Category: Local News

February 27, 2026

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney says the end of business day on March 9Community Fu is the deadline for elected officials and non-profits to submit an application to get Community Project Funding. This program allows government officials and non- profit organizations to get federal funding for high priority community projects. Tenney says her office works closely with applicants to help them get some of the funding available for these projects.

See below.

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney has announced the launch of the Community Project Funding (CPF) process for Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27). The deadline for this year’s submissions is March 9 at close of business. The CPF process is an important way for members of Congress to advocate for projects that directly benefit our communities across New York’s 24th District. It ensures transparency, accountability, and congressional oversight in the funding process rather than leaving critical decisions solely to Washington without local input. The CPF program allows eligible local governments and non-profit organizations to submit requests for federal funding for high-priority community projects. All proposals are thoroughly vetted, must demonstrate strong local support, and are subject to strict oversight requirements. All CPF applications supported by Congresswoman Tenney’s office must meet rigorous eligibility standards outlined in the appropriations guidance and include a clear, detailed plan to execute funds responsibly and efficiently. Tenney’s office works closely with applicants to ensure that any awarded funds are used appropriately and deliver meaningful results for the district. Local elected officials and non-profit organizations interested in submitting applications or seeking additional information should email: AppropriationsRequestsNY24@mail.house.gov.

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February 27, 2026

Steuben County IDA Director Jamie Johnson says LP Building Solutions in Bath is doing an expansion. Johnson says it’s an about $17 million dollar project, which will almost double the size of LP Building Solution’s production space. This is being done to provide additional production efficiencies and a redesign and layout for some of their equipment. It’s also happening so that there will be indoor storage so they can provide a continued business growth in the Town of Bath.

February 27, 2026
By Alfred State Spokesperson Paul Welker

An interdisciplinary team of Alfred State students recently placed first in the design-build division of the Associated Schools of Construction Region 1 Student Competition held in Albany.
Architecture and Design Professor William Dean advised the design-build team and preconstruction teams, along with Civil Engineering Technology Professor Erin Vitale, who also advised the open concrete team. Members of the design-build team included construction management student Kyle Battaglia (Spencerport, NY), and architecture students Jackson Eigg (Fairport, NY), Brianna Fagan (Spencerport, NY), Megan Pinzel (Grand Island, NY), Ainsley Pirotta (Lakeview, NY), and Isabelle Warfield (Schenectady, NY).
Fagan served as the team project manager and was honored that her team placed in the competition. “Our team collaborated on design leading up to the competition. Each participant was eager to fulfill their role and spent time beforehand learning new roles and how to best support each other during the competition. Our collaboration and teamwork helped us to produce a detailed schedule and a unique design.”
The competition focused on providing design and construction services for a new parking garage to support a New York Airport’s new Terminal G. The program required the development of a parking garage facility adjacent to the terminal that included 3,000 parking spaces, rideshare pickup zone, connecting roads to the adjacent major airport roadways, electric vehicle charging, freight and passenger elevators, and a dynamic facade system.
On the first day of competition weekend, teams received project documents at 8 a.m. and had sixteen hours to complete their submission to the judging team, comprised of a sponsoring firm that created the challenge. The team’s submission included conceptual design documents, an itemized estimate, a comprehensive schedule, and safety and site logistics plans.
The next day, each team gave an oral presentation to the project sponsors and judging team, Skanska, who judged the written submissions and oral presentations and ranked the top three teams.
Fagan continued, “It was a great experience, and I am proud of how each member stepped into a new situation. We were all grateful for the experience and learned a lot that we can utilize in our own work.”
The design-build category was one of five divisions (pre-construction, commercial, heavy-civil, and open concrete) at the event. Alfred State had strong showings in both the preconstruction and open concrete divisions.
Members of the preconstruction team included architecture students Jessica Budd (Fairport, NY), Fernanda Ceja (New Rochelle, NY), Selena Fullone (Webster, NY), and Connor Welsh (Staten Island, NY), and construction management student Owen Lantiegne (Lafayette, NY). The open concrete team was comprised of sophomores and juniors from both BS Construction Management and BS Civil Engineering Technology programs including Jaelyn Benjamin Wilson (Allegany, NY), Kari Annunziato (Greenwood Lake, NY), Erica Jackson (West Babylon, NY), Joshua Gradner (Saint Louis, MO), Griffin Doan (Cayuga, NY), and Alexander Grohman (Buffalo, NY).
Fullone, project manager for the preconstruction team, said that the competition was one of the most meaningful experiences she has had as an architecture student. “This fast-paced competition pushed me to think beyond design and gain hands-on experience with preconstruction services, which is something rarely learned in a traditional architecture education. It strengthened my understanding of constructability, value engineering, and teamwork under pressure. Most importantly, the competition highlighted the importance of collaboration and different perspectives in achieving a successful outcome. I am extremely proud of what our team accomplished together in the twelve short hours.”
“These types of competitions foster a more comprehensive understanding of the collaborative environment that must exist between architects and constructors,” commented Dean. By directly involving students in the construction planning process, they develop a practical skill set that empowers them to be more effective, responsible, and innovative practitioners. The intended outcome is a generation of architects and construction professionals equipped with the ability to lead and execute complex projects, making them more adaptable and relevant in the rapidly evolving construction industry.“
Dean concluded, “All of these teams moved outside of their individual comfort zones and showed a great deal of dedication and a lot of heart in their approach to the competitions.”
Dean concluded, “Both of these teams moved outside of their individual comfort zones and showed a great deal of dedication and a lot of heart in their approach to the competitions.”
Prior to the competition, the students met with professionals and Alfred State alumni to help their preparation. The professionals provided a valuable and insightful review of the students’ preliminary proposals and gave them an overview of how their firm might approach similar projects.
The design-build team met with Spencer Read, ’05, President of Mitchell Design-Build in Victor while the preconstruction team traveled to meet with a team of architects and construction managers from Buffalo Construction Consultants, including Design Manager Matthew Edwards, ’02.
For more than 20 years, Construction Management and Architecture students have been competing at the Associated Schools of Construction Competition. This competition is made possible by a LeChase Construction endowment that supports our entrance fees; this year Balfour Beatty US provided travel & lodging expenses.

February 26, 2026

“We need natural gas. People want natural gas. That is what Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R, Corning) has been arguing in the state budget hearings. The assemblyman wants to keep natural gas from being replaced by green energy projects.  “Wind and Solar do not count.  They are not dispatchable,” Palmesano said.  Also, according to the assemblyman, these green projects are largely funded by surcharges and extra fees, on utility bills, and make up 20 percent of some utility bills.  Supporters of the climate action laws say, using wind and solar reduces pollution and are more cost effective. Palmesano maintains that the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, was written in a way that would phase out natural gas. “It’s designed to dismantle the natural gas infrastructure,” Palmesano said yesterday. “It’s designed to take away consumer choice on how you heat your home, fix your food, it will control the vehicle you drive and it will jeopardize the reliability of the grid.”

February 26, 2026

FROM THE FAA: Pilots reported 10,994 laser strikes to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in 2025 — a 14 percent decrease from the year before but still too high.  Shining a laser at an aircraft poses a serious safety threat and is a federal crime. The FAA conducted outreach and training with local, state, and federal law enforcement throughout the year to combat laser strikes in areas with the highest numbers. “Laser strikes are decreasing, thanks to a strong pilot reporting culture that is providing the data we need for community engagement and work with local law enforcement,” said Ben Supko, Associate Administrator, Security and Intelligence Organization. “But even one laser strike is too many when pilots have hundreds of lives in their hands.”

In 2025, pilots reported the highest numbers of laser strikes in these states:
California – 1,309
Texas – 1,100
Florida – 654
Illinois – 620
Arizona – 574
Washington – 484
Tennessee – 431
Indiana – 370
New York – 369
Virginia – 353

Lasers can incapacitate pilots, many of whom are flying airplanes with hundreds of passengers. Pilots have reported 337 injuries since the FAA began tracking laser strike reports in 2010.  People who shine lasers at aircraft face FAA fines of up to $11,000 per violation. They also can face federal criminal penalties of up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine, as well as state and local penalties.  The FAA strongly encourages people to report laser strikes to the FAA and local law enforcement agencies. Detailed reporting can help identify location and time trends.

February 26, 2026
By Deputy Mayor Jesscia Cleveland

The Board of Public Works’ February meeting marked several important transitions, including the first meeting with new Commissioner Chris Clark. The meeting also included the resignation of long-time Chief Operator Richard Dunning and the appointments of Robert McLaughlin as Chief Operator and Josh Scialpa as Assistant Chief Operator at the Water Pollution Control Plant (WPCP).

Richard Dunning retires after 47 years at the WPCP, including 35 years as Chief Operator. Mayor John Buckley recognized his decades of service, stating, “Rich has done a fantastic job as Chief Operator at the WPCP. This is a complex operation that often goes unnoticed unless something goes wrong. For decades, Rich’s professionalism, steady leadership, and commitment to the community ensured the plant operated smoothly and reliably. We have been fortunate to have Rich’s steady leadership providing quality service through these many years and are grateful he will remain with the plant in a part-time capacity.”

Stepping into the role of Chief Operator is Robert McLaughlin, formerly Assistant Chief Operator. McLaughlin brings 21 years of experience at the WPCP and earned his 4A Operator’s License in February 2025. McLaughlin said, “I’m proud and excited to serve as the fourth Chief Operator at the WPCP. I’m especially grateful to Rich Dunning for being a valuable teacher, mentor, boss, and friend. I look forward to continuing to provide the quality service our residents expect.”

Mayor Buckley added, “Robert’s dedication is evident in his many years of service and expertise, as well as in obtaining his 4A Operator’s License. This is no easy feat; with an 80% fail rate, Robert put in the hard work and study required to achieve it. I’m confident he will continue to do a great job for the City of Hornell.”

Josh Scialpa, who has been with the WPCP for nine years, was appointed Assistant Chief Operator. He recently upgraded his credentials to a 3A Operator’s License. Mayor Buckley stated, “I’m really proud of Josh, watching him grow, strengthen his credentials, and climb that ladder. He has done great work and has earned this opportunity.”

Dunning expressed confidence in the team he leaves behind, stating, “We have an exceptional group at the plant. Managing daily operations while upgrading licenses and completing major plant improvements through Phases 1A and 1B really illustrates what a great team we have. I’m proud of Robert and Josh and know the plant is in good hands.”

The appointments are effective immediately and provide continued stability and experienced oversight at the Water Pollution Control Plant.

February 26, 2026

FROM ST JAMES HOSPITAL:

The St. James Hospital Foundation is pleased to announce the success of its annual Beat the Blues Gala, held on February 14, 2026, at The Main Place in Hornell. The event brought together community members, local leaders, hospital supporters, and regional partners for an evening dedicated to strengthening rural healthcare in the Southern Tier.
This year’s gala raised just under $34,000, all of which will support ongoing initiatives at St. James Hospital. Funds from the gala help enhance patient care, support facility improvements, and bolster essential community health programming.
“The generosity shown at this year’s gala was remarkable,” said Wendy Disbrow, President and CEO at St. James Hospital. “Every dollar raised directly advances patient care right here in our community. We’re deeply grateful to everyone who attended, volunteered, sponsored, or donated to make this event such a success.”
As one of the Foundation’s most impactful fundraisers, the Beat the Blues Gala has seen continued growth in support over the past several years. Its success reflects the community’s continued commitment to maintaining strong, accessible, high-quality healthcare services in Hornell and the surrounding region.
St. James Hospital Foundation
The St. James Hospital Foundation exists to enhance the mission of St. James Hospital by supporting clinical programs, capital improvements, and patient-centered initiatives. Through the generosity of donors, events, and community partnerships, the Foundation helps sustain high-quality healthcare for families across Steuben County and beyond.

To make a donation or learn more about supporting the St. James Hospital Foundation, please visit:
https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/…/giving/about-foundation

February 25, 2026

FROM ARKPORT CENTRAL SCHOOL:

On Wednesday, Feb. 25, the Arkport Board of Education plans to appoint Peter Reynolds as the new Arkport Superintendent. Reynolds will step into his new role on Thursday, April 9. Current Interim Superintendent, Matthew McGarrity, will be staying on through the transition to help ensure a smooth handover of leadership.

“The Arkport Central School District Board of Education is thrilled to welcome Mr. Reynolds as our new District Superintendent,” said Board President Michelle Chamberlin. “He understands the importance of community and believes that strong schools are built on collaboration, transparency, and trust. We are excited for the leadership and vision Peter will bring to Arkport,” she added.
A self-proclaimed Western New Yorker through and through, Reynolds was raised in Almond, New York, and graduated from Alfred-Almond Central School District. He then went on to earn a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Adolescent Education from St. Bonaventure University.
Reynolds began his teaching career in 2006 at Canisteo-Greenwood Central School District, teaching living environment and ACE biology. In 2010, he became the Teacher on Special Assignment High School Intervention Coordinator. In this role, he worked with high school staff to develop and implement a comprehensive system and structures which led to increases in student achievement and success.
In July 2015, Reynolds went on to serve the Dalton-Nunda School District as their 7-12 Principal for three years before having the opportunity to return to Canisteo-Greenwood in the same role in July 2018. He remained at C-G until his appointment as Arkport’s Superintendent Schools.
“Throughout these different opportunities, I’ve been able to develop a deep appreciation and love for small rural communities and their schools,” said Reynolds. “I’ve seen firsthand how critical a quality education is to the success of our students and the strength of our community. More than anything, I’m thankful for the relationships I’ve made and the privilege of being a part of so many students’ lives,” he added.
A Q&A with incoming Superintendent Reynolds
Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in education?
A: I was blessed to have many great teachers growing up. They instilled in me a love of learning and a desire to share that with others.
Q: How would you describe your leadership style?
A: I have a strong commitment to servant leadership and know that having a clear and shared set of mission, vision, values, and goals are necessary parts to success. I believe that trust is critical, and very much understand that school communities are a sum of their parts, from teachers to paras to facilities staff to cafeteria staff to transportation, along with supportive parents and residents.
Q: What does student success look like to you?
A: To me, student success means that we are teaching individuals of character and integrity, with the skills and dispositions needed not only to be successful in school but also to be successful beyond in a rapidly changing world.
Yes, academic achievement measures like test scores matter, but so do measures of student engagement, attendance, and successful career and college enrollment. Ultimately, student success means long-term community success as we hope and expect to see the positive impacts of our graduates in our communities and beyond.
Q: What does a positive school culture mean to you?
A: A positive school culture is one where there is a collective and shared commitment to work together to ensure student success, as well as school being a place we all enjoy and in which we thrive.
Q: When you are not working, how do you like to spend your time?
A: I love spending time with my family, hunting, fishing, gardening, and cooking, to name a few things.
Q: What message would you like to share with the community as you begin this role?
A: I am incredibly humbled and grateful that the Arkport Board thinks I am the right person to serve and lead their school community. I look forward to getting to know the broader communities, students, and staff, building relationships with them, and earning their respect and trust.
I know just how important schools are to the survival and identity of small rural communities in Western New York and I am excited to start this journey with the Arkport school district!

February 25, 2026

FROM ASSEMBLYMAN SEMPOLINSKI: Assemblyman Joe Sempolinski (R,C-Canisteo) joined Assembly Republican Leader Ed Ra and members of the Assembly Minority Conference Tuesday to unveil the “Lights On With Energy Relief” (LOWER) plan, a comprehensive proposal aimed at lowering utility costs and restoring reliability to New York’s energy grid. Electricity prices for residential consumers have risen 47.1% since 2019, and grid reliability concerns continue to grow. Assemblyman Sempolinski said families across the 148th Assembly District are feeling the pressure every month when they open their utility bills. “Energy affordability is not an abstract issue—it’s hitting hardworking families across our district,” Assemblyman Sempolinski said. “The LOWER plan provides immediate relief while putting forward long-term solutions to make sure we keep the lights on and keep New York affordable.” The plan includes income-based rebate checks of up to $400 for utility ratepayers and would return an estimated $2.4 billion in surplus funds from New York State Energy Research and Development Authority’s climate investment account directly back to ratepayers as bill credits. In addition, the proposal advances a true all-of-the-above energy policy—expanding pipelines, natural gas, nuclear, renewables and other advanced technologies to ensure affordable and reliable power. “We need balance and common sense in our energy policy,” Assemblyman Sempolinski said. “This plan delivers relief today while securing a stronger, more reliable energy future.”

February 25, 2026

FROM CONGRESSMAN NICK LANGWORTHY:

On the year of our nation’s 250th birthday, President Trump offered a bold vision for an America that is growing stronger and safer every day. His speech correctly pointed out the facts on how our America First policies are delivering results: taxes and prices are down, private sector job growth and wages are up, mortgage rates are at the lowest rate in 4 years, fentanyl trafficking is down 56% and the border is secure, with zero illegal crossings last month. Our peace through strength mantra has made every citizen of the world safer. His speech was filled with pride and optimism for our country, honoring our heroes and celebrating our wins, while acknowledging the steep price of freedom and the work ahead. “I have long supported many of the policies the President is looking to tackle next, such as stock trading bans for members of Congress, cracking down on corporations buying up housing stock and implementing voter ID. These are common sense policies that further our efforts to return our country to the hands of the people, where it belongs. “We have a lot more work to do to restore America’s greatness, but the progress is undeniable, the path is clear, and we are resolute in our mission.”

From Congresswoman Claudia Tenney:

“President Trump’s State of the Union made it unmistakably clear: America is back on track and the state of our Union is strong. After years of reckless spending, soaring inflation, open borders, and weak leadership, we are finally restoring strength, stability, and common sense. Inflation has come down dramatically from the Biden-era 40-year high to 2.4 percent, gas prices have fallen to a four-year low, and mortgage rates are easing. Under President Trump, private sector job creation is booming by growing real opportunity for American workers,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “House Republicans worked with President Trump to pass the Working Families Tax Cuts, delivering historic relief for the American people. This bill provided an expanded deduction for seniors, and cut taxes for hardworking Americans earning between $55,000 and $80,000 by eliminating taxes on tips and overtime, and by permanently expanding the Child Tax Credit. Families are keeping more of their hard-earned money and small businesses are hiring and investing. We are investing in rural healthcare, strengthening Medicaid by removing waste, fraud and abuse, modernizing air traffic control, unleashing American energy production, and securing our border after years of chaos. These are the results that matter to families across Upstate New York. Under President Biden, inflation crushed middle-class families, energy costs soared, and our enemies were emboldened. President Trump has reversed course with peace through strength, energy dominance, secure borders, and pro-growth economic policies that put American workers first. The State of the Union is strong and getting stronger because we are focused on lowering costs, expanding opportunity, and restoring accountability in Washington. I will continue working alongside President Trump to deliver policies that strengthen our economy, secure our nation, and ensure the people of NY-24 are never left behind again.”

February 25, 2026

FROM US SENATOR CHUCK SCHUMER:

FRFOM US SENATOR KIRSTEN GILLIBRAND:

“Donald Trump promised to lower costs on day one, but instead, he has delivered chaos, uncertainty, and unaffordability. Life is more expensive than ever for working families across New York and the nation, with prices for everything from housing, groceries, electricity, and health care skyrocketing. Instead of delivering on his campaign promises, Donald Trump and Republicans have used their power in Washington to undermine the American people by cutting $1 trillion in health care funding to give tax cuts to billionaires and triple ICE’s budget. Trump ran on lowering costs and focusing on families, but he and Republicans have spent their year in power doing the exact opposite, and Americans are paying the price.”

February 25, 2026

Want to run for office? Well the first step – collecting political petition signatures – that started yesterday here in Steuben County. The county board of elections says, potential candidates who want to run for office, have until April 2nd to collect signatures and the window to file political petitions starts on March 30th and ends at the end at the 5pm on April 6th. All of the needed paperwork on how to run for office is on the Steuben County Board of Elections website. You can also stop into the office and pick up the paperwork there too.