Plans for what could be the first major wind project in the heart of the Finger Lakes may introduce a spinning skyline to the region. 

Developers aim to build 14 to 16 wind turbines across a 250-acre patchwork in the eastern portions of the towns of Catharine and Hector in Schuyler County. Company representatives say they want to build 100 megawatts of energy capacity, enough to power 24,000 homes for a whole year. 

The proposal is in its early stages, and many area residents are trying to understand how this project could change their rural community. 

The majority of the project will be sited in Hector, home to about 4,900 people, and bordered on the west by Seneca Lake and on the east by Tompkins County. It is known for its rustic character, wineries and waterfalls, but the town lacks strong land use laws and area residents have begun to worry about how the Azalea Wind project could affect the town’s aesthetics and economy.

The plans come from Colorado-based company Bedrock Renewables, which is developing the wind farm through a subsidiary, Azalea Wind. It is one of three proposed projects Bedrock Renewables has in New York state and its largest project so far. The company aims to begin building turbines between 2028 and 2030.

The Azalea Wind proposal comes almost a decade after plans for another wind energy project in the region  were cancelled. The Black Oak Wind Farm was proposed in the Town of Enfield in Tompkins County, but it never took off due to sustained community opposition.

Read the rest here.

Spencer's only grocery store, the Shurefine located in the heart of the village, was destroyed by a fire on Friday.

According to the Spencer Fire Department, firefighters from numerous other departments throughout the region arrived on the scene at around 12:30pm and spent the entire afternoon and evening fighting the blaze. Fire crews returned on Saturday morning to continue working to extinguish several "hot spots" that had flared up.

The Shurefine, which employed an estimated twenty to thirty people, was the only grocery store in Spencer and a lifeline for many who will now have to travel much greater distances to get groceries.

On Sunday, the Village of Spencer board released the following statement:

The recent loss of the Spencer Shur Fine is a significant event that deeply impacts our entire community and the surrounding area.

On behalf of the Mayor and the Village of Spencer Board of Trustees, we extend our sincere gratitude to all the fire departments and volunteer personnel who worked tirelessly to extinguish the fire on September 11, 2026. We also extend our heartfelt appreciation to Parkview Pizzeria for providing meals for the first responders.

Most importantly, we offer our heartfelt sympathy and support to the employees and owners of the Spencer Shur Fine during this incredibly difficult time.

Please be assured that the Village Board is fully committed to supporting the owners as they navigate their next steps in this process. While the future remains uncertain, we will do everything within our ability to support efforts to ensure that a grocery store or similar essential business remains a part of our village.

We encourage our community to remain resilient, supportive, and united as we navigate this transition together. Spencer is a strong community, and we will continue to stand together and support one another through this challenging time.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

SAYRE – October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and The Williams Companies will be helping support local patients through two community initiatives benefiting Guthrie's Breast Care Fund.

Together, these efforts help patients access essential services not always covered by insurance, including breast imaging, medications, post-surgical supplies and diagnostic testing.

Drive Pink With Williams Auto Group

When you purchase a vehicle or have your vehicle serviced at participating Williams Auto Group locations, donations are made to the Guthrie Breast Care Fund. 

Participating locations in Sayre are Williams Ford of Sayre, Williams Subaru of Sayre and Williams Toyota of Sayre. Participating locations in Elmira, N.Y., are Williams Honda of Elmira, Williams Kia of Elmira and Williams Toyota of Elmira.

 For more information or to donate to the fund directly, visit Guthrie.org/DrivePink.

Grab A Pink Cup At Dandy

Every Dandy Pink Cup purchased throughout October will help provide support for local breast care patients. Pink Cups are available at all 66 Dandy locations.

For more information or to donate to the fund directly, visit Guthrie.org/DandyPinkCups.

Tioga County (NY) health officials reported on Friday that an unvaccinated resident tested positive for measles. A department representative has told WSKG it has completed contact tracing and notified anyone who might have come in contact with the person.

In a statement released Thursday, the health department said to protect the patient’s privacy, it is not releasing any more details about the person’s identity.

Source

WAVERLY, N.Y. (WBNG) -- Tristan Kovacs, 22, of Waverly, will spend 15 years in prison and 15 years under supervision for sexually exploiting a young girl.

Kovacs pleaded guilty in June to sexual exploitation of a child and transportation of child pornography.

According to federal prosecutors, Kovacs admitted that in April 2025, he created an explicit image involving himself and a 10-year-old girl.

Source

The New York State Police are investigating a fatal two-vehicle crash that occurred early Sunday morning at the intersection of State Route 224 and State Route 13 in the town of Cayuta, Schuyler County. 

New York State Police report that on July 5, 2026, at approximately 4:58 a.m., State Police from Dundee and Montour Falls responded to a report of a serious personal injury motor vehicle crash at the intersection. 

The preliminary investigation determined that a 2023 Tesla, operated by a 25-year-old, was traveling northbound on State Route 224 when it failed to stop for a red traffic signal and entered the intersection. The Tesla was struck by an eastbound 2023 Dodge Charger, operated by 52 year old Bryan J Woodworth of Elmira, who was traveling on State Route 13 with a green traffic signal. 

The Tesla was occupied by four individuals. A passenger who was seated in the rear of the vehicle was pronounced dead at Robert Packer Hospital. 

The operator of the Tesla sustained serious non-life-threatening injuries and was transported from Guthrie Corning Hospital to Robert Packer Hospital for additional treatment. Two passengers were also transported to Robert Packer Hospital, one for serious life-threatening injuries and one was evaluated and reported to have no apparent injuries. 

The operator of the Dodge Charger was transported to Arnot Ogden Medical Center for non-life-threatening injuries. 

The investigation into the crash remains ongoing. State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit, Bureau of Criminal Investigation, and Forensic Identification Unit responded to assist with the investigation. 
 

On September 28, 2026, at approximately 9:00 p.m., the Schuyler County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to a residence in the Town of Montour for a domestic disturbance with reported shots fired.

Schuyler County Sheriff deputies, along with members of the New York State Police, responded to the residence, where a male subject was known to be inside and reportedly in possession of a firearm. After approximately 20 minutes of attempting to safely secure the male subject, he was taken into custody without further incident.

It was subsequently confirmed that shots had been fired at the victim. Members of the Schuyler County Criminal Investigations Division responded to the scene and assisted with the investigation.

The investigation determined that 75 year old Kevin M. Voorhees of Montour Falls pointed a firearm at the victim and fired multiple shots in their direction as they attempted to leave the area in a vehicle.

Voorhees was taken into custody and charged with Assault in the First Degree, Menacing in the Second Degree, and Reckless Endangerment in the First Degree.

Voorhees was held to appear in CAP Court, where he was remanded on bail.

TOWANDA — The former Sayre Theatre director who allegedly stole $2,660 from an August 2025 fundraiser to benefit Yale’s Music Shop has been admitted to Bradford County’s Accelerated Rehabilitation Disposition Program for a 24-month period, according to information released Tuesday by the Bradford County District Attorney’s Office.

Sarah Ann Brackel, 41, was charged in February with one count each of theft by unlawful taking and receiving stolen property.

Police were initially contacted by a Bradford County Regional Arts Council board member, according to the original criminal complaint filed by Sayre Borough Police Officer Nikki Hoffman. The community had come together to raise money for Yale’s Music Shop after a stolen bus crashed into the side of its building in May 2025. The event raised $5,660, but the board member later found out that Brackel only presented the Yale family with $3,000 when they thanked the board member for the donation.

ARD is a probationary program that allows people with little to no criminal history to eventually have their charges dismissed as long as they meet certain conditions, according to the DA’s office.

Source ( Paywall )

The New York State Police arrested 41 year old Amber N. Landsborough of Painted Post following an investigation into a stabbing in the town of Erwin. 

On September 21, 2026, at approximately 6:59 p.m., State Police responded to a residence on Erwin Street for a reported assault. Troopers located a victim with multiple lacerations. The victim was transported to a local hospital and later transferred to Robert Packer Hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. 

The investigation determined that Landsborough and the victim were involved in a domestic dispute that became physical. Landsborough was located a short time later in the town of Lindley and transported to SP Painted Post. 

Landsborough was arrested and charged with Assault 2nd degree (D felony). She was processed at the Painted Post barracks and transported to the Steuben County Jail for CAP arraignment. 

According to Steuben County Sheriff Jim Allard, on September 19, 2026, Deputies and Investigators of the Steuben County Sheriff’s Office arrested David M. Murray, age 38, of Spaulding Drive, Bath, New York, following a report of sexual abuse of a child.

It is alleged that Murray had sexual contact with a person less than eleven years old and that the victim was related to him.

Murray is charged with Rape in the First Degree, a class B Felony, Incest in the First Degree, a class B Felony and Endangering the Welfare of a Child. He was arraigned in the Centralized Arraignment Court and remanded to the Steuben County Jail in lieu of $25,000 cash bail or $75,000 property bond.

ATHENS — Eighth-graders at Harlan Rowe Middle School are learning about more than just writing and arithmetic this school year.

Through the school’s Farm-to-Table program, students are raising Cornish birds for meat, pickling vegetables, pressing apples into cider and so much more.

“I just love this class. It’s awesome,” said eighth-grader Evelyn Owen.

A new Farm-to-Table class begins each quarter, with each session lasting roughly 45 days. Everything used in the program is either donated or purchased through student fundraising.

At the end of the quarter, students will take what they’ve learned to host a harvest meal.

Bidlack said the class’s Cornish birds will be taken to a third-party butcher at the end of the marking period before being returned to the classroom.

Source ( Paywall )

Four women are facing charges after police say they failed to keep their children at home after curfew.

Bath Police say that on September 4th at 1:20pm, officers responded to an adult make who had been reportedly robbed by a group of juvenile males on Liberty Street. The group had fled the scene prior to police arrival but were later located on West William Street where they were detained and turned over to the custody of their parents/guardians, who were advised they were to supervise their children.

Then a short time later, the group of juveniles were seen on the street, unsupervised.

Later, at around 9:30pm, police were patrolling in the area of Howell and Buell Streets where they came upon "an extremely large' group fighting in the street. While the fight is still under investigation, police say that the males from the earlier robbery were present and involved in the fight.

As a result, on Spetember 5th, all of the juveniles' parents or guardians were arrested throughout the day and charged with Endangering the Welfare Of A Child - Failure To Exercise Control of a Minor, a Class A Misdemeanor. Arrested were ( pictured in order below ):

• 44 year old Irene R. Strassburg of Bath

• 33 year old Cassie J. Stowell of Bath

• 42 year old April L. Finch of Bath

• 34 year old Amberlynn M. Zigenfus of Avoca

All four were released on appearance tickets and are scheduled to appear in Bath Village Court at a later date.

The Bath Police Department is reminding the community that juveniles engaged in repeated delinquent or criminal activities will result in the arrest of said juveniles' parents or guardians. Police further remind parents that there is a 10pm curfew in effect for juveniles under age sixteen and that juveniles under age sixteen found on the street without supervision after 10pm will be turned over to their parent or guardian who may then be ticketed for failing to exercise guardianship as it relates to the village curfew.

The New York State Police Troop C Major Crimes unit is seeking assistance from the public with a cold case home invasion homicide that occurred on December 7, 2019 at approximately 1:15 am, at 22 Shaffer Road, in Newfield, New York.

State Police say three armed males, wearing masks, entered the home intending to rob the residents and subsequently shot and killed the victim, Dejour X. Gandy.

Investigators are to actively reviewing evidence and pursuing leads in an effort to bring justice for Dejour X. Gandy and his family.

Police are urging anyone who may have witnessed or who may have information regarding the death of Gandy to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the New York State Police at (607) 561-7400.

Rivaldo, currently incarcerated, allegedly assaulted another inmate, causing injury. He was charged with Assault in the Second Degree, a class D Felony and arraigned in the Centralized Arraignment Court and returned to the Steuben County Jail without bail.

The victim was treated by medical staff at the jail.

Rivaldo has been previously charged after an incident on August 16th in which he then also reportedly assaulted another inmate and then on August 7th for allegedly possessing an item that was modified to be used as a cutting instrument.

Rivaldo is currently in custody and charged with raping a 90 year old woman in her apartment on July 13th as well as murder charges after the victim died days later.

TOWANDA — A Sayre man was sentenced Tuesday to more than 100 years in state prison after being found guilty on more than 50 charges related to the sexual assault of a young girl over a three-year period.

Timothy Gainous, 43, of Sayre, was sentenced to a minimum of 101 years to a maximum of 207 years in state prison by Judge Evan Williams III following his convictions on 51 sexual assault-related counts, most of which were felonies, including 10 counts each of rape of a child, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse with a child, statutory sexual assault and aggravated indecent assault of a child.

Source ( Pay Wall )

Corning has been named one of Hallmark’s 25 Official Christmas Towns, putting the Crystal City in the running to become one of Hallmark’s Merriest Christmas Towns of 2026.

Making the list isn’t the only reason to celebrate. If Corning takes the top spot, the city could become the filming location for a future Hallmark holiday movie.

Read more about it, and how to vote for Corning, here.

On August 17, 2026, at approximately 5:50 a.m., New York State Police in SP Painted Post responded to Bob Evans, located at 1 South Buffalo St. in the town of Corning, for a reported larceny. 

The investigation determined that an unidentified male entered the business's equipment storage area and stole multiple items. The stolen property had a combined value of approximately $1,398.00. 

Troopers identified the suspect as 40 year old Thomas A. Margeson of Paintd Post. Troopers located Margeson while on patrol and took him into custody without incident. 

Margeson was charged with Grand Larceny, 4th degree (E felony). He was released on an appearance ticket returnable to the Town of Corning Court on September 15, 2026. 

All property was recovered and returned to Bob Evans. 

The LPGA Tour today announced the return of The Classic to Corning, N.Y., marking the tournament’s first appearance in Western New York since 2009. Presented by 

The Classic marks a new chapter for one of the most beloved tournaments in LPGA history, reconnecting Corning, the Finger Lakes region, and the world’s best players. Corning served as presenting sponsor of the original tournament for 31 years, and the company’s renewed commitment comes as it celebrates its 175th anniversary in 2026.

Lewis Steverson, Vice Chairman, Executive Vice President and Chief Legal & Administrative Officer at Corning, said: “As we celebrate Corning’s 175th anniversary this year, we mark both a new growth era for the company and a new era of The Classic. We’re proud to renew a relationship that runs deep across our company and this region.  Together with our employees, local leaders, the Corning Country Club, and the LPGA Tour, we look forward to welcoming the world’s best players back to Corning for an event that reflects the innovation, excellence, and unmistakable spirit that have defined Corning for generations.”

LPGA Commissioner Craig Kessler added: “The return of The Classic brings together the LPGA’s history and its future. As we continue shaping the next chapter of our Tour, we’re building on the qualities that have defined the LPGA for decades—incredible championships, committed partners, passionate communities and unforgettable experiences for our athletes. I’ve been blown away by the Corning team’s thoughtfulness and commitment to returning this event to the Tour, with players and community at the heart of their plans and ambitions. All the legends I’ve spoken to remember this event so fondly, and we can’t wait to create a new generation of memories together in Corning.”

Annika Sorenstam, a 10-time major champion and winner of the tournament in 2004, said: “This is fantastic news for the players and the Corning community. Having a company with 175 years of history, innovation, and local commitment return to the LPGA family of title sponsors is a huge win for players and fans alike. Community support was always at the heart of what made this tournament so enjoyable to play, so I know that the latest generation of players are going to love the event just as much as we all did.”

IMG will serve as the tournament’s promoter and deliver all operational aspects of the event, with Ed McEnroe, Senior Vice President, IMG, concluding: “The return of The Classic brings back an event that holds a special place in LPGA history. Corning’s passion and commitment to creating exceptional experiences and meaningful impact for players, employees, fans and the community has been inspiring from the start. Together with Corning, the LPGA and the local community, we look forward to honoring The Classic’s incredible legacy while building an exciting new chapter for generations to come.”

The last LPGA tournament in Corning was played in May 2009 and won by Yani Tseng. The total purse was $1.5 Million.

Tioga County (NY) Sheriff Gary Howard announced this week that he will not run for reelection. He has been with the department for 50 years and served as sheriff for the last 25 years.

Howard previously announced he would retire in 2020 but changed his mind and went on to win reelection in 2020 and 2023.

Two Republicans launched campaigns to replace him this week. Both formerly worked in the county sheriff’s department.

Read more here.

Pennsylvania Asylum Township resident Sue Corie speaks during a Bradford County board meeting about data center construction and land use.Bradford County, Pennsylvania amended its land use regulations to include a framework for any proposed data centers in the area.

Commissioners approved the amendment at a regular meeting earlier this month after hearing from residents. It was approved unanimously by all three county commissioners.

The county amended its Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance (SALDO) to include data centers. SALDOs are the most common way land is divided and developed in the commonwealth.

Previous versions of the county’s SALDO do not include language that addresses the fast-growing business of data center construction and the needs of the county’s residents.

Asylum Township resident, Sue Corie, is in favor of the updates to the SALDO.

“We don't know what the impacts would be on the environment, the wildlife in the area, just our quality of life overall is absolutely devastating to me,” said Corie

Part of the land in the township that is now being proposed for a possible data center site is where Corie’s family has lived for five generations.

“I can't imagine not being able to go out and sit on my front porch and look across the field that the farmer has just plowed and planted in the evening, watching the deer come out and looking at the trees and the mountains, listening to that peacefulness, and to have that threatened, it just is beyond comprehension to me,” she said.

Read the rest here.

ITHACA, N.Y. — After years of racist threats and harassment by her former neighbor, local Black farmer and educator Amanda David was awarded a $100,000 settlement in a federal civil rights case. 

The neighbor, Robert Whittaker Jr., of Brooktondale, had been convicted of a slew of charges — some classified as hate crimes — in a series of separate criminal cases that ultimately led to a year-long jail sentence in 2024.

Over the course of several years, video footage and other evidence reviewed by The Ithaca Voice shows Whittaker shouted racist, sexist and homophobic slurs at David, her children and visitors who came to take classes at the small farm she operated on the property. Whittaker is white, David and her children are Black.

At one point, he fired a pellet gun toward David’s house, breaking a security light. David also said a vehicle on her property had been vandalized, though it’s not clear if it was Whittaker.

Read the rest here

Multiple counties in the Southern Tier were notified last week that they must end their 287(g) agreements with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in a letter from the Office of the Attorney General (OAG).

The Office of Immigrant Trust (OIT), a new statewide bureau created within the attorney general’s office, sent letters to sheriff’s departments in Broome, Steuben, Otsego and Cattaraugus counties.

Niagara County in Western New York and the Allegany Village Police Department were also notified by OIT.

A new state law, the “Local Cops, Local Crimes Act,” prohibits these agreements. The statute was included in the 2027 state budget.

Read the rest here.

“I like to say we keep it simple,” says Brett Brubaker, who, along with his siblings, parents, and uncle, Jack Brubaker, is one of the owners of Seneca Lodge in Watkins Glen. The rustic, rambling log cabin on Walnut Road opposite the south (upper) entrance to Watkins Glen State Park evokes simple, solid, relaxation. But behind the scenes, it houses a hive of activity including the business office, bar, dining rooms with enough space to seat about 200, kitchen, and brewery. Built in 1947—then rebuilt in 1948 after a devastating fire—it has the feel of a comfortable, earlier time.

These days everything has become faster-paced. Brett says many first-timers stay at the Lodge after having located it online as a place to stay for a few nights during a nearby event. Later they’ll return for a longer vacation, using it as a base for exploring the surrounding areas. Ideally, they’ll take some time to “vacation like it used to be—put their feet up and not try to cram everything into a few days,” he says. The last handful of years, he notes, many guests are adding an extra night.

“Maybe we’re re-learning how to relax,” he says.

Read the rest here.

Jim Guild had twenty-six years of experience running his retail store, Famous Brands, in Watkins Glen, when an older brick building he’d had his eye on for years opened up.

“Everyone thought I was crazy to open up another store,” says Guild, an unassuming man whose quiet manner begins to give way to rising enthusiasm. “But in 2008, with gas prices at $4.28 a gallon, we’d had our best season ever!”

Guild’s newest project is the Seneca Lake General Store, and even though it’s only four months old, its retro product line, pressed tin ceiling, and Havana’s Creamery—an old-fashioned ice cream counter and deli—take patrons back much further than that. “Our tag line is ‘Remember When,’” says Guild who excitedly walks from pinball machines to shelves of Radio Flyer B-B guns, balsa wood airplanes, and other toys of yesteryear. It feels like the movie set of A Christmas Story, circa 1940. But it’s also like being a kid in a candy store—from malt balls, fire balls, Mary Janes, and Clove gum to trays of homemade fudge (they’ve sold over 4,000 pounds of it since they opened in July), there’s something to suit everyone’s taste buds.

Read the rest here.