Latest news with #RecruitNY
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Yahoo
Unlocked & unattended: Why your car could be a thief's next target
ELMIRA, N.Y. (WETM) — As the weather warms up, many people look forward to more time outdoors — but so do thieves. According to local law enforcement, that seasonal shift could cost you, especially if you leave valuables in your car. Elmira Police Department Chief Kris Thorne noted that warmer months bring more foot traffic, and unfortunately more opportunity for crimes of convenience. 'The weather is heating up more, people are out and about and usually there is an uptick in larcenies from vehicles,' said Thorne. 'This is not a money grab, this is a safety grab,' NYS DOT Commissioner draws awareness to roadworker safety and enforcement Often, the individuals responsible are not new to police. 'We deal a lot with the same people constantly throughout the years,' explained Thorne. 'Sometimes in regards to this particular crime for larcenies from vehicles it can be kids, you know, juveniles that are running around in the middle of the night checking door handles on cars,' he said. Thorne said unlocked vehicles make the job easy. 'If it's unlocked, they'll get in there taking change, a cellphone, laptop, tools, and something to that effect.' exclaimed Thorne. Southport Fire Department kicks off New York's annual RecruitNY campaign Thorne encouraged residents with doorbell or driveway cameras to report any suspicious activity. Video footage can make a big difference in investigations. 'In the event that there is a crime that happens in front of their residence we would investigate it and try to use that video evidence for evidentiary purposes in a criminal case,' said Thorne. Technology isn't the only defense. Thorne said prevention can be as simple as locking your doors and hiding your belongings. 'Lock your cars is number one. I would not leave any valuables in your car overnight,' explained Thorne. 'If you have a big laptop that's sitting on your passenger seat, in the middle of the night somebody walks through, that would be almost an invitation for them to do something and break into the car and get it.' he said. How e-bike riders can stay safe on the road Thorne also added that lighting can deter this from happening. 'If you're downtown at the LECOM event center or somewhere else, try to park in a decently well-lit area.' said Thorne. According to Chief Thorne, while these break-ins don't often involve smashed windows, reporting them is still crucial. Most car thefts in the area happen quietly, with offenders testing door handles and slipping inside when they find one unlocked. Chief Thorne's message is simple, don't give them the chance. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Union Healthcare workers at Guthrie Corning Hospital vote to hold informational picket
CORNING, N.Y. (WETM) – Union healthcare workers at Guthrie Corning Hospital are set to participate in an informational picket to demand improved staffing levels and affordable healthcare, as the current labor deal is set to expire at the end of the month. In a release from 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East, the union representing the healthcare workers, the union states that its members voted on Monday, April 21, to authorize an informational picket if a new contract agreement is not made. This comes as the current three-year labor deal that covers the more than 450 union healthcare workers at Guthrie Corning Hospital is set to expire on April 30. Why the Steuben County Courthouse is shining red for volunteer firefighters The union noted that contract talks between Guthrie Corning Hospital and the union have been in progress since mid-March. Bargaining between both entities resumed on Wednesday, April 23, at 7 a.m. at the hospital and will continue on Thursday, April 24. The bargaining committee, led by members of the union, will determine when to issue a 10-day notice to hospital management. The release states that healthcare workers at the hospital are picketing as a means to fight for improved staffing levels, quality and affordable health insurance coverage, benefits and competitive wages to help keep and recruit more workers. Southport Fire Department kicks off New York's annual RecruitNY campaign 'Management's proposals must take into account sacrifices workers continue to make everyday,' said Kathy Ville, 1199SEIU Administrative Organizer. 'Management's proposed changes will result in high health insurance deductibles and copays that many workers can not afford. Healthcare workers are exposed to more on the job and need quality health insurance so they can take care of themselves,' said Ville. Healthcare workers are permitted to participate in picketing during their break/lunch or before/after work. 'We are working very hard to get a new contract,' said Peggy Clarkson, Emergency Room Unit Clerk. 'Corning Hospital must provide recognition for employees who continue to provide the quality care our community needs. They must also offer better wages to stop the bleeding off of our staff who leave to go elsewhere for higher pay, to help with staffing levels we face daily. Many of us feel underappreciated,' said Clarkson. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
City of Elmira receives $50K grant for planning and zoning projects
ELMIRA, N.Y. (WETM) – The City of Elmira is expected to receive $50,000 worth of funding to support its updated planning and zoning project, as stated in a release from Congressman Nick Langworthy. On Wednesday, April 23, Congressman Langworthy announced that the city will receive the funding through a taxpayer-funded grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) and New York State. This funding will help the city rezone and develop a zoning process that meets the city's needs. Southport Fire Department kicks off New York's annual RecruitNY campaign Funding for this project will serve as a contribution to a ten-year comprehensive plan and will provide an updated set of long-term zoning methods. With contributions of $180,000 from other New York State entities, total funding for this project will equal $230,000. In the release, Langworthy noted that the city's comprehensive plan and zoning regulations have not been updated since 2016, making this funding a great resource for new and improved opportunities for growth. 'I'm proud to announce the $50,000 ARC grant for the City of Elmira,' said Langworthy. 'Elmira's Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Regulations were last updated in 2016 and 1998. By updating these two projects, Elmira will be able to access new funding sources, ensure economic growth opportunities, and streamline development.' Local Parish Priest reflects on Pope Francis' death, legacy of compassion In addition, Mayor Dan Mandel, City of Elmira, noted that opportunities like these provide savings for taxpayers in the city and emphasized the importance of working with the congressman and state representatives to secure these opportunities. 'I want to thank Congressman Nick Langworthy and our great team at City Hall for working together to secure this $50,000 grant towards our city planning and zoning updates,' said Mayor Mandel. 'Every dollar we can get through grant funding means savings for our Elmira Taxpayers, and that is why I have put an emphasis on working with our Congressman and State Representatives to seize as many opportunities as we can find. The funds here will help pay for our 10-year comprehensive plan, which will be a great tool to guide construction, growth and investment across our city.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Power outages reported across Steuben and Schuyler counties
(WETM) — More than a thousand customers are without power across numerous counties in the Southern Tier after reports of ourtages on Wednesday. NYSEG reports some municipalities and 1,544 customers are without power on Wednesday, April 23, in areas of Steuben County, Yates County, and Schuyler County. Southport Fire Department kicks off New York's annual RecruitNY campaign The following towns are reporting power outages: Orange Barrington Reading Tyrone Wayne Bradford Crews have been assigned to work on the issue, with a scheduled restoration time of noon on Wednesday. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Southport Fire Department kicks off New York's annual RecruitNY campaign
SOUTHPORT, N.Y. (WETM) — Volunteer fire departments across New York State are sounding the alarm — not because of a fire, but because they're in desperate need of help. A kickoff press conference was held Monday, April 22, at the Southport Fire Department for the Firefighters Association of the State of New York's Annual RecruitNY campaign. Michael Smith from FASNY, along with local leaders and fire officials of Chemung County, gathered to highlight the growing need and to encourage people to step up. RecruitNY is an initiative of the Firefighters Association of the State of New York. It is designed to promote public awareness of the need for volunteers within fire departments in communities. It allows people to come visit the department in person, in the hopes that it will encourage people to join. 'In the last two decades, recruitment has decreased by 33%, which is not sustainable for the volunteer companies. It's critical for our community to recruit more young people,' said Jennifer Furman, Deputy Chemung County Executive. FASNY released a survey and the results showed that 49% of people in New York expressed interest in becoming a volunteer firefighter. Tanglewood hosts two-day online giving campaign 'I've been here for 6-7 years and I am 28 years old. It's honestly been one of the best experiences that I've had here,' said Tyler Edwards, volunteer firefighter at Southport. 'I have volunteered with other departments before in Florida and Pennsylvania, but I can for sure say that this department has been the best that I have ever been a part of,' he said. The minimum age to volunteer is 16, and there aren't any other requirements. 'I am currently the only female active in this department,' said Teena Page, volunteer firefighter at Southport. 'Women are just as tough as men, we might even be tougher than men are,' she said. Many of the volunteers have reasons as to why they decided to start volunteering. 'Growing up as a kid my adopted father was a volunteer firefighter, so as a kid hearing and seeing him run down stairs in the middle of the night, it doesn't matter what time it was, seeing him do that and also seeing him do the job and fight fires encouraged me to grow up and be just like him,' said Edwards. Although volunteers won't get paid, there are financial benefits to becoming a volunteer firefighter. 'The one that is the most important to me is the $200 income tax credit that is provided by New York State to active volunteer firefighters. That $200 is removed from your state tax liability, so it's money in your pocket,' said Michael Smith, member of the publicity committee of the Firefighters Association of New York. Chemung County offers property tax exemptions for all volunteer firefighters. The fire service also offers annual physical examinations to all of the members. Local Parish Priest reflects on Pope Francis' death, legacy of compassion 'The physical goes beyond the scope of those that are offered by private insurance companies. We're looking at cardiac issues and are interested in cancer screenings. Across New York State, we've had a few instances where the early detections have saved the lives of the firefighter,' said Smith. Some volunteer for the benefits while others find joy in saving the lives of others. 'I just love doing what I do for the community. It's very rewarding that the community thanks you for what you do, and knowing that you don't get paid for it,' said Page. According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, there was a total of 122 wildland fires in New York State in 2024. 'The history of firefighting isn't there anymore because a lot of firefighters are only one in a family or maybe two in a family,' said Mark Margeson, Chairman of Chemung County Legislature. 'We need to get back to that and invest in it because without them, we have a lot of problems,' he said. The Town and County Fire Department, located at 130 Gardner Rd in Horseheads, is hosting an open house on Saturday, April 26, from 10 am-5 pm and Sunday, April 27, from 10 am- 4 pm. There will be a tour of the station, and attendees are welcome to ask questions and fill out an application. The Elmira Heights Fire Department, located on 215 Elmwood Ave in Elmira Heights, is hosting a barbecue on Saturday, April 26 at noon. The Southport Volunteer Fire Department, located on 1001 Carl St. in Elmira, will be having a chicken barbecue on Sunday, April 27 at 11:14 a.m. For a list of all of the fire departments participating in RecruitNY across the Southern Tier and a list of departments hosting an open house, visit the RecruitNY website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
