Elmira, NY, Saturday February 21, 2015

Transcript

WETM (NBC) - Elmira, NY
WETM 18 News at Noon

WETM 2/18/2015 12:03:46 PM: ...the faithful say he's leading by example by the shower and shave program that's going on here. janet shamlian, nbc news, rome. and on a lighter note, talk about seizing a holy opportunity! american toy-y-ker "Bleacher Creatures" is releasing a plush doll of pope francis. they've done famous athletes, like derek jeter and tom brady before. they decided to take advantage of the pope's popularity ahead of his first u-s visit, later this year. the figures will be released in july, for about 20 bucks a piece. the company's c-e-o says he has reached out to the vatican about the toy, and he hopes to officially partner with the church. freezing temperatures lead to a minor flooding situation at the tops grocery store in big flats last night... the store says today they are open and running. the store was temporarily closed because the fire department says the building's sprinkler lines froze and broke, leading to indoor flooding inside the store. fire officials say there is extensive water damage inside, but again the store says they are open for business today. the mayor and deputy mayor of hornell have taken their concerns about reduced services at the hospital in the maple city directly to the governor himself. according to a report by the evening tribune, during a reception at the governor's mansion last week both expressed concern about st. james mercy's plan to eliminate maternity and inpatient surgery service at the hospital. mayor hogan says governor cuomo told them he'll lookoknto it and make sure they get a fair deal adding that the devil's in the details. hospital officials have said the changes are needed to remain finacially viable. teenage gambling is the fastest rising addiction today, according to the c-r-c health group. in fact, statistics show one in three high school students gamble on a regular basis. that's why one local organization hopes to raise awareness about this issue. whether its scratch off tickets which minors aren't allowed to buy, or online gambling or playing poker with friends. the tioga county council on alcoholism and substance abuse has recieved funding to carry out the youth decide project. the project focuses on kids ages 12 to 17, and provides community outreach and education about the dangers of underage gambling. the program aims to raise awareness in order to avoid the problems that can come from underage gambling. christie speciale: "we want to stop this because gamlbing in youth is shown to have a lot of serious consequences later in life. it can lead to school problems, it can lead to drug and alcohol use, a lot of damaged relationships from it, so we really want to prevent that from happening." ...