LOCAL
STEUBEN COURIER
SUNDAY, MARCH 11, 2018
3A
Financing new deputies creates debate By James Post Steuben Courier
BATH – Members of the county Public Safety and Corrections Committee, along with other public officials, engaged in a heated debate Monday over part of the plan unveiled last week to combat
opioid addiction and trafficking in the county. Steuben County Sheriff James Allard and District Attorney Brooks Baker have asked for four new deputy sheriff positions, which would allow them to train four more senior deputies for dedicated drug interdiction (stopping
and seizing drug shipments) and investigation duties. However, County Manager Jack Wheeler noted that in summer, a federal grant will become available that could fund two of those positions for three years. In the end, the recommendation of the committee was
to reallocate all four positions, but only hire two of them, while waiting for the grant application process – but not before there was extensive discussion. Allard and Baker were strongly in favor of hiring all four deputies as soon as possible.
Haverling to host Prom boutique By Stephanie Gerych Dean of Students & Student Council Co-Advisor
Last year, Haverling Student Council and advisors came up with an idea that became much bigger than any of us had expected. We had been having a discussion about the costs associated with going to formal events such as prom and that after one evening their dresses were hung in closets only to be looked at nostalgically years down the road. The conversation then morphed into the fact that many students may not be able to afford the cost of the dress, shoes, accessories, and so on and may opt not to enjoy a night of fun wither their peers. Thus came the idea of an event that could allow girls to feel beautiful for an evening, dance the night away with their friends and not have to spend a fortune! Thus “To the Nines”, a chic prom boutique was born. When we reached out to our community, staff and then area schools we were shocked at the response. We
thought if we got 20 or 30 dresses we would be doing great! Never did we think we would see over 200 dresses donated, dozens of pairs of shoes, handbags and so many other accessories. We couldn’t believe it but the giving didn’t end there. We had numerous local businesses donate gift certificates and door prizes for those who attended the event (hundreds of dollars worth of flowers, hair
ries again with volunteers to help pick out the perfect match to a dress and most importantly we had girls with their friends and family smiling and laughing and enjoying the day! Our council had decided that the purpose of this event was to help others, an opportunity to give back. There was a $10 charge at the door but ALL proceeds would be donated to local charities that benefit youth throughout the county. Last year all money raised was donated to the annual Tyrtle Beach fund. SUBMITTED This year we will again be hosting our dressed do’s, make up, nails, etc.). “To the Nines” event at Then we had community Haverling High School members volunteering to on Saturday, March 24 help us prepare for the from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. We event and even attend to have received donations help the girls shop. throughout the year and When the Saturhave worked our way day in March arrived we back toward 200 dresses. couldn’t have been more There are no tickets to be excited! We had transpurchased in advance – formed our lobby into a all students have to do is fun boutique. There was show up. music playing, racks of dresses with attendants to help the girls shop, dressing rooms, tables full of shoes and accesso-
Baker noted that the county has had four overdose cases, with two deaths and two still hospitalized, since the announcement of the plan just a week before. “I’m going to ask you to go all-in – I think we have to,” he
see DEBATE | 10A
IN BRIEF O’Mara seeks WoD nominations
ELMIRA – With the approach of the celebration of Women’s History Month in March, State Senator Tom O’Mara (R,C,I-Big Flats) announced that he is accepting nominations until Friday, March 16 for the Senate’s 21st annual “Women of Distinction” program to honor local women making outstanding contributions to area communities. The deadline for submitting nominations is Friday, March 16. Nominations can be submitted online through O’Mara’s Senate website, www.omara. nysenate.gov (click on the “Women of Distinction” banner near the top of the home page). A downloadable nomination form is also available there. Email requests for a nomination form to omara@ nysenate.com, or call any of the senator’s offices in Elmira (607-735-9671), Bath (607-776-3201), or Albany (518-455-2091).
Bath AAUW offers scholarship
Bath Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) is offering the Martha E. Brown Scholarship Award of $1,000 to a woman who resides in the Bath, Hammondsport, Prattsburgh area and is beyond high school graduation and is working or planning to work toward a college degree. This scholarship is in memory of Martha E. Brown, a dedicated teacher and friend who was a strong advocate of continuing education. The award will be based on the applicant’s scholarship, financial need and citizenship. Applicants will be required to verify their enrollment in a degree program. Applications will be due by April 27 and interviews will be conducted in May. To receive an application, contact us at AAUWBath3@gmail.com or call (607) 569-3594. • Submitted