Get Local: What's happening in the Finger Lakes this AM?
We've got an update on the hotly contested Ontario Co. DA's primary, an update on an Auburn crash, latest from Penn Yan's land annexation debate, and rate increase requests from NYSEG/RG&E.
MacBride wins Ontario County DA GOP Primary by 103 votes; Ritts vows to continue campaign
Jason MacBride narrowly won the Republican primary for Ontario County District Attorney, defeating incumbent Jim Ritts by 103 votes. Despite the loss, Ritts vowed to continue his campaign into the general election, where he will appear on the Conservative Party line. MacBride, backed by local law enforcement groups, emphasized restoring integrity to the DA’s office, while Ritts criticized his opponent’s qualifications and low voter turnout. With no Democrat in the race, the November 4 election will be a rematch between the two candidates.
Finger Lakes Forecast: Warming up for the holiday weekend.
The Finger Lakes region will enjoy mostly sunny weather today with a high near 83°F and mild northwest winds. Showers and thunderstorms are possible Thursday morning, but conditions will clear for a sunny Independence Day with highs near 78°F. The weekend will warm up significantly, peaking near 92°F on Sunday with a chance of late-night showers. Scattered showers and thunderstorms may continue into early next week as temperatures remain in the upper 80s.
Fast 5: What’s happening in the Finger Lakes?
NYSEG and RG&E have filed a five-year “Powering New York” plan with the state Public Service Commission, proposing major investments to modernize the electric grid and enhance customer service. The plan includes hiring 1,100 new employees, upgrading aging infrastructure, and investing over $400 million in low-income assistance, while also addressing legacy costs like storm recovery and pandemic arrears. Rate increases—focused only on the delivery portion of energy bills—would be phased in over five years to lessen the impact on customers. The plan supports state energy mandates and climate goals, with a final decision expected from regulators in 2026.
Jack’s Kitchen has officially reopened in Shortsville after a car crash forced its closure in April. The popular diner, formerly located in Manchester, passed its health inspection and resumed operations on July 1 at 19 W. Main St. Owner Jack Northrup expressed gratitude for the community's support and confirmed the menu and hours will remain the same. Future plans include expanding offerings once a liquor license is approved.
The Schweinfurth Art Center in Auburn is hosting Imprinted on Cloth, a vibrant exhibition of abstract textile art on view through August 16. The show features works by four nationally acclaimed fiber artists—Petra Fallaux, Pat Pauly, Karen Schulz, and Margaret Boys Wolf—who use printmaking techniques and fiber-reactive dyes to explore surface design. Each artist works in series, revealing their creative evolution through layered compositions that merge quilting and printmaking traditions. The exhibit is displayed alongside four other shows and will conclude with a farewell reception for outgoing Executive Director Donna Lamb.
Two people were hospitalized after a crash flipped a vehicle in front of Walmart on Grant Avenue in Auburn Tuesday morning. The Auburn Fire Department extricated one woman from the overturned car following the 10:25 a.m. accident. Emergency crews, including Auburn Police and EMS, cleared the scene by 11:30 a.m. The cause of the crash is still under investigation, and no details on injuries have been released.
The Penn Yan Village Board has endorsed a plan to annex over 12 acres of land owned by Yates Cultural and Recreational Resources, aiming to streamline utilities, zoning, and future development for the Yates Community Center. The parcel, currently in the Town of Benton, would enable projects like new soccer fields and a possible health facility by Finger Lakes Community Health. Village officials approved lead agency status under SEQRA, determined there would be no significant environmental impact, and emphasized that the annexed property remains tax-exempt. While Benton officials expressed conditional support, they stressed that the annexation should not impose financial burdens on the town.
Seneca Falls Town Board Meeting
READER RUNDOWN: What else is happening in the Finger Lakes?
Dryden’s Zack LeViere named Coach of the Year after historic run
SNAP cuts could cost New York billions and leave millions hungry
Newark boards to review shed variance, table apartment conversion
Brewers-Mets series opener rained out, doubleheader set for Wednesday
Yankees drop second straight in Toronto after another late-inning disaster