April 21, 2026
Click to see the video of Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R, Corning) talking about how, at this point, the budget is 21 days late. Palmesano also says, in another video, that there are several issues in the $270 billion dollar budget, which will be taken up by the Assembly and State Senate: tax increases, the new tier, the auto insurance issue, electric school buses, the ACT Law about trucking in New York State, Tier 6 Retirements and Climate Change CLCPA laws.
April 22, 2026
Hot Dog day in Alfred: it starts this Friday and goes through 6pm Saturday. The Hot Dog Carnival goes from 1pm through 5pm Saturday. Also, the Carnival is on the Alfred State Student Leadership parking lot. In addition, there will be many vendors on Main Street.
April 21, 2026
A LOCAL LAW REGULATING THE OPERATION OF ELECTRIC BICYCLES, ELECTRIC SCOOTERS, AND ELECTRIC SKATEBOARDS
Be it enacted by the Common Council of the City of Hornell as follows:
Section 1. Legislative Findings and Purpose.
The Common Council of the City of Hornell hereby finds and determines that:
A. The increasing use of electric bicycles, electric scooters, and electric skateboards has resulted in unsafe and unlawful operation, including failure to obey traffic control devices, operation on sidewalks, excessive speeds in City parks, and dangerous interaction with pedestrians and motorists.
B. Such unsafe operation poses a risk to public health, safety, and welfare, particularly to pedestrians, park users, and motorists.
C. New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law authorizes municipalities to regulate micromobility devices to protect public safety.
D. Electric skateboards are not explicitly regulated by New York State law, and municipalities are authorized under the Municipal Home Rule Law to adopt reasonable local regulations governing their use.
E. Clear, uniform, and enforceable local standards governing the operation of electric bicycles, electric scooters, and electric skateboards are necessary to promote safe and responsible use, protect pedestrians, preserve the safe enjoyment of City parks and public spaces, and reduce preventable injuries and conflicts.
Section 2. Definitions.
For the purposes of this local law, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
A. Electric Bicycle (E-bike). As defined in New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law § 102-c, including Class 1 and Class 2 electric bicycles.
B. Electric Scooter (E-scooter). As defined in New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law § 114-e.
C. Electric Skateboard. A self-propelled device powered by an electric motor designed to transport one person in a standing position on a board with wheels and not otherwise defined as a motor vehicle under New York State law.
D. Motorized Micromobility Device. Any electric bicycle, electric scooter, or electric skateboard.
E. Sidewalk. The portion of a street intended for pedestrian use between the curb or roadway edge and the adjacent property line.
F. City Park or Path. Any park, trail, walkway, greenway, or recreational area owned or maintained by the City and intended primarily for pedestrian use.
G. Night Operation. Operation between sunset and sunrise or at any time when persons or vehicles are not clearly visible at a distance of 1,000 feet.
Section 3. Applicability.
This local law shall apply to all persons operating motorized micromobility devices, including electric bicycles, electric scooters, and electric skateboards, within the corporate limits of the City of Hornell, except where expressly limited or preempted by New York State law.
This local law shall not restrict the official use of Class 3 electric bicycles by the Hornell Police Department or other authorized municipal agencies.
Section 4. General Rules of Operation.
A. Compliance with Traffic Laws.
Operators shall obey all traffic control devices and applicable provisions of New York State law governing bicycles.
B. Permitted Roadways.
Electric bicycles and electric scooters may be operated only on public roadways with posted speed limits of thirty (30) miles per hour or less, unless otherwise prohibited.
C. Citywide Speed Limit.
No motorized micromobility device shall be operated at a speed exceeding twenty (20) miles per hour anywhere within the City of Hornell.
D. Sidewalk Operation Prohibited.
Operation of motorized micromobility devices on sidewalks is prohibited, except to enter or exit a driveway or where expressly authorized by posted signage.
E. City Parks and Paths.
(1) Motorized micromobility devices may be operated in City parks and on designated paths only where authorized by posted signage.
(2) Speed shall not exceed ten (10) miles per hour while operating in City parks or on designated paths.
(3) Operators shall yield the right-of-way to pedestrians at all times and shall slow to walking speed when passing pedestrians.
(4) Motorized micromobility devices shall not be operated on pedestrian-only areas, grassy fields, or other areas not specifically designated for micromobility use.
F. Unsafe or Reckless Operation Prohibited.
No motorized micromobility device shall be operated in a reckless or unsafe manner, including weaving through traffic, unsafe passing, excessive speed for conditions, or distracted or impaired operation.
G. Electric Skateboards and Class 3 Electric Bicycles.
(1) Electric skateboards shall be subject to all provisions of this local law relating to unsafe or reckless operation, sidewalk use, operation within City parks and paths, age restrictions, helmet requirements, lighting and visibility requirements, enforcement, and penalties.
(2) Nothing in this local law shall be construed to authorize the operation of electric skateboards or Class 3 electric bicycles on public roadways where such operation is otherwise prohibited by New York State law.
(3) Class 3 electric bicycles may be operated by the Hornell Police Department or other authorized municipal agencies for official purposes.
Section 5. Age, Passenger, and Helmet Requirements.
A. Minimum Age.
No person under the age of sixteen (16) years shall operate a motorized micromobility device.
B. Passengers.
Only one rider shall be permitted unless the device is manufacturer-designed for multiple riders.
C. Helmet Requirement.
(1) All operators shall wear a properly fitted helmet meeting Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards.
(2) Helmet use is required on all roadways, parks, paths, and rights-of-way.
(3) A parent or legal guardian shall not knowingly permit a minor to violate this section.
(4) A violation of this subsection shall not constitute probable cause for a search or seizure.
Section 6. Lighting and Visibility Requirements.
A. Night Operation Requirements.
(1) A white front lamp visible from at least five hundred (500) feet.
(2) A red rear lamp or reflector visible from at least three hundred (300) feet.
B. Reflective Equipment.
Operators shall wear or display reflective material visible from the sides.
C. Condition.
All required lighting and reflective equipment shall be operational and unobstructed.
Section 7. Commercial Rental or Fleet Operations.
No person or entity shall operate a commercial rental or shared micromobility fleet within the City of Hornell without first obtaining authorization from the Common Council. The Common Council may establish conditions and requirements by resolution.
Section 8. Education and Signage.
The City of Hornell may install signage and distribute educational materials summarizing micromobility rules and safety requirements.
Section 9. Enforcement.
This local law shall be enforced by the Hornell Police Department and any other officers authorized to enforce local laws.
Section 10. Penalties.
A. General Violations.
(1) First offense: fifty dollars ($50) to one hundred dollars ($100).
(2) Second offense within twelve (12) months: one hundred dollars ($100) to two hundred fifty dollars ($250).
(3) Third or subsequent offense: two hundred fifty dollars ($250) to five hundred dollars ($500) and/or imprisonment for up to fifteen (15) days.
B. Helmet or Lighting Violations.
(1) First offense: warning or fine not to exceed fifty dollars ($50).
(2) Second offense: fifty dollars ($50) to one hundred dollars ($100).
(3) Third or subsequent offense: one hundred dollars ($100) to two hundred dollars ($200).
C. Corrective Action.
Fines may be reduced or waived upon proof of compliance within fourteen (14) days of the violation.
D. Additional Remedies.
For repeated or reckless violations, the court may order device confiscation.
Section 11. Severability.
If any provision of this local law is adjudged invalid or unconstitutional, such judgment shall not affect or impair the validity of the remaining provisions.
Section 12. Effective Date.
This local law shall take effect immediately upon filing with the New York State Secretary of State in accordance with the Municipal Home Rule Law.
April 22, 2026
Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) spoke during a House Ways and Means Committee hearing yesterday, focused on protecting patients and taxpayers by cracking down on Medicare fraud, highlighting the growing impact of large-scale fraud schemes on seniors and access to care in Upstate New York. During the hearing, Rep. Tenney underscored her previous efforts to expose fraud, including a letter she sent last fall to CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz raising concerns about suspicious billing activity, including one doctor who billed more than $600 million between 2020 and 2025. That outreach helped prompt enforcement action, but Tenney emphasized that isolated cases do not address a broader, systemic problem. She pointed to alarming trends in California, where more than 1,400 new home health agencies have entered Los Angeles County since 2020. Despite representing a small share of Medicare beneficiaries, the county now accounts for 12 percent of all Medicare home health spending, with payments per beneficiary nearly six times the national average. Rep. Tenney warned that this level of organized fraud is distorting Medicare payment data nationwide. She highlighted the consequences in rural Upstate New York, where home health admissions have dropped nearly 40 percent since 2018 and nearly half of referred patients never receive care, emphasizing how fraud is contributing to reduced access for vulnerable populations.
“When fraud takes over Medicare, patients are the ones who suffer,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “What we are seeing is organized, large-scale abuse that is distorting payment systems and forcing legitimate providers to scale back or shut down. In places like my district in Upstate New York, seniors rely on home health care to remain independent, yet nearly half of those referred never receive it. When fraudulent activity is treated as normal in Medicare data, it drives harmful policy decisions that punish honest providers and leave patients behind. We must restore accountability, protect taxpayer dollars, and ensure seniors can access the care they need.”
April 22, 2026
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced New York’s Volunteer Firefighter Training Stipend program is expanding to offset costs for five additional training courses available to volunteer firefighters. New York State created the program to strengthen the volunteer fire service and address recruitment and retention challenges by offsetting the costs of required training that individuals need to become a firefighter. This expansion will help reduce obstacles preventing volunteer firefighters from advancing their careers. Since 2023, more than 4,000 volunteer firefighters have successfully completed training through the program.
“Since taking office, I’ve been laser-focused on making New York safer and more affordable. By expanding the Volunteer Firefighter Training Stipend program, we’re doing both – cutting costs for those who serve while enhancing their lifesaving skills,” Governor Hochul said. “This program makes critical training more accessible, allowing our volunteers to grow in their careers without sacrificing their ability to provide for their families. I’m proud to invest in our volunteer firefighters who put their lives on the line to keep New Yorkers safe.”
The new stipend-eligible courses and course equivalencies are:
Firefighter Survival: Self Rescue: This course teaches firefighters how to rescue themselves if they become trapped or compromised during a fire incident. Stipend Amount: $250
Firefighter Assist and Search Team, and Rapid Intervention Crew: These courses are designed to train firefighters in the critical skills needed to rescue fellow firefighters who are trapped or in distress during an incident. Stipend Amount: $350
Fire and Emergency Services Instructor 1, Fire Officer II, and Firefighter 2: These courses are advanced leadership and instructor development programs. They aim to enhance the leadership capabilities of fire department members and improve their effectiveness in incident command roles, ultimately contributing to the safety of firefighters. Stipend Amount: $500
These five courses build on the catalog of trainings that are already stipend-eligible: Basic Wildland Fire Suppression ($250) Basic Exterior Firefighting Operations ($750), Fire Officer 1 ($1,000) and Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus/Interior Firefighting Operations ($1,250). Since the inception of the stipend program, completion of the Basic Exterior Firefighting Operations, and Interior Firefighting Operations courses have increased by 20 percent and completion of the Fire Officer I course has risen 35 percent.
New York State Homeland Security and Emergency Services Acting Commissioner Terry O’Leary said, “New York’s volunteer firefighters are critical parts of the fabric of communities statewide and they put their lives on the line every time they answer a call to protect those communities. As New York continues to face challenges with volunteer recruitment, the stipend program has resulted in marked increases in class completions, which has brought additional firefighters to departments across the state. Thanks to the leadership and support of Governor Hochul, this stipend program expansion will continue to help volunteer departments recruit and retain members, keeping themselves and their communities safe.”
New York State County Fire Coordinators Association President Bill Streicher said, “Now more than ever, it is vital that we support our volunteer fire organizations to boost recruitment and retention within the fire service across New York State. These stipends serve to promote and strengthen the fire service across our state while providing a small stipend to firefighters who participate in these classes, to better prepare themselves to serve their communities.”
New York State Association of Fire Chiefs CEO Bruce Heberer said, “Proper training keeps our firefighters and our communities safer and at a time when our volunteer agencies are strained, and every dollar counts. The Volunteer training stipends are a vital resource of income to the members of our fire services so that they can focus on their training, instead worrying about how they are going to make ends meet if the training causes them to miss work, allowing them to continue serve their department and take care of their home life!”
Association of Fire Districts of the State of New York President Joseph Badala said, “Investments in our fire districts are investments in our communities as better services make our state safer for everyone. We thank Governor Hochul for her efforts to provide departments with the resources they need to do their work safely and strategically.”
Additionally, a local fire training stipend may be authorized for the completion of any state Office of Fire Prevention and Control (OFPC) training course or equivalent, as determined by OFPC, up to $500. Courses must have been completed on or after August 31, 2023, and applicants must be a member in good standing as determined by their department. Stipend applications must be submitted to OFPC-Stipend@dhses.ny.gov.
Additional information on the stipend program can be found on the DHSES website.
Approximately nine million New Yorkers, nearly half of the state’s population, are served by volunteer firefighters. Yet in recent years, more than 75 percent of these departments have reported a decrease in the number of individuals willing to volunteer and serve. This shortage is further compounded by the increased operational responsibilities beyond fire protection, including vehicle accidents, medical emergencies, hazardous material spills and weather-related rescue operations. At the same time, calls for service have increased 29 percent from 1997 to 2020.
In addition to the Volunteer Training Stipend, Governor Hochul has sought to strengthen and stabilize the state’s volunteer fire service by supporting the capital needs of volunteer fire departments through the Volunteer Fire Infrastructure & Response Equipment (V-FIRE) Grant Program. Through the first round of V-FIRE funding in October 2024, the state provided $25 million to 88 entities to support the construction of new, or renovation of existing fire stations, classrooms, meeting spaces or training centers; installation of exhaust and decontamination systems; and/or the purchase of equipment such as firefighter Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), PPE washers and dryers and firefighter rehabilitation equipment.
April 20, 2026
April 20, 2026
The Wayland Police Department reports that one of their School Resource Officers saved a man’s life last week. The S.R.O. was told that a man across the street from the school, was having a medical issue, inside of a vehicle. The officer put the vehicle in park and began life saving measures until the ambulance arrived.
“Wednesday morning, while on duty at the Wayland-Cohocton Central School, one of our School Resource Officers (SROs) was alerted to a man in medical distress at a business across the street from the school. Within moments, the officer was on scene, locating an unresponsive driver in a running vehicle still in drive. The officer secured the vehicle, removed the individual, and began life-saving measures until the individual regained consciousness and EMS arrived. During the incident, the individual showed signs consistent with possible impairment, and a firearm in the vehicle was safely secured. Swift response and calm under pressure. Exactly what you want standing watch near your kids!”
April 22, 2026
Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R,C-Corning) is voicing his outrage at the fact that an inmate at Attica Correctional Facility recently brutally assaulted and injured six correction officers. The same inmate who attacked these officers previously assaulted a civilian counsel and a correction officer at Lakeview Correctional Facility less than two months ago. Palmesano argues this is just the latest example of how the powder-keg environment that Albany Democrats have created with their policies has erupted. In fact, things have gotten so bad that the New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association (NYSCOPBA) has declared a systemic emergency in our prisons.
“There is no excuse for an inmate to be able to assault correction officers and civilian staff, not once but twice, and yet there is silence from Albany Democrats and Gov. Hochul, even though it is their failed policies, such as the HALT Act, that allowed this to happen in the first place,” said Palmesano.
“My Republican colleagues and I have repeatedly pushed for the repeal of HALT for years, only for it to fall on deaf ears. I thought this might change; however, when the governor’s own HALT task force published a list of recommended changes to HALT last year, but neither the Legislature nor the governor has acted to implement these common-sense safety proposals. This is an absolute slap in the face to our brave correction officers. They deserve better; they deserve to have a Legislature and a governor who have their backs, but unfortunately, they have neither right now from Gov. Hochul and Albany Democrats. This is dangerous, and this is wrong,” concluded Palmesano.
April 20, 2026
By Paul Welker
Alfred State College (ASC) announced that it has received a $50,000 donation from Alstom to establish an endowed scholarship to support engineering technology students. The investment is the latest chapter in a long-standing partnership between the college and the company. Alstom’s rail manufacturing campus, located in Hornell, is about 12 miles from the Alfred State’s campus
The scholarship fund will be available to juniors and seniors in Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Technology majors, helping remove financial barriers so that the region’s students may follow their dreams and enter engineering and related fields. Alstom’s donation will be distributed over five years, with the endowed scholarship existing in perpetuity.
“We are excited to continue our longstanding partnership with Alstom with this endowed scholarship,” commented Alfred State President Dr. Steven Mauro. “The scholarships that will result from this endowment will support our engineering technology students as they near completion of their degrees and prepare to join the workforce. We look forward to future collaborations and strengthening the connection between our organizations, the region, and beyond.”
“Alfred State has long been a source of exceptional engineering talent for Hornell,” said Sylvain Bouthière, Alstom Hornell’s Site Managing Director. “Their graduates bring curiosity, drive and a spirit of innovation that strengthens our teams and shapes the future of our site. This endowed scholarship reflects our commitment not only to expanding access to well-paying careers in advanced manufacturing, but also to empowering the next generation of thinkers and builders who will define the future of mobility.”
“As mass transit continues to grow across North America, Alstom has been investing in partnerships with colleges and universities in the region to ensure that we will have the talent we need to continue to grow and thrive,” said Dani Simons, Vice President for Public Affairs, Alstom Americas. “Alfred State is a great example of an institution with a clear mission to prepare students for exciting careers. We are thrilled to build on our long-standing partnership with them and support their efforts to give more students access to engineering degrees.”
Alstom has had a long relationship with Alfred State, from offering applied learning experiences across engineering, business, and construction management programs, to hosting students for tours and demonstrations. Alstom leaders also serve on college advisory boards to ensure that academic programs remain aligned with evolving industry expectations.
Alstom partnered with Alfred State in 2021 to bring nearly $1.5 million in federal workforce development funding to the area from the U.S. Department of Labor and the Appalachian Regional Commission. The grant supported a training program that took place on-site at Alstom and continues today even after the timing of the grant funding ended.
Alstom’s Hornell campus consists of four manufacturing plants and constitutes the largest rail manufacturing facility in the United States. Recent and ongoing projects include 28 high-speed trainsets for Amtrak, 130 streetcars for the Philadelphia-area transit system, and propulsion for 1,165 subway cars for New York City Transit. More than 520 people – including many Alfred State alumni – work there.
April 22, 2026
FROM HORNELL CITY HALL: The City street sweeper will begin its regular schedule of street sweeping on SUNDAY NIGHT, April 26, 2026. No parking will be permitted on streets from 11 p.m.- 7 a.m. in wards scheduled for trash pickup the following day. These parking restrictions are in effect regardless of refuse pickup, holidays, or modifications to the street-sweeping routine. They will continue through early fall. Cars in violation of the parking prohibition will be ticketed by the Hornell Police Department.
April 17, 2026
FROM CANISTEO-GREENWOOD SUPERINTENDENT TOM CROOK: Progress Update: Project continues to progress nicely. The auditorium scaffolding has been removed, the ceiling and catwalk look great, and the stage rigging is being installed. The next four elementary classroooms are complete (other than punch list items) and have been turned back over to the school district. The new playground equipment is on site and installation will begin as soon as it dries out more. Bus garage work has begun with the installation of the generator, the overhead doors, and the HVAC renovations. Finally, the main competition gym in the elementary school has been taken over and demolition has begun.
Regularly scheduled job coordination meetings continue between the trades and ongoing leadership level meetings with the District leadership team, Hunt EAS, LeChase, and Donegan Financial Advisors continue as well.
Each area of construction contains a more specific update below:
Auditorium –The scaffolding has been removed and the drywall work is nearly complete. Rigging equipment is being installed. KI seating has been on site for final measurements for the seats. The seats are being manufactured and should be on site in early June.
Elementary Competition Gymnasium- The elementary gymnasium was taken over during spring break. The contractors did an amazing job getting the major demolition work completed while students were not on campus. The bleachers and backboards were disassembled and removed, and the existing wood flooring was removed in sections with proper exhaust and ventilation provided to safely do the job while protecting the adjacent hallways of any dust issues. Some mortar work is now being completed on the walls, and the concrete is being prepared for the new wood floors. Simultaneously, electricians are working on running new conduit and pulling wires. Painters will be in the gym in late April. The new wood floors will be in site in early May to be properly acclimated to the environment, followed by installation. This was a great start to the gym project!
Athletic Facility/Turf Field – The punch list work is complete in the concession stand bathrooms. The exterior FRP doors are still delayed from the manufacturer and will be installed as they arrive on campus in May. This is the only remaining item for the concession stand. Ball nets were installed at the stadium and minor punch list items are being completed as well.
Elementary Playground- As the warmer weather finally arrives and the ground dries up, the elementary playground will install the new foundations for the new equipment. The new equipment is secured on site. All underground drainage infrastructure was completed last fall. If the weather cooperates, this will be completed and open to students before the end of the school year.
Elementary Entrance/Office and Classrooms – Punch list items in the main office are nearly complete. Wood ceiling baffles were completed in the main entrance area over spring break.
Electrical work continues at the bus garage. Generator has been installed. Overhead doors at the bus garage will be installed this spring/summer as well.
The construction team continues to review the milestone construction schedule weekly to avoid any delays and to plan for installation recovery time of any delayed items. Once again, this summer is going to be very active again as the elementary competition gymnasium and the cafeteria go under anticipated heavy construction.
Once again, a huge thank you to the district leadership team for providing creatively safe options for the project to be phased while school is in session. The district has established a section of website dedicated to the work on the Capital Project. Communication with the staff, students, and community is key to a successful project!
April 17, 2026
The Steuben County Legislature has officially proclaimed April 2026 as Donate Life Month in Steuben County, recognizing the critical importance of organ and tissue donation and honoring the generosity of donors and their families.
This proclamation highlights the life-saving impact of organ and tissue donation. A single organ donor can save up to eight lives, while tissue donation can improve the lives of as many as 75 individuals. Across New York State, approximately 8,000 men, women, and children are currently waiting for organ transplants, with nearly 300 individuals losing their lives each year while waiting.
Despite the overwhelming need, only 52.31% of New York State residents are currently registered as organ, eye, and tissue donors. Officials emphasize the importance of increasing enrollment in the New York State Donate Life Registry to help close this gap and provide hope to those in need.
The registry, launched in October 2017, offers a simple and accessible way for New Yorkers to document their decision to become donors. Additionally, legislation enacted in February 2017 allows individuals as young as 16 and 17 years old to enroll.
Residents can register when applying for or renewing a driver’s license, non-driver identification card, or voter registration, or by visiting the New York State Donate Life Registry online.
Steuben County joins counties across New York State and organ donation advocacy organizations in raising awareness and encouraging residents to consider the profound impact of becoming a donor.
For more information or to enroll in the registry, visit www.donatelife.ny.gov.