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New York State Police and local law enforcement will be participating in the national "U Drive. U Text. U Pay." mobilization to raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving. April marks Distracted Driving Awareness Month nationwide. Law enforcement throughout the state will be stepping up patrols during this enforcement initiative, which runs from Thursday, April 8 through Monday, April 12. To help deter motorists from talking on a cell phone without a hands-free device, texting, or using an electronic device while driving, the state has set strict penalties. The penalties can range from $50 to $450 in fines, 5 driver violation points, and suspension or revocation of license. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 3,142 people were killed in the United States in distraction-affected crashes in 2019. To help prevent more tragedies, NHTSA recommends the following for motorists: If you must send or receive a text, pull over to a safe location and park your car first. If you have passengers, appoint a "designated texter" to handle all your texting. If you can't resist the temptation to look at your phone, keep it in the trunk. Combined with enforcement campaigns, GTSC coordinates various traffic safety activities throughout the year, and supports ongoing initiatives to improve pedestrian, motorcycle and bicycle safety. The GTSC also sponsors critical training for law enforcement, provides resources for teen drivers and their parents, and promotes seatbelt use statewide.

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo has signed the HALT Solitary Confinement Act (S2836/A2277A) into law, reforming the practice of segregated confinement in New York State correctional facilities. This legislation limits the amount of time an incarcerated person can spend in segregated confinement to 15 days, clearly defines and reduces the number of disciplinary infractions eligible for segregated confinement, and exempts certain vulnerable populations, including the young, elderly, pregnant women, people with disabilities, and individuals with a serious mental illness. This legislation also establishes Residential Rehabilitation Units to provide incarcerated individuals with therapeutic and trauma-informed programming in a congregate setting. The expanded program model enacted by the HALT legislation will better address an individual's underlying criminogenic needs and provide greater rehabilitative impacts to change behavior, leading to positive outcomes for individuals transitioning back to the general population. "Generations of incarcerated men and women have been subjected to inhumane punishment in segregated confinement with little to no human interaction for extended periods of time and many experience emotional and physical trauma that can last for years," Governor Cuomo said. "By signing the HALT Solitary Confinement Act into law we are reforming New York's criminal justice system by helping ensure the effective implementation of proven, humane corrections policies. I applaud the bill sponsors and look forward to continuing our work to reform the era of mass incarceration and usher in a safer, more just Empire State." Studies have shown that isolation with little or no human contact for extended periods of time often leads to lasting trauma, as well as unintended consequences that are detrimental to an individual's rehabilitation. This legislation includes several reforms, including: A limitation on the amount of time people can spend in segregated confinement or special housing units to 15 days; The creation of Residential Rehabilitations Units that will afford incarcerated individuals out-of-cell programming and trauma informed care, to address the underlying actions that resulted in their discipline; The establishment of a minimum amount of out-of-cell time, therapeutic programming and/or recreation; A restriction on the placement of youth, pregnant women, elderly and individuals with a serious mental illness into segregated confinement; and An increase in the training of all staff that work within special housing units on de-escalation techniques, implicit bias, trauma-informed care, and dispute resolution. According to the governor's office, this legislation builds upon the previous agreement announced by the Governor in 2019 and enacted by the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision via regulation as well as historic reductions in segregated confinement resulting from the NYCLU settlement.

I found this article written by the staff at the Steele Memorial Library and thought it would be interesting to share. The layout of the article, while very well done, is a bit different so I'll only post a select part here then you'll have to go to their site to see the rest. Check out the rest of the article here. Then let us know, have you ever seen something like a UFO or other strange thing that couldn't be explained?

You'll never guess what spot made #1! Take a look here! You know of any other excellent places in the Twin Tiers for hiking?

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The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is urging pet and aquarium stores and consumers to immediately remove and properly dispose of commercially purchased "moss balls" for aquariums after invasive zebra mussels were discovered inside and on some of these products, as reported by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Consumers should be advised that moss ball products purchased from PetSmart and Petco may be subject to a voluntary product recall. Zebra mussels are an aquatic invasive species (AIS) that can cause environmental and economic harm. Several species of algae comprise moss balls, which are two to five inches in diameter. Zebra mussel larvae are so small that people cannot see them. If released, these larvae can cause great harm to waterbodies. Consumers are advised to remove and properly dispose of any moss balls purchased within the last year by following these steps: Dispose of moss balls removed from tanks in a sealed garbage bag. Other aquarium plants should also be disposed of as they may harbor zebra mussels; To disinfect a tank after safely removing any animals, apply household bleach - one cup of bleach per gallon of water - and let it sit for 10 minutes before disposing of water down the sink or toilet; Disinfect filters, gravel, and structures with a solution of bleach. Water from filters must also be treated with household bleach before disposing of water down the sink or drain; For larger tanks that cannot be easily drained, email isinfo@dec.ny.gov for instructions; If zebra mussels are in a tank or on a moss ball, take a photo if possible and report the observation via email isinfo@dec.ny.gov, or by phone, 518-402-9405; and Be advised, just because zebra mussels might not be seen does not mean their larvae are not present. Zebra mussels can quickly take over once established in a waterbody. These invasive pests will disrupt the food chain, change water chemistry, and clog water intake and delivery systems for drinking water, irrigation, and hydro power. Live mussels released into a storm drain or flushed could be introduced into a waterway, starting a new population and causing significant damage. AIS are non-native aquatic plants and animals that can cause environmental and economic harm, as well as harm to human health. New Yorkers can help protect the state's waters by preventing AIS from entering lakes, rivers, and ponds from aquarium releases. To find more information about DEC's guidelines for aquarium and pet owners, visit DEC's website. Invasive species are plants, animals, insects, and pathogens that are not native to an area and cause harm to the environment, agriculture, the economy, or human health. All New Yorkers can support the fight against invasive species by helping to locate and map infestations, using only local firewood, using Clean Drain Dry techniques to properly clean watercraft before and after boating, making informed choices for aquariums and aquatic gardens, and removing invasive species from the yard. To learn more about AIS, go to the DEC website.

On Monday, March 22nd, 2021, at approximately 8:30 P.M., the Elmira Police Department responded to the area of W. Sixth St. at Johnson St. for a report of gun shots. Officers were advised that several gun shots were heard and two white vehicles were observed leaving the area at a high rate of speed. Upon arrival in the area officers were informed that several people had been in front of a residence when several gun shots were heard. A taller African American male was then seen running south on Johnson St. and the two white vehicles and a silver vehicle left the scene traveling north on Johnson St. It is unknown if any of these vehicles were involved or just left the area when the shots were fired. Officers attempted to interview the resident where the shooting occurred, however police say he was very uncooperative. This residence is the same location as the homicide that occurred on February 7th, 2021, and police say this shooting does not appear to be a random act. If anyone was present in the area, witnessed this shooting, or has any information related to this shooting, they are encouraged to contact the Elmira Police Department at (607)737-5626, or the tip line at (607)271-HALT.

UPDATE: Rep. Reed has released a statement: Reed announced he will not seek re-election or run for governor of New York in 2022. Reed had pledged when he was elected in 2010 he would not serve more than six terms, or 12 years. He will retire from public service in 2023. Additionally, the Town of Harmony Town Hall meeting scheduled for today will be rescheduled for another date. The Town Of Big Flats Town Hall meeting will also be rescheduled for another date.

Yesterday the Discovery Channel released the following announcement, on what was host Mike Rowe's 59th birthday:

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In a letter released to the media this morning, Chemung County Executive Christopher Moss stated that over the weekend, the county received numerous complaints about violations of "New York Forward" protocols. The complaints included violations by restaurants, bars, retail and other businesses as well as residents not wearing masks and more. "While I look forward to the future where we will no longer have to abide by wearing facial coverings and social distancing rules, I would respectfully remind Chemung County residents that we are still experiencing a small COVID-19 infection rate," Moss wrote. "Vaccinations and testing remain a priority, but we still need everyone to remain vigilant on their facial coverings, social distancing, hand washing, etc." "The last thing we want to do is have the Governor's office place additional restrictions on our County," Moss added. As of today Chemung County's rolling average is 1.89%, with seven active cases in the county.

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Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced today that domestic travelers will no longer be required to quarantine after entering New York from another U.S. State or U.S. Territory starting April 1st. While no longer required, the NYS Department of Health still recommends quarantine after domestic travel as an added precaution. Mandatory quarantine remains in effect for international travelers. All travelers must continue to fill out the Traveler Health Form. Individuals should continue strict adherence to all safety guidelines to stop the spread - wearing masks, socially distancing and avoiding gatherings. "New Yorkers have shown strength and perseverance throughout this entire pandemic, and it shows through the numbers that continue to decrease every day," Governor Cuomo said. "As we work to build our vaccination infrastructure even further and get more shots in arms, we're making significant progress in winning the footrace between the infection rate and the vaccination rate, allowing us to open new sectors of our economy and start our transition to a new normal in a post-pandemic world. As part of that transition, quarantine for domestic travelers is no longer required, but it is still being advised as an added precaution. This is great news, but it is not an all-clear for New Yorkers to let their guard down. To beat this virus once and for all we all must continue doing what we know works to stop the spread, including wearing masks, washing our hands and practicing social distancing." Regardless of quarantine status, all individuals exposed to COVID-19 or returning from travel must: Continue daily symptom monitoring through Day 14; Continue strict adherence to all recommended non-pharmaceutical interventions, including hand hygiene and the use of face coverings, through Day 14 (even if fully vaccinated); Must immediately self-isolate if any symptoms develop and contact the local public health authority or their healthcare provider to report this change in clinical status and determine if they should seek testing.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today announced the annual statewide ban prohibiting residential brush burning will begin March 16, and run through May 14. With spring approaching, DEC is reminding residents that conditions for wildfires are heightened in springtime when most wildfires occur. "While wildfires are more visible in the western part of the country, the start of spring brings an increased risk of wildfires right here in New York," Commissioner Seggos said. "In an effort to protect our communities and natural resources, New York prohibits residential burning for two months starting on March 16, when dry conditions are highest. Help DEC put safety first and continue to reduce the number of wildfires in New York's communities by following the burn ban." Even though some areas of the state remain blanketed in snow, warming temperatures can quickly cause wildfire conditions to arise. DEC will post a Fire Danger Map rating for the 2021 fire season on DEC's website once there is a moderate risk anywhere in the state. Open burning of debris is the largest single cause of spring wildfires in New York State. When temperatures are warmer and the past fall's debris and leaves dry out, wildfires can start and spread easily and be further fueled by winds and a lack of green vegetation. In 2020, DEC Forest Rangers extinguished 192 wildfires that burned a total of more than 1,122 acres. In addition, local fire departments, many of which are volunteer, all too often have to leave their jobs and families to respond to wildfires caused by illegal debris fires. New York first enacted strict restrictions on open burning in 2009 to help prevent wildfires and reduce air pollution. The regulations allow residential brush fires in towns with fewer than 20,000 residents during most of the year, but prohibit such burning in spring when most wildfires occur. Campfires using charcoal or untreated wood are allowed, but people should never leave these fires unattended and must extinguish them. Burning garbage or leaves is prohibited year-round. For more information about fire safety and prevention, go to DEC's FIREWISE New York website.

Yesterday Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that as the federal vaccine supply continues to increase, New York will establish 10 additional state-run mass vaccination sites in the New York City, Long Island, Hudson Valley, Capital, Southern Tier, Mohawk Valley and Western New York regions to further grow New York's vast distribution network. The sites remain in development and are expected to launch in the coming weeks. Final details, including appointment scheduling information and hours of operation will be released in the coming days. "Thanks to increasing vaccine supply from our partners in Washington we can utilize more of our state's capacity to distribute doses, and once they are open, these new sites will allow us to continue to get shots into arms on a large scale," Governor Cuomo said. "We know the vaccine is the weapon that will win this war, but it's only effective if we all take it, which is why we are working around the clock to establish sites like these across the state to reach as many New Yorkers as possible. The more people we vaccinate, the more we can continue our progress in keeping the infection rate at bay, reopening our economy and defeating COVID once and for all." For the Southern Tier, Corning Community College was chosen as the site. The sites remain in development and are expected to launch in the coming weeks. Final details, including appointment scheduling information and hours of operation will be released in the coming days. Once appointments are opened, eligible New Yorkers will be able to schedule appointments by utilizing New York's 'Am I Eligible' website or by calling the state's COVID-19 Vaccination Hotline at 1-833-NYS-4-VAX (1-833-697-4829).