Get Local: Starting your week off with the biggest headlines!
It's Monday, June 30th and we've got your rundown of the biggest stories from the weekend and this morning! The latest on a fire in Honeoye, an oil spill at Greenidge and new details on Wells closure.
Residents and lawmakers rally to shut down crypto plant days after oil spill reported by DEC
Environmental advocates, lawmakers, and residents rallied in Yates County to demand the shutdown of Greenidge Generation’s cryptocurrency-mining facility, which continues operating despite its air permit being denied three years ago. The June 28 event marked the anniversary of the DEC’s rejection of the plant’s permit due to climate law violations. While the rally was not directly tied to a recent oil spill at the site, that separate incident on June 17 has amplified local concerns about pollution and water safety. Advocates say both events highlight the urgent need for enforcement and accountability.
Finger Lakes Forecast: Pleasant weather today.
The Finger Lakes will see hot, mostly sunny weather today with highs near 90. Showers and thunderstorms are likely tonight and again on Tuesday, with cooler highs around 83. Dry and sunny conditions return Wednesday and continue through the Fourth of July, with highs in the upper 70s. Warmer weather returns for the weekend, though showers and storms are possible by Sunday.
Fast 5: What’s happening in the Finger Lakes?
Erica Gansz, a history and leadership teacher at Lyons Central School, was honored with New York State’s Educator’s Inspiring a Generation Award. The surprise ceremony celebrated her impact on students and her dedication to building a supportive school culture. Gansz was nominated by Superintendent Dr. Barr for her leadership in guiding students through community service and empowerment projects. A Lyons graduate herself, Gansz said she’s proud to give back to the community that shaped her.
Kyle Samsel of Auburn pleaded guilty in federal court to sexually exploiting a minor after traveling across state lines in October 2020. The 35-year-old now faces up to 30 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. His plea was entered in Erie, Pennsylvania, before Judge Susan Paradise Baxter. The FBI led the investigation with support from law enforcement in New York, Pennsylvania, and Ohio, and sentencing is set for November 13, 2025.
Wells College began planning its closure in September 2023, well before publicly announcing it in April 2024. Despite outward messaging about improving enrollment, internal documents showed the board expected the college’s end. A teach-out deal was signed with Hobart and William Smith Colleges months before the announcement, though talks with Manhattanville University later fell through. The final agreement transfers Wells’ $27.8 million endowment and historical assets to Hobart and William Smith, pending court approval.
A new report warns that proposed federal Medicaid cuts could force small businesses in New York to close or scale back operations. One-third of Medicaid recipients nationwide are connected to small businesses, and losing coverage could push employees to seek jobs with employer-sponsored insurance. Business owners like Janna Rodriguez say even a single staff loss could reduce services, delay expansion, and raise costs for families. Experts also caution that documenting work requirements and shifting state budgets could worsen coverage gaps, especially for children.
Moravia Central School District will consolidate from three to two buildings starting in the 2025-26 school year. The middle and high schools will merge into Moravia Junior-Senior High School, while pre-K through sixth grade will move to Millard Fillmore Elementary. Sixth grade will now share space with fifth grade, and new leadership has been appointed for both schools. The district says the move addresses declining enrollment and will improve resource use and curriculum delivery.
Fire guts two homes, damages two others in Honeoye
An early morning fire in Honeoye destroyed two homes and damaged two others on East Lake Road near Trident Marine. Nearly 10 fire departments responded and contained the blaze within an hour. Officials say the fire started in the most severely damaged home, with heat spreading to nearby structures. No injuries were reported, and the cause is still under investigation.