Penn Yan Home Destroyed by Fire:

A home on Johnson Avenue in Penn Yan has been destroyed by an early morning house fire.  Fire officials say a combination of inclement weather and a shortage of water made battling the blaze difficult.  The flames were so intense they caused minor damage to neighboring homes.  There people were home at the time of the fire, but all escaped unharmed.  The homeowner credits the new smoke detectors he installed a few weeks prior for the saving of his family’s life.  Officials have not named a cause for the fire.


Domestic Incident Leads to Arrest in Bath:

37-year-old Daniel Hoad, of Bath, has been arrested and charged by Deputy Sheriffs following a domestic abuse incident with his girlfriend last week.  According to a press release, Hoad’s girlfriend called 911 on December 23rd to report that she had stabbed him in the shoulder after he had been abusive toward her.  He was taken by ambulance to Ira Davenport, but refused treatment and was released.  He had now been charged with second-degree harassment and endangering the welfare of a child.  He has been released on his own recognizance; an order of protection was issued for the woman and child involved in the incident.  The woman was questioned, but was not charged.


Avoca Woman Charged After Hitting Home with Car:

Bath-based State Police are reporting that 32-year-old Angela Abbott, of Avoca, is facing multiple charges after she drove her car into a carport and struck a home in Bath.  Authorities say Abbott was driving on Tuesday night on Lake Salubria Road and took a turn too fast and exited the roadway.  She barreled into a carport and then struck a nearby house, cracking its block foundation.  The carport and Abbott’s car were both totaled.  No one was injured in the accident; Abbott has been charged with driving while intoxicated, fifth-and-seventh degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, and containing a controlled substance not in its original container.  Police added that she allegedly possessed a half-gram of cocaine.  She was arraigned in Bath Town Court and released on her own recognizance.


New Hospital Site’s Subdivision Approved:

The subdivision of a 110 acre parcel off East Corning Road in South Corning was unanimously approved last night by the Corning Town Planning Board.  The northern portion of the parcel, 72 acres at the end of East Corning Road, is the projected future site of the new Corning Hospital facility – the ground breaking of which is expected to be in early April.  The southern end, 38 acres divided by Interstate Highway 86, will not be purchased by Guthrie, owner of Corning Hospital, and will remain owned by local businessman Roger Steele.


Ernie Davis to Reopen Minus Library:

Ernie Davis Middle School officials are now saying that the school will reopen when classes resume after Christmas break, but the school will remain without library until at least the next school year.  As previously reported, a fire sparked by a faulty light fixture destroyed the school’s library on December 21st.  Elmira City School District Superintendent Joseph Hochreiter told the Corning Leader that he estimates the construction of a new library will cost $1 to $2 million dollars, all of which should be covered by the district’s insurance policy.


Governor Launches “Countdown to Lower Taxes:”

Governor Andrew Cuomo is helping New Yorkers ring in the new year with the launch of a special clock on his website that is currently counting down to January 1st, the day when the lowest tax rates for middle-class New Yorkers in fifty-eight years will go into effect.  In a statement, the Governor said, “When the lower tax rates for businesses and residents go into effect on January 1, more than four million middle-class New Yorkers will get a tax-break. We hope all New Yorkers will join us in counting down to lower taxes for our State."  To find information about the new tax rates and to view the countdown clock yourself visit www.governor.ny.gov  
 

County Emergency Services Recieve $1.5 Million Grant

Money paid along with your cell phone bill is helping improve local emergency responder communications.  The state of New York announced that it is giving Steuben County more than $1.5 million to upgrade its emergency communications systems.  And thanks to a small surcharge on statewide cell phone bills, the total amount dispensed to 16 different counties totals more than $20 million.  The local money will be used to upgrade communications systems from what is called a “wideband” system to a “narrowband” system.  The upgrades will not only allow better overall communication between first responders and their dispatchers but will also offer a more channels for communication.  The narrowband upgrade has been mandated by the Federal Communications Commission and all local jurisdictions must use it by the end of 2012.


Steuben County Approves Wind Power Payments

A local windfarm will provide not only power to Steuben County, but also an estimated $500,000 to repair local County Roads.  Wind energy developer EverPower repaved portions of County Route 109 this year and they are scheduled to help pay for the restoration of County Routes 27 and 70A in the near future.  EverPower is the company behind the recent development of the 25-turbine wind-power project in the town of Howard.  The Steuben County Industrial Development Agency approved a 20-year tax payment plan that promises Steuben County $100,000 a year in revenue.

 

Syracuse Man Charged With Murder In Christmas Eve Attack On Girlfriend

A 38-year-old man in Syracuse was arrested and charged with second degree murder over the holiday weekend in connection with the beating death of young woman.  Police say that Craig Owens was arrested Saturday after being called to his house regarding an unconscious woman.  18-year-old Latisha Hayes, Owens' live-in girlfriend, was found severely beaten by police after they were called to the home late Christmas Eve morning and later pronounced dead at Upstate Medical University.  Owens was arraigned Sunday morning in Syracuse City Court and sent to Onondaga County Jail without bail.

Apparent Murder-Suicide Perplexes Pennsylvania State Police

An elderly couple was found dead in their home last week in Farmington, Pennsylvania.  State Police said that 72-year-old Madeline Smith and her husband, 77-year-old Warren Smith were found by a family member, both dead of single gunshot wounds to the chest.  Investigation and autopsy findings concluded that Madeline Smith shot her husband and then took her own life. No motive was suggested and police are continuing their investigation.

And On The Lighter Side Of The News:

A cat survived a four-hour, 200-mile ride under the hood of a car traveling through Ohio this holiday weekend.  The driver departed from southwest Ohio on Christmas day, headed for Cleveland, stopped at a rest area when he smelled "something funny".  An Ohio State Police officer found the motorist with his hood up and a large black and white cat that wasn't his stuck in the engine compartment.  Suffering a few burns on his side, the cat was taken to a nearby animal hospital and local veteranarians reported that he was going to be fine.  The local SPCA is calling him "Eclipse" after the model of the car and are trying to find his owner.

Tuscarora Man Jailed After Domestic Dispute/Police Standoff:

57-year-old Raymond Enderle, of Tuscarora, is now in custody after being involved in a domestic dispute, a high speed chase, and an armed standoff.  According to a release from the State Police, Enderle was involved in a domestic dispute at a residence in Lawrenceville, Pennsylvania – which included the discharge of a firearm – and fled the scene.  Pennsylvania State Police pursued him to his residence on County Route #85 where he barricaded himself inside.  The New York State Police, including Crisis Negotiators and Members of the Special Operations Rescue Team also responded to the scene.  After four hours, Enderle surrendered without incident.  He has been charged in New York as a Fugitive From Justice and was arraigned in Lindley court before being remanded to the Steuben County Jail to await extradition.  Charges in Pennsylvania include: Burglary, Criminal Attempted Burglary, Terroristic Threats with Intent to Terrorize Another, Unlawful Restraint, Recklessly Endangering Another; Fleeing/Attempting to Elude an Officer, Harassment, and Criminal Mischief to Property.

 
Accident in Fremont Involves 3 Vehicles and a House:

Steuben County Deputies responded to a motor vehicle accident yesterday in Fremont that involved 3 cars and a house.  According to their reports, 24-year-old Angela Dubois, of Fremont, was driving on County Route 55 when she fell asleep at the wheel and went off the left side of the road, striking a pickup truck park in the driveway of the residence of Thomas Hagadones.  The pickup spun and struck Hagadones house; Dubois’ vehicle continued through the front yard and struck another vehicle.  Dubois was transported to Saint James Hospital where she was treated and released.  She has been issued traffic summons for failure to keep right.

 
Bath P.D. Seeking Armed Robbery Suspect:

The Village of Bath Police Department is seeking the public’s help in the identification of a suspect that robbed the Misba Mart on Liberty Street at knife point late last night.  The suspect was reported to be male, 5’10” with a slender build and was wearing black sweat pants and a gray sweatshirt.  He fled on foot with an unknown amount of cash.  Anyone with information should contact the Bath Police Department.

 
Elmira Man Jailed on Sex Charge:

After a report from the Arnot Ogden Medical Center concerning a child victim of sexual abuse, Chemung County authorities have arrested 42-year-old James Lewis, of Elmira, on a charge of first-degree criminal sex act, a class B felony punishable by up to 25 years in state prison.  He has been remanded to the Chemung County Jail without bail.  The Elmira Police Department has not provided an age or gender for the alleged victim, nor the circumstances of the alleged assault.  They are asking that anyone with additional information call the department’s anonymous tipline.
 

Suspect Sought in Ginger’s Shop Theft:

Last week more than $200 was stolen from Ginger’s Shop on Liberty Street in Bath.  Shop owner, Pat Drum, told the Corning Leader that the theft occurred around noon last Thursday while she was in a back office checking prices for a male customer.  When she returned to the store area, and the customer had left, she discovered $80 in cash was missing from her till as was her wallet, containing $150.  Police are reported to be looking for a man in his mid-20’s, 5’9”, 180 pounds with black hair and a light olive complexion.  Anyone with information should contact the police department.
 
 

Corning Issues Road-Use Agreement:
 
The Corning Town Board has adopted a road-use agreement in an effort to protect its 56.1 miles of roads against hydraulic fracturing.  The Local Road Use and Preservation Law would require drilling companies to repair roads damaged as a result of heavy truck use.  Said Supervisor Kim Feehan, “The possibility of fracking (companies) moving into the area was about 90 percent of the reason we adopted the law.”
 

Steuben County Could Sell Home Health Care Service:
 
Steuben County Administrator Mark Alger says legislators will review purchase proposals from two western New York agencies for the county’s home health care certificate when they meet in regular session today.  Public home care is increasing rare in New York State, with many counties selling their certificates or contracting with private agencies.  Steuben County’s public health services ranges between $100,000 and $200,000 every year, amounting to less than 1 percent in property taxes.  Alger says, “If the agencies don’t come up with a reasonable offer, the county could keep its operating license and absorb the overage.”
 

Steuben County Closes DPW Building in Caton:
 
County Public Works Commissioner Vincent Spagnoletti says safety concerns at the aging Caton shop is responsible for the relocation of three Steuben County plows to the county landfill transfer station in Erwin.  According to Spagnoletti, the shop’s roof is sagging, one wall is bowing out, and rain water leaks into the shop, creating hazardous conditions.  The move could become permanent; especially after Interstate 99 is completed.  When I-99 is finished, the state will turn U.S. 15 over to the county. “We’ll see how this works, covering roads from Erwin,” Spagnoletti told the Corning Leader.  “And U.S. 15 will become a major road for us.  From the transfer station the roads over there are easily accessible.”
 

No Injuries in Jasper Accident:
 
No injuries have been reported in the one car motor vehicle accident that occurred on County Route 21 last Friday at the intersection of County Route 123 in Jasper.  According to a release from the Steuben County Sheriff’s Office, 25-year-old Jill Steward of Bath was traveling south when she lost control on black ice and went off the left side of the road.  Her vehicle struck an earth embankment and overturned, coming to rest on its roof.  The vehicle received extensive damage, but Stewart and her two passengers were unharmed.  No tickets have been issued.
 
 
Bath Housing Authority Meeting Tonight:

Don’t forget, the Village of Bath Housing Authority Board will be meeting tonight at 4pm in their usual location.  This is the last meeting of the year.
 

Board of Ed. Meeting Scheduled for Tomorrow:

The Bradford Central School District will hold their regular meeting of the Board of Education tomorrow evening at 5:30pm.  It will be held in the library.

Bombs Found in Southport Home:

Several residences on Smith Street in Southport were evacuated Wednesday after bombs and explosive materials were found inside the home of 34-year-old William Cusick.   According to the Chemung County Sheriff’s Office, deputies initially responded to 1017 Smith Street for a domestic dispute, and found two bombs, bomb-making materials, and firearm silencers.  Cusick has been taken into custody and is being held on $50,000 cash bail.  Authorities have not yet determined why the bombs were built and did not say if they believed the weapons to be terror related.


$20,000 in Drugs and Other Material Seized in Elmira Raid:

A raid of an apartment on West Third Street in Northside Elmira has netted Chemung County police agents $20,000 worth of heroin, a 9mm handgun, two shotguns, ballistic body armor, and an unspecified amount of cash.  They also took 35-year-old Wilfredo Aponte into custody and charged him with third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, a class B felony.  Bail information has not yet been released, more charges are pending.


Man Arrested In Campbell Following Car Accident:

43-year-old Norman Clark, of Painted Post, has been arrested for Driving While Intoxicated following a one-car property damage motor vehicle accident in Campbell.  Clark was also charged with Aggravated DWI for having a blood alcohol content of .18% or higher.  He was issued Uniform Traffic Tickets returnable to the Town of Campbell Court.


Addison Woman Arrested Following Altercation:

26-year-old Jessica M. Hastings of Addison, was taken into custody by State Police following a physical altercation at a residence in Addison. She was charged with Harassment in the 2nd and Criminal Obstruction of Breathing. She was arraigned in the Town of Addison Court and remanded to the Steuben County Jail in lieu of $2,000 cash bail or $4,000 property bond.


Erwin-Painted Post Trustees Consider Consolidation Proposal:

The Painted Post-Erwin Study Committee held its final public presentation last night, outlining the possible economic benefits of dissolving the Village of Painted Post and consolidating with the Town of Erwin.  A more in-depth, final, report will be given on January 9th when the village trustees will meet to discuss the proposal further.


Last Bath Housing Authority Board Meeting This Monday:

The last meeting of the Bath Housing Authority for this year will be held this Monday, December 19th, at 4pm in its usual location.


Campbell-Savona Schedules Board of Ed. Meeting:

There will be a meeting of the Campbell-Savona Central School District Board of Education on Monday, December 19, at 1:30 P.M. at the Campbell-Savona Elementary School Band Room.
 

Further Charges in Dansville Sex Abuse Case:
 
36-year-old Joseph Volta, formerly of Dansville, currently of the Steuben County Jail, was arrested and charged again yesterday for allegedly making contact with a person who had an Order of Protection placed against him in connection to the sexual abuse case Volta was arrested for on December 6th.   Volta was originally charged by the Steuben County Sheriff’s Office with one count of Criminal Sexual Act in the First Degree and one count of Endangering the Welfare of Child after an investigation into the reports he made sexual contact with a minor child in Dansville.  Now, Volta has also been charged with one count of Criminal Contempt in the First Degree, a class E felony.

 
Electrical Malfunction Cited as Cause of Fire in Elmira Heights:
 
Electrical malfunction – that’s the blame being given to the fire on Sunday in Elmira Heights that injured three firefighters and left a family of six homeless.  According to reports, the fire started just after 2pm on Sunday on the second floor of the family home on West 13th Street and blazing by the time firefighters arrived on the scene.  It took crews over an hour to bring the fire under control and three firefighters suffered minor injuries during the efforts.  All six members of the family escaped uninjured.

 
Teens Charged in Hornell Burglary:

Three teenage boys, two from Hornell and one from Niagra Falls, have been accused of breaking in to an apartment on Main Street in Hornell, says the Hornell Police Department.  According to authorities, the three allegedly broke in to an apartment and stole an iPod, a TV, and a wallet; and, allegedly, they got into a physical altercation with a resident of the apartment over one of the stolen items.  Two of the youths are being held and have been charged with 6th Degree Conspiracy, 4th Degree Conspiracy, 4th Degree Grand Larceny, 2nd degree robbery, and Petit Larceny.  The third teen was charged with Petit Larceny and 6th Degree Conspiracy and was issued an appearance ticket.


Driver in Fatal West Sparta Accident Charged with DWI:

Livingston County Sheriff John York reports that the driver who survived a two vehicle fatal accident on November 27th in West Sparta, has now been charged with Felony Driving While Intoxicated, Felony Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle in the First Degree and a third Felony of Making an apparently false sworn statement in the First Degree.  York says 29-year-old William Schledorn, of West Sparta, is believed to be responsible for the accident which claimed the lives of Joshua Price and Katie Burr on Kysorville Byersville Road in West Sparta, and, according to the sheriff, he was not truthful about his involvement at the scene of the accident. Schledorn was arraigned in West Sparta Town Court and bail was set at $25,000 cash or $50,000 bond.


Village of Cohocton Monthly Meeting Rescheduled:

Just a reminder, the Village of Cohocton Board of Trustees has rescheduled their December 21st monthly meeting for today at 7pm at the Village Office on South Main Street.


Prattsburgh Schedules Town Board of Meeting:

The Town Board of Prattsburgh has announced that it will hold a special meeting on this Thursday, December 15th, at 6pm at the Prattsburgh Town Hall in order to discuss the Union Contract.


Holiday Concert at the Dormann Library:

The Dormann Library in Bath will hold a holiday concert featuring the Common Ground Choir this Thursday from 6:30 to 7:30pm.  Admission will be free, you can contact the library for more information.


Steuben County Sheriff Offers Holiday Safety Tips:

With the Christmas and holiday season in full swing, Sheriff Joel Ordway has issued a press release detailing some safety tips to help everyone stay safe and have an enjoyable holiday.  When shopping: shop with a friend or relative, always park where there is plenty of light between your car and the store, before leaving your care always make sure there isn’t anything of value in sight such as cell phones, GPS units, or holiday purchases, and teach young children to go for help – such as to a uniformed guard or a cashier - if they get separated from you.  When shopping online: only shop at sites that begin with “https” – the “s” designates the site as secure, stick with established retailers, and if you’re shopping with an familiar retailer look them up on the Better Business Bureau website.  And when celebrating away from home: choose a designated driver, if possible avoid driving during the early and late evening hours on Christmas and New Years, and protect yourself and passengers by wearing a seat belt at all times.
 
 

Youth Basketball Day at HCS

The Kiwanis Youth Basketball program is holding a day full of basketball fun at the Bath-Haverling High School gymnasium.  Boys and girls from grades two through six are invited to a free two hour clinic on basketball fundamentals from 8:30 to 10:30 this morning.  Bath’s varsity and JV coaches will be on hand to show all the youngsters all the basics they’ll need for the upcoming Kiwanis basketball season.

After the fundamentals clinic the Annual Elks Club Lodge 1547 is holding its Free Throw Shooting Contest from 10:30 to 1 pm.  The annual contest known as the “Hoop Shoot” is completely free and open to boys and girls ages 8 through 13 as of April 1^st, 2012.  Make sure you bring a birth certificate to enter the competition.  Prizes, hot dogs and drinks will be available.

And while all the fun is going on, members of Kiwanis will be on hand to help register youngsters for the upcoming basketball season.  Today is the very last day to register and all boys and girls at least 7 years old as of December 1, 2011 are welcome.  The league runs for eight weeks beginning January 3^rd and the fee is only $20, which includes a game shirt to keep.

Fracking Forum Announced

A forum on the contentious issue of “fracking” has been announced for next week at the Fire Hall in Cameron.  The program, which is titled “Hydrofracking: The Rest of the Story,” will feature a panel of three speakers as well as an informal discussion.  Jack Ossont of the Committee to Preserve the Finger Lakes is scheduled to discuss how fracking would impact the Southern Tier; Art Hunt from Hunt Country Vineyards is scheduled to discuss local economics and agricultural issues; while attorney Rachel Treichler is scheduled to discuss legal options for communities.  The formal program starts at 6 pm but the informal discussion and food and beverage hour begins at 4:30.  The Cameron Fire Hall is located on Depot Street off County Route 119.

Holiday of Lights in Addison

The village of Addison’s annual holiday festival takes place today.  The “Holiday of Lights” festival presented by the Middletown Historical Society gives participants the opportunity to create an uplifting light display in memory of loved ones or to honor special friends and family members.  Santa will also be on hand at the Village Hall at 1 pm followed by the lighting ceremony and further entertainment at 2:30.

Last Day To Sign Up For KofC “Care and Share”

The Knights of Columbus annual “Care and Share” program concludes its signups today.  The yearly holiday program distributes donated toys and food baskets to those who sign up at St Mary’s School Hall on Morris Street. in Bath.  Toy signups are for children ages one through ten from Avoca, Bath, Bradford, Campbell, Hammondsport, Prattsburgh, and Savona. St Mary’s School Hall will be open from 9 am to noon today but home-bound senior citizens and Lake View residents may call 776-3666.

Local Lawmaker Tom Schwartz Dies at 66:

66-year-old Tom Schwartz, first elected to the Steuben County Legislature in 1995, has unexpectedly passed away, dieing at his home on Tuesday.  For 14 years Schwartz served on the County Board and it was he that introduced the successful measure of allowing public comment during sessions.  Colleagues and friends have taken to today’s Corning Leader to remember him:  Among others, County Legislator Scott Van Etten said, “He thought that he could make things better.  And at least he stepped up and tried, unlike most people that would rather side on the sidelines and complain,” and County Public Works Commissioner Vince Spagnoletti added, “I think, for him, life was a fight to get things done he believed needed to be done.”  Schwartz is survived by two daughters, five sisters, a brother, and his former wife.  Calling hours will be from 1 to 4pm on Saturday at the Victory Highway Wesleyan Church in Painted Post.  Services will follow.


Elmira Man Arrested in Connection to Store Burglaries:

37-year-old Shawn Daniels of Elmira was arrested early yesterday morning after police say he attempted to burglarize a convenience store for the third time in less than three weeks.  According to authorities, Daniels was caught in the act of attempting to break into the Oakwood Avenue Wilson Farms store around 1am Wednesday and police believe that he is the same person who allegedly broke into the same Wilson Farms on November 22nd and 29th.  Daniels is currently being held on $5,000 cash bail on a charge of third degree burglary.


Investigation into Death of Virginia Woman in Elmira Heights Still On-Going:

Authorities are now reporting that it may be several more months before they can determine what killed the Virginia woman whose body was found six weeks ago in an Elmira Heights creek.  Few details about the death of 49-year-old Linda Cheplick, who was visiting family in Elmira Heights, have been released, but investigators have said that her death does remain “suspicious,” and that they are awaiting full autopsy results, which cold take several months.


Attorney General and Senator Gillibrand Introduce Measure to Crack Down on Illegal Gun Sales:

Following the details of New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman’s undercover investigation that led to criminal charges against 10 New York gun dealers for illegal gun sales at gun shows, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, the Attorney General, the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, and New Yorkers Against Gun Violence have now come together to announce the introduction of federal legislation to crack down on corrupt gun dealers.  Gillibrand’s Gun Trafficking Prevention Act of 2011 aims to strengthen enforcement against firearm sellers who disregard mandatory background checks and who knowingly distribute illegal weapons.  The proposed legislation would toughen penalties on corrupt gun sellers, authorize the U.S. Attorney General to suspend or revoke the license of any corrupt dealer, and make it a crime to intentionally sell or purchase illegal firearms.


Canisteo Supervisor Announces Talks with Wind Company:

Canisteo Town Supervisor Peisher has announced that wind company, Invenergy would like to meet with the Canisteo Town Board in order to discuss the possibility of a future wind project in Canisteo.  Invenergy is a Chicago-based company, with offices in Europe.


Better Business Bureau Issues Warning:

The Better Business Bureau is cautioning businesses and consumers about an email that contains the subject line "Complaint from your customers." This e-mail is fraudulent; ignore its contents and delete it immediately. If you have already clicked on a link in the e-mail, run a full virus scan of your computer.  The email contains a dangerous attachment regarding a complaint and appears to direct recipients to the BBB website. But it is a scam – the BBB does not send complaints as attachments via email. The BBB is working with law enforcement to determine its source and to stop the fraudulent campaign.

Excavator Stolen From Horseheads Work Site:

The Horseheads based New York State Police are investigating the theft of an orange 2011 Kubota KX121 mini-excavator from a construction site at the new Cracker Barrel restaurant, located in the Southern Tier Crossing retail area off County Route 64.  The excavator was last seen at the job site at 2pm, Saturday.  Anyone with information is asked to contact the State Police.


Bath Utility Board Meeting Recap:

The Bath Village Board had their monthly utility meeting last night and the five new utility commissioners were sworn in.  Approved at an earlier board meeting were Harold Rodbourn for a 5 year term, Barney Bonicave for a 4 year term, William Heigel for 3 years, and Mike Austin for two.  Also approved to the commission was Rhonda Sweet.  It’s been three years since the village had a Utility commission which oversees the multi-faceted operation of Bath Electric Gas and Water systems.  The previous commission was disbanded by then Mayor David Wallace, and the trustees have been overseeing the operation since.  Rodbourn and Bonicave were both members of the previous commission.


Yates County Okays Anti-Fracking Law:

The Yates County Planning Board has now approved zoning amendments proposed by the Town of Jerusalem designed to eliminate the threat of high-volume hydrofracking horizontal gas wells within the town borders.  It was a nearly unanimous decision with only one opposing vote.  When asked what would happen if neighboring towns allowed fracking, the Board replied that other towns are following, or are expected to follow, Jerusalem’s lead.


State Police Cracking Down on Drunk Driving:

As holiday merry-making approaches, it appears police are cracking down on drivers who take it too far.  Five individuals have been arrested this past weekend by the State Police: one in the Town of Bath, one in the Village of Bath, and individuals in Campbell, Corning and Painted Post, all for driving while intoxicated and ranging in ages from 23 to 60.  Be safe and smart this holiday season, select a designated driver or call a cab.


CCC’s Small Business Development Center Receives Grant:

The Small Business Development Center at Corning Community College has announced that it has been awarded “A Portable Assistance Grant” by the Small Business Administration.  The purpose of the grant is provide portable access and relief to small businesses affected by significant corporate, and industry specific downsizing in their surrounding communities.  The goal is to offer special training, counseling and assistance with loan packaging to small businesses that need to redirect their focus and marketing endeavors.  In line with this effort, outreach locations are being created at the Small Bsuiness Administration’s office on East Water Street in Elmira and the Steuben County IDA office in Bath.  Anyone interested in learning more or wishing to set up an appointment to speak with a counselor should contact the Small Business Center.


Alzheimer’s Workshop This Week:

A free Alzheimer’s workshop is scheduled to be offered this week by the Wayland Free Library on Thursday from 2 to 4pm.  Topics included will be: “Managing Challenging Behaviors with Dementia” and “Effective Communication with Dementia.”  Reservations are required, please call the library to reserve your seat.
 

John Stranges Steps Out of Local Politics:

After only one year as Village Trustee, John Stranges is stepping down from his post. Stranges will be remembered for being a strong advocate for downtown revitalization and his many proposals designed to build up the village’s economy. While he was thought by many to be a possible leading candidate for mayor this election season he is, in fact, hanging up his political trunks. Citing obligations to the Bath Rotary and the Greater Steuben Chamber of Commerce, and his own antiques business, Stranges is officially out of politics and says that he is now focusing his energies on other ways to serve his beloved community.

Bath’s Spirit of Christmas:

Though it was cold, the holiday spirit was definitely in the air last as the village of Bath held its annual Spirit of Christmas festival last night, filling Pulteney Square with revelers. Though the weather turned chilly early on, the Keuka Lake Players wassailed the night away with carols while Mr. and Mrs. Claus were charioted to the festivities as usual by the Bath Volunteer Fire Department. WVIN’s own Dave Taylor Smith braved the cold to broadcast our coverage of all the fun, which included cookie decorating, live nativity scenes, and even a ventriloquist. Today’s

Corning Holiday Action:

While Pulteney sqare was filled to the brim last night here in Bath, it seems the entire city of Corning is in on the Holiday Fun today. Festivities are underway all day long at various venues around the city, including all three Corning Museums, a gallery opening, and 171 Cedar Arts.

The Rockwell Museum of Western Art is hosting a Jewelry Trunk Show and Sale from 9 to 6, with jewelry from designers and artisans in Mexico and the Southwest United States.

The Benjamin Patterson Inn Museum holds its annual Holiday Open House from 10 to 3, with free admission, a holiday bake sale, decorating demonstrations, and lots of fun children’s crafts in the schoolhouse.

And the Corning Museum of Glass is holding its annual Holiday Open House from 9 to 5, with free admission, live music, and special glassmaking experiences.

Centerway Square and the Gaffer District are the centers of Corning’s 37th Annual Sparkle event, featuring horse and carriage rides, family fun, carolers, and, of course, Santa himself.

On the adult side of things, from 5 to 7 PM the Spotlight Gallery @ the ARTS hosts a free reception for its 12X12<150 show, a special holiday exhibit of member artwork with a maximum size of 12 inches by 12 inches by 12 inches and a maximum price of $150.

And 171 Cedar Art Center welcomes swing-jazz duo Guy Van Duser and Billy Novick for an intimate performance in 171’s Drake House Studio Theater.

Benefit Dinner:

Even after several surgeries, Cohocton newborn, Jordyn Wise, remains at Strong Hospital after twelve weeks due to a digestive system problem. St. Pauls Lutheran Church in Cohocton is holding a Scalloped Potatoes and Ham Benefit Dinner for her family tomorrow from 1PM until they run out. Adult dinners are $8 and children ten and under are $5.

Bath Zoning Board Meeting Recap:

The plans to build a 10,000 square foot medical clinic in a residential area on Geneva Street in Bath have been called off.  The facility’s would-be neighbors arrived at last night’s Zoning Board meeting ready to let their feeling be known, but Chairman Mike McNally beat them to the punch, announcing that Guthrie has withdrawn their request and will be looking elsewhere in the community to build.


“Operation Hang-Up” Nets Over 800 Tickets:

You may recall that over the Thanksgiving holiday, the New York State Police manned a campaign called “Operation Hang-Up,” an enhanced enforcement initiative directed at motorists who use handheld electronic devices while driving.  Well, Governor Andrew Cuomo has now announced over 800 tickets were issued during the campaign.  “Operation Hang-Up” ran from November 23d through the 27th and said the Governor, “The more than 800 tickets issued in just five days further demonstrates the need for these stricter laws which focus on drivers who put others at risk by illegally using a hand-held device.  I thank the State Police and local law enforcement agencies for cracking down on distracted driving during the holiday weekend to help protect New Yorkers and keep our highways safe.”


Lawmakers O’Mara and Palmesano Coming to Penn Yan:

New York State Senator Tom O’Mara and Assemblyman Phil Palmesano will hold a community meeting in Penn Yan this Monday, December 5th, at 5:30pm at the Penn Yan Village Hall.  The local lawmakers have said that the meeting will be informal, open to the public, and aimed at giving local residents an opportunity to directly share their concerns, opinions, and suggests for better government.


USPS Offers Holiday Mailing Tips:

This holiday season the U.S. Postal Service is reminding costumers to take the hustle and bustle out of holiday shipping by offering some tips to making the busiest mailing season easier:  Beat the rush and mail early – the Postal Service is projecting Tuesday, December 20th as the busiest mailing day of the season.  Customers are urged to mail as early in the season as possible and plan to avoid the mail delivery delays caused by bad weather.   Holiday stamps are not only available at your local Post Office, but also an Automated Postal Center or at one of over 100 Southern Tier grocery and convenient stores, pharmacies and banks.  Check out usps.com to locate your nearest stamp retailer.  And don’t forget, shipping deadlines – especially military and international – are fast approaching, with your last chance to ship military mail destined for Afghanistan being tomorrow.  To see the full deadline list, see usps.com.


Spirit of Christmas Parking Restriction Reminders:

With all the Spirit of Christmas excitement in the air tonight, don’t forget that parking restrictions will be put in place in Bath at 3pm.  At that time Village Police will being prohibiting parking on the North and South sides of Pulteney Park, and all vehicles must be removed from those locations by 5pm or they will be subject to tow at the owner’s expense.  Also at 5pm, Pulteney Square West will be closed to vehicular traffic.  For your event parking needs, check out the permit parking are of the Municipal Parking Lot – it will be opened up to the public free of charge.