AM 1480 WLEA News

AM 1480 WLEA is a talk radio station located in Hornell, NY, and it started broadcasting in the late 1940s. Skip Huff was one of its original owners. In 1951, the Hornell Broadcasting Corporation took ownership, with Charlie Henderson as the primary stockholder. On June 1, 1972, Henderson sold the station to Kevin Doran. Eight years later, in 1980, Doran sold WLEA to Herb Channick, a millionaire from Chicago, whom Doran regarded as his best boss. In 1990, Channick sold WLEA, along with WCKR, a station he launched in 1981, back to Doran. Herb Channick passed away in June 2011, and Kevin Doran followed in October 2015. After Kevin's passing, his widow, Mary Margaret, along with their sons, General Manager Brendan and Program Director Brian, played a crucial role in establishing WLEA's FM translator, 106.9 W295CW, which was launched in July 2020.

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Ribbon Cutting For Alstom Plant 4 - A Building Dedicated To The Late Jim Griffin

4 days ago | wlea.net | Brian O'Neil
Scammers Are Pretending To Do A State Police Fundraisers, And Other Cons

5 days ago | wlea.net | Brian O'Neil

June 2, 2025FROM NYSP: The New York State Police are warning the public about an ongoing phone spoofing scam in which scammers impersonate members of law enforcement or government agencies in an attempt to solicit sensitive personal information from individuals across New York State and beyond.
O'Mara's Weekly Column, June 2, 2025

5 days ago | wlea.net | Brian O'Neil

June 2, 2025FROM STATE SENATOR TOM O’MARA: Beware of the final days of any legislative session in Albany — and be ready for last-minute surprises. That’s especially important to keep in mind this year. It’s critical for all New Yorkers to keep an eye out. There are legislative proposals under discussion that deserve high-alert status. Legislation known as the “NY HEAT Act,” for example, would effectively ban the use of natural gas as an energy source for homes and businesses.
Langworthy's Weekly Letter, June 2, 2025

5 days ago | wlea.net | Brian O'Neil

June 2, 2025FROM CONGRESSMAN NICK LANGWORTHY: In Western New York and the Southern Tier, manufacturing built our economy, our towns, and our middle class. These jobs brought stability, dignity, and opportunity to working families—and they still do. But over the years, Washington’s failed policies—from reckless trade deals to an anti-growth tax code—hollowed out our communities and shipped our jobs overseas. We’ve paid the price, and it’s long past time for that to end.
This Summer's Hornell City Pool Plans

5 days ago | wlea.net | Brian O'Neil

June 2, 2025FROM HORNELL DEPUTY MAYOR JESSICA CLEVELAND:City of Hornell 2025 Pool and Playground PlansSummer fun is right around the corner as the City of Hornell and the Hornell YMCA team up once again to open the pool at Veterans Memorial Park at James Street on June 29. This marks the fifth year of the successful partnership, which was approved by the Common Council at their March meeting. “Partnering with the YMCA has been a win for everyone,” said Mayor John Buckley.
Hornell Man Sentenced To Prison On Vehicular Manslaughter 2nd, And Other Charges

5 days ago | wlea.net | Brian O'Neil

June 1, 2025Michael Eldridge of Hornell has been sentenced to prison. Eldridge was convicted last month, of a fatal collision that resulted in the death of Michael Heinrich, 51, of Nunda. That accident happened in Avoca, in August of 2023. Steuben County District Attorney Brooks Baker says Eldridge was convicted of multiple counts, the top count being a Class B Felony, which was Assault in the First Degree.
Hornell Man Was Found Guilty, In Baby Shaking Case

1 week ago | wlea.net | Brian O'Neil

May 30, 2025Steuben County District Attorney Brooks Baker reports that Robert Taft, 26, Hornell, was found guilty yesterday, of two counts of Assault in the First Degree, two counts of Reckless Assault in the First Degree and two counts of Reckless Endangerment in the First Degree. Taft was accused of two baby shaking incidents, in October 2022. “This was a difficult case for all of us, prosecutors, investigators and witnesses,” D.A. Brooks Baker stated.
Republican Elected Officials Reject NYC Dem State Legislators New, Cow Rule

1 week ago | wlea.net | Brian O'Neil

May 29, 2025Two New York City Democrat state lawmakers are working to limit the number of cows a farmer can have, to a total of 700 cows. Below is what several Republican elected officials say about that. FROM ASSEMBLYMAN PHIL PALMESANO: “This is just another example of downstate one-party rule imposing overregulation on upstate communities, as if the devastating Farm Labor Act wasn’t enough.
Citizen Preparedness Event In Hornell In June

1 week ago | wlea.net | Brian O'Neil

May 29, 2025There will be a Citizens Preparedness Event held on Wednesday, June 4, at 12pm, at the Main Place on Main Street in Hornell. Speakers will discuss how to handle weather emergencies and disasters, including what supplies to have stored, in case of weather emergencies or manmade disasters. This is being sponsored by Governor Kathy Hochul, the Steuben County Office of the Aging and the Main Place. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.
Sheriff's Dept Does Career Day At Hornell BOCES

1 week ago | wlea.net | Brian O'Neil

May 29, 2025Sgt. Valentine from our Corrections Division along with Sgt. Shutt and K9 Ronnie from our Patrol Division participating in the Career Fair 2025 yesterday at BOCES Wildwood Campus in Hornell.