Local News: October 23, 2023

- Sludge fertilizer banned by Steuben County town -

The town of Thurston in Steuben County has banned the use of sludge or biosolids as fertilizer. WSKG Public Radio reports the town board unanimously voted for the moratorium at its meeting last week. Town officials say they are concerned about the presence of PFAS or “forever chemicals”.  Recent water tests found high levels of the toxic chemicals in residential wells near places where the sludge was spread. The moratorium vote comes after Casella Waste Systems recently bought a local sludge-spreading plant. Casella opposed the ban.

- Ithaca man convicted of getting $140,000 in COVID-19 loan fraud -

An Ithaca man was convicted of fraud in federal court for receiving and spending over $140,000 in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans. United States Attorney Carla Freedman says Ejembi Onah could be sentenced to about 40 years in federal prison and over $250,000 in fines and restitution fees. His sentencing is scheduled for February of next year.

- Cornell to build a $55 million indoor sports facility -

Cornell University announced plans for a new indoor sports facility. It will be over 91,000 square feet and located near the center of the campus. The university estimates it will cost about $55 million dollars. Officials say school supporters have already committed $32.5 million and they expect the rest to be donated through a fundraising campaign. The facility is designed for NCAA men’s and women’s lacrosse competitions and intramural athletics. The Ithaca Voice says the plans haven’t been submitted to the City of Ithaca for approval. Construction is expected to begin next year and be completed in 2026.