Investigation underway after dog dies in Elmira Animal Control vehicle during today's heat

An investigation is underway at the Elmira Animal Shelter after a dog died Monday, June 8, after being left inside an Elmira Animal Control vehicle while temperatures outside reached nearly 80°F. WETM 18 News broke the story this afternoon. The shelter is actively investigating the incident, and 18 News said it was told additional details by city officials. This story continues to develop — check MyTwinTiers.com for updates as the investigation progresses.

Elmira Animal Shelter loses out on $500,000 state grant needed for facility upgrades

In a setback announced today, the Elmira Animal Shelter has not been selected to receive a $500,000 grant through New York State's Companion Animal Capital Fund Program — money city officials had hoped would fund much-needed facility upgrades and improvements. The news comes on the same day that a dog died in an Animal Control vehicle, putting the shelter under renewed scrutiny. City officials confirmed the grant denial to WETM 18 News this afternoon; the shelter will need to seek alternative funding sources for its capital needs.

Corning sophomore Delaney Abel ties for 3rd at NYSPHSAA Girls Golf Championship with a round of 70

Corning's Delaney Abel delivered a standout performance at the New York State Public High School Athletic Association Girls Golf Championship at Wild Wood Country Club in Rush on Monday, shooting a 70 to tie for third place. The sophomore continues to establish herself as one of the top young golfers in New York State — a bright presence for the Twin Tiers on the state stage, and a name to watch as she has two more years of high school competition ahead.

Friday Nights at Thorne returns to Horseheads this week — weekly evening farmers' market, June 12–Sept. 11

A beloved Village of Horseheads tradition kicks off this Friday, June 12: Friday Nights at Thorne returns for its 2026 season at Thorne Street Park (504 Thorne St.), running every Friday from 4–7:30 p.m. through September 11. The weekly evening farmers' market features local vendors, fresh produce, food, and community gathering in a relaxed outdoor setting. It's a perfect warm-weather alternative to the Wisner Market for Horseheads residents and visitors.

Free Tractor Safety Training in Elmira this Thursday, June 11, at 2 p.m. — hosted by NYCAMH, John Deere & CCE

The New York Center for Agricultural Medicine and Health (NYCAMH), John Deere, and Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chemung County are co-hosting a free Tractor Safety Training this Thursday, June 11, at 2 p.m. at Rick Curren Hardware, Feed & Need in Elmira. The training is designed for farmers and agricultural workers and covers safe tractor operation practices. The event is free and open to the public — contact CCE Chemung County to confirm registration details.

Sunny and 79°F this afternoon — beautiful Tuesday ahead, then rain returns Wednesday and Thursday

Elmira is enjoying a lovely Monday afternoon at 79°F and sunny, essentially at today's high. Tuesday looks even better at 85°F with just a 10% rain chance — one of the finest days of the early summer. Wednesday brings a 35% chance of rain (80°F high) as the pattern shifts. Thursday — the day of both the Big Boy locomotive's arrival in Sayre and the free tractor safety training — carries a 75% rain chance and a high of 85°F. Come prepared with rain gear for any Thursday outdoor plans.

Horseheads baseball state semifinal scheduled — defending Class AA champions targeting a repeat

The defending Class AA state champions Horseheads Blue Raiders are two wins away from a back-to-back title. Their NYSPHSAA Class AA semifinal is expected this week following Friday's dominant 4–0 quarterfinal shutout of Hamburg by Mason Markle. The semifinal will likely fall Thursday or Friday at a neutral site. Follow WETM 18 Sports for confirmed scheduling and game coverage as the week progresses.

Union Pacific "Big Boy" No. 4014 arrives in Sayre Thursday around 5 p.m. — bring rain gear, 75% chance of showers

Three days away: Union Pacific's legendary Big Boy No. 4014 steam locomotive stops in Sayre, Pa. on Thursday, June 11, around 5 p.m. Thursday now carries a 75% chance of rain with a high of 85°F, so spectators should plan for wet conditions. Sayre Borough Police have issued crowd safety guidance in anticipation of large turnout. Full viewing details and the safety advisory are at the link below — and watch for any schedule updates as the weather picture develops.

Chemung County swim lesson registration opens next Tuesday at Harris Hill pool

Registration for summer swimming lessons at the Chemung County Harris Hill pool opens Tuesday, June 16. Children can be enrolled in a six-week course meeting two afternoons per week — an affordable county-run program for local families. Details on age groups and session times are at the link below.

Horseheads golf legend Mike Hulbert to be inducted into the NYSGA Hall of Fame

Horseheads native Mike Hulbert will be inducted into the New York State Golf Association (NYSGA) Hall of Fame, honoring one of the Twin Tiers' all-time greatest golfers. Hulbert won the 1989 B.C. Open at En-Joie Golf Club in Endicott during a distinguished PGA Tour career. The story ties neatly to today's news of Corning's Delaney Abel at the state golf championship — a reminder of the region's strong golfing tradition.

Chemung County Executive Republican primary is June 23 — 15 days away

Fifteen days until the June 23 Republican primary for Chemung County Executive, where incumbent Chris Moss faces challenger and County Legislature Chairman Mark Margeson. "10 Questions" profiles of both candidates are available at MyTwinTiers.com. The winner faces no Democratic opposition in November.

Two free community events this Saturday: CCTC Shred Day and CCC Express Enrollment

This Saturday, June 13 offers two free community opportunities. Chemung Canal Trust Company's Shred Day with Rogers Service Group runs 10–11:30 a.m. in Elmira for safe document disposal at no cost. That same morning, Corning Community College hosts an express enrollment event at its Spencer Hill campus where prospective fall students can complete their full application, financial aid, and course registration all in a single visit.