Steuben Courier

THE GIVING SPIRIT

By ROB PRICE THE COURIER-ADVOCATE — 11/30/2008

BATH — Three weeks ago, Stephanie's Family Restaurant on West Steuben Street was the scene of what a Courier-Advocate headline dubbed "crummy crime of the week." A donation box for the Finger Lakes SPCA containing by some estimates $100 was stolen from the front counter, where it had been placed next to the cash register.

Historical Society to host book signing, sale

By ROB PRICE THE COURIER-ADOVATE — 11/30/2008

BATH — Local history buffs will have an opportunity to gather with the authors of local history books when the Steuben County Historical Society sponsors a book sale and signing at the Dormann Library Dec. 6. from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Spirit of Christmas expanding to Liberty Street

By ROB PRICE THE COURIER-ADVOCATE — 11/30/2008

BATH — Bath's annual Spirit of Christmas festival this year will expand from its traditional Pulteney Park location to include crafts, cookie decorating and caroling on Liberty Street. The celebration begins at 6 p.m. Friday.

Steuben Legislature passes $179.4M budget

MARY PERHAM GATEHOUSE NEWS SERVICE — 11/30/2008

BATH — Steuben County legislators rolled over $500,000 in unspent funds from the current year's budget Monday, reducing the 2009 proposed tax levy increase of 3.9 percent down to 2.8 percent. Legislators then adopted the $179.4 million 2009 budget. The unspent funds resulted in an average tax rate decrease of 5.

Knights' generosity

11/30/2008

In left photo, Richard Pruner, Grand Knight of the Bath Knights of Columbus presents a $3,000 check to David West, director of the Bath VA, and Linda Pickering, manager of the VA bowling alley. The donation will support refinishing the bowling alley lanes. In right photo, K of C volunteers unload food at the Catholic Charities food pantry in Bath.

County legislators wary of Albany, Patterson

BY MARY PERHAM GATEHOUSE NEWS SERVICE — 11/30/2008

BATH — The governor's regional representative, Jennifer Sanfilippo got an earful when she met with Steuben County legislators last week to find out what was on their minds. "Tell the governor we want no pass backs," said Legislator Robert Nichols, R-Tuscarora. "We don't want the state transferring its costs to the county for us to pass on to the taxpayers.

Open house at Dormann Library

11/30/2008

BATH — The Friends of the Dormann Library will host its annual Christmas Open House, Dec. 17, from 6-7:30 p.m at the library. The evening will include a visit from the Bath lighted firetruck with firefighters and fire safety information. Santa will arrive a little after 6 and visit with the children. For $2, they can have their picture taken with him.

Jobless rate declines in region's economy

By CHRISTINA ROSSETTIE GATEHOUSE NEWS SERVICE — 11/30/2008

Despite a national recession, unemployment numbers dropped last month in the tricounty area. The unemployment rate in Steuben County dropped a point in October compared to the rate in September, according to figures released by the state Department of Labor.

Tops Friendly Markets now hosting Tim Hortons self-service kiosk

11/30/2008

BATH - Tops Friendly Markets is bringing fresh-brewed Tim Hortons coffee and baked goods to Bath for the first time, thanks to a self-service kiosk now available at the Tops Bath location at 309 W. Morris St.

Wal-Mart protestors stage Black Friday demonstration

By JUSTIN HEAD GATEHOUSE MEDIA — 11/30/2008

HORNELL � A few local men were looking to divert some attention from Black Friday to some black and red print on a protest sign on the corner of the Hornell plaza across from Mc- Donald's this morning.

At end of the day, it's Massa over Kuhl

By JOHN ZICK GATEHOUSE NEWS SERVICE — 11/30/2008

Officially, he's Congressman elect Eric Massa. More than two weeks after the general election, Massa, DCor ning, declared victory last Friday in the race for the 29th Congressional District seat. U.S. Rep. John R. "Randy" Kuhl Jr. conceded the race shortly after Massa's announcement.

Community Bank System says no to federal funds

11/30/2008

SYRACUSE — Community Bank System, Inc. (NYSE: CBU) announced today that it has chosen not to apply for funds through the U.S. Treasury Department's Capital Purchase Program (CPP), which is part of the federal government's Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP).

Bizarre dispute lands man in jail

BY DEANNA WHEELER GATEHOUSE NEWS SERVICE — 11/30/2008

MORGAN COUNTY, MISSOURI - An altercation between neighbors this past weekend led to one man locking himself in his neighbor's house and later being taken to the hospital with head injuries. According to Sheriff Jim Petty, deputies were called to an Ivy Bend residence about 10:30 Friday night with a report of shots fired.

Man faces drug charges after he's caught asleep at the wheel

BY BOBBY GATES GATEHOUSE NEWS SERVICE — 11/30/2008

BEVERLY, MASSACHUSETTS - A Lynn man police found asleep behind the wheel at a green traffic light early Saturday morning was charged with several drug offenses, including possessing and distributing oxycodone and cocaine after he attempted to flee, allegedly scattering drugs in the process.

Everything you always wanted to know about astronomy

By Bruce Dennis — 11/30/2008

On December 1st, the crescent Moon joins Venus and Jupiter at dusk to form a small triangle in the Southwest.

At the movies

By PETER RAINIER THE CHRISTIAN SCIENCE MONITOR — 11/30/2008

Any movie that costs $130 million and has 1,500 head of cattle and Nicole Kidman traipsing in her finery through the Outback and an Aboriginal shaman plus Hugh Jackman getting the best of it in a bar fight can't be all bad. Right?

Rotary Club News

11/30/2008

Pictured above, singer Kenneth Anderson recently appeared in his "Tribute to Paul Robeson," hosted by the Bath Rotary Club at McNalley Hall. Anderson is pictured with Bath Rotyary Club President greg Rougeus.

The four-way test

11/30/2008

1. Is it the TRUTH? 2. Is it FAIR to all concerned? 3. Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS? 4. Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?

Lasting hues

By Tresa Erickson — 11/30/2008

Hundreds of women color their hair. Some add highlights, while others rinse out the gray. Many have their hair colored at a salon. Whatever the reason you choose to color your hair, you want it to look good for as long as possible.

It's just a fad now, but back then ...

By Ronda Addy — 11/30/2008

Beauty fads have been around for hundreds of years. While you may poke fun at them now, at the time they were considered hip. Let's take a trip back in time to some of the beauty fads of days gone by. In the late 1950s, Life magazine profiled a European aristocratic hairdo called the bouffant.

Start your own environmental club

11/30/2008

Dear EarthTalk: I'm thinking about starting an environmental club in my middle school. Can you give me some ideas about how to start? Can you connect me with other school clubs?

Wrapped in chains

kevin MCCLINTOCK GateHouse Plus — 11/30/2008

Chains on tires. We know why we use them. We also know why we're forced to put up with the confangled things in the first place — they help vehicle tires gain traction when they're needed the most — atop icy, muddy or snowy roads.

Holiday labors

Rob Price — 11/30/2008

"How can I help?' I said to my wife Sunday morning, the start of a day she had set aside to begin preparations for the annual Thanksgiving dinner, in which 525 of our closest relatives drop by for a visit. And my wife said: "I'd like you to hang the new towel racks we bought two months ago.

Political Cartoon

11/30/2008

Political Cartoon

11/30/2008

Guest Columnist

By George Winner — 11/30/2008

Over the past few weeks, as news of New York's fiscal crisis has dominated headlines and steadily worsened, I've been asking this question of the Governor Paterson-led New York State bureaucracy, "What are we doing in New York State to encourage economic activity and growth?

Oneida denies Bath trip to state finals

GATEHOUSE NEWS SERVICE — 11/30/2008

ROCHESTER -With the school's leading rusher on the sidelines, Bath Haverling couldn't muster any offense and fell to Oneida 27-0 in Saturday's, Nov. 22, New York State Public High School Athletic Association Class B semifinal at PAETEC Park.

Big third propels Addison

GATEHOUSE NEWS SERVICE — 11/30/2008

BATH - The Addison girls basketball team busted open a 16-16 halftime tie by opening the third quarter on a 19-6 run enroute to a 53-40 victory over Bath Haverling Tuesday, Nov. 25. Rebekah Fort poured in a game-high 19 points to lead the Knights, who more than doubled their first half offensive production over the final 16 minutes of play.

Weekly sports schedule for the week of Dec. 1-7

11/30/2008

Hammondsport Central School Boys JV-Varsity Basketball • 5:45 p.m. Dec. 2 vs. Naples (H) • 5:45 p.m. Dec. 4 at Arkport (A) Boys Modified Basketball • 5:45 p.m. Dec. 3 vs.

SIGNING DAY AT HAVERLING

11/30/2008

Bath Haverling's Mike Rossi signs a letter of intent to play baseball for NCAA Division II Mansfield University while his coach Bob Buckley looks on.

Congratulations on a 10-2 season!

11/30/2008

Kiele Wilson, Nicholas Carroll, Jacob Kuver, Mark Martuscello, Daniel Herrick, Daniel Leonard, Devante Staton,Wayne Carroll Jr., MatthewWhedbee, Brett Decker, Lucas Burns, Brett Partridge, Nicholas Beyea, Christopher Leonard, Jacob Hann, Scott Andrews, Tyler Hutcheson, Andre McCloud, Jacob Weldy, Andrew Nesbitt, Mathew Nesbitt, Cody Hutcheson, Charles Musso, Tyler Hillman, Zachary Perkins, Patrick Seager Jr., Justin Seager, Brock Brewer, Michael Brown, Gage Coon, Kraig Soles, Kyle Weaver, Jay Gleason, Benjiman Chissom, Michael Conner, Brady Gleason, Mark Bart and Martin Kilsdonk

HAMMONDSPORT HAPPENINGS

BY HOPE HEREFORD SPECIAL TO THE COURIER — 11/30/2008

• The Hammondsport Central School Music Department had a very busy November this year. Congratulations go to many a young woman and young man who were selected to attend the Area All State Festival in our region. Festival #1 at Elmira Broad Middle School was November 7 and 8.

The hunt continues

11/30/2008

PHOTO PROVIDED Pictured above, Eric Draper of Hammondsport (right), shows off a 16-point buck he shot in the Bath area Nov. 15. Joining Eric is his father, Roger Draper.

The lost art of the still hunt

By OAK DUKE GATEHOUSE NEWS SERVICE — 11/30/2008

Those of us who pursue whitetails usually wait for the wary critters to walk by, and we call it "hunting from a stand" or "stand hunting." But there are a few others of us who at times choose to "still hunt." Many deer have been taken from a stand. But many tags have been filled whether by bow hunting or with a gun while the hunter was "on the move" - "still hunting.

Tuberculosis found in captive deer in Columbia County

11/30/2008

Tuberculosis recently was found in a captive red and fallow deer herd in Columbia County during routine testing by the Department Agriculture and Markets. One fallow deer in the herd had a positive reaction to a TB screening test and subsequently was euthanized.

Fend off germs

JENNY HOLWEGER GATEHOUSE NEWS SERVICE — 11/30/2008

It's cold and flu season, and those little varmint germs are waiting for you everywhere. With holidays just around the corner, more people are out and about. People are visiting friends and relatives, Christmas shopping, and soon, at Christmas programs and parties. The germs are very excited. So how do you keep from a bug catching up with you?

Health news

11/30/2008

Gastric Bypass support The monthly meeting of the Gastric Bypass Support Group of St. James Mercy Health System will be held on the third Monday of every month from 7-8:30 p.m. in the Cafeteria at St. James Mercy Hospital. The next support group will be held Dec. 15.

Battlilng sinusitis this cold season

11/30/2008

Q: I have a lingering cold that actually seems to be getting worse. I am congested and feel painful pressure in my forehead and under my eyes. I have headaches and am constantly tired. Would antibiotics help? A: Given the pain and pressure in your face, it sounds like you have sinusitis, the medical term for a sinus infection.

School chiefs respond to governor's warning

By BOB RECOTTA GATEHOUSE NDEWS SERVICE — 11/30/2008

Reaction is mixed to Gov. David Paterson's open letter to school district superintendents across the state. On Tuesday last week, Paterson sent a letter to superintendents warning them of cuts to school aid in the governor's 2009-10 budget.

Dana Lyon Elementary school honor and high honor rolls

11/30/2008

High honor 4th grade Allick, Eboni Arnts, Lydia Burns, Evelynn Divens, Jessica Forester, Jaylen Hardman, Hollie Hojnoski, Helaina Hyer, Casey Olin, Morgan Robbins, Camden Robords, Jessica Saunders, Michael Schlechter,

Magic at Dana Lyon

11/30/2008

'Karvell' the Magician greets students at Dana Lyon Elementary School during his recent program 'There is No Magic in Drugs.' The magic show was sponsored by the Bath Rotary Club.

Dana Lyon students raise funds for Joseph's Hammer

11/30/2008

BATH — Students at Dana Lyon Elementary School had some good, clean fun on Halloween. For a few staff members, however, the fun wasn't quite so clean, as physical education teacher Shawn Wheeler, counselor Matt Ford, library assistant BethAn Seager and School Resource Officer Bill Baker were doused in green, orange and purple slime.

Dorothy A. Shaut

11/30/2008

BATH - Dorothy A. Shaut, age 70, beloved sister, aunt and friend, of Telegraph Road, Bath, went home to be with her Lord on Tuesday, Nov. 25. Dorothy was born in Bath on April 13, 1938 to Claude B. Shaut and Wilma H. (Towner) Shaut. Dorothy graduated from Savona Central School. She was employed with the E.L.

Isabelle Ballance

11/30/2008

CAMPBELL - Isabelle Ballance, age 85, passed away on Thursday, Nov. 20, at home. She was born on July 23, 1923 in Wellsboro, Pennsylvania, the daughter of the late John and Edith (Brown) Morley. She was married to Kenneth Ballance. He predeceased her in 1996.

Irene Eastman

11/30/2008

ROCHESTER - Irene Eastman,age 98, passed away on Nov. 22. Born in St. Urban, Canada, Irene moved to the USA at age five, learned English as a second language, later became a citizen, worked as a telephone operator, and retired from Bell Tel in 1973.

Francis H. Holmes

11/30/2008

BATH - Francis H. Holmes, Sr., age 75, of Bath, died Tuesday, Nov. 25 at home. He was born Oct. 8, 1933 in Avoca, the son of Ray and Belle Smith Holmes. Francis was an avid hunter, fisherman and dirt track fan. He was a little league coach, played fast pitch as a young man and loved to play football in High School.

Barbara R. Luckenbach

11/30/2008

AVOCA - Barbara R. Luckenbach, age 72, of the Wallace Back Road, entered into rest Wednesday evening, Nov. 19 at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, where she was taken after becoming ill at her home. Born in Avoca on Oct. 15, 1936, the daughter of the late Thomas and Nellie Fleischman Reinhart.

Olga H. McCallum

11/30/2008

HOWARD - Olga H. Mc- Callum, age 92, formerly of 3720 Mill Road, entered into rest peacefully Monday morning, Nov. 24 at the Livingston County Center For Nursing and Rehabilitation in Mt.Morris, New York. Born in Howard on Nov. 9, 1916, she was a daughter of the late Howard and Etta Earl Hopkins. On Dec. 30, 1942, she was married at the Howard Union Church to Hugh B.

Carlton A. Dartt

11/30/2008

CAMERON - Carlton A. Dartt, 84 years old, of Cty. Rte.119 passed away peacefully Friday, Nov. 21 at Rochester General Hospital in Rochester, following a brief illness. Carlton was born Aug. 4, 1924 in Wellsboro, Pennsylvania to Thornton and Kathryn (Ridge) Dartt. On June 29, 1947 in Cameron, he married Maxine Stuart who survives.

Mabel E. Rhoads

11/30/2008

BATH - Mabel E. Rhoads, age 97, of Longwell Lane, Bath died Friday, Nov. 21, at home. She was born in Canadice, New York, July 6, 1911 the daughter of Burt and Ida Mae Ross Clark. She was a Homemaker and Foster Mother for many children.

Melva Jean Trank

11/30/2008

BATH/DUNDEE - Melva Jean Trank, age 83, of Bath, died Thursday, Nov. 20 at the Steuben County Health Care Facility, Bath. Friends called from 6-8 p.m Monday, Nov. 24, at the Baird Funeral Home, 36 Water Street, Dundee; where a funeral service was held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 25 with Rev. Lucinda O´Leary officiating. Burial followed in Hillside Cemetery, Dundee.

50th wedding anniversary

11/30/2008

Mr. and Mrs. Grant Simons of Lake City, Florida celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Nov. 23 with a reception at the Pleasant Grave United Methodist Church on 4709 S.W. State Road 47. The former Gail Palmer of Bath and Grant Simons of Savona were married Nov. 23, 1958 in the Centenary Methodist Church, Bath.

Engagement announcement

11/30/2008

Douglas O'Brochta and Judith O'Brochta of Hammondsport announce the engagement of their daughter Melissa Lynn O'Brochta to Adam Fay King of Bath. Adam is the son of Lynn King of Wheeler and Donna Lauffler and step father Danny Lauffler of Bath.

Set the stage

BY TRESA ERICKSON SPECIAL TO THE COURIER — 11/30/2008

After months of wedding planning, you're finally in the home stretch. You've selected your wedding party, chosen attire, found a venue, lined up all of the right professionals and more. Now you're working on the decorations for your reception, and boy, could you use some help. Here are some ideas.

COMMUNITY

11/30/2008

Victims of Domestic Violence Women's Support Group Victims of Domestic Violence Women's Support Group will meet from 6:45-7:45 p.m. Monday nights. The next meeting will be held Dec. 1. For more information call 1- 800-286-3407.

NEW DESIGNS FOR FIREPLACES

11/30/2008

When you think of fireplaces, quaint brick, or cabin-in-the-woods varieties aren't your only options. Glass and metal provide a contemporary twist to traditional fireplaces. Clean European lines replace choppier, clunkier fireplaces of old. But they still offer warmth and a focal point for conversations with family and friends.

Gifts for gardeners

By Jim Hilibish — 11/30/2008

Definition of a holiday gift for a gardener: Something we'd dearly love to have but never would buy for ourselves because we're too darned cheap. This presents a great challenge to the gardening-merchandise industry. Thrift and usefulness must be demonstrated before any new device makes its name.

Gimmicky or pure genius, these inventions are ripe for holiday giving

STAFF REPORTS GATEHOUSE NEWS SERVICE — 11/30/2008

Have a bread machine or pasta maker stashed away deep inside a hard-to-reach kitchen cabinet? The novelty of these wonder gadgets of the 1990s may have waned, but every year, more gadgets are invented — and many stand the test of time and make great gifts.