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Massive overnight fire destroys Palmyra structure, no injuries reported
Firefighters from multiple departments battled a large structure fire on Parker Road in Palmyra late Wednesday night. Responding crews encountered a fully involved blaze around 10:46 p.m., prompting additional tanker and foam support due to the lack of hydrants. Firefighters from several Wayne County departments brought the fire under control by midnight, with operations continuing until around 3:00 a.m. No injuries were reported, and authorities expressed gratitude for extensive mutual aid.
Finger Lakes Forecast: Heat and storms build this weekend.
The Finger Lakes region will see partly sunny skies today with a high near 77 and breezy west winds. Scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected late tonight through the weekend, with Saturday bringing highs in the mid-80s and a continued chance of storms. Hot and mostly sunny conditions will return Sunday and Monday, with temperatures climbing into the 90s. A chance of showers and thunderstorms returns midweek, with slightly cooler highs in the low-to-mid 80s.
Fast 5: What’s happening in the Finger Lakes?
Two state audits of the Avoca Central School District revealed lapses in payroll oversight and procurement practices. Auditors found that one clerk managed all payroll functions without adequate oversight, increasing the risk of errors, and that salary changes weren’t always properly documented. The district also failed to follow competitive bidding rules for several large purchases, including $362,740 in professional services and $22,930 in cleaning supplies. District officials agreed with the findings and pledged to improve controls, issue more RFPs, and submit formal corrective action plans within 90 days.
An audit by New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli found that delays in the state’s Brownfield Cleanup Program are putting public health and redevelopment efforts at risk. Nearly 20% of sites have been active for over a decade, with some posing significant environmental threats. The audit cited weak oversight by the Department of Environmental Conservation, including inconsistent tracking, limited enforcement, and inadequate transparency. State officials agreed with the findings and may pursue regulatory changes to strengthen cleanup timelines and public accountability.
The Geneva City Council voted unanimously to schedule a public hearing on July 2 to discuss potential applications for 2025 state and federal grant programs. The hearing will cover the Consolidated Funding Application and Community Development Block Grant opportunities, with a focus on infrastructure, housing, and public facilities. City Manager Amie Hendrix said the city aims to prioritize funding for ongoing projects and may need to provide matching funds. Following the vote, Council entered executive session to discuss legal matters and personnel, with no action taken afterward.
A bill to end New York’s Opportunity Zone tax credit failed to pass the state Legislature, despite repeated approval in the Senate. Critics argue the credit primarily benefits market-rate developments, with little impact on affordable housing, as highlighted by an NYU Furman Center report. Advocacy groups like Reinvent Albany warn the program drains hundreds of millions in potential tax revenue while offering minimal public benefit. With looming federal budget cuts, opponents stress the need to eliminate costly incentives that could jeopardize essential services across the state.
A public meeting will be held on June 30 in Auburn to gather community input on the proposed Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad New York Byway. The event, hosted by the Underground Railroad Consortium of New York State, will take place at the NYS Equal Rights Heritage Center from 2 to 5 p.m. Attendees will review and comment on the Corridor Management Plan, which outlines the project’s goals of education, preservation, and inclusive storytelling. Organizers hope to involve local voices in shaping the byway, which aims to honor Freedom Seekers and boost cultural tourism across New York.
