Get Local: Primary election results, $80K scam in Geneva, new Auburn leadership, and more!
It's Wednesday, June 25th and we've got your full rundown of everything happening across the Finger Lakes. Check it all out here!
PRIMARY RESULTS: Crane, Hilkert advance in SF, while MacBride leads over Ritts
Republicans Wendy Crane and Kenneth Hilkert won the GOP primary for Seneca Falls Town Council, advancing to the November election. In Ontario County, Jason MacBride narrowly defeated incumbent District Attorney James Ritts in a contested Republican primary. Both races remain unofficial as absentee ballots are still being counted. Additional local contests across the Finger Lakes saw a variety of outcomes in towns across Ontario, Cayuga, and Wayne counties.
Finger Lakes Forecast: Heat wave ends, but summer sticks around.
The Finger Lakes region is expecting a mix of sun and storms over the coming days. Today will be mostly sunny with a slight chance of afternoon thunderstorms and a high near 85. Rain chances increase Thursday through Saturday, with potential thunderstorms and higher rainfall amounts each day. By Sunday, conditions improve with mostly sunny skies and highs returning to the mid-80s.
Fast 5: What’s happening in the Finger Lakes?
A Wayne County man has been charged with attempted murder after a random stabbing on a hiking trail in Perinton. Authorities say 30-year-old Derrick Van Epps of Palmyra attacked a stranger with a hunting knife at Indian Hill on Monday morning. The victim sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was hospitalized. Van Epps was arrested nearby at Egypt Park and is being held on $50,000 bail.
A Pennsylvania man was arrested in Geneva after allegedly scamming a local resident out of $80,000 by impersonating a federal agent. Abhishek Rameshbh Patel, 25, posed as an FTC officer and convinced the victim to hand over money during two separate phone calls. Geneva police coordinated a sting operation, luring Patel back to the area with the promise of more cash before arresting him. He faces a felony grand larceny charge and was released pending court proceedings.
A new report shows nearly half of New York’s seniors lack retirement income and access to Social Security, raising concerns about financial insecurity. Experts cite a mix of factors, including informal work histories, caregiving roles, and the state’s high cost of living. With Social Security reserves projected to run out by 2034, more older adults are returning to the workforce. Advocates stress the need for better long-term financial planning and support tools to help seniors prepare for retirement.
Jesse Kline has been named Executive Director of the Auburn Downtown Business Improvement District after serving as Acting Director since April 2024. Kline, who has been with the BID since 2010, is credited with spearheading major public art projects, community events, and revitalization initiatives. Leaders praised her experience and vision for downtown Auburn’s cultural and economic growth. She will be joined by new board members Mark DiVietro, Dustin Culver, and Jeff Ludwig.
The Yates Community Center has named Charles L. Bollinger III as its new Executive Director as it prepares to build a multi-use facility for the county. Bollinger brings over 15 years of nonprofit leadership experience, including work with veterans and homelessness prevention. He recently relocated to Penn Yan and steps into the role at a pivotal time for the organization’s growth. Board leaders praised his experience and passion for community service as key to advancing YCC’s mission.
