Drug Bust in Bath:

Three Rochester residents were arrested following a traffic stop in Bath on drug charges.  According to the official release, authorities stopped a vehicle on West Morris Street for a traffic violation.  It was discovered that the passenger, 26-year-old Reggie Turner, was in possession of a large quantity of cocaine.  After leading officers on a foot-chase, Turner was caught and charged with Criminal Possession of Controlled Substance in the 3^rd and was remanded to the Steuben County Jail $40,000 cash bail.  Further charges are expected.  Also charged in the incident was 21-year-old Tyquan Mack for Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia in the 2^nd, Unlicensed Operator, and Parking in off street Handicapped Zone; and 19-year-old Shaqur Cox for Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia in the 2^nd.  Both were remanded to the county jail on $1,500 cash bail.

Power Restored Following Storm:

Power was restored early this morning to the hundreds of homes in the Twin Tiers that lost it when last night’s storms rolled through the area.  A reported 2,000 NYSEG customers were without power in Chemung County, with Southport being the hardest hit.  In Steuben County close to 800 customers lost power, with the largest number in the Town of Wayne.  Crews worked around the clock repairing lines damaged by falling trees and power was restored around 1 a.m.

C-PP School District Approves Bid for CFA:

Last night the Corning-Painted Post school board approved a bid for the Corning Free Academy.  If voters approve the sale later this year, the old middle school will become apartments and condos.  The sale is part of the district’s consolidation plan to combine the two high schools at East High, and combine both middle schools at the current West High campus.  The sale price is a little over $1 million, more than its appraised value of $980,000.

Cuomo Proposes Tax-Free Zone Around Campuses:

Under a proposal announced by Governor Andrew Cuomo yesterday, high-tech businesses from other states and abroad that move onto or next to college campuses in the state of New York would be able to operate free of all business, property, and personal income taxes for 10 years.  Cuomo says the plan would create jobs in a long-stagnant upstate economy by connecting academic research campuses with businesses in those fields.  Whether or not the proposal would help retain new businesses beyond the 10-year period when they would face some of the nation’s highest taxes remains unclear. 

Memorial Day Travel Gets a Little Easier:

Heading over the river and through the woods just got a little easier this Memorial Day weekend as the New York State Thruway Authority has announced that it will be halting construction on its roads around the state.  Starting today, projects from Rochester to the Pennsylvania state line will cease.  They’ll resume on Tuesday, May 28^th.  Starting tomorrow, projects from Little Falls to Canandaigua will halt.  Those projects will start up again on Monday night.  On more thing before you head out onto the open road, don’t forget that a seatbelt enforcement action is ongoing and will be in full swing over the weekend.

Civil War Day at Mossy Bank Park Today:

The sound of musket and artillery fire will fill the air at Mossy Bank Park in Bath today, but don’t fear.  It’s all part of the 7^th Annual American Civil War Day.  Many activities have been planned for this event and 7^th graders from Bath and Avoca will be participating.  The park will be open to the public during this time, but only the students may participate in the War Day activities.

Frysinger Case Returns to Court:

The lawyer for former Corning Hawks athlete Jordan Frysinger was in court yesterday, describing to a judge the issues with the prosecution’s case against his client.  Frysinger is accused of having sex with an intoxicated teen girl.  Frysinger’s attorney said yesterday that the victim was not “physically helpless” as defined by law.  Also, he said they were problems with the grand jury process that led to the indictment against his client, and, additionally, that the prosecution has withheld evidence from him.  In response to the claims, the prosecution responded by saying that the jury concluded there was reasonable cause to believe Frysinger raped the teen, so the “physically helpless” issue should be addressed by a trial jury.  They also said the integrity of the jury was not compromised and that it is not obligated to turn over the disputed evidence until a later date.  The judge said he will review the matters.  Frysinger is charged with three counts of 1^st degree rape and a single count of 1^st degree criminal sexual act.  They are punishable by up to as many as 25 years in prison. 

Village of Bath Utility Rates to Increase:

After years at the same rate, Village of Bath residents should expect their utility rates to increase soon.  At last night’s meeting of the village board, the Utility Commission recommended the water and sewer rates be approved by the August billing cycle.  Electric and gas rates are also expected to go up.  The need to upgrade infrastructure and the fact that some of the rates haven’t increased in years are part of the reason prices are going up.  That said however, rates are still as low as or lower than those of neighboring towns and villages.

Labor Negotiations at Corning Hospital Stall:

Negotiations between Corning Hospital and its nurses and other employees began in late February, but as of Friday night no agreement is in sight.  Talks broke off Friday evening with both sides still differing on basic issues of health insurance and wage.  The new labor contract will cover around 450 Guthrie Corning Hospital employees.  Talks are expected to resume on June 9^th.

Bath Signage to Get an Overhaul?

Members of the Bath Revitalization Group were at the Village of Bath Board Meeting last night to offer help with upgrading and repairing the “Welcome to Bath” signs.  The signs have deteriorated over the years and the group is offering to fix them and make them look as good as new.  If approved by the board, funding for this project would come from the recent Gateway to the Finger Lakes 5k Run and Walk.

School Budgets Go Before Voters Today:

School Budgets across the state will go before the voters today with most local polls open from noon to 8 p.m.  In Bath, the $33.2 million budget plan will hike the tax levy 2 percent, well under the cap.  Spending is up 1.4 percent and the district will eliminate the equivalent of 2.5 full-time positions by not replacing retirements.  There are also several propositions on the budget, including a plan to spend $1.8 million on safety and security improvements.  Matthew Burns and Pamela Cleveland are vying for the open seat on the board, a five-year term.  Over in Hammondsport, the $12.4 million budget plan includes a 2.14 percent tax increase, under the district’s cap of 3.75.  It maintains all current programs, and adds an elementary teacher.  It also includes an effort to upgrade security and asks voters to approve establishing a capital reserve fund for technology upgrades.  Jim Zimar is running unopposed for a five-year term on the board.  In Addison the tax levy will rise 2.9 percent under the Addison Central School District’s $26.2 million budget proposal, under its cap.  There will be no program cuts or staff reductions.  Brian Herrington, an incumbent, is running unopposed.  And in Campbell-Savona, the $21.27 million budget has a tax increase of 2 percent, well below the district’s cap.  There will be no layoffs or program cuts.  Total spending is up 6 percent, though most of that is for one-time expenses.  Thomas Hauryski is running opposed for the board. 

May 20-24 Declared Firefighter and EMS Week:

The New York State Assembly came together yesterday to pass a resolution memorializing Governor Cuomo to proclaim May 20^th through the 24^th as Volunteer Firefighter and EMS Week in the State of New York.  In a statement, local lawmaker Phil Palmesano said, “These dedicated men and women provide an invaluable service to our families and are absolutely deserving of our thanks for their efforts.  I’m very happy to join with my Assembly colleagues in thanking these volunteers and I encourage everyone to do the same.”  In upstate New York, an estimated 95 percent of all firefighters are volunteers.  Additionally, more than half of the 57,000 EMS workers throughout the state are also volunteers.

Cameron Fire Destroys Barn, Garage, Vehicles:

Firefighters from the Cameron, Jasper, Troupsburgh, Woodhull, and Canisteo volunteer departments were called to a residence in the Town of Cameron yesterday after a nearby garage accidentally caught fire and spread to the home. Located at the intersection of County Route 21 and Jackson Hill Road, the fire is reported to have started when the property owner was burning papers in a garbage can outside and the wind blew the flames onto the garage.  Firefighters spent several hours battling blaze.  No injuries were reported, but the garage, a barn, and several vehicles were all destroyed.

Steuben Co. Man Held in Connection to Springwater Robbery:

Earlier this week, the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office was asking for the public’s help in locating a vehicle that was stolen during a home invasion in the Town of Springwater.  Today, a Steuben County man and two others are under arrest in connection with the robbery.  21-year-old Kyle Witthoft of Gang Mills and two other men are accused of robbing a 70-year-old man last Saturday.  During the robbery they allegedly restrained the victim and stole several items, including a shotgun and a pick-up truck.  Authorities have not said what led them to suspect Witthoft, but he was arrested in Steuben County following a noise complaint.  After Witthoft was arrested, the two other suspects were located at a home in Rochester.  Witthoft and 36-year-old Alan Fick were sent to the Livingston County Jail on $125,000 bail.  23-year-old Joseph Macuado is being held in the Monroe County Jail on an unrelated robbery charge.

21 Facing Charges in Livingston Co. following Drug Crackdown:

In what’s being referred to as a “spring cleanup,” 21 people have been arrested by the Livingston County Drug Task Force on drug violations.  In a press release, County Sheriff John York said the arrests in the countywide crackdown included the sale of cocaine, marijuana, crack cocaine, and hallucinogens.  Arrested were 33-year-old Ryan Nerby of Lakeville, 27-year-old Brian Nolan of Geneseo, 18-year-old Jesse Hernandez of Piffard, 18-year-old Anthony Andrew of Conesus, 20-year-old Zachery Stephany of Caledonia, 19-year-old Parrish MacWilliams of Caledonia, 26-year-old Amanda Steward of Lakeville, 22-year-old Jacob Shamp of Lakeville, 26-year-old Paul Primeaux of Livonia, 27-year-old Brian Vanwuyckhuyse of Geneseo, 24-year-old Justin Jackson of Mount Morris, 46-year-old Jody Root of Caledonia, 19-year-old Alexander Montalbano of Caledonia, 31-year-old Jennifer Trojanski of Caledonia, 19-year-old Julian Beard of Caledonia, Brandon Cassada of Avon, 29-year-old Christopher Patridge of Groveland, and Marquis Morris of Rochester.

State Police Investigating PP Burglary:

The New York State Police of Painted Post are investigating a burglary that occurred at Birnie Transportation Services on the Victory Highway in Painted Post.  It’s alleged that earlier this week, unknown subjects forced their way into Birnie Transportation Services and stole a digital camera.  Anyone with information is asked to call the state police.

Oneidas Reach Deal with NY on Casinos:

The Oneida Indians have reached a deal with the Cuomo administration that guarantees exclusive territory for their central New York casino in exchange for an estimated $50 million in annual payments to the state.  The proposed deal was announced yesterday and would be part of Gov. Cuomo’s proposal to bring three Las Vegas casinos to upstate New York at yet-to-be-indentified locations.  Under the deal, the Oneida Indian Nation would begin paying a share of its revenue from their Turning Stone Resort Casino to the state.  A public referendum to change New York’s constitution to allow non-Indian casinos could be on the ballot as early as November.

Corning, Inc. Unveils New Glass:

Corning Incorporated has announced that at a trade show in Vancouver next week they will officially launch their newest specialty glass.  Corning says the new Lotus glass allows them phone makers to use thinner backplates, and that it will allow for high resolution pictures, faster response times, and brighter picture quality.  Corning Inc. will also be displaying Gorilla Glass 3 at the show.

Parking & Traffic Restrictions for Bath Comm. Expo:

The Bath Community Expo will be coming to the Village of Bath this weekend and with the arrival of the yearly Bath Tub Races and Lumberjack Competition, there also comes some parking and traffic restrictions.  Bath Police Chief David Rouse has announced that on today at 3 p.m., Bath Village Police will begin posting “NO PARKING” signs around the perimeter of Pulteney Square.  At 5 p.m., all vehicles must be removed or they will be subject to being ticketed and towed.  Pulteney Square East and West will both be closed to traffic as barricades will be placed at each crosswalk.  These restrictions will be in place throughout the weekend’s events.  Tomorrow, at 6 a.m. both sides of Liberty Street between Steuben and William Streets will be posted with “NO PARKING” signs.  All vehicles will have to be removed by 7 a.m.  At that time, Liberty Street will be closed to all vehicular traffic.  At 9:30 a.m., the Haverling Big Blue Marching Band will perform.  They’ll be followed by the Bath Tub Races.  Liberty Street will reopen following the conclusion of the Bath Tub Races around noon.