Skiing History: New York State’s First Rope Tow

The family enjoyed outdoor activities of all kinds, including winter sports. Several of Rose and her husband Peter Schaefer’s would become important Adirondack figures. Their oldest, Vince Schaefer became an atmospheric scientist at General Electric; Paul Schaefer became a noted Adirondack preservationist (his home in Niskayuna is now Union College’s Kelly Adirondack Center and Adirondack Research Library); and Carl Schaefer helped create New York State’s first rope tow ski lift.

Joe Veres' 11.12.26 Late Night Forecast

At Sing Sing prison, incarcerated men get preview of new PBS documentary on nation’s justice system

OSSINING, New York (AP) — As the lights dimmed inside the chapel at the Sing Sing Correctional Facility in New York, around 30 incarcerated men sat scattered across the pews, waiting to preview a new docuseries on the history of the nation’s criminal justice system. Our Lady of Hope chapel was soon abuzz with discussion, […]

World’s largest harmonica and museum to visit Corning

CORNING, N.Y. (WETM) – According to a release, the world’s largest harmonica and accompanying museum is set to visit Corning beginning in November. Beginning on Saturday, Nov. 28, the second-floor gallery at Matrich Music, located at 62 E Market St., will showcase the world’s largest harmonica and traveling museum. The museum will be on display […]

Yoga Is Art, Free Bar Bingo, And A Medieval Fest Highlight a weekend full of fun in Western New York

Check out some fun things to do this weekend in Western New York

Gore, Whiteface and Belleayre Join the Indy Pass Allied Program

JACKSON, N.H. — The Indy Pass has expanded its 2026/27 lineup, adding 18 new ski areas including six from New York. The three alpine ski areas run by NY’s Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA) have been added to the Indy Pass Allied Program, which gives passholders a 25% discount on up to two lift tickets at each ski area.

USBC: New York’s Meyer becomes 44th player to throw certified 900 series

ARLINGTON, Texas – Steve Meyer of Spencerport, N.Y., is no stranger to stepping up in big moments and delivering strikes. The talented right-hander has continually proved this on the national stage at the United States Bowling Congress Open Championships, which includes a win with Mento Produce in Team All-Events during the 2019 event in Las Vegas.

Corning native, combat vet Jason Shaddock shares Veterans Day lessons

Hundreds came to honor servicemen and women Wednesday, Nov. 11 at Corning's annual Veterans Day ceremony at the Veterans Memorial Park, off Park Avenue. Brian Francis, commander of the Corning American Legion and a retired U.S. Army veteran with 26 years of service, emphasized the role of military service in safeguarding fundamental freedoms. "It is a soldier, not a poet who has given up freedom of speech," Francis said. "It is a soldier, not the campus organizer, who gives us freedom to demonstrate. It is a soldier who salutes the flag, who serves beneath the flag, who allows the protester to burn the flag." Francis said these liberties were earned through the sacrifices and service of those who defended the nation. Jason Shaddock, Deputy Commissioner for New York State Department of Veterans Service and combat veteran of the United State Marine Corps and the United States Army, thanked the Corning American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4218 for co-sponsoring the Veterans Day event. "As a native of Corning, is especially meaningful to be here today," Shaddock said while speaking at the Veterans Memorial Park event. "I know the character of the people of the Southern Tier. I

The Legacy of the Anti-Rent War, New York’s Second Revolution

Landlords and tenant farmers clashed in rural, upstate regions during New York’s Anti-Rent War between 1839 and 1845. The Anti-Renters declared their independence from the manor system run by patroons, resisted tax collectors and demanded reform. In the aftermath of the rebellion, the antiquated manor system was abandoned in...

Lauren Shields championed NY organ donations; how her mission lives on

Lauren Shields made her mark in her short life, becoming a champion for the cause of organ donations after getting the first of two transplants at age 8 and inspiring a New York state law to entice more donors. The Rockland County native was just 26 when she succumbed to illness in June . With persistence and good cheer in the face of her health struggles, she had by then built a legacy that included New York's "Lauren's Law" and her years of advocacy for organ and blood donations, which her own tale of survival made so poignant. Five months after her passing, Shields' crusade lives on in the form of a pending bill in Congress that would vastly expand the nation's outreach to potential donors. The goal is put that opportunity before as many people as possible to grow the ranks of those ready to make life-saving donations. What is the Lauren Shields Organ Donation Act? The bill, named the Lauren Shields Organ Donation Act, was introduced in October by Rep. Mike Lawler of Rockland County and Rep. Josh Gottheimer, who represents a neighboring New Jersey district. It would require all sorts of federal forms and applications that Americans

The Upstate New York Diner Where One Family Has Served Breakfast Since 1972

Fresh cake donuts come out of the fryer here on Saturday and Sunday mornings, and they carry a family nickname. The same family has run this red farmhouse diner for more than 50 years. Three generations now work the place. Before the diner, the founders ran a gas station on...

Veterans Day observance held in Elmira

ELMIRA, N.Y. (WETM) — Veterans and community members gathered at Wisner Park Wednesday morning for Elmira’s annual Veterans Day ceremony. Six wreaths were placed around the park’s monuments to honor veterans of different conflicts, including the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the Global War on Terror. Attendees were also given carnations to place near […]

Groton Junior High School cast presents “Matilda JR.”

The Groton Jr./Sr. High School (GHS) stage has been graced with stellar musicals performed by its senior high drama club for more than two decades. Similarly, the students in GHS’s junior high have presented excellent plays, but for the first time ever, that contingency of students will perform a musical — the Broadway-licensed musical production of “Matilda JR.” — under the direction of Kayla Lyon and Lenora Salzler, co-directors.

O' Tannenbaum: A Holiday Tradition in Owego Open Thru December 12

O Tannenbaum, the Tioga County Historical Society's Annual Holiday Display and Auction, is back for its 24th year! This FREE festive event takes place from November 7 to December 12, 2026, at the museum located at 110 Front St in Owego, New York. The museum is open to the public Tuesday – Saturday, 10am – 4pm with special extended hours during Lights on the River in Downtown Owego on Friday, December 4th (10am-8pm) and Closing Day on Saturday, December 12th.

Snow is in the forecast for Western New York this weekend

The first snow of the season is coming to Western New York

FRANKLY SPEAKING: Corning American Legion to Hold Veterans Day Ceremony Wednesday

CORNING, N.Y. - The Corning American Legion will host its annual Veterans Day ceremony Wednesday, November 11, honoring the men and women who have served in the armed forces of the United States. Brian Francis, commander of John P. Eaton American Legion Post 746, joined Frankly Speaking Tuesday morning to...

Library Community Care Nook: Our 2026 FLX Gives Project

FLX Gives begins at 6:00 PM on Thursday, November 12 and ends at 6:00 PM on Friday, November 13.*. Imagine a snowy day at the Southeast Steuben County Library in Corning. Patrons come inside to find some warmth, a child looks for a place to curl up with a book, and someone else is seeking an answer to a question. The Library is here for it all. And soon, with your help, the Library Community Care Nook will provide free, discreet, and dignified access to personal care items and snacks for those who need them.