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What's happening in the Finger Lakes now that the holiday weekend is behind us? We've got a look at upcoming Yates Co. meetings, a crash in Wayne Co., recap of last week's meeting in Geneva, and more!
3,000 feet of Skaneateles Lake shoreline now protected
The Finger Lakes Land Trust has secured 850 feet of untouched shoreline and 15 acres of forest along Skaneateles Lake, protecting the southern half of Staghorn Point and vital habitat near Barber Gulf. This acquisition expands the total conserved shoreline south of Staghorn Point to 3,000 feet, safeguarding steep slopes that help preserve the lake’s unfiltered drinking water supply for 220,000 people. The area, known for fossilized coral reefs and Bald Eagles, will be managed by the Land Trust with limited public access due to challenging terrain. A $1.1 million fundraising campaign is underway to repay the purchase loan and support long-term land stewardship.
Finger Lakes Forecast: Humidity maxes out today.
Hot and humid weather continues Monday with afternoon showers and thunderstorms likely and a high near 91. Rain chances decrease through the week, with cooler temperatures Tuesday (high near 78) and gradual warming by the weekend. Wednesday will be partly sunny and dry, while scattered showers and storms return Thursday through Sunday. Highs will stay in the low-to-mid 80s with overnight lows in the 60s.
Fast 5: What’s happening in the Finger Lakes?
Yates County lawmakers will meet this week for five committee sessions covering infrastructure, elections, Medicaid services, housing, and economic development. The meetings, held Monday and Tuesday in the Legislative Chambers and on Zoom, will include department updates and grant reviews. Highlights include progress on broadband expansion, road and airport improvements, and honors for veterans and probation staff. Officials will also discuss Medicaid programs, election security funding, historical preservation, and a major property reassessment in Starkey.
Frustrations ran high at Geneva’s July 2 City Council meeting as residents demanded enforcement action on a long-vacant, fire-damaged property on Castle Street. Officials also unveiled a proposed overhaul of the city’s aging Recreation Complex, with cost estimates ranging from $8 million to more than $30 million. The fire chief requested a $1 million grant to replace a deteriorating engine, and Council debated adding oversight to the city’s small business grant program. Tensions escalated during discussion of the West Street School expansion, with city leaders pushing back against legal threats from the school district.
The U.S. is experiencing its biggest surge in energy demand in three decades, fueled by data centers, artificial intelligence, manufacturing, and home electrification. Rising utility bills are linked to infrastructure upgrades rather than increased energy use, according to industry leaders. Electric Power Supply Association CEO Todd Snitchler suggests demand response programs and home weatherization as ways to reduce costs. The trend highlights growing pressure on the power grid and the need for energy efficiency.
A vehicle crashed into a utility pole Sunday morning in Alton, causing minor injuries and a brief traffic disruption. The driver was evaluated by EMS but declined further treatment. Alton Fire Company and Wallington Engine Company responded, with the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office handling the investigation. The cause of the crash has not been released.
A Canandaigua teen has been sentenced to 18 years in prison for sexually abusing an 11-year-old child with a developmental delay. Dakota Murphy, 19, was convicted in June of first-degree sexual abuse. He was arrested in May 2024 after a police investigation found he engaged in oral sexual conduct with the child earlier that year. In addition to the prison term, Murphy will serve 20 years of probation.
Hay trailer fire halts traffic in Summerhill
A trailer carrying hay bales caught fire Sunday afternoon in Summerhill, prompting a multi-department response. The fire began around 12:35 p.m. on Champlin Road when heat from a tire rubbing against the trailer deck ignited the load. Crews from five departments worked for nearly an hour to contain the blaze, using an excavator to remove smoldering hay. While the trailer was severely damaged, the truck had only minor damage and no injuries were reported.