Latest News
January 2, 2026
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Suspect Arrested After Hostage Incident at Downtown Ithaca Apartment: Ithaca police apprehended a 27-year-old man following a reported hostage situation at an East Green Street apartment on January 1. Officers responded after hearing a woman calling for help and safely removed her from the premises without injury. The suspect, identified as Travis A. Thompson of Ithaca, was arrested on outstanding warrants from Cortland County and Cortland City Court, with further charges expected. Authorities continue to investigate and are seeking additional information. (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Jan 2)
December 30, 2025
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State Grant Supports New Swimming Facilities in Cortland and Ontario County: Significant state assistance has been awarded to two swimming-related projects in Central New York as part of the New York Statewide Investment in More Swimming initiative. The City of Cortland will receive $3.8 million to upgrade the Yaman Park swimming facility with enhanced accessibility and modern amenities. Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ontario County has been granted $800,000 for a new outdoor pool and related facilities. These projects aim to increase local access to safe and modern aquatic spaces. (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Dec 30)
December 21, 2025
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Cortland Resident Claims $10 Million Lottery Jackpot: A Cortland man recently won a $10 million top prize from a scratch-off lottery ticket purchased at a local Grand Union store. After deductions for taxes, he received a lump sum payout totaling $6.5 million. This substantial win stands out as one of the most significant lottery awards in the Finger Lakes region for the year. The prize was awarded just days before the Christmas holiday. (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Dec 21)
December 16, 2025
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7 Brew Opens Drive-Thru Coffee Shop in Auburn at Grant Avenue Location: Auburn residents will have a new spot for grab-and-go coffee as 7 Brew launches its latest drive-thru-only location at 153 Grant Avenue on Wednesday. The ribbon-cutting ceremony, set for December 17, will feature participation from the United Way of Cayuga County. 7 Brew, known for its presence in North Syracuse, Rome, and Cortland, continues expanding its reach in the region. The shop will also host a special event with giveaways later in the week. (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Dec 16)
December 11, 2025
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Ohio Woman Identified After Being Found Dead Near Railroad Tracks in Cortlandville: New York State Police have identified the woman found dead near Cortlandville railroad tracks as 59-year-old Robin Bowman from Findlay, Ohio. Authorities report it remains unclear why she was in the area, but believe she drove to Cortland. Her body was discovered near Pall Trinity along State Route 281 on November 25 by a passerby. An investigation into the cause of death is ongoing, with further details expected as they become available. (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Dec 11)
December 4, 2025
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Governor Hochul Supports Nominations for 19 New York Historic Sites: Governor Kathy Hochul has endorsed 19 nominations across New York for inclusion in the State and National Registers of Historic Places. The proposed sites range from post-war housing developments in Brooklyn and a senior housing tower in Cohoes to the home of a women’s club leader in Cortland and an Arts and Crafts-style church on Staten Island. These nominations, recommended by the State Board for Historic Preservation, highlight New York’s architectural and cultural diversity. Approval could make these sites eligible for grant funding and tax credits. (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Dec 4)
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Summit Federal Credit Union Collects Donations for United Way Chapters: The Summit Federal Credit Union is organizing a holiday season donation drive across its branches in Syracuse, Cortland, and Seneca Falls. Each location will gather monetary contributions to benefit the local United Way chapter, aiming to support individuals and families in need in Central New York. This initiative underscores the organization's commitment to community service during a period of increased demand. Donations will be distributed to local chapters in each branch’s area. (Source: Finger Lakes Times on Dec 4)
November 17, 2025
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Cortaca Jug Football Game Set to Return to Yankee Stadium in 2026: The annual Cortaca Jug football game between SUNY Cortland and Ithaca College is scheduled to return to Yankee Stadium in New York City on November 14, 2026, marking the event's first appearance at the venue since 2022. School officials announced the return during a recent press conference. The Cortaca Jug has previously drawn significant crowds, including a record-setting game at MetLife Stadium in 2019. Tickets for next year's matchup will be available beginning November 20, 2025. (Source: The Ithaca Voice on Nov 12)
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Sinicropi Florist Celebrates 50th Anniversary in Downtown Seneca Falls: Sinicropi Florist in Seneca Falls recently marked its 50th anniversary with an open house organized by the Finger Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce. The event brought together staff, local leaders, and customers to commemorate the business’s half-century of floral service. The florist, founded by Joyce Sinicropi in 1975, has gained a strong reputation in the Finger Lakes for its creative arrangements and personal service. Now owned by Allen Floral Group, the shop continues its legacy under new leadership. (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Nov 17)
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Ithaca College Bombers Reclaim Cortaca Jug in Close Rivalry Win Over Cortland: The Ithaca College Bombers secured a 26-21 victory over the Cortland Red Dragons in the 66th Cortaca Jug, played at Butterfield Stadium before a sold-out crowd of over 8,000. This win strengthens Ithaca's historical lead in a rivalry often called the "biggest little game in the nation." After trailing at halftime, the Bombers surged ahead in the third quarter and held off Cortland’s final drive. Despite the win, Ithaca ended the season 8-2, falling short of a postseason berth. (Source: The Ithaca Voice on Nov 17)
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Police Discover Squatters in Vacant Cortland Savings Bank Building: Authorities in Cortland responded after a business found evidence of people living in its unused office space, located in the former Cortland Savings Bank building. Police determined that at least four individuals had been staying on the second floor, entering through an open window. The area contained bedding, garbage, needles, and minor damage. The building has been unoccupied since September, and police are investigating the incident as a burglary, with no arrests made to date. (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Nov 17)
November 16, 2025
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Rye Girls Soccer Team Completes Undefeated Season with State Title Triumph: The Rye High School girls soccer team capped a perfect season by defeating Aquinas Institute 4-0 in Cortland, securing the program's second Class A state championship in three years. Overcoming challenging weather, the Garnets wrapped up their 22-0-3 campaign with dominant postseason performances, allowing no goals in the playoffs. Key contributions came from underclassmen and seniors alike as they built on a strong regular season finish. The victory underscores Rye's sustained success on the state stage. (Source: Rye Record on Nov 16)
November 15, 2025
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Rye Girls Soccer Defeats Schalmont, Advances to State Final: The Rye High School girls soccer team secured a decisive 5-0 victory over Schalmont in the state Class A semifinal, played Saturday in Cortland. Despite weather delays, Rye quickly established control and advanced to the championship game against Aquinas Institute. The Garnets, now 21-0-3 and Section 1 champions, have not allowed a goal in their last three tournament matches. A win in the upcoming final would mark their second state title in three years. (Source: Rye Record on Nov 15)
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Ithaca Secures 66th Cortaca Jug Victory Over No. 14 Cortland: Ithaca College's football team narrowly defeated nationally ranked Cortland, 26-21, in the 66th Cortaca Jug game held at Butterfield Stadium. The contest saw over 8,000 spectators witness a back-and-forth match, with Ithaca ultimately sealing an 8-2 regular season record. Key moments included blocked kicks and crucial turnovers, as Cortland threatened late but could not overtake Ithaca's lead. The win solidifies Ithaca's place in this storied regional rivalry. (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Nov 15)
November 7, 2025
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Centralus Health Offers Support for Breast Cancer Patients in Treatment Process: Patients in the Finger Lakes area navigating a breast cancer diagnosis can access specialized guidance through Centralus Health's support services. A breast cancer navigator assists individuals by helping coordinate appointments, manage logistics, and understand next steps following diagnosis. The interval between initial diagnosis and beginning treatment can be stressful, as patients often face numerous evaluations and uncertainty. Centralus Health aims to ease this transition and support informed care decisions. (Source: The Ithaca Voice on Nov 6)
October 29, 2025
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Thomas Corey Runs as Independent for Tompkins County Legislature District 10 in Dryden: Thomas Corey, a retired insurance agent and longtime resident of Dryden, has entered the race to represent District 10 on the Tompkins County Legislature. Running as an independent under the Bull Moose Party banner, Corey brings decades of political experience, including previous service on the Village of Dryden's Board of Trustees and several prior campaigns. He describes himself as a compassionate conservative, emphasizing fiscal responsibility and support for essential social benefits. Corey faces Democratic candidate Dan Wakeman in the upcoming election. (Source: The Ithaca Voice on Oct 28)