Get Local: Weis wins big in Wine Classic, latest from Auburn City Council, and Seneca Meadows waste concerns
It's Friday, July 18th and we've got the latest on an array of major headlines after a busy week in the Finger Lakes. Get your day started here!
Weis Vineyards named Winery of the Year in NY Wine Classic
Weis Vineyards in Hammondsport has been named Winery of the Year at the 2025 New York Wine Classic, marking its second consecutive win and third overall. The award highlights the winery’s strong performance across multiple categories, including Best White Wine and Best Pink Wine. Other Finger Lakes winners included Billsboro Winery for Best Dessert Wine and Montezuma Winery for Best Specialty Wine. The annual competition featured nearly 700 entries from over 100 New York wineries, judged by experts through the Beverage Testing Institute.
Finger Lakes Forecast: Sunny, more comfortable.
The Finger Lakes Weather Center forecasts mostly sunny conditions with a high near 86°F on Saturday, followed by a chance of evening showers and thunderstorms. Rain chances continue into early Sunday, but skies are expected to clear with highs near 79°F. The start of next week will bring cooler, sunny weather with highs in the 70s and lows in the 50s. Another round of warmer temperatures and possible storms is expected by Thursday.
Fast 5: What’s happening in the Finger Lakes?
The Auburn City Council approved several key resolutions, including a parking lease and grant application with the YMCA, a labor contract with emergency medical technicians, and a lease for relocating the county’s data center. Public comments focused on rising costs and concerns about the city’s fiscal priorities. City officials also provided updates on Auburn’s credit rating, infrastructure projects, and housing challenges, with new grant opportunities under consideration.
Seneca Meadows landfill is nearing capacity with only eight months of space remaining and is seeking a permit to expand operations through 2040. The facility continues to send over 24 million gallons of PFAS-contaminated leachate to a Buffalo treatment plant that does not filter out the toxic chemicals. Environmental advocates and local residents are raising alarms about pollution, odor, and long-term groundwater risks tied to the landfill’s operations.
Ontario County District Attorney Jim Ritts continues coming under fire for the 2024 office party that involved alcohol prompting criticism and a political clash with opponent Jason MacBride. An internal investigation cited multiple policy violations, though Ritts denies knowing alcohol reached the courtroom and called the probe politically motivated. Despite losing the Republican primary, Ritts remains in the race as tensions escalate between the two candidates.
The village of Weedsport is renewing its effort to secure a $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative grant with support from Cayuga County’s planning department. Residents and businesses are encouraged to submit project ideas—ranging from building upgrades to public parks—by August 15. After falling short last year, officials hope to join other successful communities like Auburn and Aurora in winning state funding.
Cayuga County legislators are weighing a proposal to reduce the tourism office’s share of hotel tax revenue from 95% to 75%, redirecting funds to support county-run attractions like Emerson Park and the agricultural museum. The shift would free up roughly $270,000 annually for these services without decreasing overall tourism investment. The amendment would also expand the tax to include short-term rentals, with a public hearing potentially scheduled after a July 22 vote.
