Month: February 2021

February 16, 2021

Steuben County Sheriff Jim Allard reports that on February 9, 2021, deputies of the Steuben County Sheriff’s Office arrested Matthew J. Machuga, age 22, of County Route 1, Campbell, New York, following an investigation of a reported domestic abuse incident. It is alleged that Mr. Machuga, while on County Route 1 in Bath, New York, unlawfully restrained, choked, threatened and damaged property of a person in his family or household. Mr. Machuga was charged with Unlawful Imprisonment in the Second Degree, Strangulation in the Second Degree, Criminal Mischief in the Fourth Degree and Aggravated Harassment in the Second Degree. Mr. Machuga was arraigned in the Centralized Arraignment Court and released.

Sheriff Allard thanks the New York State Police for their assistance in this investigation.

February 16, 2021

The Steuben County Sheriff and county Office For the Aging joined to issue a warning today about the increasing COVID-19 vaccine scams in the area, based on recent alerts from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Better Business Bureau. “You get a phone call, social media message, or an email from someone who appears to be a friend, or a hospital or clinic saying you can receive the COVID-19 vaccine,” county Sheriff Jim Allard said. “But
according to the Better Business Bureau, there’s a catch. The person who contacted you needs personal information or requires you to pay up front. That’s when you hang up or click delete.”

According to the FTC, vaccine distribution varies by state and territory, with criminals poised to take advantage of any confusion. The scammers prey on the anxiety of those who know they are eligible, or soon will be eligible, particularly the elderly, essential workers and others at risk, county OFA Director Patty Baroody said. “It can be frightening to wait, when you’re older, or have other health conditions, and it’s very tempting to jump at a chance to be safer,” Baroody said. “But people need to take a big dose of patience, as hard as that is.”

Baroody and Allard recommend the following guidelines: · Know your region’s plan for rolling out the vaccine. · Ignore ads for the COVID-19 vaccine. You cannot buy it – anywhere. The vaccine is only available at federal- and state-approved locations.

February 16, 2021

From Assemblyman Phil Palmesano:

“In a recent New York Post story, we all learned the details of a secret Democrat meeting between members of the governor’s administration and members of the Legislature. During the leaked call, the governor’s secretary, Melissa DeRosa, admits the administration “froze” when it came to releasing true nursing home numbers out of fear of prosecution from the United States Department of Justice. This lack of transparency is, frankly, unacceptable, no matter the excuse. Yesterday, the governor continued to pass the buck in his first public appearance since the New York Post story broke last week.

“After watching the governor’s press conference, one thing remains crystal clear. The need for a thorough, independent investigation and bipartisan hearings with subpoena power is justified and needed now, and more and more with each passing day.

“During his press conference, the governor continued to reiterate that his administration did nothing wrong while pointing blame and fault at others. He continues to claim that his March 25 directive ordering nursing homes to accept COVID-19 positive patients from hospitals did not cause any of the tragic deaths of 15,000 plus New Yorkers. It was all the fault of staff and visitors, according to the governor. He continues to say facts are important and declares he is providing those facts, whether through his self-controlled agency nursing home report this summer or through his actions and words.”

“There is nothing to investigate,” Cuomo said, when questioned by reporters.

“This statement reeks of hypocrisy,” said Palmesano. “Just because Gov. Cuomo declares something to be a fact, doesn’t make it so. If the governor truly believes he did nothing wrong and has nothing to hide by covering up important information and the true number of nursing home deaths while stonewalling the Legislature, the media, the public and thousands of families who lost loved ones during this nursing home tragedy, then he should welcome and fully participate in any investigation or hearings.

“It is critically important that our Democrat colleagues in the Assembly and Senate join us in immediately ending the governor’s emergency powers. Join us in calling for a special prosecutor at the US Department of Justice and state attorney general’s office to conduct thorough investigations into this tragedy. Join us in holding bipartisan hearings with subpoena power. If our Democrat colleagues fail to do otherwise, they will simply be complicit with the actions this administration has taken during this nursing home tragedy.

“These common-sense actions are long past due. Contrary to Gov. Cuomo’s assertion, these calls are not political and part of a conspiracy. In fact, it is about providing truth, answers, transparency and accountability to the families of more than 15,000 seniors who have lost their lives. They deserve these answers and the truth.

“As I have said before, it is imperative for us to have independent investigations and hearings with subpoena power so we can find out what happened and work together to ensure a tragedy like this never happens again.”

Town Hall Q&A

Zoom meeting to be held Tuesday Feb 16th from 6 to 7pm.

https://zoom.us/j/95760403375?pwd=dkVHZFpyaVpRL3kzS01vdll1UjlEUT09 Meeting

ID: 957 6040 3375, Passcode: 694523

We will open Zoom at 5:45 to allow everyone time to log in prior to the forum.

BATH – The Steuben County Public Health Department received notification that 39 Steuben County residents tested positive for COVID-19 since Friday’s update. This brings the total to 5,408 confirmed cases, 127 of which are currently active.

The individuals are residents of the:

· City of Corning

· City of Hornell (4)

· Town of Avoca (2)

· Town of Bath (4)

· Town of Corning (3)

· Town of Hartsville

· Town of Hornellsville

· Town of Howard (2)

· Town of Jasper (2)

· Town of Lindley

· Town of Prattsburgh

· Town of Rathbone

· Town of Thurston (6)

· Town of Urbana

· Town of Wayland

· Town of West Union

· Town of Wheeler (2)

· Town of Woodhull

· Village of Addison (3)

· Village of Painted Post

The individuals are isolated and being monitored by the County Health Department. Public Health staff investigated and identified close contacts of the confirmed cases 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 investigations indicate:

· 15 individuals had contact with previously reported Steuben positives

· One individual is associated with a correctional facility outside Steuben County

· Six individuals are associated with the following schools: Alfred State College, Haverling High School, Keuka College, SUNY Geneseo, and Wayland-Cohocton High School

In addition, the individuals reported visiting the following locations that could pose an exposure risk within their investigation timeframes:

· 2/2, 2/4, 2/9 – Community Bank in Canisteo

· 2/4, 2/5 – Corning Museum of Glass

· 2/4 – 2/6, 2/8 – 2/10 – Dollar General in Prattsburgh

· 2/5, 2/8 – Community Bank in Andover

· 2/8, 2/9 – Home Depot in Painted Post

· 2/8 – 2/10 – Community Bank in Wellsville

· 2/11 – Bob Evans in Riverside

· 2/11 – Crystal Lanes in Corning

Today’s age groups for the positives are as follows:

· 0 – 9 years: 2

· 10 – 19 years: 3

· 20 – 29 years: 5

· 30 – 39 years: 6

· 40 – 49 years: 4

· 50 – 59 years: 8

· 60 – 69 years: 6

· 70 – 79 years: 3

· 80 – 89 years: 1

· 90 – 99 years: 1

“New York State has included individuals who have certain underlying health conditions or comorbidities to be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine starting this week,” said Public Health Director, Darlene Smith. “Due to the weather, vaccine shipments for this group have been delayed to Steuben County. When shipments do arrive, it is expected that this group will get their vaccines through some local healthcare providers and hospitals who have requested vaccine through the state.”

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.

February 16, 2021

LONG ISLAND, NY: New York State Democratic Party Chairman Jay S. Jacobs has released the following statement: “Despite the best efforts of the far fringe, Governor Cuomo’s popularity remains unchanged; 11 months into global pandemic, 61% of voters approve of his response.”

“Despite the best efforts of the far fringe, Governor Cuomo’s numbers remain unchanged from last month – with a 56% approval rating statewide, including 78% among Democrats, 76% among liberals, 78% among African Americans and 65% among Latino voters. 11 months into this pandemic, the perception of Governor Cuomo’s handling of COVID-19 is even stronger with 61% of New Yorkers approving of his handling of New York’s response, including 83% of Democrats and majorities in every region of the State. Apparently, voters understand better than some of those looking to score political points that the Governor has done a great job staying focused on saving lives and ending this pandemic. Those seeking to politicize the process should take heed.”

February 16, 2021

State Senator Tom O’Mara (R,C,I-Big Flats) today rejected Governor Andrew Cuomo’s claim that “there’s nothing to investigate” surrounding the COVID-19 tragedy in New York State’s nursing homes and long-term care facilities.

Cuomo made the claim at the Capitol this afternoon during a virtual news conference with reporters.

O’Mara, the Ranking Member of the Senate Investigations Committee, said, “I strongly reject Governor Cuomo’s latest attempt to steer clear of any investigation of his administration. In fact, this crisis and the ongoing attempt by the governor and his allies to have the final word demands a full investigation by the federal Department of Justice and the state Attorney General. Enough of their endless doublespeak. It is time for independent, trained investigators to be allowed to do their jobs and report the unfiltered truth.”

In the weeks following a January 28 report from state Attorney General Letitia James that revealed significant under-reporting by the Cuomo administration on COVID-19-related nursing home deaths, O’Mara and his Senate GOP colleagues have been calling for independent investigations of the governor and top administration officials to compel testimony and obtain all records related to the ongoing crisis.

February 16, 2021

CANISTEO, NY – From Canisteo Police Chief Kyle Amidon:

The Canisteo Village Police Department is excited to announce our new “Coffee with the Chief” program starting February 2021. This program is open to all community members who may want to know more about crime prevention or further understand our own police force. This program will offer individual interaction between the Chief of Police and members of the community to uphold a strong relationship between the department and the community we serve. This is a casual atmosphere to discuss any areas of concern or improvements that would aid the department in providing the highest quality of service to our people. Dates and locations for “Coffee with the Chief” will be posted on www.villageofcanisteo.com and the Village of Canisteo’s Facebook pages. You may also contact the Village Clerk’s Office at 607-698-4553 Monday-Friday 9AM-4PM or by emailing canisteo_pd@yahoo.com.

We look forward to connecting with you!
DATE: THURSDAY FEBRUARY 18th, 2021
TIME: 8:00AM-9:00AM
LOCATION: CANISTEO UNI-MART

February 16, 2021

No Allegany County Meals On Wheels today, please use your Blizzard Packs.

Virdee Medical on Seneca Street Hornell, and in Bath, are opening one hour late, at 9:30 this morning.

All Alfred State College classes for Tuesday, February 16, will be remote classes.

From The Hornell HAT Bus System:
On Tuesday, February 16, 2021, Hornell Area Transit will NOT be running any out-of-town routes.
HAT Buses will be running our Dial-A-Ride buses on a limited basis.
Please call (607) 324-7910 early to reserve your ride.
Stay Safe and Stay Warm

February 15, 2021

HORNELL, NY – From Mayor Buckley:

Due to the heavy snow expected in our area today and into tomorrow, the City of Hornell is implementing a 24-hour parking ban on residential City streets beginning at 6pm this evening in order for our Public Works Department to properly clear the snow. As the storm intensifies, we also urge residents not to travel unless absolutely necessary. Thank you for your cooperation.