Get Local: What's happening in the Finger Lakes?
Latest on kayak drowning in Ontario Co., a preview of Geneva's City Council meeting, new information on a Sodus stabbing, and major fraud case in Tompkins.
Kayaker drowns in private pond in Seneca
A 41-year-old man drowned Monday evening after his kayak overturned while fishing in a private pond in the Town of Seneca. The incident occurred around 5 p.m. near Seneca Castle Road and Vogt Road. Emergency crews, including fire departments and the Ontario County Underwater Search and Rescue Team, recovered the man's body, and he was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities say no foul play is suspected, and the man's identity has not yet been released.
Finger Lakes Forecast: Holiday weekend weather coming into view.
The Finger Lakes region will see a mix of sun and scattered storms this week, with highs ranging from the upper 70s to low 90s. A chance of showers and thunderstorms is expected this afternoon and again Thursday, with dry and sunny weather likely for Independence Day. Temperatures will climb into the upper 80s by Saturday, peaking near 92 on Sunday with higher humidity. Storm chances return late in the weekend and into Monday as the region stays hot and unsettled.
Fast 5: What’s happening in the Finger Lakes?
A 21-year-old Sodus man has been arrested in connection with a stabbing that seriously injured another man on June 27. Darin Barber Jr. was taken into custody without incident after appearing at the State Police barracks in Lyons. Authorities say the 26-year-old victim was initially transported by private vehicle to the Sodus Fire Department before being taken to Strong Memorial Hospital. Barber faces felony charges of first-degree assault and third-degree criminal possession of a weapon.
Concerns are mounting in Victor as the Fishers Fire District implements a policy limiting firefighter response to low- and mid-level EMS calls. Officials say the change, driven by cost concerns, could endanger public safety and affect response times for emergencies that may escalate quickly. Assistant Chief Michael Koch criticized the decision, citing risks and declining morale among first responders. A public meeting on July 16 will address the district’s future, including the possibility of dissolution and replacement fire protection.
David Moore, 56, of Interlaken, pleaded guilty to grand larceny for stealing over $50,000 from New York’s Medicaid program through his transportation company, ASAP 2. Prosecutors say Moore submitted fraudulent claims, paid illegal kickbacks to Medicaid recipients, and inflated mileage to receive improper reimbursements. The charges stem from a broader investigation by the Attorney General’s Office into Medicaid transportation fraud. Moore’s plea is part of a statewide crackdown targeting abuse in New York’s medical transportation industry.
Geneva City Council will meet Wednesday to discuss several major issues, including a proposed ordinance targeting aggressive panhandling and a $1 million grant to replace an aging fire truck. The meeting will also feature public hearings on city property sales, fire-damaged buildings, and state grant applications. City Manager Amie Hendrix will present a recreation study and address a controversial school project. Council members will consider joining a countywide fire services plan and finalizing a lease-purchase agreement for surplus city land.
New York State has fully repaid a $7 billion federal loan used to support its unemployment insurance system during the COVID-19 pandemic. The move restores solvency to the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund, raises weekly jobless benefits from $504 to $869 starting in October, and reduces future costs for businesses. Lawmakers and advocates praised the bipartisan effort, calling it a win for workers and employers alike. Officials say the changes will strengthen the state’s economic resilience and help unemployed residents better navigate job transitions.
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READER RUNDOWN: What else is happening in the Finger Lakes?
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