Get Local: Weekend arrives in the Finger Lakes!
We're starting humid and with showers in the area today, but things will be improving quickly! Find out what's happening across the region in today's newsletter!
Victor residents voice strong opposition to potential dissolution of Fishers Fire District
Victor residents, firefighters, and community leaders strongly opposed the possible dissolution of the Fishers Fire District during a packed town board meeting, voicing concerns over reduced emergency medical services. While the town board clarified it has no authority over the fire district's decisions, officials would be responsible for fire protection if the district disbands. The Fishers Fire District has scheduled a public hearing for July 16 to gather feedback on the proposal.
Finger Lakes Forecast: Showers exit, sunshine builds!
The Finger Lakes region will see warm and partly sunny conditions this weekend, with highs reaching the mid-80s today and low 80s on Sunday. Thunderstorms are possible Monday afternoon and evening, with a stronger chance of rain continuing into Monday night. The rest of the week looks mostly sunny with scattered storms midweek, and pleasant weather expected for Independence Day with a high near 78.
Fast 5: What’s happening in the Finger Lakes?
An appellate court has upheld the convictions of Shameek and Junnell Copes in connection with a 2022 homicide and weapons charges in Auburn. Shameek Copes was convicted of second-degree murder for the shooting death of John W. Smith III, while Junnell Copes pleaded guilty to attempted criminal possession of a weapon. The Fourth Department unanimously rejected both appeals, affirming the Cayuga County convictions.
The Ontario County Board of Elections reported that hundreds of absentee and affidavit ballots remain uncounted in the Republican primary for District Attorney, where Jason MacBride leads incumbent Jim Ritts by just 115 votes. Officials say the outcome is still unofficial, with final certification expected between July 3 and 7. If the margin narrows further, a hand recount could be triggered under state law.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is seeking public feedback on a draft management plan for over 7,000 acres of public land across Steuben, Schuyler, and Chemung counties. The Great Divide Unit Management Plan sets long-term goals for six state forests and three wildlife areas, focusing on habitat protection, invasive species removal, and sustainable land use. A public meeting is scheduled for July 16 in Horseheads, with written comments accepted through August 18.
Severe flooding struck Livingston County again on Friday following heavy rainfall, just ten days after previous storms caused widespread damage. Avon officials estimate $2.7 million in infrastructure losses, while residents in Lakeville faced rising waters that forced some to evacuate by wading or in pickup trucks. Cleanup efforts are ongoing as officials continue to monitor the situation.
Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay is endorsing Governor Kathy Hochul’s plan to build a new advanced nuclear power plant, calling it a necessary step to stabilize New York’s strained energy grid. Barclay criticized the state’s current climate policies and pointed to recent energy warnings as evidence of the need for reliable, clean power like nuclear. He proposed Oswego, already home to three reactors, as a strong candidate for the new facility.
Human remains found at Auburn hospital construction site
Human skeletal remains were discovered on June 25 during excavation work at Auburn Community Hospital, prompting an active police investigation. Authorities believe the burial site may be over 50 years old, and only one set of remains appears to have been found. The New York State Archaeologist and State Police Forensic Unit are now involved, with plans underway to exhume the remains for further analysis.