Local News for Friday, February 17, 2023

Elmira Denies Info on Police Chief Dismissal 

The city of Elmira has denied a Freedom of Information Act request for disciplinary records of the city’s former police chief. Anthony Alvernaz, who served on the force for 27 years was suddenly dismissed in January without explanation. According to WETM the city responded to the station’s request saying it doesn’t possess any such records. The local TV station has filed a new request for personnel files and emails between Alvernaz and Elmira’s city manager. Alvernaz has said little about his departure but in a statement said his unwillingness to compromise his ethics cost him his job.

Waldorf School Scholarship Builds Equity 

The Ithaca Waldorf School has announced a new scholarship program for students of color. The school’s Gateway to Middle School initiative will cover the majority of tuition and other fees for students of color accepted to the program. Waldorf education emphasizes art, music, and connections to the natural world. The school’s leadership say they’re excited to address historical inequities and build a school that’s more reflective of its community.

Ithaca Dining Icon to Move

A mainstay of Ithaca’s dining scene will be moving to a new location after almost 28 years. According to 14850.com, Viva Taqueria will be moving from its iconic location at the corner of S Aurora St and Martin Luther King St. Fortunately for regulars, like your reporter, it’s only moving across the street. Viva owners Peter and Ursula Browning opened Pasta Vitto’s a few years ago but announced recently the Italian eatery will be permanently closing. Viva will be moving into the space some time this spring. No plans for the old Viva location have been announced.

Legal Weed Finds New Space in Ithaca

And in other business news, a location has been announced for Ithaca’s long anticipated recreational marijuana dispensary. According to WBNG, the William Jane Dispensary will open on the Commons in the space formerly occupied by Trader K’s. William Durham of Binghamton was awarded a license to sell cannabis under the New York’s Seeding Opportunity Initiative The program provided the first licenses to sell weed in New York to business people with prior marijuana convictions.