Regional News

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…

Yesterday, Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23) announced $1,749,635 in federal assistance for firefighters through the FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program, benefiting 20 fire departments. Congressman Langworthy was proud to support funding for this important program and provide application assistance to ensure communities receive the support they deserve. “Firefighters are heroes, and I am deeply proud to have secured more than $1.7 million in federal funding to invest in the technology and safety equipment that keeps our communities safe,” said Langworthy. “These funds support critical upgrades such as new radios, turnout gear, air packs, and other lifesa…

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…

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.

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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…

During a ceremony at the Bath American Legion Post 173 on Thursday, State Senator Tom O’Mara (R,C-Big Flats) welcomed Steuben County native Scott Ward, a highly decorated United States Army veteran and a well-known mainstay of numerous local organizations and initiatives, into the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame. O’Mara saluted Ward for a lifetime of distinguished military and civilian service in front of family members, friends, and fellow veterans attending yesterday’s ceremony in Bath. The Senate established its online Veterans Hall of Fame in 2005 and, including this year, has inducted more than 1,000 veterans from throughout New York. The Hall salutes New…

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 …

BATH - As the government shutdown continues to impact social service programs across the region, The Institute For Human Services' 211 Network is taking proactive steps to support communities in need. In response to the evolving situation, 211 has been diligently verifying and updating its food resource listings to reflect immediate changes, ensuring that individuals and families have access to timely and accurate information. According to the group's website The Institute For Human Services is a non-profit organization that provides management support, information and referral, organizational development, and research services to planners, funders, and providers serving …

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Watkins Glen, NY – Schuyler County Sheriff Kevin Rumsey is seeking re-election as Sheriff. Rumsey, first elected in 2021, will be running unopposed in the upcoming general election. “I’m honored and humbled by the continued support of the people of Schuyler County,” said Sheriff Rumsey. “Serving this community has been one of the great privileges of my life. Over the past several years, our Sheriff’s Office has worked hard to modernize operations, expand community outreach, and strengthen public safety.” Sheriff Rumsey says that during his time in office, the Schuyler County Sheriff’s Office has implemented a wide range of new initiatives and upgrades, including: 9-1-1 …

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…