Category: Local News

June 16, 2026

FROM HORNELL MAYOR JOHN BUCKLEY:  “I am excited to announce the return of the 17th Annual Mustang Rally of the Finger Lakes to Hornell on Friday, July 31 and Saturday, August 1, 2026. After a tremendously successful first year in the Maple City, we are looking forward to welcoming Mustang enthusiasts from across New York State and beyond for what is expected to be our biggest Rally yet.  Last year’s event exceeded all expectations, bringing hundreds of visitors to Hornell and showcasing our community as a premier destination for automotive enthusiasts. The enthusiasm from participants, spectators, sponsors, and volunteers was incredible, and we are excited to build upon that success in 2026.  The weekend will once again begin on Friday, July 31, with a cruise from Hornell to the legendary Watkins Glen International Raceway. Participants will gather at Veterans Memorial Park at 9:30 a.m. before cruising through the City of Hornell and heading to one of the most iconic road courses in the world. Drivers will have the opportunity to experience the thrill of taking their Mustangs around the historic Watkins Glen track during a special track session beginning at noon.

“The Rally continues on Saturday, August 1, at Veterans Memorial Park at James Street. Registration will open at 9:00 a.m., with awards being presented at 3:00 p.m. Mustang owners are encouraged to bring their vehicles, whether they are pristine show cars, classic restorations, daily drivers, or high-performance street machines.  Throughout the day, attendees will enjoy food and craft vendors, awards and trophies, and the opportunity to view Mustangs representing generations of automotive history. Veterans Memorial Park provides a beautiful setting for the event and offers convenient amenities for participants and visitors alike.  I am proud that Hornell has become the new home of the Mustang Rally of the Finger Lakes. Events like this bring visitors to our community, support local businesses, and showcase everything our City has to offer. The Rally is about more than cars as it’s about friendships, family, community pride, and creating memories.

“Special thanks to Cruize’n Time Car Shows, Hornell Partners for Growth, the City of Hornell, and all of our volunteers for their continued commitment to this event. Their support helps ensure that the Mustang Rally remains one of the premier automotive events in the Finger Lakes region.  We invite everyone to join us for a weekend of incredible automobiles, great food, wonderful people, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you are a lifelong Mustang enthusiast or simply enjoy seeing some of America’s most iconic vehicles, we look forward to welcoming you to Hornell for the 17th Annual Mustang Rally of the Finger Lakes.”

June 16, 2026

FROM REP. NICK LANGWORTHY:  

Washington, D.C.— Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23) and Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) today announced the introduction of the BUSES Act, H.R. 9317, legislation to establish a consistent national standard for bus idling regulations and prevent state and local governments from imposing a patchwork of burdensome mandates that increase costs, create operational challenges, and undermine the ability of transportation providers to safely serve their communities. Additionally, the bill would prohibit private civil actions related to bus idling violations and prevent government programs that financially reward private individuals for reporting violations. 

Across the country, states and municipalities have enacted increasingly restrictive anti-idling policies that place significant compliance burdens on school transportation providers, private bus operators, and motorcoach companies. New York City has adopted some of the most extreme measures, where private bus operators have reportedly received more than 4,000 idling summonses since 2020, resulting in hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines and mounting legal costs. California, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Connecticut are pursing similar regulations. 

Additionally, New York City adopted a citizen reporting program, where individuals can receive 25–50% of collected fines for successful complaints. Recent reporting has revealed several participants have earned hundreds of thousands of dollars, with some approaching $1 million in total payouts.

“Bus operators, who often travel across state lines and multiple jurisdictions, should not be forced to navigate a confusing maze of conflicting regulations just to do their jobs,” said Congressman Langworthy. “This legislation creates a commonsense national standard that protects transportation providers from excessive mandates while ensuring they have the flexibility needed to safely operate, especially in regions where safety, traffic, and weather conditions are a legitimate concern. This bill also rightly puts an end to the disturbing big brother bounty programs that are nothing more than a cash grab.” 

“This bus idling tax is not just bad policy. It is an offense to every principle of access and inclusion this country stands for. Operators are being put in an impossible position: do the job right and risk a fine or cut corners on safety to beat an arbitrary clock. No one should ever have to make that choice,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). 

Gottheimer continued, “In the last five years, the price of motorcoach tickets has increased by thirty-five percent. That’s yet another tax on Jersey families at a time when people are already getting crushed under the cost of living.”

Specifically, the legislation establishes a nationwide standard preventing states and local governments from restricting covered buses from idling for less than 15 minutes, prohibits private civil actions related to covered bus idling violations, and prevents government programs that financially reward private individuals for reporting covered bus idling violations.

Congressman Langworthy concluded, “We can have responsible environmental stewardship without abandoning all common sense. Transportation providers want to comply with reasonable standards, but a system that encourages people to profit from reporting drivers and creates a patchwork of conflicting rules is definitely not the right approach.”

The legislation has received support from transportation and business organizations, including the American Bus Association, the United Motorcoach Association, and the National Association of Manufacturers.

“Professional bus operators deserve clear, consistent rules that allow them to focus on safety. The BUSES Act provides the certainty our industry needs while protecting the passengers who depend on motorcoach transportation every day,” says Fred Ferguson, President and CEO of the American Bus Association. “Motorcoaches are already one of the most environmentally responsible group transportation options available. They deliver the lowest carbon emissions per passenger mile while helping relieve congestion by moving more people in fewer vehicles. As policymakers look for safe, efficient ways to expand mobility, buses belong at the center of the solution. We thank Congressman Josh Gottheimer and Congressman Nick Langworthy for their bipartisan leadership on this legislation and for recognizing that safety, mobility, and common-sense national standards can go hand in hand. The BUSES Act gives operators the clarity they need to keep passengers safe, comfortable, and moving.”

The bill is expected to receive consideration as part of the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s review of Clean Air Act mobile source legislation.

June 16, 2026

FROM CONGRESSMAN NICK LANGWORTHY:  “Amazing work by the FBI – Federal Bureau of Investigation and all our counter-terrorism officials who stopped this attack before any Americans were hurt or killed. We must be 100% vigilant at all times and this is why we must NEVER play political games with our Department of Homeland Security and FISA. Thank you to every agent and officer who worked together to protect the United States.”  Click here for full story.

June 16, 2026

Watch Assemblyman Phil Palmesano’s floor comments on the rural suicide council bill, thanking Steuben County Legislator Joe Tobia and his wife Elisa for all they have done, as the Assembly GOP was passing the bill.  “Tragically, the Tobias lost their son Matt to suicide.  They shared their story on how he asked for help and could not recieve it.  It’s really about how our state failed him.  The Tobias took that tragedy and helped other families so that other people don’t have to go through the same thing,” Palmesano said.  “This council will create a comprehensive plan to make the neccesary changes, because we know that the rate of suicide is higher in the smaller towns, than it is our more metropolitan areas,” Palmesano explained.

June 16, 2026

06

From Senator Chuck Schumer: “Senate Democrats have been unwavering in calling for an immediate end of the war.  We’ve been told dozens of times that the war is over.  Dozens of times, we have been left disappointed.  The American people deserve details and full transparency – what exactly is in this ‘understanding’?  Will service members remain in harms way?  And what have we actually gained here from Trump’s war?  This regime is more radical than the previous one.  The Strait of Hormuz is under greater control than before the war began.  The cost of gasoline remains much too high.  Trump must release the details publicly, brief Congress immediately and end this war for good.” 

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, a member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services and Intelligence Committees, issued the following statement:  “Trump’s war of choice in Iran has cost American lives, wasted billions of taxpayer dollars, and driven up the price of food and gas while families are already squeezed by high inflation. A ceasefire is welcome — but it can’t paper over a failed strategy that delivered on not one of his promises. Not one. This president and the compliant GOP majority that enables him have turned their backs on Americans struggling in this economy, and voters will hold them accountable in November.”

June 15, 2026

FROM CANISTEO VILLAGE HALL:  The Village will be implementing no parking to allow for milling operations on the following streets:  West Academy, Russell, Spruce, Union, Taylor, Pine, and Spring.  

From: 12:00 AM Tuesday, June 16
Until: 8:00 PM Wednesday, June 17

Please be sure to remove all vehicles from these streets tonight to avoid any issues. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your cooperation as we work to improve our roads.

June 15, 2026

BATH, NY – A 35 year old Hornell man entered a guilty plea in Steuben County Court this morning.  Michael Bloom Jr. of Hornell, entered a plea of guilty, to a charge of Attempted Criminal Use of a Weapon in the First Degree.  The case was handled by Steuben County Assistant District Attorney Joan Merry.  The A.D.A. tells WLEA News that Bloom is scheduled to be sentenced before Judge Jason Cook on July 24.  Merry also thanked the H.P.D. for their work in the case.  “It’s all because of the hard work of the Hornell Police Department,” Merry said.  “That’s Investigator Thomas Aini, Sgt. Danny Murray, together with the assistance of the Steuben County Sheriff’s Department.” 

Bloom was accused of firing bullets at a porch on Rockwell Avenue in Hornell, in August 2024.  

June 15, 2026

June 15, 2026

Hornell City Hall will be closed on Friday, June 19, 2026 for Juneteenth. City Hall reopens on Monday June 22, 2026.  There will be NO delay in garbage pickup during the week of June 21.  Garbage will be picked up in the City of Hornell and North Hornell on schedule. Residents should put their garbage out on their normal mornings and nights.  It is, also, recycling week.  Hornell Area Transit buses will not be running on June 19.

June 15, 2026

The City of Hornell is pleased to announce the completion of a new pavilion at the pool area of Veterans Memorial Park. The pavilion was recently completed in time for the summer season and provides a shaded gathering space for families visiting the pool and splash pad. The project also includes the addition of Adirondack chairs to provide a relaxing seating area out of the sun.  The pavilion was built through collaboration with GST BOCES and the building trades students, taught by instructor Rob Lemay, as well as staff from our Department of Public Works (DPW).  Mayor John Buckley explained the idea behind the project, “Our pool and splash pad area at Veterans Memorial Park get a lot of use throughout the summer. One thing we noticed was while the kids were having fun in the pool, the parents and guardians, or often grandparents were supervising with no break from the summer sun. This pavilion should make it more comfortable for visitors to the pool area.”

Mayor Buckley continued, “The pavilion is one of many wonderful collaborations brought to life through the partnership with GST BOCES and our DPW. A big thank you to all who assisted with this effort and the many projects before it over the years.”

June 15, 2026

Congressman Nick Langworthy today announced the launch of the NY-23 America 250 Community Heroes Award, a district-wide initiative recognizing individuals across Western New York and the Southern Tier whose service, sacrifice, leadership, and dedication reflect the enduring values that have shaped our nation for 250 years.

As America prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary, Congressman Langworthy is calling on residents throughout New York’s 23rd Congressional District to nominate local heroes who have made a meaningful impact in their communities.

“Our nation’s story is written by ordinary Americans doing extraordinary things,” said Congressman Langworthy. “For 250 years, generations of Americans have stepped forward to serve their neighbors, their communities, and their country. The America 250 Community Heroes Award is a way to recognize what makes America great by honoring the people who continue that tradition every single day.”

The initiative will highlight the stories of residents who embody the values that have defined the American spirit: service, sacrifice, patriotism, hard work, and a commitment to something greater than themselves. The award will recognize outstanding citizens throughout the 23^rd Congressional District, including veterans, first responders, volunteers, educators, healthcare workers, community leaders, coaches, and everyday neighbors who have gone above and beyond to make their communities stronger.

Residents are encouraged to participate in the open nomination process and share the stories of individuals whose actions represent the best of America and the best of Western New York and the Southern Tier. Winners of the award will be recognized at a series of events across the district. Nomination information and additional details on the NY-23 America 250 Community Heroes Award are available on Congressman Langworthy’s website: https://langworthy.house.gov/america-250-community-heroes-award 

June 14, 2026