Month: July 2020

The Steuben County Public Health Department received notification that an additional Steuben County resident tested positive for COVID-19. This brings the total to 296 confirmed cases, 10 of which are currently active. The individual is a resident of the Village of Avoca.
The individual is isolated and being monitored by the County Health Department. Public Health staff investigated and identified close contacts of the confirmed case and exposure risks. All those known to have direct contact with the individuals have been notified.
Per CDC and New York State Department of Health guidance, information is collected beginning 48 hours prior to symptom onset, or date of test if asymptomatic, through the day of the positive test result to identify any potential exposure risks. The investigation indicates the individual visited the following locations within that timeframe:

• 7/11/20, 7/12/20, 7/14/20 – Pinecrest Home for Adults in Avoca
• 7/12/20 Morning – First Baptist Church of Avoca
• 7/13/20 Afternoon – Dollar Tree in Bath

“It is important to remember that there are still guidelines to follow to lessen the risk of spreading COVID-19 when gathering,” said Public Health Director, Darlene Smith. “For example, during worship services that include singing, family units must be separated from one another by at least 12 feet in all directions. Masks need to be worn when distancing is not possible. By continuing to follow prevention strategies, Steuben County will hopefully remain low in new cases.”
All residents should continue to monitor themselves for COVID-19 symptoms of fever, cough, shortness of breath, chills or repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, and new loss of taste or smell and contact their healthcare provider for instructions if feeling ill.
For the latest Steuben County updates, visit Steuben County’s website at www.steubencony.org or social media pages: www.facebook.com/SCNYPublicHealth and www.instagram.com/SteubenPublicHealth.

July 15, 2020

From State Senator Tom O’Mara:

State Senator Tom O’Mara (R,C,I-Big Flats) and members of the Senate Republican Conference today demanded that the Senate Majority leverage its subpoena power to compel testimony from Governor Andrew Cuomo, Department of Health (DOH) Commissioner Howard Zucker, recently retired DOH nursing home director Mark Kissinger and other state officials with knowledge of the March 25 directive that sent COVID-19 positive patients into nursing homes and other residential health care facilities.

O’Mara and his Senate GOP colleagues charged that Senate Democrats “inviting” administration officials to testify at upcoming legislative hearings to examine the nursing home crisis is inadequate. Hearings are scheduled for August.

After months of silence and inaction, Democrats finally heeded the call to hold hearings, but have yet to harness the Senate’s full investigative powers to deliver answers to thousands of grieving families who lost loved ones at nursing homes, assisted living, and long-term care facilities.

O’Mara said, “From early on, I have joined local officials on the front lines working to address this crisis in Steuben County and elsewhere, and I can attest to the frustration that we’ve often faced in dealing with the Cuomo administration on this specific threat. It’s the driving force behind joining legislative colleagues, on both sides of the aisle, calling for an independent investigation so that we can better understand what’s occurred, why, and, most importantly, address it to save lives going forward. The upcoming legislative inquiry can be important and effective as long as Governor Cuomo and administration officials are compelled to testify. Their testimony is central to fully understanding what happened here and it’s warranted for those who have lost loved ones, the caregivers putting themselves at risk, and to ensure better and safer policies.”

Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt said, “Families who lost loved ones in nursing homes deserve accountability and answers about what happened during the pandemic, and they do not deserve daily blame-game or a self-serving Health Department report. Democrats must use the Senate’s subpoena power to compel testimony and documents for bipartisan inspection and not simply extend a polite ‘invitation’ to the Administration to continue their shameful behavior. We must see documents, emails, and fully understand why Governor Cuomo considered our most vulnerable an afterthought.”

The virus has hit New York ’s nursing homes disproportionately hard, with deaths in the facilities accounting for roughly one third of overall coronavirus-related deaths in the state. A report from the Albany-based Empire Center for Public Policy recently showed that the state may be severely underreporting the number of deaths with researchers arguing that the actual number could be roughly
doubled, from about 6,200 to 10,000 or more.

The state has yet to take responsibility for the problems plaguing these facilities throughout the pandemic, and has instead blamed guidance by the CDC—a claim labeled “mostly false” by PolitiFact—or facility staff bringing the virus into these vulnerable facilities. The Health Department most recently put out its own in-house study to place blame on family members and staff for infecting residents, a report that has drawn sharp criticism.

In addition, the state has yet to acknowledge the fact that nursing homes throughout New York have continually faced budget cuts, which have resulted in persistent staffing shortages that jeopardize quality of care, a problem only exasperated by the COVID-19 outbreak. Instead of providing additional support to these facilities during this critical time, additional cuts were tucked into this year’s state budget.

July 15, 2020

From The Steuben County Landbank:

Two properties in the Hornell area are up for sale after their selection by the independent Steuben County Land Bank Corporation (SCLBC)., which looks to reclaim and rehabilitate abandoned properties, then sell at reasonable prices A three-bedroom, two-story home at 1480 Chestnut St. in the Town of Hornellsville is on the market, listed $109,000. Built in 1920, the house features a totally renovated kitchen with stainless steel appliances and all new flooring. Buyers must meet Average Median Income (AMI) requirements. The renovated two-bedroom home on 148 Terry St. in the City of Hornell features new roof, renovated windows, flooring, kitchen, bathrooms and updated electrical system. Built in 1900, the house is listed for $84,900 and buyers must meet Average Median Income (AMI) requirements. Average median income is the midpoint between high and low incomes in a given area. An independent corporation, the land bank was approved by the Steuben Legislature in late April 2017 with funds through the state settlements with the nation’s largest banks over misconduct that contributed to the housing crisis. The board represents a joint effort by county and municipal officials, and includes the City of Corning Planning & Economic Development Director and mayors of the Village of Bath and City of Hornell.

The land bank board expects to reduce “neighborhood blight,” keep marketable properties on the tax roll and improve the housing stock in Steuben. SCLBC works closely with Arbor Development to renovate properties to ensure they meet local codes and provide decent housing. The properties may be viewed on realtor.com and are brokered by Keller Williams Realty Southern Tier & Finger Lakes. For more information or a private viewing , contact Margaret Horan (607) 382-5862. The SCLBC reserves the right to decline offers for any reason and is not bound to accept the highest offer in accordance with the SCLBC’s Policies Governing the Disposition of Property.

July 15, 2020

Canisteo-Greenwood School Superintendent Tom Crook is announcing that due to construction on the high school roof, the lower part of West Academy Street in Canisteo, will need to be closed off for a period of time, starting tomorrow, July 16th. The school superintendent says, they’re sorry for any inconvenience this may cause for neighbors there.

July 15, 2020

From The Leslie Danks Burke For State Senate Campaign:

Leslie Danks Burke, candidate for State Senate in the 58th district, was today endorsed by the Plumber and Pipefitters Union Local 267. UA Local 267 represents more than 1,000 workers and its work includes all aspects of the plumbing and pipefitting industry, including supervision, fabrication, installation, and maintenance of all descriptions of piping systems.
“We are proud to stand with Leslie Danks Burke in her run for State Senate, just as she has always stood with the working families of the Southern Tier,” said Greg Lancette, UA Local 267 business manager. “For years, Leslie has been an outspoken advocate for worker training programs, worker protections, expanded healthcare access, and bringing more good paying jobs to our region. More than ever, we need to elect leaders like Leslie who have a proven track record of fighting for working families.”

“I’m standing up to fight for our region, because we’re getting left behind. My opponent has been our Senator for a decade, he’s been in the majority and in the minority, but no matter what, we’ve seen local jobs leave our area. It’s long past time for a leader who fights for fair wages and good jobs,” said Danks Burke. “I’ve stood on the picket lines with workers for years fighting for change, and I know we don’t have to keep settling for less. We’re in one of the only parts of the country that didn’t emerge from the last recession, and now with COVID slamming our economy, I’m proud to have the support of the Plumbers and Pipefitters Union in my fight for local jobs with good wages and worker protections.”

Danks Burke has received an outpouring of support from community organizations, labor unions, and political leaders, including endorsements from the Working Families Party; U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer; Planned Parenthood Empire State Votes PAC; Eleanor’s Legacy; NOW NY; the Tompkins-Cortland and Southern Tier Building and Construction Trades Councils; UAW Local 2300; IBEW Local 241; National Institute for Reproductive Health Action Fund PAC; #VOTEPROCHOICE; New York State Young Democrats; and more.

Leslie Danks Burke is an attorney and a longtime advocate for education, healthcare, and rural economic development. She is the daughter of farmers and a mother who, together with her husband, is raising two children in this community. A Democrat, she previously ran for State Senate in the 58th in 2016, outraising incumbent Tom O’Mara by over $200,000 and receiving more voter support from outside her party than any other challenger to a sitting incumbent that year — on either side. Since 2016, Danks Burke has remained a powerful advocate for local community engagement and honest government.

July 14, 2020

The Steuben County Public Health Department received notification that an additional Steuben County resident tested positive for COVID-19. This brings the total to 295 confirmed cases, nine of which are currently active. The individual is a resident of the Town of Cohocton.
The individual is isolated and being monitored by the County Health Department. Public Health staff investigated and identified close contacts of the confirmed case and exposure risks. All those known to have direct contact with the individuals have been notified.
Per CDC and New York State Department of Health guidance, information is collected beginning 48 hours prior to symptom onset, or date of test if asymptomatic, through the day of the positive test result to identify any potential exposure risks. The investigation indicates the individual visited the following locations within that timeframe:

• 7/11/20 Early Evening – Lowes in Hornell
• 7/11/20 Early Evening – McDonalds in Hornell
• 7/12/20 Afternoon – Tops in Dansville

“At the beginning of the pandemic we saw many cases in our senior population,” said Public Health Director, Darlene Smith. “Over time, we have started to see more cases in the younger adult population. Age is not a protective factor when it comes to preventing the spread of COVID-19. We all must continue to do our part to stop the spread by wearing masks, washing our hands, social distancing, and limiting gathering size.”
All residents should continue to monitor themselves for COVID-19 symptoms of fever, cough, shortness of breath, chills or repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, and new loss of taste or smell and contact their healthcare provider for instructions if feeling ill.

For the latest Steuben County updates, visit Steuben County’s website at www.steubencony.org or social media pages: www.facebook.com/SCNYPublicHealth and www.instagram.com/SteubenPublicHealth.

July 14, 2020

In the United States, the COVID-19 virus has infected approximately 3.43 million people, and there have
been over 138,000 deaths. According to the New York State Department of Health COVID-19 tracker, there
have been 403,175 confirmed COVID-19 cases, and there have been 24,994 deaths statewide. As of 2:45
p.m. on July 14, Allegany County’s statistics are as follows:
Confirmed Cases: 74
Recovered Cases: 68
COVID-19 Related Deaths: 1
Total Quarantined/Isolated to Date: 1,042
Released from Quarantine/Isolation: 999
Currently Quarantined/Isolated: 43
Precautionary Travel Quarantines to Date: 71
Total COVID-19 Antibody Tests Given: 527
Total COVID-19 Antibody Positives: 20
If your life or someone else is in imminent danger, call 911. If you are in crisis and need immediate help,
please contact the following resources:
COVID-19 Emotional Support Hotline: 844-863-9314
Allegany County Crisis Hotline: 888-448-3367
Allegany County Community Services: 585-593-1991 (Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.)
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-TALK (8255)
NYS Text Line: Text “GOT5” to 741741
Veterans’ Crisis Lifeline: 822-273-8255 (Press 1)
For additional COVID-19 questions and information:
Call: 585-268-9250 (Health Department)
Email: healthinfo@alleganyco.com; Website: www.alleganyco.com
Facebook: Allegany County, NY, Government & Allegany County Department of Health
For re-opening questions and information:
New York Forward Website: https://forward.ny.gov/
Allegany County’s Website: https://www.alleganyco.com/coronavirus/reopening-allegany-county/
Allegany County Re-Opening Email: reopen@alleganyco.com

July 14, 2020

Message from Canisteo-Greenwood School Superintendent Crook:

As you have seen in the media, the Washington NFL team announced that they will be changing their name. Historically, when the Redskins mascot is in national headlines, the Canisteo-Greenwood mascot comes to light locally and we begin to see individuals reaching out and asking us to change our mascot. Within the past week, we have received several inquiries through email (including the Wall Street Journal), Facebook messages, and phone calls. In addition to individuals reaching out to us, a bill was proposed in the New York State Senate last week that would ban state funding from schools that had mascots that “derived from a specific race or ethnicity”.

The last attempt of a name change 7 years ago did not go well. Community members were not involved in any initial conversations, or any of the process. At that time, the Board of Education promised that if the district were to ever have conversations again about the mascot, the community would be involved. That time may be now.

Once we see what the fall may bring us in terms of fall sports and reopening and if there are going to be any large financial cuts to our budget, it is then that we will form a committee to look at our mascot. Please know that the formation of a committee does not commit to changing the name, but commits to having a conversation. The committee would come to a consensus and make a recommendation to the Board of Education on whether or not to change the name.

Thomas J. Crook
Superintendent

July 14, 2020

STEUBEN COUNTY, NY – There was a fire this morning that destroyed a barn in the Town of Hornellsville. The alarm sounded around 3 a.m. sending Arkport firefighters to 7655 Doorley Road. Numerous calls to 911 reported the barn was fully engulfed in flames. One caller said there may have been an explosion inside the building. Additional help to battle the fire was called in from North Hornell, South Hornell, Fremont and Almond. Hornell Ambulance was there on standby.

The cause is under investigation.