Local News for Thursday, March 23, 2023

Village Election Results are in for Tompkins and Schuyler Counties

Area village elections were held on Tuesday. In the Tompkins County village of Dryden, Democratic incumbents won re-election in three positions. Michael Murphy was reelected mayor with 61% of the vote over his Republican opponent Thomas Corey who got 39%. Jason Dickinson and Thomas Sinclair won re-election as Trustees. In Groton, Republican incumbents held on to the mayor’s seat and 2 trustee positions. 

In Schuyler County, Democrats were elected as mayor and trustees in Watkins Glen. Laura DeNardo won the mayoral race while Margaret Schimizzi and Peter Cherock were elected to the village board. All results are unofficial.

Tompkins County Former Sheriff Deputy Convicted Of Perjury

Former Tompkins County sheriff deputy Zachary Starner was convicted of perjury on Wednesday. Starner was found guilty of giving false testimony under oath in a 2019 criminal trial. According to Syracuse.com, Starner lied while testifying for the defense in a the trial of a fellow sheriff deputy accused of rape. Sentencing is scheduled for May 26. Starner could face up to a year of jail time or probation.

Avian Flu Outbreak Possible at Cornell

According to the Ithaca Voice, a possible outbreak of avian influenza has been detected at Cornell’s Reynold’s Game Farm. The facility raises approximately 30,000 pheasants annually for legal hunting. Details on the potential outbreak are in short supply. Thirteen outbreaks of the virus have been detected throughout the state in the last year. The risk to humans is thought to be low.