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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23) announced U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development funding for the Town of Catlin in Chemung County. The town will receive a grant of $40,000 and a loan of $205,000 to purchase a new snowplow truck. “During our harsh winters, it’s important that rural areas have the equipment they need to maintain roads and keep the community safe,” said Congressman Langworthy. “Congratulations to Supervisor Phelps and the Town of Catlin on this federal investment in a new snowplow that will play a critical role in enhancing the town's ability to respond effectively to winter weather challenges. This funding reflects our commitment to supporting the unique needs of our rural communities — improving overall quality of life and contributing to the long-term sustainability and prosperity of our region." “I want to thank Congressman Langworthy, the USDA, and all involved in securing this funding for the Town of Catlin’s much-needed snowplow truck,” said LaVerne Phelps, Town of Catlin Supervisor. “This program has been beneficial for us over the years, as the lower interest rates, flexible terms, and the exceptional team at the Bath New York Office have consistently saved taxpayer money. The new snowplow will greatly enhance our ability to manage snow and ice on our roads, ensuring the safety and well-being of our residents.” This funding is part of the USDA Rural Development – Community Facilities and Direct Loan and Grant Program. According to the USDA, this program aims to provide affordable funding to develop essential community facilities in rural areas. An essential community facility is defined as a facility that provides an essential service to the local community for the orderly development of the community in a primarily rural area and does not include private, commercial, or business undertakings. Congressman Nick Langworthy represents the 23rd Congressional District of New York, including Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Chemung, Schuyler, and Steuben Counties and parts of Erie County. Visit langworthy.house.gov.

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On Sunday at approximately 1:39 p.m., the New York State Police from SP Horseheads responded to a capsized kayaker on Seeley Creek in the town of Southport. A 44-year-old male, Shawn R. McWhorter of Pine City, NY, was kayaking with two other individuals when his kayak capsized. McWhorter was eventually removed from the water and transported by Erway Ambulance to Arnot Ogden Medical Center, where he was pronounced deceased. The two other individuals were able to make it to shore safely.

On Sunday, troopers from State Police in Wellsburg responded to a one-car fatal motor vehicle accident on County Route 60 in the town of Chemung. A preliminary investigation revealed the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu operated by 29 year old Isiah J. Montgomery of Binghamton, NY, was traveling west through the curve on County Route 60 when it exited the roadway on the north shoulder, striking a tree. Montgomery was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Chemung County Coroner. State Police say this remains an active investigation.

On January 29th 2024 at approximately 10:37am, Elmira Police, Elmira Fire Department, and Erway Ambulance personnel responded to the Norfolk Southern Railway between E Hudson St and Pennsylvania Ave for an unresponsive person. A deceased, identified as 47-year-old Melissa Swido of Elmira, was located on the gravel shoulder of the railway. The identity of the deceased female is being withheld at this time pending notification to next of kin. The Elmira Police Department is being assisted by the Norfolk Southern Police in this investigation.

Elmira Police Officers were flagged down by a concerned neighbor in the 500 block of W First St on January 29th 2024 at approximately 02:52am. Officers were informed of a reported burglary in progress at an occupied residence within the neighborhood. Police responded to the address and located 3 males at the rear of the property. The 3 males fled from police however 2 of the suspects were subsequently apprehended a short time later. It was found that the persons were in possession of soft body armor and a loaded 9mm carbine. As a result, Elmira residents 24 year old Patrick Woodard and 22 year old Josiah Stowe-Alington were arrested and charged with Burglary in the First Degree; a class B Violent Felony. This offense carries a maximum potential sentence of up to 25 years in state prison. Through investigation, it was learned that the arrested persons and the intended target of the burglary knew each other and that this was not a random act. Investigative efforts are continuing to charge the third individual involved. The Elmira Police Department was assisted by the Chemung County Sheriff’s Office during this investigation.

This is just one of 19 new images NASA has released of distant galaxies:

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Per a suggestion made in a comment to a recent Guest Writer column, we're going to start a collection of what could be considered a distortion of our language, a "softening" or repurposing to suit someone's needs or make someone feel special. An example in the original post would be something like this: Source Can you think of any words whose meanings have been altered in similar fashion?

DeSantis has dropped out. The leaves only Nikki Haley and Donald Trump remaining.

On Saturday afternoon at approximately 2:41 p.m., troopers from State Police barracks in Horseheads initiated a traffic stop on a 2011 Honda Fit for a moving violation on Red Chalk Road in the town of Erin when the vehicle failed to comply. A pursuit ensued, traversing several roadways into Chemung, Tompkins, Schuyler, and Tioga counties. Chemung and Schuyler County Sheriff's Offices assisted the New York State Police. The suspect vehicle stopped on Vankirk Road in the town of Newfield. The operator, 25 year old Austin M. Elia of Willseyville, NY, immediately exited the vehicle and was taken into custody. Two male juveniles, ages 12 and 14, were passengers inside the vehicle. Subsequent to an investigation, Elia was found to be in possession of a loaded AK-47, two high-capacity magazines with 16 rounds of ammunition, and approximately 7.5 grams of methamphetamine with packaging material. Elia was charged with Criminal Possession of Controlled Substance 3rd (B Felony), Criminal Possession of a Weapon 2nd (C Felony), two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon 3rd (D Felony), Unlawful Fleeing a Police Officer in a Motor Vehicle 3rd (A Misdemeanor), Aggravated Unlicensed Operator 2nd (Unclassified Misdemeanor) and traffic infractions. Elia was transported to SP Horseheads for processing. Elia was arraigned in the Town of Van Etten Court and was remanded to Chemung County Jail in lieu of $200,000 cash and $400,000 bond.

Saturday morning at approximately 12:27 am, Elmira Police Officers responded to the 300 block of W Fourth St for a report of a female that had been stabbed. Upon arrival to the scene, Officers were met with a disturbance between two groups of people who were yelling at each other from residences that were across the street from one another. As officers continued their investigations they discovered that a 20 year old female victim was inside of one of those residences with a stab wound to her back, along with other injuries to her face. This female was treated by members of the Elmira Fire Department and Erway Ambulance, and quickly transported to Robert Packer Hospital for treatment where she was admitted with what police describe as severe, but non-life threatening injuries. During the course of the investigation it was learned that this incident occurred at another residence in the 300 block of W Fourth St. Officers secured the residence and all individuals inside of the residence in order to complete the investigation. As a result of this investigation, Elmira Police arrested 22 year old Aniston K Wheeler, of Elmira, for Assault in the 2nd Degree, a Class D Felony. Wheeler was charged, arraigned, and remanded to the Chemung County Jail on $50,000 cash bail. During this incident, the Elmira Police Department was assisted by the West Elmira Police Department, New York State Police, Elmira Fire Department, and Erways Ambulance.

According to Elmira Police Department, the following are updates to recent Elmira Police Department cases in which arrests have been made to combat violent crime. These investigations are a collaborative effort between Elmira Police Patrol Officers and members of the Chemung-Elmira G.I.V.E. Unit. 1) On July 11th 2023 Elmira Police Officers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in the 400 block of W Water St. Evidence of weapons possession was observed and a search warrant was obtained for the vehicle. A 9mm semi-automatic ghost gun, a high capacity magazine, and a .45 Glock handgun with a ‘Glock switch’ were discovered. As a result, 20 year old Jayden Campbell was arrested for two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 2nd Degree. 2) On August 11th 2023 Elmira Police Officers checked an address on Juanita St after receiving information from NYS DOCCS. Subsequent to this investigation, 32 year old Elmira resident Chad Stanbro was arrested for Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 2nd Degree after a loaded .44 special revolver was located. 3) On September 21st 2023 Elmira Police Officers attempted a traffic stop on a vehicle in the 200 block of Franklin St. During the incident a passenger fled from the vehicle but was apprehended a short distance away. The passenger, 26 year old Elmira resident Tareek Simmons was arrested for Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 2nd Degree and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 3rd Degree after a quantity of narcotics and a .380 semi-automatic handgun were located. 4) On October 29th 2023 Elmira Police Officers responded to the 200 block of W Miller St for reported gun shots. Through investigation, a suspect was developed and the case was presented to the Grand Jury of Chemung County. As a result, 26 year old Elmira resident Danny Durfee was indicted for Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 2nd Degree. 5) On November 16th 2023 Elmira Police Officers responded to the 200 block of W Water St in the Downtown Business District for a reported strong-arm robbery. The victim reported physical injury and a theft of personal property. A suspect was developed and a 16 year old juvenile Elmira resident was arrested for Robbery in the 2nd Degree. 6) On December 13th 2023 Elmira Police Officers responded to the 600 block of Baldwin St for reported gun shots. Through investigation, a 9mm ghost gun with a ‘Glock switch’ and a high capacity magazine were recovered. The case was presented to the Grand Jury of Chemung County and Zion James, an 18 year old Elmira resident was indicted for Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 2nd Degree. A second undisclosed person holds an active Superior Court warrant for the same offense. 7) On December 15th 2023 Elmira Police Officers attempted a traffic stop in the 400 block of Pennsylvania Ave. The operator fled the stop and was apprehended in the immediate area. A quantity of narcotics and a .22 semi-automatic handgun were located. George Wilson, a 29 year old Elmira resident, was arrested for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 3rd Degree and Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 2nd Degree.

Governor Kathy Hochul has recently announced a plan to remove barriers for prospective school bus drivers applying for a commercial driver license. At the Governor’s direction, the DMV has implemented a federal waiver that allows school bus driver applicants to skip the engine compartment component, also called the “under the hood” component of the commercial driver license road test. This waiver, secured through advocacy from Representative Joe Morelle, will make it easier to get a commercial license at a time when school bus drivers are desperately needed and is the latest in a series of actions directed by Governor Hochul to address the critical shortage of truck and bus drivers. “The job of transporting and caring for our children is so important, and the need for more drivers throughout New York State is very real,” Governor Hochul said. “This simple change will encourage more New Yorkers to become school bus drivers – a chance for many to be a positive influence and help support our students, without sacrificing safety.” The "under the hood" exemption is allowed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to help States hire more bus drivers without sacrificing safety, as existing school bus inspection and maintenance standards continue to apply. During the road test, applicants are still required to perform the remaining elements of the Commercial Driver License (CDL) vehicle inspection skills test. This new CDL classification, which is set to expire November 27, 2024, will restrict licensees to driving only school buses and only in New York State. The steps interested New Yorkers should take to get a School Bus Only CDL are as follows: First, you must have a New York State driver license (Class D, Class E, or Non-CDL C); Study the New York State Commercial Driver’s Manual; Apply for a commercial learner permit (CLP) at a DMV office. You must pass a written knowledge test to receive a CDL permit with the school bus and passenger endorsements; Schedule entry level driver training. Read the Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) FAQ for more information; Prepare for your road test and practice with a supervising driver; Schedule your “Limited School Bus" road test (online or by calling the DMV Contact Center); Pass your “Limited School Bus” road test; Go to a DMV office to amend your license to reflect “S1” (school bus only) and “K” (intrastate only) restrictions.  At the Governor’s direction, in 2022, the DMV launched a program authorizing third parties to conduct commercial road tests, which has significantly increased the capacity for these types of road tests statewide. There are currently 27 third-party entities conducting commercial driver license road tests throughout the State. In addition, through cooperation with county-operated DMV offices, the State also increased testing capacity for written commercial permit exams across the State.