Get Local: Weekend arrives in the Finger Lakes!
Exclusive look at a local event, Newark hotel opens, previewing Seneca Co. meeting, and so much more in today's morning newsletter!
Canandaigua in Bloom returns TODAY: What’s happening?
Canandaigua in Bloom returns today, filling downtown with flowers, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Main Street visitors can enjoy floral displays, shop seasonal goods, and pick up free seed packets. Highlights include the Words in Bloom literary showcase, kids’ scavenger hunts, and the Chalk the Walk art event. Adults can cap off the day with the Sip and Stroll from 3 to 6 p.m., featuring tastings and a prize-filled passport challenge.
Finger Lakes Forecast: Foggy start, but nice weekend ahead!
The Finger Lakes will see a mix of sun and scattered showers this weekend, with highs near 75. Saturday starts with patchy fog and slight morning rain chances, clearing by afternoon. Showers return Sunday afternoon and continue into Monday, with a higher chance of thunderstorms early next week. By Wednesday, conditions improve with mostly sunny skies and highs climbing into the upper 70s by Friday.
Fast 5: What’s happening in the Finger Lakes?
Seneca Meadows has submitted a revised environmental impact report to state officials as it seeks approval to expand its landfill in Seneca Falls. The updated plan, filed May 28, proposes raising the landfill by 47 feet in the Tantalo area, extending operations through 2040. The facility is nearing its current capacity, with its permit set to expire at the end of 2025. Despite a local law aimed at closing the landfill by that date, the expansion could allow it to operate well beyond the original deadline if approved.
Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay is calling for reforms to New York’s Raise the Age law, arguing it has fueled a surge in youth violence and enabled gang exploitation. He says the law’s diversion of serious teenage offenders to Family Court has weakened accountability and law enforcement effectiveness. State data shows a dramatic drop in felony convictions for 16- and 17-year-olds, despite hundreds of arrests for serious crimes like homicide and robbery. Barclay and fellow Republicans have introduced legislation to keep violent youth cases in criminal court and limit automatic transfers to the juvenile system.
A new locally brewed beer with an environmental mission is launching this summer in the Finger Lakes. PURE Brew 2025, a New York-style Pilsner made with Seneca Lake water and all local ingredients, will be available during PURE Brew Week from July 25 to August 3. Created by the Seneca Lake Order of Brewers in partnership with Seneca Lake Pure Waters Association, the collaboration supports lake conservation efforts and features educational outreach at participating breweries. Proceeds will benefit Pure Waters’ work to protect the lake’s health and sustainability.
Geneva officials are moving toward demolishing a long-abandoned Castle Street property that burned down three years ago and remains a safety concern. The former site of Madia’s grocery store has drawn neighborhood complaints and sparked an online petition. City Council voted to hold a July 2 public hearing to potentially declare the structure unsafe, which would allow the city to proceed with demolition and charge the owners. Previous redevelopment attempts, including a grant application, have stalled, and fencing was added last year to restrict access.
Seneca County officials will hold a special meeting on June 10 to address potential federal Medicaid cuts that could affect local healthcare programs. The Board of Supervisors’ Intergovernmental Affairs Committee will discuss urging New York’s congressional delegation to oppose the proposed reductions. Leaders plan to gather input and assess how changes to funding formulas might impact county services. The agenda also allows time for additional business items.
New hotel opens in Newark bringing rooms and jobs
A new 72-room Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham has opened in Newark, bringing over 15 jobs and affordable lodging to the area. The hotel, located at 434 East Union Street, was developed by Rochester-based Indus Hospitality Group. It offers a range of amenities including free breakfast, high-speed internet, a fitness center, and pet-friendly accommodations. Company CEO Jett Mehta said the hotel aims to provide quality, modern options for both business and leisure travelers.