Youth In Gov't Interns At The Steuben Co Legislature

On Thursday in Bath at the county offices, the Steuben County Youth in Government Interns held a mock convention style local lawmaker session in the Legislative Chambers.  Students spoke and debated real issues that impact the county.  Students from Canisteo-Greenwood, Jasper Troupsburg, Prattsburgh and Hornell all took part.  Steuben County Legislature Chairwoman Kelly Fitzpatrick praised the intern’s professionalism, preparation, and commitment to civic engagement. Also present were County Lawmakers Hilda Lando, William Thew, Joe Tobia, and Fred Potter, as well as the student’s friends, and family members. 

 

Beaver Dams Resident Charged By The State 

FROM THE STATE COMPTROLLER'S OFFICE:  New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, Schuyler County District Attorney Jeremy Hourihan and New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James announced the arrest of Kelly S. Groves, the president and interim treasurer of the Monterey Volunteer Fire Department, for allegedly stealing over $3,000 from the department. Groves, 49, of Beaver Dams, was charged with grand larceny in the third degree.

“Kelly Groves violated the trust placed in her by her community by allegedly stealing funds meant to protect their health and safety,” DiNapoli said. “The fact that this community was previously victimized by corruption among its fire department officials, deepens her betrayal. My thanks to District Attorney Hourihan and the New York State Police for their continued partnership and ensuring she will be held accountable.”

“The Schuyler County DA’s office takes allegations of larceny from volunteer fire departments and first responders very seriously. We will continue to aggressively investigate and prosecute cases that violate the trust of the public. I would like to thank the State Comptroller’s Office and the New York State Police for their hard work and collaboration in this matter,” Hourihan said.

“I commend the diligent work of our State Police members, along with our partners at the State Comptroller’s Office and Schuyler County District Attorney’s Office, for their hard work in putting an end to this dishonest act. Ms. Groves allegedly defrauded and preyed on the public’s philanthropy, putting the well-being of the community in jeopardy. We will not tolerate the conduct of those who take advantage of their position and steal money meant to safeguard the citizens of New York State,” James said.

DiNapoli’s office received a complaint regarding Groves’ handling of funds and subsequently opened a joint investigation with the New York State Police Financial Crimes Unit into the allegations. The investigation determined that Groves stole over $3,000 from the department from 2018 until 2022 by withdrawing cash from the department’s bank account and making personal purchases with its debit card between Sept. 19, 2018 and Dec. 31, 2022.

Groves, as treasurer, did not deposit any cash collected from the fire department’s fundraisers or member dues for three years, 2019 through 2021 into department accounts. The forensic analysis found that Groves withdrew nearly $20,000 from department accounts; however, she could provide less than $5,000 in receipts to support the cash withdrawals.

After joining the department in 2003, Groves held various positions and is currently its president. She served as both the president and interim treasurer from August 2018 through Dec. 31, 2022. She became president again in January of 2024 after a year of absence from the department.

In 2013, based upon an investigation by DiNapoli’s office, the former chief and treasurer, who were husband and wife, were convicted of embezzling over $100K from the department.

Groves appeared before Judge Kristina Vondracek in Schuyler County Centralized Arraignment Part Court. She is due back in court on Feb. 10.

The charges filed in this case are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

Renowned Author To Visit Corning In April

Doris Kearns Goodwin is a world famous author and historian whose written about presidents Lincoln, Teddy and Franklin Roosevelt and Kennedy, just to name a few.  From Corning Community College:  We’re thrilled to announce our 2026 Walter R. Smith Visiting Scholar: Doris Kearns Goodwin! Join this world-renowned presidential historian, Pulitzer Prize–winning author, and #1 New York Times best-seller for an unforgettable evening!

Tuesday, April 21, 2026

7:00 PM

Corning Museum of Glass Auditorium

Free and open to the public

Don’t miss the chance to hear from one of the most respected voices in American history!

Learn more and reserve your spot: www.corning-cc.edu/kearns-goodwin.php

 

The State's Grants For County Emergency Equipment

Governor Hochul announced that she’s gotten $3 million dollars to Allegany County and $300,000 for Yates County.  These grants will be used to buy updated emergency communications equipment.  Steuben County Manager Jack Wheeler says, Steuben County got a huge grant for emergency communications from the governor last year.

 

McHenry Sentenced To 108 Months In Federal Prison

The U.S. Attorneys Office reports that 35 year old Stuart McHenry of Hornellsville has been sentenced to nine years in prison, after being convicted of possession of child pornography. 

 

Corning Gets $$$ For Wastewater Plant Boiler

Congressman Nick Langworthy has announced that he has delivered $984,000 in federal funding for the City of Corning’s wastewater treatment plant boiler replacement project, a critical upgrade that will ensure reliable operations and protect regional waterways. 

The funding will be used to replace two severely deteriorated, 30-year-old dual-fuel digester boilers that are essential to the plant’s wastewater treatment process. These boilers play a vital role in managing methane produced during digestion, maintaining safe plant operations, and protecting water quality downstream. The improvements will also help protect the Chesapeake Bay by maintaining water quality throughout the watershed, underscoring the regional and national importance of reliable wastewater treatment.

“This significant investment addresses a piece of infrastructure most people never see, but everyone depends on,” said Congressman Nick Langworthy. “Replacing these outdated boilers is essential to keeping Corning’s wastewater system running safely and efficiently, while protecting the Chemung River and the entire Susquehanna River Basin. I’m proud to deliver this funding to ease the burden on local taxpayers and ensure the Southern Tier gets our fair share of federal resources.”

Aging boilers pose increasing operational risks and rising maintenance costs. Modernizing this equipment will help prevent system failures, reduce long-term expenses, and ensure the facility can continue meeting environmental requirements designed to safeguard public health.

 

Tenney: Taking Nominations For Military Academies

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today announced that her office is now accepting applications for 2026 United States Military Service Academy nominations. Students from New York’s 24th Congressional District interested in attending one of these distinguished academies are invited to apply for a Congressional nomination through Tenney’s office.

 

As a Member of the U.S. House of Representatives, Congresswoman Tenney has the honor of nominating a select number of candidates to four of the five United States service academies. Appointment to a service academy provides a world-class education and carries a minimum five-year commitment to serve as a commissioned officer in the United States Armed Forces.

 

Members of Congress may nominate candidates for appointment to the following service academies:?
?

• United States Military Academy, West Point, NY
• United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD
• United States Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, CO
• United States Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point, NY

 

If you, or a student you know, are interested in applying for a nomination to one of the United States Military Service Academies, please visit our website here to find application instructions, required forms, and additional details. All application materials must be received by Thursday, October 1, 2026.

 

“As the mother of a graduate of the United States Naval Academy, I understand the commitment, discipline, and sense of purpose required to attend a service academy,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “I am always encouraged by the exceptional young men and women across NY-24 who step forward to pursue this path of service. These academies offer an extraordinary education while preparing future leaders for our Armed Forces, and it’s a privilege to support students who are willing to serve our nation with integrity, dedication, and courage.”

 

For more information, contact Congresswoman Tenney’s Oswego District Office at (315) 236-7088 or visit our website here.

 

A Wild Vehicle Chase Over In Chemung County

The Chemung County Sheriff’s Department reports that 53 year old Bradford County Pennsylvania man is charged for allegedly speeding and swerving during a vehicle chase that started in Southport. The suspect reportedly rammed into the passenger side of a Chemung County Deputy’s vehicle, almost striking a deputy.  According to the sheriff’s department, the chase came to an end when the Pennsylvania man hit a tree.  He was in Arnot Ogden Hospital where he was treated for a head injury.  Because some of the chase was in Pennsylvania, he’s going to be facing charges in Pennsylvania from the State Police there, after he’s finished answering to the charges here in New York State.