Latest News
January 6, 2026
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Brattleboro Hardware Store Welcomes Cats as Part of New Ownership: Brown and Roberts Hardware in Brattleboro, a longstanding Main Street business, recently became part of the Aubuchon chain along with six other Vermont stores. As part of the transition, the store has introduced two resident black cats, named Makita and Milwaukee, both serving as a practical solution for pest control and as a draw for customers. The feline initiative is part of a broader tradition within the Aubuchon chain, which has used store cats to deter rodents and engage shoppers for decades. The cats are now familiar faces at the newly acquired location. (Source: The Commons on Jan 6)
January 5, 2026
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Bristol Man Arrested for Drug-Impaired Driving After Vehicle Found in Ditch: Ontario County deputies arrested a Bloomfield resident early January 5 after locating a vehicle in a ditch at the intersection of U.S. Route 20A and Buckelew Road in Bristol. Authorities determined that the driver, identified as 46-year-old Matthew C. Weitzel, was operating the vehicle while under the influence of drugs. He was cited for drug-impaired driving and released at the scene. Weitzel is set to appear in Bristol Town Court to address the charges. (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Jan 5)
January 1, 2026
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U.S. Ski Team Athletes Prepare for Olympics at Bristol Mountain: Bristol Mountain in the Finger Lakes region has become a training site for U.S. Ski Team members ahead of the upcoming Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina. Elite athletes Winter Vinecki, Derek Krueger, and Pittsford native Chris Lillis practiced on the slopes alongside local youth skiers. The team is focused on the remaining four World Cup events, which will determine Olympic qualifications. The Winter Games are scheduled to begin on February 6. (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Jan 1)
December 30, 2025
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Republicans Retain Control of Ontario County Board Amid Closer Political Split: Republicans will continue to lead the Ontario County Board of Supervisors in 2026, but their majority has narrowed following the latest election results. Two seats shifted to Democrats, reducing the Republican advantage to 12-9. Among Democratic gains were victories in Geneva, Canandaigua, and notably South Bristol, which elected its first Democratic supervisor in more than five decades. The incoming board will feature several new members and reflects a growing partisan competitiveness in the county. (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Dec 30)
December 24, 2025
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Fire and Explosion at Pennsylvania Nursing Home Leaves Two Dead, Others Injured: A fire and explosion occurred at a nursing home in Bristol, Pennsylvania, resulting in the deaths of one resident and one employee. Emergency officials reported that twenty additional individuals sustained injuries during the incident, which took place on a Tuesday afternoon. Authorities are investigating the possibility that a gas leak triggered the devastating event. The cause of the explosion remains undetermined as the investigation continues. (Source: Finger Lakes Daily News on Dec 24)
December 22, 2025
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Antioch Man's Truck Hits and Kills Six Horses Near Illinois-Wisconsin Border: A 67-year-old man from Antioch was unharmed after his pickup truck collided with six horses early Monday morning near the Illinois-Wisconsin border by unincorporated Bristol. The animals, which had escaped from a nearby stable, were killed in the incident. Kenosha County Sheriff's deputies found no signs of impairment or speeding on the part of the driver. Authorities noted the accident took place on a poorly lit section of County Highway WG. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Dec 22)
December 8, 2025
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Tow Truck Driver Injured After Semi-Truck Collision on I-94 in Wadsworth: A tow truck driver from Antioch Automotive was hospitalized following a collision involving a semi-truck on Interstate 94 near Russell Road in Wadsworth during a snowstorm on Sunday morning. The crash occurred as the driver was assisting a disabled vehicle, when a semi lost control and struck both the driver and the vehicle. Emergency responders from multiple Illinois and Wisconsin agencies attended the scene. Illinois State Police are investigating the incident. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Dec 8)
December 3, 2025
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Bristol Fire Department Reports November Calls and Urges Chimney Safety: The Bristol Volunteer Fire Department responded to 30 calls in November, bringing its 2025 total to 259, with an increasing number related to chimney and furnace issues as winter begins. Officials urge residents to inspect chimneys and verify that carbon monoxide detectors are operational. The department also addressed two vehicle accidents last month and advises drivers to exercise caution amid snowy and icy road conditions. Leadership elections were held, with Eric Day named chief. (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Dec 3)
December 2, 2025
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Man Charged With Arson After Thanksgiving Fire Destroys Family Home in Beach Park: A 21-year-old Beach Park resident was arrested after prosecutors alleged he set fire to his family's house following a dispute regarding a dog on Thanksgiving Day. The fire broke out in the 40100 block of North Lone Oak Road, with family members still inside at the time. Multiple fire departments from Lake County and Wisconsin responded to the blaze, and the accused individual was ordered held until trial. Authorities handled the initial dispute without violence, but the situation escalated later that evening. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Dec 2)
November 28, 2025
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Beach Park Man Charged with Arson After Thanksgiving Argument Over Family Dog: A 21-year-old man from Beach Park has been charged with arson after authorities say he intentionally set his house on fire on Thanksgiving night. According to prosecutors, the incident began with a disagreement regarding a family dog, which escalated to the suspect dousing the residence with gasoline and setting it alight. Deputies responded to the scene on North Lone Oak Road after being called about a domestic dispute. The individual now faces detention based on concerns for family safety. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Nov 28)
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Beach Park Resident Accused of Arson After Thanksgiving Family Dispute: A 21-year-old man from Beach Park has been charged with aggravated arson and residential arson after allegedly setting his house on fire following a family dispute on Thanksgiving. Authorities responded to a domestic incident at the North Lone Oak Road residence where deputies had previously intervened to calm a verbal argument. No injuries were reported, and legal proceedings are underway. The incident remains under investigation by Lake County officials. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Nov 28)
November 26, 2025
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Firefighters Respond to House Fire with Live Ammunition Near Antioch: On Tuesday afternoon, firefighters in the Antioch area were called to a house fire on North Circle Drive. Upon arrival, crews encountered smoke, flames, and live ammunition discharging inside the single-story home. Despite the added hazard, no injuries were reported among firefighters or civilians, and no residents were present during the incident. Additional fire departments assisted due to limited water supply, ensuring the fire was brought under control safely. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Nov 26)
November 17, 2025
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Bristol Woman Faces DWI and Drug Charge After Early Morning Crash: A 21-year-old woman from Bristol was arrested after her car struck a tree along State Route 64 South shortly after midnight on Thursday. Authorities allege she was intoxicated at the time and later found a small bag with cocaine residue in her possession. Emergency personnel from the Bristol Fire Department and Canandaigua Emergency Squad responded to the crash, though no injuries were reported. The driver is scheduled for a future appearance in Bristol Town Court. (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Nov 14)
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Bristol Resident Charged With DWI After Single-Vehicle Accident on Route 64: A Bristol woman, age 21, was arrested early Friday morning following a single-car collision on State Route 64 South. Officials report that the incident occurred around 1 a.m., with law enforcement taking the driver into custody on suspicion of driving while intoxicated. No injuries or additional vehicles were reported in connection with the crash. The investigation has concluded and charges have been filed by local authorities. (Source: Finger Lakes Daily News on Nov 15)
October 29, 2025
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Ontario County Sees Record Number of Women Running for Local Office: Ontario County is experiencing a surge in women candidates for local offices ahead of Election Day, marking a shift from longstanding political traditions in the region. A greater number of Democratic and independent contenders are challenging Republican dominance in town, village, and city races, giving voters more choices than before. This year, several women gathered at the Ontario County Courthouse, highlighting the county's growing diversity of political voices. Their joint appearance underscores increasing female participation in local politics. (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Oct 29)