Latest News
February 10, 2026
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Yates County Legislature Approves Staffing Changes and Service Agreements for 2026: At a recent meeting, the Yates County Legislature authorized a variety of staffing updates, service contracts, and bid awards for 2026. Actions included the addition of a forfeited 2014 vehicle to the county fleet, approval of several labor and service agreements, and filling or recruiting for key positions such as Deputy Sheriff roles and a Director of Information Technology. Policymakers also adopted a new insurance claims policy and approved highway material bids for the year. (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Feb 10)
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Firefighters Save Dog During Penn Yan House Fire on Garfield Avenue: Emergency crews responded to a house fire on Garfield Avenue in Penn Yan during subzero temperatures, where firefighters quickly brought the blaze under control and rescued a small dog from the residence. The incident occurred on February 8, with first responders arriving to find flames spreading from the home's back porch and kitchen. The dog was transported by Penn Yan Ambulance to a veterinary hospital for treatment. Authorities are still investigating the fire's cause, and the homeowner is being supported by the Red Cross and local community. (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Feb 10)
February 8, 2026
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Yates County Legislature to Address Staffing, Contracts, and Infrastructure Issues: Yates County legislators will convene Monday afternoon to consider a range of matters including staffing changes, contract approvals, and funding allocations. The agenda includes discussions on filling sheriff's department vacancies and recruiting a director of information technology. Lawmakers will also debate agreements affecting county employees, public safety fleet updates, and contracts for educational and legal services. Several proposals related to county infrastructure and transportation are also scheduled for review. (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Feb 8)
February 4, 2026
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Torrey Celebrates 175th Anniversary with Events and Time Capsule: The town of Torrey in the Finger Lakes region is commemorating its 175th anniversary by forming a special committee to organize celebrations and create a time capsule to be opened in 2051. The capsule will include historical records, maps, photos, and messages from local officials, along with small artifacts from businesses to reflect daily life in 2026. Founded in 1851 from parts of Milo and Benton, Torrey now encompasses the village of Dresden and is home to around 1,300 residents. The town remains rooted in agriculture and the Seneca Lake area. (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Feb 4)
January 15, 2026
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Bravery Winery Introduces New Initiatives to Expand Local Presence: Bravery Winery in Dresden is launching a series of new initiatives aimed at strengthening its role in the Finger Lakes wine community. Recent changes at the winery are part of efforts to diversify offerings and adapt to evolving customer preferences. The business seeks to innovate while maintaining its commitment to local partnerships and regional traditions. These steps reflect a broader trend of adaptation among small wineries in the area. (Source: Finger Lakes Times on Jan 15)
December 18, 2025
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Penn Yan and Dresden Secure Grants for Water and Sewer Infrastructure Projects: Penn Yan and Dresden will receive a portion of $269 million in state funding to modernize outdated water and sewer systems. The grants and low-interest financing from New York's Environmental Facilities Corporation aim to support critical infrastructure upgrades while keeping costs manageable for local residents. The funding comes from a mix of state and federal sources. These projects are intended to help address longstanding infrastructure challenges in the region. (Source: Finger Lakes Daily News on Dec 18)
December 12, 2025
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Phelps, Penn Yan, and Dresden Awarded State Funding for Water Infrastructure Upgrades: Three Finger Lakes communities—Phelps, Penn Yan, and Dresden—will undergo significant water and wastewater improvements following the approval of new state funding. The statewide initiative will use $269 million in grants and low-cost financing to address critical infrastructure needs. Phelps has secured $12.7 million to modernize its wastewater treatment plant, while Penn Yan and Dresden are receiving support for pump station and pipeline upgrades. These projects aim to enhance reliability and environmental protection. (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Dec 12)
November 24, 2025
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Greenidge Station in Dresden Closed Temporarily Following Overnight Fire: Emergency crews responded late Sunday evening to a fire at the Greenidge Station in Dresden. The incident prompted a significant response, but rapid efforts by local firefighters helped restrict the extent of the damage. As a result, the facility has been temporarily shut down while officials assess the situation. No major injuries have been reported, and authorities are continuing their investigation. (Source: Finger Lakes Daily News on Nov 24)
November 21, 2025
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Dresden Man Faces Narcotics Charge Following Intake at Ontario County Jail: A 36-year-old Dresden resident, Jeffrey Kearns, was arrested on Monday after drugs were discovered during his intake process at the Ontario County Jail. Authorities allege he had criminal possession of a narcotic substance at the time he was being processed into the facility. The incident led to additional charges against Kearns following a prior investigation. Law enforcement has not released further details regarding the specific narcotic or circumstances. (Source: Finger Lakes Daily News on Nov 21)
November 17, 2025
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Five Ontario County Jail Inmates Charged With Marijuana-Related Contraband Offense: Authorities in Ontario County arrested five inmates after they were found smoking marijuana at the Ontario County Jail on October 19. Following an internal investigation by the Sheriff's Criminal Investigation Division, the individuals were charged with second-degree promoting prison contraband, a misdemeanor that addresses unlawful possession of items such as drugs in correctional facilities. All five remain in custody and are set to be arraigned in CAP Court. The investigation is ongoing and no further details have been provided. (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Nov 8)
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Greenidge Generation and DEC Reach Deal on Dresden Plant Air Permit Renewal: Greenidge Generation has received a five-year renewal for its Title V Air Permit from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. The decision comes after an extended period involving public hearings and legal disputes. The permit renewal enables the Dresden facility to continue its power generation operations under regulatory oversight. The agreement resolves longstanding concerns regarding environmental compliance at the site. (Source: Finger Lakes Daily News on Nov 7)
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IBEW Responds to Greenidge Generation’s Renewal of Air Permit Agreement: Greenidge Generation’s Dresden plant has received a five-year renewal for its Title V Air Permit from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. The approval allows the facility to maintain its electricity supply to the upstate grid. The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers commented on the agreement, reflecting ongoing local discussions on energy and environmental concerns. The permit decision completes a significant step for the plant’s continued operation. (Source: Finger Lakes Daily News on Nov 10)
November 11, 2025
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Hochul Approves Gas Pipeline and Greenidge Permit, Shifting NY Environmental Policy: Governor Kathy Hochul has authorized a new 17-mile underwater natural gas pipeline near New York City and has extended Greenidge Generation’s permit to use fracked gas for Bitcoin mining at Seneca Lake for five more years. These decisions mark significant departures from New York’s previous environmental policies and have drawn criticism from several environmental groups. The move has also sparked political backlash as Hochul seeks re-election next year. Both decisions are seen as significant policy shifts for the state. (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Nov 11)
November 8, 2025
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Greenidge Power Plant Receives New York State Air Permit After Reversal: New York State has issued a new five-year air permit to Greenidge Generation in Dresden, reversing its earlier denial tied to state climate laws. The decision reignites debates over the plant's operation, with environmental advocates and labor groups expressing opposing views. The renewed permit requires significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and reportedly includes stringent environmental standards. This move is expected to impact local energy policy and the ongoing dispute over cryptocurrency mining impacts. (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Nov 8)
November 7, 2025
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Greenidge Reaches Deal With State on Renewed Air Permit for Dresden Power Plant: Greenidge Generation has announced that it has come to an agreement with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation regarding a five-year renewal of its air permit to operate the Dresden power plant. This follows years of legal disputes and a planned evidentiary hearing related to the permit. The resolution will allow Greenidge to continue operations under new regulatory terms. Details of the finalized agreement have not yet been disclosed publicly. (Source: Finger Lakes Times on Nov 7)