Local News

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Two people have been arrested and charged in connection with a break in that happened in November. According to Chemung County Sheriff William Schrom, on November 28, 2025, at approximately 7:16 p.m.,deputies were dispatched to The Masonic Valley Lodge 153 in the Town of Chemung for a report of a burglary. During the initial investigation, Deputies learned that the building had been forcibly entered and property within was damaged and stolen. The Criminal Investigation Division was made aware of the burglary and continued the investigation. Investigators reviewed surveillance footage, which showed two adults and three young children all under the age of eight approaching …

The Economic Opportunity Program of Chemung and Schuyler Counties (EOP) was awarded a $7.5 million grant from the state this month. Funding will support a 7,200-square-foot-addition and upgrades to the Ernie Davis campus in the city of Elmira, which hosts the Ernie Davis Community Center and EOP offices. "It's a true investment of people, for youth, for elders,” said EOP CEO Andrea Ogunwumi. “This grant allows us to serve multi-generationally and all of our programs.“ The buildings in the complex are named after local football celebrity Ernie Davis, who grew up in Elmira. Davis was the first African American Heisman Trophy winner. Davis won the honor in 1961. The original…

A belated happy birthday Mr. Lindblad!

Watching WETM this morning it was reported that the Jury ruled in favor of the Town of Southport. This was also part of the report was a statement by the Attorney for Plaintiffs: “Following the trial, the jury determined that the Town of Southport selectively treated Chamberlain Acres compared with others in similar situations…” “but this treatment was not based on impermissible considerations……” If I’m reading his statement correctly, perhaps Plaintiffs should have sued based on selective enforcement instead of sexual orientation. If their business was held to different codes than others in similar circumstances as far as expansion that was wrong.

Elmira College has announced the launch of a new suite of online Cannabis Career Certificate programs, developed in partnership with Green Flower, the leader in cannabis education. Featuring 50+ cannabis industry leaders and subject matter experts, these new online programs feature updated curricula, accessible pricing, and robust career support through Green Flower’s Cannabis Career Resource Center, all designed to help people start or grow their cannabis careers today. “These new Cannabis Career Certificates are built to match exactly what employers are hiring for in each sector of the cannabis industry,” said Max Simon, CEO and Founder of Green Flower. “We’re proud to …

The Chemung County Sheriff's Office announces the arrest of 37-year-old Stephanie M. Kemp of Montour Falls, for Attempted Robbery in the Third Degree, a class E Felony, Criminal Mischief in the Fourth Degree, a class A Misdemeanor, Petit Larceny, a class A Misdemeanor, and Attempted Escape in the Second Degree, a class A Misdemeanor. According to Sheriff William Schrom, on December 8, 2025, around 11:14 A.M., Deputies from the Chemung County Sheriff's Office Road Patrol were dispatched to the Dandy Mini Mart, located on Watkins Road, in the Town of Catlin. There was a report of a female who was causing a disturbance inside the store, as well as refusing orders to leave. U…

Yesterday, Elmira Police Department released a statement after the department says they became aware of several online posts claiming that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was conducting a raid in the Heritage Park area on East Water Street. Police say these reports were incorrect. According to ELmira Police, what community members observed was a scheduled joint training session between the Elmira Police Department’s SWAT team and the Steuben County SWAT team. The teams were conducting scenario based exercises, including building entry and raid style movements, which are standard law-enforcement training practices. Their equipment and uniforms can appear similar …

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ELMIRA - Those doing business in Downtown Elmira will see a big change when parking their car on the city's streets. That's because the city has decided to remove all parking meters and instead, offering free two-hour parking. The parking meters started being removed in August and the last ones were removed on November 28. Elmira City Manager Michael Collins says that many of the meters were not working to begin with, causing a shortfall of approximately $20,000. "It will be a way for people to pull in, shop downtown, frequent a local business that serves food, and then (leave.) Hopefully, it will be good for morale for people who want to come to downtown Elmira,” Collin…

The Elmira Police Department is requesting the assistance of the public to be on the look out for a vulnerable missing adult. Vicki L Gullo, who was last known to be in the 200 block of S Hoffman Street near McDowel Place around 3:00 PM on November 29th, 2025. Vicki Gullo is described as a 64-year-old white female, approximately 5ft 2in tall, with no known clothing description at this time. Her vehicle was located at a residence in the 200 block of South Hoffman St Kerry unoccupied, with all her belongings in the vehicle. Ms. Gullo is believed to have limited mobility and likely to be within the surrounding area of where her vehicle was located. The Elmira Police Depart…

On Saturday morning at 6:48 a.m., Elmira Police Department received a gun shot notification on the Raven Gunshot Detection System through Flock. Officers were directed to the area of the 500 block of Franklin Street and where officers found evidence of a shooting. Police say a residence was struck by at least four rounds. However, no one was injured during this incident and the residents did not provide any further information. Then at 7:21 a.m., police were dispatched to a residence in the City of Elmira for a welfare check for a woman who had not shown up for work. Officers spoke with family members of the woman and while doing so contacted her ex-boyfriend who advised…

The Arnot Mall will soon be even more empty as it was anounced that Burlington Coat Factory will be leaving the mall for a new location in the former Joann's Fabrics in Consumer Square. No opening date has been announced for the new location as of yet. The Arnot Mall location opened in 2006.

Chemung County Executive Christopher Moss released a video this morning announcing his intent to run for re-election. Moss will face off against challenger Mark Margeson in the June primary. You can view the video below:

ELMIRA – Arnot Health, a member of Centralus Health, announced today that it is recognized as one of America’s Greatest Workplaces 2025 by Newsweek Magazine and Plant-A Insights Group. Newsweek and Plant-A Insights Group recognized companies through a comprehensive assessment involving employee interviews, company reviews, publicly accessible data and an analysis of over 120 key performance indicators. Those include career progression, company culture, compensation and benefits and community and belonging. Photo courtesy Arnot Health “We are proud to be named one of Newsweek’s Greatest Workplaces in Health Care for 2025,’” said Ronette Wiley, RN, BSN, MHA, President an…

On November 20, 2025, at approximately 12:15 a.m., Troopers from State Police barracks in Horseheads, while on routine patrol, observed a 2004 GMC pickup truck parked at a property located on County Route 60 in the town of Chemung. Troopers contacted the property owner through the Chemung County Communications Center, who confirmed that no individuals or vehicles were permitted on the premises. Chemung County Sheriff’s Office units responded to assist. While checking the building, Troopers and Deputies located two individuals actively cutting copper piping from the ceiling. The suspects were identified as 30 year old Alexander J. Root of Elmira and 26 year old Austin M. S…

Photo courtesy of markforchemung.com At a press conference held yesterday afternoon at Latitude 42 Taphouse in Horseheads, Chemung County Legislative Chairman Mark Margeson announced that he will be running for Chemung County Executive in 2026. Margeson is also Chairman of the Chemung County Industrial Development Agency. According to his campaign website, Margeson is a life long resident of Horseheads and is owner of Margeson Insurance Agency. He says he has been asked to run for the County Executive seat by "many business owners and individuals" over the last several months. "The truth is that we have a big challenge facing us in Chemung County," he writes. "At prese…

The Chemung County Sheriff’s Office wants to remind everyone that the holiday season is a busy time for you and for scammers. Telephone scammers try to trick you out of money or to get you to give your personal information. The callers often pretend to be family members in trouble and need money quickly, or that you have been charged with a crime or an IRS lien and need to settle it fast. The Sheriff's Department says another scam they recently learned about involves an alleged representative from Verizon who called and said a phone was ordered on their account and shipped to another state (CA), and they stopped the purchase. They are asking that you change your passwo…

In a post on social media, Chemung County Executive Chris Moss wrote that the New York State Department of Trandportation is considering changes to the section of Sate Route 14 in Horseheads, also known as "The Miracle Mile." The proposal, also known as a "road diet" calls for the reduction of driving lanes from four to three, one for each travel direction and then a turning lane in the center. The DOT says that such reconfigurations can be beneficial by keeping traffic moving at one consistent speed, reduce the amount of lanes for pedestrians to cross, as well as allow for possible bicycle lanes. Prior to making or finalizing any changes, the DOT has reached out to local…

On Wednesday, the Chemung County Sheriff’s Office arrested 30 year old Tracy R. Itjen of Elmira as well as 69 year old Douglas J. Itjen and 67 year old Darlene Itjen both of Big Flats after an investigation into possible anumal cruelty. According to Chemung County Sheriff William Schrom, in October, the Chemung County Sheriff’s Office received a tip from the Chemung County Probation Department about possible animal abuse that had occurred on Antler Road in the Town of Big Flats. During the course of the investigation, the deputy learned that Tracey R. Itjen had force fed a small dog several coins and thumbtacks over a period of time from June 2025 to October 2025. As a …

The Chemung County Sheriff's Office announces the arrest of 35-year-old Joseph M. Swinko of Elmira for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, a Class B Felony. Police say on Saturday, November 8, 2025, a Deputy from the Chemung County Sheriff's Office Road Patrol Division attempted to conduct a traffic stop on Breesport North Chemung Road, in the Town of Baldwin, on a motorcycle that was observed traveling at 76-mph in a 55-mph zone. After observing the Deputy turn around, the operator of the motorcycle accelerated and continued traveling on Breesport North Chemung Road at a high rate of speed. The motorcycle appeared to encounter mechanical is…

Where is it for the younger people? High taxes,little opportunity for growth. Political leaders taking a paycheck but not doing much else.

On October 27, 2025, the New York State Police from Horseheads, Bureau of Criminal Investigation, arrested 36 year old Henry W. Cuesta of Horseheads for Sexual Abuse 1st (D Felony) and Endangering the Welfare of a Child (A Misdemeanor). The arrest stems from an investigation initiated in June 2025 after a report of inappropriate contact involving a juvenile in the town of Horseheads. Following a thorough investigation by the Bureau of Criminal Investigation and consultation with the Chemung County District Attorney’s Office, Cuesta was identified as the suspect. Cuesta surrendered himself at State Police barracks in Horseheads, where he was arrested and processed. He was …

On Tuesday, Elmira Police Department responded to the area of Clemens Center Parkway and East Market Street for a report of a pedestrian that had been struck by a vehicle. Police say a pedestrian was struck by a vehicle traveling northbound on Clemens Center Parkway. Emergency Medical personnel were on scene and rendered aid to the victim, who was then transported to an area hospital for treatment. The driver of the vehicle remained on scene and police say they are cooperating with Elmira Police Department’s investigation of the incident. Police say this is an ongoing and active investigation and no additional details will be released at this time. Additional details w…

According to WENY News, the City of Elmira is holding a workshop tomorrow for the community to give input on possible plans to beautify the entryways off of Interstate 86. Officials say the study is looking at ways to make East Church St. and East Water St. “safer, more attractive, and welcoming” for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians. What do you think the city could do, or do better, to make Elmira more welcoming to visitors?