AM 1480 WLEA News

November 14, 2026

FROM GOV KATHY HOCHUL:  “Travelers should anticipate continued delays and cancellations at the region’s airports throughout the weekend as airlines recover from Friday night’s nationwide FAA ground stop. By the end of Friday evening, JFK, LaGuardia, and New York Stewart airports had reported more than 800 cancellations and more than 600 delays.  The Port Authority activated its Emergency Operations Center shortly after the ground stop began, working closely with airlines, terminal operators, and federal aviation officials to manage disruptions and assist affected passengers. Additional airport personnel and Port Authority Police officers were deployed to help manage terminal crowding and provide assistance. The Port Authority also made cots, blankets, pillows, baby formula and other essential supplies available to airline partners, while airport concessions remained open to serve affected travelers.  We want to thank the frontline workers, from Port Authority personnel to air traffic controllers, for their tireless efforts to keep travelers safe throughout these disruptions.  The Port Authority remains in close coordination with its partners and stands ready to deploy additional personnel and resources as needed in the coming days.”

November 14, 2026

 

November 13, 2026

 

FROM STEUBEN COUNTY:  Steuben County Manager and Budget Officer Jack K. Wheeler presented the proposed 2027 Steuben County budget today before members of the community and the Steuben County Legislature, outlining a financial plan focused on maintaining essential services, investing in public safety and infrastructure, and protecting local taxpayers amid rising state and federal costs.  Despite significant financial pressures associated with state mandates, foster care, SNAP administration and employee expenses, the proposed budget maintains a property tax levy increase well below the New York State tax cap while continuing the County’s longstanding trend of reducing the average full-value property tax rate.  “Developing this budget required difficult decisions and careful financial planning. We’re facing significant increases in mandated costs, particularly in Social Services, while continuing to invest in public safety, our roads and the services our residents depend on. Through responsible budgeting, conservative revenue forecasting and the work of our Legislature, department heads and employees, we’ve developed a plan that addresses these challenges while remaining well below the New York State tax cap. “

— Jack K. Wheeler, Steuben County Manager

Property Taxes and Fiscal Responsibility

November 13, 2026

 

FROM MAYOR JOHN BUCKLEY:  Earlier this year, I brought attention to the significant disparity in gasoline prices between our communities here in the Canisteo Valley and neighboring areas such as Bath. For several years, residents in Hornell, Canisteo, North Hornell, Arkport, and Hornellsville have routinely paid 30 to 40 cents more per gallon at local gas stations, despite being just a short distance from communities enjoying considerably lower prices.

Recognizing that this issue affects far more than just the City of Hornell, I reached out to our neighboring mayors and the Town of Hornellsville Supervisor to bring our communities together and form a united effort to get some answers. We agreed that our residents deserve an explanation, and we’ve been working together to get one.

Here’s a timeline of those efforts:

January 28, 2026: The municipal leaders of Hornell, Canisteo, North Hornell, Arkport, and Hornellsville jointly submitted a formal inquiry to the NYS Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection and the Department of Taxation and Finance, requesting assistance in examining regional gasoline pricing and distribution.

April 28, 2026: After receiving no response, we submitted a follow-up letter requesting an update.

July 1, 2026: Senator Tom O’Mara, Assemblyman Phil Palmesano, and Assemblyman Joe Sempolinski joined together in a formal legislative request to the respective state agencies, asking for an evaluation of the regional gasoline market and guidance.

November 10, 2026: Having still received no acknowledgment or response, I’ve now taken the matter directly to Governor Kathy Hochul, formally requesting her intervention and asking that the appropriate agencies provide answers.

I want to be clear about something. We’re not asking the state to dictate gasoline prices, nor are we accusing anyone of wrongdoing. We’re asking for transparency, an objective examination of the situation, and an explanation of why our residents continue to pay substantially more than motorists in nearby communities.

Frankly, it’s frustrating. When local elected officials and our state representatives come together to advocate for the people they serve, the least we should expect is a response. Our communities deserve better than silence.

I’ll continue pushing this issue, working alongside our neighboring municipal leaders, until we get some answers. It’s about fairness, transparency, and looking out for the people who live and work in our communities.

Thanks,

John J Buckley

Mayor

City of Hornell

607 324 7421

November 13, 2026

By Alfred State Spokesperson Paul Welker

 

Alfred State College (ASC) alumni, faculty & staff, and friends joined together to raise $385,180 during the 2026 Day of Giving. 750 donors contributed to the event in support of current and future Pioneers.  “Day of Giving was an incredible success,” commented Director of Annual Giving and Alumni Relations John Lewis, “The events of the day brought energy and excitement to campus while highlighting the generosity of the Alfred State community. It was inspiring to see so many people come together in support of our students and programs.”  Alfred State has designated a day since 2016 to rally supporters to help meet college needs. The college encourages donations to the Pioneer Fund, which allows ASC to put resources to work where they can make a significance difference for our students.  Various clubs, organizations, and athletic teams worked alongside the Institutional Advancement staff to garner support that will benefit things like scholarships, academic needs, mental health resources, and specific goals for their teams and clubs.

Alfred State College was assisted by several matching and major gift donors who helped to challenge the Pioneer community to make an even greater impact. An opening match gift from our 2025 Honorary Doctorate Recipient Charlie Craig helped to ignite the day. Robert Livingston, ’56, provided a challenge gift during our “power hours” mid-day and a gift from a 1980 alum and Development Fund Board Member was used when we hit our first $100K on the day as well as the halfway mark to our goal. Dr. Lee, ’62, and Martha Brasted jumped on board with a challenge gift after crossing seven hundred donors. To close out the evening we had another Development Fund Board Member and 1987 alum step up to provide a final challenge gift of $75K when we exceeded the $300K mark, which helped achieve and exceed the overall goal for day.  On top of collecting financial support the Alfred State Institutional Advancement Office worked with the Office of Civic Wellbeing to collect nonperishable and personal care items to help replenish the on-campus food pantry and thrift store.  Lewis concluded, “We are deeply grateful to every donor who helped make this year’s event such a remarkable achievement.”

November 13, 2026

 

BATH, NY – The Steuben County Legislature is having a public hearing this morning, on the county budget.  At this point it appears that the Steuben County Legislature is giving Sheriff Jim Allard a three percent pay raise.  Steuben County Legislative Chair, Bath Republican Kelly Fitzpatrick says, she originally proposed that the sheriff would get an around 15 percent raise, but after negotiations in the Steuben County Administration Committee, Sheriff Allard’s salary got down to a three percent raise for 2027.  Steuben County Chair Fitzpatrick also says, if county legislators Paul Van Caeseele, Michael Volino, Shannon Logsdon and Dan Warriner get enough support for Sheriff Allard,  the county still has until the end of the year to give the sheriff a higher raise. 

The sheriff’s salary this year was just under $125,000.  His supporters in the county legislature want it to be $148,000. 

November 12, 2026

 

Canisteo Village Mayor Rick McInroy announced last Monday night that he is not running again.    His seat will be up in March 16, 2027 and his term officially ends this coming year, on April 5, 2027.  McInroy says he enjoys the job but noted that it is time for someone else to be the mayor.  There are two Village Trustee seats to be voted on in the upcoming elections on March 16: the seats currently occupied by Bob Hammond and James Dineen.  In other Canisteo Village news, there will be a public hearing on a local law about possibly lowering the speed limit from 40 mph to 30 mph on West Main Street near the Canisteo American Legion.  That public hearing will be held at 6:50pm on Tuesday, December 8, 2026  at Canisteo Village Hall.  

Also, this past Monday night at Canisteo village hall, engineers from Labella And Associates presented draft findings for a storm water drains.  Labella says they will recommend doing additional studies on systems to provide a better understanding of the water flow in the village of Canisteo.

November 12, 2026

 

On November 9 and November 10, Wlea reported that members of a family from Syracuse, was accused of allegedly breaking into the old abandoned hospital building on Canisteo Street in Hornell.  This morning, Hornell Police Chief Ted Murray stated that two of the suspects, had been released from Steuben County Jail.   

Also today, Hornell Police Chief Ted Murray announced that Codes Officer Bud Burdett saw that a door in the abandoned hospital was broken, and Burdett and his codes assistant Larry Bacon, as well as Hornell Department of Public Works employee Zack Hogan, went in to see what was going on inside.  This led to calling the Hornell Police Dept and the arrests of several suspects. 

See the full, original statement from Hornell Police below:

 

 

November 12, 2026

 

Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) issued the following statement following the deadly collapse of a mixed-use building in the Brooklyn neighborhood of Flatbush:  “I am heartbroken for the Brooklyn community this morning following this devastating building collapse, which has tragically claimed the lives of 8 New Yorkers and injured many more. I am keeping the victims and their families in my prayers during this unimaginable time.   My staff is working with the mayor’s office to ensure full support, and I am deeply grateful to our first responders and the FDNY who rushed to the scene to save lives.

“In the days ahead, we will support Brooklyn and rebuild, and we will investigate how this tragedy occurred.” 

November 12, 2026

By Alfred State College Spokesperson Paul Welker

 

Students, faculty, and staff gathered for an evening of poetry, art, and music at the biennial Poetry Reading event hosted by the Alfred State English and Humanities Department.  Vice President for Academic Affairs Carrie Cokely and College Council Chair Ron Nasca opened the evening with poems before Travis Matteson, Chair of the English and Humanities Department asked the audience to share their original poems or the personal favorites.  “It was a wonderful evening of poetry, reflection, and community,” commented Matteson. “I am always impressed by the confidence and enthusiasm our students bring as they share poems that are meaningful to them, whether they are original works or beloved pieces by other authors. The event highlighted the power of poetry to inspire, connect, and spark conversation, and I look forward to future opportunities to celebrate the literary arts.”  For over an hour students shared their original work or recited their favorite authors. Alfred State President Dr. Steven Mauro closed the evening.  The evening featured delicious desserts created by Culinary Arts students, artwork drawn by ASC students, and guitar music by Dr. Tim Bocchi.  Many of the original poems recited by students have been submitted for inclusion in Ergo, the literary and artistic publication of Alfred State that is published each semester.  

An Alfred State degree gets results!

At Alfred State College, hands-on experience leads to career success. An emphasis on applied learning enables students to reach goals and develop the skills needed to thrive at in-demand jobs. With over 80 majors, over 90 clubs and civic groups, and 18 NCAA Division III sports, Alfred State prepares students to become leaders, achievers, and Pioneers who are ready to Hit the Ground Running …

November 11, 2026

FROM EVENT ORGANIZER MIKE DELANEY:  The Canisteo Community Support Group is excited to invite the community to attend Canisteo Christmas in the Village on Saturday, November 28, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM.  This free family-friendly event will take place in and around Downtown Canisteo and will feature Santa Claus in the bandstand, horse and wagon rides, children’s crafts, ornament decorating, Christmas music, hot drinks, cotton candy, and more.  New this year, families will have the opportunity to decorate an ornament to be displayed on the Community Christmas Tree. A Community Tree Lighting ceremony will take place at 5:30 PM near the bandstand.  The event also coincides with Small Business Saturday, with many participating businesses open throughout the evening.  The event is presented by the Canisteo Community Support Group in partnership with area businesses, non-profit organizations, and the Village of Canisteo.

Follow our Canisteo Community Support Group’s Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/CanisteoCommunity/ for additional details.