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April 13, 2026
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Freeville Resident Charged in Connection with $1,400 Theft from Sennett Lowe's: A 31-year-old woman from Freeville faces fourth-degree grand larceny charges after an investigation linked her to the alleged theft of over $1,400 in merchandise from a Lowe's store in Sennett, Cayuga County. Authorities say the incident took place in August 2025, with a warrant issued when she could not be located. She was eventually arrested after her release from Seneca County Jail and transported to Cayuga County. Bail was set and she appeared in Sennett Town Court on April 8. (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Apr 13)
April 1, 2026
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Three People Killed in Dryden House Fire on Cortland Road: A house fire in Dryden, New York, on Wednesday resulted in the deaths of two women and a young child at 321 Cortland Road. Authorities identified the victims as Katherine Gray, Christy Oralls, and Oralls’ 3-year-old daughter, Paisley Wood. Another resident, David Welch, was hospitalized in stable condition, while his wife was not home during the incident. The Tompkins County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating the cause of the fire. (Source: The Ithaca Voice on Apr 1)
March 2, 2026
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Historic Dryden Church Transitions to New Role as Community Center: A prominent church building in Dryden, New York, recognized for its twin spires and rose window, is set to become a community center after serving the community for 150 years. The Dryden Center for Community recently purchased the 14,000-square-foot former church, which had seen declining congregation numbers that made upkeep impossible. The building, situated at 9 East Main Street, will now support a variety of social functions under nonprofit management. This transition ensures the landmark retains its place in the village's daily life. (Source: The Ithaca Voice on Mar 2)
January 29, 2026
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Proposed Dryden Housing Development Raises Concerns Over Impact on Rare Habitats: A planned housing development in Dryden, New York, could affect two protected natural areas, Trillium Woods and the Freeville Fir Tree Swamp. Both locations are recognized for their rare plant life and sensitive ecosystems, but their designation as Unique Natural Areas does not provide legal protection. Local officials anticipate the review process to last several months, as they weigh housing needs against environmental risks. Conservationists advocate for full exclusion of the sensitive areas from development plans. (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Jan 29)
January 27, 2026
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Dryden Considers Housing Development Near Environmentally Sensitive Sites: Two unique natural areas in Dryden are under consideration for new residential development, raising concerns about habitat protection. The Trillium Woods Farm project, proposed by New York Land & Lakes, could add 19 single-family homes on a 236-acre parcel. Both the Trillium Woods and Freeville Fir Tree Swamp are recognized by Tompkins County for their significant ecological value. Local officials are beginning a review process expected to last several months, during which public input will be sought. (Source: The Ithaca Voice on Jan 27)
January 18, 2026
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State Funds Bolster Water Quality Initiatives in Cayuga and Tompkins Counties: Cayuga and Tompkins counties are set to receive significant state funding for water-related infrastructure upgrades. Cayuga County will use over $730,000 to address soil erosion and reduce road salt usage, with projects including hydroseeding and the acquisition of new snow management equipment. Tompkins County is also receiving major awards, largely aimed at municipal wastewater and resilience upgrades. These investments aim to curb erosion, flooding, and pollution in the Finger Lakes region. (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Jan 18)
January 13, 2026
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New Officials Sworn In for Tompkins County and Ithaca Common Council in 2026: A wave of new leadership is evident in Tompkins County as local officials took office last week. Both the Tompkins County Legislature and the City of Ithaca Common Council began the year with around half of their members newly elected. Notable among the new legislators are Irene Weiser, who will serve Danby, Brooktondale, and Caroline, and Dan Wakeman, representing Dryden and Freeville. This significant change in representation marks a fresh start for local government in the area. (Source: The Ithaca Voice on Jan 13)
December 27, 2025
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Freeville Secures $4.8M State Grant for Wastewater Treatment Facility Upgrades: The village of Freeville in Tompkins County will receive $4.8 million in state funding to support necessary improvements to its wastewater treatment plant. This grant is part of a larger $453 million investment from New York State aimed at bolstering water infrastructure across several communities. The funding will allow Freeville to address important facility upgrades and ensure reliable service for residents. These improvements are expected to enhance the village's environmental sustainability. (Source: Finger Lakes Daily News on Dec 27)
December 23, 2025
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Two Men Arrested Following Burglary Investigation in Ovid: New York State Police arrested two men after responding to a reported burglary at a building on County Road 132 in the town of Ovid. Officers discovered signs of forced entry, including damaged doors and broken windows, and located the suspects hiding in the basement. The investigation revealed stolen property, controlled substances, and evidence of significant property damage. Both individuals face burglary and related charges following the incident. (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Dec 23)
November 25, 2025
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Community Groups in Tompkins County Offer Free Thanksgiving Meals: Several organizations across Tompkins County are providing free Thanksgiving meals to residents in need. The Varna Community Association, the Salvation Army in Ithaca, and Freeville United Methodist Church each have scheduled events with traditional holiday dishes on November 27. Additionally, Loaves and Fishes of Tompkins County will serve a meal on November 26 but will close on Thanksgiving Day. Event organizers are requesting reservations to help plan food quantities. (Source: The Ithaca Voice on Nov 25)
November 3, 2025
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Guide to Ithaca and Tompkins County Elections and Statewide Ballot Measure for 2025: Voters in Ithaca and throughout Tompkins County will participate in the 2025 general election to select representatives for the county legislature and various municipal legislative positions, including the Ithaca Common Council. Additionally, a statewide ballot proposal concerning development of ski trails within the Adirondack Park is on the ballot, potentially impacting state land use near Lake Placid. Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, November 4. Results and key updates will be available after polls close. (Source: The Ithaca Voice on Nov 3)
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)
October 27, 2025
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Dryden Deputy Mayor Dan Wakeman Runs for Tompkins County Legislature Seat: Dan Wakeman, currently serving as Deputy Mayor and a longstanding board member in the Village of Dryden, is seeking election to the Tompkins County Legislature representing District 10. He faces third-party challenger Thomas Corey in a race covering the eastern Town of Dryden, including the Villages of Dryden and Freeville. Wakeman, a networking engineer, emphasizes addressing housing affordability and the county’s fiscal management. He is considering programs like New York's Move-In initiative if elected. (Source: The Ithaca Voice on Oct 27)