Good morning, Ithaca.

The Ithaca Voice invites local photographers and smartphone users to send up to five family-friendly photos capturing key 2025 moments for its annual Scenes of Ithaca feature; submissions via online form+ email are due by Monday, Dec.

22.

The Dairy Queen Grill and Chill is coming soon at 407 Elmira Road next to the new KFC in the former Tim Horton’s and Cold Stone Creamery location.

The building—almost complete—will feature a drive-thru and outdoor seating, though no official opening date has been posted.

Morning Moon Coffee & Bakery, owned by mother-daughter duo Amy and Shea Heffron, opened last month at 7 Bridge St in Newfield, offering homemade baked goods, coffees, and breakfast sandwiches.

The shop also features a book nook + vintage menus honoring local heritage.

Dryden Central School District data shows the new smartphone ban resulted in 30% fewer course failures and nearly 96% attendance in high school compared to last year's 93%.

Superintendent Bacigalupi said administrators spend less time on digital issues plus the law was signed earlier this year.

Michelle Artibee, director of workforce well-being, received the George Peter Award for Dedicated Service at the Division of Human Resources’ annual holiday gathering on Dec.

12 at the East Hill Office Building. She was honored for her leadership and initiatives that advanced affordable child care and campus well-being.

The Cornell Immigration Legal Information Project has held more than 40 Know Your Rights sessions on Ithaca campuses and local organizations since January 2025 — training law students and community volunteers to share clear information on immigration rights, thanks to a Park Foundation grant.

A Cornell study shows that Communities in Schools navigators helped struggling high-poverty middle school students improve test scores, attendance, and behavior, leading to higher graduation rates and college enrollment.

The research finds the low-cost, personalized support can boost future earnings.

Researchers from Cornell, SUNY-ESF and the DEC began studying Seneca Lake’s booming sounds and high chloride levels this summer by taking water samples from its pockmarked bed; they will retrieve sensors in May to see if the lake’s pockmarks leak extra chloride.

TeraWulf, a Maryland-based company, is appealing a zoning setback for its proposed data center in Lansing and will present its case today during the Zoning Board of Appeals meeting.

The project is pitched as supporting scientific and educational research (with potential partnerships under review), though environmentalists remain critical.

Local pet experts advise limiting dog walks in below-freezing weather to avoid frostbite + hypothermia; owners should put on a sweater and dry paws thoroughly.

ASPCA and Cornell University guidelines stress that puppies, older or sick dogs face higher risk, so short outings are best.

Ithaca College head football coach Mike Toerper is leaving the Bombers after four seasons to take the defensive coordinator role at Cornell.

The Athletics department will begin a national search for his replacement following an 8-2 season that ended with a Cortaca Jug win over Cortland.

An Evening with Evan Horne

8-10 p.m. — Kitchen Theatre Company — $20 — Experience the immersive sounds of cinematic-folk artist Evan Horne in an intimate setting.

New Year's Eve Dance Party

8:30 p.m. — Foundation of Light — Check event page for ticket details — Celebrate the new year with a night of games, raffles, and festive fun.

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.