Category: Local News

January 16, 2026

US Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Stuart J. McHenry, 35, of Hornellsville, NY, who was convicted of possession of child pornography involving a prepubescent minor, was sentenced to serve 108 months in prison and 10 years supervised release by U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Katelyn M. Hartford, who handled the case, stated that McHenry knowingly possessed digital images of child pornography. At least one of the images depicted prepubescent minors under 12-years-old. The investigation began when the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received a CyberTip from the instant messaging application Kik, which stated that Kik user “acman990,” uploaded approximately 24 files of suspected child pornography. A review found that approximately 22 of the files constituted child pornography. Subsequent investigation traced the account to the defendant and revealed messages between the defendant and other users in which the defendant sought, received, and distributed child pornography. Some of the videos and images possessed by McHenry contained violent conduct, and one of the images depicted the sexual exploitation of an infant. At the time of the offense, McHenry was working as a deputy for Steuben County Sheriff’s Office.

The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Kevin Sucher, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Philip Tejera, and the Steuben County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Jim Allard. 

January 16, 2026

FROM CONGRESSMAN LANGWORTHY’S OFFICE: 

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Nick Langworthy today announced the introduction of the Seneca Nation Law Enforcement Efficiency Act, legislation designed to address long-standing jurisdictional confusion that has undermined effective law enforcement coordination on and around Seneca Nation lands in Western New York.

In 1948, Congress enacted a federal statute granting New York State criminal and civil jurisdiction over offenses occurring on the reservations of the Seneca Nation of Indians. While the federal government retained certain criminal authority, the law established a framework in which the State became the primary law enforcement authority on Seneca lands. Over time, that structure has resulted in overlapping responsibilities between federal, state, and tribal authorities, with no single entity clearly responsible for coordinated enforcement.

“This outdated jurisdictional framework has created real-world public safety problems,” said Congressman Nick Langworthy. “Our men and women in law enforcement are doing the best they can under challenging circumstances, but when authority is fragmented and accountability is unclear, resourceful criminals exploit the gaps and that’s exactly what we’ve seen happen. This legislation provides a targeted solution that respects tribal sovereignty, preserves federal oversight, and ensures that any change occurs only with mutual agreement. Most importantly, it will make our communities safer, and that is a goal we all share.” 

Seneca Nation President J. Conrad Seneca said, “During the Indian Termination Era 80 years ago, Congress gave New York State criminal jurisdiction to prosecute and incarcerate the Seneca people. The Termination Era is over, but this law remains on the books.  We are thankful to Congressman Langworthy for introducing this legislation and working with us to improve the Seneca Nation’s public safety priorities. Our goal with this legislation is to restore the federal government’s treaty responsibility to work with the Seneca Nation to provide law enforcement services.  Through cooperative law enforcement agreements, we can maximize our working relationship with outside governments to address the drug trafficking on our lands and other threats to the Seneca people, and create a pathway for the development of our own Seneca Nation law enforcement capabilities.”

Law enforcement officials and Seneca Nation leadership have raised serious concerns that this patchwork system has complicated investigations, limited coordination, and allowed non-Indian criminal actors to exploit jurisdictional uncertainty to engage in drug trafficking on and around Seneca territories, including nearby communities such as the City of Salamanca. Divided authority has often led to inconsistent enforcement and reduced risk for traffickers operating across jurisdictional lines.

The bill removes New York State’s automatic criminal and civil jurisdiction over Seneca Nation lands established under the 1948 law, but only if both the Seneca Nation and the U.S. Attorney General agree in writing to such a change. The legislation does not mandate any immediate action; instead, it creates a clear legal mechanism to resolve jurisdictional confusion when all parties determine it is appropriate. By clarifying jurisdiction and enabling a more coordinated law enforcement framework, the legislation strengthens accountability, improves cooperation among authorities, and reduces opportunities for drug trafficking and other criminal activity to flourish due to legal uncertainty.

January 16, 2026

By Alfred State College Spokesperson Paul Welker

January 16, 2026

FROM SENATOR GILLIBRAND:

U.S. Senators Ashley Moody (R-FL) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) introduced the bipartisan Restore Trust in Congress Act, which would ban stock ownership and trading for members of Congress and their immediate family members. This is companion legislation to the bipartisan bill introduced by U.S. Representatives Chip Roy (R-TX-21) and Seth Magaziner (D-RI-02) in the U.S. House of Representatives, which currently has 126 total cosponsors. To date, 79 representatives–both Democrats and Republicans—have signed a discharge petition filed by Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL-13) to bring this bill to the House floor for a vote.

“It is fundamental to our Republic that members of Congress are focused on our nation and its citizens’ well-being, not how they may financially profit from their positions,” said the senators. “That is why we are proud to introduce this commonsense bill to ban members of Congress from owning or trading individual stocks. We will continue to fight tirelessly to make sure it becomes law.”

The STOCK Act–which Senator Gillibrand led to passage in 2012—bars members of Congress from using insider information to buy and sell stocks. Despite this legislation, one in three members of Congress traded stocks or other financial assets from 2019-2021, and at least 3,700 of those trades posed potential conflicts of interest with their legislative responsibilities. The Restore Trust in Congress Act would help eliminate these conflicts of interest by prohibiting congressional stock holding and trading entirely.

Specifically, the bill would:

• Ban members of Congress, their spouses, their dependent children, and their trustees from owning, buying, and selling individual stocks and certain other financial assets, including securities, commodities, and futures. This includes assets held in qualified blind trusts. There are limited exceptions, including widely held, diversified investment funds like mutual funds and ETFs, as well as U.S. Treasury, state, and municipal bonds.
• Require that current members of Congress and their families divest these assets within 180 days of the law’s enactment. For future members of Congress and their families, divestment of these assets would be required within 90 days of their swearing in.
• Impose a fine for violations equal to 10% of the value of the asset and require that any profits from the transaction be disgorged to the U.S. Treasury.

January 16, 2026

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today announced that her office is now accepting applications for 2026 United States Military Service Academy nominations. Students from New York’s 24th Congressional District interested in attending one of these distinguished academies are invited to apply for a Congressional nomination through Tenney’s office.

As a Member of the U.S. House of Representatives, Congresswoman Tenney has the honor of nominating a select number of candidates to four of the five United States service academies. Appointment to a service academy provides a world-class education and carries a minimum five-year commitment to serve as a commissioned officer in the United States Armed Forces.

Members of Congress may nominate candidates for appointment to the following service academies:

• United States Military Academy, West Point, NY
• United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD
• United States Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, CO
• United States Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point, NY

If you, or a student you know, are interested in applying for a nomination to one of the United States Military Service Academies, please visit our website here to find application instructions, required forms, and additional details. All application materials must be received by Thursday, October 1, 2026.

“As the mother of a graduate of the United States Naval Academy, I understand the commitment, discipline, and sense of purpose required to attend a service academy,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “I am always encouraged by the exceptional young men and women across NY-24 who step forward to pursue this path of service. These academies offer an extraordinary education while preparing future leaders for our Armed Forces, and it’s a privilege to support students who are willing to serve our nation with integrity, dedication, and courage.”

For more information, contact Congresswoman Tenney’s Oswego District Office at (315) 236-7088 or visit our website here.

January 15, 2026

The Bath Rotary Club recently received a Club Excellence Award, signed by Stephanie A. Urchick, 2024 – 2025 Rotary International President, and Mark Daniel Maloney, Rotary International Foundation Chair.  The local club under the leadership of John Gould, 2024 – 2025 Bath Rotary Club President, was one of only eight clubs in Rotary District 7120 to achieve this award.

The award states that the club was honored for fostering a positive experience for its members and reflecting the values of Rotary.  It displays a significant accomplishment that improves a club’s reputation and standing, both within Rotary and its local community.  It serves as an important tool for monitoring a club’s health and growth, showcasing its commitment to excellence in service and leadership.

The award recognizes the impact on a club’s internal standing, including: demonstrating commitment to Rotary’s mission, encouraging internal growth, fostering team morale, and serving as a benchmarking tool.

It also recognizes the impact on a club’s external reputation, including: enhancing community relevance, signifying a quality club, strengthening public image, and being recognized by district and international leadership.

The Bath Rotary Club, formed in 1923, meets every Thursday at 12:00 p.m. in the Empire Room of the Dormann Library in Bath.  All community members as well as any Rotarian in District 7120 or throughout the world are invited to attend a meeting.

Anyone interested in more information about Rotary, including membership in the local service club, should contact Eddie VanStine, 2025 – 2026 Bath Rotary Club President (edwardvanstine@gmail.com) or Bill White, Bath Rotary Club Membership Chair (bewhitey@aol.com).  Additional information about the local club can also be viewed on the club’s website (www.bathnyrotary.org).        

January 15, 2026

January 14, 2026

FROM REP. CLAUDIA TENNEY’S OFFICE: 

Congresswomen Claudia Tenney (NY-24) and Congressman Dave Min (CA-47) today led a bipartisan letter to President Donald J. Trump urging immediate action to support the Iranian people as nationwide protests continue and the Iranian regime intensifies a sweeping internet blackout designed to silence dissent and isolate citizens from the outside world.

Peaceful protests erupted across Iran in late December 2025, driven by severe inflation, economic collapse, and long-standing political repression. What began in Tehran quickly spread to more than 185 cities across all 31 provinces. According to several reports, at least 2,000 people have been killed and more than 10,700 arrested as the regime violently cracked down on demonstrators. On January 8, 2026, Iranian authorities escalated their response by imposing a nationwide communications shutdown, cutting mobile data, restricting cellular networks, and attempting to block access to satellite-based services. In their letter, Reps. Tenney and Min urge the administration to leverage existing and emerging technologies, including secure internet freedom tools and satellite-based communications, to help Iranians bypass regime-controlled infrastructure and stay connected during this critical moment.

“The Iranian regime is trying to crush peaceful protests by cutting the Iranian people off from the world,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “Access to information is not a luxury, it is a lifeline. When authoritarian governments use violence and censorship to silence their citizens, the United States has both a moral responsibility and a strategic interest to help people communicate, organize, and speak freely. I applaud President Trump for his statements, which made it clear that the United States will stand with the brave Iranians standing up to the brutal mullahs. This letter urges President Trump to continue leveraging every available tool to support the Iranian people as they fight for freedom, dignity, and a future free from tyranny. The Iranian people have no greater friend in their fight to Make Iran Great Again than President Trump”.

January 14, 2026

Hornell City Hall will be closed on Monday, January 19, 2026 for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.  The Hornell Public Library will also be closed on Monday, January 19, 2026 for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.  Garbage collection will not be affected.  Residents should put their garbage out on their normal mornings and nights.  The Hornell Area Transit System will be running its normal service on January 19, 2026.

January 14, 2026

FROM THE UNITED WAY: 

This Valentine’s Day weekend, United Way of the Southern Tier invites you to skip the usual dinner date and join your friends for a night of laughter, love, and creativity for a great cause.

Grab your sweetheart (or your bestie) and try your hand at painting each other’s portraits during United Way’s “Paint Your Partner” fundraiser, which will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, February 13, at the United Steelworkers Local 1000 Union Hall, 100 Nasser Civic Center Plaza, Corning.

No art skills are required, just a sense of humor and a willingness to have fun while helping our community. All proceeds will benefit local programs supported by United Way of the Southern Tier.

Whether your masterpiece is a true work of art or a hilarious attempt, you’ll leave with a unique keepsake, sweet memories, and the satisfaction of having supported local programs while having fun!

All painting supplies will be provided. Guests will also enjoy delicious desserts from Amazing Graze and Farmhouse Pantry, tastings with Upstate Brewing Company, complimentary sodas from Coca-Cola Northeast, music, fun photo opportunities, and more!

Tickets are available online only and are $20 per person until January 31. The price increases to $30 per person starting February 1. Seating is limited. Reserve your easel today!

For more information, call 607-936-3753 or email info@uwst.org.

January 14, 2026

FROM SEN GILLIBRAND’S OFFICE:  In response to President Trump’s threat to stop payments to states with immigration enforcement policies he disagrees with, including New York, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand issued the following statement:  

“President Trump’s continued partisan targeting of New York and other states that did not support his election is yet another broken promise from him. At a time when working Americans are already struggling under his administration’s inflation and tariffs, he continues to try and withhold your tax dollars, making life even harder for ordinary Americans. Funding for essential programs like Medicare, Social Security, health care, child care, education, law enforcement, anti-hunger initiatives, and transportation is not his to withhold. I would encourage our attorney general to again file suit against these illegal acts. She has beaten him in court before and can do so again.”

Also, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) urged Secretary of Education Linda McMahon to reverse the Department of Education’s decision to discontinue $168 million in Full-Service Community Schools grants across 12 states, including New York.  

Gillibrand joined Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), and nine of their colleagues in opposing the administration’s abrupt cuts to this funding in the middle of the school year. This will force schools to shut down essential programs that support students’ academic performance and facilitate families’ access to food, housing, and health care, among other services.

The senators also criticized the department’s vague claim that the grants – which have existed for over 15 years – violate civil rights law and stressed that these grant cancellations run directly counter to congressional intent and long-standing bipartisan support for this program that serves students and families all across the country.

“As costs continue to rise for families across the country, the Trump administration should be strengthening support for students and families, not pulling the rug out from under them in the middle of the school year and disrupting essential services in underserved communities,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Students and parents rely on the critical resources provided by community schools to help them succeed inside and outside the classroom. I am a strong supporter of the Full-Service Community Schools program and will keep fighting to restore this critical funding while working to ensure that our students have the resources they need to thrive.”

In addition to Senators Gillibrand, Schumer, Van Hollen, and Sanders, Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Andy Kim (D-NJ), and Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD) also joined the letter.

“We write to express our strong opposition to the Department of Education’s (“the Department”) recent action on December 12th, 2025, to discontinue $168 million in Full-Service Community Schools grants serving students across 12 states. Pulling expected federal grant funds from public schools in the middle of the school year, built around community partnerships and parent engagement, is just plain wrong. Congress authorized and appropriated funds specifically for the Full-Service Community Schools program because research shows community schools improve student academic achievement, reduce chronic absenteeism, and support student wellbeing. We demand that the Department fully reinstate all Full-Service Community Schools grants that were abruptly discontinued,” the senators began.

January 13, 2026