Regional News Chat

WATKINS GLEN - Angels, demons and dragons... the day in which Prince Aiden thought he would be knighted turned out to be much more than what he bargained for. This is the subject of an exciting new Christian-based children’s novel called Battle For Whiterock, penned by Jeff Miller, pastor of First Baptist Church of Watkins Glen. “I believe that this is going to be a great blessing for children who love fantasy/adventure stories,” Pastor Miller said. “But the story is more than just fantasy fun, at the heart of it is a ministry opportunity for children seeking the truth about a loving God.” After a series of tragic events, eighteen-year-old Prince Aiden has many doubts ab…

Forest Rangers and deputies from the Schuyler County Sheriff’s Office broke up a large underage drinking party in the Coon Hollow State Forest late Friday night, issuing nearly 20 tickets and sending multiple attendees home with rides. The enforcement action happened on November 22. At 10 p.m., four DEC Forest Rangers met with deputies to plan a detail targeting the suspected party. By 11:30 p.m., they had blocked off Chambers Road and discovered a bonfire gathering of about 50 people in the forest. Read more about it here.

According to the Sayre Morning Times, Sayre native Emily Lattimer is the recipient of an Emmy Award for her work as a Content Associate on NBC Sports’ production of the 2024 Paris Olympics. Lattimer, a 2019 Sayre Area High School graduate and 2023 Ithaca College graduate, earned the award for Outstanding Live Special: Championship Event alongside the team of other producers at the 2025 Sports Emmy Awards. Lattimer is currently based in Stamford, Connecticut, where she has worked with NBC since 2023. You can read more about it here.

On November 20, 2025, at approximately 1:20 a.m., Troopers from State Police barracks in Montour Falls initiated a traffic stop on Baker Hill Road in the town of Dix after observing a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed and operating without plate lamps. Troopers attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver failed to comply and continued northbound on State Route 414 before turning onto Mill Hill Road. The vehicle, a Ford F-150, then turned onto Meads Hill Road and subsequently entered a Watkins Glen International access driveway. The operator exited the truck, went under a gate, and attempted to flee on foot. Troopers pursued the suspect and, after a brief foot ch…

The New York State Police in Painted Post have arrested 35 year old Allen P. Jerome of Campbell following an investigation into allegations of long-term sexual abuse involving a juvenile victim. On November 12, 2025, investigators from the Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) in Painted Post were contacted by Steuben County CPS after a report was filed through the New York State Child Abuse Hotline. The report indicated that a 15-year-old had disclosed ongoing sexual abuse. An investigation determined that the abuse occurred over several years at a residence in the town of Campbell. A search warrant was subsequently executed at the residence. Jerome was charged with the…

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New York State Police are investigating a crash in the Town of Nichols that left one person dead early this morning. At approximately 12:03 a.m., New York State Police in Owego were dispatched to a vehicle that struck a deer on State Route 17 near Tioga Downs in the town of Nichols. Several minutes later, a secondary collision occurred at the same location, resulting in a serious crash. A preliminary investigation determined that a BMW X5 was traveling westbound on 17 when it struck a deer. The driver pulled onto the right shoulder, but the vehicle remained partially in the right lane. The driver and three occupants exited the vehicle following the collision. Then while…

Governor Kathy Hochul recenty announced that work is underway on a $27.4 million project that will rehabilitate several key roadways in the City of Ithaca, improving resiliency and providing smoother rides along this important gateway to the Finger Lakes. The project will install new road surfaces and make other improvements to portions of Meadow Street and Fulton Street (also known as State Routes 13 and 34), as well as West Buffalo Street (also known as State Route 96) and other important roads in the city. Traffic signal improvements, lane configurations, and sidewalk upgrades will also ease congestion and enhance safety for both motorists and pedestrians. “Upstate New…

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The New York State Police arrested 33 year old Eugene Wade Hale of Hornell following an extensive child exploitation investigation conducted by the Bureau of Criminal Investigation in SP Hornell, and Troop E Computer Crimes Unit (CCU) and the Troop E Forensic Investigation Unit (FIU). The investigation originated with a referral from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. On May 22, 2025, Troop E CCU, FIU and BCI members executed a warrant on East Ave in the city of Hornell. Prior to execution, Hale was observed leaving the residence and was detained without incident. Multiple electronic devices were recovered pursuant to the search warrant and were su…

Two people were arrested in Steuben County after an investigation into alleged witness intimidation. As a result, the New York State Police arrested 52 year old Terry C. Long of Bath and 52 year old Tammy J. Havens of Prattsburgh. According to police, on June 23, 2025, Investigators were contacted by a representative of the Steuben County District Attorney’s Office regarding messages sent to a protected party in an ongoing criminal matter. The investigation determined that Tammy J. Havens had contacted the victim on behalf of Terry C. Long, who was incarcerated at the time, and attempted to influence the victim to recant sworn statements in exchange for property. Further …

The New York State Police has arrested 53 year old Gerald D. Makin Jr. of Corning following a comprehensive child exploitation investigation conducted by State Police Painted Post Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Troop E Computer Crimes Unit, and Troop E Forensic Investigation Unit. The investigation originated with a referral from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. State Police say that on September 24, 2024, a search warrant was executed on 20 E. Fourth Street in the city of Corning is part of an ongoing child exploitation investigation. During the search, numerous electronic devices were seized for forensic examination by the Troop E Computer Crim…

On October 26, 2025, at approximately 7:06 p.m., Troopers from State Police barracks in Painted Post responded to a residence on Redwood Circle in the village of Painted Post for a report of a domestic incident. Police say that 34 year old Rheanna B. Kusek of Painted Post was involved in a physical altercation with her 10-year-old child, in violation of a full stay-away Order of Protection previously issued by the court. Kusek was taken into custody without further incident. As a result of the investigation, Kusek was charged with: • Aggravated Family Offense (E Felony) • Criminal Contempt 1st degree (E Felony) • Criminal Obstruction of Breathing or Blood Circu…

A Sayre resident is facing numerous criminal charges after an incident on Saturday night. According to Sayre Police Department, police initially received a call for a disturbance outside of The Angry Burrito on Lehigh Ave. Police say 46 year old Kyle Scott Bradley did a "burnout" with his pick up truck outside the restaurant after staff, believing him to already be intoxicated, refused to serve him alcohol. However when police arrived, Bradley had left the scene. Police were called to Sam's Bar and Grille in Sayre a short time later for a report of a person slashing tires in the parking lot. Bystanders told police that the person, who officers believed to be Bradley bas…

The search continues for a missing Schuyler County woman as a coordinated search came up empty on Wednesday. According to the Schuyler County Sheriff's Department, on October 22nd the Sheriff's Office received Information indicating that 36-year-old Stephanie M. Kemp may be in the Hector National Forest. Stephanie was last seen in the Village Of Watkins Glen on October 13th. On October 23rd 2025 the Schuyler County Sheriff’s Office, with the assistance of New York State Forest Rangers, Amigo K-9 and Laurel Mountain K-9 search and rescue, conducted an extensive search of the National Forest. The thorough search of the terrain took approximately13 hours with no evidence th…

On Friday, Owego Police were dispatched to Kwik Fill Gas Station on North Avenue for a suspicious condition. Officers investigated the incident and discovered that 54 year old David P Cox Jr. of Newark Valley had made comments saying he wanted to harm law enforcement, including his intent to travel to New York City to “fire bomb” law enforcement during the “No Kings Protests”. At that point Owego Police sent the information to all agencies across the state. New York City Police Intelligence Bureau, combined with New York State Police Counter Terrorism Unit, were able to track and find Cox’s vehicle in Brooklyn Cox was taken into custody without incident. Police searche…

Two people were arrested after allegedly trying to scam a county resident out of thousands of dollars. Steuben County Sheriff Jim Allard reports that on October 18, 2025, Deputies of the Steuben County Sheriff’s Office arrested 49 year old Chengbin Lin and 48 year old Linquing Chen, both of Brooklyn, New York. Allegedly Mr. Lin and Ms. Chen remotely took control of a Tuscarora resident’s computer, then attempted to scam $28,000 from that person. Luckily, the victim contacted the Sheriff’s Office with information on the scam and how the payment was arranged to occur. Deputies intervened and arrested Mr. Lin and Ms. Chen, who were charged with Attempted Grand Larceny in …

Read the rest here. Note: A similar protest was held on Church Street in Elmira in addition to numerous such protests around the country.

Police are investigating an incident that occurred on Sunday October 19th , 2025. According to the Schuyler County Sheriff's Department, at around 4:40pm located near State Route 230 and Crystal Valley Road in the Town of Tyrone. Fire and EMS responded to the location for a male that was involved in a bicycle accident resulting in a traumatic injury. The preliminary investigation shows that the victim was traveling North bound on State Route 230 when he struck another bicycle traveling with him resulting in the victim being ejected from the bicycle causing a severe head injury. Life saving measures were attempted on the victim but were unsuccessful. The victim, 62 year …

Sayre Police Department has arrested an Elmira man for allegedly bringing drugs into Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre. Police say they were called to the hospital on October 6th aftr an employee saw a man remove a bag containing a crystal like substance from his prosthetic leg and put it into a backpack. The substance later tested positive for being methamphetamine. As a result, 48 year old James D. Bryan, who police say is from Elmira but curently homeless, was charged with one count of intentional possession of a controlled substance.

The Finger Lakes has been named as the American Wine Region of the Year by Wine Enthusiast as part of the magazine’s prestigious Wine Star Awards. The honor recognizes the region’s world-class winemaking, sustainable practices and collaborative community that have helped define New York State as a leader in American viticulture. The Finger Lakes, home to 11 glacial lakes and more than 140 wineries, is the largest and most established wine-producing region in New York State. Anchored by Canandaigua, Keuka, Seneca and Cayuga Lakes, the area is internationally recognized for its cool-climate native and hybrid varieties, as well as classic vinifera varieties, particularly Rie…

Folks looking for a little 90's throwback themed fun may want to check out the Parents Lounge Comedy show coming up November 7th and 9th at the Sayre Theater. The show, presented by Radigan Media Group and the Friends of the Sayre Theater Group, will feature an evening of stand-up comedy and fun. The pre-show kicks off at 6:15 pm featuring comedians Jay Yoder (The Bored Teachers Tour) and host Katie Behm as well as exclusive video content from Larry the Cable Guy, Bill Engvall, Lamb-Chop, Jeff Foxworthy, Andrea Barber and more. Then at 7:00 pm is the main event which will feature comedy not only the returning Jamie Kaler (Tacoma FD and Friends) and Jason Gowin (The Unbind…

In a post on social media over the weekend, Yales Music Shop in Athens announced that the store will not be reopening. This comes after a late night crash in which a stolen school bus crashed through the wall of the store in May. The statement read as follows: To our community, patrons, friends, and family: We deeply apologize for the minimal communication since a bus drove through the exterior wall of Yale’s Music Shop on May 25, 2025. The lack of communication has been due to the complex process through which our family has been collaborating with insurance companies, and various sub-contractors. We were not permitted in the building for one month due to the necessity o…

PENN YAN – State Senator Tom O’Mara (R,C-Big Flats) and Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R,C-Corning) today joined other area officials and family members, friends, and fellow veterans to honor the memory of United States Army Sergeant James S. Hayes of Penn Yan through the official designation of a section of State Route 14 in Yates County as the “Sergeant James S. Hayes Memorial Highway.” O’Mara and Palmesano introduced and sponsored this year’s legislation (S.1899A/A.6661, Chapter 350 of the Laws of 2025) authorizing the designation. Under the measure, which was signed into law by Governor Kathy Hochul in late August, the portion of State Route 14 “beginning at its interse…

New York State Police report that they have arrested 29 year old Estefan D. Henriquez of Massachusetts, following an investigation into the online exploitation of minors. State Police say through an ongoing investigation, Troopers determined that Henriquez had engaged in sexually explicit communications with a 14-year-old female in Steuben County and made arrangements to travel from Massachusetts to meet with her. Investigators learned that Henriquez had previously met the victim in person and had sent numerous sexually explicit messages through a social media platform in the days leading up to his arrest. At approximately 2:58 a.m., Troopers observed Henriquez’s vehicle …