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January 25, 2021

BATH, NY – Steuben County Manager Jack Wheeler says that a rule coming down from New York State says that those who are age 65 and older, are not allowed to get the vaccine yet from county health departments. Wheeler says that is because the state wants the vaccines given out in a certain order. “They (the state) have directed hospitals to focus on health care workers, counties to focus only on the essential workers, the pharmacies to those 65 and older,” Wheeler said. “We were told last week that the counties (county health dept’s) cannot vaccinate anyone 65+. So if we had a few extra doses at one of our clinics,” WHeeler told Wlea News, “under the state’s rule, if a 90 year old person walks up to one of our vaccication clinics we cannot vaccinate them. Which to me is just mindboggling.”

Pharmacies have been told to give out the vaccines to those who are 65 and older. Pharmacies are the organizations to go to if you are in the age group of 65 and older.

The Steuben County Public Health Department received notification that 58 Steuben County residents tested positive for COVID-19. This brings the total to 2,331 confirmed cases, 457 of which are currently active.

The individuals are residents of the:

· City of Corning (7)

· City of Hornell (9)

· Town of Addison

· Town of Bath

· Town of Campbell

· Town of Canisteo (2)

· Town of Caton (3)

· Town of Corning (5)

· Town of Dansville

· Town of Erwin (2)

· Town of Greenwood

· Town of Hornby (2)

· Town of Hornellsville (4)

· Town of Howard

· Town of Lindley

· Town of Thurston

· Town of Troupsburg (2)

· Town of Tuscarora (2)

· Town of Urbana

· Town of Woodhull

· Village of Addison

· Village of Arkport

· Village of Avoca

· Village of Bath

· Village of Canisteo

· Village of North Hornell

· Village of South Corning (3)

· Village of Wayland

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:

· 16 individuals had contact with previously reported Steuben positives

· Five individuals had contact with positive(s) for Thanksgiving, some from out of state or county

· One individual is a resident of the Fred and Harriett Taylor Health Center

· One individual is an employee of the Fred and Harriett Taylor Health Center

· One individual is an employee of Elcor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center

· One individual is an employee of Corning Center

· One individual is an employee of Guthrie Corning Hospital

· One individual is an employee of Arnot at the Corning Medical Office Building

· One individual is an employee of Dyco Electronics in Hornell

· Three individuals are employees of Alstom in Hornell

· One individual is an employee of Frederick Carder Elementary School

· One individual is an employee of Calvin U Smith Elementary School

· Two individuals are students of Winfield Street Elementary School

· One individual is an employee of BOCES who works at Arkport Central School District

· One individual is student of Addison High School

· One individual is a student of Hornell High School

· One individual is an employee through BOCES at the Columbian School building in Hornell

· Three individuals are employees of Corning, Inc.: one at Houghton Park, one at the Diesel Plant, one at the IDM Plant

· One individual has reported visiting the Hornell VFW and Hornell Moose on dates already reported by previous positives along with additional dates: those who have been at either location in the past two weeks should monitor for symptoms and/or get tested

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

· 11/28, 12/5, 12/7 Morning – Walmart in Hornell

· 11/30 -12/2, 12/4 – Walgreens in Hornell

· 12/1 Evening – Family Dollar in Hornell

· 12/2 Morning – Sam’s Club in Big Flats

· 12/2 Morning – Panera Bread in Big Flats

· 12/2 Morning – Target in Big Flats

· 12/2 Morning – Barnes & Noble in Big Flats

· 12/2 Morning, 12/8 – TJ Maxx in Big Flats

· 12/3 – 12/5 – Ashley HomeStore in Horseheads

· 12/5 – Wegmans in Hornell

· 12/6 Morning – Tops in Bath

· 12/6 – Wegmans in Corning

· 12/6 Afternoon – Wegmans in Elmira

· 12/7 Evening – Walmart in Painted Post

· 12/9 Evening – Wegmans in Hornell

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

· 0 – 9 years: 4

· 10 – 19 years: 7

· 20 – 29 years: 10

· 30 – 39 years: 5

· 40 – 49 years: 8

· 50 – 59 years: 13

· 60 – 69 years: 4

· 70 – 79 years: 7

“COVID-19 spread is at an all-time high in Steuben and nearby counties,” said Public Health Director, Darlene Smith. “When out in public or gathering with those outside your household, behave as though COVID could be present: think of and follow through with the actions and steps you should take to prevent contracting and spreading COVID.”

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.

June 16, 2020

From the Governor:

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the U.S. Open will be held in Queens without fans from August 31st to September 13th. The USTA will take extraordinary precautions to protect players and staff, including robust testing, additional cleaning, extra locker room space and dedicated housing and transportation.

Governor Cuomo also announced that hospitals and group homes will be allowed to accept visitors at their discretion. Any facility that chooses to allow visitors must follow state guidelines, including time-limited visits and requiring visitors to wear PPE and be subject to symptom and temperature checks. The hospital visitation program expands on a pilot program that was launched in May, which demonstrated that hospitals could provide safe visitation for patients and families. Hospitals statewide will now be able to provide visitation. Group homes certified by the NYS Office for People with Developmental Disabilities will be allowed to accept visitors beginning Friday provided they adhere to state guidance and certify compliance to OPWDD prior to commencing visitation. The prohibition on nursing home visitors remains in place as the state Department of Health continues to review.

The Governor announced global public health experts have cleared the Capital Region to enter Phase Three tomorrow, June 17th. Business guidance for phase three of the state’s reopening plan is available here.

“I am so proud what the people of this state have done to defeat this virus. The numbers are looking very good, and today we are excited to announce that the U.S. Open will be held in Queens without fans this August,” Governor Cuomo said. “We must remain vigilant and the USTA is taking all necessary precautions with players and staff, but this is an exciting day for the state.”

Mike Dowse, USTA Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director, said, “We are incredibly excited that Governor Cuomo and New York State has approved our plan to host the 2020 US Open and 2020 Western & Southern Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. We recognize the tremendous responsibility of hosting one of the first global sporting events in these challenging times, and we will do so in the safest manner possible, mitigating all potential risks. We now can give fans around the world the chance to watch tennis’ top athletes compete for a US Open title, and we can showcase tennis as the ideal social distancing sport. Being able to hold these events in 2020 is a boost for the the City of New York and the entire tennis landscape.”

The Governor said the state has conduced more than three million COVID-19 tests to date.

Out of the 60,568 tests conducted in New York State yesterday, only 631, or 1.05 percent, were positive.

March 16 2020

ALBANY, NY – Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that three rules go into effect at 8:00 tonight
(and this appears at this point, to be statewide, the NY Post and Spectrum are reporting that this is statewide)

A Crowds are limited to 50 people
B Restaurants and bars will close for on premise service and move to take-out and delivery only
C Movie theaters, gyms and casinos will temporarily close

See full statement below:

Amid a lack of federal direction and nationwide standards, New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont today announced a regional approach to combatting the novel coronavirus – or COVID-19 – throughout the tri-state area.

These uniform standards will limit crowd capacity for social and recreational gatherings to 50 people, effective 8 PM tonight. This follows updated guidance that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued yesterday recommending the cancellation or postponement of in-person events consisting of 50 people or more.

The three governors also announced restaurants and bars will close for on premise service and move to take-out and delivery services only. These establishments will be provided a waiver for carry-out alcohol. These measures will take effect at 8 PM tonight.

Finally, the three governors said they will temporarily close movie theaters, gyms and casinos, effective at 8 PM tonight.

This uniform approach to social distancing is meant to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus, or COVID-19.

“Our primary goal right now is to slow the spread of this virus so that the wave of new infections doesn’t crash our healthcare system, and everyone agrees social distancing is the best way to do that,” Governor Cuomo said. “This is not a war that can be won alone, which is why New York is partnering with our neighboring states to implement a uniform standard that not only keeps our people safe but also prevents ‘state shopping’ where residents of one state travel to another and vice versa. I have called on the federal government to implement nationwide protocols but in their absence we are taking this on ourselves.”

Governor Murphy said, “With all we are seeing in our state – and across our nation and around the world – the time for us to take our strongest, and most direct, actions to date to slow the spread of coronavirus is now. I’ve said many times over the past several days that, in our state, we are going to get through this as one New Jersey family. But if we’re all in this together, we must work with our neighboring states to act together. The work against coronavirus isn’t just up to some of us, it’s up to all of us.”

Governor Lamont said, “The only way to effectively fight the spread of COVID-19 is by working together as states. We have shared interests, and a patchwork of closures and restrictions is not the best way forward. I know that because of this collaboration, we will save lives.”

          Dan Broughton & Jim Gigilio

February 11, 2020

ARKPORT, NY – The new ATV law passed last month allowing the use of ATV’s on specified town roads for trail access is still on hold according to the board. Town Supervisor Dan Broughton said the law cannot officially go into effect until they get approval back from Albany.

Planning Board Head Joe Dick reported that discussions are underway for an individual to purchase property for a storage building located on N. Main St. and Glenn Ave. Dick said the building will be used to store electronic equipment among other things.

Supervisor Dan Broughton reported that the town has $773,776 reserves in their account as of the 1st of February.

The Town Clerk reported that $4995 in building permits, $30 in Death Certificates, and $127 in Dog Licenses were sold last month.

The following appointments/reappointments were made:
Jim Giglio as Deputy Town Supervisor.
Ed Fliatz to the Board of Assessment Review for a term starting 10-1-2019 an expiring 9-30-2024.
Jessica LaFrance appointed Registrar of Vital Statistics, Records Access Officer, and Agent for Parking Permits for a term starting 1-1-2020 and ending 12-31-2023.
Dan Broughton and Jason Emo appointed to Compliance Officers starting 1-1-2020 and ending 12-31-2023

January 6, 2020

From Steve Walker, Andover NY:

Bagpipes and haggis will rule the night in Andover January 18 as Scottish culture will be celebrated at the eleventh annual “Burns Supper”. Organizer Steve Walker says, “Just in case you didn’t have enough at the 2019 holiday celebrations, there is one more traditional party squeezed in between New Year ’s Eve and Ground Hog’s Day.” To Scots, Robert Burns is “The Bard” and is remembered and celebrated by Scots and their descendants worldwide. His birthday, January 25, is observed as a holiday for over 200 years. Although he was a celebrity in literary circles and high society of Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital, in late 18th century, his poetry was often in the vernacular Scots dialect and was the product of the rural, rustic farm folk of Burns’ life as an Ayrshire plowman

This annual celebration of Scottish music, poetry, food and fun is held at the social hall of the Andover Presbyterian Church. Pat Kane, the Balladeer of the Southern Tier, will entertain with celtic fiddle and song accompanied by Kathy Snediker on keyboards. Kane played for the first several Burns Suppers in Andover. Bagpipes are also a highlight of a traditional Burns Supper. A highlight of the “Burns Supper” is the marching of the haggis into the dining room, this year lead by a bagpiper Chet Norton of Whitesville. The haggis, a Scottish dish made of ground sheep parts, oatmeal and onions, is then ceremoniously addressed, or praised by the recitation of Robert Burns’ poem “Ode to a Haggis”.

Haggis is just the appetizer of a meal of cock-a-leekie soup, beef, vegetables, shortbread and dessert that will be prepared by Chelsea Wallace. Among the traditional features of a Burns dinner is “The Immortal Memory”, which is a tribute to Robert Burns touching on his life and times, loves and poetry. Terry Morgan, professor emeritus at Alfred State College and an enthusiastic Burns scholar, will make this presentation. Seating is limited to sixy participants. The cost is $25 per person. Reservations may be made at Walker Metalsmiths at One Main Street, Andover. Call 607-478-8567 for more information.

August 9 2019

CANISTEO, NY – State Troopers report that a 23 year old male from Westfield, Pennsylvania, was speeding on Route 36 in Canisteo, and that while changing lanes, the vehicle went out of control, hitting and knocking over 11 guardrails. Officials say that the vehicle eventually stopped, and that was 75 off the side of the road, after it rolled over.

The 23 year old driver fled the scene and was later caught up with, by State Police. Troopers ticketed him for leaving the scene of a property damage accident, speeding and unsafe lane change.

July 25, 2019

“We once again we heard that the President didn’t collude with Russia. The theatrics of the House Democrats don’t change this fact or the fact that Donald Trump won the 2016 election fair and square. It is time to move on from the Democrat’s endless investigations to the real work of the American people – keeping Americans save and prosperous.”

Joe Sempolinski – Chairman, Steuben County Republican Committee

July25th, 2019

HORNELL, NY – City Hall reports that there was a water main break on Madison Ave this morning. Water will be shut off on Madison Ave and Sheldon St. until further notice. There is a boiled water advisory on Madison and Sheldon Streets when water resumes.

July 24, 2019

Statement From NYS Troopers:

On July 23, 2019, at approximately 10:31 p.m., the State Police in Wayland responded to a fatal motor vehicle accident that occurred on County Road 36 in the town of Cohocton. Emilee Rawleigh was killed when the vehicle she was a passenger in, left the roadway, and struck an earth embankment. Rawleigh was ejected from the vehicle and transported to the hospital in Dansville, where she was pronounced dead.

February 11, 2019

HOWARD, NY – Statement From Steuben County Sheriff Jim Allard:

Steuben County Sheriff Jim Allard reports that deputies arrested Donald T. Rush, age 58, Gary W. Rush, age 65, and Garner R. Rush, age 69, of Feenaughty Hill Road in the Town of Howard, New York. All three men were arrested for Overdriving, Torturing, and Injuring Animals; Failure to Provide Proper Sustenance, in violation of Article 27, Section 353, a Class A misdemeanor, and Appropriate Shelter for Dogs Left Outdoors, in Violation of Article 27, Section 353B, both of the New York State Agricultural and Markets Law.
The Steuben County Sheriff’s Animal Cruelty Investigation team responded to the Feenaughty Hill Road residence based on an anonymous tip of several dogs left on the property without appropriate shelter for the elements. Deputies investigated and conducted an emergency seizure of thirty two adult dogs, six puppies and one kitten, due to the alleged combination of extreme weather conditions and no access to food or water at that time. All three men willingly signed ownership of the animals over to the Finger Lakes SPCA, the Hornell Humane Society, and Town of Howard Dog Control Officer Gary Hadsell.
Sheriff Allard thanks the Finger Lakes SPCA, the Hornell Humane Society, and the Dog Control Officer (DCO) for the Town of Howard, Gary Hadsell, for their teamwork and assistance in this investigation. The Finger Lakes SPCA, the Hornell Humane Society, DCO Hadsell, as well as Pawz & Purzz Animal Rescue, American Brittney Rescue, and Rescued Treasures, all assisted in the major undertaking of sheltering, fostering, and providing medical care for each animal. An initial intake examination was performed by a veterinarian through the Finger Lakes SPCA, and several of the dogs were found to have a variety of untreated health issues as well as the majority of them being unsocialized to humans.
As a reminder to the public; please be aware that all dogs that are outside for any amount of time must be provided with adequate shelter if they are under your care. The shelter should consist of water and wind resistance from all sides, be properly insulated with blankets or straw, and of appropriate size for the animal. Be aware that the animal should be fed and watered twice daily. Prevention of animal abuse is everyone’s responsibility.
If any member of the public that is aware of any incident of Animal Cruelty that needs to be investigated they are asked to contact 911 to file a report or make an anonymous report through the Steuben County Sheriff’s Office with as many details as possible.