Local News

County Elections 2026 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 ExecutiveChristopher Moss ( R ) Mark Margeson ( R ) 1st Legislative DistrictLawana Morse (R) Brent Tarantino ( R ) 2nd Legislative DistrictMichael Saglibene (R) John Boire (D) 3rd Legislative DistrictL. Thomas Sweet (R) Don Ziegler ( R ) 4th Legislative District ( Currently Vacant )Joseph Atkinson ( R ) Justin Rusak (R) 5th Legislative DistrictMark Margeson (R) Ed Bond (D) Nichole Elsto…

This will be an ongoing section for shorter news items that don't require a topic of their own.

May as well start another thread to keep the gunshot reports all in one place.

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 …

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 wi…

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 …

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. …

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 …

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…

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…

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 Ro…

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…

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 E…

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 sma…

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 the…

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. Wel…

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 bring…

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 …

In a letter to the media, Elmira Police Department Chief Kristen Thorne announced the arrest of one of the officers in his department. 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…

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 w…

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. …