December 15, 2023
Mayor John Buckley says the first annual Christmas at the Square concert at the new Union Square Park is tonight! The mayor says, please join us for a wonderful evening of music and enjoyment as we celebrate the season! There is no charge for admission and seating will be available. That will be at 600 this evening at the new Union Square Park, there will be a number of Hornell school choirs performing.
December 14, 2023
FROM NYSP: The New York State Police from SP Bath responded to 8653 Wagner Hill Rd in the town of Avoca for a report of a female with a gunshot wound to the face. A preliminary investigation revealed that Terry C. Long Jr., age 50, shot a 47-year-old female inside the residence. The female victim sustained a facial injury and was transported to Noyes Hospital, then was later transferred to Strong Memorial Hospital and is in guarded condition. Long was charged with Assault 1st (B Felony) and Criminal Possession of a Weapon 3rd (D Felony). Long was transported to Steuben County Jail for CAP arraignment. This is an active investigation.
December 14, 2023
FROM NYSP NEWS: On December 10, 2023, New York State Police and the Steuben County Sheriff’s Office responded to 2522 County Route 56 in the town of Howard for the report of an assault/stabbing.
A preliminary investigation reveals that several subjects were consuming alcohol when a physical altercation took place. Knives were introduced to the altercation, resulting in three males suffering knife wounds. The three males were transported to Strong Memorial Hospital for medical treatment.
One of the subjects, Ausencio Roblero Lopez, was medically discharged on December 12, 2023. He was taken into custody for Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument 2nd (D Felony) and brought to the Steuben County Jail for CAP arraignment. The other two subjects remain in stable condition at Strong Memorial Hospital.
The investigation is ongoing.
December 14, 2023
From The Steuben Co Sheriff’s Dept:
Sheriff Jim Allard reports that on December 12, 2023, deputies arrested James A. Margeson, age 35, of CR 10, Cameron, New York, following an investigation of a reported burglary and animal cruelty in the Town of Cameron. It is alleged that Mr. Margeson possessed stolen property, altered a vehicle identification number, and damaged stolen property. It is also alleged that Mr. Margeson failed to provide sustenance for four dogs which were subsequently rescued. Mr. Margeson was charged with Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the Third Degree, a class D Felony, Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the Fourth Degree, a class E Felony, Forgery of a Vehicle Identification Number, a class E Felony, Tampering with Physical Evidence, a class E Felony, Criminal Mischief in the Second Degree, a class D Felony, and Failure to Provide Sustenance to a Domestic Animal. Mr. Margeson was arraigned in the Centralized Arraignment Court and released. Sheriff Allard thanks the New York State Police for their assistance in this arrest.
December 12, 2023
Sheriff Jim Allard reports that on December 8, 2023, deputies arrested Nicholas C. Morales, age 32, of Rochester, New York, following a report that a person had abandoned a vehicle and then left in a presumably stolen vehicle from a driveway in the Town of Wayland. It is alleged that Mr. Morales operated a vehicle reported stolen from Monroe County in Wayland, abandoned it, and then stole a different vehicle in Wayland, and drove it north into Livingston County until apprehended by the NY State Police. Mr. Morales was charged with Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the Third Degree and Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, both Class D Felonies. After being arraigned and released in Livingston County, he was arrested and brought to Steuben County. Mr. Morales was arraigned in the Centralized Arraignment Court and held without bail.
The Sheriff’s Office thanks the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and the New York State Police for their assistance in this arrest.
December 11, 2023
Our news department caught up with Steuben County District Attorney Brooks Baker this morning, about the stabbing on Route 56 In Howard, in the midnight hour, Sunday morning. “What we know right now,” Baker told Brian O’Neil this morning, “is that three people were injured in that bad situation in Howard, early Sunday morning. There are a lot of witnesses to be interviewed, it is a difficult investigation. The biggest issue slowing things down right now, is that the three people who were involved in the stabbing situtation, were all injured at different levels, and had to be treated at area hospitals. We have to interview them before we can go forward with the case. Obviously they cannot speak to law enforcement until they are healthy enough to do so, and we’re hopeful this will happen soon. Additionally, we’re also seeking evidence regarding medical records, about the injuries. Obviously, the investigation is ongoing, and State Police are dedicating tremendous resources to this case, and I’m sure we’ll have answers very soon,” Baker said.
December 10, 2023
STEUBEN COUNTY, NY – State Police are handling the investigation of an incident/incidents, in which several people were stabbed, during the overnight hours.
At least three people are being treated this morning for injuries, though there are online fb posts indicating that more than three people were stabbed.
The names of the suspect/suspects, and victims, have not been released as of yet.
UPDATE, SUN DEC 10, 2023, 2:28PM,
FROM NYSP:
New York State Police are investigating an incident where multiple individuals were stabbed on County Route 56 in the town of Howard, Steuben County. There is no threat to the public at this time.
This is an active and ongoing investigation.
As more information becomes available, the New York State Police Newsroom will be updated.
December 7, 2023
Steuben County Sheriff Jim Allard says that over 500 toys were collected last Saturday in toys for tots by the Steuben County Sheriff’s department.
Sending out a special THANK YOU to Justin from Andover, NY and all the other generous donors who made our annual Toys for Tots and Coats for Kids events last Saturday a huge success. We collected a total of 506 toys between our two donation locations. As always, the citizens of Steuben County have overwhelmed us with their generosity!
Pictured L to R: Deputy G. Harrison, Sgt. Hawk, Justin, Undersheriff McNelis.
December 5, 2023
By Steuben Co Sheriff Jim Allard
It’s a beautiful day in Steuben County. Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa and Happy Holidays to you! As we come to the close of another year, it feels
necessary to take time to reflect on all that the members of your Sheriff’s Office have accomplished and all that we have to be grateful for. I am thankful for the teamwork we have received from our neighboring Sheriff’s Offices, New York State agencies and local Polic Fire and EMS Agencies, and for the individual acts of courage and service by our deputies, officers and staff, meeting the needs of the public and providing professional law enforcement to Steuben County. As we enter the holiday season, I am incredibly grateful and honored to work with these professionals and look forward to another successful year. A huge THANK YOU to all of our cooperating agencies for your assistance and teamwork this past year!
At the Sheriff’s Office, your public servants were busy again. Major Sutton, Ms. Volz and Sheriff Allard got to award bicycles to the winners of the Sheriff’s (free) raffle conducted at the Steuben County Fair. Both the boy and girl winners, Polly and Jax, were absolutely adorable and grateful for their new bikes and helmets! Lieutenant Logsdon and Lieutenant Harrison attended the second section of the FBI NAA Leadership Certification program. School Resource Officer Todd Costa was named “Proactivity Staff of the Month” at Campbell-Savona Central School District for “planning ahead and taking action”. The Sheriff’s Office hosted the NYS DCJS Behavioral Threat Assessment Management training for regional agencies. Our Office also participated in the Hammondsport Central School District emergency drill and the Bath Centers emergency drill.
Sheriff Allard, Major Sutton, Sergeant Shutt and K9 Ronnie, Deputy Nybeck and K9 Twiggy and Deputy McCoy and K9 Tripp presented to the Steuben County Youth in Government program regarding the Sheriff’s Office in general and the K9 and Jail programs specifically. It was a great session with excellent questions.
Lieutenant Logsdon, Sergeant Sorge, Sergeant Shutt, Sergeant Day and Sergeant Wood attended the NYS DCJS course entitled “New York Law Enforcement Officers and the Law-
Practices and Procedures” which instructs on legal updates to policing. Deputy Gage Harrison completed the NYS DCJS course “Recognizing the Cannabis Impaired Motorist”. Sheriff Allard presented to the Southern Tier Law Enforcement Academy regarding the benefits of our EMT program and then also participated in the family night presentation, wherein family members of the cadets get to ask questions of veteran police officers and their family members regarding expectations of a career in law enforcement and the effects on the family of that officer or deputy.
November was another busy and challenging month in the Sheriff’s Office. Our investigators and deputies were tasked with eight death investigations, two assault investigations, one unlawful imprisonment investigation, one burglary investigation, four trespass investigations, five criminal contempt investigations, one missing person investigation, one endangering the welfare of a child investigation, one fire investigation, seven larceny investigations, three grand larceny investigations, six harassment investigations, two reckless endangerment investigations, seven criminal mischief investigations, two impersonation investigations, one terroristic threat investigation, two animal cruelty investigations, eight narcotics investigations, three leaving the scene of a crash investigations and one fugitive from justice investigation. Our Patrol Division was tasked with multiple domestic incident investigations along with mental health detainments, emergency medical aid, assisting other agencies, serving of warrants, and four intoxicated or impaired driving arrests.
All of our deputies and officers performed in an outstanding fashion and we received a commendation from the public regarding outstanding performance.
November 30, 2023
Steuben County legislators approved funding to prevent and treat substance use disorders when they met in regular session Monday in the county Annex. The Steuben lawmakers agreed to the use of $533,319 in funding, through the Opioid Settlement Fund, for distribution through the county Community Services Office as follows: · CASA-Trinity: $253,957 to expand Adventures In Recovery services. · Catholic Charities Steuben/Livingston: $120,000 to support the Prevention Coalition’s/ Opioid Committee in harm reduction and prevention efforts. · Family Service Society, Inc.: $159,362 to fund a part-time Prevention Specialist and obtain a van for transportation to increase outreach efforts and prevention counseling at the Corning Youth Center. Legislators also approved the tax equalization rates for 2024. The equalization rates are determined by the state and will be used to determine each municipalities’ share of the 2024 tax levy. In other action, the Steuben Legislature also met in special session at 11:30 am to adopt the 2024 county budget pegged at $246 million with a property tax levy of $52.8 million. While the levy is up 1 percent compared to 2023, property owners can expect, on average, a drop in the tax rate of $0.55 per $1,000 full assessed value down to $6.80 per $1,000. County Legislature Chairman Scott Van Etten noted the hard work of county Manager Jack Wheeler, Deputy County Manager Christopher Brewer and the department heads in crafting the 2024 spending plan. He also credited the active input of legislators in the process, which included three budget workshops. “I think we make a difference,” he said. “We are very involved in the process and as a result, better understand the services we are funding.”
https://www.steubencountyny.gov
November 27, 2023
FROM SHERIFF JIM ALLARD: STATEMENT ON THE REPEAL OF RESOLUTION NO. 186-23 AND THE INTERVENTION OF THE NEW YORK STATE SHERIFF’S ASSOCIATION
On Monday, November 27, the Steuben County Legislature repealed Resolution Number 186-23, which would have imposed an unprecedented requirement on the County Sheriff to obtain liability insurance against lawsuits arising from the Sheriff’s Office’s performance of official duties. The repealed resolution would have required the Sheriff to immediately purchase millions of dollars of insurance at his own cost. If he did not, the County would not allow him to complete the duties of Sheriff and would withhold his pay. The Legislature compared the Sheriff to a contractor, not a duly- elected County official, and ignored the fact that the Sheriff is, and was, covered by the County blanket insurance policy. The Sheriff welcomes the repeal of this Resolution, which was one of two Resolutions passed on September 25th affecting the Sheriff’s status and operations. (The other September 25 Resolution rescinded the County’s duty under the Public Officer Law and County Local Law to indemnify the Sheriff, for legal fees and liability incurred in the performance of his official duties.)
Resolution 186-23 was passed with virtually no notice to the Sheriff, or public debate; the Sheriff was given no notice of its intended repeal; and the Resolution—if it had been allowed to take effect—could effectively have left the County without a Sheriff. The legality of both September 25 Resolutions has been challenged by the Sheriff in New York State Supreme Court, and at the time of today’s repeal, both have been enjoined from taking effect by a Supreme Court Justice.
Even with today’s repeal, the remaining September 25th Resolution, stripping the Sheriff of indemnification under the Public Officer Law, remains under legal challenge. Underscoring the serious detrimental impact that losing indemnification could have on the Sheriff’s ability to carry out his public safety duties, the New York State Sheriff’s Association (NYSSA)—which represents Sheriffs across every county in New York State—has asked the Justice hearing the Sheriff’s challenge, for permission to file a “friend of the court” brief, arguing in support of the Sheriff’s position. NYSSA’s papers to the Court make it clear that the organization is concerned the Steuben County Legislature’s actions could ultimately have a drastic impact on law enforcement operations throughout the state. NYSSA’s request to the Court is available at the Steuben County Sheriff’s App and website under the NEWS and PRESS RELEASE tab:
https://www.sheriff.steubencountyny.gov/
In spite of the ongoing dispute over the Legislature’s September 25 Resolutions, Steuben County
residents should know that the Sheriff’s Office remains committed above all else to its public safety mission, and the Sheriff, his deputies, and all civilian personnel continue to carry out the full range of the office’s responsibilities and services. For more information about the Sheriff’s Office, follow us on Facebook at Steuben County Sheriff’s Office or visit our website at https://www.sheriff.steubencountyny.gov/
November 26, 2023
FROM STEUBEN COUNTY: Steuben County property owners face a drop in the average tax rate of $0.55 per $1,000 full assessed value in 2024 if the county Legislature adopts their proposed budget of $246 million following a public hearing set for 11:30 am on Nov. 27.
The proposed 2024 average tax rate of 6.80 per $1,000 full assessed value is down from the $7.35 per $1,000 in 2023. It is associated with a tentative tax levy of $52.8 million, a 1 percent increase compared to the tax levy of $52.3 million in 2023.
The decline in the average tax rate marks the 11th straight year the rate has dropped for Steuben property owners while state mandates continue to increase Steuben’s overall costs.
County Manager and Budget Officer Jack Wheeler told legislators recently the increase in county spending is largely due to spikes in the cost of health insurance, retirement and mounting pressure in state mandated services.
The county views health insurance as a valuable incentive during the sluggish employment market in the region while retirement benefits are driven by the state, Wheeler said, during his formal presentation to the county Legislature.
State enforced programs remain the most significant driver to county costs, with just nine state mandates costing taxpayers $51.4 million or 97.4 percent of the county levy. Steuben also pays community colleges $3.7 million annually, pushing taxpayers costs up to more than 104 percent.
Wheeler warned legislators the state’s grab of federal FMAP funds designated for the counties’ use not only denies Steuben needed funds, it may signal deeper issues in the near future.
“With the fiscal outlook New York State is facing, they may continue to pass additional costs to counties to help balance their budget,” Wheeler said. “We must keep a watchful eye towards Albany in 2024 and beyond.”
Offsetting the significant increases in programs such as transportation, public safety and assigned counsel are the county’s solid fund balance, interest earnings and a conservative estimate of the county’s overall growth in sales tax revenues in 2024.
One notable – and long anticipated — program expected next year is a supplemental Emergency Medical Services corps to provide back-up medical response in underserved communities at a cost of $1.2 million.
“The 2024 budget provides the services that are mandated upon you all and upon us,” Wheeler told county legislators. “But also because of the way that you have taken your long-term fiscal strategy you have been able to appropriate revenue to offset these increases and a slight increase in the levy but overall, the 11th straight year of an average tax rate reduction.”