Category: Local News

Hornellsville – Slight Tax Increase for 2014
November 13, 2013

HORNELLSVILLE, N.Y.- The Hornellsville town board convened tonight on the agenda, a public hearing for the proposed budget for the fiscal year 2014. The budget proposal which calls for slight increase in taxes, approximately ten cents per $1000.00 on the assessed value of property, as reported in the Hornell evening tribune on October 23,2013. The raise is a protective measure for the coming end of revenue generated by the payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) from the Wal Mart / Wegmans plaza. The budget proposal was adopted unanimously by the town board.

Other items on the agenda included the passing of the contracts between the town and the North Hornell fire department, which lasts for five years with the option to renegotiate in event of rising costs, and the South Hornell fire department which is in effect for the term of two years. The two contracts were passed unanimously by the town board. Supervisor Isaman remarked that even though Do it best has closed it’s doors for business, the good news is the Advanced Transit Manufacturing is taking over the buildings to relocate their operation to the Hornellsville site which could mean an increase in job opportunities for the area. The board rapidly passed local law #2-2013 which was an override on the tax levy, also the town road preservation law was passed unanimously in a speedy fashion, which seemed to be the theme for tonight’s meeting, bucking the national trend of obstacles, and gridlock.

Norm Wins 4th Ward in Hornell

November 12, 2013

BATH, NY – Officials at the Steuben County Board of Elections have counted the absentees in the Norm McCumiskey/Rich Argentieri race, and McCumiskey has been declared the winner. “I’m very happy to have won the election. Having a Republican win in the 4th ward was a tough break through, and I’m very excited,’ McCumiskey told WLEA News. “I’d just like to thank the voters of the 4th ward for electing me, and I look forward to working with the mayor and the other common council members.”

Don’t Send Your Child To School Day

November 12, 2013

Some parents who are objecting to Common Core are planning to keep their children from going to school. On Monday, November 18th, at least one local parent is encouraging others to take part in “Don’t Send Your Child To School Day”. This is an online campaign nationwide.

Absentees To Be Counted on Tuesday
November 11, 2013

The Steuben County Board of Elections will count the absentee ballots in the Norm McCumskey/Rich Argentieri 4th Ward Hornell Alderman race tomorrow.

As of election night, the Republican McCumskey was ahead of the Democrat Argentieri by 5 votes.

Pullman In NYC-Off Broadway Play

November 10, 2013

NEW YORK CITY – Hornell native Bill Pullman is an an off-Broadway play that just opened up Friday
night. It’s called “The Jacksonian”, and it stars Pullman, along with Ed Harris and Amy Madigan.

According to the New York Times, Pullman gets some funny moments off as Fred, the bartender, in a serious production about 1964 life in Jackson, Mississippi. “Mr. Pullman, unrecognizable in an Elvis coif, makes an inspired comic creation out of the shady Fred, who seems to move, talk and even see at a sinister, sideways angle,” the Times noted.

The New York Times also reports that the play is being put on at the Acorn Theater at Theater Row, 410 West 42nd Street, Clinton, and that you can call 212-239-6200, telecharge.com, for tickets. The play runs until December 22.

Alfred University Football Defeats Utica College

November 9, 2013

Final Score:
Alfred 48 – Utica 31

Soccer Updates
November 8, 2013 – Hornell wins the game during the shootout:
Final score: Hornell 4 – Akron 2
Congratulations to the Hornell Girls Soccer Team!

Jasper Troupsburg Boys and Girls both won.
BOYS FINAL SCORE
JT WILDCATS – ELLICOTTVILLE
3 0

GIRLS FINAL SCORE
JT WILDCATS – ELLICOTTVILLE
1 0

Man Accused of Arson in Livingston County
November 8, 2013

LIVINGSTON COUNTY, NY – Sheriff John York reports the arrest of a Pavillion man, who is suspected of intentionally setting three fires in the Town of York.

Dennis P. McGrath, 48, is believed to have used an aerosol can and papers to start a fire last night in a barn on Linwood Road in the Town of York.

According to Sheriff York, McGrath is also suspected of setting barn fires in the Town of York on
September 26 and 27 of this year. McGrath is being held in Livingston County Jail, $10,000 bail.

Buffalo Professor Says Teachers Are Kept Quiet On Testing
November 7, 2013

ALFRED, NY – The Alfred Village hall’s auditorium was filled with local parents and educators on Thursday evening, who listened to D’Youville College Professor Dr. Mark Garrison talk about Common Core.

During the first 45 minutes, Garrison discussed a number of Common Core issues. At one point, the sociology professor noted that teachers in New York State are under a gag order regarding Common Core testing. “They’re not allowed to ever, ever, talk about the tests. They’re not allowed to talk about the items, they’re not allowed to talk about the questions, they’re not allowed to talk about it,” Garrison stated.

Garrison’s website has this link to a state website, backing up what Garrison stated.

Garrison, Common Core, November 7, 2013 – Video

Mark Garrison To Speak At Alfred Village Hall About Common Core

November 7, 2013

Dr. Mark Garrison of D’Youville College in Buffalo will be giving a talk about Common Core this evening at 6pm at the Alfred Village Hall, on 7 West University Street in Alfred.

The talk will last for two hours, and will be held in the auditorium at the village hall.

November 7, 2013

CANISTEO, NY – The Canisteo Town Board says town taxes are going down a few cents a thousand.

The town budget was approved last night at the Canisteo Town Board meeting.

In other Canisteo news, officials from both the town and village have decided not to go forward with the fire district, because of concerns of possible cost shifts. Also, Canisteo officials have been invited to attend a meeting about hydofracking, being held by the Steuben County Landowners Association, on November 14.