October 29, 2026
FROM HORNELL CITY HALL: ***********IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR HORNELL RESIDENTS***********
The street sweeper will finish its regular schedule of street sweeping on Friday, October 30, 2026. Beginning Saturday, October 31, 2026 overnight parking restrictions will be lifted until sweeping resumes in the Spring.
October 29, 2026
FROM COACH DARNELL RIDGEWAY: “We’re planning a youth wrestling camp featuring Olympic gold medalist and WWE legend Kurt Angle on February 6, 2027, at Hornell High School. During the camp, kids rotate through wrestling stations led by local coaches and high school wrestlers, working on fundamentals, building confidence, and connecting with other young athletes. Each registered participant also gets a photo and autograph with Kurt Angle. Through Coach Ridge’s Elite Combine, my goal is to bring big-time opportunities to small-town kids—giving families in Hornell and surrounding communities access to memorable experiences with professional athletes close to home. We currently have 25 kids registered and need at least 60 by December 1 for the event to move forward.”
Registration is available at https://coachridgecombine.com
October 29, 2026
FROM THE ALFRED STATE SPOKESPERSON PAUL WELKER: Eleven cadets were honored as the eighth class of the Alfred State Police Academy celebrated graduation at the Lake Lodge. “I am incredibly proud of the accomplishments of this graduating class,” said Alfred State Police Academy Director Scott Richardson. “Over the course of their training, these cadets demonstrated exceptional dedication, professionalism, and a commitment to serving their communities. These graduates have embraced the Academy’s values of leadership, integrity, and excellence, and they are ready to meet the challenges of a law enforcement career.”
County Sheriff’s Scott Cicirello (Allegany County) and James Allard (Steuben County) delivered messages to the cadets. New York Assemblyman Phil Palmesano was the keynote speaker while Matthew Lehman spoke on behalf of the students.
Richardson and ASC Vice President of Student and Employee Affairs Gregory Sammons recognized each of the graduates.
Police Academy graduates – completed both Phase I and Phase II
Owen Cripsell – Village of Groton Police Department
Collin Fest – NYS University Police – SUNY Alfred State College
Morgan Franklin – Allegany County Sherriff’s Office
Dawson Harrington – City of Olean Police Department
Bruce Kear, II – Allegany County Sheriff’s Office
Matthew Lehman – NYS University Police – SUNY Geneseo
Kip Staples – Steuben County Sheriff’s Office
Caleb Stromberg – Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office
Nicholas Turner – Steuben County Sheriff’s Office
Police Academy graduates – completed Phase I
Mason Drew
Abram Webster
Richardson continued, “It has been a privilege to witness their growth and development, and I look forward to seeing the graduates of this class serve with confidence, compassion, and distinction.”
The next session is scheduled to begin in May 2027. For more information on the Police Academy visit: www.alfredstate.edu/police-academy.
October 29, 2026
Steuben County Emergency Services Director Tim Marshall says, the National Weather Service is holding an event to recruit local winter storm spotters for the National Weather Service. The National Weather Service will have representatives there for this event. This will be held Tuesday, November 3 from 630 to 8pm at the Civil Defense Building on Route 54 in Bath. There will also be training on how to do winter storm spotting work at this event. And according to Tim Marshall, there will likely another training session in the spring to focus on severe weather spotting. Again, the winter weather spotter training and recruiting night is Tuesday, November 3 from 630 till 8pm at the Civil Defense Building in Bath. Any questions? Call 607 798 6620.
October 28, 2026
FROM THE HORNELL GOP: Joined by Congressman Nick Langworthy, Nassau County Executive & candidate for Governor Bruce Blakeman will barnstorm the Southern Tier with a vision for a new era of prosperity, pledging to lift New York’s fracking ban and unlock the region’s natural gas potential to drive economic growth, create good-paying jobs, and bring new investment to Upstate communities.
RALLY DETAILS:
9:15 AM
Owego Elks Club
223 Front Street, Owego, NY 13827
10:40 AM
Elks Lodge #62
300 E. Gray Street, Elmira, NY 14901
1:30 PM
Hornell VFW Mooney Post 2250
245 Canisteo Street, Hornell, NY 14843
2:40 PM
Olean Elks Lodge #4910
209 W. State Street, Olean, NY 14760
4:10 PM
American Legion Post 1286
174 Chautauqua Avenue, Lakewood, NY 14750
October 28, 2026
U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), ranking member of the Special Committee on Aging, pressed the Trump administration about concerns regarding the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) newly implemented Risk-Based Survey (RBS) program. This policy limits the number and scope of required federal and state inspections, putting an estimated 114,300 nursing home residents in nearly 1,700 facilities at risk. CMS recently released the full list of the nursing homes that will be subjected to shorter, less rigorous reviews and inspections. Senator Gillibrand, along with Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), sounded the alarm about the risks of weakening inspections in a letter to CMS Administrator Mehmet Oz. “Nursing home residents depend on comprehensive, thorough, and unannounced surveys to detect and prevent substandard care that puts their health at risk,” said Senator Gillibrand. “By weakening oversight and allowing watered-down inspections, the Trump administration is putting nursing home residents at greater risk of mistreatment, neglect, and abuse. Our seniors deserve better. As the top Democrat on the Senate Aging Committee, I am working to promote safety and quality in nursing homes across New York to ensure residents receive the care they need.”
The senators’ letter highlighted a new analysis by Consumer Voice, which showed that the criteria CMS uses to identify lower-risk facilities eligible for reduced scrutiny do not reliably reflect high-quality care. For example, Consumer Voice found that dozens of homes on the reduced survey list have had a resident abuse tag or icon on the CMS Care Compare website since September 2025 and that about half of the newly RBS-eligible nursing homes would not have been eligible a year ago — indicating that, at best, they have a very limited record of providing high-quality services. “CMS has adopted the RBS against a broader backdrop of rolled-back nursing home standards, including the elimination of new minimum staffing standards and delays to nursing home financial transparency requirements. These actions already place nursing home residents at risk — and the new policy of limited surveys will only make matters worse,” the senators wrote in the letter.
Gillibrand and her colleagues requested that CMS release information on whether the RBS adequately protects nursing home residents and follows federal statutory requirements by November 9, 2026.
October 28. 2026
FROM THE BLAKEMAN FOR GOVERNOR CAMPAIGN: Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman today blasted the Siena and Marist polls released Wednesday, pointing to significant inconsistencies in their findings and questioning whether the surveys accurately reflect the state of the governor’s race. The Siena poll shows Governor Kathy Hochul leading Blakeman among independent voters by 11 points, 51% to 40%. Yet the Marist poll, conducted just days apart, shows Blakeman winning independents by 10 points, 49% to 39% — a staggering 21-point discrepancy in the candidates’ margins. The conflicting findings come as recent Pollfinity results show Hochul leading Blakeman by just one point, 48% to 47%. Previous polls conducted by Quinnipiac and Emerson have also found Blakeman leading among independent voters, further challenging the narrative that Hochul is cruising toward reelection. The polls also use dramatically different voter demographics. Marist’s likely-voter sample is approximately 62% white, compared with Siena’s 73%, raising additional questions about turnout assumptions and how the electorate is being modeled.
Blakeman issued the following statement: “Today’s polls are nothing more than voter suppression tactics designed to discourage Republicans and manipulate the outcome of this election. Kathy Hochul is desperate to convince New Yorkers this race is over because she knows her failed leadership is on the ballot. Our polling and internal surveys across the state show a neck-and-neck race. New Yorkers are fed up with Hochul’s crushing taxes, skyrocketing utility bills, and disastrous policies that have made our state unaffordable. I will lower taxes, cut utility bills, and put more money back in your pockets. New Yorkers deserve a governor who fights for them, not one who relies on misleading polls to declare victory before a single vote is counted.”
Nationally-renowned pollster John McLaughlin stated, “Siena’s poll is a gift to Kathy Hochul at a time when she desperately needs one. After being ranked the worst governor in America, she’s facing a backlash over higher taxes and skyrocketing utility bills. With Hochul facing sky-high unfavorable ratings, Bruce Blakeman is within striking distance. New Yorkers are seeing through the partisan noise, rejecting the narrative that this race is over, and are poised to turn out in force on Election Day.”
The Blakeman campaign called for greater transparency regarding polling methodology, independent-voter samples and likely-voter turnout models.
“The only poll that matters is on Election Day, November 3,” Blakeman concluded.
October 28, 2026
FROM UR MEDICINE: St. James Hospital is proud to announce that it has received recognition from the American College of Radiology (ACR) as a Designated Prostate MRI Center, demonstrating the hospital’s commitment to providing high-quality diagnostic imaging services and advancing patient care close to home. This designation recognizes St. James Hospital’s commitment to meeting established standards for prostate MRI imaging, including image quality, patient safety, and clinical expertise. Prostate MRI is an important diagnostic tool that provides detailed images of the prostate gland, helping physicians identify suspicious areas, evaluate potential abnormalities, and make informed decisions regarding further testing and treatment. Achieving this designation reflects the dedication and expertise of the St. James Hospital Imaging team and their ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care. “This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our Imaging team and reinforces our commitment to providing advanced diagnostic services to the communities we serve,” said Wendy Disbrow, President and CEO of St. James Hospital. “By offering high-quality prostate MRI services locally, we are helping patients access advanced diagnostic care without having to travel far from home.”
The American College of Radiology is a nationally recognized professional organization that establishes standards for medical imaging quality, safety, and performance. With this achievement, St. James Hospital continues to strengthen its diagnostic imaging capabilities and expand access to comprehensive, coordinated care to Hornell and the surrounding communities.
High-quality healthcare close to home.
About St. James Hospital
St. James Hospital, part of UR Medicine, is committed to providing high-quality, compassionate healthcare to Hornell and the surrounding communities. Through continued investments in advanced technology, clinical expertise, and patient-centered services, St. James Hospital remains dedicated to meeting the evolving healthcare needs of the region.
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October 27, 2026
By Steuben County Spokesman Eddie VanStine
The Steuben County Legislature has proclaimed November as Adoption Awareness Month in Steuben County, recognizing the importance of adoption, honoring adoptive and foster families, and raising awareness of the children still waiting for permanent, loving homes. The proclamation, issued by Kelly H. Fitzpatrick, Chair of the Steuben County Legislature, highlights the ongoing need to support children in foster care and the families who provide them with safe, nurturing environments. More than 100,000 children across the United States foster care system are waiting to be adopted. In Steuben County, nearly 200 children and 115 families currently receive support through adoption subsidies. The County reports 10 adoptions are anticipated to be finalized by the end of 2026. Adoption can provide children with the stability, security and sense of belonging they need to thrive. The proclamation recognizes the adoptive and foster families who open their hearts and homes to children in need, including children who may have physical, mental or emotional needs requiring additional care and support. “Every child deserves a safe, loving home. This month, we honor adoptive families and remember the children still waiting for permanent homes,” said Lise Reynolds, Commissioner of the Steuben County Department of Social Services.
Through this proclamation, Steuben County celebrates those who have already made a difference in the lives of children through adoption and encourages others to learn more about how they can help. Individuals and families interested in adoption or becoming foster/adoptive parents are encouraged to take the first step by contacting Steuben County DSS. Staff can provide information about the process, answer questions, and help prospective families understand the opportunities available to support children in need of permanent, loving homes.
For more information, email BeAFosterAdoptiveParent@SteubenCountyNY.gov or call the Foster Care and Adoption Services office at 607-664-2250 for Bath/Hornell or 607-664-2044 for Corning
October 27, 2026
State Senator Tom O’Mara (R,C-Big Flats), Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R,C-Corning), and Assemblyman Joe Sempolinski (R,C-Canisteo) made two stops in the city of Hornell on Monday to present Legislative Resolutions they sponsored this year commemorating milestone anniversaries for two of the city’s historical landmarks. The area legislators were joined by Hornell Mayor John Buckley at the Hornell Erie Depot Museum on Loder Street followed by a visit to Davidson’s Furniture on Main Street.
175th Erie Railroad
The group’s first stop was at the Hornell Erie Depot Museum to present copies of a Legislative Resolution they sponsored commemorating the 175th Anniversary of the inaugural trip of the Erie Railroad through Hornell (see the attached photo of the legislators with board members and volunteers of the Hornell Erie Depot Museum). The resolution (J2277/K1505) was unanimously approved by the state Senate and Assembly in June during the closing weeks of the State Legislature’s 2026 legislative session. The resolution reads, in part, “The observance of this 175th Anniversary provides an opportunity to reflect upon the enduring contributions of railroad workers, civic leaders, historians, preservationists, and community members whose efforts have preserved Hornell’s unique transportation heritage for future generations.” In a joint statement, O’Mara, Palmesano, and Sempolinski said, “We appreciate and welcome these opportunities to help celebrate and showcase the city of Hornell’s rich and varied history. It’s a chance to highlight the city’s long and storied history as a railroad town, which remains such a foundation of Hornell’s culture and economy to this very day with Alstom Manufacturing standing as one of the nation’s centers of modern, high-speed railcar manufacturing and refurbishing. The Erie Depot Museum does a remarkable job of preserving, honoring, and celebrating this history and we are proud this year to help celebrate the 175th Anniversary of the inaugural trip of the Erie Railroad through the city.” Mayor John Buckley said, “The arrival of the Erie Railroad in Hornell 175 years ago was a defining moment in our community’s history. It helped transform Hornell from a small agricultural community into a major railroad center, shaping our local economy and identity for generations. That legacy remains an important part of who we are today and it’s fitting that we take this opportunity to recognize and celebrate the people, innovation, and hard work that helped put Hornell on the map. We are proud of our railroad heritage and grateful for the lasting impact it continues to have on our community.”
150th Davidsons’s Furniture
The legislators then paid a visit to Davidson’s Furniture, founded in 1876, to present copies of their Legislative Resolution paying tribute to the store’s 150th Anniversary (In the attached photo, from left to right: Senator O’Mara, Barbara McCarthy, Mike Davidson, Assemblyman Sempolinski, Assemblyman Palmesano, and Mayor Buckley). This resolution (J2274/K1494) was also unanimously approved by the state Senate and Assembly in June. It reads, in part, “Davidson’s Furniture has been a staple in the Hornell community since its inception, and it is the oldest store in Hornell; it is believed that Davidson’s Furniture is one of the oldest continuous family-owned furniture stores in New York State, signifying its endurance and decades of success.” In a joint statement, O’Mara, Palmesano, and Sempolinski said, “We’re proud to help pay tribute to another cornerstone of the Hornell community, Davidson’s Furniture, which has earned its recognition and reputation as one of the longest continually operating, family-owned furniture and home design operations in New York State. Over more than four generations, the Davidson family has offered the community of Hornell a trusted place for dependable, excellent, high-quality craftmanship and service. Davidson’s Furniture represents a proud and amazing chapter of Hornell’s history, rooted in family tradition, and we are grateful to help celebrate its 150th Anniversary!” Mayor John Buckley said, “Davidson’s Furniture reaching 150 years in business is truly something special, and I think it says a lot about the people behind the business and the relationships they’ve built with generations of families here in Hornell. It takes a tremendous amount of hard work, dedication, and commitment to serve a community for that long. I’m proud to have a business like Davidson’s in our community, and I sincerely appreciate everything they’ve done over the years to make Hornell a better place to live and do business. Congratulations to Davidson’s Furniture on this incredible milestone, and I wish them continued success for many years to come.” Mike Davidson, Owner, Davidson’s Furniture said, “I am honored and sincerely grateful for this recognition of our 150 years in business. I would like to thank our elected officials for acknowledging this important milestone, and express my deepest appreciation to our loyal customers, the local community, and my family for their continued support over the years. This achievement would not have been possible without their trust and encouragement. I am proud of our history and thankful to everyone who has been part of my life and my family’s.”
October 27, 2026
FROM STEUBEN COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY BROOKS BAKER: “Yesterday Mary Beth Lewis appeared with her Attorney, Rhian Jones and I entered Police of guilty to three counts of attempted offering a false instrument for filing in the first degree each class a misdemeanor. A pre-plea report had been done in case she has no prior history, and as part of that a mental health evaluation was also done indicating she did not suffer from any diagnosed illness, requiring treatment. Under the circumstances, the court imposed a sentence on each of the offenses as a conditional discharge requiring her to obey the law to stay in New York, not to be re-arrested and to pay her surcharges as well as to submit to a DNA sample for the DNA data bank in a timely fashion. The conditional discharge last for a period of one year and that closed the proceedings. The courtroom was full.”
BACKGROUND: This is a Steuben County Court case that’s gotten national media attention from the New York Times and People Magazine. It’s about a woman from the Erie County Town of Elma, who made news in a surrogacy case here in Steuben County. Her name is Mary Beth Lewis and the story goes that Mary Beth Lewis had a surrogacy couple have twins for her, and then both she and the surrogacy parents wanted to keep the twins and there has been courtroom cases about that since December of 2023.
October 27, 2026
FROM THE ALLEGANY COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OFFICE: Allegany County is taking an important first step toward determining the future of the Old Belmont School following the award of $250,000 from the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation to support a feasibility study of the historic property.
For years, the Belmont Betterment Association has worked to maintain and care for the former school building, helping preserve an important piece of Belmont’s history and keeping the property positioned for future use. Through a partnership with the Association, Allegany County is now evaluating whether the property could serve a broader community purpose, with the intent to pursue acquisition if the feasibility study determines that redevelopment is viable.
The study will examine the building’s structural condition and suitability for redevelopment, along with the scope and potential cost of improvements. It will also consider whether the property could accommodate shared space, leasable office space, tourism initiatives and select public-use spaces that could benefit organizations, businesses, residents and visitors throughout Allegany County.
“This is an important first step,” said Ashley Smith, Allegany County Director of Economic Development. “Before we determine what this building can become, we need to understand what is possible. This study gives us the opportunity to look at the building objectively, understand the investment that may be required, and begin conversations about how the space could best serve Allegany County. This would not be possible without the support of our County Legislators and leadership, and we are grateful for their willingness to explore this opportunity.”
The County is preparing to receive Request for Proposals (RFP) seeking a qualified firm to conduct the feasibility study. No firm has been selected or awarded the study at this time. Following the appropriate procurement process, the selected firm will assess the property and provide recommendations to help inform the County’s next steps.
In parallel, the County will begin conversations with potential partner agencies and organizations to better understand community needs and identify potential opportunities for collaboration within the building. These conversations will help inform the feasibility process and ensure that potential uses are considered with the needs of the community and prospective partners in mind.
Allegany County is grateful to the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation for its investment in this opportunity and its support of the County as it considers a new future for the property.
“We are incredibly thankful to the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation for believing in the potential of this work and providing the resources to take this first step,” said Smith. “We hope this is the beginning of a long and meaningful partnership. Their support allows us to take a thoughtful look at what may be possible, and we look forward to building on that relationship as this work moves forward.”
The County also recognizes the Belmont Betterment Association for its years of stewardship of the property, as they have put years of time, effort and care into this building. Their commitment has helped preserve the Old Belmont School and kept the doors open for a future opportunity. We are grateful for their partnership as we consider how the building could take on a new purpose that benefits Belmont and communities throughout Allegany County.
While no specific use has been determined, the effort could ultimately create a shared space where organizations, businesses and community partners can work together, while providing opportunities for public and tourism-related uses. For now, the focus is on understanding the building, listening to potential partners, and determining whether a sustainable redevelopment plan is possible.
The acceptance of the grant award remains subject to the appropriate Allegany County legislative process. The County will proceed with the RFP consistent with applicable procurement requirements, with the feasibility study contract to be awarded following that process.
More information about the study, partnerships, and opportunities will be shared as the process moves forward.