Good morning, Ithaca.

Steve Foote celebrated 50 years with the McLean Fire Department at a December banquet and received a plaque for his work in EMS and mentoring new firefighters (he also serves on the McLean Cemetery committee and launched MCHELP).

Ithaca’s Winter Market is open every Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Triphammer Mall through March.

It began on January 3 (its indoor kickoff) and the outdoor market at Steamboat Landing will open in mid-April.

Ithaca startup Quantera Analytical is developing a fast, affordable chemical testing technology from Cornell labs to help farmers test grapes in the field.

CEO Terry Bates said the local effort will scale to food safety and offer internship opportunities for community students + local workers.

Cornell’s Facilities and ornithologists worked together to let Big Red, the red-tailed hawk, safely nest on central campus during Meinig Fieldhouse’s construction.

The building, set to open spring 2026, features bird-friendly glass and methods (to minimize hazards) that help keep the live bird cam running.

The Finger Lakes Land Trust purchased a 108-acre parcel near Yellow Barn State Forest in Dryden to expand public access and safeguard water quality and wildlife habitat.

The trust plans to transfer the land to the state as part of the Emerald Necklace conservation network.

City of Ithaca issued winter safety reminders for Cass, Stewart and neighborhood parks.

Heated restrooms stay open at Cass Park Ice Rink during building hours and at Stewart Park during open hours, while limited trail maintenance and a dawn-to-dusk schedule prompt visitors to avoid frozen water and hazardous conditions.

Tompkins County Whole Health & SPCA of Tompkins County will offer a free rabies vaccination clinic for pets on Wednesday, Jan.

14 from 6 to 8 p.m. at 1640 Hanshaw Road; pre-registration is suggested.

Today, new laws in New York require health plans to cover necessary EpiPens — with costs capped at $100 — as well as free breast cancer screenings and scalp cooling systems for chemotherapy when prescribed by a doctor, easing costs for patients.

The 14850 Dining Report recaps 2025 local dining — featuring the Downtown Ithaca Chili Cook-Off, NY Cider Week, and Apple Harvest Festival — and notes new spots like Kingston’s Cuisine and Angelhearts Donuts as well as closures including Kelly’s Dockside Kafe and Royal Court.

It previews more openings for 2026.

Ithaca native Georgia Haverlock began her professional basketball career playing overseas in Malta for Starlites Naxxar.

She scored over 1,000 points at Roberts Wesleyan University and now leads her team with 18.3 points per game and 5.7 assists as she adapts to European play.

The Groton girls wrestling team has grown to 13 wrestlers and is aiming for sectional titles this season — Coach Jayme Evans said early state tournaments help build valuable experience for the team.

Alaska Fairbanks Nanooks at Cornell Big Red Men's Hockey

7-8:30 p.m. — Lynah Rink — Tickets starting at $15 — Catch an exciting NCAA hockey matchup as the Nanooks take on the Big Red in Ithaca.

Live Music – The Soul Benders

6-8 p.m. — Hopshire Farm and Brewery — Free entry — Experience powerful blues and rock from the acclaimed Ithaca-based band The Soul Benders.

Sky Stories - The Round Time

7:30-9:00 p.m. — The Cherry Arts — Ticketed event — Experience the world premiere of Round Time, an aerial showcase of old rhythms and new cycles performed by talented female aerialists.