Local News: December 8, 2023

Man accused of setting fire that killed 30 horses at Tioga Downs pleads not guilty

The man charged with setting a fire that killed 30 racehorses in Tioga County was in court on Friday. Fenton Boyd is charged with arson, burglary, criminal mischief, and assault for the fire at Tioga Downs race track in November. One person who tried to save the horses received second-degree burns. Boyd pleaded not guilty at his arraignment in Tioga County Court. Bail is set at $250,000.

Ulysses residents defeat town plan to pay $210,000 for land for recreational fields

Voters in the town of Ulysses rejected a land purchase in a special election held on Wednesday. Residents were deciding whether the town should buy 30 acres to become a recreational area. The board voted to buy the land for $210,000. The Ithaca Voice reports that one of the objections to the deal was that the land owner is a town employee. Over 900 people, about 64% voted against the proposal. The town includes the village of Trumansburg.

New Police Chief and City Manager appointments approved by Common Council

Ithaca has a new police chief for the first time in over two years. The Common Council approved the appointment of Thomas Kelly on Wednesday. Kelly is currently a lieutenant in the Schenectady Police Department. The Ithaca Times reports he will start the job on December 18.

The Council approved the appointment of Deb Mohlenoff as the city’s first city manager in the same meeting. Mohlenhoff will start on January 1.

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