August 25, 2018
Arizona Senator John McCain has died.
The 81-year-old had been battling an aggressive form of brain cancer since July 2017.
Categories
Category: Local News
August 24th, 2018
HORNELL, NY –Two Hornell residents received a special award Friday afternoon for their attention to detail and meticulous work in their well-kept yards.
Both properties were officially recognized by Mayor John Buckley and Code Enforcement officer Bud Burdette Friday afternoon with a handshake and certificate.
Mayor Buckley has made it a priority since he has taken office to reward residents who take pride in the appearance of their properties.
Jim and Julie Tobin got the special nod for their yard on 96 Genesee Street, and also Thelma Peylch was recognized for her outstanding yard display at 27 Glen Avenue.
August 23, 2018
WGRZ Buffalo reports that Wellsville native Paul Ceglia, was found in Equador. WGRZ spoke with Ceglia’s original attorney Paul Argentieri, who told WGRZ that he wonders if Ceglia still has any evidence for the trial. Click here for full story from WGRZ.
August 23, 2018
World War II veteran, Staff Sgt. Wally Higgins of Alfred Station, one of the original Tuskegee Airmen, died Wednesday, at the age of 92. Higgins had been awarded the World War II Victory Medal, the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, the American Campaign Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, and the New York State Medal for Merit. After the war, Higgins attended Alfred University where he graduated with a degree in ceramic engineering.
Click here to see Higgin’s page, on the New York State Senate’s website.
Congressman Tom Reed: “Wally was a hero both during war in the air and at home on the ground. A Tuskegee Airman, he should be remembered for his bravery and willingness to serve his country and community up until his final days here on earth.”
State Senator Cathy Young:
“It is with great sadness that I learned of the passing of Wally Higgins, a decorated World War II veteran and a beloved member of our community. An original Tuskegee Airman who served in the Pacific Theater, Wally was among the first African-American military aviators in the U.S. Armed Forces. Although he lived during a time when racial discrimination and segregation were still terrible realities in many parts of the United States, his patriotism never wavered and he willingly risked his life for our nation.
It was my honor to induct Sergeant Higgins into the Senate’s Veterans’ Hall of Fame in 2015 and an even greater privilege to have the opportunity to get to know this extraordinary man. A loving father, husband and active member of our community, Wally’s life was dedicated to service. Despite his achievements, he lived his life with great humility, kindness, compassion and excellence. Everyone he met was a friend.
America has lost one of its true heroes. However, his legacy endures and his spirit lives on in our hearts.”
August 22, 2018
Statement From Senator Kirsten Gilibrand:
Washington, DC – As the opioid epidemic continues to hurt communities across New York State, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced that following her push, the Fiscal Year 2019 (FY19) Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies appropriations bill includes critical funding that would help communities combat the opioid crisis. This legislation, which could pass the Senate as soon as this week, includes $3.7 billion in federal funding for treatment and prevention programs that would help communities throughout New York fight against the opioid epidemic.
“Communities across New York State are desperate for resources and funding to stop the opioid epidemic, and Congress urgently needs to step up and help,” said Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. “I was proud to fight for a substantial increase in federal funding in the Health and Human Services spending bill, and I was very pleased that my request for these funds was approved and included in this must-pass legislation. Now we are one step closer to giving New York’s towns and cities access to millions of dollars in federal aid to battle the opioid crisis, and I will continue doing everything in my power to make sure our state has all the resources it needs.”
Last year, the opioid epidemic is estimated to have killed nearly 50,000 Americans, including 3,466 New Yorkers. This represents a record number of deaths due to opioid overdose. Gillibrand fought for critical funding and resources to be included in the upcoming Senate appropriations bill to help provide support for local public health officials to fight the opioid crisis.
The programs Gillibrand successfully fought for are included below:
• Evidence-Based Public Health Response Programs: Gillibrand fought to include $6 billion in funding for programs that prioritize evidenced-based public health responses and programs in response to the opioid epidemic. This funding would benefit programs that improve overdose data collection, programs that provide resources for opioid education and prevention efforts, and the State Targeted Response Grants Program, which helps provide direct resources to states, Tribes, and communities that are tackling the opioid epidemic.
• Community Health Centers: $200 million would be allocated for Community Health Centers, which support and enhance behavioral health, mental health, or substance use disorder services. Gillibrand urged appropriators for full funding of this program earlier this year.
• Rural Health Care Programs: $120 million in funding would be used to help rural communities respond to the opioid epidemic. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drug-related deaths are 45 percent higher in rural communities. This funding would support community health centers, outreach and flexibility grants, and the retention and training of rural healthcare providers. Gillibrand pushed to include this funding in the FY19 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies appropriations bill.
• Public Health and Prevention Fund: Gillibrand also fought for the Public Health and Prevention Fund, which funds the CDC, the Health Resources Services Administration (HRSA), the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), and the Indian Health Service, all of which play an integral role in combatting and responding to the opioid crisis. Under these programs, the FY19 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies appropriations bill would specifically include the following:
o $1.5 billion for SAMHSA’s State Opioid Response Grant, which continues a 15 percent set-aside for states with the highest mortality rate related to opioid use disorders.
o $476 million to the CDC for opioid overdose prevention and surveillance as well as a public awareness campaign. The bill includes $5 million for a new initiative in the CDC to combat infectious diseases directly related to opioid use.
Last year, Gillibrand introduced the bipartisan Opioid Addiction Prevention Act to limit the supply of initial opioid prescriptions to seven days for acute pain in order to target the over-prescription of addictive medication. Gillibrand is also a cosponsor of the Opioid Accountability Act of 2018, which would hold drug manufacturers accountable for the opioid epidemic by prohibiting illegal marketing and distribution of opioids, creating criminal liability for top company executives, and penalizing drug manufacturers who illegally advertise, market, or distribute an opioid product.
8/21/2018
There was a big turnout in Arkport last night at the Village’s monthly meeting, with many of them there to discuss the idea of Margaret Horan selling some of her land to have a Dollar General Store in Arkport.
Mayor Charlie Flanders said that subject was not going to be on the agenda for the evening, no discussions will be held, and the issue at this point is moot.
According to Flanders, the parcel of land designated for a Dollar Store will remain zoned as agricultural, which prevents a commercial business to purchase or rent the property. The board has the power to re-designate the property at any time.
August 21, 2018
Former Trump Attorney Michael Cohen is entering a plea deal with federal prosecutors on campaign finance, bank fraud and tax evasion charges. The plea deal could involve jail time for Cohen.
August 21, 2018
From Congressman Tom Reed:
WASHINGTON – U.S. Representative Tom Reed (NY-23) and U.S. Representatives Kathleen Rice (NY-04) today introduced a resolution to prohibit Members of the House from serving on the boards of publicly-held companies.
The resolution creates a similar, yet stronger version of Senate Rule 37.6(a), which states no Senator “shall serve as an officer or member of the board of any publicly-held or publicly regulated corporation, financial institution, or business entity.” Currently, the Senate rule prohibits members from serving on corporate boards but includes certain exceptions for members who were serving on a board for at least two years prior to their election.
The proposed House resolution would eliminate this exception and require newly-elected members who serve on corporate boards to resign from their position.
“I care deeply about improving the public’s trust in Congress,” Representative Tom Reed said. “This is a common-sense proposal to further strengthen our ethics rules. By preventing Members of Congress from keeping one foot in the boardroom and the other on the House floor we hope to limit potential conflicts of interests and the appearance of impropriety.”
“There is no reason why Members of Congress should ever be allowed to serve on the boards of publicly-traded companies,” said Representative Kathleen Rice. “If we want to maintain the public’s trust in Congress, then we need to change our rules and close gapping ethics loopholes like this one. Our constituents should never have a doubt in their mind that their Representative could be corrupted, incriminated or conflicted because of their financial interests or their position in a private company. The Senate addressed this loophole nearly 30 years ago and a House version is long overdue. This is a common-sense, bipartisan resolution and I urge colleagues in the House to support it.”
August 21, 2018
BATH, NY – The Corning Leader reports that the case of a stolen Congressman Tom Reed political sign, appears to be going to trial. The Leader reports that Gary McCaslin won’t apologize for taking a Reed political sign that said “Extreme Ithaca Liberal”. Steuben County District Attorney Brooks Baker says if McCaslin would send a written apology to Reed, for taking the sign down, that the case would be dropped (adjournment in contemplation of dismissal). The political sign had a tracking device on it, so the Reed campaign was able to find it after it was taken down.
McCaslin maintains that he took down other signs as well.
August 20, 2018
CORNING, NY – Matthew McCarthy, acting Steuben County Judge and Corning City Judge, who is running for Steuben County Court Judge, was named “highly qualified” by the independent judicial election qualification commission. McCarthy is opposing Bath Village Justice and Canisteo Attorney Chauncey Watches, in the primary on Thursday September 13. “I welcomed the opportunity to have my work experience extensively reviewed by those who depend on the legal system for their livelihood. I am honored and proud to have received this recognition of the work that I have done during my time on the bench and earlier in my legal career,” Judge McCarthy said. “This rating will validate my message of having the critical judicial experience and independence necessary to the voters of Steuben County.”
August 20, 2018
ITHACA, NY – The Ithaca Times reports that a Tompkins County state senate candidate Amanda Kirshgessner, has raised about $7200 for her state senate campaign, the Ithaca times also says Amanda Kirshgessner took out a loan for about $7,000, so she’s got $14,000 to campaign against State Senator Tom O’Mara. The other Democrat candidate whose running against Senator O’Mara is reported to have raised just over $2500, his name is Michael Lausel, who is a Schuyler county legislator.
August 17, 2018
ALBANY, NY – From the New York State Police:
State Police and local law enforcement will be out in force through Labor Day weekend as part of the national “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign to prevent drugged and drunk driving. The national enforcement period begins on Friday, August 17, 2018, and runs through Labor Day, Monday, September 3, 2018. The last few weeks of summer through Labor Day weekend traditionally results in heavy traffic volumes throughout the state. Unfortunately, this increased flow of traffic brings with it increased accidents, serious injuries and fatalities.
Because this period is marked by increased travel and end of summer celebrations that include alcohol consumption, law enforcement officials across the country have chosen to jointly participate in the campaign. The State Police goal is to maximize enforcement efforts to ensure motorists are not needlessly injured or killed by an intoxicated or drug impaired drivers during this time.
Superintendent George P. Beach II said, “Traffic safety is a top priority, and each day Troopers work to ensure the well-being of all those who utilize New York’s roadways. During this campaign, we will step up our enforcement efforts to remove intoxicated, drug impaired and distracted drivers from our roadways. While we want everyone to enjoy the final few weeks of summer, we want them to do so responsibly. We have zero tolerance for reckless individuals who choose to drive while impaired.”
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, drunk driving killed 10,497 people in 2016. On average, one person is killed every 50 minutes in an alcohol-impaired driving crash.
Drivers can expect to see sobriety checkpoints during the campaign, along with more troopers on major highways during this detail.
In addition to the DWI checkpoints and patrols, Troopers will also be watching for distracted or impaired drivers, vehicle occupants who are not properly buckled up, and drivers that are violating the Move Over Law.
During the campaign, which is funded by the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee, Troopers will be using both marked State Police vehicles and Concealed Identity Traffic Enforcement (CITE) vehicles as part of the operation. The CITE vehicles allow Troopers to more easily identify motorists who are using handheld devices while driving. CITE vehicles allow the Trooper to better observe distracted driving violations. These vehicles blend in with every day traffic, but are unmistakable as emergency vehicles once the emergency lighting is activated.
Over Labor Day Weekend 2017, the State Police made 193 DWI arrests and issued more than 21,900 tickets statewide.