Regional News Chat

A Bradford County business that's been a staple in the Towanda area for more than 20 years has been recognized for its success with a national award. The U.S. Small Business Administration named Shores Sisters Farm Market at 1003 Golden Mile Road (U.S. Route 6) in Towanda as its national rural small business of the year. The farm market, owned by Mike and Renee Shores Wilson, continues a family tradition that extends back at least three generations. Shores Sisters Farm Market was founded in 2004 by Raya and Renee Shores, daughters of local dairy farmer and cattle dealer Glenn Shores, according to the business website. Businesses selected to win national awards will be hon…

Three people were arrested on a variety of charges after a traffic stop in Bath on Easter Sunday. Bath Village Police say that on April 5th, officers conducted a traffic stop on West Morris Street around 10pm. During the stop, an occupant of the vehicle was seeing trying to discard a container of methamphetimine on the shoulder of the road. A continued search of the vehicle revealed more meth, a scale, packaging material and an illegal pair of chuka sticks. As a result, 32 year old Patricia E. Butler of Painted Post was arrested and charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance with intent to sell, and two counts of Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia. 35 year old…

SCHUYLER COUNTY, N.Y. (WENY) — An area county could play a role in New York State's plan to build more nuclear energy facilities. New York announced plans to develop at least one gigawatt of advanced nuclear capacity somewhere upstate in the summer of 2025. According to the New York Power Authority, Schuyler County submitted information indicating it is interested in potentially hosting a state nuclear project. Read more about it here. What do you think, should a nuclear energy plant be located in Schuyler County? Would you be comfortable with that?

Registered nurses at an Ithaca hospital announced their plans to unionize with the Communication Workers of America last week. In a statement, Cayuga United said over 70% of Cayuga Medical nurses have signed union authorization cards. Heather Bretz is a nurse at the hospital and is involved in union organizing. “If we can better retain experienced, dedicated nurses and pay them a competitive wage and good benefits, we'll be doing a lot towards meeting that goal of better serving our patients,” Bretz told WSKG. Read the rest here.

Corning has made USA Today's "10 Best" list in the "Best Small Towns To Visit In The Northeast" for 2026, ranking at number four. The list is based on the choices made by a panel of industry experts who nominate their favorite points of interest, attractions and more. The Corning Museum of Glass also made the news agency's "10 Best" list in February. Photo courtesy of DenisTangneyJr / E+ Rounding out the top of the list were Ohiopyle PA, Woodstock VT, and Sewickley PA at number one. To see the complete list, you can click here.

On March 30th, police in the Village of Bath were dispatched to the area of West William Street and Liberty Street for a report of a nude male following a female victim. Officers located the suspect, who was known to the victim, walking on Exchange Street. The male, identified as 46 year old Randy N. Burdick of Bath, was observed clothed in a bath robe running into his residence in an attempt to evade law enforcement.Police say the investigation revealed that Burdick had exposed his private parts to the victim and proceeded to masturbate in public. Burdick was taken into custody at his residence without incident. He was charged with one count of Public Lewdness, a Class …

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester announced on Wednesday that Bishop Salvatore Matano has stepped down and has been replaced by John Bonnici. Bishop Bonnicci is a native of New York City and was ordained as a priest in 1971. “The Most Reverend John Bonnici has been a faithful priest, beloved pastor, trusted auxiliary bishop, wise counselor, and good friend during the nearly 17 years that I have been privileged to serve as Archbishop of New York," wrote Cardinal Timothy Dolan. "Pope Leo has chosen well in appointing him to serve as the Bishop of Rochester! While we will sure miss him here in the Archdiocese of New York, we are grateful that one of our neighboring di…

The New York State Police arrested 22 year old Cloey S. Hoaglin of Painted Post following an investigation into a stolen motor vehicle and an impaired driving incident in Steuben County. According to State Police, on January 5, 2026, State Police responded to a report of a vehicle off the roadway in the town of Savona. An investigation determined the vehicle, a 2012 Ford Fusion, had been reported stolen from the town of Urbana earlier that day. Troopers identified Hoaglin as the operator and sole occupant of the vehicle. Further investigation revealed Hoaglin was operating the vehicle while impaired by drugs and was in possession of a controlled substance. The vehicle was…

Owego resident Jim King has announced his intention to challenge Rep. Nick Langworthy for New York’s 23rd Congressional District Seat. King, a self-described moderate Republican, says Langworthy is a follower and not a leader. He went on to saY that the Congressman is following a path that goes against traditional Republican values. “Traditional Republican believes that the objectives of government are to provide a fair market place, a safe community, and a stable future. Nick is doing nothing for a fair market place.  He obediently supports the President’s wild tariff plans and simply nods in agreement when Trump calls "affordability" a "Democratic hoax." Look at what yo…

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The New York State Police in Painted Post are investigating a fatal motor vehicle crash that occurred on Grinnold Road in the town of Troupsburg, Steuben County. On January 1, 2026, at approximately 6:56 a.m., New York State Police were dispatched to Grinnold Road for a reported rollover crash involving a plow truck with reported entrapment. Prior to the troopers’ arrival, the operator was extricated from the vehicle and transported by emergency medical services to St. James Hospital. Troopers located a 2024 Freightliner plow truck off the south shoulder of the roadway, resting on its passenger side. The vehicle had exited the roadway for an unknown reason. While on sce…

The New York State Police in Painted Post arrested 24 year old Jacob A. Hanes of Palm Springs, California, following a child exploitation investigation. Hanes was charged with * Promoting an Obscene Sexual Performance by a Child (D felony) * Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument 2nd degree (D felony) * Endangering the Welfare of a Child (A misdemeanor) The investigation determined that Hanes had communicated electronically with a juvenile and requested sexually explicit images and videos while knowing the victim was under the age of 17. Investigators further determined that Hanes was in possession of a forged New York State identification card at the time of his a…

Last week it was announced that country music star Brantley Gilbert will be the headlining act for the 2026 Troy Fair. Gilbert is best known for songs such as Dirt Road Anthem and Bottoms Up. Tickets go on sale January 13th. Also recently announced was a show from Christian Rock band Skillet accompanied by Uncle Stosh’s Hard Core Pears. Tickets for that show are on sale now. For more information or to buy tickets, go to troyfair.com

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Waverly students work with Marty Borko, right, of Carantouan Greenway, on vernal pool monitoring last year. Photo courtesy of Miranda Palmer WAVERLY — Waverly students are collaborating with the New York Department of Environmental Conservation to help reintroduce a key species into local rivers. American eels can be vital to river ecosystems, but few are now found in this part of the Chemung and Susquehanna rivers. One potential solution? Have students raise eels in the classroom for release into the rivers — while learning about their role in the ecosystem. The program, which has existed in Pennsylvania for years, is now being piloted in four New York school districts, …

Image courtesy of Guthrie health TROY, Pa. – According to a release from Guthrie Health, the Troy Community Hospital has successfully raised more than $152,000 to bring Contrast-Enhanced Mammography (CEM) to the community, thanks to the remarkable generosity and dedicated efforts of local residents, businesses and organizations. The funds raised surpassed the initial goal, ensuring this vital health care technology will be available locally. The success of the fundraising campaign was driven by a wave of community support. Numerous events and initiatives contributed significantly, including the WHGL/Wiggle 100 Radiothon, the Walk for a Purpose, the Troy Chamber of Commer…

According to Steuben County Sheriff Jim Allard, on December 9, 2025, Investigators and Deputies of the Steuben County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at a residence on County Route 17 in Bradford, New York, due to a report of animal cruelty. As a result of the search warrant, authorities seized eleven dogs and four cats that were deemed to be in dire need of medical attention. The four tenants of the residence, 41 year old Steven D. Button, 29 year old Chance L. Gilbert, 39 year old April L. Culbertson, age 39 and 24 year old Jasmine J. Randall, were each charged with eleven counts of Agriculture and Markets Law, Article 26, section 353, Overdriving, torturin…

On December 9, 2025, following a lengthy investigation, the Tompkins County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), executed a search warrant at a residence within a mobile home park on Douglas Road, in the Town of Newfield. During the search, investigators recovered 15 firearms, including six handguns, an Uzi-style firearm with a 50-round magazine, and two additional high-capacity magazines. While searching, investigators also located materials believed to be used in the construction of improvised explosive devices. Out of an abundance of caution, investigators halted the search and requested assistance from the Onondaga County…

A Bath man is facing multiple charges, including rape, according to the Bath Village Police. 44 year old Scott G. Watkins of Bath was charged with Attempted Rape in the 1st Degree Sexual Abuse in the 1st Degree Criminal Sex Act in the 1st Degree Two counts of Unlawful Surveillance in the 2nd Degree Bath Police say these charges stem from a months long investigation after a report of a sexual offense against a chold in August in the Village of Bath. Watkins is slleged to have had sexual contact with a female victim under the age of eleven years old and attempted sexual intercourse with the child while she was asleep as a guest in his home. Police also determined that…

According to Steuben County Sheriff Jim Allard, on December 3, Investigators and Deputies of the Steuben County Sheriff’s Office arrested 37 year old Randy B. Johnson of Campbell, New York, following an investigation of a reported sex abuse. Johnson allegedly engaged in sexual contact with a person less than 17 years of age and acted in a manner which police say was injurious to that child. He was charged with Rape in the Third Degree, a class E Felony and Endangering the Welfare of a Child. Johnson was arraigned in the Centralized Arraignment Court and released.

Sayre - Guthrie Health Care reports that, following their successful annual golf tournament, the Sayre American Legion Post #283 donated $6,200 to the Guthrie Veterans Patient Assistance Fund, ensuring essential resources reach those who have served. The 13th annual tournament, held earlier this year at Tomasso's Golf Course, drew strong community support. Seventeen teams participated in the event, led by longtime Tournament Director Connie Roberts. Participants enjoyed good weather and supported the cause through door prizes and a silent auction. The Veterans Patient Assistance Fund provides relief to veteran patients by covering critical expenses such as medications…

photo courtesy of Tioga Downs Facebook page More than 120 Southern Tier organizations advancing community development were recognized at the Tioga Downs Regional Community Foundation’s Annual Awards Ceremony on Tuesday. There, the Tioga Downs Regional Community Foundation donated a total of $2 million to area organizations from Chemung, Broome, Tioga and Bradford counties. Tioga Downs owner Jeff Gural donated an additional $100,000 to the Food Bank of the Southern Tier. “Through the experiences shared by our award winners, we eagerly anticipate the ripple effects of these grants making a real difference close to home,” said Gural. “There are countless organizations doin…

The Village of Spencer has approved a new law establishing a curfew for minors in an effort to reduce crime such as vandalism. Under the new law, curfew hours are 11 pm to 6 pm, Sunday through Thursday. Weekend curfew hours begin at midnight on Friday and Saturday and run through 6 am the following day. Parent will be held responsible for any minor found to be violating the new curfew. First offenses will result in a written warning, followed by a fine of $50. Further violations will result in higher fines. There are some exceptions to the law, for instance if a minor is traveling home from a school-sponsored event or is on their way home from work. The latter must ha…

A Bath woman is facing felony animal cruelty charges after police say she allowed a dog to starve to death. On November 12, Village of Bath police officers responded to a home on Howell Street for a report of a dead dog found in an apartment. When police arrived, they found a dead pit bull mix that had been locked inside a crate and left to die. Police say the dog had been left with no food or water for weeks before its death, though there was a full bag of dog food only a couple of feet away. As a result of the investigation, 30 year old Kassidy Hall, the former tenant of the apartment, was arrested and charged with one count of Aggravated Cruelty to Animals, a Class …

SAYRE, Pa. – Local cancer patients facing expenses like heating bills, transportation and daily necessities will receive crucial support following a generous $51,603 donation to the Guthrie Breast Care Fund. The funds were presented Nov. 10 by Williams Auto Group and Dandy Mini Marts, culminating their successful October "Drive Pink" and "Pink Cups" campaigns. Williams contributed $29,445 and Dandy added $22,148, helping patients focus on their healthcare journeys without financial worry. This significant donation is the result of collective action across the Twin Tiers region, guaranteeing that patients battling breast cancer receive direct support for essential nonmed…