Local News: February 6, 2024

- State judge dismisses Republican challenge to vote-by-mail law -

A state judge dismissed a Republican challenge to New York’s vote-by-mail law on Monday. The law allows voters to cast their ballots by mail for any reason before Election Day. North Country Republican Congresswoman Elise Stefanik brought the lawsuit. The Albany Times Union reports Stefanik says she will appeal the ruling. New Yorkers rejected a ballot proposition in 2021 that would have allowed absentee voting without an excuse. In response, the Democratic-led legislature passed a law last year that allows it during the early voting period. 

- Public hearings set about expansion of gravel business near Watkins Glen State Park  -

Two public hearings are scheduled about the expansion of a sand and gravel business across from Watkins Glen State Park. WENY-TV reports IGN Sand and Gravel currently occupies about 14 acres. It has applied to the state DEC to expand just over 75 acres. The first public hearing will be online on February 12 at 6 PM. The second will be on February 13 at 2 PM at the Seneca Lake Events Center at Clute Park.

- Tompkins Whole Health investigation continues into high chlorine exposure at a hotel pool party -

Tompkins Whole Health and the State Department of Health continue to investigate the cause of illnesses at an Ithaca Holiday Inn Express in December. Nine children attending a pool party became ill and were taken to the emergency room.  Whole Health says they were released the same night. Health officials say their symptoms were likely the result of exposure to high levels of chlorine in the pool. The pool was drained and refilled, chemical levels were monitored before it was reopened in early January. Liz Cameron of Tompkins County’s Environmental Health office says they are still in contact with the children and their caregivers as part of its investigation.