Category: Local News

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.

February 25, 2026

Veterans who are gun owners will want to hear this one. VA Secretary Doug Collins started a new policy up last week. Collins says from now on, the VA will not report Veterans to the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System for needing help in managing their VA benefits. The VA Secretary says there was actually a 1990’s law banning vets from owning guns, if they asked for advice on money from the VA’s Fiduciary Program. VA Secretary Collins also says, both the D.O.J. and the VA determined this old law violated gun owners rights. Also, in addition to immediately stopping the reporting of VA Fiduciary Program participants to the NICS database, the VA is working with the FBI to remove all past VA reporting from NICS, so that no Veterans are banned from having guns, because they used the VA’s Fiduciary Program.

“Many Americans struggle with managing their finances, and Veterans’ Second Amendment rights shouldn’t be stripped just because they need help in this area. But for too long, Veterans who needed the services of a VA fiduciary were deprived of their right to bear arms,” said VA Secretary Doug Collins. “Under the leadership of President Trump, we’re correcting this injustice and ensuring Veterans get the same due-process and constitutional rights as all Americans.”

February 24, 2026

Governor Kathy Hochul late last week announced that she’s putting a hundred million dollars into temporary municipal assistance. Nothing is finalized yet because it still has to go through the state legislature but if they approve it, Hornell will get an additional $347,850, on top of it getting around $180,000. The Hornell Common Council passed a resolution encouraging this. Mayor Buckley says the New York Conference of Mayors was influential in getting this increase.

February 24, 2026

With the kind of weather we had over the weekend, you get ice jams. Steuben County Emergency Services Director Tim Marshall says that as of Monday, there were there ice jams in the area: one in the Canisteo River at the Route 110 Bridge in Cameron Mills – and two ice jams in the Cohocton River: one near Green Hill Road in Campbell and the other near the County Route 333 Bridge by the American Legion field in Campbell.

February 24, 2026

Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R,C-Corning) is reminding constituents that the New York Conference of Italian-American State Legislators is accepting applications for its annual scholarship program. The conference will be providing four $3,000 scholarships.

Scholarships are available to residents of the 132nd Assembly District who are current college students or high school seniors entering college. Students can access and complete the application by visiting: https://www.nyiacsl.org/apply-for-scholarship-form.

The application deadline is March 16.

“This is an excellent scholarship opportunity for high school seniors and college students in the 132nd Assembly District who have worked hard, distinguished themselves from their peers and intend to pursue higher education,” said Palmesano. “With college costs continually rising, this is a chance to lessen the financial burden that is a concern for so many young people and their families. I encourage eligible students in my district to apply.”

Applicants should have a grade point average of 85 or higher, be active in community service and extracurricular activities and demonstrate financial need. In addition to these qualifications, students applying for an athletic scholarship must also be involved in an organized sport(s).

Applicants need not be of Italian-American heritage to apply.

Scholarship recipients will be announced in April, and the winners will be honored at a ceremony in Albany.
The New York Conference of Italian-American State Legislators is a bipartisan organization of state Assembly and Senate members who actively promote and celebrate the state’s Italian-American community.

February 24, 2026

After a week off due to the Winter Break, All-Stars competition continued Monday night with some very exciting matches. In the Large School Division Bath showed their strength and scored their first win by defeating Hornell 36 – 17. The Corning-Painted Post team had a bye for the evening. Canisteo-Greenwood continued their winning streak in the Medium-Large School Division with a win of 59 – 40 over Naples. Campbell-Savona had a their first win of the season beating Addison 38 – 22. The Medium-Small School Division saw Alfred-Almond come out strong again with a 54 – 20 victory over Arkport. Hammondsport scored a 58 – 10 win over Prattsburgh. The Small School Division also saw the closest match with J-T eking out a 32 – 28 victory over Canaseraga. The score was tied several times during the match. Avoca scored their first win by beating Bradford 29 – 13. Next Monday’s matches will start at 6:15 at Corning-Painted Post, Addison, Arkport, and Avoca Central Schools.

February 24, 2026

The Steuben County Sheriff’s Office Navigation Division will be hosting two FREE one-day New York State Boaters Safety Courses -one on Saturday, March 7, 2026 and another on Saturday, April 11, 2026. Both classes will be held from 8:00am to 5:00pm at the Steuben County Sheriff’s Office, 7007 Rumsey Street Ext., Bath , NY 14810.
You must be at least 10 years old to attend and must pass a written test at the end of the session. Seating is limited to 30 persons per class and pre-registration is required. There is no charge for the course. New York State however charges a fee of $10 for the boater’s certificate which does not expire. To sign up for the class complete the online registration using the link for your date of choice below.

March 7, 2026: https://www.register-ed.com/events/view/241862
April 11, 2026: https://www.register-ed.com/events/view/241863

February 24, 2026

Today, Assembly Republican Leader Ed Ra (R-Franklin Square) and members of the Assembly Republican Conference unveiled the “Lights On With Energy Relief (LOWER) Plan” in response to growing concerns statewide about out-of-control energy costs and grid reliability. The legislative package is designed to deliver actionable solutions to immediately provide significant financial relief to overwhelmed New York ratepayers and identify long-term countermeasures to combat Democrats’ radical climate mandates. “For far too long, New Yorkers have fallen victim to Albany Democrats and their ‘green new deal’ agenda, which has done nothing but increase utility bills and take away consumer choice. We need a real all-of-the-above approach to our energy policy that promotes affordability, reliability, fuel diversity and energy choice. The package we introduced will achieve all of this and finally give New Yorkers an energy plan that works for them,” said Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R,C-Corning) ranking minority member Assembly Ways and Means Committee,” said Palmesano.

The LOWER Plan is a comprehensive approach that promises to deliver where the governor and legislative majorities have failed. The first part of the Assembly Republican proposal includes quick relief initiatives aimed at reducing costs and putting money back into hardworking New Yorkers’ pockets.
· Energy Price Rebate Check Program – $2 billion in relief aimed at moderate- and middle-income households.
· Utility Bill Credits – requiring any surplus and uncommitted funds in the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority Climate Investment Account at the end of a fiscal year be returned to ratepayers as bill credit (current estimates: $2.4 billion).
· Immediate reinvestment into previously retired gas plants and investment in new natural gas plants.
The second part of the LOWER Plan identifies existing toxic climate directives and seeks to reverse their negative impacts on ratepayers as well as ensure consumer energy choice protections.
· Eliminate unreasonable energy mandates and protect energy choice, including: zero-emission school buses, energy and cooking choice protection, mixed-fuel buildings, fossil fuel appliances and supply rate increase notifications.
· Increase natural gas production and ease of transportation.
· Cost-benefit analysis of renewable energy goals based on CLCPA mandates.
· Establish the New York Advanced Nuclear Energy Office.
· Conduct a feasibility study on the use of small modular reactors.
· Expand the POWER UP Grant Program to support natural gas expansion projects and local pipelines.