Good morning Elmira! We're back again in your inbox, keeping you updated with what's happening in and around town. ☀️
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In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: Chemung County Youth Football and 9 more events.
Today's riddle: What do you call a one-legged Big Foot? 🤔 (Answer below!)
1. Four regional communities flagged for fiscal stress, while 80 lack scores (fingerlakes1.com) — Elmira has been flagged as fiscally "susceptible to stress" for a second straight year, with its score rising and its environmental stress rated significant, signaling deeper economic challenges. The analysis from the state comptroller's data compares Elmira with other Finger Lakes and Southern Tier communities, explaining how local finances are trending and why residents should watch future budget decisions closely.
2. Elmira will upgrade 'outdated' playground at Southside park with grant (stargazette.com) — Elmira is set to overhaul the outdated playground at Cypress Park on the Southside using a $170,000 NY PLAYS state grant, with construction expected to start in spring 2027. The upgrade will modernize heavily used equipment in this residential neighborhood, while nearby communities like Montour Falls and Wellsburg also receive funding for new playgrounds.
3. City of Elmira makes state fiscal stress list (mytwintiers.com) — Elmira has been flagged by the New York State Comptroller as "susceptible to fiscal stress," with officials blaming a shrinking fund balance and reduced sales tax share from Chemung County. Mayor Dan Mandell says the city faces higher costs and lower revenues than comparable municipalities, though temporary state aid and upcoming 2026 financial data may clarify how serious the strain remains.
4. Student-led mural brings sustainability message to Elmira campus (stargazette.com) — Visitors to Elmira College's Campus Center are now greeted by a new student-led mural promoting sustainability, created during the school's Climate Teach-In and finished as students returned for the year. Organized by student Joyanna Lynn with help from classmates and community members, the artwork is meant to remind the Elmira campus that environmental progress depends on many hands working together.
5. Two Bath Residents Arrested Following Property Crimes Investigation (fingerlakesdailynews.com) — Regional law enforcement located one of two Bath residents wanted in a string of property crimes when Chemung County deputies found 23-year-old Dustin Sly in Elmira and turned him over to Bath Police. Both suspects now face burglary, larceny, and related charges tied to thefts and vehicle damage in Bath's Evergreen Street and Wilson Way neighborhood earlier this month.
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Ok Elmira! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Hop Squatch! (Thank you Terri R. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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