Category: Local News

September 3, 2026

FROM CONGRESSWOMAN CLAUDIA TENNEY: Tens of thousands of Western New Yorkers woke up without power after severe storms tore through the region overnight. Thank you to the utility crews and first responders working to restore power and keep our communities safe. Please follow local guidance. My office can help connect you with available federal resources. After last night’s severe storms and tornadoes, please stay alert and follow local officials’ guidance. If your home or business flooded, don’t reenter until it’s safe.

FEMA checklist:
Immediately After a Flood
Ensure safety first
Ensure safety first—do not reenter a property until it is safe to do so. You can file a claim before returning to your property.

Report your claim
Don’t delay reporting your claim. Call your insurance agent or insurance provider as soon as possible. You should have your policy number, if available.

Determine the type of coverage
Determine the type of coverage you have (building, contents or both) and begin documenting your flood loss. Talk to your insurance provider about your coverage limits and deductibles. If applicable, ensure the correct mortgage company is listed on your flood insurance policy’s declarations page to avoid payment delays.

Log all conversations
Be sure to keep a log of all conversations with your insurance provider (date, time, name of representative, assigned adjuster, what was discussed), as well as adjusters, contractors, cleaners, etc.

Preparing Your Claim
Your insurance provider will assign an adjuster to contact you within 48 hours of reporting your loss. Do not discard anything before your adjuster sees it, unless the damaged items present a health hazard or local law requires you to discard them. Gather supporting documentation, such as receipts or invoices, if you have them.

Safely begin cleanup
Consult with your insurer on what cleaning expenses and repair services are covered by your flood insurance policy.

Separate damaged property from undamaged property, so that the adjuster can thoroughly inspect and evaluate the loss. Make every effort to protect undamaged property.

If disposal of flood-damaged items is necessary, keep samples of carpet or flooring, blinds, etc., to show your adjuster.

Building coverage
If you have building coverage and it is safe to do so, take photos and videos of all damage from multiple angles and distances:

Capture the exterior and interior of your flood-damaged structure, including signs of structural damage and floodwater lines inside and outside of your structure.

Capture the make, model and serial number of appliances, electronics or any other items of exceptional value. Refer to your Standard Flood Insurance Policy (SFIP) for a list of covered items.

Contents coverage
If you have contents coverage and it is safe to do so:

Create a list of damaged items, include descriptions, values, make, model and serial number, quantity, approximate age and replacement cost value.

Take photos and videos of damaged personal property that will need to be replaced inside the building.

Working With Your Adjuster
Your assigned adjuster will conduct an inspection of your property following a flood.

Meet with your adjuster
When you meet the flood insurance adjuster, make sure they show you their Flood Control Number (FCN) card and government-issued photo ID.

Ask questions
Ask the adjuster any questions regarding the claims process, coverage and next steps.

Advanced payment
You may request an advanced partial payment of your claim.

Documentation
Give the adjuster your documentation of the loss, including pictures, videos and other supporting information

Finalizing the Claim & Receiving Payment
Submit documentation
Ask for the address as to where to submit your documentation to your insurer. Submit all required documentation to support your claim to your insurance provider within 60 days of the flood, or within the timeframe your adjuster or insurance provider provides, to receive payment.

Review the estimate carefully
Review the estimate provided by the adjuster carefully to ensure it is accurate and complete. Work with them to correct any mistakes.

Request an additional payment
Request an additional payment from your insurance provider if you notice additional damage to your structure or personal property, discover a missed or misidentified item in the estimate or learn the cost to repair the covered flood damage exceeds your adjuster’s estimate. This can be requested at any time, even if you think your claim has been settled.

After the Claim is Finalized
Keep records
Keep all claim documentation for your records.

Complete repairs
Complete any necessary repairs and photograph and keep receipts for them. If you have a future claim for the same damaged item, you may be asked to provide proof of repair and receipts.

Update inventory
Update your home inventory for any replaced items.

File an appeal
If your claim is denied, you have the right to file an appeal via mail or email with FEMA within 60 days after you receive a letter from your insurance provider.

September 3, 2026

FROM STEUBEN COUNTY EMERGENCY SERVICES DIRECTOR TIM MARSHALL: “We do not currently have any reports of Tornado Damage. Everything was radar indicated. There really was no damage reported during the Tornado Warnings which tells me it never reached the ground. As the second wave went through much of the County was affected by tree down calls. The hardest hit areas were Wayland, Fremont, Cohocton, and Howard. At one point there was 1700 customers without electric. We are currently around 800 outages. NYSEG and Steuben Rural Electric are working to finish restorations.”

September 3, 2026

HOWARD 8
BATH 17
BRADFORD 33
CANISTEO 15
CAMERON 16
THURSTON 35
CAMPBELL 12
GREENWOOD 4
WOODHULL 1
TROUPSBURG 35

September 3, 2026

FROM STEUBEN CO EMERGENCY SERVICES: With the weather most all of Steuben witnessed yesterday – Here is the perfect reminder! Steuben County wants to make sure you are ready for any emergency that may come your way. The Ready Steuben mobile app is here to help you stay informed, safe, and connected. Whether it’s winter storms, power outages, or other emergencies, this app gives you the tools you need to be prepared.

What’s Inside the Ready Steuben App:
✅ Emergency Alerts: Receive timely notifications about local emergencies, weather events, and other important information from Steuben County and the National Weather Service.
✅ Weather Updates: Stay up-to-date with local weather, a 7-day forecast, and real-time radar to help you make informed decisions during severe weather events.
✅ “Where Am I” Feature: In an emergency, use this tool to find your exact location and share it with first responders or loved ones if you need help.
✅ Useful Emergency Links: Link to NYSEG and Steuben Rural Electrics Power Outage page and monitor power outages. Track traffic conditions with 511NY. Connect with Steuben County’s Access and Functional Needs Database.
✅ Damage Report: If you experience property damage during a storm or disaster, you can easily report it to the Steuben County Office of Emergency Services, including photos to help them assess the situation.
✅ My Emergency Plan: Build your own Emergency Plan. Keep track of the essentials you need in case of an emergency, from food and water to medications and personal items. The app allows you to create a personalized checklist to ensure you’re always ready.
✅ Be Prepared: Learn what to do before, during and after a number of emergencies listed in our Be Prepared section. This important information can help you and your family know what to do when disasters hit.
Download the Ready Steuben App Today: On Android Or Apple!
Why You Should Download:
The Ready Steuben app is more than just a weather tool—it’s an essential part of your emergency preparedness. By having it on your phone, you ensure that you’re ready for whatever comes your way. Emergency situations can happen at any time, and with the Ready Steuben app, you’ll have critical information right in your pocket.
Help Us Spread the Word!
Once you’ve downloaded the app, take a moment to share it with your friends, family, and neighbors so that everyone in Steuben County is prepared.
We encourage you to make emergency preparedness a priority this Year. Download the Ready Steuben app today and stay connected, safe, and prepared.

September 3, 2026

HARTSVILLE 159
HORNELLSVILLE 22
AVOCA 47
COHCOTON 139
WHEELER 100
BATH 26
CAMPBELL 52

Also, on Wednesday night, the National Weather Service indicated that Hartsville might have had a tornado there.

September 3, 2026

FROM SHERIFF JIM ALLARD: Sheriff Jim Allard is proud to announce the first annual open house at the Steuben County Sheriff’s Office on Thursday September 10, 2026 from 4pm – 6pm. Come meet our staff and see K9 demonstrations, drone demonstrations and jail operations demonstrations from our Deputies and Corrections Officers. Captain Mills will be serving hot dogs and chips and it will be a great opportunity to meet our staff and see our facility.
Contact Terri Moir at tmoir@steubencountyny.gov to sign up for a facility tour.

See you on the 10th!!!!

September 3, 2026

FROM U.S. SENATOR KIRSTEN GILLIBRAND, REGARDING THE WALL STREET JOURNAL REPORT ABOUT SECRETARY HEGSETH EXTENDING TROOP DEPLOYMENT: “The immense sacrifice of our service members and their families is being betrayed by the failures of Secretary Hegseth and President Trump. It is unconscionable to extend troop deployments and continue to waste tens of billions of taxpayer dollars on their failed war, launched without a clear mission, coherent strategy, or exit plan. “This administration has unlimited money for bombs, ballrooms, and billionaires, but nothing for hardworking families here at home struggling with higher costs on gas, groceries, and essentials because of this war. If this administration believed in honoring the sacrifice of our service members and their families, they would bring the troops home, end this wasteful war, and replace Pete Hegseth.”

Gillibrand also says that this comes weeks after multiple public reports detailing dismal conditions for sailors on the USS Abraham Lincoln from service members’ families and the administration’s callous, despicable response to the plight of America’s heroes. “Secretary Hegseth has left our military rudderless, pushed out our best and brightest service members, and embarrassed our military over and over again. As this administration plans to extend troop deployments, remember their statements to the American people that this war was a ‘total and complete victory,’ ‘won’t be difficult,’ was ‘projected [to last] four to five weeks,’ was ‘winding down,’ was ending ‘very soon,’ was ‘ahead of schedule,’ was going to end in ‘two or three weeks,’ then ‘two to three days,’ then ‘very close,’ then again a ‘few days, then ‘going to end pretty soon.’ None of this has been true.”

September 3, 2026

FROM THE U.S. ATTORNEYS OFFICE: U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced that Jason Goodsell, 41, of Wellsville, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo to distribution of child pornography, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, and a $250,000 fine. Between June 2020 and December 2021, Goodsell, then approximately 35 years old, was engaged in a sexual relationship with a minor girl, who was 16 years and 17 years old. During that time, Goodsell used a cellular device to record videos while they were engaged in sexually explicit conduct. In June 2022, Goodsell distributed multiple videos of that conduct through Facebook Messenger. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Franz M. Wright and Colleen M. McCarthy are handling the prosecution of the case. The plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Allen D. Davis, II, the Wellsville Police Department, under the direction of Chief Timothy O’Grady, and the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Amie Feroleto. Additional Assistance was provided by the Pittsburgh Office of the FBI.

Sentencing is scheduled for January 11, 2027, before Judge Vilardo.

September 3, 2026

FROM THE ALLEGANY COUNTY DEMS: Democrats, supporters and friends gathered at 22 W. Main Street, Angelica on Sept. 1, 2026 to celebrate the grand opening of the Allegany County Democratic Committee’s (ACDC) 2026 Election Headquarters. ACDC Chair Karen Ash welcomed guests and thanked all who worked to make ACDC Election Headquarters a reality. According to Ash, “the ACDC Election Headquarters in historic Angelica will serve voters throughout our County as they seek to learn more about their candidates.”

The official ribbon cutting was conducted by Aaron Gies, the Democratic and Working Families Party candidate for the New York 23rd District in the House of Representatives. According to Gies, “It’s always great to be with the Allegany County Democrats, who have consistently punched above their weight, and I know that this headquarters will be one of the busiest headquarters in the district. I fully expect to be back here a lot.” Gies then took the opportunity to listen to voters’ concerns, and shared details of his “100 Town Hall Meetings Across the 23rd District” to engage with voters face-to-face, hear their concerns, and share his vision for a responsive, corruption-free, and effective federal government that doesn’t forget the needs of residents of rural districts like NY-23.

Aaron thanked Allegany County voters for the large turnout at his town hall meeting in Cuba the previous night, and invited interested voters to attend his upcoming town halls in Allegany County: Alfred: Wed., Sept. 23, 2026 at 6:00 pm at the Alfred Village Hall (7 West University St.), Caneadea: Mon., Oct. 5, 2026 at 6:00 pm at the Caneadea Town Hall (8911 St. Rt. 19), and Wellsville: Tue., Oct. 20, 2026 at 6:00 pm at the Nancy Howe Auditorium (155 N. Main St.). You can learn more about Aaron’s background, campaign, and stances on the issues at www.aaronforny23.com
The AC Dems Headquarters is open at 22 W. Main Street in Angelica on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 10 am to 6 pm through election day, Nov. 3. It is closed Sat., September 5.

September 3, 2026

FROM GOV. KATHY HOCHUL: “Another day, another denial of critical federal assistance for New York by the Trump Administration. Just one day after calling out President Trump and Secretary Mullin for continuing to withhold $87 million in counterterrorism funding, my Administration was informed today that FEMA has officially denied our appeal for a Major Disaster Declaration following the February blizzard that caused more than $168 million in damages and placed a serious financial burden on communities across New York City, Long Island and the Mid-Hudson. This storm met every FEMA threshold for federal assistance, yet the Trump Administration continues to play political games and betray every New Yorker who believes that the federal government is there to protect and support them. By refusing to intervene and grant our request, President Trump has told every New Yorker who weathered this major storm and the first responders, utility crews and emergency management staff who worked tirelessly to keep our communities safe that you do not matter to him. But let’s be clear, Republican members of Congress across New York are also enabling this neglect. Their continued silence and refusal to break with the President is a direct betrayal of the communities they were elected to serve. It is past time these members of congress demand that the President grant this disaster declaration and deliver every dollar of relief their constituents are owed. While President Trump continues to turn his back on his home state, I will always fight on behalf of every New Yorker to ensure they have the support from their government that they deserve.”

FROM FEMA: Today, FEMA announced the approval of more than $7 million in post-disaster funding for Public Assistance and the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program projects in New York. These programs empower states, local communities, tribes and territories to recover from disasters and to protect infrastructure from future events. With this funding, President Donald J. Trump is keeping his promise to reform federal disaster support and ensure that taxpayer money is spent only on projects that deliver safety and security to the American people. The funding approved today includes more than $6.8 million under FEMA’s Public Assistance program. FEMA disburses this money to states and local communities because they are best positioned to know how these funds will be most effectively spent. The funded projects include repairs to critical infrastructure, restoration of public buildings, road repairs and reimbursement for costs incurred to ensure public health and safety after a disaster.

Examples of projects reimbursed through Public Assistance funding approved today include: Nearly $1.9 million to the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation for permanent repairs to the Queensboro Water Treatment Plant and storm-damaged roads, culverts, ditches, wing walls and related infrastructure following severe storms and flooding in July 2023. Nearly $1.7 million to St. Lawrence County for permanent repairs to the County Route 54 McEwen Corner Bridge following damage from the remnants of Tropical Storm Debby. More than $1.2 million to the Town of Edwards for repairs to storm-damaged gravel road surfaces, subbases, shoulders, backfill, culverts and guardrails on Ames Road and Campbell Road following the remnants of Tropical Storm Debby. Nearly $822,000 to the Town of Roxbury for repairs to storm-damaged road bases, surfaces, ditches, shoulders and culverts on Cal Grant Road and Deerfield Road following the remnants of Tropical Storm Debby. FEMA is also awarding nearly $637,000 for a project in New York that will prevent, eliminate or reduce future disaster-related damage. This money is being distributed through FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. Through this program, state, local or territorial governments and Tribal Nations take proactive mitigation measures such as acquiring hazard-prone homes and businesses, adopting and enforcing building codes and standards, protecting against floods through elevations and drainage improvement projects, building safe rooms and upgrading utilities and infrastructure.

The project reimbursed through Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funding approved today includes:

Nearly $637,000 for the Lewis County Flood Resilience Study and Recommendations project to strengthen recovery capacity at the community level through advance assistance, education and outreach.

FEMA coordinates directly with the state on all hazard mitigation projects. This aligns with FEMA’s principles of ensuring that disaster recovery and mitigation is state-led and federally supported.

These projects are the latest examples of billions of dollars in disaster recovery provided by FEMA to support state and local communities as they work to rebuild from recent natural disasters.

FEMA continues its renewed commitment to help communities recover from disasters like hurricanes, severe storms, tornadoes and wildfires while making them more resilient to future disasters.

September 3, 2026

The Board of Public Safety unanimously approved the appointment of Jacob Giglio as a provisional firefighter at their August meeting.
Giglio is a 2009 graduate of Hornell High School and earned his Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Alfred University in 2015, followed by his Master’s in Business Administration in 2016. He holds his Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification and brings prior experience volunteering for the South Hornell Fire Department.
Chief Frank Brzozowski noted Giglio’s background and experience: “Jacob is local to Hornell and familiar with our community. He returned to the area with his wife and young child and expressed a strong interest in joining our department. Having previously volunteered with South Hornell, holding his EMT, and serving as an active call man since October 2025, he brings valuable experience to the role. We are excited to have him join our department full-time.”
Mayor John Buckley commended Giglio’s high involvement: “We are glad to have you join our department as a full-time firefighter. Standing out to me was your responding to 168 calls in less than a year as a call man. That shows a strong commitment and dedication to the department and the residents we serve.”
Giglio will be attending an upcoming Fire Academy to continue his firefighter training. His appointment is effective immediately.

September 2, 2026

Steuben County Public Health is investigating two additional confirmed cases of measles in unvaccinated residents. The total number of cases in the county is eight. Both cases are contacts of previously reported cases. Steuben County Public Health was notified of the positive results on September 2, 2026. One of the residents began showing symptoms on August 24th and the other on August 28th. Both cases isolated at home and are no longer considered contagious. To protect resident/patient privacy, additional details will not be released. Potential public exposure site(s) have been identified, and the Health Department has reached out to those who may have come into contact with the cases.

Potential Exposures & Contact Tracing
Because measles is a highly contagious airborne virus, public health officials conduct thorough contact tracing of the confirmed cases. The Steuben County Public Health Department worked closely with NYSDOH and local health care provider(s), to identify and directly contact all individuals known to have been exposed. Information and guidance was provided to direct contacts.

Risk to the Public
The overall risk of measles to the general public still remains low, particularly for individuals who are fully vaccinated against the disease. However, measles is extremely contagious, and anyone unvaccinated, pregnant, under 12 months of age, or immuno-compromised is at a higher risk and should talk with their health care provider.

For questions regarding this public notice or measles vaccination, contact the Steuben County Public Health at 607-664-2438 or visit https://www.steubencountyny.gov/273/Public-Health or www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/measles/.