Month: April 2021

April 22, 2021

Allegany County Residents, are you or someone you know looking for a COVID-19 vaccine?

 Alfred Pharmacy in Alfred, NY, has COVID-19 vaccine appointments. You can make an appointment by calling
607-587-9222 or toll free 1-877-744-8823.

 Walgreens in Wellsville, at both locations, has COVID-19 vaccine appointments. You can make an appointment
online or by calling the local Walgreens store.
o Main Street, Wellsville, NY – Walgreens
 https://www.walgreens.com/locator/walgreens-10+n+main+st-wellsville-ny-14895/id=12381
 585-593-1540
o Bolivar Road, Wellsville, NY – Walgreens

 https://www.walgreens.com/locator/walgreens-110+bolivar+rd-wellsville-ny-14895/id=18976
 585-593-1232

If you are you interested in the COVID-19 vaccine, but this week does not work, you can add yourself to our
waiting list:

 Go to the Allegany County website at www.alleganyco.com
 Click on the vaccine waiting list.

 Answer a few questions.
 Submit your information to the waiting list.
Struggle using a computer? No internet access? You can call our office at the number below, and we can
add you to our waiting list or help you get an appointment.
you can call the Allegany County Office for the Aging at 585-268-9390 or
the Allegany County Department of Health at 585-268-9250 press #4 for assistance.

April 22, 2021

WLEA STAFF REPORTS

HORNELL — The Hornell Industrial Development Agency (CHIDA) and Hornell Industrial Development Corporation (HIDC) received a clean bill of financial health during a meeting of the Board of Directors on Thursday.

Tom Zuber of Mengel, Metzger and Barr delivered the annual audit and provided executive summaries that were a snapshot of the organizations’ liabilities, assets and net positions as of Dec. 31, 2020.

Generally, the audit revealed that CHIDA had no material weaknesses or deficiencies in financial practices, was free of misstatements and records were reflective of the organization’s true standing.

CHIDA Net Assets: $6.5 million

Liabilities: $657,000

Net Position: $5.8 million

Liabilities were attributed to deferred rent from Alstom and a loan with Iron Horse – ownership of the railroad depot, remaining at roughly $150,000. Total liabilities were up $209,000 from the previous year. Expenditures for additional staff and consulting fees also contributed to the liabilities.

CHIDA also allocated $250,000 to the Industrial Development Corporation for the administration of a local business loan program for businesses suffering under COVID-19 restrictions.

Revenues were consistent, but down slightly due to changes in rental collections and deferred.

Variances in receivables were noted as being related to PILOT payments from ALSTOM – some of which came in after the end of the year audited. Deferred in and out flows included NYS retirement and pension system – including unfunded obligations.

Internal control recommendations urged improved timesheets for staff and the use of signature stamps, which the auditor called “extraordinarily minor”, and were noted in the provided corrective action plan.

The audit was unanimously accepted.

The Hornell Industrial Development Corporation (HIDC), the for-profit arm of the organization, also received an opinion of “no material weakness” and no findings were made regarding internal controls.

HIDC held a cash position of $155,000 and $395,152 in unrestricted net assets, up $206,000 from the previous year.

While much less active than the CHIDA, HIDC had a major impact on the community in activity resulting from COVID-19 pandemic support, administering a loan program to local businesses resulting in 22 loans.

“It’s amazing how well people have repaid their loans, some are paying in advance and I’m very satisfied. It’s worked out really well,” said IDA CEO Jim Griffin.

BATH – The Steuben County Public Health Department received notification that 19 Steuben County residents tested positive for COVID-19. This brings the total to 6,408 confirmed cases, 207 of which are currently active.

The individuals are residents of the:

· Town of Addison (2)

· Town of Avoca

· Town of Bath

· Town of Cameron

· Town of Campbell (2)

· Town of Corning

· Town of Jasper

· Town of Lindley

· Town of Thurston

· Town of Urbana

· Village of Addison

· Village of Avoca

· Village of Bath (5)

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:

· 13 individuals had contact with a previously reported Steuben positive

· Two individuals are associated with Corning, Inc. at the Erwin and Diesel Plants

· One individual is associated with BOCES Bush Campus

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

· 4/11, 4/13, 4/14, 4/19 – 4/21 – Kwik Fill in Addison

· 4/15, 4/16 – Corning Children’s Center

· 4/18 – His Tabernacle Family Church in Horseheads

· 4/19 – T&R Towing in Bath

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

· 0 – 9 years: 1

· 10 – 19 years: 5

· 20 – 29 years: 5

· 40 – 49 years: 4

· 50 – 59 years: 3

· 60 – 69 years: 1

“Today is the first day since April 1st where the majority of the cases are connected with previously reported Steuben positives,” said Public Health Director, Darlene Smith. “Being able to link current cases to previous positives typically indicates that the new cases were already identified and quarantined as contacts prior to them becoming positive, which lessens the opportunity for further spread in the community. This month, we have been seeing high community spread and individuals testing positive shortly after known contact. Hopefully, we will start to see less spread as we all continue to follow prevention strategies.”

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.

April 22, 2021

From Sheriff Jim Allard:

National press outlets have been reporting disturbing, and disgusting, viral social media reports that April 24th is “National Rape Day” – a day on which tiktok and Facebook stories claim some type of organized sexual assault program will take place. As the Chief Law Enforcement Officers of Steuben County we want all of our residents to know that there is no credible intelligence to support this threat. And though this is nothing more than viral urban myth it presents an opportunity for all of us to do the right thing to stop it and stand together against sexual violence.

Sheriff Allard wants all Steuben County residents to know “sexual assault is a crime that affects not only the victim, but the victim’s family and the community, forever. It is never to be treated lightly and will never be tolerated. We will bring all resources to bear to investigate and arrest in any sexual assault case.”

District Attorney Baker adds “Sexual assault is a community tragedy inflicted by violence on individual victims. Sexual offenders attack in private, and depend on silence and fear. This type of social media generated panic does nothing but help foster that environment and hurt victims. One way we can all fight sexual violence is by refusing to feed into this type of mass rumor, refusing to share it, refusing to give it credence, refusing to make even discussion of this type of behavior socially acceptable – because it is not.”

We want to remind the community that vigilance and victim support by parents, friends, school officials and co-workers help fight sexual violence. We also want to remind everyone that sex offenses are compassionately investigated and aggressively prosecuted with success in Steuben County. Sex offenders are viewed harshly when it comes time for sentence.

If you or someone close to you is or has been a victim of sexual assault please reach out for help – the Sheriff’s Office Tip Line at 1-844-drugtip, www.844drugtip.com or the Steuben-NY Sheriff App can be a great place to start.

April 21, 2021

HORNELL – The Steuben County Public Health Department in partnership with the City of Hornell is opening another weekday COVID-19 vaccination clinic location at the Hornell Community Art Center. Starting April 26, the clinic will be open in Hornell Monday through Friday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. The vaccine being utilized currently is Moderna and is available for anyone age 18 and older.

“We have seen success with our Bath weekday clinic and are thankful for the collaboration with the City of Hornell to offer regular opportunities for vaccination in the western part of the county,” said Public Health Director, Darlene Smith. “The vaccine we currently have is Moderna, which has been proven safe, effective at preventing COVID infections at a high level, and protects adults from serious illness, hospitalization and death. Now is a great time to get vaccinated to protect your health and your loved ones.”

The weekday vaccination clinic in Bath at the Civil Defense Training Center will remain open as well and runs Monday through Friday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.
To attend either clinic, participants can pre-register for an appointment time using the link found on Public Health’s COVID-19 page. Walk-ins are also accepted at both clinics, but they may have a short wait if appointment slots are already filled.

“We are very happy to team up with our partners at Steuben County Public Health to offer these much needed vaccines to Hornell and area residents,” said Mayor of Hornell, John Buckley. “I urge residents to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity.”
All clinic attendees must wear appropriate face coverings and will be expected to wait 15-30 minutes after vaccination for observation. Attendees should wear short sleeves or appropriate clothing for vaccination.
Residents currently under isolation or quarantine at the time of the clinic due to a positive COVID-19 test result or as a contact to a positive are not eligible to attend the clinic.

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.

6 NEW CASES OF COVID-19 CONFIRMED IN STEUBEN COUNTY

BATH – The Steuben County Public Health Department received notification that 26 Steuben County residents tested positive for COVID-19. This brings the total to 6,389 confirmed cases, 196 of which are currently active.

The individuals are residents of the:

· City of Corning (2)

· Town of Addison (2)

· Town of Avoca

· Town of Bath (2)

· Town of Cameron (2)

· Town of Caton

· Town of Dansville

· Town of Hornby (3)

· Town of Hornellsville

· Town of Troupsburg

· Town of Tuscarora

· Town of Urbana

· Town of Wayland

· Village of Addison

· Village of Arkport

· Village of Avoca

· Village of Bath (3)

· Village of Canisteo

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:

· 13 individuals had contact with a previously reported Steuben positive

· Two individuals are associated with Snell Farm Children’s Center

· One individual is associated with Alstom

· Two individuals are associated with Corning, Inc. at the Erwin Plant and Sullivan Park

· One individual is a resident of Steuben Center

· Two individuals are associated with Jasper-Troupsburg High School and Winfield Street Elementary

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

· 4/14, 4/15 – Pathways, Inc. in Corning

· 4/15, 4/16, 4/19 – ServU Federal Credit Union in Erwin

· 4/16 – Elmira Correctional Facility

· 4/16 – Rivoli Dental in Painted Post

· 4/16 – Fran’s Landing in Painted Post

· 4/16 – Mavis Discount Tire in Dansville

· 4/17, 4/18 – Belt in the Eye in Wayland

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

· 0 – 9 years: 2

· 10 – 19 years: 4

· 20 – 29 years: 6

· 30 – 39 years: 4

· 40 – 49 years: 4

· 50 – 59 years: 1

· 60 – 69 years: 2

· 80 – 89 years: 1

· 90 – 99 years: 2

“With the high rate of community spread in Steuben, it is very important to have more of our population protected through vaccination,” said Public Health Director, Darlene Smith. “Public Health is opening another weekday COVID vaccine clinic starting Monday at the Hornell Community Arts Center. We will be utilizing Moderna, so the clinic is open to anyone age 18 or older. Participants can pre-register for an appointment using the link found on our website, and walk-ins are also accepted.”

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.

April 21, 2021

GOVERNOR CUOMO DIRECTS FLAGS TO HALF-STAFF IN HONOR OF FORT BRAGG SOLIDER

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today directed flags on State government builds to be flown at half-staff beginning tomorrow and through interment in recognition of Spc. Abigail Jenks, a native of Saratoga County, who died Monday following a training exercise at Fort Bragg.

Spc. Abigail Jenks, age 20, died following a Blackhawk helicopter static line jump training exercise at Fort Bragg. The incident is under investigation.

“On behalf of all New Yorkers, I extend our deepest sympathy to Spc. Abigail Jenks’ family and loved ones,” Governor Cuomo said. “We are devastated by her loss and join her fellow soldiers, family and friends in honoring her service to our country.”

Governor Cuomo has directed that the flags on all State buildings be lowered to half-staff in honor of and in tribute to New York State service members and those stationed in New York who are killed in the line of duty or die in a combat zone.

April 21, 2021

From Steuben Co Lawmaker Paul Van Caeseele:

As the city of Hornell continues to grow, I think it is important to have leaders that understand the value of collaborative efforts with other levels of government. As one of Hornell’s County Legislators, I thought it was important to take a moment to highlight Hornell Mayor Buckley’s extraordinary efforts to work with the county, (not to mention the state), especially regarding this last year’s issues with the pandemic. The Steuben County Manager and the Legislature Chairman have both publicly recognized the city Mayor’s accolades during this pressing time. His cooperative attitude, willingness to take the time, and enthusiasm for his work shows remarkable spirit and should not go unnoticed. He has consistently worked with state and county offices during this difficult situation and has been recently working with the county in organizing and planning the expediting of new vaccination sites in the city of Hornell. I look forward to continuing to work with Mayor Buckley to get this city back on track and help Hornell be an innovative influence in the Southern Tier. So thank you Mr. Mayor, publicly and personally.

Sincerely,
Paul Van Caeseele
Hornell Steuben County Legislator

On April 20, 2021 at 5:58 A.M., Troopers out of SP Amity responded to the intersection of East Main Street and Genesee Street in the village of Cuba for a vehicle collision involving a pedestrian. Further investigation revealed that a 2014 Chevrolet Silverado was traveling north bound on State Route 305. The Chevrolet was going through the intersection and struck Billie Jo M. Darrin, 43 of Cuba, NY. Darrin was transported by Cuba EMS to Olean General Hospital where she was pronounced deceased.

NYSP Collision Reconstruction Unit assisted with this investigation.

This is still an ongoing investigation.