Get Local: Beginning your week in the Finger Lakes!
Teen driver critically hurt in Canandaigua, major boat crash in Yates Co., PY Village Board to hold public hearing, NYSEG rate hike proposal sparks backlash, and more!
Teen driver critically injured in crash at Canandaigua plaza
An 18-year-old driver was critically injured in a two-vehicle crash Saturday evening near Parkway Plaza in Canandaigua. Victor Giso of Caledonia lost control of his car on Eastern Boulevard, crossed a median, and struck a Jeep SUV in the plaza parking lot. He was transported to Strong Memorial Hospital in guarded condition, while the Jeep's occupants sustained minor or no injuries. Investigators believe Giso may have lost consciousness before the crash, which remains under investigation.
Finger Lakes Forecast: Unsettled, summer weather this week.
The Finger Lakes region will see warm and unsettled weather this week, with highs reaching the upper 80s to near 90 through Thursday. Isolated showers and thunderstorms are possible each afternoon, with the highest rain chances arriving Thursday and Friday. Overnight lows will remain mild, generally in the upper 60s to low 70s. The weekend is expected to be mostly sunny and seasonable, with highs in the low 80s.
Fast 5: What’s happening in the Finger Lakes?
The Penn Yan Village Board will hold its regular meeting on July 16 at 6 p.m., which will include a public hearing on proposed changes to the village’s zoning compliance law. Trustees are also expected to vote on a resolution to hire Barton & Loguidice for engineering services related to sewer system upgrades. The board will consider purchasing a 2023 Ford F-250 pickup truck to support public works operations. Routine agenda items include approval of past meeting minutes, reports from officials, and time for public comment.
Hobart and William Smith Colleges have purchased the Geneva Gardens apartment complex to expand student housing options. The 53-unit property will be renovated to house over 100 students by fall 2026, with temporary accommodations also available for faculty and staff. The current owner, a parent of an HWS alum, will manage the property during a transitional year and assist existing tenants. HWS confirmed the property will remain on Geneva’s tax rolls, maintaining local revenue.
A boat crash in Yates County on July 12 left one man with life-threatening injuries after it slammed into the shoreline along East Lake Road. The driver, Benjamin Cramer, was ejected from the vessel and treated at the scene by witnesses before being hospitalized. He was initially taken to F.F. Thompson Hospital and later transferred to Strong Memorial Hospital for further care. The cause of the crash is still under investigation, with multiple emergency agencies responding to the incident.
Governor Kathy Hochul has launched a wide-ranging emergency preparedness initiative in response to a rise in extreme weather events across New York State. The plan includes a new Weather Risk Communication Center, millions in funding for emergency infrastructure, and expanded training for first responders. Since 2021, the state has faced numerous disaster declarations, prompting over $90 million in resilience investments. Residents are also being encouraged to sign up for real-time alerts and participate in free preparedness training programs.
A proposed rate hike by New York State Electric and Gas (NYSEG) has triggered strong political backlash from Governor Kathy Hochul and Congressman Josh Riley. Critics argue the increases would place an undue financial burden on residents, with Riley accusing NYSEG’s parent company, Iberdrola, of prioritizing overseas profits. NYSEG says the rate hikes would support infrastructure upgrades and reliability improvements over five years. The proposal is under state review, and Riley is calling for public hearings and greater financial transparency.
