Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 12th of November.
Good morning, Ithaca.
🏘️ Community
Phil and Noreen Atkins shifted their Groton farm from dairy and horse raising to sheep farming after buying their first Suffolk ewe lambs in 1997.
They have built a flock that wins awards at state fairs and Noreen now spins wool at home—keeping a family tradition alive on the farm.
Royal Court restaurant in Ithaca closed after 50 years on South Meadow Street — a legacy built by sisters Dorothy Petrulis and Marilyn Ryan — and now its doors remain shut.
Staff and loyal customers expressed sadness over the closure and hope a new operator will soon lease the space while the adjacent Meadow Court Inn stays open.
The Ithaca Eagles Club will host a Chicken Bar-B-Que on Saturday, November 15 from noon to 3:00 p.m.—all proceeds will go to Cops, Kids and Toys.
A $12 ticket buys a full meal and new, unwrapped toy donations are welcome.
💼 Business
Cornell developed the SPMESH-DART platform—cutting grape sample screening time for E&J Gallo Winery from 30-40 minutes to 3-4 minutes after a decade of work together.
The system will soon be used to detect toxins and improve quality checks as regulators review its broader use in the industry.
🎭 Culture
The Cornell Fashion + Textile Collection exhibition 'Fit for Duty' opened on Veterans Day to show how military uniforms have shaped modern style and honored Cornell’s legacy.
The exhibit, held at the Human Ecology Building and Wortham Military Museum, runs until March 2026 and features events later this week— a discussion at 3 p.m. and a film screening at 6 p.m.—for visitors to explore the collection further.
In October, Wine Enthusiast named the Finger Lakes American Wine Region of the Year, recognizing a region that has grown to over 140 wineries and 10,000 acres of vineyards.
Amy Navor from the Finger Lakes Wine Alliance said the award honors decades of innovation—highlighting winemakers' and farmers' resilience in a changing climate.
🎓 Education
Eight master's students at Brooks School have joined the Service to Service initiative—supported by the Volcker Alliance and We the Veterans and Military Families—to connect veterans with public service careers.
Capt. Muizz Valiani and his peers are now preparing to use their military experience in local public leadership roles—enhancing community government partnerships through their education.
Tompkins Cortland Community College launched the ASAP program to help more than 150 students get support to complete their associate degrees—offering cost of attendance awards, transportation, and textbook assistance.
University and state officials celebrated the program in October as a step to remove barriers and boost student success.
🏛️ Government
Newfield residents have seen more bears, coyotes, and bobcats near their homes and on farms lately, and experts advise using humane deterrents like noise to keep wildlife from getting too comfortable.
Town Supervisor Mike Allinger won reelection while board members Joanne James and Christine Seamon kept their seats, and county Legislator Randy Brown won a second term.
🏈 Sports
Ithaca College launched its women's wrestling team today — the new program begins its first season as the athletes work to build a lasting legacy in college sports.
The move is part of the athletics department's effort to offer more opportunities for female competitors.
The Ithaca College women’s basketball team will use a new guard-heavy and defense-focused game plan to avenge last season’s results in the 2025-26 season.
Head coach Dan Raymond said the team will work as a group—junior Madalyn Barrows and seniors Zoraida Icabalceta and Avery McPeek leading the change—while aiming for NCAA tournament play, with a home opener on Dec. 2 at 5:30 p.m. at Ben Light Gymnasium.
🎉 Ithaca Events
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Blackberry Smoke Concert
8-9:30 p.m. — State Theatre of Ithaca — Tickets required — Experience the soulful sounds of Blackberry Smoke honoring Georgia’s musical legacy.
New York Voices Performance
7 p.m. — Ford Hall — Free entry — Experience the internationally acclaimed jazz vocal group New York Voices as part of the Chamber Music Series.
Trombone Shorty Concert
7-9 p.m. — State Theatre of Ithaca — Ticket prices vary — Experience the electrifying sounds of Trombone Shorty, a New Orleans legend in the jazz scene.
AG, Food and Environmental Systems In-Service
9 a.m.-6 p.m. — Cornell University — Check Official Website for entry fees — Engage with experts on sustainable agricultural practices and innovative food systems.
Absolute Queen - A Tribute to Queen
8-9:30 p.m. — State Theatre of Ithaca — Tickets available online — Rock out to the legendary hits of Queen with Almost Queen.
Pink Talking Fish Live Performance
7-9:30 p.m. — State Theatre of Ithaca — Tickets available — Experience a unique fusion of Pink Floyd, Talking Heads, and Phish in one unforgettable concert.
Jazz Social at the Regent Lounge
5:00-6:30 p.m. — The Statler Hotel at Cornell University — Free entry — Experience delightful performances from award-winning jazz ensembles in a charming lounge atmosphere.
Macro Workshop with Anmol Bhandari
11:40 AM - 12:55 PM — Ives Hall — No entry fee — Explore macroeconomic theories and applications with a leading economist in an interactive workshop.
Béla Fleck Concert
8:00-9:30 p.m. — State Theatre of Ithaca — Tickets required — Experience an evening of innovative music featuring Béla Fleck and his talented ensemble.
The Wood Brothers Concert
8:00-9:30 p.m. — State Theatre of Ithaca — Tickets available — Experience the soulful folk sounds of The Wood Brothers in the heart of Ithaca.
🏠 Ithaca Real Estate
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💼 Ithaca Job Board
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📣 Ithaca Announcements
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