Latest News
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Infrastructure Projects: Penn Yan and Dresden will receive a portion of $269 million in state funding to modernize outdated water and sewer systems.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)