News

FINGER LAKES – State Senator Tom O’Mara (R-C, Big Flats) is seeking nominations for the New York State Senate’s “Veterans Hall of Fame,” an online tribute to the military service and civilian lives of distinguished Veterans from the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes regions, and throughout New York State. “So many Veterans served our nation courageously and honorably, and then returned home to lift the lives of our local communities. The Senate Veterans Hall of Fame is just one more way to give a local Veteran a well-deserved and well-earned expression of our gratitude and admiration,” said O’Mara, who represents New York’s 58th Senate District encompassing Chemung, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Tioga, and Yates Counties, and part of Allegany County.

PENN YAN – ANDREW DAUGHERTY, 49, of Dundee, the main defendant in what may be the most horrific case ever heard in Yates County Criminal Court, has pled guilty to the four top crimes of the 30 counts contained in seven separate indictments. Appearing before Judge Jason Cook Monday afternoon May 1, Daugherty pled guilty to: • Predatory Sexual Assault against a Child (class A-II felony) • Predatory Sexual Assault (A-II felony) • Sex Trafficking of a Child (B felony) • Compelling Prostitution (B felony) Yates County District Attorney Todd Casella said in court that the plea bargain for the highest felony counts includes classifying Daugherty as a second child sexual assault offender for his conviction in 2006 in Chemung County for 1st degree attempted sexual abuse of a child (e felony), a waiver of appeal, and an order of protection for the victim.

DUNDEE – The Village of Dundee has always had a Scottish connection, but this spring, it’s looking more like a village from the Netherlands. Hundreds of Tulips and Daffodils are in bloom along Water, Main and Union Streets, where they herald the coming warmth of late spring and summer.

FINGER LAKES – The Drug Prescription Take Back Day in Yates and Steuben Counties Saturday, April 22 will result in over half a ton of unwanted and expired medications being turned over to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency in Buffalo for proper disposal.

The federal government’s requirement for the REAL ID has been extended to May 7, 2025 from the original date of May 7, 2023. “REAL IDs will be required to fly in the continental United States,” reports Yates County Clerk, Lois E.

PENN YAN – The professional artists who judged this year’s student exhibit at the Arts Center of Yates County spent much more time than they’d anticipated assigning awards for artwork. Pat Jackson, who has a degree in graphic design from The Parsons School of Design in New York City and Diane Stratton-Smith, who is a professional art therapist, were impressed with the outstanding quality of work produced by students at Penn Yan Academy, Dundee Middle and High School, and Marcus Whitman Middle and High School.

PENN YAN – The Penn Yan Central School District budget vote for 2023-’24 is coming up May 16. In addition to the approval of the proposed budget, PYCSD residents will be asked to vote on three other spending propositions, as well as the election of three members of the Board of Education.