AM 1480 WLEA News

August 4, 2026

FROM ASSEMBLYMAN PHIL PALMESANO: Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R,C-Corning) is sending his “August Grant Action News Update” to residents, organizations and local governments regarding a series of grants available from the state, federal government and private entities. Each month, the Assembly provides an updated list of grants for a variety of categories.

“During a time of economic recovery, grants can play an integral part in helping our local communities complete needed infrastructure repairs or support underfunded projects,” said Palmesano. “Many people don’t realize the scope of available opportunities because they aren’t sure where to look. The ‘Grants Action News’ bulletin makes finding these grants much easier by consolidating the information and making it available to everyone. I hope residents, organizations and local governments throughout the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes regions will be able to use this resource to find much-needed support to strengthen communities in our rural area.”

All not-for-profit applicants must now prequalify on the NYS Grants Reform website at grantsreform.ny.gov/grantees in order to apply for certain New York state grant solicitations. Potential not-for-profit applicants are strongly encouraged to begin the process of registering and prequalifying immediately as this is a lengthy process.

The Grant Action News bulletin is updated at the beginning of each month with newly available grants and information on how to apply.

The update can be accessed here: https://nyassembly.gov/gan/?sec=story&story=119177

State Grants: NYS Office of Mental Health (OMH), Capital for New or Expansion of Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facilities (PRTFs) for Children & Adolescents

The capital and program development grant (PDG) funds the acquisition of new property, construction of new facilities or rehabilitation of existing buildings for the expansion of existing or development of new psychiatric residential treatment facilities (PRTF), also known as residential treatment facilities (RTFs), within five distinct regions in New York State. OMH is seeking to increase RTF accessibility in areas of the state that need additional capacity by opening new RTF programs or beds in existing programs to serve children and adolescents based on regional and statewide need for RTF beds in Central, Hudson River, New York City and Long Island.

■ Deadline: September 15, 2026, 2 PM EST

■ Eligible Applicants: Not-for-profit organizations

■ Total Funding Available: $20 million

■ Contact: Amanda Szczepkowski

■ Email: omhlocalprocurement@omh.ny.gov

■ Links to Additional Information:

♦ https://omh.ny.gov/omhweb/rfp/

♦ ♦ https://omh.ny.gov/omhweb/rfp/♦ https://omh.ny.gov/omhweb/rfp/

♦ https://omh.ny.gov/omhweb/rfp/2026/capital-rtf/capital_rtf_rfp.pdf

Federal Grants:

U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF), Advanced Technological Education (ATE) Funding

With a focus on two-year institutions of higher education (IHEs), the Advanced Technological Education (ATE) program supports the education of technicians for the high-technology fields that drive our nation’s economy. The program involves partnerships between academic institutions (grades 7-12, IHEs), industry and economic development agencies to promote improvement in the education of science and engineering technicians. The ATE program supports curriculum development; professional development of college faculty and secondary school teachers; career pathway development for both students and incumbent workers; and other activities including applied research projects that advance the knowledge base related to technician education. The ATE program encourages partnerships with other entities that may impact technician education.

■ Deadline: October 1, 2026, 5 PM

■ Eligible Applicants: For-profit organizations: U.S.-based commercial organizations, including small businesses with strong capabilities in scientific or engineering research or education and a passion for innovation; non-profit, non-academic organizations: independent museums, observatories, research laboratories, professional societies and similar organizations located in the U.S. that are directly associated with educational or research activities; state and local governments; institutions of higher education (IHEs): two and four-year IHEs accredited in, and having a campus located in the U.S., acting on behalf of their faculty members, special instructions for international branch campuses of U.S. IHEs: If the proposal includes funding to be provided to an international branch campus of a U.S. institution of higher education (including through use of sub-awards and consultant arrangements), the proposer must explain the benefit(s) to the project of performance at the international branch campus and justify why the project activities cannot be performed at the U.S. campus; Tribal Nations: an American Indian or Alaska Native tribe, band, nation, pueblo, village, or community that the secretary of the Department of the Interior acknowledges as a federally recognized tribe pursuant to the federally recognized Indian Tribe List Act of 1994, 25 U.S.C. §§ 5130-5131

■ Estimated Total Program Funding: $74 million

■ Award Ceiling: $7.5 million

■ Award Floor: $475,000

■ Expected Number of Awards: 80

■ Email: ate-prog@nsf.gov

■ Links to Additional Information:

♦ https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/355100

♦ c

♦ https://www.nsf.gov/funding/opportunities/ate-advanced-technological-education

U.S. Dept. of Interior, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Youth Conservation Corps Funding

The BLM Youth Program partners with qualified youth corps through the Public Lands Corps (PLC) Program to engage individuals between the ages of 16 and 30 and veterans up to age 35, including tribal members. The PLC program mandates employing youth who are interested in working on natural and cultural resource projects that protect public lands. Projects available under the PLC Program are developed in collaboration with the state youth program lead and district/field office project coordinators. The projects emphasize hands-on engagement in on-the-ground projects, skill development training and mentorship opportunities for participants. These projects create jobs that strengthen America’s economy and foster relationships with youth corps organizations striving for balanced stewardship and use

of public lands. Proposed projects within this funding opportunity notice will support the goals of the PLC Program and may also incorporate the goals of the Indian Youth Service Corps Program through outreach to Indian tribes and tribal-serving youth corps organizations. Projects will include the following:

♦ enhancement of recreation opportunities through trail building, maintenance and restoration and other

improvements to visitor and recreation facilities (e.g., kiosks, campgrounds, signage, etc.)

♦ monitoring riparian area vegetation and hydrological functions, collecting soil and stream data as well as timber stand improvement projects for wildlife habitat and overall forest health

♦ habitat restoration and wildlife protection, including reduction of invasive species, tree planting, fence removal/installation, riparian area restoration

♦ development and implementation of natural and cultural resource stewardship plans or educational materials for visitors

♦ studies such as resource inventories, historic or archival research, archaeological excavation or stabilization, oral histories, historic preservation, habitat surveys

♦ preservation of cultural resources, including historic structures

♦ seed collection for restoration of lands affected by natural disasters

♦ reduction of wildfire risk to communities, watersheds and other public land ecosystems

♦ production of materials and programs on natural, cultural and/or paleontological resources, communication, education and interpretation of natural and cultural resources

♦ in-house projects, such as cartography, records management, realty or wildland fire support

Projects must demonstrate a clear benefit to natural or cultural resources and include a field component of at least 120 hours.

■ Deadline: October 16, 2026, 5 PM

■ Eligible Applicants: Special district governments; Native American tribal governments (federally recognized); nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education; Native American tribal organizations (other than federally recognized tribal governments); state governments; county governments; private institutions of higher education; city or township governments; public and state controlled institutions of higher education; nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education

■ Estimated Total Program Funding: $900,000

■ Award Ceiling: $220,000

■ Award Floor: $30,000

■ Expected Number of Awards: Eight

■ Email: chanda_brown@ios.doi.gov

■ Links to Additional Information:

♦ https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/362787

♦ https://simpler.grants.gov/opportunity/1727db46-f685-4182-9a30-d7f101ba9889

U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Specialty Crop Multi-State Program (SCMP) Funding

The SCMP supports collaborative multi-state partnerships to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops through competitively funded projects. A multi-state partnership is a project that implements activities with measurable outcomes that benefit two or more U.S. states and/or territories along with non-profit entities. The focus is to address regional or national-level specialty crop issues, including, but not limited to: food safety, plant pests and disease, research, crop-specific projects addressing common issues and marketing and promotion. Projects must enhance the competitiveness of U.S. or U.S. territory-grown specialty crops in either domestic or foreign markets.

■ Deadline: October 16, 2026, 11:59 PM

■ Eligible Applicants: Native American tribal governments (federally recognized); public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education; state governments

■ Estimated Total Program Funding: $14.3 million

■ Award Ceiling: $1 million

■ Award Floor: $250,000

■ Expected Number of Awards: 20

■ Email: sagpgrants@usda.glv

■ Links to Additional Information:

♦ https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/361876

♦ https://simpler.grants.gov/opportunity/01f10b3d-0bc4-4e12-98af-f05c66e6537f

♦ https://files.simpler.grants.gov/opportunities/01f10b3d-0bc4-4e12-98af-f05c66e6537f/attachments/37351317-028b-40b4-ac65-2a82988cb3e3/SCMP_NOFO_Approved_Final.pdf

U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services (HHS), Genomics Research to Elucidate

the Genetics of Rare Diseases: Innovation (GREGoRi) Projects Funding

This initiative seeks to accelerate a paradigm shift in rare disease diagnosis by reimagining the tools, molecular technologies and analytical approaches used to identify the causal gene(s) and/or variant(s) underlying rare genetic disorders. This funding intends to stimulate the development and testing of highly innovative experimental or computational approaches for rare disease diagnosis that have the potential to make transformative improvements to the current state of the art.

■ Deadline: October 30, 2026

■ Eligible Applicants: Independent school districts; for profit organizations other than small businesses; public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities; special district governments; Native American tribal organizations (other than federally recognized tribal governments); private institutions of higher education; Native American tribal governments (federally recognized); small businesses; county governments; state governments; nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education; nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education; others (see text field entitled “Additional Information on Eligibility” for clarification in the links below); city or township governments; public and state controlled institutions of higher education

■ Estimated Total Program Funding: $7.5 million

■ Award Ceiling: $500,000

■ Expected Number of Awards: 10

■ Email: nhgri-gregor@mail.nih.gov

■ Links to Additional Information:

♦ https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/359644

♦ https://simpler.grants.gov/opportunity/4dd61e81-d44e-4e85-a0e2-c422124fd0b9

♦ https://files.simpler.grants.gov/opportunities/4dd61e81-d44e-4e85-a0e2-c422124fd0b9/attachments/fd397f13-9b2d-4f36-8b1a-818dc263e1a2/RFA-HG-27-013-Full-Announcement.html

Private Grants:
Foundation for Women’s Health (FWH), Research Grants

These grants will help fund innovative studies to optimize the health of girls and women, prioritizing studies of those diseases that present the largest burden to women and have the lowest amounts of research funding in both the public and private sectors. The areas of study below are the funding priorities for year three because they continue to place huge burdens on the lives of women and girls and remain grossly under-funded.

FUNDING PRIORITIES:

1.) Menopause and Brain Health: investigating the neurological transition of menopause, including cognitive changes, mental health impacts and sleep disorders

2.) Endometriosis and Chronic Pelvic Pain: investigating the cause and mechanism of endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain, inclusive of the role of genetics, immune dysfunction and environmental factors and the development of disease-modifying treatments for the disease, inclusive of non-hormonal options

3.) Miscarriage: investigation into the causes of miscarriage, inclusive of human fetal tissue research, endometrial health and immunology of implantation

4.) PMOS (Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome): investigations into the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of PMOS and the development of disease-modifying treatments for the disease

5.) Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs): investigation of the biological, neurological and psychosocial mechanisms underlying sex-specific differences in the relationship between ACEs and mental and physical health outcomes among girls and women

■ Letter of Intent Deadline: September 8, 2026

■ Submission Requirements:

♦ applicant contact information

♦ one-page letter of intent that covers:

♦ summary of current research

♦ long-range research goals and plans for future research with specific aim(s) included in bold

♦ brief budget overview, including how FWH funds will be used and any existing funding for the project

♦ CV and NIH bio-sketch of applicant

If the applicant does not hold a faculty appointment at the level of associate professor or professor, the two documents below are also required:

♦ NIH bio-sketch of sponsoring mentor

♦ letter of support from the sponsoring mentor only stating the support is adequate to complete the research; no additional letters will be accepted

■ Award Amounts: $200,000- $300,000

■ Email: info@foundationwomenshealth.org

■ Links to Additional Information:

♦ https://www.foundationwomenshealth.org/how-to-apply

♦ https://www.foundationwomenshealth.org/s/FWH-RFA-2026.pdf

American Occupational Therapy Foundation (AOTF), Community Engaged Research Grants

This funding supports projects that advance occupational therapy scholarship through equitable, collaborative research grounded in the lived experiences and priorities of diverse communities, particularly those historically marginalized or underrepresented.

■ Deadline: September 19, 2026, 11:59 PM EST

■ Eligibility Criteria: The principal investigator (PI) must;

♦ have a terminal research degree (PhD, ScD) or have an OTD or EdD with advanced research training (e.g., completion of a post-degree research fellowship)

♦ be a credentialed occupational therapist with a full-time faculty position appointment or an equivalent research position at the time of application OR a non-OT investigator with a primary academic appointment in an occupational therapy department

♦ be employed by a U.S. domestic, public or private, non-profit organization/institution that is eligible to receive foundation research grants and will provide assurance of its accountability and support for the project

♦ be a U.S. citizen or non-citizen national of the U.S. admitted for permanent residence OR applied for permanent residence. (for non-citizens/visa holders, the applicant organization must have policies in place to determine whether residence status or visa status will allow completion of the research.)

■ Number of Awards: Three, two-year non-renewable grants for up to $100,000

■ Email: RESEARCH@AOTF.ORG

■ Link to Additional Information: https://www.aotf.org/fund/community-engaged-research-grant-nbcot/

New York Farm Viability Institute, NYS Grown & Certified Research and Development (GCRD) Grants

This funding helps NYS Grown & Certified farmers, food processors and distributors cover the research and development costs needed to launch new NYS Grown & Certified food products or increase the production and/or distribution of existing NYS Grown & Certified food products.

■ Deadline: Rolling, until October 25, 2027, or until funds are exhausted

■ Eligible Applicants: New York farmers, food processors, distributors and others currently enrolled in the NYS Grown & Certified Program.

■ What can be funded:

♦ consulting services

♦ technical service providers

♦ market research

♦ product development

♦ food lab testing and pilot runs

♦ GAP and USDA certification training expenses

♦ farm-to-institution specialists

♦ other services tied to R&D

■ Total Funding Available: $1.36 million

■ Award Amount: $10,000-$50,000

■ Required Match: 10%

■ Email: NYSGCgrants@nyfvi.org
■ Links to Additional Information:

♦ https://nyfvi.org/grant-programs/producer-grants/nys-grown-certified-research-and-development-grant/gcrd-2026/

♦ https://nyfvi.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/GCRD-Technical-Requirements-2026-1.pdf

Scholar Awards:

Girls Impact the World Film Scholarship Awards

The ConnectHER Film Festival is an international youth competition that welcomes short films about issues that impact women and girls. Before making a film for submission, please read all the following entry requirements and FAQs (see the links below).

■ Film Submission Deadline: October 1, 2026

■ Entry Rules:

♦ films must focus on one of the topic areas listed here: https://connectherfilmfest.org/awards/

♦ every type of filmmaking form and style is eligible

♦ filmmakers must be 13-25 years of age at the submission date. Scripts, storyboards, directing, cinematography and editing, etc. must be done by people who meet this age requirement. Actors can be any age. As part of the application process, all applicants are required to submit a valid proof of identity. Please provide one of the following accepted documents:

♦ passport (recommended for international applicants), national ID card, driver’s license or state/provincial ID card

♦ for minors: school ID with photo, accompanied by an original birth certificate

♦ an official government-issued document bearing a photograph and date of birth will be considered for verification purposes. Note that a second form of identification may be required if deemed necessary

♦ films must be original works that have not yet been screened at other major film festivals

♦ films must be completed after October 1, 2025

♦ films must be 3-6 minutes long. Animated films may have a run time of 2-6 minutes

♦ film file formats accepted are .mov and .mp4; HD resolution and optimized sound quality are preferred

♦ participants must follow the file naming format when submitting materials

♦ portrait/headshot file: must be named using the participant’s first and last name, formatted as: FirstName_LastName (e.g. Jane_Doe.jpg)

♦ film file: must be named using the film title followed by the names of all filmmakers, formatted as: Title_by_FilmmakersNames_Country (e.g.,Sunrise_by_JaneDoe_JohnSmith_AmyLee_UnitedKingdom.mp4)

♦ thumbnail file: must be named Film Title_Thumbnail (e.g., Sunrise_Thumbnail.jpeg)

♦ at the end of your film, include a graphic featuring the names and logos of two local, regional or national organizations working to solve the issue

♦ films must be subtitled in English

♦ films must be submitted by the deadline

♦ if your film contains any graphic content, include a warning near the beginning of the film. ConnectHER has full discretion in accepting films, particularly in instances where film submissions contain nudity, profanity, violence, or sexually explicit content

♦ PowerPoints are not accepted. Films must have cinematic value

♦ AI policy. Films must be principally created through human authorship. Films that use generative AI to create substantive visual, audio, or narrative content are not eligible for consideration. AI-assisted tools used for technical, administrative, accessibility, or post-production functions (including transcription, subtitling, captioning, color correction, noise reduction and similar functions) are permitted but must be disclosed at the time of submission. Failure to disclose AI use may result in disqualification. ConnectHER reserves the right to request additional information regarding AI use and to determine eligibility in its sole discretion

♦ digital submission through Google Drive is preferred, but Dropbox also works

■ Scholarship Value: $2,500-$5,000

■ Number of Awards: 12

■ Email: filmfest@Connecther.org

■ Links to Additional Information:

♦ https://connectherfilmfest.org/submit/

♦ https://connectherfilmfest.org/awards/

♦ https://connectherfilmfest.org/faqs/

VFW Voice of Democracy Audio-Essay Scholarships

Voice of Democracy audio-essay program provides high school students with the unique opportunity to express themselves in a democratic and patriotic-themed recorded essay. Each year, nearly 28,000 ninth- through 12th-grade students from across the country enter to win their share of more than $1.6 million in educational scholarships and incentives awarded through the program.

■ Deadline: October 31, 2026

■ Entry Rules:

♦ open to students in grades 9-12 who are enrolled in a public, private or parochial high school or home study program in the United States, its territories and possessions, or dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in overseas schools

♦ students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (the application for which has not been denied) and intend to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law

♦ you must be the sole author of your essay. Inappropriate use of ChatGPT or other AI tools is not allowed

♦ the recording must be in your own voice and in English. Hearing/speech impaired students should email the Voice of Democracy National Office at youthscholarships@vfw.org for special instructions

♦ no music, singing, poetry or sound effects are allowed

♦ to ensure fairness and impartiality in judging, essays must be anonymous. Please do not include your name, address, school name, or any other personal identifiers in the body of your essay. Additionally, avoid references to your race, sex, religion, national origin, or other specific personal characteristics that could reveal your identity. General references to nationality or patriotic identity (such as being an American or referencing American values) are permitted if they are relevant to the essay theme. However, personal identifiers tied to your individual background or experience should be avoided

■ Scholarship Value: Varies

■ Number of Awards: 50

■ Email: youthscholarships@vfw.org

■ Links to Additional Information:

♦ https://studentscholarships.org/scholarship/9228/voice-of-democracy-scholarship

♦ https://www.vfw.org/community/youth-and-education/youth-scholarships

♦ https://vfw-org-hqagarhxahbybyd9.z01.azurefd.net/-/media/VFWSite/Files/Community/Youth-and-Education/Voice-of-Democracy-Entry-Form-Fillable.pdf?v=1&d=20260410T233747Z&la=en

Jack Kent Cook Learning and Media Lab Fellowships for Musicians Ages 8-18 & Young Artist Needs-Based Awards

In today’s world, being a musician is so much more than just performing. Learning and Media Lab Fellows join a dynamic community that cares about:

♦ exploring ways to make an impact through music now and in the future

♦ accessing professional tools and mentors

♦ learning about the multiple career avenues for a musician today

♦ celebrating their music and voices on a major national platform

From the Top’s Learning and Media Lab Fellowship is free to all participants. Fellows complete an online curriculum spanning 12 hours over six weeks (for a detailed breakdown of sessions and times, please click here). At the end of the remote learning program, fellows:

♦ work together to plan and implement a community engagement activity

♦ record their solo or ensemble performance and interview for From the Top’s national radio program and podcast

♦ collaborate on From the Top’s digital media

♦ join a network of more than 3,000 alumni including students, professional musicians, educators and arts

administrators

The Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Award is a one-time, non-renewable, need-based award of up to $10,000 given in conjunction with full participation in From the Top’s Learning and Media Lab Fellowship. Each year, From the Top chooses approximately 20 pre-collegiate musicians ages 8-18 to receive the award. The award is given to driven and committed pre-collegiate musicians with financial need to help offset the often prohibitively expensive costs of studying classical music at a high level. An application for the Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Award is also an application to From the Top’s Learning and Media Lab Fellowship program. You do not need to complete two separate applications. See the “How To Apply” section in the links below for more instructions. If you are selected as a Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist, you must also participate fully in our Learning and Media Lab Fellowship program. The Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Award cannot be granted without full participation in the Fellowship program

■ Deadline: November 9, 2026

■ Eligibility:

♦ musicians between the ages of 8–18, not enrolled in a college or conservatory*

♦ live in or have a significant training connection to the U.S.

■ Materials Needed to Apply:

♦ at least two unedited, un-enhanced video or audio samples of your music for uploading into the application portal

♦ contact information for two teachers (an academic teacher and a music teacher) who are willing to write recommendations

♦ a copy of your family’s most recent tax forms (including all schedules, attachments and W2 forms)

♦ a copy of your most recent academic transcript

■ Scholarship Value: $10,000 to apply toward instrument purchases, summer camp tuition, college audition travel expenses, private lessons, or other music-related needs

■ Number of Awards: 20

■ Email: scholarship@fromthetop.org

■ Links to Additional Information:

♦ https://studentscholarships.org/scholarship/26488/jack-kent-cooke-young-artist-award

♦ https://fromthetop.org/apply/jack-kent-cooke-young-artist-award/#deadlines

♦ https://fromthetop.org/apply/become-a-fellow/

August 3, 2026

New York State Attorney General Leticia James has sent out an order to law enforcement statewide, saying to tell her office by August 14, if they have terminated the contracts with ICE. The order also says law enforcement has to have stopped working with ICE by August 25 or legal action will be taken. An organization out of Washington DC is considering filing a lawsuit to challenge the constitutionality of the state banning agreements with ICE. Yesterday, the Steuben County Public Safety Committee voted to send it to the full steuben county legislature to decide on whether to join the sheriff on any possible future litigation about ICE. Committee members Jeff Horton, Fred Potter, Paul Van Caseele and Dan Warriner voted yes, to move it to the full county legislature. Corning Democrat Joe Tobia voted no. The motion passed.

August 3, 2026
By Steuben Co Spokesman Eddie VanStine

Steuben County officials, members of the judiciary, colleagues, friends, and family gathered Saturday morning, August 1, in the Steuben County Courtyard to dedicate a permanent memorial granite bench honoring the life and legacy of the late Honorable Philip J. Roche.
The ceremony, held at 11:00 a.m., celebrated Judge Roche’s decades of public service, his unwavering commitment to justice, and the profound impact he made on Steuben County and the countless lives he touched throughout his distinguished legal career.
Judge Roche passed away on March 25, 2026, at the age of 69 following a brief illness. A Bath native, he graduated from West High School before earning his bachelor’s degree from the State University of New York at Oswego and later his Juris Doctor from Western New England University School of Law.
He began his legal career in private practice, becoming a partner at the Painted Post law firm later known as Yorio & Roche.
Phil was committed to his role in public service as a member of the Steuben County Legislature from 1994 through 2009, representing the residents of District 12 in the Town of Erwin, and served as Chairman of the Legislature from 2006 – 2009.
In 2012, he was appointed Steuben County Public Defender, where he championed fairness and equal access to justice. In 2017, voters elected him as Steuben County Judge and Family Court Judge, a position he faithfully served until his retirement in 2024.
Throughout his career, Judge Roche earned the respect of attorneys, court personnel, law enforcement, and the public for his integrity, compassion, humility, and thoughtful leadership. He approached his work with fairness and dignity, leaving a lasting mark on the county’s judicial system.
Beyond the courtroom, Judge Roche dedicated himself to strengthening the community through service on numerous civic and nonprofit organizations, including the Steuben County Industrial Development Agency, the United Way, and Guthrie Corning Hospital, where he served as Board Chairman and helped guide the development of the region’s new hospital.
Saturday’s dedication provided an opportunity for those who knew him best to reflect on his extraordinary life of service while unveiling a permanent place of remembrance within the Steuben County Courtyard. The engraved granite bench, donated by Phil’s close friends will serve as a lasting tribute to Judge Roche’s commitment to justice, public service, and the people of Steuben County.

August 3, 2026

FROM THE ALLEGANY CO HEALTH DEPT:

Belmont, NY — The Allegany County Department of Health is investigating one confirmed case of measles in an unvaccinated resident with a recent history of travel to Ohio. The Allegany County Department of Health was notified of the positive result on August 2, 2026. The resident began showing symptoms on Saturday, August 1, 2026, and is safely isolating at home until they are no longer 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 in contact with the resident.
Potential Exposures & Contact Tracing
Because measles is a highly contagious airborne virus, public health officials conduct thorough contact tracing of the confirmed case.
The Allegany County Department of Health, in close contact with local health care providers, has successfully identified and directly contacted all individuals known to have been exposed. To date, 23 direct contacts have been identified through contact tracing and have been provided information and guidance. The Health Department has notified other community and health care partners to place them on high alert.
What Exposed/Non-Exposed Individuals Should Do
1. Check Your Immunity / Vaccination Status
You are generally considered immune to measles if you meet one of the following criteria:
· You have documented records of receiving two doses of the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine.
· You were born before 1957.
· A healthcare provider has previously confirmed through a blood test that you are immune.
If you are fully vaccinated, your risk of contracting measles is very low. Unvaccinated individuals, young infants, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals are at the highest risk for severe complications. If you have symptoms or someone has notified you of an exposure, limit your activity outside of your home and with others.
2. Monitor for Symptoms for 21 Days
If you were exposed or think you were exposed, monitor yourself and your family members for symptoms.
Early symptoms typically appear 7 to 14 days after exposure and include:
· High fever (often rising above 101 degrees F)
· Cough
· Runny nose (coryza)
· Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
Subsequent symptoms:
· A red, blotchy rash typically appears 3 to 5 days after initial symptoms begin, usually starting on the face along the hairline and spreading downward to the rest of the body.
3. Post-Exposure Options (Act Quickly)
If you are unvaccinated, pregnant, or immunocompromised AND were exposed, contact your health care provider or ACDOH right away.
· The MMR vaccine given within 72 hours of exposure, or immune globulin (IG) given within 6 days, can prevent or reduce the severity of measles illness.
4. Call Ahead Before Seeking Medical Care
DO NOT walk into a clinic, urgent care, or emergency room without calling first.
If you develop symptoms or suspect you were exposed, call your primary care provider or the Emergency Room before arriving. Inform them that you may have been exposed to measles. This allows healthcare facilities to take precautions—such as placing you in an isolated room immediately—to prevent spreading the virus to other vulnerable patients in the waiting room or other areas.
About Measles
Measles is a viral illness spread through coughing and sneezing. The virus can remain alive and infectious in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected person has left the room. An individual who has measles is contagious 4-days prior to a rash beginning and 4-days after the rash appears. Symptoms of measles typically begin between 7 and 14 days after exposure to the virus. Approximately 9 out of 10 unvaccinated individuals who are exposed to the virus will contract it.
Risk to the Public
The overall risk of measles to the general public 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 immunocompromised is at a higher risk and should talk with their health care provider.
For questions regarding this public notice or measles vaccination, contact the Allegany County Department of Health at 585-268-9250 or visit www.alleganyco.gov/departments/health/ or www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/measles/
#585prevention #alleganycountyny #PublicHealth #measles

August 1, 2026

JOINT PRESS RELEASE: Sen. Tom O’Mara, Assemblyman Phil Palmesano and Assemblyman Joe Sempolinski sponsored official resolutions (J2819/K1421), which were adopted by the New York State Legislature, honoring the 175th anniversary of St. Ann’s Church as an enduring institution that has faithfully served the spiritual and civic life of Hornell. O’Mara and Palmesano recently joined clergy, parishioners and community leaders at a special anniversary mass celebrated by Bishop John S. Bonnici and a reception, where they presented the resolutions, marking the culmination of the 175th Jubilee Year celebration organized by Our Lady of the Valley Parish. The O’Mara, Palmesano and Sempolinski resolution reads, in part, “Throughout its distinguished history, St. Ann’s Church has remained steadfast in its mission to proclaim the gospel, strengthen family and community life, and serve the people of Hornell and the surrounding region with compassion, faith, and dedication”.

The lawmakers said, “For 175 years, St. Ann’s Church has stood as a spiritual home for countless families and as an enduring pillar of faith, charity and service throughout Hornell and the surrounding region. Its history is a testament to the extraordinary faith and devotion of those who came before us, from the missionaries who first carried the gospel to this community, to the parishioners who built a permanent house of worship through their own labor and sacrifice. It was a special privilege to present these legislative resolutions to Bishop Bonnici and Father Stan on behalf of the people of New York state. Through times of prosperity and hardship alike, St. Ann’s has remained steadfast in its mission to proclaim the gospel, strengthen family and community life and serve its neighbors with compassion, faith and dedication.”

The anniversary held a deeply personal significance for Palmesano, who grew up in the parish and served as an altar boy for St. Ann’s, and Sempolinski, who remains a current parishioner at St. Ann’s.

The origin of St. Ann’s Parish trace back to the earliest Catholic missionary efforts in the Hornellsville area during the 1840s, when Redemptorist missionaries traveled through the region to minister to Catholic settlers and immigrant laborers. Today, Our Lady of the Valley Parish encompasses more than 450 square miles of the Southern Tier and includes St. Ann’s Church in Hornell and St. Mary’s Church in Rexville. The parish continues its distinguished mission of worship, fellowship, charitable outreach and service to the people of Hornell and the surrounding region.

July 31, 2026

Due to an unintentional scheduling conflict at Watkins Glen International, our originally scheduled noon track time has changed. After several phone calls and emails, we’re pleased to announce that, thanks to the teamwork and cooperation of Mayor John Buckley, Cruize’n Time Car Shows, and Cyndy Burrows from Watkins Glen International, we were able to keep our original date and secure a new track time rather than cancel this popular portion of the Rally.
**Here are the updated Friday details:**
🏁 **Track Laps at Watkins Glen International**
🕠 **Track Time:** **5:30 PM**
📍 **Meet at Veterans Memorial Park (James Street, Hornell): 3:00 PM**
From there, we’ll once again cruise parade-style through the City of Hornell before making our way to Watkins Glen International.
**Everything else about the Rally remains exactly the same.**
We understand this schedule change may create an inconvenience for some participants, and we truly appreciate your understanding. Everyone involved worked diligently to find a solution that would allow us to keep this event together on the original date.
If the new track time no longer works with your schedule and you have already registered for track laps, please contact Cyndy Burrows at 607-438-0850, and she will be happy to assist you with processing a refund.
On the bright side, the later track time may allow some Mustang enthusiasts who couldn’t participate earlier in the day because of work or other commitments to join us after all!
We’re looking forward to welcoming everyone to Hornell for another fun-filled Mustang Rally of the Finger Lakes. Thank you for your continued support, and please help us spread the word by sharing this post so everyone planning to attend sees the updated schedule.

July 31, 2026

FROM THE UNITED WAY OF THE SOUTHERN TIER: Tour de Keuka is a supported bike ride around Keuka Lake in the Finger Lakes of New York State to benefit United Way of the Southern Tier. Select one of three rides — 45, 60, or 100 miles, or do a virtual ride. Our event also includes a free Children’s Bike Safety Rodeo, which takes place mid-morning of the event.

Thank you to all the cyclists, volunteers and sponsors for your participation and support in 2025!

We ride on Saturday, August 1, 2026.

100-mile ride departs at 7 a.m.
60-mile ride departs at 9 a.m.
45-mile ride departs at 9 a.m.

All rides leave from the Hammondsport Fire Station, 8521 NY-54, Hammondsport, NY 14840

July 31, 2026

Governor Kathy Hochul today directed that flags on all State government buildings be flown at half-staff in honor of Staff Sergeant Angel S. Rampersad, who died July 17, 2026, during an attack at Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, Jordan. Flags will be flown at half-staff on Friday, July 31 from sunrise to sunset. “My heart is with the family, loved ones and the soldiers who stood beside Sergeant Angel S. Rampersad as they grieve this unimaginable loss,” Governor Hochul said. “Staff Sergeant Rampersad lived a life of courage and selflessness. New York, and our nation, are safer because of brave Americans like her who answer the call to serve. May we honor her memory, remember her sacrifice and keep all who loved her in our prayers.”

Staff Sergeant Rampersad was assigned to 1st Battalion, 57th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 52nd Air Defense Artillery Brigade, 10th Army Air & Missile Defense Command, Ansbach, Germany. A lifelong resident of Ozone Park, Queens, Staff Sergeant Rampersad earned her degree in Criminal Justice from John Jay College of Criminal Justice following her graduation from Forest Hills High School. Throughout her distinguished military service, Staff Sergeant Rampersad has been recognized with numerous honors, including the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Army Service Ribbon, and was posthumously promoted to Staff Sergeant.

July 31, 2026

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today, alongside Senator John Barrasso (R-WY), introduced the Simplifying Modern Access to Retirement Tools for Savings (SMART) Act of 2026. The legislation modernizes outdated federal regulations governing Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs), reduces unnecessary costs, and expands access to lower-cost retirement investment options for American savers. The SMART Savings Act would bring overdue reforms to the tax rules governing Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) that were originally written for large employer-sponsored pension plans. Current regulations make it more expensive and burdensome for financial firms to offer certain lower-cost investment services to IRA holders, despite IRAs already being subject to extensive federal and state oversight. The legislation removes these unnecessary barriers while preserving prohibitions on self-dealing and maintaining existing consumer protections enforced by the SEC, FINRA, FinCEN, and state securities regulators. By updating these outdated rules, the bill would help lower costs and expand access to affordable retirement investment options, allowing Americans to keep more of their hard-earned savings.

“Hardworking New Yorkers who are saving for retirement deserve every opportunity to keep more of their own money,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “Our retirement system should encourage Americans to save, not burden them with outdated regulations that drive up costs. The SMART Savings Act modernizes these rules so families can keep more of their hard-earned retirement savings. Washington red tape shouldn’t prevent Americans from saving for their retirement. People need to be able to save in the way that works best for them. Outdated and unnecessary federal rules create uncertainty and make it harder for financial advisors to serve retirement savers,” said Senator Barrasso. “The SMART Savings Act reverses that regulatory overreach. It gives Americans with personal retirement accounts access to the same rates and services that are already available through other retirement options.”

This legislation is supported by Finseca, Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA), and National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors.

July 31, 2026

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today sent a letter to New York Governor Kathy Hochul urging her administration to cooperate with the federal government to reduce Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) payment errors, combat waste, fraud, and abuse, and protect New York taxpayers from unnecessary costs. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Fiscal Year 2025 SNAP Payment Error Rate report, New York recorded a combined SNAP payment error rate of 13.18%, one of the highest in the nation and more than double the Congressionally mandated threshold of 6%. In her letter, Congresswoman Tenney notes that New York is issuing more than $2.8 million in SNAP benefits in error each day and warns that, beginning in 2027, states with excessive payment error rates will be required to assume a portion of their SNAP benefit costs under federal law. Tenney also calls on Governor Hochul to explain why New York has not joined 29 other states in sharing SNAP participant data with the federal government to help identify fraud and improper payments, and requests details on the state’s corrective action plan to bring New York back into compliance with federal standards.

“New York cannot continue ignoring a problem that is costing taxpayers millions of dollars while putting the integrity of SNAP at risk,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “This program exists to help vulnerable families put food on the table, and every dollar lost to waste or improper payments is a dollar that cannot be used as intended. Governor Hochul should stop refusing commonsense cooperation with the federal government, take immediate steps to reduce New York’s unacceptable error rate, and protect both taxpayers and the New Yorkers who depend on this critical program.”

July 31, 2026

FROM U.S. SENATOR KIRSTEN GILLIBRAND: Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement after Republicans voted to block her resolution directing President Trump to remove the U.S. armed forces from hostilities against Iran unless military force is explicitly authorized by Congress. Earlier today, Senator Gillibrand gave a speech on the Senate floor advocating for passage of her resolution to bring an end to the war and lower costs for New York families. “Today’s vote sends a clear message to the American people: Republicans have abandoned their duties as elected officials and refuse to keep President Trump in check. At a time when working New Yorkers are being crushed by skyrocketing gas prices and our service members are being killed and seriously injured, the president is content spending American tax dollars and risking American lives in another endless foreign war.

“I am deeply disappointed by the failure of this vote and by Republicans’ support for a war with no justification, no strategy, and no end in sight. The American people did not ask for and do not support this war, and the Constitution makes clear that Congress, not the president, has the power to authorize military action. I will continue fighting for accountability, to reassert Congress’ constitutional role, and to prioritize policies that put working families first.”

July 31, 2026

FROM THE U.S. ATTORNEY’S OFFICE: David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that HAROLD RAMIREZ CAGUA, also known as “Gordo,” 42, a citizen of Colombia last residing in Miami, Florida, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 57 months of imprisonment for his involvement in an organized jewelry theft ring that targeted mall-based stores and kiosks across the country. According to court documents and statements made in court, from May 2023 through April 2024, Ramirez Cagua and several other Colombian nationals burglarized jewelry stores and kiosks in malls in Connecticut and other states and then transported the stolen property or the proceeds from it across state lines. Before the burglaries, the co-conspirators surveilled the stores and kiosks to formulate game plans and, as part of that reconnaissance, posed as legitimate customers to examine the desired merchandise and assess the establishment’s security measures.

Ramirez Cagua served as the crime ring’s logistics operative, booking flights for co-conspirators to travel for the burglaries, securing rental cars, and reserving lodging. During the burglaries, he and his associates forced his way into closed businesses, sometimes by cutting a hole through a wall, and then pried open and smashed locked display cases. They then carted off the stolen merchandise. Ramirez Cagua and his co-conspirators burglarized jewelry establishments in Paterson, New Jersey, on May 17, 2023; in Mentor, Ohio, on July 21, 2023; in Fort Wayne, Indiana, on August 14, 2023; in Greece, New York, on September 20, 2023; at the Connecticut Post Mall in Milford, Connecticut, on October 5, 2023; in Lombard, Illinois on October 17, 2023; in Hamilton Township, New Jersey, on October 27, 2023; in Henrico, Virginia on November 4, 2023; and in Horseheads, New York on April 18, 2024. The total losses from these burglaries exceed $4.4 million.

Members of the conspiracy also cased additional jewelry stores and kiosks in Iowa, Indiana, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Delaware. To date, none of the stolen jewelry has been recovered by law enforcement. The investigation revealed that much of the stolen jewelry was sold to the owner of a jewelry store in Queens, New York, who then sold it to others, including those he knew would melt down the gold. Ramirez Cagua has been detained since July 18, 2024. On March 5, 2025, he pleaded guilty to interstate transportation of stolen property. This investigation has been conducted by the FBI New Haven’s Transnational Organized Crime Task Force with the assistance of the Milford (Conn.) Police Department, the Hamilton Township (N.J.) Police Division, the Delaware State Police, the Henrico County (Va.) Police Division, the New York State Police, the New York Police Department, the Pensacola (Fla.) Police Department, the Paterson (N.J.) Police Department, the Mentor (Ohio) Police Department, the Fort Wayne (Ind.) Police Department, the Greece (N.Y.) Police Department, and the Lombard (Ill.) Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys David T. Huang and Conor M. Reardon.

U.S. Attorney Sullivan thanked the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida, and FBI Field Offices in New York, Dallas, Miami, and Tampa for their assistance.
This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement toward identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States.

HSTF New Haven comprises agents and officers from the FBI, DEA, HSI, ATF, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, U.S. Department of Labor, and Connecticut State Police, with prosecutions led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut.