Police are investigating a three car crash which resulted in the death of one driver and injuries to two others.

According to Sheriff WIlliam Schrom, on Tuesday afternoon at around 4:13pm, deputies were dispatched to a crash in the area of State Route 14 and Merriam Road in the Town of Ashland. When deputies arrived they found three vehicles were involved and that one of the drivers was entrapped.

The investigation so far has revealed that two vehicles were driving south on Route 14 and as they approached Merriam Road, the driver of the first vehicle, a 2019 Nissan Rogue operated by 63 year old Robert J Shock began to slow to turn on to Merriam Road where he resides. As Shock slowed, the second vehicle, a Ford Mustang driven by 37 year old Stephanie L. Gallagher of Chemung, struck Shock's vehicle from behind.

Schrom says the reason for this is unknown at this time.

The impact forced Shock's car into the northbound lane of traffic, at which time a Jeep Wrangler, driven by 30 year old Morgan Wright of Gillet, struck Shock's vehicle broadside on the passenger side. This caused Shock's vehicle to go across the intersection, striking a street sign and coming to a stop a short distance away. Wright's vehicle then rolled over on to its roof.

Shock was extricated from his vehicle by Pine City and Wellsburg Fire Departments and transported to Arnot Ogden Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead shortly after his arrival. Gallagher was self-transported to Troy Hospital where it was determined she had sustained a fractured foot and was released. Wright was transported to to Robert Packer hospital in Sayre where she remains hospitalized.

Multiple agencies assisted at the scene including Erway Ambulance, Wellsburg and Pine City Fire Departments, South Creek Fire Department, Southport Fire Department, New York State Police, as well as the New York and Penssylvania Departments of Transportation.

Sheriff Schrom says that the investigation is continuing and charges are pending.

Congressman Nick Langworthy today announced that Chemung County has been awarded a $1.4 million grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) to improve wastewater infrastructure at the Southern Tier Logistics Business Park in the Village of Horseheads. Combined with $1.4 million in state funding, the project represents a total investment of $2.8 million in critical infrastructure to support future business and industrial growth.

The project will fund the construction and rehabilitation of approximately 4,500 linear feet of sewer main, installation of new manholes, construction of a modern pump station and restoration of abandoned sewer lines. These improvements will expand system capacity, improve reliability and ensure the business park can provide dependable, environmentally compliant wastewater service for current and future employers.

The upgrades will help prepare the former military depot site for redevelopment as a manufacturing, warehousing and logistics hub, strengthening its ability to attract new investment and support economic growth throughout Chemung County and the Southern Tier. Construction is expected to take three years, after which the Chemung County Sewer District will own and maintain the upgraded system.

“This significant $1.4 million investment will make critical sewer improvements that are necessary for the Southern Tier Logistics Business Park to continue the redevelopment of the former Holding Point military depot. We can’t expect to attract jobs and economic development if we don’t have the public infrastructure to support the growth and that’s why I’ve been so focused on securing federal dollars to help position projects like this one. By helping prepare this property for development, we are paving the way for new private investments in manufacturing, warehousing, and logistics to strengthen the Southern Tier’s long-term economic future.” 

The Appalachian Regional Commission is an economic development agency of the federal government and 13 state governments that invests in communities across the Appalachian region. Its mission is to strengthen economic growth and help Appalachian communities achieve greater socioeconomic parity with the nation.

ELMIRA — Southern Tier Animal Control (STAC) is seeking modest increases to some of its municipal contracts, citing rising operating expenses, increased service calls and new requirements under New York state law.

Joel Pearson, founder and executive director of STAC, said the adjustments are intended to help sustain the organization’s animal shelter and maintain services for the communities it serves.

In a statement outlining the proposed contract adjustments, the organization pointed to New York’s Article 26-C, which establishes operational requirements for animal shelters and rescue organizations, as a significant factor contributing to increased expenses.

Source

You can read about it HERE....but this single sentence pretty much embodies the entire story: "People from the towns of Veteran and Horseheads are not happy about it, and there are a lot of unanswered questions."

Four defendants have now pled guilty in connection with a multi-jurisdictional child exploitation conspiracy that included the trafficking of child pornography produced during the conspiracy. First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Buffalo Acting Special Agent in Charge Anthony Patrone, and New York State Police (NYSP) Superintendent Steven G. James made the announcement.

The defendants involved in the case are:

• 38 year olf Devin LaValley of Burlington, New York

• 30 year old Melissa McDougal of Pulaski, New York

• 34 year old Grace Balthazor of Elmira, New York

• 45 year old Roxanne Clark of Bristol, Vermont.

As part of their guilty pleas, the defendants admitted to their respective involvement in a years-long child exploitation conspiracy and the trafficking of child pornography produced during the conspiracy. LaValley admitted that, years ago, he began intimate relationships with both Balthazor and McDougal, both of whom had access to children. LaValley admitted to then conspiring with both women to get close to the children in their care for the purpose of sexually abusing the children and creating photos and videos depicting that abuse. McDougal and Balthazor also admitted to conspiring with LaValley to abuse the children for the purpose of creating child pornography. LaValley also admitted that after he created the child pornography with McDougal and Balthazor’s assistance, he then distributed the child sexual abuse material to Clark, another woman with whom LaValley had an intimate relationship. For her part, Clark admitted to receiving the child pornography LaValley, McDougal, and Balthazor had produced as part of online communications with LaValley in which she and LaValley discussed their mutual interest in sexually abusing children.

LaValley, McDougal, and Balthazor face a mandatory minimum term of 15 years in federal prison and maximum sentence of 30 years for the conspiracy charge. The receipt and distribution charges to which Clark and LaValley have pled guilty carry a mandatory minimum term of five years in federal prison and maximum terms of 20 years. Each charge carries a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of at least 5 years and up to life. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statutes the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.

“Child predators will go through extreme lengths to exploit children and conduct the most reprehensible of acts," said State Police Superintendent James. "We fight for the victims and all those affected, we hope the justice brought forth provides a sense of peace that these individuals will never commit a crime like this again. I thank our State Police members, the United States Attorney’s Office, and the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations for their consistent, proactive work on this case.”

HSI and NYSP investigated the case with the assistance of the Office of the Vermont Attorney General. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Adrian S. LaRochelle as a part of Project Safe Childhood.

Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

This is a working list of those who have declared their candidacy for this year's county elections or are presumed to be until proven otherwise. Names will be added or removed as time goes on or primaries are held. Current incumbents are in bold.

Chemung County Executive

Christopher Moss ( R )

Mark Margeson ( R )

1st Legislative District

Lawana Morse (R)

Brent Tarantino ( R )

2nd Legislative District

Michael Saglibene (R)

John Boire (D)

3rd Legislative District

L. Thomas Sweet (R)

Don Ziegler ( R )

4th Legislative District ( Currently Vacant )

Joseph Atkinson ( R )

Justin Rusak (R)

5th Legislative District

Mark Margeson (R)

Ed Bond (D)

Nichole Elston (R)

Ken Miller ( R )

6th Legislative District

Joe Donovan (R)

Kyle Wieder (R)

7th Legislative District

James Palmer (R)

Susan Wilks (D)

8th Legislative District

Steve Pickering (R)

9th Legislative District

John Burnin (R)

Meg Magnusen (D)

10th Legislative District

Martin Chalk (R)

11th Legislative District

Brent Stermer (D)

12th Legislative District

William McCarthy (D)

Kevin Sullivan ( R )

13th Legislative District

Scott Drake (R)

14th Legislative District

Michael Smith (R)

Jharmi Leach (D)

Brenda Watts (R)

15th Legislative District

Rodney J. Strange (R)

On Tuesday, New York State Police arrested two people following a traffic stop in the town of Southport. 

State police say that at approximately 1:35 a.m., troopers stopped a 2016 Chevrolet on State Route 14 for vehicle and traffic violations. During the investigation troopers located suspected methamphetamine, LSD and drug paraphernalia. 

33 year old Makayla S. Noyes Lindley and 51 year old Scott J. Keetch of Pine City were arrested and each charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 7th degree (A misdemeanor). 

Both were processed at State Police barracks in Horseheads and issued appearance tickets returnable to Southport Town Court on November 5, 2026. 

Noyes was also issued multiple vehicle and traffic law violations.

On Sunday at 7:30pm, Elmira Police Officers were dispatched to the new Rural King store at 299 South Main St. An employee advised that there was a woman in the store who had stolen property on several occasions. The woman was also reported to be accompanied by a male.

Responding officers located the pair just as they left the store. The two were found to be in possession of multiple stolen items, some of which they were actively wearing, totaling $188.90. Both subjects were arrested and charged with Petit Larceny (Calss A Misdemeanor).

Additionally, police say the male, 38 year old Michael R. Mattison Jr. had an outstanding warrant with the Elmira Police that he was held on for arraignment in Elmira City Court. The female suspect, 32 year old Emily J. Brewer was found to be concealing narcotics on her person, which she attempted to destroy and received additional charges of Tampering with Physical Evidence (Class E Felony) and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 7th Degree (Calss A Misdemeanor.

Multiple people were taken to area hospitals, some in critical condition, after an accident involving an overturned tractor and hay wagon Sunday afternoon in Wellsburg.

According to the Chemung County Sheriff Bill Schrom, the crash happened a little after 4:30 P.M. at the intersection of Comfort Hill Road and Berwick Turnpike. According to authorities, the driver of a John Deere tractor was pulling a hay wagon loaded with occupants, including many children, down Comfort Hill Road towards the intersection with Berwick Turnpike.

Sheriff Schrom said a lieutenant with the sheriff’s office was in the area on an unrelated matter, and witnessed the tractor come down Comfort Hill Road towards the intersection at a high rate of speed. Authorities say the driver of the tractor turned the wheel, causing the tractor to roll over.

Source

This morning at approximately 8:30 AM Elmira Police Officers were dispatched to the area of West Henry Street for a report of a physical disturbance between two subjects.

Police say the initial call reported that a male subject was in possession of a handgun, but it was not relayed that it had been fired. As officers arrived, the male was reported to be fleeing on foot toward the area of the railroad tracks.

More reports advised that the male was northbound on foot on the railroad tracks and that he had fired shots at another male. This second male was taken into custody.

Pursuing officers and a witness further report the male firing shots toward them and the witness both while fleeing on the railroad tracks. Policecontinued pursuing the male northbound. The male was able to jump from the railroad tracks onto the side of the Center Town Parking garage and enter the parking garage lower floors. A perimeter was established, and the male, who has not yet been identified, fled out the west side of the parking garage where he was taken into custody.

Elmira Police reports that witness reports and the incident were quite chaotic, and officers are still conducting the investigation with the assistance of several local law enforcement agencies. Police note that cameras in the parking garage assisted in the apprehension of the suspect.

At this point EPD says they are not looking for any more suspects and there have been no reported injuries.

Anyone that witnessed this event or has video/information of the event is asked to contact the Elmira Police Department at 607-737-5626 or 271-HALT (4258).

The Chemung County Sheriff’s Office announces the arrest of 30-year-old Sean M. Ribble of Elmira for Criminal Mischief in the Second Degree, Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, and Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the Third Degree, all Class D Felonies.

The Chemung County Sheriff’s Office Road Patrol Division responded to a complaint of stolen property in the Town of Big Flats on September 26, 2026. Their initial investigation resulted in Ribble being arrested on various misdemeanor charges.

A short time after his release from custody, a second complaint was taken from a neighboring business regarding catalytic converters having been cut off their vehicles. The Road Patrol Division determined this had occurred at the same time as the original incident. Road Patrol turned over the information regarding Ribble and their initial investigation to the Criminal Investigation Division. The Criminal Investigation Division was subsequently able to verify parts and information regarding the stolen catalytic converters and confirm him as the person responsible. After a short search, Ribble was located and taken into custody in the City of Elmira.

As a result of the investigation, Ribble was arrested for Criminal Mischief in the Second Degree, Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, and Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the Third Degree. He was arraigned in Town of Big Flats Court and remanded to the Chemung County Jail on $1500 bail.

Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23) recently announced $382,298 in federal moneys headed to four fire departments across Stueben, Chemung and Tioga County through the FEMA AFG Grant Program. Congressman Langworthy was proud to support the funding of this important program and has long been a vocal advocate in favor of federal investment in our local first responders. In June this year, Congressman Langworthy hosted FEMA AFT for a virtual grant writing seminar to make applying easier for our local departments.

 “Our firefighters are true heroes, and I am proud to announce that $382,298 bound for the Southern Tier to invest in critical equipment to our community safe,” said Congressman Nick Langworthy. “This direct federal investment will take pressure off local taxpayers, and give first responders access to new radios, turnout gear, air packs, or other vital equipment that means the world in the heat of crisis. When our firefighters answer the call, I want them to have the support they deserve to do the job safely. As I meet with firefighters across the district, I hear repeatedly how impactful this funding pipeline is to their department, and I am proud to continue the fight to fund this critical grant program in Congress.” 

Here in Chemung County, Erin Fire Department received $32,680. Departments in neighboring towns such as the Village of Spencer receieved $32,680. In Steuben County, the City of Hornell was awarded  $128,403 while the Village of Savona received  $167,619

According to FEMA, the primary goal of these grants is to enhance the safety and effectiveness of first responders while also improving their ability to respond to emergencies and disasters. They aim to address the evolving needs of first responders, from advanced equipment acquisition and updating aging vehicles to safety improvement and training programs.

The City of Elmira is updating its Comprehensive Plan, "Thrive Elmira", to create a shared vision for the community’s future and a roadmap for how to get there.

The plan will address important topics such as housing and neighborhoods, transportation, downtown and business development, parks and open spaces, and community identity. The city wants to hear from residents, businesses, community organizations, and others about what they value about Elmira, what could be improved, and what priorities should guide the city’s future.

The City will hold its first Thrive Elmira Comprehensive Plan Public Open House on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at Diven Elementary School, 1115 Hall Street, Elmira. The open house will introduce the planning process and provide opportunities for the community to share ideas and help identify priorities for Elmira’s future.

Participants are welcome to drop in anytime between 6:00 and 7:30 p.m. Stop by, learn more about the plan, talk with the project team, and share your thoughts about the future of Elmira.

The Comprehensive Plan will establish goals and strategies to advance the community’s vision and provide a foundation for future initiatives, including potential zoning updates. The completed Plan will also help position the City to pursue grants and other funding opportunities to advance priority projects identified through the planning process.

Light refreshments and snacks will be provided.

The Chemung County Sheriff’s Office announces the arrest of 19-year-old Kyree Roney of Elmira for two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, a Class C Felony, following an assist to the Chemung County Probation Department in the Town of Southport.

According toe Sheriff WIlliam Schrom, on September 17, investigators from the Chemung County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division were requested by the Chemung County Probation Department to assist in a home visit of Roney's residence at the Hopkins Place Apartments, located at 550 Spruce Street, in the Town of Southport.

During this home visit, two loaded handguns were discovered in a small mechanical crawl space inside the apartment. The loaded handguns were turned over to the investigators who were on scene assisting the Probation Officers.

As a result of this investigation, Roney was arrested for two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree and arraigned in the Town of Southport Court.

He was remanded to the Chemung County Jail and will appear in court at a later date.

The Chemung County Sheriff’s Office announces the arrest of 30-year-old Drem M. Shaffer of Elmira for Burglary in the Third Degree and Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, both Class D Felonies, and Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree, a Class E Felony.

According to the Sheriff's office, on July 25, 2026, the Chemung County Sheriff’s Office Road Patrol Division responded to an address on Coleman Avenue, in the Town of Big Flats, for a report of a burglary in progress of a residence.

As the Road Patrol Division was responding to the residence, it was reported that the male subject who had burglarized the residence was interrupted by a third-party individual. The male then fled into the woods before law enforcement arrived. Members of the Chemung County Sheriff’s Office Road Patrol Division, New York State Police, Schuyler County Sheriff’s Office, and West Elmira Police Department searched for the subject; however, they were unable to locate him.

The Chemung County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division was notified and responded to the scene to assist with the investigation. Throughout the investigation, it was determined that Shaffer was the subject in question.

After various attempts to locate him were unsuccessful, an Arrest Warrant was issued for Shaffer through the Town of Big Flats Court.

Then, on September 19, Shaffer was arrested by the City of Elmira Police Department for unrelated charges and turned over to the Chemung County Sheriff’s Office. He was processed and arraigned in the Town of Elmira Court and released on his own recognizance.

Shaffer will appear in the Town of Big Flats Court at a later date

A Horseheads business is hosting its first-ever Author Meet-N-Greet and Book Signing event on Saturday, September 19, 2026 at Paulette's Custom Creations, located at 210 South Main Street in Hanover Square. The event will be held from 11:00 am until 2:00 pm, and will feature two local authors, Nicole Colwell and Judy Janowski.  

Nicole Colwell is the author of 20 books, spanning Christian fiction, fantasy, and non-fiction. She is also the author of The Giant Crushers, a six-book series for children, which is illustrated by Cassidy Perry, who will also be in attendance. Nicole’s newest series is called the Sanctum of the Spirit, which is written under the pen name N.C. Wells. The Sanctum of the Spirit series has garnered literary agent attention, and first editions of the trilogy are only available for a limited time. 

Judy Janowski is a local author who is known for her Life Is a Garden Party series. What began as a book about gardening quickly became poems and stories with a gardening theme and Christian principles woven in. Judy is also the author of the poetic book, God’s Gift to Us - Christmas. This book brings the life-changing account of the birth of Jesus to life through a unique look at Joseph’s obedience, Mary’s reverence, and so much more. 

Additionally, Deep Well Publishing, the Twin Tiers only independent publishing house, will be on-hand to meet with local writers and authors to answer questions about the book publishing process. While there, authors are invited to bring manuscripts to submit for publishing consideration on flash drives. Submissions can also be uploaded through the Deep Well Publishing website. 

According to multiple news agencies, the planned Rural King store at 299 Main Street in Elmira, the former Tops Supermarket, is moving forward.

City officials, along with the Chemung County IDA, met last night to go over planned renovations at the store.

The store's opening was announced in February, and it will be the first Rural King location in New York State. The retailer supplies hardware, animal feed, tools, and much more. It has been described by many as "Tractor Supply on steroids."

In addition to jobs, the Rural King store is expected to be a badly needed shot in the arm for the city of Elmira. Company representatives say that the average Rural King store brings people in from more than thirty miles away.

No opening date has been set for the proposed location, however there is an online listing seeking a store manager.

Joseph Sartori Jr., the former Elmira City manager who was at the helm during the Flood of 1972, has died. He was 92 years old.

According to his obituary, Sartori and his family moved to Elmira in 1967 from Auburn. A year later he was appointed to the position of City Chamberlain. Then, on June 1, 1972 he was appointed to the position of City Manager.

Hurricane Agnes struck just three weeks later.

"Joe was immediately thrust into a leadership role under extraordinary pressure, making critical decisions—including ordering early evacuations that protected the community and resulted in no loss of life in Elmira," his obituary reads. "With steady resolve, integrity, and a deep commitment to his neighbors, he guided Elmira through the immediate disaster, the complex aftermath, and the challenging years of rebuilding that followed."

Sartori remained in office as City Manager until 1983.

According to Chief Thorne, on July 18th of this year he was advised that an Elmira Police officer allegedly provided confidential information to someone which not only jeopardized an active investigation but also placed individuals involved in that investigation at risk.

Thorne says that the officer was immdiately suspended, which including revoking all access to the department buildings, files and information systems. At that time the department requested the assistance of the New York State Police Department due to the seriousness of the allegations. The New York State Police conducted a criminal investigation.

Photo courtesy of EPD Facebook page

As a result, 26 year old Shyonna Pacheco was charged with Hindering Prosecution 2nd Degree, a Class E Felony; two counts of Official Misconduct, Class A Misdemeanors; and two counts of Obstruction of Governmental Administration 2nd Degree, Class A Misdemeanors. She was arraigned in the City of Elmira Court and released on her own recognizance pending future proceedings.Pacheco joined the Elmira Police Department in 2023.

Thorne says that the internal investigation remains ongoing, and that Officer Pacheco continues to be suspended while the Elmira Police Department has initiated the termination process.

"The Elmira Police Department will not tolerate official misconduct among its Officers," Thorne wrote. "This behavior does not reflect the values of our department, brings discredit to the agency and interferes with our ability to fulfill our duties to the community effectively."

According to the New York State Police, the Schuyler County District Attorney is assigned as the special prosecutor.

Chief Thorne added that the department will not be releasing any further information at this time.

According to a post by Capriotti Properties on Facebook, Centertown Social, located in the heart of Elmira's downtown is set to open soon.

Centertown Social will be a brewery style bar and restaurant that will also include a gaming area as well as outdoor seating and a stage area. The building, which has been vacant ofr years, was once home to businesses such as Chuck Clark's and Deister & Butler Jewelry. The renovation and construction for this new project has lasted three years.

There will be no shortage of seating available with tables and booths throughout the building as well as a VIP area. Other features will include two golf simulators, darts, billiards, as well as various arcade games.

The projected opening date is November 13th.

Photos courtesy of Capriotti Properties.

A new Federally Qualified Health Center is coming to Chemung County. According to county legislatures, it will service everyone.

The Federally Qualified Health Center is a community-based health care system that provides primary care and other supportive services to underserved communities.

The Chautauqua Center went to the county to expand its current facilities into Elmira. So, this will be a facility in Elmira, not an extension of the Chautauqua Center.

Read more about it here.

On August 13, 2026, the New York State Police arrested 48 year old William J. Groff of Horseheads in connection with a grand larceny investigation in the town of Big Flats. 

The investigation began March 23, 2026, after troopers received a complaint from a Big Flats resident who reported paid Groff $15,000 in cash for construction work at his residence. The total cost of the project was reportedly $43,000. 

According to the investigation, Groff performed approximately two hours of work at the residence on December 10, 2025, completing limited drywall and framing work. The complainant reported that the work was incomplete and did not meet the agreed-upon specifications. The complainant subsequently made numerous attempts to contact Groff regarding completion of the project or the return of the $15,000 payment. 

The investigation was adopted by the New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation. 

On August 13, 2026, Groff was located and apprehended by law enforcement in the village of Waterloo, Seneca County, based on the outstanding bench warrant in the Town of Horseheads Court. He was transported to SP Horseheads, where he was processed. 

Groff was charged with Grand Larceny 3rd (D felony).

Groff was arraigned in the Town of Big Flats Court and remanded to the Chemung County Jail on $2,500 cash bail or $10,000 bond.