Latest News
December 15, 2025
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Dairy Queen Plans Return to Ithaca at Former Elmira Road Restaurant Site: Dairy Queen is set to reestablish its presence in Ithaca with a new Grill and Chill location at 407 Elmira Road, occupying the space that formerly housed Tim Horton's and Cold Stone Creamery. The building, previously constructed for these chains, has remained vacant since Tim Horton's closed in 2015. This marks Dairy Queen's return to the city, which last hosted the franchise at a different site now occupied by Pudgie's Pizza. An official opening date for the new restaurant has yet to be announced. (Source: The Ithaca Voice on Dec 15)
December 9, 2025
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Interstate 86 in Tioga County Upgraded Following $47 Million Project: The state of New York has completed a $47 million reconstruction of a six-mile section of Interstate 86 in Tioga County. The project focused on resurfacing the Southern Tier Expressway and refurbishing two bridges over Apalachin Creek in the Town of Owego. These improvements are expected to enhance both safety and connectivity for drivers and businesses in the Southern Tier. The upgraded highway now meets full interstate standards and supports regional accessibility. (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Dec 9)
December 8, 2025
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First Day Hikes to Return Across New York State Parks on January 1, 2026: New York State will celebrate the start of 2026 by offering First Day Hikes at more than 115 parks, historic sites, trails, and forests statewide, including several locations in the Finger Lakes. These events, which take place on January 1, aim to encourage families and individuals to spend time outdoors and benefit from nature in winter. Most hikes are beginner-friendly and range from one to five miles. Parking fees at participating state sites will be waived for the event. (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Dec 8)
December 6, 2025
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New Trial Ordered for Elmira Resident After Overturned Murder Conviction: The New York State Supreme Court's Appellate Division has overturned the 2019 second-degree murder conviction of Demetrius Mack. Mack was originally found guilty for the 2017 fatal stabbing of Albert Sturgis at Gush's Thirsty Bear in Elmira. The court's decision results in a new trial for Mack. This development marks a significant legal update in a longstanding local criminal case. (Source: Finger Lakes Daily News on Dec 6)
December 3, 2025
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Cayuga Medical Center Nurses Begin Unionization Process: Nurses at Cayuga Medical Center in Ithaca have initiated a unionization campaign in collaboration with the Communications Workers of America. The effort seeks to represent approximately 350 nurses, addressing issues such as staff shortages, burnout, stagnant salaries, and reduced benefits. Organizers reported significant backing, with about 73% of nurses signing union cards, and have filed for an election with the National Labor Relations Board. This move follows a decade after a previous unsuccessful unionization attempt at the hospital. (Source: The Ithaca Voice on Dec 3)
December 1, 2025
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Elmira Woman Located Safely Following Missing Person Report: A 64-year-old woman from Elmira who had been reported missing over the weekend has been found safe, according to local authorities. Vikki Gullo was last observed on the afternoon of November 29, and her car was later found on South Hoffman Avenue. The Elmira Police Department confirmed her well-being after completing their search. The case has now been resolved, and law enforcement has closed the investigation. (Source: Finger Lakes Daily News on Dec 1)
November 22, 2025
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New York Expands Health Services to Improve Rural Access Across Finger Lakes: New York State is implementing new initiatives aimed at improving health care access in rural areas, including the Finger Lakes. Efforts include deploying mobile health clinics, establishing rural crisis centers, and increasing addiction and mental health support services in multiple counties. The program responds to the challenges faced by rural residents such as long travel times and limited provider availability. State officials emphasize the importance of the new models to bridge care gaps in underserved communities. (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Nov 22)
November 21, 2025
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Two Elmira Men Arrested During Alleged Burglary in Chemung: Two men from Elmira were arrested in the early hours of November 20 after state troopers interrupted a suspected burglary at a property on County Route 60 in Chemung. Authorities say the suspects were found inside the building, removing copper piping from the ceiling. Additional law enforcement agencies assisted in searching the premises but found no other individuals involved. The suspects face felony burglary charges and are scheduled to appear in town court in December. (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Nov 21)
November 17, 2025
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SUNY Corning Community College Hosts Free FAFSA and TAP Assistance Events: SUNY Corning Community College is organizing free public sessions in Elmira and Corning to help individuals fill out the 2026–2027 FAFSA and TAP financial aid forms. Trained staff will provide step-by-step assistance during three events starting November 20. These sessions are open to anyone interested, regardless of college choice. Attendees are advised to bring necessary financial documents and a laptop to complete the process efficiently. (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Nov 17)
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FLX Gives Online Fundraiser Returns to Support Area Nonprofits: The FLX Gives event, a 24-hour online fundraiser, is set to return this Thursday to benefit nonprofit organizations in Yates, Schuyler, Steuben, and Chemung counties. Organized by the Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the Finger Lakes, the initiative aims to connect donors with local causes. The fundraiser offers residents an opportunity to contribute directly to organizations serving their communities. Participation is key to supporting a range of regional charitable efforts. (Source: Finger Lakes Daily News on Nov 12)
November 14, 2025
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Tops Markets Confirms Permanent Closure of Fire-Damaged Big Flats Store: Tops Markets has decided not to reopen its Big Flats location after a fire caused significant damage earlier this year. The store, located in Elmira's Consumer Square Plaza, was approaching the end of its lease when the company made the announcement. Customers who relied on the store will need to seek other grocery options in the area. Tops has not indicated plans for a replacement at this time. (Source: Finger Lakes Daily News on Nov 14)
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Elmira Officials Link Bail Reform to Rise in Repeat Low-Level Offenses: In Elmira and Chemung County, authorities report an increase in repeat offenses for minor crimes since bail reform measures were enacted in 2019. Under current law, judges cannot set bail for most misdemeanors and some non-violent felonies, even for repeat nonattendance at court. Police find themselves repeatedly issuing appearance tickets to the same individuals, with officials expressing concerns about limited judicial discretion. Critics say the law is inadvertently fostering reoffending. (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Nov 14)
November 13, 2025
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Three Arrested in Chemung County Animal Cruelty Case Involving Dog Harm: Authorities in Chemung County have arrested three individuals from the Town of Big Flats following an investigation into alleged animal cruelty. The case centers on accusations that a family forced a dog to ingest thumbtacks. Those taken into custody include residents from both Elmira and Big Flats. The Chemung County Sheriff's Office is handling the matter as an ongoing criminal investigation. (Source: Finger Lakes Daily News on Nov 13)
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 31, 2025
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Hobart College Hockey Defeats Elmira 3-1 in Season Opener: The Hobart College men's hockey team began its season with a 3-1 victory over Elmira College at the Murray Athletic Center on Friday night. Three different players scored for Hobart, and senior goalie Damon Beaver recorded 13 saves in the win. Hobart took the lead in the second period with a power-play goal, kept up pressure throughout, and secured their win with a third-period goal despite Elmira's late score. The teams are set to face each other again on Saturday. (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Oct 31)
October 29, 2025
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New Medical School Scholarship Aims to Address Rural Health Care Needs: Corning Inc. and LECOM have introduced the Future Foundations Health Scholarship to address the shortage of doctors in Chemung and Steuben counties. This initiative offers two medical students at LECOM Elmira full scholarships in exchange for a commitment to provide four years of primary care in these rural communities after completing their residency. The program specifically supports students interested in high-demand fields such as family medicine and psychiatry. Its goal is to boost local healthcare access in underserved areas. (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Oct 27)
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Keuka College Women's Volleyball Earns First Straight-Set Win Against Elmira: Keuka College's women's volleyball team secured a 3-0 victory over Elmira College in an Empire 8 conference match, marking their first sweep and second overall win of the season. The match took place Tuesday night and saw the Wolves win each set by a comfortable margin. (Source: Finger Lakes Daily News on Oct 22)
October 24, 2025
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Elmira Teen Found Guilty in Fatal Shooting at Birthday Party: An 18-year-old has been convicted of murder in Chemung County for the fatal shooting of 21-year-old J’Sean Williams during a birthday celebration in Elmira. The incident took place on Richard Street in November 2024, where the shooter fired five times at close range before fleeing the scene. Along with the murder conviction, the jury found the defendant guilty of two weapons-related charges. Sentencing is scheduled for December 15 and could result in a maximum term of 25 years to life. (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Oct 24)
October 23, 2025
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Check Out Hunger Campaign Begins at Wegmans Stores in Southern Tier: Wegmans locations in Corning, Elmira, Hornell, Ithaca, and Johnson City are participating in the 32nd annual Check Out Hunger campaign, organized in partnership with the Food Bank of the Southern Tier. The initiative, which runs through November 29, aims to collect donations to assist families in Y (Source: Finger Lakes Daily News on Oct 23)
October 21, 2025
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Elmira Resident Charged After Attempting to Evade Schuyler County Traffic Stop: A 21-year-old from Elmira was taken into custody by the Schuyler County Sheriff's Office following an incident where he allegedly attempted to avoid a traffic stop. The individual faces charges including unlawful fleeing from police, reckless driving, and multiple traffic violations. (Source: Finger Lakes Daily News on Oct 21)
October 20, 2025
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Power restoration underway after severe windstorm in Finger Lakes region: Utility crews are working to restore electricity to thousands in the Finger Lakes following a windstorm that left over 97,000 homes and businesses without power. Areas such as Canandaigua, Geneva, Auburn, Ithaca, Elmira, and Binghamton were especially affected. Most service is expected to be back by (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Oct 20)