - and I'm seeing change," the Bath Mayor said, in a phone call with WVIN this morning.       

 

New Apartments For The Steuben Co Town Of Erwin

County I.D.A. Director Jamie Johnson, says that the Park Grove project in Erwin is set to construct 90 market rate townhouse units.  The apartments will be suitable for all age groups.  Johnson also noted that these townhouse apartments will be much like the Park Grove project in West Henrietta. 

 

Beware Of A Scam Involving Cell Phone Offers

Steuben County residents are being alerted to a scam. The sheriff’s office is warning about scammers offering free cell phones and sim cards, while soliciting personal information. If anyone receives such a call, they are advised to hang up and contact law enforcement.

 

Bath Rotary Club Wins A Nice Award

Bath Rotary Members are Proud recipients of the Club Excellence Award. Bath New York Rotary Club was one of eight clubs in Rotary District 7120 to be honored for fostering a positive experience for our members and reflecting the values of #Rotary.  "Join today to get in on the good things we’ve got going on," said Eddie VanStine.

 

Governor Kathy Hochul's State Of The State Address

Editors Note: This part of Gov. Hochul's State of the State Speech, Was the Most Relevant To Our Area.   

From The Governor's Office:   "As climate change increases the frequency of flooding across New York, many communities have streams and watersheds that have not been studied for flood risk, limiting the community’s ability to plan for land use, infrastructure, and climate adaptation. Without clear data on how waterways behave during extreme weather, local governments are forced to make high-stakes decisions without knowing where flooding is most likely to occur or which solution will be the most effective. Governor Hochul will advance FloodSafe NY to better understand and manage flood risk by aligning watershed studies, implementation grants, and stream monitoring into a single, coordinated resiliency effort. Building on the Resilient NY program and the Resilient Watersheds Grant Program, this initiative will help communities by identifying flood-prone areas and supporting practical mitigation strategies. FloodSafe NY will also strengthen the State’s stream gauge network, giving local governments better data on flooding patterns and hydrologic trends. Together, these efforts will help communities anticipate flood risks earlier, make smarter infrastructure decisions, and reduce damage from future flooding events."

 

FROM STATE TEACHERS UNION NYSUT:  “The Governor’s State of the State makes clear that she is choosing to lead with her values — protecting children, supporting families and strengthening public education at every level. By investing in childcare, safeguarding kids’ mental health and online safety, expanding truly universal Pre-K in our public schools, investing in teaching and learning, and keeping SUNY and CUNY affordable, the Governor is delivering an agenda rooted in opportunity and the belief that government can and should make life better for families. Educators are ready to stand shoulder to shoulder with the Governor and Legislature to turn these commitments into real, measurable progress for New York’s students and communities.”

 

From Assemblyman Phil Palmesano:  “Gov. Hochul delivered her annual State of the State Address today and outlined her priorities for the upcoming legislative session. I look forward to hearing more specific details about her agenda when she presents her Executive Budget Proposal next week.

 “It is no secret New York is facing not only an affordability crisis, but a quality-of-life crisis as well. We cannot afford yet another year of the bloated spending, high taxes, bureaucratic red tape and rising energy costs that are being pushed forward in Albany.  I, along with my Assembly Republican colleagues, will continue to push back against these policies as well as advocate for fiscal responsibility and common-sense public safety policies.  If Gov. Hochul is serious about reversing the affordability, public safety and quality-of-life crisis facing our state, she will present a budget that is not only responsible but works for all New Yorkers, not just progressive elites. I urge the governor and legislative leaders to work across the aisle to achieve this goal.”

 

FROM ASSEMBLYMAN JOE SEMPOLINSKI:  Assemblyman Sempolinski noted that while the governor talked about making life more affordable for New Yorkers, she didn’t explain how she would do that while at the same time paying for the new programs she outlined during her speech.  “New Yorkers suffer under one of the highest tax burdens in the country and its driving people out of New York to lower-cost states,” Assemblyman Sempolinski said. “The best way to address the high cost of living is to get government out of the way, cut spending and lower taxes. I didn’t hear anything from the governor to make me believe she’s serious about cutting spending and making life more affordable for New York’s taxpayers.  The state budget has ballooned from $177 billion in 2021, when Gov. Hochul became governor, to $254.3 billion now.  “We have a serious spending problem in New York that the governor seems incapable of addressing. The state budget is more than a quarter of a trillion dollars. That’s irresponsible and indefensible. New York has no future as the tax and spending capital of America,” Assemblyman Sempolinski said.

 

Senator O'Mara And The Save New York Legislation

To kick off the beginning of the 2026 legislative session, State Senator Tom O’Mara (R,C-Big Flats) joined his Senate Republican colleagues at the Capitol yesterday to unveil “Save New York,” a comprehensive legislative agenda of policy goals they plan to prioritize to counteract the direction of New York government under all-Democrat, one-party control.

O’Mara, Ranking Member on the Senate Finance Committee, said, “Albany Democrats talk about New York State's affordability crisis but their actions continue to show that they have no interest in reining in out-of-control spending, eliminating taxes, lowering costs, cutting burdensome regulations and mandates, or restoring public safety. Their vision for New York remains a vision built on irresponsibly spending billions upon billions of taxpayer dollars to increase handouts to their base. We need to save New York by restoring the right priorities, rebuilding stronger and safer communities, and working toward a more responsible and sustainable future for middle-class communities, families, workers, businesses, industries, and taxpayers. It's time to save New Yorkers from waking up every day worried about making ends meet in a state that has become less safe, less affordable, less free, less economically competitive, less responsible, and far less hopeful for the future."

The Next Boater Safety Class Will Be On January 24

The Steuben County Sheriff's Office Navigation Division will host a FREE one-day New York State Boaters Safety Course on Saturday, January 24, 2026. The class will be held from 8:00am to 5:00pm at the Steuben County Sheriff's Office, 7007 Rumsey Street Ext., Bath , NY 14810. You must be at least 10 years old to attend and must pass a written test at the end of the session.Seating for the class is limited to 30 persons and pre-registration is required. There is no charge for the course. New York State however charges a fee of $10 for the boater's certificate which does not expire. To sign up for the class complete the online registration at: Click Here - https://www.register-ed.com/events/view/238965