Category: Home Page Headlines

March 26, 2025

FROM ST JAMES HOSPITAL: It is with profound sadness that St. James Hospital announces the passing of Dr. Spencer Annabel, a distinguished physician, dedicated leader, and cherished member of our community. Dr. Annabel’s commitment to patient care, medical excellence, and community service leaves a lasting legacy.
A native of Canisteo, Dr. Annabel returned to the area after completing his medical education at the University of Rochester. Following his residency and chief residency in internal medicine at Rochester General Hospital, he pursued fellowships in ultrasound and echocardiography. His passion for innovation led him to establish the ultrasound and echocardiography departments at St. James Hospital, where he served tirelessly for over forty years.
Dr. Annabel dedicated his career to the well-being of our community, first in private practice as an internal medicine specialist until 2015 and later as the Medical Director of Echocardiography, Coumadin Clinic, and Cardiac Rehabilitation at St. James Hospital. In addition to his medical service, Dr. Annabel was an active and devoted member of the community. He served on the Hospital Board of Directors up until his passing. His leadership and unwavering commitment to excellence helped shape the high standard of care that defines St. James today.
“Dr. Annabel’s impact on St. James Hospital and the countless lives he touched is immeasurable,” said Wendy Disbrow, President and CEO of St. James Hospital. “His dedication to his patients, colleagues, and our community has left a permanent mark, and he will be deeply missed.”
“Dr. Annabel was not only a highly respected physician but also a generous supporter of St. James Hospital and a trusted mentor to many,” said Pete Wall, Hospital Board Chair of the St. James Hospital Board of Directors. “His contributions to healthcare and his commitment to service will be remembered for years to come.”
“The St. James Medical Staff truly value Dr. Annabel’s service, contributions, and dedication,” said Dr. Uzma Mehr, St. James Hospital Medical Staff President. “He was instrumental in his roles as St. James Hospital Board member, Medical Staff President, Bethesda Foundation, and a multitude of hospital-related committee memberships. He was a true icon and pillar for our community. He will be missed greatly.”
“Dr. Spencer Annabel was a dedicated physician who devoted his life to the well-being of his patients with unwavering empathy and commitment,” said Dr. Bilal Ahmed, Chief Medical Officer. “Outside of his work, he was a passionate historian, finding joy in exploring the stories and lessons from the Civil War. He was truly a son of the soil and a Hornell legend.”
Dr. Annabel’s interests spanned from local history to the broader scope of the Civil War. He meticulously researched and published a detailed history of St. James Hospital, tracing its founding in 1890 on Canisteo Street in Hornell to the grand opening of the new $55 million hospital on Seneca Road North in 2020. His passion for the Civil War extended beyond study—he actively participated in reenactments, portraying five different historical figures from the era. A gifted speaker, he delivered lectures on the war’s battles and campaigns, with a particular focus on the evolution of medical care during the Civil War.
We extend our deepest condolences to Dr. Annabel’s family, friends, colleagues, and the many patients who were fortunate to have been in his care. His memory will forever remain a part of St. James Hospital and the greater Hornell community.

March 26, 2025
By Alfred State Spokesperson Paul Welker

Five Alfred State College (ASC) students and a pair of staff members spent spring break working with Habitat for Humanity in Myrtle Beach, SC. The trip was part of the Alternative Spring Break service initiative coordinated through the Center for Civic Leadership.
Heather Craft, administrative assistant for the civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering technology departments along with her daughter Amy Evingham, administrative assistant in the student records and financial services department, led the trip along Mamadou Barry (Rochester, NY), Erin Gregoire (Phoenix, NY), Alexander Grohman (Buffalo, NY), Dana Hartmann (Farmingdale, NY), and Bee Williams (Canberra, Australia) Craft, Barry, Hartmann, and Williams participated in the trip for the second straight year.
“I wanted to go on this trip and serve as a representative of Alfred State to make a difference,” commented Craft. “I grew so much personally. I have formed bonds with our team, the Habitat employees, and all the volunteers. Everyone was thankful, kind, and appreciative of one another.”
The group hung roof trusses, installed oriented strand board (OSB) on some of the house, and hammered in over 3,000 nails. Inclement weather forced the group to work at the Habitat Restore where they built chicken coops.
“My most cherished memory from this trip is witnessing the joy was witnessing the joy of the homeowner and her son,” added Barry. “Helping others provides me with a sense of pride and fosters a deep connection to my community.”
“On behalf of all of us at Habitat for Humanity of Horry County, I would like to again thank you and your students for a great week,” commented Development & Marketing Coordinator for Habitat for Humanity of Horry County Betty Kuvinka. “It is so heartwarming to see these college students volunteering their time to support our mission. We greatly appreciate all that you did, and I know the homebuyers were in awe to see the concrete and wood begin to look like a home.”
The students returned to campus excited with their opportunity to work with Habitat for Humanity and encourage others to take the opportunity to experience what they did.
Evingham encourages others to take the opportunity to go on a service trip in the future. “Volunteering allows you to make a difference in the lives of others and contribute to positive change in their communities. It also provides opportunities to learn new skills and gain valuable experiences which leads to personal growth.”
This trip marked the eleventh time in the last twelve years that an Alfred State group has worked with Habitat for Humanity during spring break.
Additional Quotes:
Mamadou Barry
“I am originally from Conakry, Guinea. I embarked on this journey motivated by my religious beliefs as a Muslim, which emphasize the importance of assisting those in need. I also drew upon my personal experiences of having been homeless in the past, which instilled in me a profound understanding of the challenges faced by vulnerable populations.
“I firmly believe that community involvement is essential for everyone, and such experiences are invaluable, as one can never predict when you may require assistance. Engaging in these activities has been a significant blessing in my life.”
Heather Craft
“People should go on service trips like this and volunteer because the world needs more human kindness, love and trust.”
Amy Evingham
“I wanted to be a part of this trip because volunteering has always been a passion of mine. I thrive on making a positive difference in people’s lives and leaving a lasting impact. Volunteering is an incredible way to give back.”
Caption: The Alfred State Habitat for Humanity team poses at the house they worked on during their Spring Break trip to Myrtle Beach, SC.

March 26, 2025

Senator O’Mara and Assemblymen Phil Palmesano are reminding area residents, that there’s a NYSEG meeting with the public, coming up in Big Flats tomorrow. At this meeting, you’ll be able to talk with representatives from New York State Electric and Gas, about your NYSEG utility bills.

This will be at the Big Flats American Legion from 4pm to 7pm. Assemblyman Palmesano and Senator O’Mara requested that NYSEG hold meetings like this. If you cannot make the meeting, you can call this number: 888-315-1755, and voice your concerns.

March 25, 2025

The City of Hornell Common Council met on Monday, March 24, in a special meeting following public hearings to review budgets for the upcoming 2025-2026 fiscal year. The Council unanimously approved the proposed budgets for both the General and Water Funds, with no increases to the current tax rate. This keeps the City of Hornell one of the most affordable communities in the State of New York.

During an extensive review of the budgets, Mayor John Buckley reiterated the financial challenges facing municipalities, including rising costs for materials, supplies, and utilities. “We continue to see increases across the board, from fuel to building materials, along with higher energy costs and rising chemical expenses for our Water Treatment Plant and Water Pollution Control Plant,” stated Mayor Buckley. “In addition, we are now seeing greater impacts from increased costs in personal services, retirement, and insurance.”

Acknowledging the collaborative efforts that led to responsible financial planning, Mayor Buckley commended the Department Heads and the City Chamberlain. “I appreciate the hard work of our department heads, employees, and our City Chamberlain in ensuring that we continue to provide essential services efficiently and affordably.”

City Chamberlain Michele Smith highlighted the importance of balancing fiscal responsibility with meeting community needs. “We have worked to ensure the budget remains stable while continuing to invest in our City,” she stated.

The Council also approved increasing the annual City garbage collection fee from $95 to $105 due to rising costs associated with garbage services through Lippincott’s Rubbish, as well as increased tipping fees at the landfill. Even with this adjustment, Hornell’s garbage collection fee remains significantly lower than comparable municipalities. Many surrounding municipalities do not assist with providing garbage services, and instead require residents to contract with private haulers. Others, such as the City of Corning and the City of Olean, use pay-per-bag, sticker or tote systems. Corning requires residents to purchase blue bags for garbage pickup, with a current cost of $2.25 per 30-gallon bag. Olean offers a sticker or tote system, where residents pay $3.28 per 30-gallon bag or $27.17 monthly for a 96-gallon tote. The City of Elmira’s service is most similar to Hornell’s, allowing six 30-pound bags per pickup, but at a significantly higher annual fee of $365 per unit.

“With the increase to $105 per year, this averages out to just $2.02 per week for the pickup of five 30-gallon bags and occasional large items,” stated Mayor Buckley. “Garbage collection is an essential service that directly impacts the cleanliness of our community and quality of life for our residents. We are fortunate to have an affordable, reliable system, and Lippincott’s Rubbish continues to provide outstanding service.”

Finance Committee Chairman Dan Warriner emphasized the importance of maintaining financial responsibility while ensuring critical services remain strong. “The City has worked hard to keep costs as low as possible while continuing to provide high-quality services,” said Warriner. “Even with rising expenses, Hornell remains one of the most affordable communities in the region, and this budget reflects our commitment to responsible financial management.”

March 25, 2025

FROM HP SMITH AND SON FUNERAL HOME, CANISTEO:

Spencer P. Annabel, M.D, passed away at his home in Canisteo, NY on March 22nd, 2025 following a long battle with lung cancer.

Born April 12th, 1946, in Hornell, NY to Albert and June (Spencer) Annabel, Spencer grew up working on the family farm. He graduated from Canisteo Central School in 1965 and earned his undergraduate degree from Alfred University in 1969. While attending Medical School at the University of Rochester, he met and married the love of his life, Carol (Stoddard) Annabel before earning his medical degree in 1973.

After completing his Internal Medicine residency at Rochester General Hospital, Spence realized his dream of returning to the Hornell, NY area to serve the community in which he was raised. He did so through his own private medical practice and treating patients at the local hospitals. He created the ultrasound and echocardiography department at Saint James Mercy Hospital and loved teaching and mentoring. Spence was a 21 year veteran of the Saint James Mercy Hospital Board and one of his proudest accomplishments was being a part of the New Vision Task Force in 2014 that was able to secure grant money and affiliation with the University to Rochester to save the hospital from closure and maintain its critical resources for the local communities. He retired from private practice in 2015 and from his work at the hospital at the end of 2020.

In addition to his professional life, Spence was a dedicated father to his three children, Matthew, Seth & Megan (Thomas) Angelo and adored his three grandchildren Maya & Caleb Annabel and Clara Angelo. It meant a great deal to him to raise his children on the family farm he himself grew up on and remain in his childhood home to the end of his life. He is also survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Carol, one sister, Shivani Small, daughter in-law Susan Baruch-Annabel & several nieces and nephews.

A driven and adventurous personality, Spence enjoyed many hobbies and pastimes. His physical hobbies included horse riding, skiing, cycling and mountaineering. Many Annabel horses were loved and well cared for into their senior years. His cross-country ski trails on his own property saw great use during the winter and he enjoyed the accomplishment of summiting high peaks in the Adirondacks and Colorado. As a cyclist, he was a recognizable figure riding through the community in his favorite red bike clothes in all kinds of weather and continued riding on Oxygen therapy during the final years of his life.

He had an immense interest in collecting, painting and building models and miniatures which remained a relaxing pastime for him until his passing. He was an Aviator for many years and a self-described car guy who loved to share his flying and driving adventure stories. His love of history eventually found an outlet through civil war reenacting. He was able to honor the accomplishments of his civil war counterparts by teaching and demonstrating civil war medicine during countless reenactments, and, in the later years, he formed his own civil war artillery battery.

A great blessing of his life were the many friends he accumulated over the years, through schooling, his community, his professional life and through the reenacting hobby. As the end approached, he was never lonely or wanting for visitors. He and his family are forever grateful for the blessings of these relationships.

The family will receive friends from 1-3 pm and 6-8 pm, Thursday, March 27th at the H.P. Smith & Son, Inc. Funeral Home in Canisteo, and a Mass of Christian Burial on Friday, March 28th at 10:00 am, at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, 27 Erie Avenue in Hornell. Burial will be in Hillside Cemetery in Canisteo.

Memorial Contributions in Dr. Annabel’s name may be made to either Care First, 3805 Meads Creek Rd, Painted Post, NY 14870, the Hornell Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Rd. Hornell, NY 14843 or to the St. James hospital Foundation, 7329 Seneca Road North, Hornell, NY 14843.
Visitation
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Thursday, March 27, 2025
H.P. Smith & Son, Inc. Funeral Home – Canisteo
29 East Main Street
Canisteo, New York, United States
(607) 698-4552
Need Directions?
View Map | Text Directions | Email Directions
Visitation
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Thursday, March 27, 2025
H.P. Smith & Son, Inc. Funeral Home – Canisteo
29 East Main Street
Canisteo, New York, United States
(607) 698-4552
Need Directions?
View Map | Text Directions | Email Directions
Mass Of Christian Burial
10:00 am
Friday, March 28, 2025
St. Ann’s Catholic Church
27 Erie Ave.
Hornell, New York, United States
Need Directions?
View Map | Text Directions | Email Directions
Burial
Hillside Cemetery
Greenwood St.
Canisteo, New York, United States

March 24, 2025

North Hornell Village Hall has been getting complaints recently about the strong sewer odor there on the streets of North Hornell. The complaints are being passed on to Hornell City officials, as the water system in North Hornell, comes from the City of Hornell. North Hornell village officials are said to be keeping documentation about the complaints. One North Hornell resident we spoke with, said the odor is all over the village. “It is even smelled sometimes inside people’s homes,” one North Hornell woman stated. “If you’re anywhere near a manhole, you’ll have to have your hand over your face.”

We checked in with Hornell Mayor John Buckley, who gave us the following statement: “There is no question that the odors are emanating from the Northern portion of the sewer line, in the Town of Hornellsville, coming through the Village of North Hornell. The odors are not emanating from the Hornell sewer plant, because the sewer plant is on the southern end of the line and receives, it does not have output. So we are tracking down the odors and we are testing samples, we sent samples out to labs so we are awaiting the results of those. We are working with Labella and Associates and our team here with Chief Operator Rich Dunning to try to get to the bottom of this and remediate it and improve the quality of life for residents throughout the City of Hornell and the Village of North Hornell.”

The Hornell mayor also noted that while most of the odor is in North Hornell, it also impacts other areas as well. “It does come into the City, Buckley explained. “However, there are pockets in Hornellsville. I did a tour of the line last week and I noticed that up in some of the area of Seneca Road North area, it had a really strong odor as well, so it’s not just the village, it’s the entire portion up there,” Buckley stated.

March 23, 2025

The Hornell girls varsity basketball season was an amazing one, but it came to an end Saturday evening at Hudson Community College. The Lady Red Raiders lost to Cold Springs Harbor, 54-50.

Congratulations to the Hornell girls and to coach Jim Dagon, it was an amazing season.

March 22, 2025

Canisteo Police Sgt James Giglio says that a driver is in custody after a hit and run. That happened this afternoon just after 3:00pm, in the area of Greenwood Street and 10th Street.

Sgt. Giglio says a 64 woman suffered a head injury and is in serious condition now, at st James Hospital.
The investigation continues and charges against the driver are pending.

The driver is in custody.

Police Sgt. James Giglio is thanking the New York State Police for their assistance in this case, and is thanking the Canisteo Fire And Ambulance crew for their speedy response.

March 23, 2025

Coming up on Monday at the Steuben County Legislative meeting, they’ll be voting on whether to take $250,000 from the state’s contingency fund to spend it on upgrades to the Hammondsport Ambulance facility. The plans are for Steuben County Supplemental Emergency Medical crews to take over for the Hammondsport Ambulance team, as the Hammondsport Ambulance team is dissolving. County Manager Jack Wheeler says, the $250,000 will be used to buy EMT and computer equipment. Wheeler also says, the county will own the Hammondsport Ambulance, when the time comes for the county crews to run that facility.

March 23, 2025

Sheriff Jim Allard reports that a Corning teenage girl, allegedly injured a police officer in Bath in February. The sheriff says the teen allegedly scraped a Bath Village Police Officer with her fingernails, causing the officer to bleed.

The Corning teen was remanded to the county jail on charges of 4th degree criminal mischief and 2nd degree assault.

Also, the teen has already posted bail, which was $1,000.

March 23, 2025

Steuben County Emergency Services Director Tim Marshall says that late last week, the National Weather Service put out a Special Weather Service on the fire danger. Marshall also says, although Steuben County has had some rain, it really has not been much and it’s still largely dry. He also says, the statewide burn ban is on until May 14, another very good reason to avoid having outdoor burns.